Published: July 24, 2008 11:17 am      

It's time for mill's owner to become reasonable

May I comment on the article published a few days ago concerning the Silk Mill in Lonaconing and the message Mr. Crawford was sending to the public. ("Lonaconing silk mill hanging by a thread," July 12 Times-News) This is not meant to be an affront to Mr. Crawford but another view on the subject.

Over the years, probably 15 or so, many attempts have been made to acquire the mill and refurbish it, the last by a group who spent time and money to help Herb who not only refused offers but considered each of them to have some ulterior motive.

Some of these even offered to put their own money into the project because they are loyal to history and what such refurbishment could mean to all of the people in the area.

Substantial offers were forwarded to Mr. Crawford who would agree and then overnight change his mind, apparently always hoping a better offer was around the bend. However, he would have gained his original investment plus about three times and with the percentage of sales agreement from shops, etc., much more over the years.

We must applaud the fact that he has preserved the mill but even in this, he had an ulterior motive, to sell to the highest bidder. While he speaks of "what price can be placed on history" he has placed a very high price on that bit of history and appears to much more interested in financial gain to the utmost than in what history might afford the citizens of the county and the Georges Creek area.

Perhaps the best thing would be for the town, the county, to declare the mill an eyesore and order it removed. Then a stone or some kind of sign could be erected on the site with the words, a "dream gone amiss" or "Rest in Peace."

A piece of history might be lost and an opportunity for Herb to gain a sense of greatness with his name emblazoned on a placard at the refurbished mill, providing a sort of immortality. The future of the mill and the prosperity it could bring to Georges Creek, his home, is directly and always in his hands.

It is time, even far past time, for Mr. Crawford to climb down from the merry-go-round he has been riding and become serious and reasonable. It is fully time to stop the "poor me" act and take real action. If he will do so, the former group might well be persuaded to again put effort into the project.

However, time is of the essence. With a faltering economy and each of us struggling to some extent, Mr. Crawford and his "pony" act might well be ignored. The next move is up to him. We are watching, waiting and listening.

Sam Metz
Barton