“The site of the 19h century McKee clock factory in downtown Chester, S.C.”
City Directories and History: 1908 – DeHaven-Dawson Supply Company (Chester Hardware Company), 1940 – Peoples Furniture Company, 1958 – Peoples Furniture Company, 1978 – C and S Electronics, Peoples Furniture Company
A massive hardware store was located here prior to a fire in 1904 which destroyed the building. According to one source, the Agurs family constructed the current building for an investment concern. Following the fire long-term hardware dealer, Mr. George R. Dawson of Chester, constructed a new three story building here to house his Chester Hardware Company, of which he
was President. The People’s Furniture store has been a long-term occupant of this structure and remains there in 2012.
This was the original site of the John McKee’s store on main where he made clocks, sold silver and operate his business. The Yorkville Enquirer of January 12, 1871 reported: “On Wednesday morning last, this town suffered from a most destructive fire that has ever occurred here… The property destroyed consisted of the block of buildings extending from McAlily’s Hotel Building to the cross street including the dwelling, store, and kitchen of Mr. John McKee.” Reportedly, John McKee lived on West End Street.
The Rock Hill Herald reported on Feb. 6, 1942 – “Fire destroyed the two story brick building owned by Sam Frazser (Frazier), and housing the People’s Furniture Store.”
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