Clinton, SC

Clinton (pronounced /ˈklɪntən/, locally /ˈklɪnən/) is a city in Laurens County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 8,091 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Greenville–Mauldin–Easley Metropolitan Statistical Area. Clinton was first settled by Scots-Irish immigrants two decades before the American Revolutionary War. It incorporated as a town in 1852, and was named after Henry Clinton Young, a lawyer from Laurens, who helped lay out the first streets.


A few of the employees in the Clinton Mills, going home from work. December 1908. Photographed by Lewis Hine.

Additional information

Clinton is also home of Presbyterian College and Thornwell or Thornwell Home. Both institutions were founded by Presbyterian minister and philanthropist William Plumber Jacobs while he was Minister at First Presbyterian Church of Clinton. Clinton is also noted for its very small-town feel and local fare. Notable restaurants include Steamers, Whiteford's Drive-In and Hickory Hills Bar-B-Que Buffet. Many Clinton residents maintain the tradition of "chewing the fat" at the misnomeric Study Club. The well-maintained railroad tracks and antiquated depot are located in the heart of the town and remind visitors of former times.



Trivia

Three Major League Baseball players were born in Clinton...Chick Galloway (1896), Charlie Wilson (1905), and Johnny Riddle (1905).

Three Major League Baseball players died in Clinton...Chick Galloway (1969), Cal Cooper (1994), and Claude Crocker (2002).

Home of WPCC, a radio station that broadcasts local, regional, and national sports programs

Clinton In Pictures:


A row of houses of the cotton mill people. Lydia Mills, Clinton, S.C. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Dec. 2, 1908. L.W.H. Location: Clinton, South Carolina.


View of Clinton Mills (S.C.) Superintendent would not allow me to take photos in mill. Many youngsters employed. See photos Nos. 359 and 375. Dec. 2, 1908. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Location: Clinton, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.


Grace Harper (Looked 10 years old). Works in Lydia Mills, Clinton, S.C. Mother said she is very good hand at spinning. Been at it 3 years. Runs 4 and 5 sides, about 50 cents a day. Little sister Lettie helps. Mother said "she is learnin'." Looked 7 years old. Dec.


A few of the youngsters employed in Clinton Mills (S.C.) Going home from work. Location: Clinton, South Carolina.

The Clinton Commercial Historic District is a collection of thirty-seven contributing properties centrally located in Clinton. The district is comprised of late nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings associated with the commercial life of the city. Commercial buildings are predominant, but the district also contains two bank buildings; a five-section warehouse; a former city hall; a large, industrial building; a Masonic temple; and a small, landscaped park. The district is locally significant as a tangible record of the period of Clinton’s greatest commercial growth from the 1870s to the 1930s. Buildings in the district display a variety of architectural features, including ornamental brickwork of the Victorian era, pressed-metal cornices and ceilings of the early twentieth century, and geometric designs of the Art Moderne style. The city of Clinton was founded in 1852 on the Laurens Railroad, which was then under construction. In September of that year, twenty-eight lots were sold and the town soon developed into a trading center for the surrounding agricultural area. The name Clinton was chosen to honor Henry Clinton Young of Laurens, who was active in the movement to construct the railroad. Listed in the National Register November 15, 1984.


L. H. Davidson Store, 204 W. Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1891)


J. W. Copeland Building, 100-102 W. Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1894)


J. Isaac Copeland and Bros. Store, 210 N. Broad St.(Constructed: ca. 1910)


The Bee Hive Dept. Store, 120-122 Musgrove St.(Constructed: ca. 1910)


110-126 Musgrove St.


Briggs Block, 100-104 Musgrove St.(Constructed: ca. 1896)


Jacobs and Co. Building, 123-127 E. Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1914)


Confederate Monument(Erected: 1910)


Duncan's Creek Presbyterian Church,

(Old Rock Church) Duncan’s Creek Presbyterian Church, built ca. 1842, is one of the earliest examples of rural church architecture in the upper part of the state. Its unadorned simplicity and solid stone construction are characteristic of buildings erected by early Scotch-Irish settlers in the Southeast. A simple rectangular building constructed of irregular stones, the church stands as a reminder of mid-nineteenth century rustic church architecture. The gable end is the main entrance façade and is centered with double doors flanked by two narrow windows at a slightly higher level. Its simplicity, uncomplicated symmetry, and fine stone masonry are features that make it a valuable record of upcountry rural architecture. One of the few changes made in the church was the removal of the original rear slave gallery in the first third of the twentieth century. Many churches in Laurens County are “daughters” of this old church as members of its congregation left to establish new churches in neighboring areas. The church is situated on a wooded site and is flanked by a cemetery containing carved stone markers of both Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers. The earliest grave dates from 1776. Listed in the National Register November 15, 1973.

