7489 Highway 213 West or Park – Sanders Home

City Directories and History: Constructed in circa 1898 and 1908, for William David Park, the grandfather of the current owner, this house is a simple Carolina “I” farm house from the turn of the century and for decades went unpainted. One the west side of the house the original chimney featured a stone and brick chimney which has been replaced. The interior retains most of its original features including very nice carpenter tiered mantel pieces, unpainted board walls, wide pine flooring and simple panel doors common to the era. Having remained in the family and intact, the house is a warm, inviting piece of local architecture that sheltered the family comfortably for generations. In the late 20th century the rear porch was enclosed, safer chimneys added and modern utilities added.

The current owner,  a Master Gardener, has created an inviting landscape which further enhances the historic structure. She is replacing many of the old growth trees that were once on the site. The historic Park family home had in the mid-twentieth century been abandoned and fallen into shambles. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sanders retired from long-term service as public school teachers and principals in S.C. and decided in the early 1970’s to come to Fairfield County, Margaret Parks’ family home-place, for retirement. The miracle was stated by Margaret Parks Sanders and is paraphrased…”No one wanted to help them with the ruin and all thought the Sanders would never restore this place.” The miracle happened due to the perseverance of the Sanders. They spent about fifteen years and their retirement to bring back this incredible restoration and preservation of their family home. The Parks/Sanders restoration is an incredible testimonial to family and appreciation to history and how it connects us. [J.M. Lyles, III and Sanders family.] “A society grows great when old men and women plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” This Greek proverb apply applies to much of the gardening work currently being undertaken by Margaret Sanders in 2014 and is a testament to her spirit and love of her home-place.

One of the many stories Mrs. Margaret Sanders told of her family dealt with her grandfather visiting Winnsboro in the late 1920 or early 30s for supplies and running into a teen. He had been left by the recent circus when it departed on the train, which he missed. The anxious young man was invited to come home to the Park farm where he lived and worked. While there, he trained the horses and mules, as if he remained at the circus and trained the farm stock to perform circus tricks which were a delight to all.

 

Click here for the Sander’s Preservation From the Heart video as well as others!

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