Georgia Power presents book donation to Salem Academy

Pictured (L-r): with the first book donated by Georgia Power to the Lincoln County Historical Society for the restored Salem Academy are Jim Aycock, Denise Hamrick and Buddy Marlow.

Citizens of Georgia Power members proudly presented the Lincoln County Historical Society with the first book donation to the restored Salem Academy. The early 1900's school house is the newest addition to the park located on Lumber Street. Georgia Power representatives, Jim Aycock, local manager and member of the Thomson Chapter; and Denise Hamrick, customer service representative and member of the Augusta Chapter, presented "Energizing Georgia, The History of Georgia Power" to Buddy Marlow during the relocation and renovation process. Salem Academy was acquired from Salem Baptist Church earlier this year. The school building along with the "outdoor plumbing" were carefully transported to the Historical Park on July 29, 2006. Renovations have been under way to prepare the addition for the upcoming Pioneer Day on November 18th.

It is believed that the Academy was built late in 1902. Research through the original Salem Baptist Church Conference minutes dated November 8, 1902, "Called for new business. . . .Granted trustees of Salem Academy permission to get boards from the timber on church land to cover school house."

Salem Church was destroyed by fire in 1906 and other church documents report that service was held in the school building. From the original minutes of the November 3, 1906 church conference: "Salem Academy, November the 3 1906, "Our Church Building and all of our church furniture having been destroyed by fire early Monday morning October the 29 a number of the brethren met today at the above named place . . . .took up the subject of where the church should meet next Saturday and Sunday for religious worship, unanimously selected Woodlawn Academy." Delle Bentley's church history documents, "A number of brethren met Nov. 3, 1st Sat. 1906 at Salem School house near the church house. . . . All decided to have services, S.S. and preaching at Woodlawn School House until a church building could be built."

Other contradictory notations referencing a new school house at Salem from the November 24, 1910 Lincoln Journal states: "Rev. J. E. Le- Roy, of Leathersville, spent Wednesday in town with friends. Mr. LeRoy says the people of his neighborhood have recently completed a new school house at Salem and now have a good school, with Miss Grace Dill as teacher. Until this school was located many of the people were greatly inconvenienced in having such a long distance to send their children to the other schools of that section."

With Georgia Power being one of Lincolnton's oldest established businesses, Hamrick and Aycock were delighted to make the history book presentation, but also felt it was most appropriate to have representation of Georgia Power at Pioneer Day. Citizens of Georgia Power consists of 40 chapters with a total membership over 2,000. The group embodies Georgia Power's commitment to corporate citizenship toward its own employees and the communities we serve. Georgia Power historical photos, memorabilia and educational material will be displayed at the park in conjunction with the other festivities. Another Georgia Power history book will be featured in a gift basket drawing held at the conclusion of the day along with a special visit from Louie the Lightning Bug. The Georgia Power employees would like to encourage you to visit the Historical Park, show the Historical Society you appreciate their preservation efforts and invite you to visit their booth during Pioneer Day!