Category Archives: Houses

The Dr. Hugh Ratchford and Mary Black Home of Spartanburg, South Carolina

Driving down East Main Street from downtown, there aren’t many homes left from the early days of Spartanburg. Located near Converse College (now University) is the family home of Dr. Hugh Ratchford and Mary Snoddy Black. Growing up in Spartanburg, everyone knew the Black family name because of Mary Black Hospital, the hospital that Dr. Black and his sons (also doctors) founded and named after Mrs. Black.

This 1917 Craftsman was home to several generations of the Black family. It is no longer a family residence; it is now used commercially.

Beggs-Holcomb House – Spartanburg, South Carolina

This 1920 home was built in Converse Heights, and it is a contributing property to the Historic District.

Buckley-Ligon House – Spartanburg, South Carolina

Built in 1928, this home is a contributing property to the Converse Heights Historic District.

Loessburg-Wrightson House-Spartanburg, South Carolina

Built in 1950, this home is a contributing property to the Converse Heights Historic District.

1954 advertisement in The Spartanburg Herald Journal

Seven Gables-Spartanburg, South Carolina

The home of Henry and Martha Blackford was built in the early 1920s. It is a contributing property to the Converse Heights Historic District.

Revisiting the Coleman-Aiken-Balser House in Chester, South Carolina

Built before 1900 in Chester, South Carolina, the Coleman-Aiken-Balser is a striking house that has caught the imagination of photographers and passers-by. I first photographed it in 2022. While it doesn’t look worse, it doesn’t seem better either. I thought I saw signs of potential work, but there are still windows open to the elements.

I hope to see it restored one day.