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The Borough Houses Plaque

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These houses whisper stories. The Borough Houses Plaque stands before you. It marks a significant place in Charleston’s history. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about people. The Borough Houses at 35 and 35 1/2 Calhoun Street stand as remnants of a vibrant community. Irish immigrants built 35 Calhoun Street in 1852. Willis Johnson Sr a free man born at Drayton Hall Plantation later purchased it. His sons Frank and Henry built the neighboring house in 1940. They honed their carpentry skills under master craftsman Tom Pinckney. The Borough Houses are among the last vestiges of “The Borough”. This was a thriving community of Black residents and immigrants. Ansonborough Homes a low-income housing project anchored this neighborhood hence the name. The Johnson family’s legacy continues. Rebecca Campbell Catherine Braxton and Esther Chandler currently own the properties. They are Willis Johnson’s heirs. Their ownership represents generations of resilience in a constantly changing Charleston. The Borough Houses stand as quiet witnesses. They bear witness to the evolving history of the city. They show how neighborhoods have changed. They stand as a testament to the enduring strength of families and communities. Take a moment to appreciate their story. It is a microcosm of Charleston itself.

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