New Courthouse Plaque Ordered

To Cost $1000

PLAQUE TAKEN DOWN AT COURTHOUSE

Clerk Robert Ashmore Wanted No Pictures Taken

Spartanburg County will foot the bill for a new $1,000 commemorative plaque to hang on the wall of the lobby of the new courthouse.

Another plaque, which was hung there, has been taken down as being unsatisfactory. It will be shipped back to the factory.

The old plaque created some concern and discussion among county officials when someone noted that it seemed to omit names of numerous individuals who had a hand in the plans and approval of the courthouse building.

Names on the plaque listed only members of the County Board, clerk Robert Ashmore, the architect and contractor as erecting the new courthouse and jail.

A $1,000 bronze plaque has been ordered to replace the original one. This one will display names of all County Delegation members who played a role in securing the new multi-million dollar building.

Board Chairman Ben Gramling said Wednesday that some persons wanted names of all Delegation members who played any part in the courthouse construction listed on the plaque. He said he could not remember who these persons were.

Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Ashmore first told a news photographer that he didn't think it would be advisable to shoot a picture of the original plaque.

Later, after talking with County Board chairman Gramling, Mr. Ashmore said he could not give his permission for the picture to be made.

He gave no reason for the refusal except that the plaque had already been taken down. Mr. Ashmore said it would be permissable for the photographer to shoot a picture of the new plaque when it arrives from the factory.

The new plaque will contain 36 names of County Delegation members in addition to the present County Board, builder and architect.

The plaque will be from six to eight feet tall and three to four feet wide in order to contain the names of all present and past public officials who had any part in the new courthouse.

Later Wednesday night Mr. Ashmore said was not sure if he actually told the photographer he could not take the photograph.

He said he did phone Mr. Gramling when he saw the photographer preparing to take the picture.

The photographer waited while Mr. Ashmore placed his call.

Mr. Gramling said later he misunderstood Mr. Ashmore. He said he thought that when Mr. Ashmore called him that the photographer had already gone. Mr. Gramling said that Mr. Ashmore told him that he had "stopped" the photographer and that he (Mr. Gramling) simply agreed with the action. He said he saw "no point" in taking the picture.

He added that if a photograph were still wanted he would give his permission.

A photograph of the original plaque made some time ago was located by B&B studio photographer Harry White who furnished it to the Herald.