My little corner of the world is in Cass County. There's an old saying, apropos to anyone in any county or parish, "You can take the girl out of Cass County, but you can't take Cass County out of the girl."
Beg pardon, but I was neither born nor reared in Cass County. However, my ancestors have a long history here in northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas.
Travelling through Linden the other day, I noticed that the court house is getting its l-o-n-g, overdue facelift. This court house is the "Oldest Working Court House in Texas." Very historical.
In 1846, just after Texas won its independence from Mexico on December 29, 1845, by an act of the new state legislature, Cass County was declared an independent county. The county had been included in with the current Bowie and Morris Counties (Morris being in Arkansas) making one big county. Court was held in Jefferson and was moved in 1854 to Linden.
In 1848, E.W. Story donated 50 acres on which to build a new county court house. That first two-story building was constructed of hand-sawn lumber with the logs transported to the saw mill by oxen. The first court in that building was held in 1852, but the building was sold shortly thereafter to the Baptist church.
The county quickly contracted with T.J. Foster Sr. in May 1858 to construct the current brick building which was completed in May 1859. The Civil War activity stopped just three counties away.
Two wings were added to the east and west sides around 1917.
Building used since 1859
On August 19, 1934, fire destroyed the top story. It was quickly rebuilt to house jailbirds.
Being the "oldest working court house" means it's the oldest court house in the whole BIG state of Texas still being used as a court house.
Initiation of the restoration project began about 10 years ago. Texas Historical Commission is working to restore many of our state's buildings. I realize that this is a "young" building compared to those in the New England states and elsewhere, but we are proud nonetheless.
To appreciate what we have, we have to appreciate our history.
I'm glad to see an old historic building being redone. Smith County had a beautiful old courthouse at one time, and then the city of Tyler had the brilliant idea that they wanted a bigger one with extra jail space, etc. So they tore it down and built a new "modern" one back in the 50's that is UGLY UGLY UGLY. They've had several but the most beautiful one was built in 1910. I don't know why they couldn't just enlarge it or build onto it and still keep its beauty. Thanks for the history lesson, Giblet! How's the new job going?
ReplyDeleteReally neat photos! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love it when they redo buildings instead of tearing them down and starting over...thanks for the great lesson...
ReplyDeleteWell my word! What a wonderful blog! I am so happy that I stumbled upon it! How deliciously dysfunctional! I came from a totally dysfunctional family, so I can relate. Stories of a pistol packin' mama, a fifty year old having twins, and your good ol Bible totin' ways are such a delight. Your "Toastmasters" story nearly made me wet myself, and I was at work! Wonder what my co workers would have said if they found my panties in the trash? They sure would be talkin'!
ReplyDeleteI'm Geralyn Carroll and I am pleased to meet you. You have a gift Debbie.
Well Debbie! Thanks for that bit of history about our area. Didn't realize they had started the renovations. Bet it is going to look mighty nice when they get finished!
ReplyDeleteOh, and the twins are simply gorgeous.
Hugs,
Tara
Thank you so much for the history lesson and the photos! As Vickie said in an earlier comment, Smith County shamefully tore down the beautiful old courthouse originally built here. It is wonderful that you still have yours! When is the estimated time of completion on the renovation?
ReplyDeleteDysfunctional???? Well, I've never been called that, but I guess Geralyn Carroll has a point! :) So glad you came by, girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteAnd y'all are so very welcome for the history lesson. I love stuff like this.
And, Tanna, I don't know the answer to your question, but I'll find out for ya. We'll all gather for a nice field trip when it's completed and lunch at the Tin Star.