Fenwick Castle Updates & Links.. John's Island, SC
Reminder--all comments on this fenwickhall.com website are my own and are not the thoughts or comments of the TopDog Owner(s) of the plantation.
Dec 2, 2022
Fire on former grounds of FH plantation near the Morawetz 12 Oak Alley.
No fire damage to FH.
Oct 4, 2022 wow..
Development in the area right over the slave graves & location of where the slave homes were located. Sucks.
Jan 2022
Happy New Year all !
June 2021
My research of FH continues...if you have anything to share, for history's sake, please contact me.
One of these days I'll have the new website up..... high hopes here..
June 2020
Ulgy growth and traffic on John's Island..
October 2019
Shutters are back on the main house after about a 19 years in storage. Thoughts are the exterior shutters were not originally part of the house back in 1730 and added later.
August 2019
Fenwick is back in the movies..new HBO series has used the exterior and grounds in a new series that stars John Goodman. Three new ELK now reside at the FH preserve and the front door has been given a new life with a new color. Also notice the new structure between the manor house and coach house. More to come.
June 2019
Thanks JP & Martha!
February 2019
All is going great at Fenwick !
June 2018
I526 extension (causeway) into the Historical back (front) yard of Fenwick Hall is now, after years, finally won't happen. The property and surrounding noted historical areas are safe for now,
April 2018 April Issue of "Charleston Magazine": Thanks to the folks at Charleston Magazine for the article on Victor & Marjorie Morawetz and what contributions they made to Charleston back in the early 1900's. Thanks for helping save Fenwick's history and the history of those that were once stewards of the manor. Without them, there would be on Fenwick Hall.
January 3, 2018 Rare and deep snowfall surrounds Fenwick Hall.
Fenwick Hall Snowfall 2018
oops----> 9/10/17 Network Solutions messed up the website and I don't have time to go back into it currently and update. Lost newest data/images from last four years..oohoh well...could be worse...2017---> Morawetz 12 Oak Alley (off Maybank) still endangered due to the pending new Penny Creek Road.. (pitchfork to River Road).. Hopefully just the left of the fork will get constructed to save the 90 year old Oak Alley...one of the few remaining on Johns Island.
my website helper, Tangerine Tiger (ie, the Monster). One reason I don't get to update the fh website as often as I would like. RIP Monster :-(
10.2015 BELOW----GHOSTBUSTERS DO THEIR THING AT FENWICK.....
DESTINATION AMERICA'S "GHOST ASYLUM" :
GHOST BUSTERS ?
FENWICK'S MAIN DOUBLE OAK ALLEE
1.20.2014
Geocache comes to the Hanging Tree.
Charleston Ghost Tour #1 "The Hanging Tree"
Check out this link for those of you who like to play GPS games..
Army Wives , Episode 9 on Sunday at 9/8c on Lifetime.
Scenes were filmed at Fenwick Hall.
The crew was given rare access to one of the formal walled gardens.
4.27.2012Charleston Day School students visit Fenwick for Historical Preservation Day. Four students shared their research on the plantation with fellow students, teachers and parents during this 3rd annual visit.
3.23.2012Southern Living Magazine, page 22. Is a picture of the main double-row of Oaks leading up to the manor & carriage house.
2.24.2012update Fenwick Hall Plantation on TV! Only took almost 300 years. The National Geographic (NatGeo) TV show "DIGGERS" filmed out at the plantation recently and now the segment will be aired this Tue, Feb 28th, at 1030pm Eastern. The episode is titled "Hunting Sites in S.Carolina that date back to the Birth of a Nation". Go Fenwick! Go Charleston! Go John's Island! But I won't tell you what the DIGGERS dug up..or didn't....gotta watch the show. (There are 2 DIGGER episodes that night--FH will be in the 2nd show). And LULU is making her tv debut..maybe..
7.4.2011 Happy Independence Day, Honorable Colonel John Fenwicke!
5.6.2011 The Charleston Day School six graders spent the afternoon at Fenwick Hall again for the 2nd year in a row discovering and researching the plantation as they enjoyed "Preservation Day". The students and their mentors are always a blast to have out at the old place as they bring new life to the old gal. Also in May, the MSHP wrapped up its semester long historical documentation and research for the semester. MSHP held its graduation party for those students graduation with their Masters in Historic Preservation on the grounds.
