In the heart of North Charleston’s Liberty Hill neighborhood, a significant piece of history will soon be commemorated. The Louie Tenement, a cornerstone of the community, is set to receive a state historical marker to honor its impact on the neighborhood.
A Legacy of Community Building
For families in Liberty Hill, the Louie Tenement is more than just a building; it is a vital part of their shared history. Condida Joy, a descendant of Louis Joseph, emphasized the importance of this recognition. “This is a historical place, Liberty Hill is 154 years old,” Joy said.
Hester McFaddsen, president of the Liberty Hill Historic & Genealogical Society, explained that the marker would serve as a message for both current and future generations. “There was a housing complex that provided a haven for residents,” McFaddsen said.
The Vision of Louis Joseph
Louis Joseph, who came to Liberty Hill from Syria in the early 1900s, sought to help others build better lives. He became an entrepreneur who provided much-needed housing to families in the area, including sharecroppers looking for better living conditions.
McFaddsen shared that Louis wasn’t alone in his efforts—families like the Murray and Nesbitt families were also involved. But it was Louis Joseph who spearheaded the initiative, buying properties, including 14 or 15 “shotgun” houses. “He would rent those houses out to families and common sharecroppers,” Joy explained.
A Personal Tribute
For Joy and her family, the marker is a deeply personal tribute. “I am so proud to be a descendant of Louis and Rachel because they instilled in me the value of that property, caring for one another, loving for one another, and respecting one another,” Joy said.
She hopes that this historical marker will inspire others to give back to their communities. “I hope when they see this marker here, they would take the initiative to want to do something for their family, to let the community and people in, and the City of North Charleston,” Joy added.
Dedication Ceremony and Celebration
The South Carolina State Marker Dedication for the Louie Tenement will take place on September 17th at 11 a.m. in North Charleston, with a reception to follow.
“This is the beginning of the celebration to mark the time in our history as a community,” McFaddsen said. “We provided a haven for residents of the community so that families could work and move to the next level.”
