Anderson County Woman’s Club: Honoring and Preserving the Past for the Future

The Historic Marshall Orr House on the National Register of Historic Places

Written By: Bob Hanley

As individuals, we owe much to the many people who have loved and cared for us, nurtured our development, and helped shape our lives. In a similar fashion the City of Anderson owes much to the pioneer families of times past whose hard work, sacrifice, ingenuity, foresight, and love for this city served an invaluable role in shaping the development and prosperity of Anderson.

Dr. Samuel Marshall Orr: A Pioneer Builder of the Anderson Community

From the early history of Anderson, Dr. Samuel Marshall Orr would become a person to remember. Born in 1855, he grew up in Anderson, married Charlotte Alethea Allen, and made his mark on Anderson through his talents, leadership, and generosity.

He served as a doctor for 25 years until his health caused him to give up his practice. He became deeply involved in the city’s development. To begin, he was president of the Anderson County Medical Association; surgeon for the Charleston & Western Carolina and the Blue Ridge Railway companies; a leading director in Anderson’s First Building and Loan Association; president and treasurer of Orr Cotton Mills; and elected president and treasurer of the Anderson Water, Light, and Power Company, a major contributor to Anderson’s expanded growth in electricity. Yet, little did Dr. and Mrs. Orr know that one of their most significant and long-lasting legacies would come in the form of a house.

The Orr House: How a Building Became a Lasting Legacy for the Anderson Community

Built in 1885, the house itself is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture. Even today, this house is quick to catch the eye beginning with its grand columns that mark the front entrance. Once inside, one steps back into history. From oak floors that have echoed the footsteps of family, friends and visitors for over a hundred years, to wall murals capturing moments in life from another time, to the shimmer and sparkle of chandeliers that gave light to both parties and celebrations of life, these and so much more underscore the value of this hidden gem at 809 West Market Street.

Dr. and Mrs. Orr made The Marshall Orr House their home until 1905. In 1925, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Pinckney Orr (Helen Hammett) purchased the house. Mrs. Helen Hammett Orr was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Mrs. Orr served as past state regent and state treasurer and vice president general of the National DAR. She was a member of the Anderson Garden Club and Anderson Women’s Club.

Later in life, she considered her own legacy. Noting the good works women were doing in Anderson, she believed women needed a place to meet. According to Helen Farmer, granddaughter of Mrs. Helen Hammett Orr, Dr. and Mrs. John Rainey (Callie) were instrumental in encouraging Mrs. Helen Hammett Orr to donate the house to the Anderson County Woman’s Club.

Request to Add Your Support to Preserving the Legacy of the Orr House

In early 2025, the Anderson County Woman’s Club (ACWC) Board of Directors approved a capital campaign to preserve the Historic Marshall Orr House that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Nancy Hanley, President, recruited members for the House Preservation Committee. Mendy Fuller, Janice Waters, Christina Scott, and others sponsored several fundraising events, such as creating ACWC note cards, a summer yard sale, and raffling off Dillard’s Anderson baskets.

Berry Durham Inspection & Consulting inspected and guided us in scheduling the phases for our House Preservation projects.

Phase I: Exterior includes replacing wood and scraping/painting the exterior. Nancy Hanley said, “The ACWC Board voted that work on each phase will begin when all money has been received to cover costs. The Phase I: Exterior estimate is $50,000, and we are asking that the Anderson community and those beyond make a donation in December 2025, if possible. Through the diligent work of the House Preservation Committee and the club members as a whole, $20,000 has been raised since June 2025.”

Phase II: Electrical will begin after the money is raised. The estimate is $84,000 to update and bring the house to code. Plans are to reach out to Duke Energy and other local businesses for financial support as well as the community.

Preserving the Historical Marshall Orr House has a dual purpose: to preserve and maintain the ACWC and to enable the ACWC to foster the educational, literary, cultural, and civic growth in Anderson County. The impact of the ACWC through the Historic Marshall Orr House is three-fold: an affordable local event venue, an outreach opportunity, and a place for the ACWC meetings.

As an event venue, the ACWC offers a historic, picturesque, affordable location with a home atmosphere, ample parking, and an outside event area. Events scheduled include weddings, showers, memorials, graduations, birthdays, and special interest game days for Mahjong, Bunco, and Bridge. Event revenues generated are used for house operation and maintenance. Since ACWC is responsible for all house costs, they engage in fundraising activities and seek grant opportunities for preservation.

For the service projects, the Community Outreach Committee oversees a wide range of activities including annual academic scholarships for both Anderson University and Tri County Technical College; Thanksgiving food, clothing, home goods for the Haven of Rest; glasses for the Lions Club; stamps and gift cards for the Cancer Association of Anderson; as well as aid to Hope Missions; Meals on Wheels; Haven of Rest Women’s Ministry; and Anderson County PAWS.

The ACWC, with the use of the Marshall Orr House, helps the community in many ways. Members believe this house challenges them to recognize the responsibility for preserving these historical legacies for the future. Now the ACWC needs the community’s help as well. They ask all who find family roots connecting with those founding members of the club or to any present club members to consider adding their own legacy to preserving the Orr House. They request the Anderson community and beyond who value preserving the past and supporting the community service efforts of the ACWC to consider donating.