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Published: Saturday, Sep. 15, 2012 / Updated: Friday, Sep. 14, 2012 05:45 PM

Clover to mark 125 years beginning Sept. 16

CLOVER The town of Clover will kick off a seven-month celebration of its 125th anniversary this month, starting with a historical tour through geocaching and ending next year with an anniversary party and time capsule dedication.

The town was founded on Dec. 24, 1887, around the site of a 5,000-gallon water tank that was built to support the Chester and Lenoir Narrow Gauge Railroad. A town committee has since early last spring been planning a series of events to mark the anniversary.

“It’s all about the past of Clover and we’re looking forward to the future,” said Clover Town Council member Ann Harvey, a member of the anniversary committee. “With the town being 125, we should celebrate.”

Town Manager Allison Harvey told council members this week that posters will be put up around town soon to promote the events. “We’re getting started, and there’s been a lot of interest in our anniversary,” she said.

Organizers noted that many of the planned events offer residents and others a chance to learn about the town. For example, a geocache project that begins this month offers participants the chance to learn about the town’s history with finds at each stop.

And the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce plans to commemorate the milestone later this month, during its 51st annual meeting, with a program on Clover’s past.

The celebration wraps up in early 2013, with a Feb. 23 anniversary premiere party at the Larne Building, with events that include the unveiling of a Clover Through the Years Exhibit. There’s also a planned March 17 time capsule dedication at Clover’s New Centre Park.

Here’s a roundup of what’s planned:

• A Clover history series geocache begins Sept. 16. Using a GPS, participants can embark on a historical tour of Clover through geocaching. The first 200 geocachers to complete the tour will receive a free 125th anniversary commemorative coin. Visit www.geocaching.com for details. The event is organized by Kimberly Cauble and the York County Geocaching Organization.

• The Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce will host its 51st annual meeting and celebration for Clover’s 125th anniversary at 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at The Lodge, Cherokee Farms. Awards will be given. “A Walk Through Clover’s Past” will be presented by keynote speaker Dr. Eddie Lee. Reservations are required; the charge is $30 per person. For information, call 803-222-3312 or email sccloverchamber@aol.com.

• The Clover Public Library, 107 Knox St., will host an Irish heritage appreciation month in September, including a special exhibit, children's programs and two free presentations. At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Culture and Heritage Museums historian Michael Scoggins will present “Scotch-Irish History of York County.” At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27, the Pendergrass Family Trio will perform Celtic-inspired selections.

• A Ghost of Clover’s Past historic tour will be 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 beginning at the Larne Building, 103 N. Main St. Participants can ride the Little Blue Choo for a guided tour of historical sites in Clover. An exhibit of Clover artifacts at the Larne Building will be open. Admission is $10 adults and $5 for children under 10. Tickets will be available Sept. 24 at Town Hall, 114 Bethel St., and on the day of the tour. The Clover Woman's Club is helping with the event.

•  The York County Culture and Heritage Museums will offer training on preserving family heirlooms. Free events begin at 10 a.m. at the Clover Community Center, 120 Bethel St. Topics include preserving family papers, Oct. 19; family snapshots, Nov. 2; and preserving grandma’s quilt and grandpa’s uniform, Nov. 16. No registration is required.

• Contributors can help build a library of information to be preserved for future generations. Submit photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, documents and other memorabilia to be digitally scanned on collection days at the Clover Community Center, 120 Bethel St. Contributors will be limited to 12 items per collection day. Each item must have identifying information. Collection dates are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5, 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13.

• Veterans are invited to share stories about Clover and their experiences to be recorded for archival purposes. Contact Shannon Nix at 803-222-9495 to reserve a time. A reservation is not required but is encouraged. Interviews will be at the Clover Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5, 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13.

• A Hometown Holiday Celebration will be Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Events will include the tree lighting, children’s activities and more. The celebration will end with the 42nd Annual Christmas Parade at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 on Main Street. More details will be announced.

• Anniversary tree planting will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at New Centre Park. In observance of Arbor Day, the town will be planting a special tree at its new park.

• Anniversary Premiere Party, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at the Larne Building, 103 N. Main St. A new Clover 2012 movie will debut. The Clover Hall of Fame will be unveiled as will the Clover Through the Years exhibit. Tickets are $20 and will go on sale Jan. 14 at Town Hall, 114 Bethel St.

• Time capsule dedication, 2 p.m. March 17, 2013, at New Centre Park. Attendees will bury the time capsule as a finale to the celebration. Attendees are encouraged to wear green for St. Patrick's Day.