In 1883, Arthur Mazyck published the book, "Charleston South Carolina in 1883 : with heliotypes of the principle objects of interest in and around the city and historical and descriptive notices," which contained images of Charleston buildings and sights. The images are unique, because only three years later, Charleston was devastated by a major earthquake, which damaged or destroyed many of Charleston's buildings. In 1983, architectural historian and College of Charleston faculty member Gene Waddell updated Mazyck's work to produce the book, "Charleston in 1883". This digital collection contains scans from both editions.
Records chiefly consist of membership rolls for volunteer fire companies of Charleston (S.C.) including the Eagle Fire Engine Company, the Charleston Fire Engine Co., the Vigilant Fire Engine Co., Marion Fire Co., Aetna Fire Co., Washington Fire Co., Hope Fire Co., Charleston Fire Company of Axemen, Palmetto Fire Co., German Fire Co., and the Phoenix Fire Company. Also included is a printed blank form that certifies the bearer is an active firefighter and therefore exempt from Confederate military service. Printed on the certificate are two images of fire engines.
