By: Tracy Sanders, Co-Owner | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
The first meeting of the proposed Woodruff Historic Society brought together passionate residents, local historians, and community members who share a deep love for Woodruff’s past and a commitment to its preservation. Hosted in an informal gathering, attendees discussed forming an official historic society, preserving important landmarks, and rekindling community interest in the city’s rich heritage.
Much of the conversation centered on the historic Timrod Library, a one-room building originally established in the early 1900s by a group of women who wanted to form a reading club. Though moved and restored around 2010 through community donations and volunteer efforts, the building now sits in disrepair. Attendees expressed a strong desire to restore the Timrod and potentially reopen it as a welcome center, museum, or community storytelling space.
The meeting also included vivid memories of Woodruff’s baseball legacy, including stories of local players like Bobby Hazel, who was named MVP in the 1957 World Series, and mentions of community teams that once drew crowds of up to 10,000. Several residents shared personal ties to historic properties and families, including the Kilgores, Landfords, and Andersons, whose roots go back generations.
Attendees voiced concerns over Woodruff’s rapid growth and the loss of historical structures and trees. They discussed potential grants, volunteer involvement, and the need for an organized group to be eligible for funding and partnerships. A future meeting with City Manager Lee Bailey is planned to explore possibilities for preserving the Timrod Library and other historic sites.
The group is now inviting the public to join in the conversation. A second meeting will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 2–4 PM at MUSE 134. All are welcome—both new and lifelong residents—to come share ideas about local history and how the community can prosper, connect, and grow through honoring its past while looking toward the future. Refreshments will be provided, and organizers encourage anyone with a passion for Woodruff’s story to attend.
Author: Tracy Sanders
