The Upper Dorchester County Historical Society has been awarded a $2000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the restoration of the an historical landmark.

The funds will be used to match local funds which will used to secure the services of Glen Keys architectural firm to do a structural assessment and develop restoration plans for the Koger House.

The funds provided by this seed grant will match local funds to help support the completion of Phase II of the preservation plan for the Koger House. It is located near Grover, S.C., on state Highway 19.

The house was built by Maj. Joseph Koger, a prominent citizen who served six years in the House of Representatives and 20 years in the senate representing St George's Parish. He was the first sheriff elected by the people of Colleton District.

Jim Way, one of the historical society directors, said, "Much more money is needed to complete this important restoration. We plan to store and make available to the public important genealogical and historical records."

Built in 1792, this house was build along the stagecoach route and wagon road from Charleston to Augusta. Many historical figures have no doubt sought respite at this historical inn and stagecoach stop.

"We are indeed fortunate that the house survived the Civil War. It was built by Major Joseph Koger, the first sheriff of Dorchester County, as his home. Later, the house served as a stagecoach stop and inn. No one has resided in the house for over 25 years," Way said.

"Mr. and Mrs. Fitzhugh Sweatman donated the house to the Upper Dorchester County Historical Society. The property is listed as one of the most endangered historical properties in South Carolina. It is also on the National Historic Register," he said.

The grant was made possible by the establishment of the Terence L. Mills Memorial Endowed Preservation Services Fund for North and South Carolina. Funds ranging from $500 to $5,000 are awarded to nonprofit groups and public agencies and must be matched dollar for dollar with public or private funds.

Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said, "With these start-up dollars, the Upper Dorchester County Historical Society joins communities nationwide committed to preserving America's architectural and cultural heritage and, in so doing, creating more livable communities."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, chartered by Congress in 1949, is a nonprofit organization with more than 250,000 members. As the leader of the national preservation movement, it is committed to saving America's diverse historic environments and to preserving and revitalizing the livability of communities nationwide.

It has seven regional offices, owns historic sites across the country and works with thousands of local community groups in all 50 states.

Jean Behling, secretary of the Upper Dorchester Historical Society, said, "We have just learned that the house may be older than we thought which makes it of greater historical value. Glen Keyes, architect, will make a presentation of the restoration plans at a Spring event, which will be announced in the near future. Funds are needed for the restoration. Important genealogical and historical data will eventually be housed at the Koger House, and this information will be available to the public."

Behling said charter memberships in the society will be open only until Feb. 28. The fee is $25.00 per year, or $250.00 for a lifetime fee per person.

Individuals wishing to become members may contact President Phyllis Hughes at (843) 563-2298 or Behling at (843) 563-3287. Behling said anyone interested in preserving history is welcome to join the club and may do so at an upcoming meeting on Jan. 20.

Phyllis Hughes, president of the Upper Dorchester Historical Society said anyone wishing to contribute a tax deductible donation for the Koger House restoration may send it to: Upper Dorchester County Historical Society, P.O. Box 15, Dorchester, South Carolina 29437.

Chartered in 2004, the historical society has been active in publishing "The Diary of David Gavin," a 460-page hard bound book which chronicles the life of Major David Gavin, who lived from 1811 to 1874. Insightful information of life in Charleston, Orangeburg, Colleton and Dorchester counties, more than 2,000 individual names, many facets of plantation life and a very detailed journey that took Gavin to Mississippi are all included in the book.

Prints of the St. George and Dorchester Depot have also been sold, and a successful "Shotgun Raffle" has been added to the Historical Society's coffers.

"The Diary of David Gavin" is available at four outlets: The Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, Bolin's Pharmacy in Harleyville, Vaughan's Grocery in Ridgeville, and All Books in Summerville.

The book may also be acquired by contacting Hughes at (843) 563-2298.

Way said the next meeting of the Upper Dorchester Historical Society will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at the St. George Town Hall on Ridge Street. Members and guests are invited.

Cpl. Fred Bowie of the Charleston Police Department will be the guest speaker.

"Cpl. Bowie is a very interesting and informed individual. We will also be discussing the Koger House and other important issues. Ideaas and suggestions will be solicited," Way said.

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