Corner Store and Office, The

National Register Listing

Street Address:

US Hwy. 21, W of jct. with Lands End Rd., St. Helena Island, SC (Beaufort County)

Alternate Name:

Macdonald, Wilkins & Co. Store; Mark D. Batchelder Office

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817707037

Description and Narrative:

(Macdonald, Wilkins & Co. Store/Mark D. Batchelder Office) The store is significant as an example of late nineteenth century commercial architecture and for its economic and social importance to residents of St. Helena Island. The Corner Store was built ca. 1877 by James Ross MacDonald, a businessman from Rhode Island who moved to St. Helena Island in an effort to improve his health. MacDonald’s store, located near the center of the island at a place historically known as the Corner, sold provisions to the islanders, most of whom were African American. The Corner Store became one of the major centers of commercial and social activity on St. Helena. One of the early post offices for St. Helena Island was also operated in the Corner Store. The office, built ca. 1905, is significant as an example of early twentieth century commercial architecture and for its association with the firm of MacDonald, Wilkins, and Company. This building served as an office for Mark D. Batchelder, a junior partner of MacDonald, Wilkins, and Company, which operated the store and shipped sea island cotton. Listed in the National Register October 6, 1988.

Period of Significance:

1905;circa 1877 – 1925;circa 1877

Level of Significance:

National

Area of Significance:

Architecture

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

October 6 1988

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