Celebrating 100 Years of Council-Manager Form of Government in Rock Hill 1915-2015 - Accession 1725 - M831 (888)

Authors

Rock Hill, SC
Rock Hill History
Rock Hill, SC Government

Files

Identifier

Accession 1725 - M831 (888)

Inclusive Dates

2015

Restrictions

Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Collection Size

22 pieces

Language

English

Historical Note

Celebrating 100 Years of Council-Manager Form of Government in Rock Hill

February 1, 2015 marks the 100 year anniversary of the start of the Council-Manager Form of Government in Rock Hill. The Council-Manager Form of Government originated in 1908 and is based on a professional administrative manager appointed by, and serving at the pleasure of, an elected Council. The concept combines the best of strong elected leadership for policy development and representation, with strong managerial and administrative skills to oversee the delivery of public services.

The citizens of Rock Hill chose this form of government through an election process on May 12, 1914, to go into effect in 1915. The first City Manager, John Gibbes Barnwell, was hired by the City Council on February 1, 1915. Rock Hill was the 2^nd city in South Carolina and the 32^nd nationally to adopt the Council-Manager Form of Government. Today, there are over 19,000 cities and 90,000 local governments operating under the Council-Manager Form of Government. The City of Rock Hill has had only 12 city managers since 1915. This stability and strong administration has led to the continual progress of our City. Under the first several City Managers, water and sewer lines were constructed and the City began planned paving and street lighting projects. Formal Police and Fire Services were also established. This organized approach to development was the beginning of industrial growth in Rock Hill. A strategic plan, Empowering The Vision, laid the groundwork for thoughtful planning. Over several decades, the textile industry gave way to business parks and sports tourism facilities. Since then, Rock Hill has continued to develop and is known throughout the state, region, and nation as a highly progressive, award-winning city.

(Publication Introduction, pg 2)

Scope and Content Note

The Celebrating 100 Years of Council-Manager Form of Government in Rock Hill 1915-2015 prepared and printed by the City of Rock Hill in 2015. This publication celebrated Rock Hill, SC’s choice to use the Council-Manager form of government beginning in 1915. The publication also includes a history of this form of government in Rock Hill and a biography of each of the 12 city managers that Rock Hill has had since 1915. These Rock Hill City Managers include: John Gibbes Barnwell (1915-1919); Edgar Raymond Treverton (1919-1921); William Goodman (1921-1933); Thomas Clawson Marshall (1933-1939); John Junior Rauch (1939-1947); Francis Atherton Jacocks (1948-1950); William Meek Kennedy (1950-1964); Max Holland (1965-1979); Joe B. Langford (1979-1993); J. Russell Allen (1993-2001); Carey Smith (2002-2010); David Brian Vehaun (2010-present); This collection offers researchers a great glimpse into the history of Rock Hill and its government in particular while also demonstrating how the Council-Manager form Government has worked for the city.

Provenance

This collection was donated to the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections by Janice Miller of the City of Rock Hill on January 16, 2020.

Copyright

For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.

Finding Aid Citation

Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections, Winthrop University, "Celebrating 100 Years of Council-Manager Form of Government in Rock Hill 1915-2015 - Accession 1725 - M831 (888)". Finding Aid 1189.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/manuscriptcollection_findingaids/1189