“The early and private Rock Hill Primary School…”
City Directories and History: 1908- M.G. (Max) Bryant, 1917 – M.G. Bryant, 1922/23 – M.G. Bryant, 1933 – Robert E. Bryant, 1946 – Henry Thompson, 1963 – NA
“Across the street (on the south side of Johnston) was a cottage with gingerbread trim. This was the home of the Max Bryant family. Mr. Bryant was a Main Street merchant. Next to the Bryant house was the imposing Capt. Edward Biggers Mobley house. Mrs. Mobley was Corrie Massey before marriage. This was a two-story house with very large columns. The roof was steep and was covered with slate shingles. This house was built as a simpler, less formal house; but the Mob1eys remodeled the house completely in preparation for the wedding of their daughter to Mr. George White. It is said that the contractor only finished putting up the columns the day before the wedding. The Mobleys had two sons and two daughters. Mr. Mobley had large farming interests in Lancaster County, just across the Catawba River. He was also a cotton merchant in Rock Hill. He was a veteran of the C.S.A. This house was originally built by Capt. Allen Jones.” [Robbins – White Tour Booklet]
This house was used by the Rock Hill Primary School (private) in the 1880s. At this time Johnston Street was called “Magnolia Street.” The owner of the house and lot was Mrs. Jane P. Means, widow of Beverly Means, of Fairfield County, S. C. Mrs. Means’ daughter, Beverly, taught in the little school. She later married Dr. Theo. M. DuBose. They moved to Columbia, S. C., in 1888. Courtesy of the YCGHS—June 1998
The Herald reported on Feb. 21, 1889 – “That Max Bryant of Columbia, intends to remove to Rock Hill and engage in a grocery business with T. C. Grier, Supt of the 3 CCCs Railroad. They have rented the London Store building. Mr. Bryant was formerly one of the proprietors of the Grand Central Hotel of Columbia, S.C.”
The Herald reported on Aug. 21, 1901 – “That the grocery firm of M.G. Bryant and Co., has closed. Partner Bryant has withdrawn and H.L. Gibson and R.R. Thompkins will conduct a general mercantile at the same location.”
The RH Record of March 15, 1909 – “Mechanics Building and Loan Association was organized last May and is growing fast. To date, $100,000. has been deposited in monthly installments. Officers are E.E. Poag, Pres., C.W.F. Spencer, VP and Max G. Bryant, Sec – Treasurer.”
The Herald reported on Jan. 27, 1932 – “Robert E. Bryant has leased part of the building occupied by Belks and will open a modern theater as soon as remodeling is completed.”
Also see additional information on other Rock Hillians who made a difference under the picture column – the MORE INFORMATION link.
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