THE BOYKIN HOUSE

The late Herbert and Sallie Boykin purchased the 415 Church Street home in 1993 to serve as their residence and to accommodate family gatherings to include their siblings’ families and the families of their five children. Herbert, a custodial supervisor with the Sumter County School District, dreamed of owning this type of house seeing similar houses and being told that his relatives lived in the houses. He could enter the houses to work but casual visits were limited. Sallie augmented the regal setting of the house by adding the piano to the parlor. Being a believer in arts and education, she arranged lessons for her granddaughters. The acquisition of the property was in keeping with the family tradition of providing for the next generation.

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Built in 1914, more than a decade before the birth of Herbert, The Boykin House continued a stately quality of housing from the preceding century as it featured four bedrooms upstairs, one bedroom downstairs, five fireplaces, as well as the bright hardwood floors, large windows, high ceilings and detailed molding. The parlor just off the foyer was an ideal place for large family gatherings, with a walk through the French doors to enjoy meals in the formal dining area.

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The fireplace in the parlor brought Herbert memories of many childhood stories. The stories which captured Herbert’s fascination allowed that Henry Boykin, Herbert’s paternal grandfather was the son of a prominent gentleman who grew very close to Henry. In addition, Rueben Boykin, Herbert’s maternal grandfather was a son of the brother of the prominent  gentleman. Henry, who could read and write, worked directly for his father before the Civil War and during the war. He was also an entrepreneur. He drove a supply wagon and conducted certain mercantile activities between South Carolina and Georgia. After the war Henry purchased, at a favorable price, a large tract of land from his father. Rueben was born after the war and could read and write. He was a minister and pastored several churches in the Rembert and Boykin areas. He too benefitted from a favorable land transaction with his father. These stories spoke to the family’s use of literacy, initiative and faith to improve the prospects for their families. This was not lost on Herbert as he saw the well-built house as a place to strengthen the family through gatherings nurtured by warmth which is projected by the presence of five fireplaces.

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Herbert and Sallie shared a belief in the value of literacy, initiative and faith in raising the family. Sallie, with five children ranging in age from 2 to 8 years old, entered Morris College. With her determination and Herbert’s support, Sallie completed her college studies in less than four years. The Boykin House was a crowning stone for a couple who made many sacrifices to educate all five children. Their efforts produced offspring of accountants, attorneys, engineers, educators, bankers, business managers, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs.

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Now when visitors sit in the second-floor sun room watching the morning sun rise over the fruit trees and flowers, their coffee will help them to take a deep breath and reflect on the value of family and faith.

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The Boykin House is available for short term rental.  Contact us for rates.  We also have special rates for military families.