To The Editor: In response to a letter from Gerald Berry.

Mr. Berry,

I appreciate your response to my letter to the editor and your attempt to justify the existence and separation from the Dillon Historical Society from your group DSHF as well as their relationship to each other.

          My first question, is what has either organization done to actively promote tourism in the Dillon area? Secondly, a printed proposal was supplied by your group under the title DHSF at the Dillon County Council meeting, a very misleading abbreviation.

          I received a telephone call from a member of the Historical Society alluding to the afore mentioned, that some of your members inferred that your group was part of the DHS. Notice the similarity. DHS vs DHSF. Which they say is not factual. I am glad that you cleared this up for me. I wish that I had been aware of that fact before I wrote the article.

          So far there doesn’t appear to be any overt positive steps being taken to promote tourism other than signs (markers) from the National Register of Historical Places. Although marked improvements have been made to the courthouse, may I ask why visitors (tourists) cannot enter through the front entrance.

          You state in your letter that you have been contacted by individuals and organizations from both North and South Carolina inquiring about leasing or renting portions of the property. Are these viable prospects which enhance the property? Has anyone expressed interest in the main building which would be of tremendous cost to rehab, Be specific Mr. Berry, Give us names. If you do others might look at your group in a different light and not see your proposed project as a cost to county taxpayers or just a pipedream.

          I apologize to the DHS for my thinking that your group is a part of them.

          You state that your group does not promote self interests May I ask has the tax burden that may be incurred by the taxpayers been considered?

          Look around and see such organizations as Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Criterion Club, the newly formed soup kitchen, thanks to Nez Wynn, which are helping citizens are the organizations which should be of our concerns. That’s where our tax monies should go.

          We are not Myrtle Beach or Florence, we cannot afford what they have let alone the attractions and locations that they have.

          I am looking forward to seeing your brochure so I can become aware as to your group’s History, Philosophy, Mission, Accomplishments, Goals.

          Oh yes, you mentioned downtown revitalization. Have you been downtown lately? I have and it reminds me of looking back at the end of a grave site ceremony and seeing all of those beautiful flowers covering up a casket with a rotting body in it.

          Mr. Berry, It’s whats happening now, don’t cloud the present with the past.

          I have no more to say now or in the future by writing in the Dillon Herald regarding the subject. Instead of trying to attack me personally, why don’t you sit down with me and discuss this face to face as gentlemen and not casting aspersions.

Daniel J. Gruszka

1224 N 24th Ave

Dillon, SC 29536