04/27/2026
This building was owned by Lizzie M. Lide and Mary F. Lide (sisters) until 1890. They also owned th property that eventually became 103 Pearl Street, presently the Market on Pearl). In 1890 the sisters sold the property to Lawrence Welling and Marion Bonnoitt. These two men were business partners. They built a hardware store on the property known as a Welling and Bennoitt Hardware Company. The store operated for several decades until it was destroyed by fire on March 30, 1930. (The Enterprise Hotel located on the corner of South Main and Public Square caught fire and burned most of the southern side of the square). The property then passed to Lurline Welling McCullough, daughter of the Welling partner. Mrs. McCullough had a new building constructed that bore some resemblance to the first floor façade of the Welling and Bennoitt building. That is the building that is there today. Once the new building was completed, it became home to Darlington Hardware. Mrs. McCullough owned the building and the business until May 22, 1975 when the hardware store was sold, ending an 85 year family owned business. Mrs. McCullough died in December 1976. The hardware store continued to operate under other owners before closing a few years ago. The Welling building is now available to host your special event. Please contact us at 843-307-8367. 
