WU’s Pettus Archives has a collection of drawings of the Strait Home by Rock Hill architect A.D. Gilchrist dating Dec. 1938.
City Directories and History: 1963 – Mrs. Rena B. Strait
The Herald reported on April 15, 1925 – “That Dr. Frank Strait and F.E. Clinton were issued permits to erect dwellings on the new street running from College Ave., (Park Ave.,) in the rear of Walter Jenkins home. Each will cost $3,500.”
Rock Hill architect, Mr. Alfred D. Gilchrist, was born and educated in Manchester, England and came to America in 1900. In 1912 he arrived in Rock Hill and began practicing architecture. Several building can be attributed to him; Ebenezer School – 1921, Stevenson Theater, Oakland Avenue Pres. Church, and several buildings at Winthrop University. His son, William P. Gilchrist worked as a designer and draftsman with the firm. Following WWII, Gilchrist associated with W. Lewis Cook in the firm Gilchrist and Cook. That firm had buildings including: Woodland Un. Methodist Church, Park Baptist Church and homes and schools. Ms. Bessie L. Garrison, Rock Hill Historical Research Papers #10 – 1952.
Local resident, Johnny Strait posted on Facebook, Aug. 1, 2016 – “In the 50’s, Dr. Frank Strait and Dr. William Blackmon shared offices on the third floor at the back of the Trade Street side of this building. I never knew it had a name until today. Thanks, Wade. My mom, Mrs. Elizabeth “Buddie” Strait, and Lavenia Lineberger were the nurses. Even though we were Strait’s, we were not close relatives of Dr. Strait’s. That was one creepy building to a kid around 10. I still remember seeing big rats in that building. I think Dr. Strait and Dr. Blackmon were some of the last Dr.’s to vacate the building when they retired in the late 50’s or early 60’s.”
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