Summerville in Dorchester County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Timrod Library
Photographed by Dave W, May 27, 2023
1. Timrod Library Marker, Side One
In 1897, the Timrod Library was organized by 19 women as a Chautauqua Reading Circle. It was chartered in 1908 as the Timrod Literary and Library Association. In 1915, Timrods current home was erected on land donated by the Town through efforts of Mayor W.H. Richardson. The building was designed by Henry Burden and the bricks donated by T.W. Salisbury. The builder was Jim Cooper. The library was named in honor of S.C. poet Henry Timrod, best known for his Confederate poetry.
Timrod Library is one of two remaining subscription libraries in S.C., meaning that it is supported primarily through donations and membership dues. In 1927, a kitchen and assembly room were added. Catherine Catty Stewart served as librarian from 1938 to 1953. Her generous bequest in 1979 enabled the library to expand in 1985 with the addition of another room, aptly named the Catherine Stewart Room.
Erected 2018 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History; sponsored by Summerville Preservation Society. (Marker Number 18-26.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 33° 1.079′ N, 80° 10.786′
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Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Timrod Library (a few steps from this marker); Jewish Life (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mayor Berlin G. Myers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Guerin's Pharmacy (approx. Ό mile away); Summerville Water Works (approx. 0.3 miles away); Alston Graded School / Alston High School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Summerville High School / Coach John McKissick (1926-2019) (approx. half a mile away); Coach John McKissick and his wife, Joan (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Summerville.
Photographed by Dave W, May 27, 2023
2. Timrod Library Marker, Side Two
Photographed by Dave W, May 27, 2023
3. Timrod Library Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 28, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
