This is my second article dealing with the old spelling of Orangeburg. Since then, I have uncovered some interesting facts that I would like to share with the people of our great county.
Along with these findings, I have concluded that we should bring back the "h" on the spelling of Orangeburg. Our county was given that spelling at its birth and it shouldn't have been changed without proper legal proceedings. This is our heritage! So far, I have not been successful in finding legal records pertaining to this matter.
Below are some facts about the missing "h":
• Burgh is the Scots language and Scottish English cognate of the English language borough. Therefore, Orangeburgh - being named for the Prince of Orange - added the suffix "burgh," which was taken from Scottish roots.
• In 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed an executive order establishing the United States Board on Geographic Names. On Dec. 23, 1891, the board announced: "in names ending in 'burgh,' the final 'H' should be dropped." Cities such as Pittsburgh, Newburgh, Williamsburgh and burghs all over America had their final, silent "h" removed from all federal maps and agencies.
• Pittsburgh, Penn. refused to give in to the new law and after 20 years of mounting pressure, the Board on Geographic Names reversed the decision on July 19, 1911 and the "h" was restored. It is one of the few U.S. cities or towns to be spelled with an "h" at the end of a burg suffix.
• Spartanburg dropped its "h" before the 1850 census. It was created in 1785 as Spartan. The last syllable "burgh" was simply a suffix agreed upon and added to the old name Spartan. According to the history of Spartanburg by Dr. J. B. O. Landrum, "by common consent and modern usage, the letter 'h' has been dropped."
• On the corner of Broughton and Henley, there is a historical marker indicating the location of our first courthouse in 1780. Orangeburg is spelled with an "h" on that marker.
• Downtown on the square, two old cannons from the Revolutionary War are anchored with a plaque using the spelling of Orangeburg with an "h."
On July 15, Austin Cunningham's commentary, "'Orangeburgh' - now that's real class," raised some good points about Orangeburg being on a roll in numerous areas that can carry our community to a higher level of distinction. Mr. Cunningham's suggestion to bring back the "h" has prompted me to concur with such a movement. In my next article, I will detail guidelines for this procedure.
Surely, some will call this idea senseless and say it's of little value to the Orangeburg community. Nonetheless, our efforts are not designed to create controversy or confusion amongst our people. And certainly, it's not our intent to gain glorification and legendary honors. It is a simple process of bringing back our heritage so as to stimulate community pride that will translate into an outstanding community of character and class. If we look the part, quite naturally, we can act the part.
Like the "h" in Pittsburgh. You don't speak it. You can't hear it, but when you see it, it looks classy. And that is ... Orangeburgh.