Limestone College Board of Trustees Chairman Lyman Hamrick (left) and Student Government Association President Christopher Grenda look over the fountain at Limestone Springs Park. The college dedicated the park Friday in memory of Mary Elizabeth Hartzog Hamrick. Limestone College linked the past to the present Friday afternoon with the dedication of the Limestone Springs Park.

The springs were a popular attraction for early settlers in the 1750s drawn to the rich mineral water. It is located between today's Timken gymnasium and physical education facility.

"The Limestone Springs site was of great importance to Limestone College, the City of Gaffney and Cherokee County. Early settlers would come to bathe in the mineral springs because they wanted to believe it could cure all ailments," college president Dr. Walt Griffin said. "It is likely Limestone College would not exist if the springs were not located here."

After Limestone College was founded in 1845, students often frequented the Limestone Springs area for picnics, outings and games.

Limestone College received an undisclosed gift four years ago from benefactor John Hamrick to restore the area around the springs.

A small fountain is now enclosed around new brick seat walls where students and residents can enjoy the peaceful environment that once drew thousands to the springs from the Upstate area.

"When John Hamrick approached me about this gift, he made it very clear he wanted the springs to be enjoyed by all members of the community," Griffin said.

Limestone completed the project last fall and dedicated the springs park in memory of John's wife, Mary Elizabeth Hartzog Hamrick. She graduated from Limestone College in 1936.

Their daughter Mary represented the family at the dedication ceremony.

The Limestone Springs is the first phase in an effort by the college to build a permanent park that will link the springs and physical facility with the main campus, said Dr. Charles Cunning, vice president for academic affairs. Picnic tables, benches and a bridge will be added to the park at a later date.

"We are very excited that we have been able to fully restore Limestone Springs," Cunning said. "We hope this will become a public park that can be enjoyed by all students and community members."