[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BERLIN MYERS

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, Berlin George Myers is dedicated 
to his hometown of Summerville, SC. His life has revolved around an 
eight-square block area in the heart of this town also known as 
Flowertown in the Pines. In this small area, he grew up and raised his 
own children and today, continues to run his business and govern the 
town.
  Mayor Myers' first public office was membership on town council in 
1965. His vote returns were the highest ever achieved by a town 
official and as a result, he became Mayor pro tem. History repeated 
itself in the following elections and Mayor Myers is further 
distinguished by having served on every town committee.
  Under Councilman Myers, many civic improvements were made: a new town 
hall and a new fire station were built, an extensive paving program 
enacted, town clean-up was given a high priority and annexation began 
in earnest.
  In June 1972, the incumbent Mayor Luke died and Berlin Myers stepped 
in to fill the remainder of his term. Four months later, he won his own 
election and every one since with a large majority of the vote. During 
Mayor Myers' tenure, Summerville's population has grown from 3,700 to 
approximately 25,000.
  Under Mayor Myers, Summerville's Public Safety Department has 
combined police and fire departments, telecommunications--including an 
enhanced 911 system--and municipal court in a single headquarters 
building complex. He helped plan and proudly presided over the ribbon 
cutting for a perimeter road around Summerville--named the Berlin G. 
Myers Parkway by an act of the South Carolina legislature. In 1994, 
under his direction, the 27-year-old townhall was renovated and 
expanded. His tireless, around-the-clock leadership during 1989's 
Hurricane Hugo put Summerville back in operation quickly and smoothly.
  The order and organization for which Summerville is renowned founded 
his business, the Berlin G. Myers Lumber Co., which in 1989 celebrated 
its 50th year. There's neither a piece of lumber nor a piece of 
paperwork out of place in this operation. He began working in his Uncle 
Allen's sawmill and small retail outlet after school and weekends when 
he was 10 years old. After graduating from high school in 1939, he took 
over the latter. Mayor Myers is past president of the Carolinas 
Tennessee Building Materials Association and has served on committees 
on both the regional and national chapters.
  In 1989, Mayor Myers was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the 
highest civilian accolade the State of South Carolina can bestow. He 
keeps the same rigorous schedule he has all of his adult life, arriving 
first at the lumber yard every morning, holding regular townhall work 
hours, talking with school children about the town's history, and 
actively participating in Summerville Baptist Church. Mayor Berlin 
Myers is a devoted husband and is the father of four children and three 
grandchildren.
  In this, his 80th year, his mayoral tenure has reached a quarter of a 
century, the longest in Summerville's history. His postion is unpaid 
and he says that he sees politics as service to his town, ``It's a way 
to give back to my community which has given me so much.'' 
Summerville's sesquicentennial takes place this year, 1997, and you can 
believe that Mayor Berlin Myers will be leading the parade.

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