Greenwood, SC
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1/15/2006
Greenwood is a former mill town that's in need of a makeover, but doesn't have the funding of, say, a Greenville, SC, which has had a startling rejuvination. But that's not say the city fathers (including the chamber) haven't tried. People have been encouraged to come downtown (called "uptown" here), but there is precious little to come to down/uptown. Commerical stories are few and far between. In fact, the most prominent downtown "stores" are law offices that dot the main business district. Do these lawyers have that much to do?
This town needs an infusion of cash from the old guard (the Self family, for example) if it's to have a rebirth. But there is little likelihood such cash infusions will occur because there is no one pushing the matter. The chamber/city movers are cautious to a fault. The newspaper is a public relations vehicle for the power structure and thus any improvements will move with all the force of this state becoming Democratic in the near future. Political power in the hands of the GOP is another reason there is no move for a renaissance: No one, it seems, would like to invite others who might disturb the power structure.
Socially, the town is a friendly one, on the whole, but this is a small southern town and all that goes with the mores and folkways of same.
There is a state college here, Lander, and a community collge, which offer educational and cultural outlets, but don't wish for a shopping list of frequent activities here. Smoky bars, heavy drinking are the norm. "Fat" restaurants also are prevalent, although the town has two gyms where you can work off the labors of your indulgences.
bill | Greenwood, SC