To the editor:

In March of 2011, the Town of Tryon received quotes to restore Morris.

Bids came in from several local and non-local companies ranging in price from $4,000 to $13,000.  At the time the town did not have the money and could not raise it, so they decided not to restore Morris. The town did not have to get bids for Morris’ restoration because the total cost was under $30,000.

At a council meeting in May 2012, Tryon Town Council authorized the Morris Committee. In June 2012, the committee came to the council with a campaign and restoration plan. The Morris Campaign Committee is working as a branch of the Town of Tryon. They have, at all times, reported to the town. They have kept the town up-to-date with photos, receipts and responded to all inquiries.

The people chosen to restore Morris were approved during a council meeting.The two men are local artisans. One is a firefighter for the Tryon Fire Department and the other’s wife owns a business in Tryon. These men were chosen because of the skills they possess, their ties to our town, and their appreciation of preserving our local heritage. There indeed were other bids for Morris. The one local bid proposed a full metal Morris, which the town declined.