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E.T. West House
The "E.T. West House", circa 1890, is located within the West Broad Historic District of Darlington, SC. The Historic District is rich in character, containing 34 houses and 4 non-contributing properties, primarily in the Queen Anne or Victorian Styles. A number of these houses are located on West Broad Street, also known as "Reese Row" after the self-taught African American master carpenter, architect & entrepreneur, Lawrence Reese.
In February 2025, Preservation SC purchased the E.T. West House though the Endangered Properties Program. It is our intent to repair the first and second floor balconies before locating a new owner to care for this historic property.
Lawrence Reese (1865-1915)
Born in Marlboro County to Richard and Fannie Reese, Lawrence Reese was the youngest son of nine children. Reese’s older brothers, who were carpenters and builders, taught him fishing, farming, and the family trade of carpentry.
At around 21 or 22 years old, Reese moved to Darlington. There, he obtained experience and expertise in his trade, and his reputation as a talented craftsman and builder increased. He educated himself about emerging architectural trends and incorporated his own signature detailing.
After his relocation, he married Lula Aiken and had eight children with her, consisting of four sons and four daughters. Reese's occupation involved building houses, with the first house he constructed being situated on the property of Lula Aiken's parental figures, Dr. and Mrs. McGirt. The last house he built is located at 434 West Broad Street and still retains its original hardwood floors.
Reese's life was tragically cut short in 1915 due to a heart attack. His descendants remained dedicated to upholding the family's heritage, with his sons excelling in carpentry and building, and his daughters achieving prominence in the fields of education and nursing. The historic residences on West Broad Street continue to serve as a poignant reminder of Reese's outstanding craftsmanship and the indelible mark he left on the city of Darlington. In 1988, the West Broad Street Historic District was officially enrolled in the National Register of Historic Places.
Project Partners
Bill Segars, Preservation Consultant
Chisholm Construction, LLC