The following is a Q&A with the DHSF (Dillon Historic School Foundation):
QUESTION:
What has DHSF accomplished during 2014?
RESPONSE BY MARY MILLER:
Back in early 2010 when we were organized by Don Barclay, we set two goals for our group. The first was to have the JV Martin Auditorium and Gymnasium, both built in 1936, and the West Elementary School, often referred to as The White Building, built in 1896, placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The JV Martin Cafeteria, built in 1957, added later, was also included. In September of this year the National Archives announced our nomination of these buildings had been approved. The First Goal of DHSF has been accomplished.
Our second goal is, and has been from the beginning, to restore our beautiful JVM auditorium to once again be used by the Dillon Community for arts and entertainment. We applied for and received all the required legal documents so that our foundation can pursue this effort. Earlier this year DHSF received 501(c)3 status from the IRS, which, of course, will enable us to solicit donations and pledges as well as apply for grants for the auditorium renovation.
The public’s interest and support in saving the auditorium have definitely been stimulated by the launching of Dillon Historic School Foundation Facebook page. Daily there are many favorable and encouraging comments posted. Currently we are putting together a promo package to present to clubs, organizations, churches and other groups. It is our desire that the public be fully informed of the mission of DHSF and its vision for the future of the auditorium.
QUESTION:
Are there specific public misconceptions that DHSF would like to address or clarify?
RESPONSE BY GERALD BERRY:
Some people, not having been previously informed, have expressed concern about how this project for renovating the auditorium will be funded.
DHSF would definitely like to address this concern by assuring the public that major funding for this project will NOT come from city or county taxes but will come from various state and federal grants as well as form DHSF-sponsored fund-raisers, successful local businesses, county-based industries, and private donations from supportive individuals.
DHSF has been reminded that there already exist in this county The Dillon County Theatre and The Ellis Performing Arts Center. DHSF has been asked why the foundation has concentrated its efforts on reclaiming and restoring the abandoned auditorium when two other venues already exist.
DHSF has explained that the restored and reopened auditorium with a seating capacity exceeding 1000 will be one of three facilities in a county-wide system of public stages—each one of them having particular advantages for staging or accommodating special events that have very specific performance or production requirements.
Ideally, a committee of representatives from each of these three facilities will meet at least once a year to effectively plan and schedule a variety of events that would entertain or inform the people of Dillon County and the surrounding area. This cooperative approach would be very similar to how the Community Concert Series was once managed throughout the Pee Dee region. So, what definitely enhanced our lives here in the 1950’s can surely revitalize this community in the twenty-first century!
QUESTION:
What are DHSF’s immediate plans?
RESPONSE BY NaTALIA McLEOD:
DHSF plans to remain focused on our current goal of reclaiming and restoring the former Dillon High School Auditorium, to continue an open dialogue with the Dillon County Board of Education and with Superintendent Ray Rogers, and to complete the aforementioned Promotional Package for presentation to all interested groups.
