Matthews began working for the College in 1901. A Spanish-American War veteran, he also wore a uniform during World War I, when the College doubled as a barracks while students trained for the military. One of his duties during this period was awakening students living in Porter’s Lodge and “The Shack” on Green Street. Matthews, when interviewed for the 1930 yearbook, stated that the horseplay of male students became more restrained once women began attending the College. He also recalled nights when some students used the Lodge as a place to frighten or entertain passersby, using a simulated ghost, made of cardboard and a sheet, that they hung from the windows. Matthews retired from the College in July 1947 and passed away less than two months later. Courtesy of College of Charleston Libraries, Special Collections.Download Original File
"Robert Matthews, Head Janitor" appears in: Porter's Lodge
