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Preserving Conway history

 

Two Coastal Carolina University historians were recently recognized for their part in an award-winning restoration project at Conway’s historic City Hall. Ben Burroughs, director of the Horry County Archives Center at CCU, and Carolyn Dillian, associate professor of history and coordinator of CCU’s anthropology program, received certificates from the Colonial Dames of America (CDA) for the project, which won the CDA’s President General’s Award for Excellence.

The preservation project focused on restoring the handrails and steps on the front of the historic building, which was constructed in 1825 and was the county’s second courthouse. Robert Mills (1781-1855), designer of the Washington Monument, was the building’s architect. The Charleston-born architect designed at least 18 courthouses in South Carolina as well as many other public buildings.

Theresa Johnson, president of the South Carolina CDA chapter, recognized Burroughs, Dillian and other participants in the project at a ceremony in the Robert Mills Park at Conway City Hall in September.

Dillian conducted an analysis of the stone from the building’s front steps, as well as from the historic 1842 Kaminski Building in Georgetown (next door to the Rice Museum). Her analysis found that the stones in the two buildings are chemically consistent with each other, suggesting that the stone from the two buildings may have come from the same quarry.

Burroughs was the project manager. He coordinated the project, serving as a liaison between the city and other participants and working closely with Richard K. Johnson, lead conservator, to ensure that the restoration was conducted according to accepted preservation practices.

A bronze memorial dedication marker was placed in the Robert Mills Garden commemorating the CDA award.

 

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