Rawl-Couch House
National Register Listing
Street Address:
22 Short St., Batesburg, SC (Lexington County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817732021
Description and Narrative:
This two story, asymmetrical frame dwelling is the area’s most distinctive Queen Anne residence. The house was originally constructed in 1893, and enlarged and remodeled in its present style in 1908 by John Jacob Rawl. The house has a one-story wraparound porch, supported by turned posts, with an elaborate arched spindle frieze and turned balusters. A three-story shingle clad turret, with a conical roof, rises at the left side of the façade. It is balanced by a gabled pavilion on the right, with an intricately sawn bargeboard. The foundation of the house is brick; the roof is original sheet metal shingles. Two corbeled chimneys pierce the central block’s steep hip roof. The house was originally constructed as a Methodist school. Rawl enlarged and remodeled the house for his widowed daughter-in-law Mrs. Annie Rawl. The house became the Batesburg “teacherage,” a boarding house for female teachers. The design appears to be adapted from a design by George F. Barber, architect, who worked out of Knoxville, Tennessee, ca. 1888-1915. Barber provided plans and specifications, via mail, for houses across the nation. Listed in the National Register July 6, 1982.
Period of Significance:
1908;1893
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Education
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
July 6 1982
