1402 Fair Street

Built in 1920, this stately colonial-style residence was originally a private home but later became the heart of a mission dedicated to sheltering orphaned and underprivileged children. The transformation of this property into a place of refuge was headed by Margaret C. Mayfield, a prominent advocate for children's welfare and the president of the Associated Charities of Camden and Kershaw County. Under her leadership, what was once a simple home evolved into the Mayfield Children's Home, later known as the Kershaw County Children's Home, providing not just shelter but also hope and new beginnings for countless children in need.

By the 1930s, the Great Depression had taken a toll on families across the country, and Camden was no exception. Many children found themselves abandoned or without adequate care, prompting a dire need for organized support. Recognizing this urgent crisis, Margaret C. Mayfield took decisive action, working with community members, local charities, and benefactors to establish a safe haven for these children. With unwavering dedication, she transformed 1402 Fair Street into a fully functioning children's home, where young residents were provided with not only a roof over their heads but also the fundamental necessities of life—food, education, medical care, and emotional support.

A 1933 article from The Camden Chronicle praised the home’s impact, stating that it was "doing a wonderful work among the orphan and poor children of the city and county." The home provided three well-balanced meals a day, ensuring that the children received proper nutrition. Milk was supplied from cows kept on the property, and a flourishing garden yielded fresh vegetables throughout the year. The home housed twenty-four children at the time, ranging from infants as young as four months to teenagers up to fifteen years old. These children, once struggling with instability, were given the opportunity to thrive in an environment that prioritized structure, education, and care.

Beyond providing basic necessities, the Mayfield Children's Home fostered a sense of belonging and community among its young residents. Many of the children who passed through its doors were eventually placed with adoptive families, securing them a chance at a stable and loving home. For those who remained, the home provided an extended family atmosphere, where bonds were forged, and lifelong lessons in resilience and perseverance were instilled. Margaret C. Mayfield’s influence stretched far beyond the physical walls of the home, as her work paved the way for improvements in child welfare across the region.

Throughout the mid-20th century, the home continued its operations, adapting to changing social and economic conditions. However, by the 1980s, shifting policies regarding foster care and child welfare led to its closure. The home, once a beacon of hope for so many, eventually ceased operations, and the building entered a new chapter of its history. Despite its closure, the legacy of the Mayfield Children's Home remains deeply embedded in Camden’s history, serving as a testament to the power of community-driven philanthropy.

Today, 1402 Fair Street stands as a reminder of the compassion and generosity that once defined its purpose. While no longer serving as a children’s home, the property retains its timeless elegance and historical significance. Its walls whisper stories of resilience, love, and transformation—of the children who once found solace there and of the woman whose unwavering dedication made it all possible. As Camden continues to grow, the memory of the Margaret C. Mayfield Children's Home endures, inspiring future generations to carry forward the spirit of service and care that defined this extraordinary institution.