To the Editor:

My good friend and landlord for 18 years, Clark Thompson, sent a copy of the May 19th article about the reopening and renovation of the Wards Grill/Thompson Store building in Saluda. He has no idea that I am writing your newspaper, but I thought your Saluda readers would be interested in my experience with Clark.

He is absolutely great at doing what he loves to do, which is bringing old and often historic buildings back to life. I am not surprised that he has taken on this project in Saluda.

When my partners and I formed our law firm in 1992, Clark restored and leased to us an old bank building in downtown Pensacola. He not only performed a miracle with the building renovation, but it was as close to a handshake deal as lawyers will allow, and he was a wonderful landlord until he finally sold us the building.

We still lease a suite of offices in another building adjacent to ours which Clark also renovated. On top of being nationally recognized for his work, he is a great cook and, if youre nice to him, he will bring around a pot full of one of his Cajun/Creole creations. He will do Saluda proud, and the Gulf Coast food at Wards Grill will be worth a trip!

C. Miner Harrell