City Directories and History: 1906 – John Gelzer, Mrs. Ann O. Gelzer, William P. Gelzer, 1907 – John A. Gelzer (RH Hardware Co), 1913 – Ms. Annis Barron, Ms. Virginia Barron – student, Mr. Earle Barron (student), Mary R. Barron – wid. of A. Barron, also: William L. Barron (Sec. – Tres. RH Hardware Co.), 1917 – A.A. Barron (Archibald Alexander Barron) (Rock Hill Hardware Co., Owner), 1936 – Earl P. Barron (Sarah), 1946 – John C. Clinton, 1963 – Martin Paint and Supply Company, Krispy Kreme Donuts
The Rock Hill Herald reported on Feb. 1, 1893 – “Mr. John Gelzer will soon commence the erection of a dwelling in Oakland.”
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on May 23, 1894 – “The business known as Rock Hill Hardware Company is in operation. Mr. John Gelzer will be in charge and T.O. Flowers is a salesman.”
On Sept. 5, 1894 the YV Enquirer reported – “The residence of Mr. A.A. Barron at Ebenezer was destroyed by fire on Sept. 3rd. Two out buildings were also destroyed. He was able to save about 1/3 of the household furniture.”
One of Rock Hill’s oldest and most successful businesses was the Rock Hill Hardware Company on East Main Street. The Barron family owned and controlled the business venture which sold items retail to the public as well as an extensive business in machine parts supplied to Rock Hill’s industrial community. In 1925-26, Mr. Earl Barron was working as a clerk in the downtown store.
The RH Record reported on Sept. 5, 1907 – “Mr. John A. Gelzer has sold his residence on Oakland Ave., to Mr. A.A. Barron of Ebenezer. Mr. Gelzer will move to Spartanburg. The house was sold by Edgar Poag, who also has the home of Mr. H.B. Buist for sale.”
The Record reported on Oct. 10, 1907 – “The Poag Real Estate Co., has bought all the property in Ebenezer belonging to A.A. Barron. As noted recently, Mr. Barron bought the Gelzer property in Oakland and will shortly move his family to Rock Hill.”
The RH Record reported on June 24, 1909 – “The death of A.A. Barron at this home on Oakland Avenue. He was born in the Clay Hill section and later lived in Ebenezer. He was a farmer, and then organized the Rock Hill Hardware Company with his brothers R.E. Barron and W.L. Barron.”
The historic Barron home was not demolished when the commercial area was developed but moved to #354 College Avenue to be used as apartments.
Click HOME to be returned to the Oakland Tour.
The Record reported on Feb. 11, 1907 – “The real estate dept. of Peoples Bank and Trust has recently sold the house and lot on the corner of Park and Ebenezer Avenues to Mr. A.A. Barron.”
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: