Williams House
Historic Property
Alternate Name:
Chinaberry
Street Address:
441 York St. SE, Aiken, SC (Aiken County)
Site Number:
03_0003
Control Number:
U/03/0003
Date Surveyed:
January 5 2010
Category:
Building
Construction Date:
circa 1824
Alteration Date:
circa 1930
Historic Use:
Residential/Domestic
Current Use:
Residential/Domestic
Historic Core Shape:
Irregular
Number of Stories:
2.5
Construction Method:
frame
Exterior Walls Materials:
Synthetic Siding
Foundation Materials:
Brick
National Register Determination:
listed;
Signficant Architectural Features:
Historic 6/6 windows; prominent gable end chimneys; Stables w/quarters & cupola on property; significant brick wall with cast iron gates; Antebellum core w/Colonial Revival (1930s) features. Prev. SHPO No. 787
Alterations:
Reorientation of the entrance to face SE & addition of Colonial Revival elements - 1930 c; Modernization of mechanical systems - later 20th C
Historical Information:
(Williams-Converse House) Thought to have been built ca. 1824 for William W. Williams, Chinaberry incorporates materials and methods of construction characteristic of an early nineteenth century Carolina farmhouse, and is the only known surviving landmark in Aiken associated with the founding of the town in the mid-1830s. Dr. William Williams was a locally prominent individual, who in addition to being a planter, served in the South Carolina House of Representatives (1830-1831). Also, local tradition indicates that this house was a focal point for activity during a Civil War skirmish in February 1865. In the 1920s, during Aiken’s heyday as a resort for wealthy sports-loving Northerners, who called themselves Aiken’s “Winter Colony,” John W. Converse purchased and modified Chinaberry for use as a winter residence. Converse was a prominent member of Pennsylvania society and was involved in many different corporations. A well-known polo player in the early days of the sport, he built stables adjacent to his home which he called Chinaberry. A two and one-half story wood frame residence covered with weatherboard, Chinaberry is set on a low brick foundation. After Converse acquired the property in 1926, he reversed the plan of the house, with the front now facing southwest. Chinaberry represents a synthesis of early nineteenth century construction and design with twentieth century Colonial Revival elements. Also within the nominated acreage is a L-shaped weatherboard building with gable roof and cupola, constructed ca. 1930 by Converse, and containing apartments and a stable. Listed in the National Register March 29, 1982.
Source of Historical Information:
“Chinaberry” [Online]; available from http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/aiken/S10817702015/index.htm; Internet. Accessed April 26, 2010.
Survey:
City of Aiken Historic Resources Survey, Aiken County, South Carolina. May 2010
Quadrangle Name:
Aiken