(The Times & Democrat published the following story by John Ott on its website on August 26.)
BRANCHVILLE, S.C. — The massive brick building is old, very old. Huge wooden beams support solid brick walls, but the roof is caving in as a result of years of neglect. Still, many residents in the town of Branchville think the historic railroad freight depot is worth saving, and some are even willing to “chain themselves to the building” in order to preserve it.
The freight depot, located across the railroad tracks from the renovated Branchville passenger depot, was the loading place for cotton and other crops grown by Orangeburg County farmers in years past. It sits near the original track location of the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Co., at the world’s oldest railroad junction.
The freight depot, owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad, is scheduled to be demolished by the company in the near future. According to Janice Van Wart, who works in the real estate division of Norfolk Southern, the demolition has been postponed until a meeting which is scheduled in early September. Van Wart contends that the building is a safety hazard.
The town of Branchville has offered to purchase the historic building on several occasions without success. A letter recently sent to Van Wart by the Branchville Town Council states that “citizens plan to chain themselves to the building to prevent its destruction” and call the news media to publicize their plight.”
In the letter, the town of Branchville once again offered to buy the historic structure.
Many residents complain that too many of the older buildings in Branchville are being destroyed in the name of progress.
While many who feel that way were reluctant to be quoted, Branchville resident Amy Bryant summed up the sentiments many residents are expressing off the record.
“I would hate to see another historic building torn down when it can be saved,” Bryant said. “I think Branchville has lost too many old home and buildings as it is. What made our town so special were the beautiful old buildings.”