By Rose Neal Stephens
"Barnwell county citizens, arise! A native son needs your help!" McLaurin B. Gilliam, a Barnwell county native and owner of Gill's Bar-B-Que near Ormond Beach, Fla., is seeking to try and replace some of the priceless old newspapers, license plates and numerous other antiques (quite a few were from Barnwell county) which were destroyed in a blaze several weeks ago that totaled his restaurant.
Gilliam, who was born and reared in Barnwell county, is a brother to Roland Gilliam of Barnwell and Myrtis Croft Folk of Williston. According to his wife, Hazel Gilliam, some of McLaurin's most treasured collections were items which-had come from this area.
McLaurin's son Briggs, has been operating the place which was first built in 1952. Gill's Bar-B-Que is famous throughout the country, not only for delicious food but for its outstanding atmosphere. It has been called the "Sardi's of Ormond Beach" by one writer who pointed out, "You can dine with presidents, politicians, celebrities and collectors while catching up on the latest or not so latest news."
Over the years the Gilliams had collected an array of historic newspaper headlines, with one newspaper dating back to the 1700's. The walls were lined with these papers giving the customers an opportunity to read with their meals and relive such events as the Civil War, Lincoln's,' McKinley's and Kennedy's assassinations, Teddy Roosevelt's ride down San Juan Hill, the World Wars, MacArthur's firing and Truman's win over Dewey - just to name a few.
As visitors read through nearly two centuries of news, they would notice and comment on how the style and technique of reporting and printing has changed. As for the employees, one waitress reportedly had stated just a few days prior to the fire, "We have great fun here. People are nice, the food's good and' when things are slow we sit and read the papers."
Other priceless items which were destroyed in the blaze included at least 500 license plates which lined the walls and ceiling. There were plates from just about every country and also a 1906 paper one from Michigan. The Gilliams also had a great collection of presidential campaign license plates hanging over the fireplace along with a 1620 musket.
The cause of the fire was not determined and, according to Mrs. Gilliam, the restaurant had been shut down for a week to complete' some remodeling. The work had just been finished and the barbecue house was scheduled to reopen the day of the fire.
Mrs. Gilliam pointed out, however, that they are planning to rebuild and hope to re-open their new place in approximately four months. "The new place will be built very similar to some of the old-fashioned southern homes in the Barnwell area which McLaurin is so fond of," she stated.
The Gilliams would love nothing more than to have their friends from Barnwell and the surrounding areas pay them a visit when they re-open at 782 S. Yonge St., Ormond Beacb, Florida, or call them at 904-677-2002.
Their primary concern right now, however, is in trying to replace some of these old collector's items which were lost in the fire. So, to you - the citizens of Barnwell county - awake to the call of one of your native sons. Look around in your barn or what-have-you and if you should come across any old license tags, newspapers, old handmade tools or any other items that these folks could use, either mail them or contact a member of their family.
The Gilliams would be most grateful to hear from you and to have your item on display in their new restaurant for others to see and admire.