LIBERTY — There’s a reason why the courtroom of the Amite County courthouse has been in use longer than any other in the state: Liberty officials and the Amite board of supervisors have worked over the years to preserve it for future generations.
On Tuesday, the board made another move in that direction by approving a preservation grant that will make necessary restorations to the historic building.
“The goal is to return the courthouse to as close as possible to the original,” Amite County Chancery Clerk Ronny Taylor said.
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History awarded the board $181,000 in grant money to be used for specific restoration projects. The county will match that amount with $45,000 of its own money.
“The Department of Archives and History put up a lion’s share of the money and they have been involved with the project from the beginning. They gave us the green light to pursue it and will continue to be involved with the project as it develops,” Architect Johnnie Waycaster said.
The main thrust of the project will involve redoing the flooring and ceiling of the courtroom.
“We’re going to take out the drop ceiling,” Taylor said, It was put in here in the ’50s or ’60s. We’re then going to move the duct work into the original attic. After that, we’ll restore the wood ceiling.
“Workers will also rip out the carpet, which includes getting all the glue off the floor, then sand and refinish the hardwood flooring.”
Waycaster Architects & Associates of Natchez have brought in Claire Cothren to oversee the project and make sure it abides by the requirements of the Department of Archives and History.
“They have pretty stringent regulations they follow in these projects. Claire has a master’s degree in preservation, so she’ll oversee the project and make sure it follows their specifications,” Waycaster said.
After Tuesday’s board meeting, Taylor stepped outside the balcony of the courtroom and pointed out areas that need a fresh coat of paint or at least some touch up work. He mentioned additional projects the board wanted done.
“We plan on improving the sound system and the lighting in the courtroom. We want to replace some window units and just some general cosmetic stuff,” he said.
There are older courthouses in Mississippi, but Amite County’s has been in continuous operation since it courthouse opened in 1839.
Other courtrooms with the longevity of Liberty’s have been turned into museums or have been rebuilt altogether.
Receiving the preservation grant took a little longer than anticipated, but will continue a series of restoration projects Amite officials have spearheaded to keep the original architecture and feel of the courthouse’s history, Taylor said. He and Waycaster are hopeful the restoration to the courtroom will be completed by the end of the year. The board set June 30 as a beginning date to accept bids for the project.
“I think it’s really going to be something we’re proud of when we are through,” Taylor said.
Meanwhile, Taylor has been proactive in modernizing the building by continuing efforts to digitize all land records at the courthouse. Taylor was pushed into that direction when the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale play was in full effect and oil landmen were filling the records rooms, often having to wait to use a computer. That has slowed some with lower oil prices, but now users can access the deeds with a laptop anywhere in or near the courthouse.
