A.P. Williams Funeral Home facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
A.P. Williams Funeral Home
|
|
 |
|
 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1808 Washington St. Columbia, South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1893-1911 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Segregation in Columbia, South Carolina MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 05001102 |
| Added to NRHP | September 28, 2005 |
The A.P. Williams Funeral Home is a very old and important building located in Columbia, South Carolina. It was built a long time ago, between 1893 and 1911. This building was first a home for a family, but later it became a special kind of business: a funeral home. It is especially important because it served the African-American community during a time when many services were separated based on race.
What is a Funeral Home?
A funeral home is a place where families go when someone they love has passed away. People who work at funeral homes help families plan memorial services and take care of the person who has died. They help make sure everything is handled with respect and care during a very sad time.
A Special Building
The A.P. Williams Funeral Home is a two-story building. This means it has two main floors. It is made of wood and has a special kind of roof called a hipped roof, which slopes down on all sides. It also has gables, which are the triangular parts of a wall under a sloping roof. You can also see a porch with columns at the front, which makes the building look grand.
Why is it Important?
This building is important because it was one of the few places that served African-American families in Columbia, South Carolina, during a time of segregation. Segregation meant that people of different races were often kept separate, even for important services like funeral care. The A.P. Williams Funeral Home provided a vital service to the black community.
Archie Preston Williams, II, who ran the funeral home, was a respected leader in the black community of Columbia. He played an important role in helping people during difficult times.
Because of its history and importance, the A.P. Williams Funeral Home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site that should be preserved.
