Building Donation Allows for Satellite Museum in Westminster
3 January 2008
Lee and Joyce Barrett of Westminster have ensured that people will have a
place to preserve and learn about Westminster's history. The building
located at 126 Main Street in Westminster has been donated to the Oconee
Heritage Center to serve as a satellite museum of the OHC. Donated in memory
of their fathers, Johnny D. Jones and Charles G. Barrett, the building will
become the home of the contents of the England's General Merchandise Store
along with other Westminster exhibits.
"We are so happy to be able to do this to honor both of our fathers and
their love for Westminster," says Joyce Barrett. Both Joyce's father, Johnny
D. Jones, and Lee's father, Charles G. Barrett, previously owned the
building which was donated. The announcement was made beginning at the Pavilion on Main Street in Westminster on January 3rd. Everyone who attended
the meeting was then given the opportunity to view inside the "Barrett-Jones
Building." Reflecting back on his father and father-in-law, Lee Barrett
remarked, "Our aim is for the vision of our fathers to be realized. Johnny's
vision was progress and Charles' vision was preservation. With this
donation, we feel that the OHC can fulfill both of these visions."
This particular building on Main Street was built prior to 1898 and still
maintains a lot of its original character with approximately 2,500 square
feet of space. Over the years, the building has served as home to "The
Bargain Store," "Plunder Junction," a video store, antique shop, flower shop
and a law firm.
The contents of England's General Merchandise Store were purchased in early
2007 by the Westminster Area Historic Preservation Society and donated to
the Oconee Heritage Center. Since that time, the artifacts have been moved
into storage until such time that a new, safe location in Westminster could
once again house the collection. The Barrett-Jones Building, just a few
blocks from the original store, will serve as that new home.
But that will not be all that visitors can enjoy at the new satellite
museum. Plans may also include office spaces for civic organizations,
gallery space for local artist and much more. "The Oconee Heritage Center is
honored to receive this donation from Lee and Joyce Barrett. The Heritage
Center continues to grow and prosper due to continued support and trust
throughout the county." These remarks were given by OHC Director and
Curator, Nicholas Gambrell. "We look forward to exploring the best uses of
this building for Westminster and all of Oconee County."
The Oconee Heritage Center is located at 123 Brown Square Drive in Walhalla.
Regular open hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (Noon - 5pm) and
Saturday (10am - 3pm). For more information, visit
www.oconeeheritagecenter.org
(864) 638-2224.
Nicholas Gambrell
Director / Curator
Oconee Heritage Center
123 Brown Square Drive
PO Box 395
Walhalla, SC 29691
864.638.2224
www.oconeeheritagecenter.org