Tobacco Heritage Debate

By: Eunicia Baker/Eyewitness News 9 | WNCT
Published: April 10, 2008

The wealth of the east was built on tobacco, but the golden leaf has long since past as being king of the county. However, one city wants to honor its tobacco past with new road signs. The thing is some think it could be sending the wrong message.

Historian Roger Kammerer and others like him say Greenville's tobacco heritage shouldn't be denied. "We shouldn't erase it. We should embrace it as a part of out heritage."

As the city works toward attracting new businesses and tourists, some are concerned that adding direction signs representing that heritage could send the wrong message. Kammerer does not agree. He said, "To me seeing a tobacco leaf on the signs only reinforced we came from tobacco. We were an agricultural county. This is how our ancestors, our parents, our grandparents made their money."

Tom Wisemiller with the city’s planning office understands, especially when it comes to promoting to visitors and the young. So the city is offering several options. One sign with a tobacco leaf, and the other without, or simply using signs that reflect the district you are going to. Wisemiller says that option was the most popular.

Wisemiller say, "We’re trying to come up with a branding that everybody can agree on, but also come up with those goals of promoting the city in the best light."

Showing the city in the best light is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. That’s why the city council will further discuss the issue tonight at 7.