House that Radio Built
The “House that Radio Built” is a popular story that has been passed down from several original residents of Avondale about one particular home on Oakdale in the neighborhood of Avondale. The details of the story were elaborated upon in a 2013 West Ashley Flashback. An ad that ran in the October 13, 1940 edition of The Charleston News & Courier described how Linda and Don had selected a lot “In that Beautiful Development Avondale on the Ashley for their Dream Castle.” The program ran on the radio for several months describing the details of home construction and furnishings.
This program must have been considered successful for the WTMA radio station because on October 5, 1941 an ad ran announcing the promotion of a new model home “Moreland Manor”, located in the new development of Moreland. “Watch the progress of this new and attractive home. Tune in tonight at 8:10 pm to a special program over WTMA.”
So where was Moreland Manor located?
The partial answer ran in the October 6, 1941 edition of The Charleston News & Courier under the headline: “New Model Home Will Be Erected – Progress of Moreland Manor House to be Reported Over WTMA.” The architect, Stephen Thomas, would design the home, William M. Means would sponsor the construction and the house “will be situated so as to be visible to motorists traveling on U.S. Highway No. 17. Its design is attractive and unique and is expected to start a new trend in Charleston building.” There would be daily progress reports on WTMA. Once construction was completed there was a public “inspection” planned. This site was chosen for the project “because of its proximity to the Charleston retail shopping district and because the size of the lot allows room for a lawn and garden.” A similar article ran in “The Evening Post” on the same day.
Intriguing…..
In the January 18, 1942 edition of The Charleston News & Courier an ad ran “Announcing the Return of Myrt and Harry at 8:45 TONIGHT. Tune in tonight for a story of where they’ve been and what they have been doing. You will enjoy the ups and down of these happy, carefree builders of Moreland Manor.” (Sidebar – I believe Myrt and Harry were fictitious personalities for the purpose of the story.)
By June of 1942 Moreland Manor was for sale. Priced at $9500 the Manor was described as “Individual in architectural design and color, styled with all the artistry of the most advanced in the decorative art, the house both inside and out presents a charming picture. Moreland Manor is modern and of sound construction, and being on the bus line makes it more accessible to the city. The home consists of a reception hall, living room, large dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, bath. On the second floor, which has possibilities for extra income, there is a bedroom, bath and storage room.”
But exactly which home in Moreland along Savannah Highway is Moreland Manor?
The answer is suggested in an October 3, 1942 wedding announcement: “Mr. and Mrs. Walter Russell Richardson, of Moreland Manor, announce the marriage of their daughter, Miss Margaret Richardson, to Mr. George F. Wieters….”
Let the sleuthing begin…
With names associated with the property, real estate transactions and records can be traced. This helps as the numbering system has changed for Savannah Highway, but the plat information remains constant. In September of 1942, the following realty transfer was recorded: Moreland corporation, as trustee, to Jessie Thomas Richardson for $9000 Lot 2 Block C Moreland and buildings.
Lot 2 Block C Moreland was originally 130 Savannah Highway. In December of 1961 an obituary ran in “The Evening Post”: “Ship Chandlering Firm Founder Dies At Home”. “Walter Russell Richardson of 130 Savannah Hwy., Moreland, who with two brothers founded the Richardson Brothers Ship Chandlering Co. here in 1918 died today at his residence.” His widow: Mrs Jessie Thomas Richardson, his daughter: Mrs. Margaret R. Wieters, two grandsons: Thomas R. Wieters and George R. Wieters.
The final piece of the puzzle come in a June 4, 1970 article in The Evening Post … “Four Citadel cadets from Charleston have been named to the Commandant’s Distinguished Service List at the military college. The cadets are: George R Wieters, son of Mrs. Richardson Wieters, 576 Savannah Hwy….” This is confirmed with a recording in the Real Property Record that shows Jessie T. Richardson holding the Title of Ownership on 9-42 and then Wieters, Margaret R. Life Estate and G. Richardson Wieters holding Title of Ownership on 9-14-00 for 576 Savannah Highway.
And now we know…the house that is currently known as “The Wieters Cottage” or the “squashed brick home” on Savannah Highway is Moreland Manor with an incredible story to tell.
West Ashley school stories? Contact local author and West Ashley historian Donna Jacobs at westashleybook@gmail.com.
