Volunteers in Charleston rallied early Saturday to clean and restore the Philip Simmons House and forge off Blake Street, safeguarding a key site of Black history tied to the master blacksmith’s legacy.​
Philip Simmons’ Legacy
Philip Simmons (1912-2009), Charleston’s renowned blacksmith, crafted over 500 decorative wrought iron pieces like gates, fences, and balconies that adorn the city’s historic districts. Apprenticed at 13 to Peter Simmons, he shifted from utilitarian work to ornamental iron in the 1930s, amid Charleston’s preservation boom, creating iconic designs seen at places like First Baptist Church and the Smithsonian.​
Preservation Efforts
The Historic Charleston Foundation leads the cleanup, with blacksmith Julian Williams—personally connected to Simmons—honoring a promise to sustain the craft. College of Charleston students like Gabi Jones highlight its role in the city’s cultural fabric, as the site now functions as a museum.​
How to Help
Organizers seek more volunteers for ongoing maintenance and tours at the Philip Simmons House. Community response has been strong, reflecting deep local pride in this history.
