Allen Dial House

Historic Property

Alternate Name:

Unknown

Street Address:

1355 secondary rd. 729 approx.1 mile S of its intersection w/ State Rte. 252, Laurens, SC (Laurens County)

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Site Number:

0001

Control Number:

U/59/0001

Date Surveyed:

October 29 2001

Construction Date:

1856

Alteration Date:

1930s

Historic Use:

Residential/Domestic

Current Use:

Residential/Domestic

Historic Core Shape:

Rectangular

Number of Stories:

1.5

Construction Method:

frame

Exterior Walls Materials:

Weatherboard

Foundation Materials:

Stuccoed Masonry

Roof Shape:

gable, lateral

Roof Materials:

aluminum

Porch Width:

entrance bay only

Porch Shape:

gable

National Register Determination:

listed;

Signficant Architectural Features:

The Allen Dial House is a rare example of a highly decorative Greek Revival raised cottage. Decorative elements include a transom and sidelights over a double front door, decorative gutters with "1856," and an elliptical fan light in the portico over the entry. All windows are four over six. An outbuilding (1853), possibly the former kitchen or residence, remains.

Alterations:

Owner Dr. Elias Gray did restoration work, added bathrooms, and used pine flooring from the attic as paneling in the first (basement) floor main room.

Historical Information:

Allen Dial (1811-1894) was a farmer and physician. He was a member of the Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church, where he was buried. The original entrance to the house was through an avenue of cedar trees to the present-day rear of the house. A tornado in the 1970s or 1980-1989 destroyed several trees and possibly outbuildings. The land has been used as a sheep farm, and current owners raised cattle.

Source of Historical Information:

Property owner and NRHP nomination

Quadrangle Name:

Laurens South

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