Our Old Rock Building Will Be Saved

It looks as if our Old Rock Building will be saved after all! When lightning struck the building last year, it broke our community's heart. It is one of the few native-mountain-stone buildings in the state of Georgia. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic landmark, both for its status as one of the earliest consolidated high schools in the state, but also for its wonderful architecture. The building is representative of American Craftsman (or Arts and Crafts) architecture. The facade is Mission influenced. It was built "from the heart" by local construction workers who were proud of their job. Local citizens had several meetings to talk about how they might save the old building, if possible. Everyone wanted the building saved. The big fear was that tax money would be spent. Of course, no one wanted that. Now it appears that insurance generously covers the restoration of such a landmark. Grants should be forthcoming, as well. Some have expressed worries about rebuilding in such an economy. True, we are all hurting. But rebuilding The Rock will put our local construction laborers back to work and will heal our hearts. The Murray County School board is always great about using local labor. A central office is needed, and the property will make a fine complex for the future. Hurray for Murray County Board of Education!