NORWAY -- Former Norway mayor Harvey Williamson, founder of the Wilbro Co., a fertilizer bagging plant that services golf courses in the Southeast, is hard pressed to find any negatives when it comes to his beloved little town.

He and his wife Sarah both grew up in Norway and returned to settle there about college and WWII. Mrs. Williamson taught at Norway's old Willow High School and is a longtime member of the Norway Matrons Club.

"When I taught at the old Willow High School, county school superintendent Ellen Chaplain told me that Norway had the best record in the county, along with Holly Hill, for their students making it when they went off to college," Mrs. Williamson said. "Today, more students attend college or get technical training, with a number of them returning to live in Norway."

She said a welcome addition to the town has been the Norway Park and Playground, pointing out that many children are enjoying the facilities.

While several new businesses have opened in the town, Norway's infrastructure and services are also being improved, Mr. Williamson said.

"The Norway Fire Department is much improved, now having several engines and dedicated volunteers," he said. "Moving the department from Main Street to more spacious quarters has been a definite plus. Also, the renovation of the old Star Bright Cafe and turning it into attractive apartments lends a progressive look to the town."

Far and away the biggest asset for Norway in recent years, Williamson said, is its new sewer system.

"Also, the sanitation department does a good job of keeping the town clean, and (garbage) collection from the homes is an added benefit. The town of Norway's trash collection site serves to better the whole community," he said.

Williamson said the successful new Norway Fourth of July Jamboree, instituted this summer, will hopefully provide fun for area families for years to come.

"The event was beneficial to the town and its businesses," he said.

Overall, Williamson said, "there's not much negative. Norway is a good little town."

Also proud of their town are Gwen and Bill Binnicker, who have been instrumental in the development of the town of Norway's new museum located in the old Willow High School. The town hopes to eventually convert the old school into a multi-purpose facility. The museum houses many relics and artifacts from the town's past.

"New life is going to be restored in our beloved high school founded in 1926," Mrs. Binnicker said. "We also have the Hunter-Kinard-Tyler school. So, we're not only revamping an old school. Norway has a new school which I think is certainly an asset."

T&D Correspondent Lynn Walker can be reached by phone at 803-263-5350.

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