8 Key Players in Restoring Olympia
Residents of Olympia and neighboring communities are working with Richland County and the city of Columbia to tackle some of the area’s challenges. Here’s a look at key players in the community and the revitalization effort.
Sherry and Jake Jaco
Age: 70 and 69
Sherry was born and raised on Texas Street. Jake, her husband, was born and raised on Bluff Road, where his family-owned business, Jaco’s Corner, is still in operation.
“Growing up in the mill village, we felt a sense of belonging because we had family living on several different streets, along with our school and local church activities – all of which helped us establish my own identities. Those roots gave us great confidence, enabling us to step out into the world and find our place – wings to fly. I do not believe our situation was unique in the mill village, because many successful ‘lintheads’ feel the same way.
“Some of our favorite things about the mill village are the celebration of its heritage, the abiding connection to the places of our youth, and the excitement we feel as we work to help shape a vision for the future of the village.”
Viola K. Hendley
Age: 58
Resident for 32 years and chairwoman of the Olympia Residents Council
“Mill houses and buildings, river access, parks and great public schools provide building blocks for the preservation of Columbia’s cotton mill village history. Working together, local governments, stakeholders, and residents will develop the vision required to see Olympia realize its full potential.
“Our favorite things are our 120-year-old saltbox mill house and neighborhood diversity.”
Leigh DeForth
Age: 35
Comprehensive planner for the city of Columbia
“The community has worked diligently for many years to preserve their cultural heritage and sense of place. We all look forward to honoring this effort through the development of a joint city-county plan that can serve as a guiding document for the future.
“While I greatly appreciate the community’s rich history, I am most impressed by the passion and dedication of community members who are actively engaged in planning for their future.”
Latoisha Green
Age: 26
Richland County neighborhood planner, part of the Capital City Mill District project team
“The Granby, Olympia, and Whaley mill areas are unique to the story and fabric of Richland County’s history and present; therefore it’s special to work with the community to help shape their vision for the future.
“My favorite thing about the village are the trees…the high tree canopy within the established neighborhoods give a sense of nostalgia and new life.”
Bob Johnson
Age: 61
Plant manager of Vulcan Materials Company's Columbia Quarry and president of We are Olympia.
“As far as Vulcan is concerned, we wish to be a major contributor to the success of the Olympia community now and in the future, whether it be hosting the Quarry Crusher Run, partnering with the Olympia Learning Center, or cleaning up the cemetery and neighborhood.
“My favorite thing about the community is its charm and its people. I love when the neighbors come by the Vulcan office just to chat about the past, present, and future. And, I love to dream about what could be in this community.”
Robert Guild
Age: 67
President of the Granby Mill Village neighborhood association.
“I've lived on Pall Mall Street in Granby since 1972, when I started (attending) USC Law School. I shared half a mill house duplex with two other guys, splitting the $65 per month rent. I bought my house in 1979, which we have converted to a single family residence for my wife, Nancy, and two dogs.
“I love the rich history and neighborliness of the Granby Mill Village. Isn't it ironic that a village built 120 years ago perfectly fits the state-of-the art design for the livable community of tomorrow?”
Bob Hilliard
Age: 79
Born in Olympia and chairman of the Olympia Cemetery Committee
“When I was growing up people stuck together. They would take care of you when you were sick. They would watch your kids when you needed to work.
“This is a great place. I love it. But it needs to be cleaned up a little bit. And we need new blood.”
This story was originally published May 22, 2016 at 12:21 AM with the headline "8 Key Players in Restoring Olympia."