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SWANSEA'S HISTORY 1951-1999
1951: Though Swansea High School had had a football team since 1925,
the field was not lighted until the fall of 1951. This was done by the
cooperation and hard work of the community.
1953: A new elementary school was erected on Lawrence Avenue at Oak
Street. Another building serving Monroe Pinckney High School was also erected on
Highway 692.
1954: Gymnasiums were erected for Monroe Pinckney and Swansea High
School.
1956: Swansea High School Football team was undefeated.
1958: The Rescue Squad was organized and volunteers have served
faithfully many years to meet the needs of citizens. Today they still operate as
a stand-by until an ambulance or doctor arrives.
1960: Swansea High School Football Team won the S.C. State Championship.
1961: For some years the town had been without a resident physician. The
Medical Center Corporation was chartered to provide a building and equipment for
a medical center, and to secure a physician. Dr. Granger set up his practice at
this time.
1962: Swansea's next pressing need was for an industry to give employment
for people in the larger Swansea area. The Swansea Development Corporation was
formed to raise money for the erection of a building and the provision of some
equipment for an industry's location. Mr. George Helman and the Swansea
Manufacturing Company have been a vital part of the community since 1964.
1965: The Pond Branch Telephone Company once again began serving the Town
of Swansea. The company purchased the Swansea-Wagner Telephone Company which had
operated in Swansea since 1930. The office operates in new quarters on South
Brecon Avenue.
1966: Swansea sent her hometown boys and girls off to fight once again-
this time to Vietnam. Most Returned.
1970: Dual school systems were discontinued.
1971: Metallex opened facilities for chrome plating.
1972: The town's sewer system was installed.
1973: The first unit of the new Swansea Elementary School off Highway 248
was opened. Other units were in use the following year. Swansea's Municipal
Building was erected. It houses the town clerk's office, council chambers, a
fire training facility and the Fire Department.
1974: In September, Southern Bank and Trust began offering banking
services at their office on Brecon Avenue at Second Street. Previous to this
time, banking was done through the Swansea Branch of the Bank of Orangeburg(
later the American Bank and Trust) which had taken over the Swansea Depository.
Some Swansea business men had organized the Depository when no other facilities
were available. Mr. F.L. Knotts was bank manager for many years and once foiled
an attempted robbery.
1975: Nassau Recycling Corporation moved into the perimeter of the larger
Swansea area. It was the largest industry in the area and its impact was
evidenced in the area's growth and economy.
1976: Swansea High School on North Lawrence Avenue, build in 1926, burned
December 29, 1976.
1977: The Swansea-Gaston REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Team)
began offering assistance in the area in July. As their name implies they assist
in emergencies of all kinds. Often they aided the State Highway Patrol, the
police, the sheriff, the Fire Department and individuals.
1978: The new Athletic Field was build and named for long-time coach Doug
Bennett.
1979: Mrs. Lewellyn (Lou) Sharpe become the first women to be elected to
the Swansea Town Council.
1980: Ground was broken for a new school, Francis Mack Elementary, to
serve students in the Gaston area. This beautiful, new facility was occupied by
students and teachers in 1981.
1981: The community shared in the dedication of the new Swansea High
School. This comprehensive high school contains 126,083 square feet and provides
academic and vocational programs for Swansea and Gaston youth. Mrs. Kathryn B.
Sharp became the first women to be elected mayor of Swansea. A $1.3 million
federal grant was approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) to revitalize the town's downtown area.
The Swansea Library was opened.
1982: Revitalization efforts began with processes from the HUD grant in
the area of home revitalization.
1983: Construction began on the revitalization of downtown businesses
through the remodeling of store fronts. Construction began on a new post office
for Swansea area.
1984: Construction continued on Swansea Elementary School. This
construction provided students, teachers, and others with an office a
library/media center, and additional classrooms.
1990: American Tool and Die opened bringing more needed jobs to town.
1992: Swansea celebrated its 100 years with a great party. A temporary
museum was established to store the memorabilia of its proud citizens and their
Ancestors. Bradford pear trees were planted to commemorate the occasion.
1994: Lexington Medical Center at Swansea was dedicated on August
28,1994. Greater Swansea Business Association was founded in August 1994 with
goals of jump starting the down town economy.
1995: Ground breaking and dedication of Swansea's new Fire Station
facility.
1996: Nucor Building Systems opened its operations in the Lexington
County's Industrial Park. Tanner Industries set up operations across Highway 3
from Nucor. Both utilized the railroad system which was responsible for the
establishing of the Town of Swansea more than one hundred years ago.
1997: Town of Swansea Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission was
commissioned by the Town Council in February. Robert's Grocery closed in June
1997. This was the oldest business in continuous operation in Swansea. The
building was built in 1924 after the big fire on Main street.
The first Town of Swansea Fall Festival was held. This was the first festival in
13 years! The Swansea Tiger Marching Band was chosen to represent the Southeast
at the 1997 Carquest Bowl Halftime Show in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
1998: Swansea Manufacturing Company changed name to Real Tuf Sports in
Spring of 1998, and cut back on their work force. Lexington County Council
approved a 1.5 million dollar loan to the Joint Water and Sewer Commission. With
added funds this will allow an eight inch sewer line to be laid into Swansea.
This will open the door to industry of all kinds for southern Lexington County-
a boost to the economy! The former Elementary/Middle School on North Lawrence
was sold and converted into 40 units. Elm Creek Apartments opened November 1998.
Swansea-Gaston School Disthict 4 asked for a bond referendum for funds (20
millions) to build two new schools for the district. The bond referendum passed
and the schools will be built on Hwy 321 between Swansea and Gaston.
1999: Town Council contracted with Internet Web Site Keeper, in August,
to set up an Official Web Site on the internet. Domain name www.swanseascus.com
Lexington County Joint Water and Sewer Commission project completed for Swansea
providing 10" sewer line from Swansea to Cayce, pumping started in October
1999.
Swansea High School Band won the AA State Championship band Competition.
Lexington County Parks and Recreation Commission designate a "Swansea Town
Park" on Corner of N. Lawrence Avenue and St. Matthews Road at the location
of the old Swansea High School Gymnasium.