Architect's Documentation Book for the Restoration of the Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, S. C., Federal Emergency Relief Administration Project

Charleston, SC, 1935. Bespoke project documentation book for the Works Progress Administration restoration of the Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, South Carolina, with the architect Douglas D. Ellington's. personal bookplate. Housed in an embossed calf binder with string tie, gilt lettering. 48 pages listed in table of contents which refer to 48 labelled sections, each with items such as a summary of the project, folder of photographs taken in Stoll's Alley, newspaper clippings, theatre programs and broadsides, research, records of holders of the property, maps, plans, photographs, drawings, and other related ephemera. Very Good, the leather binder with wear at spine ends and folders. Douglas D. Ellington (1886-1960), was a Native of North Carolina and trained at the Ecole des Beauv Arts, being the first American to win the top honor for decorative competitions at the École. In addition to his work on this theatre project, he designed numerous churches, residences, and government housing projects in Charleston, as well as facilities associated with the Charleston Naval Base during the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for his Art Deco buildings of the 1920s for Asheville, N.C. The original Dock Street Theatre opened Feb. 12, 1736, and was the site of the first building designed for theatric performances in the Thirteen Colonies. Likely destroyed in the Great Fire of 1740, the restored building was built as The Planters Hotel in 1809. The restoration started in 1935, and was completed by the time of the grand opening Nov. 26, 1937. Perhaps the sole documentary record of this historic restoration, provenance - from the collection of Joseph Hyde Pratt, noted North Carolina geologist, conservationist, state and civic leader and WWI hero, with personal invitation to him for the grand opening of Nov. 26, 1937 laid in at rear.. Embossed Calf Binder . Very Good. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.