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The Chamber’s Permanent Home
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2016/01 - Winter
The Marchant-Parker-Davis-Patterson House became the permanent home of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce in 2013. Its provenance is impressive and is reflected in its lengthy name.
The home’s history spans three centuries beginning with its construction in 1879 by Robert Marchant. It was his Highlands Pine Ridge residence for five years. In 1884 Greenville, South Carolinian Thomas F. Parker, stepson of Prioleau Ravenel, made it his home. He operated Kelsey-Highlands Nursery located below Sunset Rock for 30 years until it closed in 1920.
C. Gustavus Memminger bought the home from him in 1911. When it burned in 1920, the dwelling belonged to Nannie Rogers. It was rebuilt on its former foundation preserving the original chimney. A Georgia building contractor, W.S. Davis, purchased it in 1937. His wife had died, leaving him to care for a daughter. Suffering from TB, they came to Highlands to recuperate at Dr. Mary Lapham’s Sanatorium. Davis lived to his 90th year after serving two terms as Mayor, 1927-31 and 1937-39.
Mayor Davis sold the house to Floridian F.P. Mirabelli in 1945. In 1954 it was purchased by Claude “Pat” Patterson who also served two mayoral terms, 1962-65 and 1968-75.
Around the turn of the millennium Gus and Jan Lard purchased the property. It became the center of operations for Signature Properties Real Estate. Four years later it was completely renovated and converted into a new home for Nick’s Restaurant until December, 2011.
The house sat empty for almost a year until an anonymous benefactor purchased it and donated it as the Chamber’s permanent home. After occupancy by two mayors it was only fitting it should become headquarters for town business. The Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center opened the door to its new quarters April 3, 2013.
The Marchant-Parker-Memminger-Rogers-Davis-Mirabelli-Lard-Anonymous-Town of Highlands Home, re-purposed over three centuries, has glorious stories to tell. Find out more by joining the Chamber’s activities, from visitor to volunteer to member. Experience Highlands’ history in the making at #49 on the Highlands Heritage Tour. Call (828) 526-5841 for more info.