Thornwell-Presbyterian College Historic District


President's House, 512 Broad St.-Presbyterian College(Constructed: ca. 1920 Style: Georgian Revival)


Smyth Hall-Presbyterian College(Constructed: 1924 Style: Georgian Revival)


Laurens Hall-Presbyterian College(Constructed: 1908 Style: Georgian Revival)


Bell Tower-Presbyterian College


Neville Hall-Presbyterian College(Constructed: 1907 Style: Georgian Revival)


Leroy Springs Gymnasium-Presbyterian College(Constructed: 1924)


Alumni Hall (Doyle Infirmary)-Presbyterian College(Constructed: ca. 1890)


Spencer Dormitory-Presbyterian College(Constructed: 1912 Style: Georgian Revival)


Jacobs Hall-Presbyterian College(Constructed: 1915 Style: Georgian Revival)


Faculty House, 104 Calhoun St.-Presbyterian College


Faculty House, 106 Calhoun St.-Presbyterian College


Faculty House, 108 Calhoun St.-Presbyterian College


President's House-Thornwell School(Constructed: ca. 1925)


Nellie Scott Library-Thornwell School(Constructed: ca. 1890)


Home of Peace-Thornwell School(Constructed: ca. 1875)


Memorial Hall-Thornwell School


Technical School-Thornwell School(Constructed: 1892)


Eldridge Fowler Cottage-Thornwell School(Constructed: 1905)


Children's Gift Academy-Thornwell School(Constructed: 1895)


Silliman Cottage-Thornwell School(Constructed: 1907)


Anita Cottage-Thornwell School(Constructed: 1899)


Virginia Home-Thornwell School(Constructed: 1898)


Quattlebaum Rose Garden-Thornwell School


Georgia Beaty Cottage-Thornwell School(Constructed: ca. 1910)


Mayes Baby Cottage-Thornwell School(Constructed: 1924)

The Thornwell-Presbyterian College Historic District comprises the historic cores of Presbyterian College and the Thornwell Home and School for Children, together with the adjacent residential streets. There are a total of fifty-two buildings and structures within the district. Although the oldest building in the district dates from ca. 1850, the majority of the buildings were constructed in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, with the emergence of the college and the orphanage. Presbyterian College is unified around the central mall, according to the campus plan drawn in 1912 by the New York City landscape engineer Charles W. Leavitt, Jr. This plan has governed the development of the college; the newer, non-historic buildings on campus are thus rendered more compatible with the old. Noted Columbia architect Charles Coker Wilson designed Neville Hall, a campus building. Most of the Presbyterian College buildings are of the Georgian Revival style and are built of brick. Other styles represented in the district include Italianate, Romanesque Revival, Colonial Revival, Neo-Classical, Queen Anne, and Bungalow. The Thornwell campus is unified by consistency of materials and by scale; stone construction is used throughout the informal campus. The college and the children’s home are historically connected through Dr. William Jacobs, who was responsible for the founding of both institutions. Listed in the National Register March 5, 1982.

External links:

City of Clinton

Thornwell Home

Thornwell

Presbyterian College

Elvis Week In Memphis

In case you haven't noticed, this is Elvis Week.


Aloha From Hawaii

Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the day when Elvis died.

Throughout his life and career, Elvis remained the center of controversy. No matter what he did, someone had a comment. Remember when he appeared on Ed Sullivan and they could not show him below the waist? Certain places banned his music, as was the case with many artists of that day.

Just look at Buddy Holly and what he had to do to play his music. People could never quite decide what to do with these young musicians or their music. If they weren't talking about the way Elvis moved, they were talking about his hair, or his clothes or his movies.

Despite the controversy, he continued to perform and became one of the most beloved men in the world, not to mention one of the richest.

Elvis had his peculiarities, but who doesn't? He lived differently than most people
and people often fear what they do not understand.

I remember how he and Priscilla dyed their hair black. This was coupled with the fact that he wore his hair longer than people were used to, slicked it back, and grew those long sideburns.

Of course, there were the drugs which took their toll and played a large part in his death.Even in death, the controversyhas continued.When they decided to honor Elvis
on a stamp,people could not decide on which Elvis they wanted on the stamp, the younger or the older Elvis,the thin or heavy Elvis.

Elvis was generous throughout his career, but most people do not remember that.They remember the cars, the jewelry and how Elvis surrounded himself with his close friends and band members.

Despite all of this, Elvis has remained the King of Rock and Roll
and his estate continues to earn money 32 years after his death.

In memory of Elvis,

Source: ItsCherlyn

YouTube Video's






Debut Album Cover









If you want to learn more about Elvis, check out the official home page:







~*~Elvis... He Didn't Have To by Joan Buchanan West~*~


Elvis's grave at Graceland.

