The Caldwell Street Post Office and Courthouse in Rock Hill, constructed in 1931-32, is significant as an indicator of the population growth and commercial development of the city in the first third of the twentieth century. Its erection also reflects the rapid growth in Federal construction following the Public Buildings Act of 1926. The Post Office and Courthouse’s carefully composed classical exterior and richly ornamented lobby and courtroom, designed by the Supervising Architect’s Office of the Treasury Department, made the new Federal building the most accomplished piece of architecture in the city at the time of its construction. Well maintained, and with only minor alterations, the Post Office and Courthouse is an important element in the fabric of the city’s central business district. Listed in the National Register on January 21, 1988, it is currently in use as the Gettys Art Center.
The Anderson House (1898) is the former residence of John Gary Anderson, who was president of the Anderson Motor Company in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
This home was owned by Dr. William Wallace Fennell (August 29, 1869-October 11, 1926) who was born in Richburg, Chester County. When the Fennell Infirmary opened in 1908, Dr. Fennell included large wards for African-American patients at a time when many white physicians would not treat black patients in the same facility with white patients. He was held in such esteem by the black citizens of Rock Hill, according to one source, some called him “Doctor God.” It was said of him that his generosity knew no bounds and all was given to the glory of God. There are many stories of his generosity to the poorer citizens, both black and white. When he died on October 11, 1926, Dr. Fennell was universally mourned in the Rock Hill community and beyond. The stores and offices in the city were closed during the hour of the funeral at 11:00 am on Wednesday October 13 as a mark of respect. The Evening Herald noted that “In all his career, Dr. Fennell was never known to turn away, for lack of money, any person in need of medical attention. It has been said by his associates that the world will never know the full extent to which Dr. Fennell served humanity for the love of service, that even his closest friends and members of his family knew only a few of his generous acts."
