A treasure trove of wonderful architecture, Westminster, SC boasts more than one hundred homes that are unique to the late 1800's and turn-of-the-century -- 90 percent of them occupied and maintained with great diligence and pride. These treasures are an important part of our heritage and tradition.

Old Main Street, with its unique shops and hometown atmosphere, has benefited from an influx of private investment to restore and renovate most of its buildings. From the locally-owned drug store to the hometown newspaper office, and all the specialty shops in between, Old Main Street is a browser's delight.

Westminster has another unique area. One of the few small southern communities with a textile mill still located, and operating, within its' city limits. This mill, Beacon Manufacturing (a division of Pillow-tex) is a main-stay of the local economy with its employment of 640 plus people. Surrounding the mill are many of the original company-owned homes that housed the workers of the factory. Many have been renovated and stand as a testimony of another era.

This area has been selected for designation as a "historical" district due to several elements, which include, but are not limited to: The Westminster Presbyterian Church (The oldest standing church in Westminster), The Ballenger House, The Grubbs House, The McCormick House and many others. These homes present a unique and stately representation of turn-of-the-Century architecture. Many have been completely renovated. Others are in the process of renovation, with still others expected to be on the market in the next few years. This is a neighborhood that demands to be preserved for future generations.

Along this wonderful neighborhood street are some of the finest homes in Westminster. Some have been held in the same family for several generations. Notable for the architecture, Retreat Street offers a glimpse of the stately homes of the successful men who helped create the City of Westminster. Alongside these marvellous pillared homes are wonderful examples of bungalow style homes with their sweeping front porches and sedate white posts. There are at least eight homes on this street alone that warrant driving by to admire. There is also the Mason home which, while not renovated, is well worth the time to see. This is the stuff that Southern Living fans dream of. A rare treat for the "small town visitor," Retreat Street is a great example of a neighborhood were pride has overcome the urge to change.

This area, created out of a need for housing for mill workers, has several fine examples of "company" housing. Although now privately owned, a drive by this area will bring back memories for many adults and is a great lesson in the history and economics of the small southern town. Our children will embrace the stories of "Mill Town" and grow in appreciation of their grandparents struggle to create a better life for them. Also located in this area are several wonderful homes that are in the process of being saved. Additionally, the old school, which now stands boarded-up and unused, can be seen.

From Lucky Street to North Avenue, "Old Main" is still a jewel. With the infusion of private dollars by local businesses, historic Main Street has now reclaimed nine of its best buildings. If you are planning to visit Westminster, set aside some time for just "browsing" through the many antique and specialty stores in the area. Visit the old Depot, which has been fully restored and houses the Westminster Chamber of Commerce.

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