Distinctive Properties of Historic Sumter / March 2023
This is the first in a series of interviews about the many interesting dwellings in the Heart of Sumter neighborhood. Our first visit was with Annette Doyle on Park Avenue.
HSNA
– When did you come to Sumter, and what brought you?
AD
– I moved to Sumter in 1968. My new husband Jack already was a professor at USC Sumter.
HSNA
– Why did you choose this house?
AD
– By 1973, our family was growing. This house was a good size for us. The children enjoyed Memorial Park, and Jack could play tennis there.
HSNA
– What can you share about your property’s history?
AD
– Originally, this was a three-room house! It was built c. 1901 by the Foxworth family. Mr. Foxworth’s name remains in the sidewalk. In time (possibly in the 1920’s), the house was doubled in size. After we’d been here awhile, we created additional living space (two bedrooms and Jack’s stained glass studio) upstairs. In over 120 years, only three families have lived here!
HSNA
– What can you tell us of the architectural style?
AD
– There are many exterior and interior features that are identified with the Craftsman style although we really don’t know how it looked as a three-room house.
HSNA
– What especially do you like about your house?
AD
– I have a great front porch. The upstairs rooms can be closed off, and that leaves a manageable amount of space for me downstairs.
HSNA
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What do you like about living in the Heart of Sumter neighborhood?
AD
– I like the closeness of the houses, the variety of architectural styles, and the friendly neighbors.
HSNA
– Annette, thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us!