Withers House – 20 Cleveland Street York, S.C.

City Directories and History: This house was moved to this lot by Joe Rainey and the historical society in hopes of saving one of York’s very distinguished homes. He made substantial improvements to the dwelling and it became rental property. The house that originally occupied this site was a duplicate of the house at 408 Cleveland Avenue, both reflecting a strong Victorian architectural flavor. The Whiters house was originally constructed in circa 1815 by James White, M.D., and it was one of the few houses in the region to feature Chinese Chippendale porch columns.

Originally located on the comer of South Congress and Jefferson Streets, the house was moved to its present site on Cleveland Avenue by the Yorkville Historical Society to avoid demolition. It was built by the White family in 1811 and may be the oldest house standing in York. It was later leased to a Miss Rose Tanee, who used the house as a finishing school for ladies. Several prominent men who contributed to the political scene during the antebellum period (including two lieutenant governors) have lived in the house. The house includes unusual “Chinese Chippendale” columns and pegged joists throughout. In the 1850’s, a rear wing had been added, but it was removed when the house was relocated in 1980, restoring the house to its original “two room over two room with a central hallway” floor plan. [Courtesy of the Yorkville Historical Society – 2002]

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