Historic Clay County Courthouse
Historic Clay County Courthouse is a cultural arts center committed to serving Clay County, Tennessee, and the surrounding counties. Our focus is to showcase history, arts, music and theater through our beautiful 1873 courthouse.
The Historic Clay County Courthouse is 150 years old
Since its completion in the fall of 1873, the Historic Clay County Courthouse has been the centerpiece of the county and the public square the county seat of Celina.
Until recent years, county business and the courts were conducted in the second-floor courtroom, while the first-floor offices served the daily needs of Clay County’s citizens.
Whittlers sat in the shade of the courthouse, and community celebrations and remembrances were held on the courthouse square. Many a young couple started their married life in this courthouse, and it was also a favorite stopping point for dignitaries traveling through the Tennessee Upper Cumberland.
Courthouse History
Built in 1873, the Historic Clay County Courthouse has a rich history and notable architecture.
Click to read more.
Rolley Hole Marbles
The traditional Clay County game of Rolley Holehas been honored with its own museum in the historic courthouse.
Learn more about it.
Special Events
A series of special events throughout the year celebrate history, music, arts, folklife and rolley hole marbles.
Click for schedule.
Transitioning for the next 150 years
When the county’s elected officials and courts moved to larger quarters, the beautiful old courthouse began its transition. The first floor’s interpretive displays now tell the county’s story.
Two rooms of the first floor have become the Rolley Hole Museum, thanks to a series of grants from The Tennessee Arts Commission.
The upstairs courtroom has been restored and fitted with sound and lighting equipment, making it an ideal venue for small theatrical and musical events that with a capacity of 120.
An ongoing window restoration initiative has been supported by the community’s businesses and organizations committed to preserving the architectural beauty of the courthouse.
This website has been designed to be not only a repository for archival information but a place where the ongoing progress in preserving courthouse can be followed through stories and photo.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about Rolley Holley marbles and some of the famous players like Bud Garrett and Dumas Walker. Meet celebrated local songwriter, Lola Jean Dillon, who composed songs for some of country music’s biggest stars.
The restored courthouse has already been the venue for a number of special events, and more will be announced right here on this website and on our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Bud Garrett
Bud Garrett was a renowned rolley hole marble maker and player as well as a country blues singer.
Read about Bud Garrett
Lola Jean Dillon
Lola Jean Dillon is a Clay Countian who achieved success as a songwriter, singer and recording artist who signed her first contract at age 17.
Read her story.
Dumas Walker
“Dumas Walker” is not just a song, he was a real storeowner whose Rolley Hole Marble expertise was immortalized in a song by The Kentucky Headhunters.
Read how it happened.
Celebrated Architecture
The Clay County Courthouse was built in 1873 and until 2012 was the second oldest operating courthouse in Tennessee. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Read about the architecture.
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