Left Oblique

(Willie Simmons House) The Robert Simmons House is significant as a rare example of a vernacular architectural form once common to St. Helena Island. Although this is an early twentieth century house that has been expanded, the double pen house type has been one of the most prevalent forms in Southern architecture since the Colonial period. This house was built c. 1910 by Robert Simmons, a farmer. Robert Simmons’ son Willie, also a farmer, was born in 1898 and has lived in the house since it was built until the time of its nomination. This house has been enlarged in two directions, but the original core is still present and distinguishable. The main façade has a shed roof porch, supported by wood posts, extending across the façade. One addition extends from the northeast corner of the main façade; the other extends from the rear (south façade). The dates of the additions are unknown. The house rests on metal piers and has a metal roof. Board and batten shutters conceal the window openings. Listed in the National Register October 6, 1988.

View the complete text of the nomination form for this National Register property. In addition, the Historic Resources of St. Helena Island, ca. 1740-ca. 1935 includes historical background information for this and other related National Register properties.

Most National Register properties are privately owned and are not open to the public. The privacy of owners should be respected. Not all properties retain the same integrity as when originally documented and listed in the National Register due to changes and modifications over time.

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