Experience rare Holy City snowfalls—and old cityscapes—via The Charleston Museum

January 2022

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“A Winter Wonderland in Color: Snow Scenes of Charleston” showcases colorized historical images using AI technology

Snow Covered Tracks, undated, by Morton Brailsford Paine (1883-1940) A trolley car makes its way past the William Bull House at the corner of Meeting and Ladson streets.

Snowy Rooftops of Charleston, 1899, by Robert Achurch (1866-1943) Climbing high above the city, Achurch focused his camera on the parallel line between the Washington Light Infantry monument and St. Philip’s Church.

Making a Snowball, circa 1899, by Franklin Frost Sams (1867-1937) The photographer’s wife, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gregorie Sams, packs the powdery snow found in the yard of the Custom House on East Bay Street.

A Busy King Street, circa 1899, by Robert Achurch Leaning out the window of his Amateur Photo Supply shop on King Street, A church captures pedestrians as they slide over the slippery surface.

Bicycles for Hire, 1899, by Franklin Frost Sams A bicycle rental company and riding school, located next to Circular Congregational Church, during The Great Blizzard of February 1899

Snowball Fight, circa 1899, by Elizabeth Gregorie Sams, (1870-1941) Rarely in front of the camera, Franklin Frost Sams poses for his wife with a snowball ready to throw.

First Snowfall for Frances, circa 1899, by Franklin Frost Sams Little Frances plays in the snow with mom, Lizzie, in their yard on New Street.

Keeping Warm in the Snow, February 1899, by Sabina Elliott Wells (1876-1943) Bundled up in woolen capes against the 7°F temperature, a group makes their way through four inches of snow in White Point Garden.

Snowball Fun, circa 1922, by an unknown photographer Wrapped in a fur collar, Eleanor Johnson Maybank holds a snowball as she stands with daughter, Anne Lucas Maybank, in the backyard of 68 Meeting Street.

A Snow Drift on the Battery, 1899, by Sabina Elliott Wells A lone figure stands on the seawall along East Battery, documenting a very rare Charleston snow drift.

An Untraveled Street, circa 1899, by Franklin Frost Sams A stark scene near W.J. Comar Wheelwright and Blacksmith (67-69 State Street)

Icy Branches, undated Morton Brailsford Paine, (1883-1940) The steeple of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is perfectly framed in the icy branches of a tree. Paine shot the image from a window at his house on 47 Meeting Street.

Alone on the Battery, 1899, by Sabina Elliott Wells A man walks in the heavy snow along the promenade.

While snowfall in the Lowcountry is a rarity, every now and then Mother Nature blankets us in the icy white stuff. In its exhibition, “A Winter Wonderland in Color: Snow Scenes of Charleston” (on display through March), The Charleston Museum presents historical photographs—all colorized using AI technology—inviting viewers to experience Holy City snowscapes

See “A Winter Wonderland in Color” through March 27 at The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. $12-$5. (843)722-2996, charlestonmuseum.org

Relive our more recent winter wonderment, the January 2018 record-setting snowfall here: https://charlestonmag.com/holycitysnow

Experience rare Holy City snowfalls—and old cityscapes—via The Charleston Museum

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Experience rare Holy City snowfalls—and old cityscapes—via The Charleston Museum

CHARLESTON MAGAZINE

FOOD & DRINK

ARTS & EVENTS

STYLE & SHOPPING

VIDEO AND MULTIMEDIA

PEOPLE & LOCAL HISTORY