Former rooming house now Chamber office and Visitors Center

In 1988, the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce “moved” into a new home. That year, the Chamber relocated and renovated Smithfield’s historic Yelvington- Lee House.

Built in 1880, the house is an interesting two-story Victorian frame dwelling. It has a multitude of cross gables and pedimented gable ends and has some of the most unique interior detailing of any house in the area, including handsome East Lake-style spool filigree screens in the foyer and richly decorated Colonial Revival mantels.

Once located on Smithfield's South Second Street, the Lee House served as the town's premier rooming house for some 50 years prior to it being moved. Many visitors to the community used the house, including Ava Gardner, the famous movie actress, who stayed in the building upon returning home to visit family and friends.

The building is now situated at 1115 Industrial Park Drive in front of Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield and is highly visible from Interstate 95. It houses the Chamber office and the Johnston County Visitor Center. The Chamber operates the visitor center in association with the Johnston County Visitors Bureau. The building is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce
1115 Industrial Park Drive
P.O. Box 467
Smithfield, N.C. 27577
Phone: 919-934-9166
Fax: 919-934-1337
chamber(at)smithfieldselma.com