Ulmer-Summers House
National Register Listing
Street Address:
Old Orangeburg Rd. (SC 31), Cameron, SC (Calhoun County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817709014
Description and Narrative:
Significant as one of the few examples of late eighteenth century domestic, folk architecture still extant in this region of the state, the Ulmer-Summers House was originally constructed on land granted to John Jacob Ulmer in 1757. The earliest section of the Ulmer-Summers house was built before the turn of the eighteenth century at the edge of a millpond. The house was probably a dogtrot when first built. In 1852, it was decided that the site near the millpond was dangerous to the health of the house’s inhabitants and Ulmer was ordered to destroy the pond’s dam. Before doing so, he moved the house to another tract of land approximately one mile away and renovated the house simultaneously. Set on a low brick foundation, the Ulmer-Summers house is a clapboard frame structure. The medium-gable roof projects over the front elevation and the porch is supported by two square columns, in antis; porch walls are shiplap. The three pedimented dormers and the double tandem stair were added during remodeling in 1960. For a period in excess of 200 years, the Ulmer and Summers families cultivated the land surrounding their house, raising indigo, cotton and grain. In the late nineteenth century, David Summers planted a grove of pecan trees and developed the project into a thriving business—Golden Kernel Pecan Company—that, at the time of nomination, is still in operation. Listed in the National Register October 25, 1973.
Period of Significance:
18th century;before 1800
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Agriculture;Architecture
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
October 25 1973
