Georgia:  Walton County:  History of the Walton Co. Courthouse

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This file was contributed by:
Charlie Harper
charlielh@peoplepc.com
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A Brief History of the
1883 Walton County Courthouse

Cornerstone laid February 14, 1883.
Original Cost:	$27,000.00.		
Courthouse had no lighting or heating except for 12 fireplaces.

Second Empire Victorian Style - - This French inspired style was popular 
during the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant in the 1870's and
into the 1880's.  It was often referred to as the General Grant style.  
However this style lost favor in the 1890's and many buildings and homes 
of this style were remodeled to the more fashionable Neo-Classical style 
popular at the turn of the century.  Mr. Samuel Brodnax, who was Chairman 
of the Courthouse building committee, had worked with the architect, 
Bruce and Morgan of Atlanta and builder James Smith of Sparta Georgia, on 
his home in Walnut Grove, which was also built in the Second Empire 
Victorian Style.  This house still stands today.  It as well as the 
courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

Original Clock Tower and Dome - - The original clock tower and dome were 
destroyed in 1885 by a tornado.  The Courthouse remained with a flat roof 
until the current tower was constructed in 1907.  In 1910, the four clock 
faces, the bell, and the clock motor were added.  The bell and motor were 
made by the E. Howard Clock Co.  The 42" solid cast bronze bell is one of 
the largest in the state.  The motor was originally weight driven but was 
eventually replaced with electricity.  During restoration work, the weight
was found resting at the bottom of the shaft.  

1885 Tornado - - The clock tower and dome were destroyed while the roof 
and roof structure were severely damaged.   The original plaster ceiling 
in the Courtroom and throughout the building was beyond repair.  The 
damaged plaster was removed and replaced with the existing wood ceilings 
in order to minimize rework.  

1933 Works Progress Administration - - $33,000.00 Renovation.
?	Terrazzo decorated all the downstairs halls except the back of the 
Grand Hall, which had been enclosed for office space in the 1920's.
?	Original balcony removed and replaced with one with larger seating 
capacity.
?	Sloped flooring under balcony removed and offices built below.
?	Red and black asbestos floor tile installed over all heart pine 
floors in Courtroom and 1st floor.
?	Original Courtroom railings, benches and porch rails removed with 
Neo-Classical replacements.

1969 Renovation.
?	Debate over whether to tear down the Courthouse or renovate the 
"old " one.
?	Second balcony removed with modern offices built on Courtroom and 
upper levels.
?	All interior walls covered with paneling.
?	All interior ceilings lowered with drop-in ceilings and fluorescent 
lighting.
?	Vaults added at rear of building on both sides. (now restrooms and 
Judge's Office)
?	Remainder of rear leg of Grand Hall completely closed in for tag 
office.

1988 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
?	Approved by Citizens of Walton County for Courthouse Renovation.

1989 Courthouse Advisory Committee Appointed.

October-November 1993 - - Architectural firms interviewed.

December 1994 - - Contractor bids taken and  contractors selected to begin 
work.

January 1995 – May 1996 - - Restoration work performed.

June 22, 1996 - - Rededication of Restored Historic Courthouse.