Time Capsule

As reported 47 years ago in the pages of The Columbia News, Thursday, Sept. 7, 1961:

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New school to be built

A contract was signed Tuesday for construction of the new Martinez Elementary School, at a total cost of $266,983, according to John Pierce Blanchard, Columbia County school superintendent.

Blanchard said actual construction of the building would cost $245,796, with the remaining $21,007 to be used for architect's fees, furniture and equipment.

Grovetown school opens

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1961, Grovetown school opened its doors to the largest enrollment in school history.

The complete tabulation had not been made, but everyone felt sure the enrollment would reach 300, which means that every grade is packed to the limit.

Freight car derails

Fifteen freight cars and three diesels left the tracks near Martinez early Wednesday after three youths reportedly left a switch open. There were no injuries.

Columbia County Sheriff Herman Morris said the youths apparently were walking down the tracks when they saw the switch lock ajar. They opened it but were unable to close it.

He said they walked off and left the switch open. The three were not identified.

The freight cars, loaded with pulp wood and coal, blocked the highway at the Old Evans Road crossing. Bulldozers worked several hours before traffic was able to pass.

Officials of the Charleston and Western Carolina Division of Atlanta Coast Line Railroad said a 300-foot spur around the wreckage was immediately laid to allow continued passage by other trains.