The John Calvin Owings House, located at 787 West Main Street in Laurens, South Carolina, is a distinguished example of late 19th-century Queen Anne architecture. Designed by renowned architect George Franklin Barber and constructed in 1896, this residence reflects the opulence and intricate design characteristic of the Victorian era.​

 Structure: A 2½-story frame dwelling featuring a blend of clapboard and shingle siding.​

Distinctive Features:

• • High multiple roofs adorned with cresting and finials.
  • A prominent circular turret and an octagonal oriel.
  • A projecting front gable with a second-story portico, showcasing a horseshoe arch and spindle decoration.
  • Expansive porches with turned spindles.​

Interior Details:

• • Original oak paneling, a grand staircase, and intricate latticework.
  • Twelve fireplaces, each featuring glazed tile and mirrored overmantels.
  • Notably, the house contains only three closets, as taxes were once levied based on the number of closets in a home.

Outbuildings: The property includes four contributing outbuildings, believed to be contemporaneous with the main house.​

John Calvin Owings was a prominent figure in Laurens’ civic and economic spheres. He co-founded the mercantile firm Owings & Bobo, served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, and held the office of Mayor of Laurens from 1916 to 1918. Demonstrating a commitment to architectural excellence, Owings commissioned George F. Barber & Co. to design his residence, with original plans still retained by his descendants.​

In recognition of its architectural significance and historical value, the John Calvin Owings House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 1978. It remains one of the most outstanding examples of Queen Anne architecture in Laurens.