County takes steps to conserve 110-year-old courthouse columns

Justin Davidson, a structural engineer for the contractor Eikon, inspected the two columns on the Little River County Courthouse in Ashdown, Ark. Friday morning. The 110-year-old columns have been eroding and have moved a few inches. Little River County Judge Mike Cranford will apply for an historical grant to repair the columns on the historical structure.
Justin Davidson, a structural engineer for the contractor Eikon, inspected the two columns on the Little River County Courthouse in Ashdown, Ark. Friday morning. The 110-year-old columns have been eroding and have moved a few inches. Little River County Judge Mike Cranford will apply for an historical grant to repair the columns on the historical structure.

Mid-Continental Restoration will start an inspection assessment of the twin columns on the east side of the Little River County Courthouse in Ashdown, Ark., to keep the historical structure shining.

The columns have been eroding and have moved a couple of inches at the top, according to a structural engineer.

The courthouse has been facing the weather for 110 years. Construction started on the building in 1905 and was completed in 1907.

Each column is 40 feet in height and 48 inches in diameter.

Justin Davidson, a structural engineer for contractor Eikon of Dallas inspected the column Friday morning standing in a city of Ashdown "bucket truck" in 20-degree weather.

He will also determine if the columns are load-bearing structures or for cosmetic appearance

The restoration assessment fee of $2,800 was paid using excess funds from a previous historical grant, Little River County Judge Mike Cranford said.

"The goal of the county government is to preserve the building and maintain its historical integrity," Cranford said.

"The engineer will make a suggestion for a plan of action and to meet the guidelines of the historic preservation commission. We prefer to keep the integrity of the building instead of replace the columns."

The county is trying to submit a grant application by Feb. 1, he said.

The preliminary estimate to repair the columns would cost about $50,000 to $55,000.

Replacing the columns will be more expensive than repairs. Cranford said a project where columns were replaced on the "Old Main" at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville cost the university about $200,000.

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program recognizes the two-story building as architecturally and historically significant as one of the most impressive county courthouses in Arkansas and as the most prominent structure in Little River County, according to the Arkansas Encyclopedia.

The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 26, 1976.

After voters moved Little River's county seat from Rocky Comfort (Little River County) to Ashdown in 1906, the administration of Judge J.B. Arnett oversaw the construction of a new courthouse that began the following year. The county hired architect Sidney Stewart to design the building with the mission to solidify Ashdown's claim as county seat and convey optimism about the future. Stewart designed a Neo-Georgian structure with classical themes evidenced in the columns, arches and pediments. The outstanding feature is the octagonal dome, according to the Arkansas Encyclopedia.

The colonial-style courtroom is situated under the dome, which provides natural light from rectangular windows at its base. Molding trims the opening of the dome and matches the decorative wood throughout the room. The walls consist of cream-colored plaster, which was painted in 1977 after renovations.

The courthouse square is an elegant green space complete with multiple oak trees and white, iron benches. A wooden gazebo stands at one corner of the lot and is dedicated to County Judge Clyde B. Wright and "All Former Elected Officials." It was dedicated on April 18, 2007. At Christmastime, lights cover the entire building, including the dome.

Two historical markers stand at opposite ends of the concrete walkway cutting through the lawn. The first details the county seat's move to Ashdown. The other lists Little River County as the home of Governor Jeff Davis, describing him as one of Arkansas's most colorful personalities. A war memorial is on the grounds, dedicated to veterans who served from Little River County in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

A time capsule is also on the grounds in a red brick box that matches the courthouse. Dedicated as part of the celebrations surrounding the sesquicentennial anniversary of Arkansas's statehood, it was sealed on April 26, 1986, and is slated to be opened in another 150 years, on April 26, 2136. The courthouse's centennial anniversary celebration on April 18, 2007, included an address by Gov. Mike Beebe.

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