City Directories and History: 1954 – Union School Administration
Originally this was the site of the Clifford Seminary, a private school for female boarding and day students which sat on what became the Union County High School. The school was
organized by the Reverend, Dr. and Mrs. B.G. Clifford in 1881 and operated until 1917. A major section of the house was destroyed in 1924 and the building demolished totally by 1950.
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on Feb. 3, 1892 – “Ms. Ella Rainey left Sharon last Monday for Union to become a student at the Clifford Institute.”
The Weekly Union Times of June 16, 1893 reported on the commencement ceremony of the school. “This is the 9th commencement. Religious services were held at the Pres. Church and a concert and graduation ceremony were held at Nicholson’s Hall. There were five graduates and a total enrollment of 56. The Pres. is Rev. B.G. Clifford.”
The Rock Hill Herald reported on June 23, 1900 – “Ms. Annie Belle McCallister has accepted a position in Clifford Seminary in Union to teach English and Latin.”
The Fort Mill Times on July 9, 1908, contained an article on the Clifford Seminary in Union, S.C. twenty five years ago. It stated, “it was fore the education of young ladies. The school is thoroughly Christian and the atmosphere of the home prevails.” (Established in ca. 1883)
This structure appears to be on the lots where #’s 114 and 122 on the accompanying 1917 Sanborn Insurance Maps of Union, S.C. once stood. Built in 1922, as a grammar school, it was later converted to the high school in 1927. The architect was Herndon Thomson of Union.
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