Location on Dargan Street Now Home to McLeod Health Foundation

Jill Bramblett and Donna Isgett are pictured with members of the McLeod Foundation Board of Trustees following the unveiling of the historical marker.

McLeod Health unveiled a historical marker in front of the home of its founder, Dr. F.H. McLeod, on Thursday, May 19. The unveiling event also included an Open House for the McLeod Health Foundation with tours of their new office location for community members and McLeod employees.

Jill Bramblett, Executive Director of the McLeod Health Foundation, welcomed attendees to the McLeod House and introduced Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health. During her remarks before the unveiling, Isgett said, “It is indeed my honor to be a part of this day of recognition. Like Jill, I am pleased to launch today’s tours and open house of the newly renovated F.H. McLeod House with this ceremony. As the new and very fitting remodeled home for the McLeod Health Foundation, this site represents more than just a reflection of the past. Our location for the vital services and support of the Foundation underscores our McLeod Health commitment to the community of Florence and investment in the downtown area. We stand here in the cultural corridor and part of the historic district of our city, among other great institutions along this thoroughfare who have made substantial contributions for our local citizens.

“Over the years, this home withstood the many changes within the neighborhood and along this intersection. It is a proud reminder for us of the resilience, stability and determination of its original occupant, the founder of McLeod Health, Dr. F.H. McLeod,” said Isgett.

In closing, Isgett added, “This is a reflection of not only consistent visionary leadership since the days of Dr. McLeod but is a result of the dedication of McLeod Health to put patients, their families and the community at the center of care. Thank you for being here today at the unveiling of this historical marker, which now supports the health care legacy of Dr. McLeod, and makes this a local, statewide and national landmark.”

The two-sided historical marker, coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, bears the inscription:

The Frank Hilton McLeod home was constructed in 1919 during the expansion of the Florence Infirmary. McLeod founded the Infirmary in 1906 on West Cheves Street, adjacent to his personal residence. To allow for the expansion McLeod moved his wooden frame home to this site. He and his wife Carolina Nelson McLeod (1878-1952) lived in the frame house where it stood until the brick residence was completed here at the corner of Palmetto and Dargan Streets.

While living here, F. H. McLeod oversaw the Infirmary’s growth into one of the largest hospitals in the state, serving patients from around the Pee Dee. The residence was sold in 1940 and reacquired in 1999 by McLeod Regional Medical Center, the successor to the Florence Infirmary.