John Calvin Owings House, 787 West Main Street, Laurens, Laurens County, SC

Significance: The John Calvin Owings House is one of the most outstanding examples of Victorian architecture remaining in Laurens, South Carolina. John Owings played a prominent role in political and economic activities in the city. Constructed with a brick foundation with clapboard and shingle siding in the Victorian (Queen Anne) style, this three-story structure has a circular turret and octagonal oriel. A projecting front gable includes a second-story portico with horseshoe arch and spindle decoration. There are cresting and finials on the slate roof. Its interior features include oak paneling, staircase, mantels and latticework. It still contains its original light fixtures and fireplaces with tile and mirrored overmantels. The John Calvin Owings House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 1978.
Survey number: HABS SC-606
Building/structure dates: ca. 1896 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 78002520