NEWS:  Coke County Jail To Be Renovated, 2001, Coke County, TX

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Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net
4 March 2002
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The Observer/Enterprise, 23 November 2001, Robert Lee, TX

COKE COUNTY JAIL TO BE RENOVATED

Preserving the Coke County Jail (circa 1907) in Robert Lee is the
reason for a joint venture of the Coke County Historical Commission
and the Downtown Association to begin raising funds to preserve the
jail.

On the evening of Saturday, December 8, from 6-9 pm, volunteers will
man a coke booth on 7th Street by the Bryan's Mini Ball Park gazebo.
Hot cocoa, spiced tea and cokes will be sold to visitors on their 
way to Bryan's Barn.  Volunteers are making cookies to give free to
those who purchase a drink.

Also, the jail will be decorated for Christmas, and a sign will be
placed so that folks can drive by to see the historic structure.
Some stores are considering remaining open the evening of December 8.

The groups will gladly welcome interested citizens who want to help.
There is a need for volunteers to man the drink booth, decorate
the jail, make cookies and cocoa and tea mix, and give moral support
to the effort.  Call the library (453-2495) or call City Hall 
(453-2831) to offer your help.  Donations will be accepted at this
event as well.

An all-out effort is being made to hold a successful fund raiser
preceding making application to the Texas Historical Commission for
inclusion in their Visionaries in Preservation Program.  This program
"empowers Texas communities to shape the future of their historic
preservation efforts through planning, and provides training and
assistance tailored to achieve local preservation goals."

In preparation for renovation, anyone who has an object or collection
in the jail should call Judge Walker's office (453-2641) to remove
the artifacts until renovation is completed.  Items will be stored
in a local unit otherwise.

Permission granted by Observer/Enterprise for publication in the
Coke County TXGenWeb Archives