Interview with William J. Murtagh (Bill Murtagh), the first Keeper of the National Register and one of the world's leading historic preservationists. In this interview he speaks about how he became the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places; his involvement with Charleston's first preservation plan and the development of what became known as the James Island Connector; his relationship with Frances Edmunds; and his vision for the future of historic preservation. Interviewed by Jonathan Poston at the Missroon House on November 8, 2005.
Interview with Joseph H. ("Peter") McGee about growing up in Charleston, his involvement with Historic Charleston Foundation, and historic preservation in Charleston. In particular, he reminisces about playing on The Battery, going to school, living conditions in Charleston, grocery stores, streetcars, and the 1938 tornado. He also discusses HCF's long-time Executive Director Frances Edmunds, HCF's Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project, and the National Trust Meeting in Charleston in 1970. Interviewed by Kitty Robinson and Jonathan Poston at the Missroon House on June 24, 2003.
Interview with Herbert A. DeCosta, Jr., former trustee, about Historic Charleston Foundation, historic preservation in Charleston, and life in Charleston throughout the years. Mr. DeCosta discusses growing up in Charleston in the 1920s and 1930s and his role in the city's preservation movement. He recalls childhood memories of living on Smith Street and on Sullivan's Island and his school days, including his attendance at the Avery Normal Institute. DeCosta's grandfather founded DeCosta construction in the 1890s, and Herbert speaks about the many historic properties in Charleston the company restored during his time as head of the company, including work completed for Historic Charleston Foundation's Revolving Fund. He goes on to discuss his family's ancestry and his involvement in St. Mark's Church and the Brown Fellowship Society. Interviewed by Kitty Robinson at the Missroon House on June 24, 2003.
Interview with Richard (Dick) Jenrette. Mr. Jenrette discusses how he discovered Charleston; his purchases of the Roper House, the Blacklock House, and others; his involvement with the rebuilding of the Mills House Hotel; and his collecting of classical homes and antiques and his foundation Classic American Homes. He also speaks at length about his tenure as an HCF Trustee; about Frances Edmunds's impact on the success of Charleston; and about how Charleston has improved over the years. Other subjects include the Charleston Place project; HCF's success in Ansonborough; his thoughts on the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Mayor Riley; and the scourge of power lines.
Interview of Jane P. de Butts (formerly known as Jane Hanahan), a direct descendant of General Pinckney and niece of Josephine Pinckney. In this interview, she discusses her and her first husband's families and the circumstances of their move from Richmond to 43 East Bay, where they lived and raised a family. She speaks about her daily life at 43 East Bay Street and Charleston in general: raising a family, socializing, recreation including summers at the Isle of Palms, Hurricane Hugo, and her association with Historic Charleston Foundation as a trustee and later as its first woman President. She discusses memorable HCF efforts such as the purchase and restoration of the Missroon House, acquisition of McLeod Plantation, and the Revolving Fund, and comments on how Charleston has changed over the years, specifically the changes brought on by tourism. She also speaks about each of her now grown children, one of whom (Anne), now lives in the George Summers House with her family.
