Historical Society receives $20,000 for renovations

By Annie Rigby

Paul Prince, Horry County Councilman for District 9, presented a $20,000 check to the Loris Historical Society on Tuesday, May 5, at 2 p.m. Prince said for him to make the large donation to the historical society all members of the Horry County Council must approve the funds given to the historical society; the council unanimously approved the designated funds.

James Edwards, president of the Loris Historical Society, graciously accepted the check and stated that the funds will be designated to the completion of phase two of the building renovations. He said, “Phase one consisted of the demolition of the building at a cost of $25,000.” Phase two is the construction inside the building to include lighting, sanding the floors and more renovations. Phase three will include restorations to the existing structure. Samantha Norris, a board member, said, “Construction has been delayed due to the COVID pandemic.” She continued, “We are hoping within the next three to four months we will have venues set up inside the building where small businesses can sell their items.”  They are working with the Horry County Museum to bring in items to display until items are donated or collected to display inside the museum.

Norris stated that they are selling memberships for $50 and purchase of a brick for $100 that provides two etched lines (up to 21 letters per line) with a quote or family name that will be displayed in the floor at the foyer of the building. To order a brick call the chamber at 843-756-6030 or email loriscoc@sccoast.net.

Edwards said, “We have a Facebook page, Loris Historical Society, community museum, and recommend visiting the page for information about the historical society.” He continued, “The GoFundMe link is connected to the page for donations.” They have received $600 of the $10,000 goal to renovate and restore some of the features of the 1937 State Theatre in the building located at 4149 Main Street in Loris.

Though the pandemic has caused delays in the restoration/renovations of the inside of the building progress is being made to a hopeful grand opening ribbon cutting  which will be announced closer to the time the building will be open to the public