Batesburg-Leesville, SC (Paul Kirby) – As a way of honoring the 100th year of the Batesburg-Leesville School System, three of its classes of alumni are joining together to install a road-side marker at the site of the original Batesburg-Leesville High School on US Hwy.1. The group of alumni call themselves the Tri-Union Classes and include graduates from 1969, 1970, and 1971.
The marker was designed by Sewah Studios and has been approved by the SC Department of Archives and History. This project has been spearheaded by Bob Caughman with support from Tri-Union class members Louise Riley and Mike Taylor. Now that the construction of the marker is underway, anticipation is building, and the members of the group are eagerly awaiting its arrival so they can see the finished project.
An unveiling of the Batesburg-Leesville High School Historical Marker is planned for Saturday, April 11, 2020 at the original site of the school. There will be some dignitaries and special guests in attendance that will have the opportunity to say a few words during the unveiling ceremony. The unveiling will be followed by a reception. All alumni and the general public are invited to attend.
So that the marker could be ordered and received in time for the 100th anniversary, funding was obtained from an independent source. The majority of the cost is being handled by the members of the Tri-Union classes. Even though the marker is ordered and is on the way, they still need some help to cover its expenses. The organizers are accepting donations from graduates of other classes, area businesses, residents of the area, or anyone who’s just interested in helping mark the history of this great area. If you’d like to help, you can drop off a check at the Batesburg branch of First Citizens Bank. You can also mail them to BLHS Historical Marker Project in care of Shealy Realty, P.O. Box 3736, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070. You can even drop them at Shealy Realty’s office at 301 East Columbia Avenue, Batesburg-Leesville. All checks should be payable to B&L Class of 1970 with B&L Historical Marker on the memo line.
You can choose to be recognized with all the other donors; there’s a list being maintained for that information. You can also donate anonymously if you wish. Fore more information on this project, call Bob Caughman at (803) 530-2368 or e-mail bob.caughman@gmail.com.
