It is my belief that all who are serviced by our Newberry Observer appreciate the building that once housed our public library, now being called The old post office/library building. Let your writer here refer to it as the J.K. Taylor building for it was that noted architect that designed the building which was constructed very firmly in 1911. Other notable buildings by this architect are the Philadelphia and Denver Mints and the Governors Mansion in Juneau, Alaska. We are blessed to have this structure within our community centrally located in the commercial area of Historic Downtown Newberry.

The J.K. Taylor building was recently vacated by the library and now stands ready to serve other occupants. The Historical Society and a good number of residents of Newberry feel that it would greatly improve conditions in Newberry to use the building for the Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Center, County Museum, display of Newberry County Industry and depository for DAR, SAR, Scouts and community groups in need of such.

There has been a presentation to County Council regarding this use yet unless the people of Newberry express their desire for such it might well be used for additional government office space which surely you realize we do not need. Governments of all kinds tend to outgrow whatever environment they manage to find themselves surrounded by, this I know being a career retired government employee.

Please call your County Council members and let them know of the importance of keeping this structure in use for the benefit of Newberry citizens, businesses, visitors and those industries and individuals that have given and continue to give of their time and resources to the county of Newberry. If, alas, you don’t know your district, call all council members for indeed they all serve the entire county.

The district numbers, council members and phone numbers are as follows: 1) Edgar Baker- 694-3565; 2) Steve Stockman - 364-3673; 3) Henry Livingston - 276-2566; 4) Kirksey Koon - 321-0015; 5) Les Hipp - 321-0011: 6) William Waldrop - 276-2477 and 7) John Caldwell 276-5328. Thank you for doing this community service. They will all be glad to hear from you.

Jim Livingston

Newberry