Exciting Woodworking Project Brings History to Life in Laurens County

Exciting Woodworking Project Brings History to Life in Laurens County

In the charming town of Piedmont, locals are buzzing with excitement over the latest woodworking project by talented craftsman, Greg Holliday. On November 11, 2024, we woke up to a typical fall morning – a chance of a morning shower, but don’t worry! Those clouds will clear up by the afternoon, leaving us with beautiful sunshine and a high temperature around 75°F. It’s the perfect backdrop for community events and activities.

As the weather brightened, so did the spirits of the community, especially as news spread about Holliday’s new ambitious challenge. With a passion for woodworking, Holliday has always been keen on taking on projects that stir his imagination. When the Piedmont Historical Society reached out to him, asking if he could create a scale model of their YWCA building, he gladly accepted. Not only did he bring the building to life at a 1/24 scale, but he also designed it to be transportable. As an innovative twist, he added a locked slot in the back to help raise funds for a new history museum in their historic location.

Holliday’s initial project was such a hit that word of his impressive work quickly traveled beyond Piedmont. Soon enough, he received another exciting request, this time from the Laurens County Museum. They approached him to create a model of the historic home that once stood on the iconic Rosemont Plantation. This request inspired him to delve deeper into history, focusing on the extraordinary work of Ann Pamela Cunningham, who was instrumental in preserving Mount Vernon, the famous home of George Washington.

The Story of Ann Pamela Cunningham

Many may not realize that Cunningham is hailed as one of the first preservationists in America. Her passion for preservation began when her mother, while traveling by boat past Mount Vernon, noticed the property in disrepair. Later, discussing it with her daughter, they decided it was time to take action. Cunningham made it her mission to save the estate, leading to the formation of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, which still manages the iconic site today.

“We recently opened an exhibit to celebrate Cunningham’s legacy,” shared Connie Post, Project Manager at the Laurens County Museum. “We’re excited about this partnership with the Rosemont Preservation Society.” The exhibit has captivated many visitors, and now, with Holliday’s scale model soon to be unveiled, locals can appreciate this piece of history a little closer to home.

Building the Replica

As for Holliday, he embarked on the intricate process of bringing the Rosemont home to life, despite the challenges involved. Unfortunately, the original home was lost to a fire in 1927, leaving him with limited resources. “I had to rely on just four photographs I could dig up,” he explained. Drawing from these images, he started estimating the necessary dimensions and utilized a friend’s historic home as a measuring reference. After making a few adjustments, he was ready to begin building.

The finished model is designed to be empty on the inside, featuring plexiglass windows that will be frosted to create a lovely effect, while also allowing it to light up for an eye-catching display. Additionally, his design will facilitate easy transportation between community events, spreading awareness about the Rosemont story.

“The goal is to use this replica for fundraising,” Post explained. “After damage from Hurricane Helene, there are many repairs needed on the grounds.” The funds raised will go towards salvaging the site, which includes the former glory of the plantation and perhaps even some future enhancements for visitors.

Getting Involved

As the model nears completion, Holliday expresses excitement about his involvement in such a meaningful project. “There’s so much history in this area that no one really knows about,” he remarked. “It’s kind of neat to be a part of it.” Residents are encouraged to visit the Laurens County Museum soon to see both the exhibit on Cunningham and, soon after, Holliday’s exceptional craftsmanship on display.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to support this amazing project and learn more about the rich history that shapes our community!