Ellis County Courthouse gets full face-lift

By MANDY JOHN | Central Texas Edition

The Ellis County Courthouse is being restored back to its original design during a $10-million renovation. Above the outside of the courthouse is seen during beginning renovation, and below, a courtroom after restoration.

September 26, 2002 -- Media from all over Ellis County and the surrounding counties were invited to a 'sneak peek' preview of the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie after its $10-million renovation. This allowed the media to ask questions about the newly designed courthouse, to take pictures of it, and to get information about the Ellis County Courthouse Rededication and Celebration, scheduled for Oct. 4-5.

According to the Ellis County Historical Commission, the courthouse is the fourth and most elaborate courthouse to preside over the county. Since it was completed in 1897, the courthouse has become a fixture of Ellis County, as it has been immortalized in drawings, paintings, and books.

"I was really looking forward to working on this renovation project and it has truly been a joy for me," stated T.O. Shar, project manager for the courthouse renovation. "When this project was first given to me, I knew it was going to take a lot of hard work. Every room looked like plaster was coming off the walls, window glass was about to fall out, and paint was chipping off the walls."

"Before this project was started, this courthouse was considered a 'raw building', meaning that it had problems that started from the bottom and moved all the way up. We have fixed these problems and now the building resembles what it originally looked like in 1897. There is also a variety of color on the walls that goes back to the original courthouse colors. One of the biggest changes that we had to work on was restoring the balcony in one of the courtrooms that was taken out years ago."

"We are so excited because the Future Farmers of America have stepped up to the plate and are going to do our U.S. and Texas State Flag Ceremony on Friday (Oct. 4, 2002)," stated Paula Baucum, Restoration and Rededication Chairperson. "At the moment, we are expecting about 30 students to be in the ceremony. They have also signed up to work our guest relations station at the formal ceremony taking place on Saturday."

"The rededication will begin on Friday, Oct. 4, with a Commissioners Court meeting, which will include comments from visiting dignitaries. First Lady of Texas, Anita Perry, will also address everybody at the event. The ceremonies will be followed by a luncheon at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Tickets for the luncheon are available for a $25 donation. Tours of the courthouse, entertainment and educational displays for the public are also planned for Friday."

"The celebration will continue on Saturday starting with a parade at 10 a.m. featuring Ellis County bands and organizations. Courthouse tours presented by Historic Waxahachie, Inc. will continue throughout the day."

For more information about the Ellis County Courthouse Rededication, contact Chairperson Paula Baucum at pbaucum@yahoo.com or call 972-723-2080. Information is also available at: www.courthousecelebration.com.