Darlington in Darlington County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
"Reese's Row"
West Broad Street Historic District
Known as “Reese’s Row,” the West Broad Street Historic District features 14 houses designed and built between c.1890 and 1910 by master carpenter Lawrence Reese (1864-1915). Most of the large, two-story homes feature elaborate Eastlake, Queen Anne, and other Victorian era architectural elements. In addition to these homes, the SC Western Railway Station was built by Reese. All are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reese, who had no formal training in architecture, was a self-taught master craftsman and designer. His personal favorite of th house he designed in Darlington is the Belk Funeral Home, built c.1900 as a residence for Abraham Hyman.
Born near Bennettsville, SC< Reese was the youngest son of nine children of Richard and Fannie Reese. Carpentry was the family trade of the Reese men. He came to Darlington when he was about 21, asking for the hand in marriage of Lula Aiken, a young Cherokee girl being raised by Dr. and Mrs. McGirt, a local physician and his wife. Proving his competence in construction by building a house specified by Dr. McGirt, Lawrence Reese was permitted to take Lula’s hand.
Lawrence and Lula had eight children who lived to adulthood. The last family home built by Reese is at 434 West Broad Street. That house, improved over the years, still retains the original structure and hardwood floors laid by him. Reese died in 1915 of a heart attack, and his sons continued the family trade as carpenters and builders.
Erected by Eastern SC Heritage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 34° 17.941′ N, 79° 52.256′ W. Marker is in Darlington, South Carolina, in Darlington County. Marker is on West Broad Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 W Broad St, Darlington SC 29532, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lawrence Reese (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Macedonia Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wilds-Edwards House / Samuel Hugh Wilds (approx. ¼ mile away); St. James Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Darlington County / Darlington County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Darlington County Confederate Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Darlington Memorial Center (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Darlington.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.