The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-05-12
The AGONY Is over.
Lot For the New School Building
Bought,

The trustees Of the Abbevllle Graded School
have had a most difficult problem to solve,
and we believe 1t was finally settled last
Monday by the purchase OF q lot from Mr..
Cheves Haskell at $4,000.
The trustees. Messrs. P. B. Speed, F. +.
Harrison, F. B. Gary, G. A. Visanska, j. G.
Ellis, ]. Allen Smith. W. D. Barksdale' I. u
Gambrel, j.. S. Norwood advertised for lots,
when a number were offered, all OF which
were given the most careful consideration
the trustees looking solely to the education
al Interests OF the town.
Several meetings were held When the
merits Of the different propositions were
freely discussed. Later, some OF the lots were
withdrawn.
Among the lots which received much at
tention we're those of Mr.. Richard Sondley
and Mr.. w. w. Bradley.
Mr., Sondley's lot consisted of four acres
facing Magazine Street and running TO the
street in rear, the price Of which WAS fixed at
s4,OOO. This is historic ground. 1t crowns
Secession Hill with a receding back ground
that is shaded by the most beautiful beeches
and the most magnificent oaks. 1t was on
this lot that the first Secession meeting was
| QelU III loUV, WuCu Ooha'h SoAAoA eNN sNS
shouts OF the excited multitude gave vent to
the excitement Of the day. 1t was In the
shades of these same giants Of the forest that
was inaugurated the movement In 1876 for
the redemption of the State from the rule OF
the carpet Dagger and the alien. 1t was be-
meath these same grand old oaks that the
determined hosts Of red shirts in 1875, riding
mules and horses of every degree, exhibited
an enthusiasm which was scarcely exceeded
Dy the excited in 1860, that put Chamberlain
and his Radical hosts to flight. 1t was from
his same historic place that Chamberlain
Quit the fight, and went to his home In Col.
umbia-
MIR. Bradley's lot Is the we'll known former
homestead OF MIR. II. L. Tusten on the street
leading toward Due West. 1t was more CEN
trally located than the lot belonging to Mr..
Sondley and had many admirers. 1t was an
acre In size. The price asked was $500. The
town was somewhat divided as TO- whether
the school should be located West or East OF
the public square. And 1t would seem that
the Board of trustees were not OF one mind
On the question Of a choice between Mr.. Brad
ley's and Mr.. Sondley's lot. the vote stood
four for ~each-one member not voting.
Another meeting was held without a choice.
Later, the Cable lot, 3OO1soO feet, on the
street leading by Mr.. Kirby's and MI. Chap.
mans was offered at $1,000. AS there seemed
to be little hope of agreement as between the
Sondley lot and the Bradley lot, the board, as
a compromise, voted on Saturday; night for
the Cable lot. 1t was then thought by the
people that the question which had excited
70 much interest was settled, and some citi'
zens risked violating the Sabbath day by
looking at the prospective ground for their
new school house. The board thought Of the
matter and dreamed over IL, no doubt On
Monday they reconsidered their action on
Saturday night, and members OF the board
went to see Mi. and Mrs. W. w. Bradley
with the intention of re.openipg negotiations
with them. Mrs. Bradley, in whose name the
titles are, now proposed 10 ask $4,750 for the
ot-an increase of $3.50 over the former offer
This the board declined without hesitation,
declined 10 consider. The board then con-
suited MIR. Cheves Haskell, when for $4,000.
the purchase of an acre lot was made, and
there the matter now rests. The lot lies on
the same street as that Of Mr.. Bradley's and
is next North of Mr.. Haskell's dwelling.
1t will be seen that the movement from the
fret was toward Due West.
The lot upon which the school house is to
be built, outside OF contributing Its share to
the production OF Of the great staple has but g
small place in history. Unlike Mr.. sondley's
lot, 1t has NJ revolutionary record behind
It,. But 1t has a bright prospect for a glorious
future. When this generation shall have
passed away, and when the names even OF its
trustees may be seen only in the dim distance,
evidence Of the great work which this school
has lone will be pressed upon the attention
Of those who are to live after us.
That our people are greatly in earnest about
the establishment OF the proposed high
school. 1t is only necessary TO cite the una
minity with which our people voted for
$50, 900 worth of bonds TO build it. This, be IL
NJ bered. is in addition to the Graded
School building, which not counting the lot
and furnishings, cost $4,000.