Historic Ballenger House - Home of the Seneca Woman's Club

The Historic Ballenger House is a two story, 4,244 square foot red brick home located in the heart of Seneca's Historic District. It quickly became one of Seneca's loveliest landmarks and remains so today. We are honored to be a designated site on the S.C National Heritage Corridor and the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail.

The house was built by Mr. Grady Woodfin and Eleanor Ballenger in approximately 1925 and remained in the family until 1979 when son, Woodfin (Monk) Ballenger, donated the home to the Seneca Woman's Club to ensure a place was available for local women's clubs to meet.

The Seneca Woman's Club was established in 1979 and seven clubs meet regularly at the Ballenger House. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) the club depends on fundraisers to maintain the home and hold community events. The house has been a venue for weddings, showers, luncheons, meetings, and parties. The Seneca Woman's Club schedules free community events, like teas, literary readings, and quilt shows. Several times a year our focus is on the children of Seneca. Spooky Tales, Prom Dress Giveaway, Kid's Spring Fling, and the Future Farmers of America Spring Planting Festival events culminate with the award of two scholarships to Seneca High School students.

The Ballenger House was partially renovated in 1979 and was entirely redecorated in 2004 on the 25th anniversary of the club. The garage was restored and the first phase of the garden improvements was completed in 2007. Grants from Oconee County ATAX, Palmetto Pride, South Carolina Heritage Corridor Region 1 and the City of Seneca HATAX were used for the garden project.

For tours contact Ruth Tolbert on (864) 882-7162 and for rentals contact Debbie Shafer on (864) 324-8417. For the most current information see our Web site www.ballengerhouse.org under the events tab.