4.24.2011Martita, the Fenwick Easter Bunny, was sighted at Fenwick doing the Easter Bunny thing. The bunny was also seen all over John's Island! Guest enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt in the 300 year old formal walled garden. See the "Wildlife Preserve Page" for images.
3.11.2011Stubby Fenwick, newest member of the plantations aviary community is returned to freedom by Isaac Green. Stubby, a red tailed hawk, was nursed back to health after losing part of one of his talons and released on the grounds at his new home.
2.11.2011 Yet another Fenwick Hall page is added: Graduate Program/MSHP.. check it out!
01.14.2011Welcome "Clemson & College of Charleston Historic Preservation Team! Welcome to the mysterys of Fenwick Hall.
12.19.2010 Fenwick WildLife Preserve page is now active.
10.07.2010The website is expanding again! Under construction and soon to be born is the 'Wildlife' page. The plantation is a wildlife preserve for many permanent two and four legged friends (and even a one legged guest). Some stay permanently and others stop and visit while passing through S.Carolina as they animals and birds are always welcome.
7,24.2010 Exciting news for diehard Fenwick Fans: the discovery of the existance of two original miniature paintings behind glass of Honorable Edward Fenwick Sr and his 2nd wife, Mary Drayton Fenwick. Descendant Mr Andrew Jones provided copies of the images to share on this Fenwick Website. Personally, I never thought I would ever get to see their images, as that time was so long ago. Their images are now part of the Fenwick History page. Now..can we hope to discover an image of Master John Fenwick himself? Father of Fenwick Place?
7.11.2010 Added recently discovered image of Ms Charlotte Fenwick and a little info about her to the history page. Also added a listing of Edward Fenwick's many children which includes Fenwick on the same history page. Also located an image of the Fenwick Crest, also added to history page.
6.21.2010 City of Charleston plans to build 2 additional roads near Fenwick Hall Plantation. One road, called Penny's Creek Road will actually cut right into one of the two Oak Allee's at Fenwick and basically destroy it. The City is hoping no one realizes what has happened until it is too late.. This is my personal opinion..
6.10.2010 Lulu, the Fenwick guard dog, shoots her magazine cover for a national magazine. Come back later for more exciting news about LuLu and her national debut.
4.5.2010 New "Camellia's at Fenwick" webpage is just being born and thrown together. Also some new photos were added to the homepage and the Coach House page. Never enuf time to do the fun stuff!
3.13.2010 Just any fyi...any comments or views expressed on this website are mine and not the view of the Top Dogs of Fenico.
2.13.2010A rare light dusting of snow blankets Fenwick.
2.7.2010Superbowl Sunday update. Oh my, this website and research takes a long time to do. So here are the most recent updates: I've added some new old history and images to the website for the diehardFenico fan: 1934 image of Fenwick right after the Morawetz restoration, 1920's photo of the main house with 'models', 1970's image of left side entrance to the little wing, two old coach house photos, another view of the Blanchard's great room from the 70's including a console tv, photo of the upstairs rear octagonal wing bedroom, another old antique bed, image of the Morawetz 1930 kitchen as the Blanchards utilized it in the 70's. A few new true stories: Robert Fenwick-pirate, the Countess of Deloraine, a 1774 land survey and a 1780's map that shows "Fenwicks Point" (which is NOT the plantation). So I got some changes made to the website, but my lawn did not get the attention it needed this weekend! Hope someone enjoys the history.. P.S-Three new images submitted by Doctor Steve has been added to the 'friends' page. Thanks Doctor Steve.
2.5.2010Finally got a-hold of the DVD movie from the 1970's, The Double McGuffin. The former side drive to Fenwick off Maybank Highway was to be used in the movie as the main drive to a boarding school. Nope. In the end, the director used another location in another city. Also Bob Blanchard's burgundy Cadillac was not used in the movie either. There is one more movie that may have contained scenes from Fenwick that I have to check out. Do you have any Fenwick history to share?
01.10.2010More updates. An advertisement from 1788 to sell a section of the plantation by Ed Jr was added to the history page, along with a copy of the Gibbes family coat of arms. An advertisement for the horse races from 1788 was placed on the Johns Island Stud page.
