Charleston Tour Guide Comprehensive Exam with Questions and Answers

Charleston Tour Guide Comprehensive Exam with Questions and Answers What is the purpose of a piazza? ANSWER provide air circulation, shade, and social area. The term "north side manners" refers to the fact that historically, piazzas were placed on the south side of the house, so the north side contained fewer windows in order to afford their next door neighbors some privacy. What other buildings might occupy a lot besides the main house? ANSWER carriage, slave quarters, privy, kitchen house, workshop What is the benefit of having a separate kitchen house? ANSWER less risk of fire Describe the features of a Charleston double house. ANSWER main entrance located in the center of the building facing the street, central hallway with two rooms on each side ("four squares"), windows on all sides for air circulation, generally Georgian or Greek Revival style Describe the features of a freedman's cottage. ANSWER one-story, two rooms, narrow, piazza entrance with one door leading into each of the rooms, central chimney/fireplace. Originally built during Reconstruction by white landowners to rent to newly freed African Americans, hence the name. What are the most common materials used in building roofs in Charleston? ANSWER terra cotta, slate, and standing seam sheet metal. These materials are better suited to Charleston's climate and last much longer than modern asphalt tiles.