Thursday, September 26, 2013

Tragedy Engulfs Historic Georgetown

Historic Front St., Georgetown, SC -  taken about one week ago.

Two weeks from Saturday, Front Street will be lined with runners ready to take on 13.1 miles through the streets of Historic Georgetown, SC. The race is called the Georgetown Bridge to Bridge Half-Marathon. It will be my first. I ran the 5K here last year and it was, by far, the most beautiful race I've run. I am actually getting excited, but nervous at the same time....if that makes sense.

What doesn't make sense is how this beautiful historic waterfront town can look like this last week and then in the blink of an eye, be changed forever. We have had a tragedy of epic proportions on Front St., Georgetown. There has been a major fire. The officials don't know how it began. It started in the wee hours of the morning yesterday. And by the time help arrived, four buildings were fully involved. So much history was lost.

The following photographs are not mine. They were taken by photographers from the Georgetown Times and others who tried to capture such loss. Please take a moment to say a prayer for all affected. There were no injuries that I am aware of, except for a couple of fire fighters treated for heat exhaustion.  However, I believe a few residents in the apartments behind the fire were displaced. Not sure how many. There is such a feeling of numbness and loss as the residents of Georgetown deal with the fire, the changing of their beautiful landscape and now the clean up. I'm sure in time, all will be well again. But for now, there is great sadness.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 

 
The Georgetown Bridge to Bridge Half-Marathon will begin here in front of the Town Clock. Thank goodness the clock was not affected. It is such a huge part of Georgetown.


Last year's view before the race.
 
This will be our view as we begin our race this year. With the fire and crumbled buildings behind us, I feel it will be symbolic to an extent that we run away from the remnants of the fire and crumbled buildings to the picturesque views that await us ahead on the tree lined streets of Historic Georgetown. I hope the residents of Georgetown can view it as a promise to come of healing, renewal and rebuilding.
 
Be strong and finish strong, Georgetown!
Finish Strong! 
 
Laurie

11 comments:

  1. so sad to see Front Street this way.Bless the people of this old historical town.
    great job La.
    sista

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  2. I had'nt heard about this. What a mess. I hope it can be rebuilt quickly, but the loss of all those beautiful, historic buildings is so sad. Good luck on the run. Thanks for sharing this.

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  3. So sad. One of my friends has a second home in Georgetown and it's a real tragedy for the area.

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    1. I hope your friends home was not affected. It is very sad for the residents of Georgetown. I know they will be ok, but what a loss?

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    2. By the way, Kirby, thanks for visiting. Your comments are welcome anytime. Please stop back by soon.

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  4. Oh, my goodness, I'm so sorry. That is such a tragedy. I felt such a loss watching New Orleans get swallowed up by water after Hurricane Katrina - it's so devastating internally to watch a place we love so much be destroyed. On a happy note, I can't wait to read about your race! You are so prepared, you will do awesome! I'll be sending you positive thoughts, energy, and most importantly, prayers on your big day!

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    1. Hey Mary, you got through.....not in cyber space anymore! Yay!

      Yes, seeing history go up in flames just yanks at your gut. I feel so sorry for the residents of Georgetown.

      Thanks for the positive thoughts, energy and prayers you are sending my way. I am getting excited. The day I ran 10 miles was the day I felt like, YES! I can do this. And I can't wait to tell the tale. Lol!

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  5. What a tragedy, prayers for those affected

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  6. My husband and I were so saddened to read about the fire in Georgetown. We visited several years ago and were charmed and delighted with the town and everyone we met. We hope to see the area rebound from such a tragedy as quickly as possible and we'll certainly visit again.

    Best of luck on the race and I look forward to reading all about it!

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  7. My, my...how sad! I am sending all my good positive energy your way, and hope that all the townspeople will rally together to heal as one! Thank you for sharing, 111.

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