Hampstead Square

Passage recorded in 1880 by the Mayor of Charleston, the Honorable William A. Courtenay

"Hampstead Mall is located in the northeastern quarter of the city and contains three and a quarter acres. This, on account of it's size, offers the opportunity of a handsome improvement; and its location, in the midst of the most growing portion of the city, entitles it to early consideration and attention. A fine growth of trees has been secured and a foundation and a few sofas (benches) about to be supplied will help the present situation and create a new interest in this locality."

Mayor Courtenay recognized the need to bring improvements to an area that had just begun to show signs of promise.

From the City Yearbook, 1909

Hampstead Mall

Band stand painted and repaired.
Walks and benches put in good order.
Twenty-six cedars and thirteen elm trees planted, and two dead oaks removed.

From a news clipping on August 7, 1960

Hampstead Mall on Columbus Street will be converted to African-American use after Aug. 31, was voted unanimously by the city's Board of Playgrounds. The board said it took the action in recognition of changing conditions in the population of the neighborhood.

the article goes on to read...

The board's action will give the city five African-American playgrounds and five existing ones for whites although another white playground is in the offing.

April of 1974

The Board of Parks Reports:

TO THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS:

The Board of Parks submits a plan for beautifying the southeast quadrant of Hampstead Square, at the intersection of Columbus and America Streets. The proposed plan included the following recommended improvements:

0. Adding approximately one hundred yards of top soil and grading the subject area.
0. Relocating the flagstone walkway.
0. Placing approximately twelve poured concrete benches and placing trash receptacles in strategic points.
0. Planting two trees, three inches in diameter, and planting other plants.
0. Installing a water faucet to facilitate in the watering of plants.
0. Installing one to three 7500 lumen mercury vapor street lights.

The estimated appropriation needed to develop the proposed beautification plan was between $4,000 and $5,000.

From an article with no date but after 1974

Construction underway at historic Hampstead Mall

Construction is presently underway to develop a park at the corner of Columbus and America Street. Efforts are now being made to restore the fourth square that once existed as a part of the original park. Restoration is being done with the aid of Jobs Bill funds and will be complementary to the renovations underway at the fourth high school which will open in the fall as the downtown campus for Trident Technical College.

The park will serve a dual purpose. It will provide additional recreation space for the area as well as a place for students of the Trident Tech campus to relax and study. A 250 space parking lot will also be provided.

Through landscaping, the installation of benches, trash receptacles, and wrought iron fencing, the restoration of this area will complete the fourth square and complement the three other small parks at East Hampstead Square, West Hampstead Square, and Mall Playground. These efforts will aid in recapturing some of the history for which the area is well noted.