City Directories and History: This is one of Laurens County’s finest examples of 19th century architecture, circa 1850, having been constructed by the Vance family in the Joanna Community.
“This attractive house is located in the Bush River section of the county on a road which divides Laurens and Newberry counties. The old building is in a beautiful setting on high land sloping in the rear to a lake, a favorite place for summer entertaining.
The rectangular building has a large wing to the rear and a well-proportioned porch on one side. Two massive chimneys rise above the gabled roof and a pleasing two-storied portico protects the downstairs entrance and the upstairs balcony.
It is unfortunate that so little can be learned of its early history. Legend says it was built in the early to mid 1800’s, at which time it was considered one of the finest houses in the community. Before the War Between the States a family by the name of Vance occupied the house and later moved to a western state.
At one time the property was owned by the Shannons, and today is part of the estate of I. M. Smith, farmer and dairyman. Tenants live in the house at this time.”
Information from: The Laurens County Sketchbook, Author – J.S. Bolick, 1973
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