Augustus Belton and Margaret Wheeler Groce House
National Register Listing
Street Address:
110 Ridge Road, Lyman, SC (Spartanburg County)
Alternate Name:
Groce-Hammond House
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817742077
Description and Narrative:
This Colonial Revival mansion was constructed in 1901-1902 for Augustus Belton Groce, a prosperous farmer and entrepreneur, and his wife, Margaret Wheeler Groce, a wealthy heiress. The home is approximately 6,000 square feet and two-and-a-half stories with a full, sub-level basement, and it includes a two-story rear addition built in 2016-2022. The house is faced in wood lap siding and features a wraparound front porch. The property also includes a carriage house and spring house, both dating to the home’s 1901-1902 construction, and a relocated and altered workshop. The house underwent an extensive restoration from 2016 to 2022. The house is significant for its association with Augustus Belton Groce, a prominent Spartanburg County farmer and businessman recognized as the founder of Groce Station, now the Town of Lyman. Beginning in the 1870s with his marriage to Margaret Wheeler, Groce established an empire of land and business holdings that resulted in the area being dubbed Groce Station. In addition to being a prosperous farmer, Groce established profitable local businesses and attracted additional development to Groce Station throughout the first quarter of the twentieth century. In 1901, Groce and his wife commissioned Charles Coker Wilson and William Augustus Edwards, two of South Carolina’s preeminent architects, to design this home. Groce’s enduring legacy would be his involvement in bringing Pacific Mills to Groce Station. At the same time, Groce courted the Southern Power Company, and sold additional property for construction of power lines in the area, bringing electricity to the now bustling town. As a result of Groce’s dedication and investments, the small, rural community known as Groce Station was transformed into a vibrant mill town of Lyman. Groce continued to live at this house until his death in 1939. Listed in the National Register January 31, 2024.
Period of Significance:
1901 – 1939
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Exploration/Settlement
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
January 31 2024
