City Directories and History: 1892 – Dr. S. M. Davega (Devaga), 1940 – Barron Funeral Home – 1958 – Barron Funeral Home
Dr. S.M. DaVega constructed this building in circa 1892. It was used as a hospital at a later date and when acquired by J.A. Barron for his residence, it later became the Barron Funeral home. Many of the homes original Queen Anne features have been removed but it remains as one of Chester’s fine architectural gems.
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on June 8, 1892 – “The Drugstore of Dr. A.H. Devaga of Chester was destroyed by fire last Monday. Coleman’s Furniture Store was also damaged in the fire.”
The Rock Hill Herald on May 2, 1903 reported, “Architect H.E. White has recently secured additional contracts in Chester for the remodeling of store houses belonging to the Misses Devaga and the Bewley Hardware Company.”
The Herald reported on May 17, 1910 – J.S. Starr, architect of Rock Hill is drawing plans for improvements on the home of J.H. Devaga of Chester.” And later Rock Hill architect, Mr. A.D. Gilchrist drew extensive plans for improvements in Feb. 1939. Courtesy of the WU Pettus Archives – 2024.
Rock Hill architect, Alfred D. Gilchrist assisted in upgrading the funeral home in 1939 for Mr. J.A. Barron. Alfred D. Gilchrist was born and educated in Manchester, England and came to America in 1900. In 1912 he arrived in Rock Hill and began practicing architecture. Several building can be attributed to him; Ebenezer School – 1921, Stevenson Theater, Oakland Avenue Pres. Church, and several buildings at Winthrop University. His son, William P. Gilchrist worked as a designer and draftsman with the firm. Following WWII, Gilchrist associated with W. Lewis Cook in the firm Gilchrist and Cook. That firm had buildings including: Woodland Un. Methodist Church, Park Baptist Church and homes and schools. Ms. Bessie L. Garrison, Rock Hill Historical Research Papers #10 – 1952.
Informative link: Queen Anne Architecture
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