We’re Making Progress

Even while the courthouse was still in active use and occupied, MTSU did a study of how the structure could be preserved for the future.  After that, the courthouse was vacated and remained unused for a few years.

For the building to be used again in any way, the electrical system had to be updated. That was done through grant money from the TN Historical Commission.

Circa 2013-14: A courthouse committee was formed. The committee decided to have two Christmas-related events: a Christmas play and a shopping event (Mistletoe Market or Christmas at the Courthouse). This started the tradition of having these events on an annual basis and the thought of the historic Clay County Courthouse being a cultural and events venue.

From that time, the courthouse has received (very important) three non-matching $5K grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission for materials, supplies and equipment to help turn the courthouse into a community theater.

2020: As people began to visit the courthouse again on a regular basis, it became apparent that the windows were in need of serious restoration. The first of the repairs that kicked this project off were made possible through a $10K grant from the Historical Commission, which was matched with funds from the Courthouse Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and county government.

2021: The Adopt-a-Window program sprang out of that. In this program, businesses, organizations, families and individuals have contributed several thousands of dollars that will be used as matching funds for future grants and also be used in restoring the decorative, arched windows on the south side of the building. By the end of 2022, all the downstairs windows and the large, arched windows should be restored. Local labor and material have been donated to help with the window restoration.

Restoration of the windows led to the much-needed restoration of the eaves and the “dentil” trim work around the entire courthouse.  The eaves and trim work had fallen into a significant state of disrepair.

During the past several years, a variety of events have been held in or around the courthouse: a wedding ceremony, political party meetings, educational tours, a sesquicentennial preview celebration, pop-up shopping markets and other single-day events.

For the better part of a decade, the courthouse has also hosted a weekly radio talk show on local channel 101.5 WVFB-FM.

2021: These repairs have led to the idea of having a Rolley Hole Marble Museum in a room or possibly two rooms in the bottom of the courthouse. Another $5K grant from the Arts Commission has enabled organizers to fund a museum consultant, who is also helping with an overall plan for future events and marketing/branding of the museum.

Check back here for updates on the progress of the courthouse…