Commissioners, historical society team up to raise funds for courthouse refurbishment
Lead Summary
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The Highland County Historical Society has teamed up with the Highland County Board of Commissioners to fund a refurbishment project at the Highland County Courthouse.
The commissioners have requested estimates and specifications from Legacy Restoration and Construction out of Washington C.H.
Commissioner Tom Horst said, "We are working in cooperation with the Highland County Historical Society on a fundraiser to repair the columns on the front of the Highland County Courthouse. All donations are tax deductible."
Bob Lambert, president of the historical society, said, "The Highland County Historical Society is working to raise funds to restore the columns and fabricate new front and rear doors. The southernmost column shows the most wear from being exposed to the weather but all of them need restoration including the trim at the tops of the columns two part chemical will be used and injected into the wood to strengthen it so repairs can be made and actually save the original wood from future deterioration. New doors will be hand made locally to duplicate the original doors on the 1834 building."
Lambert said that it is hopeful that the work will be complete by October when the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio holds a session in Highland County.
"Through the efforts of the judges and county commissioners money had been set aside for repairs and painting but the columns and doors require $17,000 to complete the restoration. Donations can be made to Highland County Historical Society and include a note indicating that the funds are for the courthouse project. Our plan is to have the repairs completed before the Ohio Supreme Court visits this fall so we can present a refreshed face on this historic courthouse."
The courthouse has a rich history that county officials and historians are hoping to preserve.
"This is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the state of Ohio and serves as the image of Highland County for many publications and books. Rocky Coss, Kevin Greer, the county commissioners and others have been good stewards of the courthouse and have financed repairs from their budgets without using any tax money. The historical society is committed to the preservation of our buildings and views the courthouse as the most historic landmark in the county and is honored to serve as the leader in this fundraising effort. Our members recognize the importance of saving our heritage for future generations and are supportive of the restoration efforts. The courthouse has been the center of our community since 1834 and deserves our attention and best efforts to keep it in good condition."
The Highland County Historical Society has teamed up with the Highland County Board of Commissioners to fund a refurbishment project at the Highland County Courthouse.
The commissioners have requested estimates and specifications from Legacy Restoration and Construction out of Washington C.H.
Commissioner Tom Horst said, "We are working in cooperation with the Highland County Historical Society on a fundraiser to repair the columns on the front of the Highland County Courthouse. All donations are tax deductible."
Bob Lambert, president of the historical society, said, "The Highland County Historical Society is working to raise funds to restore the columns and fabricate new front and rear doors. The southernmost column shows the most wear from being exposed to the weather but all of them need restoration including the trim at the tops of the columns two part chemical will be used and injected into the wood to strengthen it so repairs can be made and actually save the original wood from future deterioration. New doors will be hand made locally to duplicate the original doors on the 1834 building."
This week, Hillsboro City Auditor Gary Lewis presented a check for $100 to the county commissioners for the project. Lewis also challenged 10 individuals (not businesses or corporations) to each donate $100, after which, he said he would contribute another $100.
"That would raise $1,200 for the renovation," Lewis said at the June 22 commissioners' meeting.
"Thank you very much," Horst responded.
In addition, Horst said Merchants National Bank has contributed $1,000 to the courthouse project.
This week, Hillsboro City Auditor Gary Lewis presented a check for $100 to the county commissioners for the project. Lewis also challenged 10 individuals (not businesses or corporations) to each donate $100, after which, he said he would contribute another $100.
"That would raise $1,200 for the renovation," Lewis said at the June 22 commissioners' meeting.
"Thank you very much," Horst responded.
In addition, Horst said Merchants National Bank has contributed $1,000 to the courthouse project.
Lambert said that it is hopeful that the work will be complete by October when the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio holds a session in Highland County.
"Through the efforts of the judges and county commissioners money had been set aside for repairs and painting but the columns and doors require $17,000 to complete the restoration. Donations can be made to Highland County Historical Society and include a note indicating that the funds are for the courthouse project.
"Our plan is to have the repairs completed before the Ohio Supreme Court visits this fall so we can present a refreshed face on this historic courthouse."
"Our plan is to have the repairs completed before the Ohio Supreme Court visits this fall so we can present a refreshed face on this historic courthouse."
The courthouse has a rich history that county officials and historians are hoping to preserve.
"This is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the state of Ohio and serves as the image of Highland County for many publications and books. Rocky Coss, Kevin Greer, the county commissioners and others have been good stewards of the courthouse and have financed repairs from their budgets without using any tax money. The historical society is committed to the preservation of our buildings and views the courthouse as the most historic landmark in the county and is honored to serve as the leader in this fundraising effort. Our members recognize the importance of saving our heritage for future generations and are supportive of the restoration efforts. The courthouse has been the center of our community since 1834 and deserves our attention and best efforts to keep it in good condition."
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