Sompayrac Store Building
Sompayrac (pronounced SUMP-rack), dates back to 1815 – wow!
If you’ve passed through Society Hill, you likely have taken note of the numerous historic structures that line Main Street. One, the former Sompayrac General Store, is believed to be the oldest framed mercantile building outside of the tidewater region in South Carolina.
Some sources date the Sompayrac to 1815. If trueo, this is a 200-year-old+ building in remarkably good condition… a shout out to Theodore Sompayrac, who constructed this one-story gabled structure.
The Sompayrac was a general store and run by the family for 169 years. It was exactly what you would imagine when you think of a family-owned, “mom-and-pop” business, selling comfort items to farm equipment, and everything in between. It closed its doors in 1984. To this day, there are still a few items on the shelves. Inside is absolutely amazing. It looks as if it would have in its early days. No paint on the walls, worn floors, writings & notes inscribed in the wood, some with dates.
The front section of the building is open, some shelving lining the walls, two counters, one on each side of the room. And near the rear, an office with glass windows overlooking the retail area, and a fireplace Behind the office is another room, with a fireplace. Running parallel to the office you’ll find another counter and shelving. And at its center rests a heating stove, likely not “fired up” since 1984.
The building is absolutely one of the coolest we’ve seen. In an instant, you can step from a busy, modern, paved street, and into the past… it is like a time machine.
The Sompayrac’s future looks bright as well. Recently purchased by a family of entrepreneurs, their plans are to upgrade the building to support professional offices, yet leave as much as possible intact so it can remain visually connected to its’ past.
So, if you’re passing through historical Society Hill.. slow down just a tad and take a glance at the Sompayrac, imagine all that has taken place during its 200+ year existence, and keep an eye on it’s future.
