Claflin College, Lee Library, College Avenue, Orangeburg, Orangeburg County, SC

Significance: The Lee Library has an unusual picturesque plan and classical details in its brickwork. It is a fine example of the inventive adaptations of classical precedents from the late Victorian period. It was built by Mechanical Arts students at Claflin College, a black institution founded by northern Methodists during Reconstruction. Made of brick and T-shaped in plan, Lee Library has a projecting polygonal bay on the left and features a decorative exterior chimney. An arcaded porch shelters the facade entrance which is to the right of the polygonal bay. The entrance has a flat arch with egg and dart molding and a banderol. Windows on the facade have decorative brick surrounds with flat arches and banderol above. Beneath the windows is a row of rat-tooth course. Sawn modillions are set beneath the eaves. Lee Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 20, 1985, as part of Claflin College Historic District.
Survey number: HABS SC-607
Building/structure dates: 1898 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 85002324