Celebrating 150 Years: The Evolution of Woodruff
Woodruff, S.C. – There’s excitement in the air as Woodruff marks its 150th birthday. From its beginnings as a quiet, faith-driven community known for strong football traditions, Woodruff is now poised on the brink of transformative growth.
A Sleepy Town Awakens
When Mayor Kenneth Gist reflects on earlier days, he recalls a small town that mainly served as a quiet retreat. “When I came up, there wasn’t anything downtown that I can remember, it was more of a bedroom community,” he said.
Resistance to Change
For many years, Woodruff leaned heavily on its rich high school football culture and faith-based roots, largely avoiding significant changes. Yet, as Mayor Gist explains, the need for modern amenities and opportunities has become apparent. “Growth is hard for some people, it’s very difficult, but you must understand it’s okay, it’s okay to have that feeling that you don’t want the city to grow but on the flip side, you have got to be able to offer our kids jobs…housing,” he stated.
New Neighbors, New Opportunities
Enter BMW, a global automotive power, which has put Woodruff on a new path. The establishment of “Plant Woodruff” is set to bring over 300 jobs with potential for further expansion. With new housing options and burgeoning businesses, residents now have ample reasons to stay or return.
“For years, we had folks move away that didn’t have a place to come back to; we didn’t have many options for them, but that is changing,” noted City Manager Lee Bailey. “So the people that grew up here can come back, they can work, they can have an option for the future if they choose to come back here.”
Honoring Heritage while Embracing Change
Though BMW’s presence is a catalyst for change, Woodruff remains deeply committed to its traditions and values. “We’re very proud of where we are and where we come from,” Bailey emphasized. “That’s the thing that we strive to keep. We want to keep our culture. The culture of Woodruff and the hardworking community that just goes out and performs every day.”
The mayor resonated these sentiments, saying, “That is what we’re supposed to do, to reach out and continue to keep the faith, the hope, and the spirit in the city of Woodruff.”
Looking Ahead
There’s a palpable sense that the current administration’s work will shape Woodruff’s future for the next half-century. “I think this administration will go down in history in terms of city government, as being the ones that really shaped the future for the next 50 years,” Bailey predicted.
As Woodruff continues to evolve, it promises to be much more than a football-loving town. With enhanced infrastructure and new job opportunities, the city is set to offer its residents a robust and dynamic future while cherishing its rich past.
Happy 150th Birthday, Woodruff!
