Andrews marks 100 years
Last Updated on 2/9/2010
Published on 5/17/2009
By Clayton Stairs
cstairs@gtowntimes.com
As the people of Andrews honor 100 years of history, they are also looking to the future.
The town's museum, which has collected artifacts, pictures and memorabilia since 1989, is leading the celebration.
Described as a boom town when it was formed in 1909, Andrews was once the fastest growing small town in the U.S.
Formerly known as Harpers and Rosemary, the town was named for Walter H. Andrews, a former mayor of Georgetown.
Its first major industry was timber, with the Atlantic Coast Lumber Co. and the railroad working together to bring the town prosperity.
The Great Depression caused the lumber company and the railroad to close.
Luckily, International Paper Co. came to Georgetown in the 1930s and other factories came to Andrews in the 1940s and '50s.
These industries helped support the town, but many of them have since closed.
"We are very interested in the town going forward and seeing progress again," said Sandra Grant, president of the museum board.
The museum
The two-story brick Town Hall building, which doubled as the town jail, was built in 1915.
In 1976, it became the town library.
Then, it became a museum when a new library was built in 1989.
Eleanor Moody led the first museum committee, which gathered most of the items on display.
Grant is hoping former and current residents of Andrews can add to the museum's collection.
She is asking the community to improve the collection and to help preserve the historic building on Main Street.
Repairs needed
"We have been working to keep Old Town Hall Museum going now for 20 years," Grant said. "But time is taking its toll on our building."
Repairs needed include a new roof, outside paint, a new heating and cooling unit, ceiling tiles and carpet.
Frances Gilleland, docent for the museum, urged anyone who appreciates history to help out.
"This museum is the heart of Andrews and we don't want to lose it," she said.
Andrews Town Councilman Michael Shaw agreed.
"You need to remember the past to know where you are going," Shaw said.
Historic calendar
To raise money for repairs, the museum is asking for donations.
It has also created a historic calendar which includes school photographs from 1911 to 1943.
The calendar is $8.50 at the museum and $10 by mail.
The museum is located on Main Street, on the right past the second traffic light.
To order calendars or to donate, call 843-264-3715, or send a request to 204 S. Rosemary St., Andrews, SC 29510.
