9 College Way (Erkmann House / Site of The Book Basement)

Archive

-

Historic Charleston Foundation

Name/Title

9 College Way (Erkmann House / Site of The Book Basement)

Scope and Content

Built in 1835 and lived in for over a century by the descendants of a French Catholic Family that fled the overturn of white rule in Santo Domingo, this house was The book Basement, once Charleston's leading independent bookstore. Run by John Zeigler and his life partner Edwin Peacock for 25 years. It was purchased by the College of Charleston in 1971and now houses the college's Department of Communication.

Context

A Historic Structures Report prepared by College of Charleston preservation student and HCF 2025 intern Haley Shiflett (April 2025) and online article 9 College Way: site of the The Book Basement, 1946-71 by Harlan Greene

Collection

Historic Charleston Foundation Property Records

Created By

sduffy@historiccharleston.org

Create Date

October 22, 2025

Updated By

sduffy@historiccharleston.org

Update Date

October 22, 2025