01.02.2010Additional photos have been added that were taken in May 1999 at the time the plantation was in transition again. Charter Hospital had pretty much abandoned the estate and it had not been resold yet. The buildings suffered during that time from lack of maintenance and upkeep including water damage. Thanks to Carol Dawn for digging out her scrapbooks and loaning us the photos that are now added to Fenwick Hall's history. Check out her photo of the interior of the old pool house and of the carriage house in really rough shape. Best wishes in 2010 to you!
....I've been thinking that it was too bad that Charter Hospital built their various additional buildings (costal cottage style) and patients lodges on the grounds instead of rebuilding the 'Stables' that once flanked the main house. Edward Fenwick built the Stables on one side and Carriage House on the other of the manor house to give the estate symmetry. The Stables could have been designed with the interior as the patient's dormitory. The returning stable would then bring the plantation back to it's former ~1780's appearance. Back then the plantation must have been quite a sight while arriving via boat on the Stono River and walking up to the main house through manicured gardens and ponds. But I'm pretty sure Charter Hospital & their architects knew nothing of the plantation's famous history of its stable and horse breeding and racing at the time.
12.13.09 Photo's from the Blanchard's family photo album have been added throughout the website. Thank s for sharing the photos Claude III! Another photo of Victor Morawetz was added to his history. The John's Island Horse farm page was updated and a few additional Fenwick Hall short stories was added. And lastly, an old newspaper advertisement for Fenwick when it was a rehab center was posted.
12.02.09Edward Fenwick Jr's obituary was added to the history page. A newspaper advertisement for a Fenwick horse is now on the John's Island Stud page.
11.27.09Photo of Victor Morawetz's wife "Marjorie Knott" was added to the Fenwick History Page. Also a sketch of their New York mansion was added. Interior photos of the replica of Fenwick Hall built in Atlanta were added.
9.13.09 "Friends of Fenwick" web page goes live. Send in 'your' old personal photos of Fenwick Hall for posting on the web page. The estate has been around for 279 years, so there has to be more photos out there. When was the 'camera' invented?
9.5.09 Fenwick Hall hits 21st century technology again and is now alive on Facebook. Slow going, but it is there. Become a friend and post your own personal Fenwick Hall photos on the Facebook Wall.
7.31.09The "Sword Gate House" in downtown Charleston goes on the market for only 23 million. Yeah, it does have an interesting history but I'll put it up against the Fenwick Hall Estate anytime!
7.10.09Does history repeat itself? Previous owner & restorer of Fenwick Hall, Victor Morawetz authored a book in 1909 titled "The Banking and Currency Problem in the United States". Victor was clearly under the opinion that extraordinary financial disturbances could be prevented by permanent safeguards against money stringencies and panics. Too bad he was not listened to.
7.10.09.So far no where on the website have I mentioned all the additional building that were added to what is remaining of the plantation. While it was Fenwick Hall Hospital, (1980's) many buildings were built and spread out all over the property. None of the buildings were built to look like they belonged. I sort of do notwant to mention those buildings at all, but those changes are now also part of its history. It makes me wonder if in 200 years from now, archeologist will be digging up and exploring these current buildings to see how a rehab center operated. (As researched was recently done on the Fenwick grounds to research its past). I did read the architect of the newest buildings attempted to have them reflect the 'coast cottage' look.
7.7.09. July 7th is the anniversary of Edward Fenwick's death, 234 years ago. The Honorable member of the Kings Council of SC, died in N.York on a Tuesday, July 7, 1775. His widow and sons chartered the sloop "Commerce" for the voyage to Charles Town, where they temporary kept his remains.
5.31.09 www.angeloaktree.org/
5.24.09 I really enjoy reading and receiving guest book entries! The entry's make me think at least someone appreciates the info. Anyone ever come across an old advertisement for Fenwick Hall Hospital from the 1980's let me know. There were advertisements placed in magazines such as Esquire.
5.23.09 I'm running out of room on the website! And due to the amount of info posted, it must take too long to view the pages on a slow pc. Humm.. Wish I had more time for research and making a new website, but don't have it. I'm not even a Fenwick! (Well, not in this life at least).
Great Hall upper mantle detail
Coast Conservation League-help save Fenwick plantation!
