Greenville in Greenville County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Wilkins House

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2019

1. Wilkins House Marker
(side 1 • faces south • house right of marker)

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

(side 1)
The Wilkins House was built in 1878 by Greenville builder Jacob Cagle for William Wilkins and his wife Harriett Cleveland Wilkins. The home, which originally fronted Augusta St., was designed in the Italianate style, but also incorporated Gothic and Moorish elements. The interior finishes, including complex millwork and Lincrusta wall coverings, matched the high style of the exterior. An 1898 article declared it "the finest home of any man in northern South Carolina."

(side 2)
William Wilkins died in 1895 but Harriett lived here until her death in 1930. In 1933 the house was leased by the Wilkins family to R.D. Jones, who used it as both a residence and funeral home. When the home was threatened with demolition in 2014 a public fundraising campaign, along with the efforts of a new owner, combined to raise enough money to move the 750-ton building to its current site. At the time, it was believed to be the heaviest building ever moved in S.C.
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. (Marker Number 23-82.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 34° 49.845′ N, 82° 24.353′ W. Marker is in Greenville, South Carolina, in Greenville County. Marker is at the intersection of Mills Avenue (U.S. 29) and Elm Street, on the right when traveling north on Mills Avenue. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, near the northwest corner of the Wilkins House property. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 Mills Avenue, Greenville SC 29605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Working Benevolent Society Hospital (approx. 0.6 miles away); Claussen’s Bakery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Chancellor Waddy Thompson (approx. 0.6 miles away); Berlin Wall Concrete Pipe (approx. 0.7 miles away); Furman University (approx. 0.7 miles away); Greenville High School (approx. 0.7 miles away); "Shoeless Joe" Jackson House (approx. ¾ mile away); Greenville County Veterans Memorial / Greenville County Medal of Honor (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

Regarding Wilkins House. National Register of Historic Places #16000463 (2016)

Also see . . .
1. Greenville mansion listed on National Register. For 60 years,

Wilkins House Marker <br>(<i>side 2 • faces north • house is left of marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2019

2. Wilkins House Marker
(side 2 • faces north • house is left of marker)

Jones Mortuary inhabited the home, according to a report in The Greenville News. Its owners painted its exterior white and added wings. After the mortuary, the home served as an antiques shop and as a bridal event space. The mansion's design, level of craftsmanship, and architectural integrity make it a rare example in the Upstate region and, within the state as a whole. (Submitted on May 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Wilkins House (Wikipedia). This link presents a photo of the Wilkins House on wheels during its September 6, 2014 move. The approximately 750-ton house was moved a few blocks from Augusta Street to Mills Avenue. Although buildings that have been moved are typically ineligible for the National Register, the Wilkins house was considered eligible on the basis of its architecture ("an excellent example of a high-style Italianate residence") and because it was a rare residential construction by Jacob Cable. (Submitted on May 7, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Wilkins House Marker (<i>wide view from Mills Avenue/Elm St. intersection; house in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2019

3. Wilkins House Marker (wide view from Mills Avenue/Elm St. intersection; house in background)

Wilkins House (<i>exterior architecture detail</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2019

4. Wilkins House (exterior architecture detail)

Wilkins House (<i>east side view from Elm Street</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2019

5. Wilkins House (east side view from Elm Street)

Wilkins House (<i>front view from Mills Avenue/U.S. Highway 29</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2019

6. Wilkins House (front view from Mills Avenue/U.S. Highway 29)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 377 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.