| Press Release for May 20, 2011
For media inquiries, please contact the senior communications specialist, 512.463.4565. BOSQUE COUNTY RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLARY COURTHOUSE STEWARDSHIP
AUSTIN, Texas—The Texas Historical Commission (THC) recently awarded Bosque County an Honor Award through its Texas Courthouse Stewardship Program for establishing excellent stewardship practices in maintaining its restored historic courthouse. The $1,000 award was announced at the two-day Texas Courthouse Stewardship Workshop held in Austin May 19–20. Both the workshop and the award were made possible through a generous grant from the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA). “Bosque County exemplifies the significance of dedicated courthouse stewardship, ensuring the future of their beautifully restored Texas landmark,” said Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program Director Stan Graves. “This award should serve as an incentive to other counties with newly restored historic courthouses to develop a maintenance plan, secure adequate funding for repairs, and guarantee quality workmanship.” The Bosque County Courthouse is one of the oldest surviving courthouse structures in the state that continues to function as a county courthouse. The three-story limestone building was constructed in 1886 and was designed by Fort Worth architect J.J. Crane in the High Gothic Revival style with Italianate influences. As part of a Works Progress Administration project, the courthouse was significantly altered in 1934 with the removal of the clock tower, the four pyramid-shaped turret roofs, and the addition of a one- story annex. During the restoration, which began in 2004, the courthouse was faithfully reconstructed utilizing a detailed photograph of the building taken at its 1886 completion. The stunning clock tower was reappointed, and with the removal of the annex, a large portion of the open space around the courthouse was restored. Bosque County received nearly $3.5 million state grant through the THC’s Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program in 2004 and the courthouse was rededicated in September 2007. Bosque County’s long-term commitment to its historic courthouse’s preservation is evident through the support provided by Judge Cole Word and custodial and maintenance staff led by Dennis Willingham. Courthouse staff has attended all of the THC’s Texas Courthouse Stewardship Workshops, which began in 2007. Willingham developed an innovative computerized maintenance management system, which he presented at the 2010 Texas Courthouse Stewardship Workshop, to provide a planned approach to sustain the courthouse in its restored condition. There is a designated budget for maintaining the historic courthouse and custodial staff actively report problems and deterioration of the building, often consulting directly with the THC. Staff also makes quarterly presentations regarding stewardship activities, budget expenditures, and future courthouse needs at the commissioners court public meetings, a significant and rare communication opportunity that few counties allow their maintenance personnel. The TLTA has generously provided funding for this and other courthouse stewardship awards, as well as five Texas Courthouse Stewardship Workshops between 2007 and 2011. The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program was established in 1999 by Gov. George W. Bush and the Texas Legislature to restore Texas’ county courthouses to their original splendor and make them safe, functional, and a source of pride for Texas communities. The THC developed and administers the $227 million program, which has created more than 8,579 jobs and generated more than $19 million in local taxes.
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