TheAvian Conservation Centerand its principal operating division, The Center for Birds of Prey:
Operates a professional avian medical clinic for injured birds of prey and some shorebird species
Offers on-site and outreach educational programs to students and adults
Conducts relevant field and laboratory research studies
Participates in and supports international conservation issues
Is a first line responder for oiled birds in the event of a contaminant spill affecting native bird populations and their fragile breeding habitats along the South Atlantic coast
Serves as a primary resource for creating ongoing awareness of the ecological impacts of a contaminant spill and proactive measures available to reduce the likelihood of such an event
A miniature watercolor of Elizabeth Mary McPherson, 1792, by Pierre Henri. Photo courtesy of Gibbes Museum
Visit the "Gibbes Museum Of Art" (Tell them LuLu Fenwick sent you!) Victor Morawetz, former Fenwick owner/restorer and his wife, Marjorie, donated funds to the museum for purchases. The photo on the left is a minature watercolor, one of many paintings purchased by the Morawetz's generous gift.
www.gibbesmuseum.org
Godolphin.com (Not the original Godolphin line!)
The Drayton Hall on the Ashley River. The Drayton family were good friends and family of the Fenwicks long ago. Not sure there was metal roofs and pvc shakes in those days as is now placed on Drayton Hall.
The Angel Oak The Angel Oak is a Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana) a native species found throughout the Lowcountry. Believed to be in excess of 1400 years old, its massive, draping limbs and wide spreading canopy present the aura of an angel but the naming of this tree was acquired from the tree's previous owners, Martha and Justin Angel. ---Click on the Angel Oak Tree Photo for a link to www.angeloaktree.orgfor more info.
Height: 65 Feet
Circumference: 25.5 Feet
Area of Shade: 17,000 sq. Feet
Largest Limb: Circumference: 11.25 Feet Length: 89 Feet
Visit & help save Angel Oak, John's Island. A Tree of Souls?
Can a nation lose its memory? It happens every day when historic places are demolished. The National Trust for Historic Preservation helps preserves historic places, including 29 National Trust Historic Sites, to ensure that their stories remain a part of our lives today. When you visit a historic site you learn from their stories and help keep history alive. Historic places create connections to our heritage that help us understand our past, appreciate our triumphs, and learn from our mistakes. Historic places help define and distinguish our communities by building a strong sense of identity. In your travels, be sure to visit National Trust Historic Sites and discover greatarchitecture, magnificent landscapes, and life-changing stories. www.preservationnation.org/
Natural Resources Defense Council
NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.2 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals. www.NRDC.org/
Another former Louisiana Plantation, "The Shadows on the Teche" in New Iberia. This plantation is similar to Fenwick (and many plantations) in that the Bayou or River side of the house is the 'front'. This image of the Shadows shows it's rear land side. Behind the green shutters on the left is the outside stair case. The Shadows is not nearly as old as Fenwick, but still impressive.
www.SIERRACLUB.org LINK
Sierra Club Since 1892, the Sierra Club has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. We are the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. www.SIERRACLUB.org/
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. http://www.nps.gov/history/NR/
Thoroughbred Heritage Website
Lowcountry Open Land Trust
Lowcountry Open Land Trust
Our Mission: To protect and foster voluntary conservation of the irreplaceable Lowcountry forests, farmland, open spaces, wildlife habitat and wetlands, thus helping to conserve forever our community’s unique sense of place and quality of life. http://www.lolt.org/lolt
Victor & Marjorie Morawetz "Party House" in downtown Charleston at 17 Chalmers. Along with Fenwick Hall, the Morawetz saved and restored the Pirate House/Pink House in the late 1920's. They used it strictly to entertain guest when in town.
17th Chalmers, The Pink House, also saved by Victor & Marjorie Morawetz.
The United States Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets, produces some of our nation’s finest and most elite warriors. They fight across a broad spectrum of missions in the pursuit of freedom for those oppressed and to protect our nation from those who seek to do us harm. They are known as our country's quiet professionals. The Green Berets have been defending our nation against its enemies throughout the last 5 decades in times of peace and war.
The liberties we enjoy as Americans don’t come without a cost. The Special Forces bear the burden of having the highest number of wounded personnel of any other U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) proponent. The Green Beret Foundation serves these quiet professionals who bravely serve the American people and its freedoms.
(Thanks Dad!)
RIP Cpl. Anrew Wilfahrt. 2.27.2011 Afghanistan
BRITISH ROADSTER, 1974 TRIUMPH TR-6
PLEASE SIGN THE "GUESTBOOK" LINK ON BOTTOM OF THE FIRST PAGE (LABELED 'FENWICK HOME PAGE').
