City Directories and History: On June 13, 1889 the Herald ran the following article – “The Board of Trade has scheduled a meeting to discuss establishing an electric
R&R HISTORY LINK: IZARD HISTORY @EAST WHITE STREET
light plant and a system of water works in Rock Hill. Roddey and Whitner made a proposal. They are agents for several light and power companies.”
Sept. 10, 1890 the Herald reported – “The electric light poles are being put up all over town and the wire will be strung over the next two week.”
The Herald reported on Sept. 24, 1890 – “The Electric light plant is being completed rapidly under the supervision of C. N. Woods and eleven workers. The engine and boiler have been installed and the dynamo is on the ground.”
The YV Enquirer reported on Jan. 13, 1892 – “The electric lights in Rock Hill will be improved with the addition of a 100 HP engine and 10,000 candle power motor.”
The Rock Hill Herald reported on Nov. 25, 1896, reported that the Yorkville Yeoman stated, “Yorkville has a good waterworks because the town voted a tax to develop it. Pure spring water is available to residences at a turning of a tap. Rock Hill would be advised to follow such an example, even Chester is planning a waterworks.”
The Herald reported on July 11, 1900 – “On the location of new water hydrants being install throughout the city.”
On March 13, 1901 the Herald reported on a fire – “The corrugated iron building on Railroad Ave., occupied by R.B. Colbert was burned. The building was owned by Gus and Pride Ratterree, Mr. Colbert rented the entire building and used three spaces for his grocery business and rented the other space to Dr. Macon, a African American physician.”
The Herald reported on March 28, 1903 – “Mr. W.A. Fort of the Southern Railroad came yesterday and began the work of putting a tract across Main Street near the office of R.T. Fewell and Co., so the railroad can supply coal to the Black Street area for the electric light plant. He will also install a side track of 2,700 ft., to allow freight trains to be placed while passenger trains pass. This will extend from Black Street to the road that crosses the track at Friedheim’s barn.”
The Herald reported on Jan. 1, 1916 – “Mr. L.G. Wofford has been connected with the Rock Hill Gas Co., for the past year and will be leaving for Columbus, Ga., where he has a similar position.”
MAIN STREET:
- At A.E. Smith’s corner – Main Street
- Dr. Hunter’s Main St corner
- Opposite the residence of A. Friedheim
- Near St. John’s Methodist Church corner
- National Union Bank corner
- Old Oil Mill lot
- John Mallard’s corner
- Laurel Street Methodist corner
- Residence of Mrs. Bynum
BLACK STREET:
- North corner of the Graded School
- Near the home of J.H. Neely
- At the corner of home of J.H. McFadden
- Corner near restaurant of R.B. Colbert
- Opposite the home of Lot Massey
- L.M. Davis corner
- Corner of the store of Jim Erwin
JOHNSTON STREET:
- W.J. Rawlinson corner
- Near the home of E.B. Mobley
- Mrs. Sallie Frew’s corner
MOORE STREET:
- W.J. Orr corner
- C.W. Frew corner
HAMPTON AND ELM AVE:
- Intersection of the two streets
FLINT STREET:
- Corner near the home of G.B. Sandifer
WHITE STREET:
- J.A. Black corner
- Opposite the home of A.H. White
- Episcopal Church corner
- Corner at the Southern Depot
- Opposite Neistler’s Ginnery
- Intersection of White and Wilson Streets
LAUREL STREET:
- Near the RH Buggy Co office
EBENEZER AVENUE:
- Intersection with Wilson Street
- Near the home of Mrs. R.T. Hull
PARK AVENUE:
- Opposite the home of W.C. Whitner
OAKLAND AVENUE:
- Near the home of J.R. London
- Opposite the J.M. Cherry house
- At the R.T. Fewell corner
- In front of the Winthrop College
- W.H. Strewart corner
CHATHAM AVENUE:
- Cresent Mill
The Herald reported on Sept. 11, 1901 – “That the RH Electric Company is arranging to remodel its plant and will put in new dynamos, and make changes so as to receive power from the electric plant of the Catawba Power Company when that enterprise shall be placed in operation. Representatives of General Electric, Stanley and Westinghouse companies will be in Rock Hill today to sell the equipment needed. The company has employed J.H.D. Maxwell of Anderson, an expert electrical engineer. Mr. S.T. Frew will retain his place as the company’s manager.”
The RH Herald on Dec. 6, 1902 reported – “Mr. S.T. Frew has fitted up a nice office in the front part of his undertaking establishment for the RH Water, Light and Power Company, of which he is Superintendent.”
The Record reported on Jan., 10, 1907 – There were negotiations on the franchise for the water, light and power company the current franchise was granted by ordinance on May 30, 1898. A company from Philadelphia controls the plant.
The Record reported on Nov. 18, 1909 – “The Sec. of State has issued a charter for the Rock Hill Water and Electric Company with a capital stock of $100,000. Officers are: A.P. Molloney, Pres. R.T. Fewell, V.P., J.S. Mitchell, Sec., and L.C. Richie, Treasurer. “
Image of the RH Electric Works in 1895.
“The city of Rock Hill operated a facility to produce water and electricity on the South side of Black Street, just west of the railroad, approximately the 100 block of West Black. In late 1913, this facility was no longer needed and the city engineer, W.W. Miller drew a plat showing the property which included frontage on Black and Railroad streets. On Jan. 15, 1914 a public auction was held on this property by auctioneer, John R. Williams. The proceeds were $8,300. Three lots were purchased by A.C. Izard, one by J.C. Cork, one by V.B. McFadden, one to T.l. McDonald, one to J.C. Cauthen, one to John R. McRae, one to T.M. Whisonant, and a lot with house to L.A. Pope, and a lot to J.E. Marshall. The old office building was sold to Neely – Marshall Company. ”
By ca. 1916, the Rock Hill Gas Company was also operating in Rock Hill on Hampton Street. Image courtesy of the AFLLC Collection
The Herald reported on Oct. 14, 1910 – “Consulting engineers are appraising the property of the Rock Hill Water and Electric Co., in order to set a fair price. The City Commissioners of public works received approval under a resolution passed by City Council sometime ago to build or acquire an electric light plant. The Herald believes it is better to purchase the existing company rather than build a new facility.”
The Herald reported on March 18, 1914 on activities at the site of the former Water and Light Plant – “J.C. Cauthen was erecting a new building for the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company at 121 West Black Street, as well as a new store next to it. Allen C. Izard was constructing five stores and remodeling several sections of the old building for offices. The Rock Hill Steam Laundry Company was erecting a new building and relocating from West Main Street.
The Herald Sept. 27, 1902 stated, “reported the Rock Hill Water and Light Company gets its water supply from a 62 ft deep well located at the powerhouse. The well was constructed three years ago and put into use two years ago. Both this well and the wells at Winthrop College have been tested and are pure and holsom.
(Based on Rock Hill City Directories these buildings were being rented by African American businessman.) See an enlargeable plat of the property under More Information. Also see the Urban Renewal image for a 1950’s look at the area.
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.
AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION TAKES HOLD IN ROCK HILL
OAKLAND AVE WATER PLANT SITE
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.
Thanks!
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: