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Contributed

Last Friday, January 5, I got some information from some very concerned citizens of both Clarkton and the County about an article that appeared in the September 19, 2020 issue of the Bladen Journal and the proposed change to the library branch in Clarkton. I admit that I had never read the article till I accessed in online as I am not a subscriber of the Bladen Journal.There are several misconceptions written in the article I would like to correct, if I may.

Perhaps the most concerning one is about attaching a metal building to that precious building. It was built to house the Waccamaw Bank over 75 years ago!! Adding this eyesore by cutting a hole in the wall is absolutely ludicrous!!! By doing so, the integrity, as well as the historical value of that building would be destroyed! It is a part of Clarkton history!! The bank was managed by Mr. Edgar Monroe until a bigger building wss built. That vacant building still stands at the corner of Hwy. 211 and Hwy 701. Many Clarkton natives worked in both of those “banks”.

Secondly, the trophy case holding treasured trophies, sports and school memorabilia that is located in the Depot has a rich history. A former teacher and coach visited Clarkton and asked to see the trophies. When the gym was entered, no trophies were to be found. They had been removed, much to the consternation of former athletes when they found out about it. With the help of Darrell Melvin, former student and athlete and Coach at CSD, many of the trophies were located. Many were never found. But, with the desire to “save” those that were found, the Clarkton Lions Club was approached about sponsoring a way to preserve that athletic history. The Lions Club approved the idea. The Clarkton Commissioners and School Board were then approached. Both gave approval. So, the Lions Club bought the materials and built that display cabinet! It is loved and appreciated right where it is. What a joy and fascination it is was to watch the attending athletes and students at the “School Reunion” in November look at, remember and share the memories of their athletic and scholastic prowess at CHS.

Reference was made in the article that when Madeline Clark passed away, “nobody came along to pick up what she was doing. People just don’t have an interest in their heritage anymore.” I would like to offer argument to that. What about Louise Quick and James and Elsie Campbell? They were passionate about the preservation of Clarkton’s historical and genealogical heritage!! Citizens of Clarkton and the surrounding community hold memberships in the Bladen County Histori8cal Society, Mother County Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, United Daughters of 1812, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Southern Dames of America, Sons of Confederate Veterans and Sons of the American Revolution, just to name a few. Membership in the genealogical societies is achieved by proving an ancestor fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. The historical societies’ membership includes anybody interested in the history of and preservation of our county and towns. We just spent months celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Elizabethtown. Yes! There is a very in-depth interest in the preservation of our historical value as well as the genealogical history and value of the families in and around Clarkton!!

And, what about Wanda Burch? In 1993, Wanda came up with the idea to have a “School Reunion” inviting all who ever attended Clarkton School from 1922 to 1992. Although it only occurs every five years, those past students are anxious to attend the next one. And, what about the re-vitalization of the Beautification Committee right here in Clarkton? Two fund-raisers are held annually to raise money to finance any town projects the committee would like to adopt–like the Town Flags, American Flags and “Honor Bows” for holidays. And, the Wreaths Across America Project where wreaths are purchased and laid on the graves of veterans, honoring them as well as any others that can be named who may have been forgotten.

I believe if the citizens of Clarkton were asked for their opinion on a “Metal Building” being attached to our beautiful library, whoever suggested this addition may change their mind! I certainly hope so!!

PLEASE HELP PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF OUR LIBRARY BUILDING!!

Linda N. Rivenbark

Update:

In reply to the open letter, Shelia Nance, the Director of Bladen County Library, provided the photograph below for visual context. The building in question has already been delivered. However, the scheduled date for the demolition of the wall is still to be announced.