Thanks Bobby

Elvis Presley photos, video clips & insider access for the ultimate Elvis fan

SmugMug - gracelandeventpics' photo galleries

Heavens Gates ~Mama Liked The Roses~ Elvis Presley

Elvis Photo's

Official Website For Elvis Presley

Shop Elvis Website


Elvis's Lockheed Jetstar on display near Graceland.

Elvis Presley: The Official Elvis Insiders - Elvis Presley Fan Community



Elvis Presley's Graceland

Thanks Candy

Rockin', Rollin n' Strollin' With ELVIS and CANDY

Elvis music page, spend the day with these songs, and remember Elvis or get to know him better:

Elvis Music Page

Elvis Presley's Graceland and Horse Stable Tour in Memphis, Tennessee



Graceland


The Jungle Room, Graceland

Memphis Tours


The Living Room, Graceland

CKX Inc.





Secretary Norton Designates Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion National Historic Landmark

Elvis Presley's Biography

Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - 1973

Graceland Cam

Elvis News



Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.

Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.

I hope that you have enjoyed these sites as much as I have.

A Great Dog Story

You might need some Kleenex for this one......

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. the shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."

Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me.

Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.

But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".........
_______________________________________

To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls. the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.

I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you.... His name's not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt, but I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank. Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the the shelter... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraqas an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.

Thank you, Paul Mallory
____________________________________

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraqa few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog. "Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

"C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him. "It's me now, Tank, just you and me.

Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

Author Unknown

Clemson, SC

College Avenue in Downtown Clemson

Nickname(s): Tigertown
Motto: "In season, every season."

Clemson is a city in Anderson and Pickens counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 11,939 at the 2000 census and center of an urban cluster with a total population of 42,199. It is best known as the home of Clemson University. The town of Calhoun that bordered the campus was renamed Clemson in 1943.

The Pickens County portion of Clemson is part of the Greenville–Mauldin–Easley Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the Anderson County portion is part of the Anderson Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Demographics

The population does not reflect the additional on-campus population of Clemson University, which adds approximately 17,000 additional residents for eight months of the year.

Transportation

Amtrak's Crescent connects Clemson with the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham, Meridian and New Orleans. The Amtrak station is situated at Calhoun Memorial Highway and College Avenue, astride the Norfolk Southern railway line.

Oconee County Regional Airport, which has a 4,800 ft runway, is a general aviation airport about three miles west of Clemson. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport near Greer, South Carolina is the nearest airport with commercial service.

Clemson is also serviced by Clemson Area Transit (CAT), a zero-fare bus line. CAT is a joint venture between the City of Clemson and Clemson University, covering both the campus as well as surrounding areas.

Topography

The city of Clemson's character is largely defined by Clemson University, a large public university that dates to 1889. The university is the cultural center of the city even though a small 2-block downtown is located directly to the north of the campus.

The built environment is predominately rural and post WWII. Although the university provides housing for students, many students live off-campus in a wide variety of apartment complexes. Save for the downtown, sidewalks are largely absent, but some streets have bike paths. U.S. Route 123 on the northern end of the city, exhibits typical suburban-style shopping center developments.

The city recently added recreational facilities and paths along Lake Hartwell including a new boardwalk.

The city's comprehensive plan has a historic preservation component (PDF file), which will likely become more important as 1950s and 60s buildings acquire historic status. The Clemson (train) Depot, built in 1893, was rehabilitated in 2001 and now houses the local chamber of commerce.

The following places and buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

Clemson College Sheep Barn
Clemson University Historic District I
Clemson University Historic District II
Fort Hill
Hanover House
Old Stone Church and Cemetery
J.C. Stribling Barn

Attractions

Clemson is home to Clemson University, the South Carolina Botanical Garden, and is along the shores of Lake Hartwell.

Clemson In Pictures:

Lake Hartwell as seen from Clemson

Tillman Hall at Clemson University in 2008

South Carolina Botanical Garden


Game Program


Memorial Stadium


View Across Pond At Clemson University

National Register of Historical Places

The following places and buildings in Clemson are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

• Clemson University Historic District I and II
  • Clemson College Sheep Barn
  • Fort Hill (John C. Calhoun Mansion and Library)
  • Hanover House
• Hopewell Plantation - Gen. Andrew Pickens' Home
• J. C. Stribling Barn
• Old Stone Church and Cemetery

External links:

City website

Clemson information

Clemson website directory

Chester, SC

Chester County Courthouse, built in 1852

Chester is a city in Chester County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 6,476 at the 2000 census and center of an urban cluster with a total population of 11,140. It is the county seat of Chester County.

Notable natives:

Sheldon Brown - National Football League corner back

Allison Feaster - Basketball player in the WNBA, French citizen since 2004

Maurice Morris - National Football League running back

History:

On July 6th, 2009, it was reported that a serial killer from Gaffney, South Carolina, may have been spotted at Subway. A car had been broken into, although the feed comes from an uncomfirmed person. The suspect was wearing the clothes that had been suspected and a Ford Explorer that the police have confirmed.

