Historic Columbia Foundation’s Famously hot Behind the Scenes Tours Return with Two New Tours Announced
September 13, 2012
COLUMBIA, SC – September, 13 2012 – As part of the Historic Columbia Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, the organization’s popular behind-the-scenes tours return this fall with two exclusive tour options in September and October. Tours are sponsored by 2nd Wind Heating & Air Conditioning and are offered on a first come, first served basis.
On Saturday, September 29 from 10 am – noon, a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Bull Street Campus and South Carolina State Asylum Building will highlight the architecture and history of this historic property. The cost, which includes drinks and light refreshments, is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.
On Tuesday, October 16 from 6 – 8 pm, a Behind the Scenes Tour of 701 Whaley, The Pacific Community Association Building with the owner will showcase the history and transformation of 701 Whaley property as well as offer a firsthand look at the indoor pool and gymnasium (located behind 701 Whaley) before its rehabilitation. The cost, which includes drinks and light refreshments, is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Beer, wine and appetizers will be provided.
Reservations for these exclusive 50th Anniversary tours can be made by email at [email protected]. Registration opens for the general public on September 19.
More about the Historic Bull Street Campus
The beginnings of what ultimately became a largely self-sufficient city within a city lay in the completion of the Robert Mills-designed South Carolina State Asylum building in 1828. Bustling with activity for generations, the sprawling, 178-acre Department of Mental Health Bull Street campus today is best characterized largely by silence punctuated by sounds beyond its walls and perimeter roads. What lies ahead for this unique Columbia community remains far from certain. However, designs for its reuse have been vigorously debated for years and the key to the most successful plans will be retaining those aspects of the property of significant cultural and historical value.
More about 701 Whaley, The Pacific Community Association Building
Located within the former boundaries of the Olympia and Granby Mill complex, the Pacific Community Association Building had a tremendous social and cultural impact on the mill village it served for generations. Built by 1903, the original portion of the building was designed by the prolific mill engineer and architect W.B. Smith Whaley for use as a company store. About fifteen years later, the landmark was enlarged to include an indoor pool. A large gymnasium followed in 1923, long after the original portion of the building had been converted into a community center.From sports to community service organizations to recreational activities, this unique structure became a central fixture in the lives of rural workers drawn to Columbia for jobs in textile manufacturing. Today, the historic property, rehabilitated for events and offices, remains an important link to the capital city’s textile heritage.
About the 50th Anniversary behind-the-scenes tours, Robin Waites, Executive Director of Historic Columbia Foundation says “Back by popular demand, the Foundation is delighted to announce these new behind-the-scenes tours that explore two of Columbia’s significant landmarks.” Members of the media are encouraged to contact Ashley Tucker, Marketing Coordinator, for historic photographs and questions about these exclusive tours at 803.252.7742 ext 16 or [email protected].
About Historic Columbia Foundation:
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition, officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next five decades the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. The 50th Anniversary year of Historic Columbia Foundation (which officially began on November 13, 2011) will include a variety of community celebratory events. Visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org for details.
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