Calhoun County Library
National Register Listing
Street Address:
Railroad Ave., St. Matthews, SC (Calhoun County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817709004
Description and Narrative:
As one of St. Matthews’ oldest buildings, the Calhoun County Library is significant for its pleasing Greek Revival architectural proportions and its creative use as a public library and museum. The one-story, medium-gabled white clapboard structure was originally built in 1877 as a residence and has been adapted for use since 1949 as a county library. The front façade features a three-bay, square-columned entrance porch, and extending from the left and right wings are two smaller porches of similar design that enhance the building’s symmetry. An L-shaped porch with unadorned square columns extends across the left elevation, a portion of which has been enclosed to meet additional space requirements of the library. It is an excellent example of the adaptive use of a residential structure in an increasingly commercial district. The main entrance is a four-panel double-door with sidelights and fanlight that fill the library’s reading room with abundant natural light. The building sits on a spacious lot near the center of St. Matthews in the original residential district. Listed in the National Register May 29, 1975.
Period of Significance:
circa 1877;19th century
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Education
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
May 29 1975