Trivia:

Two Major League Baseball players were born in Chester...pitchers Freddy Sale (1902) and Ed Durham (1907).

The TV miniseries Chiefs, based on the novel by Stuart Woods was filmed in Chester in 1983.

Young mill workers in Chester, 1908, photographed by Lewis Hine.

"In passing through the town of Chester, in South Carolina, he [ Aaron Burr ] flung himself from his horse and cried for a rescue; but the officer commanding the escort seized him, threw him back like a child into the saddle, and marched on."

Chester In Pictures:


Chester City Hall and Opera House, Chester County (W. End and Columbia St's., Chester)

Built in 1890-91 by Columbia architect, Frank Munson, the Chester City Hall and Opera House has a long history of cultural and civic activity. The building’s extensive and elaborate use of brick and principal construction material enhances its massive Romanesque Revival style. The façade is arranged in three distinct phases. The tower at left dominates the gabled central section which in turn dominates the less ornate section on the right. Originally all three entrances of the façade were recessed, Roman arches with ornate keystones and voussoirs formed by one stretcher/one header design. A stringcourse between the first two floors has a foliated design. Since 1891, this building has been the hub of Chester’s political activity. The town’s administrative offices have been located here since the building’s construction. The city jail and fire department had also used the building before moving to new facilities. The third floor was originally designed for use as an Opera House complete with gallery, box seats, dress circle and pit seats. The Opera House was also the scene of many community festivities such as talent shows, graduation exercises, recitals and concerts. When the interior was renovated following the 1929 fire, the Opera House was not restored. The fire also destroyed the original spire tower which contained a four-faced clock. Listed in the National Register March 30, 1973.

Chester Historic District, Chester County (Chester)
 


Chester County Courthouse, 140 Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1852)


U.S. Post Office, 158 Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1908)


107-117 Main St.


Joseph Wylie Building, 119 Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1875)


McAlily's Building, 118-122 Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1855)


National Exchange Bank, 125 Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1919)


Wiley-Augurs Building, 130-134 Main St.(Constructed: 1905)


Graham-Hardin Building, 136 Main St.(Constructed: ca. 1853)


Upper Gadsden St.


Commercial Bank Building, 122-126 Gadsden St.(Constructed: ca. 1916 Style: Classical Revival)


Joseph W. House, 114 Academy St.(Constructed: ca. 1892)


Henry-McFadden House, 107 Henry St.(Constructed: ca. 1835)


John A. H. House, 137 Pinckney St.(Constructed: ca. 1896)


110 Reedy St.(Constructed: ca. 1910)


John G. White House, 124 West End St.(Constructed: ca. 1891 Style: Queen Anne)


151 West End St.(Constructed: ca. 1890)


McDonald-Mobley House, 143 Saluda St.(Constructed: ca. 1852 Style: Federal/Greek Revival)




Foote St.



153 Walnut St.(Constructed: ca. 1915 Style: Bungalow)

Obadiah Sealy House, State Route 9, Chester, Chester County, SC

Fischel House, 152 Wylie St.(Constructed: ca. 1858)


Pressly-White House, 100 York St.(Constructed: ca. 1884)


Hugh Hafner House, 121 York St.(Constructed: ca. 1886 Style: Italianate)


S. M. Jones House, 144 York St.(Constructed: ca. 1907 Style: Classical Revival)


A. M. Aiken House, 158 York St.(Constructed: ca. 1918 Style: Craftsman Bungalow)


Leard-Latimer House, 160 York St.(Constructed: ca. 1890)

Constructed: ca. 1890,  Grace Gage House, 133 York St.


The focal point of the Chester Historic District is The Hill, a triangular-shaped plaza on an eminence at the center of the city, around which the original settlement grew, and which now includes the city hall and a relatively well-preserved collection of late nineteenth and early twentieth century commercial buildings. The district now also includes the remainder of the central business area, containing the county courthouse and the federal building, as well as most of the older residential areas of the city and the early churches that are within them. Of the 475 properties in the district, 324 are considered to contribute to its historical character. The city of Chester was formed in the late eighteenth century as Chesterville. However, most of the properties included in the district reflect the city’s history through the second half of the nineteenth and in the early twentieth centuries. As a result, the buildings display a wide variety of architectural styles reflective of stylistic trends during that time span, including Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Victorian, Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Classical Revival, and Bungalow. In addition, the district reflects the city’s role as a commercial center for the surrounding county, and as its political and governmental hub. Listed in the National Register June 13, 1972; Boundary increase March 15, 1988.


Constructed: ca. 1900,  Chester Historic District 205 Walnut St.

External links:

City of Chester

From Raw Cotton to Cloth - a photo essay and short video documentary inside the Springs Katherine Plant in Chester, SC.