Residents view courtroom restored to original glory
OPEN HOUSE: Judge Robert Batchelor talks with area residents about the renovation process in the Coshocton County Courthouse during the open house on Saturday, Aug. 1. BEACON PHOTO BY MARK FORTUNE
COSHOCTON – Residents of Coshocton County came out in droves last Saturday, Aug. 1 to see the newly-renovated courtroom.
“I am just thrilled that the public has come out to look at their courthouse,” said Irene Miller, who spearheaded the project. “The weather really cooperated. It’s just a beautiful night. There were people walking down Main Street earlier from Indiana and they saw us putting up the tents and we told them to come back later tonight. They were so impressed and they said, ‘What a community!’”
The open house started at 4 p.m. with live music from the Coshocton Community Band. In addition to the renovated courtroom, everyone was also impressed with the seven windows that were found during renovations and painted by seven local artists.
The seven local artists were Sherol Grandmason, Debbie Haines, Christy Mosier, Shara Dawn (Clark) Prindle, Jessica Rohr, Michael Stiers, and Esther Marie Versch.
People were also invited to tour not only the courtroom, but the entire courthouse from the basement to the clock tower.
“It’s very pretty,” said Jeri Moore. “I’m glad they restored it. It’s worthwhile seeing.”
Joan Johnson was enjoying a picnic dinner by Oscar Rose Steak and Seafood and had yet to see the newly-renovated courtroom.
“I’m looking forward to seeing it,” she said. “They didn’t have the painting done when I was in there before, so I’m anxious to see that. Irene has done an excellent job explaining the renovation process.”
During the event, Coshocton Bicentennial flags were being raffled off as people rushed to outbid one another for a chance to buy one of the windows.
“It’s the centerpiece of our community,” said Commissioner Curtis Lee about the courthouse. “It’s what people see when they first come into Coshocton. It’s our goal to get it renovated to its original condition.”
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Multimedia, People & Places, Photo Galleries
