City Directories and History: 1917 – J.A. Franks, 1948 – NA
One of Laurens important ante-bellum homes, this house was razed after 1984. The house was not at its original location but was moved in the 20th century. A case was brought before the court by the heirs of William M. Badgett on May 8, 1855 (Clarissa D. Badgett vs Thomas L. Badgett), resulting in the courts deeding the property to John Kyle for $1,350. in Jan. of 1857. The house was heavily remodeled in the early 20th century.
The house originally was located on the southwest corner of South Harper and Jones Street (514 South Harper Street), it was later turned and moved to the back of the lot facing 109 Jones Street.)
See the Laurens Advertiser, April 9, 1931 (Reminiscences of Old Laurens by Mrs. Bessie Watts Royall)
1917 – J.A. Franks, 1948 – NA
The historic Badgett – Kyle home once stood on this lot. The house was heavily remodeled in the 20th century and moved to the rear of the lot facing 109 Jones Street. See the Jones street address for additional details.
“One of the most interesting houses throughout its early years of service is still standing on Jones Street in Laurens directly behind the dental office of Doctor R. T. Crow. Many changes in appearance have been made over the years which perhaps have added to its convenience for modern living but which at the same time have eliminated the more attractive architectural features.
The house was built by an Englishman, John Kyle, who later returned to his native country. The name Badgett belongs to the list of owners but a scarcity of records conceals the full name as well as the time of occupancy. At the front of the house white columns supported a portico from the eaves to the foundation of the first floor. Handsome dormer windows were across the front.
The several acres of land surrounding the house were made into a formal garden, with a vegetable garden to the rear. A bathhouse adjoined the well, this feature proving to be of great interest to neighbors. A separate building served as kitchen as well as living quarters for servants. John A. Franks had his house furnishings packed and on the wagons to move to the Ekom community when a business offer was made to him which brought about a change in his plans. He remained in the town and purchased the Kyle house. He bought the property from Mrs. Susan Bramlett for the amount of $2,000, considered to be a goodly sum of money at that time.
In more recent years the house was moved across the garden, and buildings have been crowded in until the spacious landscaped garden has shrunk to a mere plot of ground. The Kyle house has seen service as a nursing home and at the present time it houses the Stevenella College for beauticians. It is owned by Doctor Crow.”
Information from: The Laurens County Sketchbook, Author – J.S. Bolick, 1973
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