Kensington Mansion
in the 1930s

In 1910, Robert Pickett Hamer was one of the wealthiest cotton farmers in the country. He was active in local Dillon County politics and was considering a run for the governorship of South Carolina. Mr. Hamer decided that, because of his political ambitions, he need a proper home near the state capital. And not just any home, it had to be large enough for entertaining and imposing enough to awe his guests. He approached Richard Singleton, owner of Kensington Mansion, and soon purchased the property. Unfortunately, like Mathrew Richard Singleton, Hamer died before he could move into the mansion. Instead his son, Robert Cochrane Hamer and his bride Janie DuBose Hamer moved into Kensington. The Hamers farmed the land, raised their family, and continued the Kensington tradition of a happy home life and lavish entertainments.

The south-west corner showing the old greenhouse. Look closely and you can see how the Hamers closed in the corner porches on the front facade. Unseen from the exterior, the Hamers electrified the house and put in several bathrooms.