Mrs. Harvey Williamson

Harvey Williamson, president of Wilbro, will serve as general manager of the new company's Norway, S.C. operations.

Golf Datatech says sales of golf equipment, footwear and accessories declined at on- and off-course shops in September.

Both dollar and unit sales of woods and irons decreased in September, compared to the same period in 2000.Dollar sales of irons fell 10.1 percent to $32.2 million, and unit sales dropped 8 percent to 498,680.Sales of woods declined 4 percent to $46.4 million, and unit sales fell 6 percent to 218,790 compared with September 2000.

NORWAY -- Former Norway mayor Harvey Williamson, founder of the Wilbro Co., a fertilizer bagging plant that services golf courses in the Southeast, is hard pressed to find any negatives when it comes to his beloved little town.

He and his wife Sarah both grew up in Norway and returned to settle there about college and WWII.Mrs. Williamson taught at Norway's old Willow High School and is a longtime member of the Norway Matrons Club.

"When I taught at the old Willow High School, county school superintendent Ellen Chaplain told me that Norway had the best record in the county, along with Holly Hill, for their students making it when they went off to college," Mrs. Williamson said."Today, more students attend college or get technical training, with a number of them returning to live in Norway."

She said a welcome addition to the town has been the Norway Park and Playground, pointing out that many children are enjoying the facilities.

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While several new businesses have opened in the town, Norway's infrastructure and services are also being improved, Mr. Williamson said.

"The Norway Fire Department is much improved, now having several engines and dedicated volunteers," he said."Moving the department from Main Street to more spacious quarters has been a definite plus.Also, the renovation of the old Star Bright Cafe and turning it into attractive apartments lends a progressive look to the town."

Far and away the biggest asset for Norway in recent years, Williamson said, is its new sewer system.

"Also, the sanitation department does a good job of keeping the town clean, and (garbage) collection from the homes is an added benefit.The town of Norway's trash collection site serves to better the whole community," he said.

Williamson said the successful new Norway Fourth of July Jamboree, instituted this summer, will hopefully provide fun for area families for years to come.

"The event was beneficial to the town and its businesses," he said.

Overall, Williamson said, "there's not much negative.