Gray Court Celebrates Historic Recognition and Community Growth
This morning in Gray Court, residents woke up to a steady rain that blanketed the town in a refreshing shower. It’s expected to continue throughout the day, with temperatures hovering around a cool 55°F and winds blowing gently from the south-southwest. There’s a solid 100% chance of rain, so if you’re stepping outside, don’t forget those umbrellas! The rain is forecasted to taper off into the evening, but rain showers are likely to persist overnight, with lows around 51°F. Remember, there’s still a 70% chance of spotting some raindrops, so planning a cozy, indoor activity might be a great idea.
A Historical Leap Forward
While the weather might be gloomy, the outlook for Gray Court is anything but! The town is buzzing with excitement after achieving another significant milestone in preserving its rich history. Following the recognition of the Gray Court-Owings Elementary and Middle School in 2004 on the National Register of Historic Places, the town has successfully achieved recognition for the Gray Court Downtown Historic District. This significant accolade, which now includes the 300 and 400 blocks of W. Main St., highlights the charm and heritage of the area.
A Legacy Preserved
Dianne Culbertson and Sarah Jane Armstrong, founders of the Gray Court-Owings Historical Society, are instrumental in bringing this vision to life. They have worked tirelessly to collect and share the history of each building in the area, tracing back to who owned them and their importance in the community. “This area is very special and we see it as a benefit because those beautiful old buildings are still here. They haven’t been torn down to build new,” shared Culbertson with a warm smile. “This is a special recognition and it’s very important.”
Opportunities for Growth
The exciting news doesn’t stop here! Gaining a spot on the National Register opens doors for grant opportunities and financial help for residents and business owners that aim to restore and revitalize historic properties. According to Culbertson, “Grants are available to buildings on the National Register and those who are restoring them in order to do business can get financial help.” And it appears that progress is already underway! Several residential developments are currently being built, and new businesses are popping up on Main St., with even more in the planning stages.
Preserving the Past for the Future
The passion for keeping the area’s history alive began many years ago when Culbertson and Armstrong established their nonprofit in 2001. They even published a book featuring over 700 photographs that showcase the names of local business owners, church leaders, families, and students throughout the decades. “We were both interested in Laurens County and the history of Gray Court and Owings. I have family on both sides and nothing had been written down,” Armstrong recalls. Now, the community boasts a museum that reflects its vibrant history, complete with log cabins and block houses dating back to the American Revolution.
Engaging the Next Generation
The Historical Society is also dedicated to educating the youth. They regularly host field trips for students, dressing in period clothing to give them a taste of life from centuries ago. “The kids like to see it in living history. It doesn’t get any better. I enjoy teaching them and watching them get excited,” Armstrong adds. Their enthusiasm for both education and preservation resonates throughout the community.
Looking Ahead
The excitement doesn’t stop with the Downtown Historic District. Culbertson mentioned future plans to seek recognition for buildings in Owings too. “There are probably 20 buildings from old homes to businesses, and it would be wonderful to see those recognized,” she said. With so many unique structures full of character, the community is hopeful to preserve these architectural gems for generations to come.
Amidst the rain, Gray Court is preparing for an invigorated future that balances the charm of its past with the promise of modern development. As always, Culbertson encourages community involvement, stating, “When you see a beautiful spot of land that you know should be preserved, it takes money to do it. We’re always hopeful that we can find people interested in supporting us and volunteering.”
The heart of Gray Court beats with history and community pride, and with its diligent Historical Society, it’s clear that this little town knows the importance of looking back while moving forward.
