The Caldwell-Johnson-Morris Cottage sits at 220 East Morris Street in Anderson. The home was built in 1851 for Nancy Caldwell, who lived here for two years before selling it to Dr. William Johnson, a Baptist minister and advocate of women’s education.
Along with organizing several churches and schools around the state, Dr. Johnson served as chancellor of Johnson Female College, which later became Anderson University.
Mrs. Edward Morris bought the cottage in 1858. She lived here with her four daughters, and the home remained in the Morris family for 70 years. It served as a house museum in 1974 before its reincarnation as the Morris Street Tea Room in 1980.
The Caldwell-Johnson-Morris Cottage is listed in the National Register:
The Caldwell-Johnson-Morris Cottage was built ca. 1851 by Nancy M. Caldwell. The house is a perfect example of the “raised cottage” genre of houses which were built extensively in the nineteenth century. A one-story, raised brick basement elevates the house and gives the effect of a two-story dwelling. The façade has high wooden steps which lead to a pedimented portico on the main floor level. This central portico is supported by four square columns and is enclosed with a balustrade. The house stands out for several blocks due to its situation as an island with access streets on all sides.
The house was also home to Dr. William Bullein Johnson, a Baptist minister, leader, and pioneer in the area of female education. In 1830, he began a twenty-two year career as principal of the Edgefield Female Academy. In 1853 Dr. Johnson assumed to role of chancellor and teacher at Johnson Female University, the forerunner of Anderson College.
Caldwell-Johnson-Morris Cottage: More Pictures
Angie, I know the owner well. If you would like to contact him you can contact me directly preservationsouth@bellsouth.net and I can put you in touch with him.
I would like get permission to scan the grounds with a metal detector. I will give a $20 donation plus a one dollar per coin if found. This is a hobby I have to locate old items and coins. Old items found too big you keep! I will respect the grounds from damaging it. No major digging. Let me know. Thank you, Steve
Steve, we believe this is a private residence now. We do not own the property so cannot grant permission You would need to find out who the current owner is and reach out to them directly. Best of luck!
I will be in South Carolina this weekend and would love to see this place! So far I have been told she is a ancestor and would love to see it!
This Morris Street Room was was my first restaurant. I loved every minute of it.
I loved your restaurant! I miss it!
Yes it is
Is this not the Morris St.Tea Room?
I do believe it is! We will give this page a “makeover” soon!
Mr. Fitzpatrick, my name is Angie Finazzo. My first restaurant was the Morris Street Room. It was in the Johnson Caldwell House. I have some items that I purchased that came from the original house. Do you have name of the owner of the home now? I would be interested in talking to him.