City Directories and History: This location in 1922 was that of the police department and public offices, constructed about 1930.
“That body is composed of Intendant Dr. B.E. Martin and Wardens D.M. Patton, J.R. Cooper, W.J. Hunter, and J.J. Pluss. It has been found that two policemen under normal conditions are sufficient for the police force of Laurens. One of these officers is paid $50 a month and the other $40 a month. On sales days or on any occasion when disturbances may be expected to arise the force is usually increased. In the winter season there is employed a night watchman.
The fire department is about as well equipped and trained as that of perhaps any country town in the State. The “steamer” is in charge of a company that was organized in April last with Mr. J.F. Johnston as president and Prof. Frank Evans as captain. The engine cost $3,000 and had the first trial about two weeks ago when, by a quick response of the volunteers, $50,000 worth of property was saved. The fire was under control in twenty minutes after the alarm was given. Besides the steamer there is a hook and ladder company, which is composed of colored firemen, and they are highly spoken of by the white citizens of the town for their active and energetic service. The two companies mentioned are under the control of the fire department, of which Mr. J.J. Pluss is the chief and Mr. R.H. Hudgens assistant chief.”
Reprinted from South Carolina in the 1880s: A Gazetteer by J.H. Moore, Sandlapper Publishing Company – 1989
This building once served many government and social function including; City Hill, Opera House, Fire Department and one of the two dug wells that provided water on the square was located in front of the City Hall where livestock could be watered. Facing the city hall site, Kennedy Brothers Store operated next door.
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