Local group meets regarding future of Donley courthouse

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The Donley County Historical Commission met Tuesday, July 21, in the Courthouse Annex conference room to discuss the recommendations made by the review team from the Texas Historical Commission (THC).

The preservation team was in Clarendon in October 1997 investigating the restoration and preservation needs of the Donley County courthouse. Chairman Jean Stavenhagen reported that she had met with the Commissioners’ Court at the regular meeting on July 13 to discuss the recommendations from the THC team and further stated that all those present expressed much interest concern for the future of the courthouse.

Stavenhagen also reported that she and Judge Hall had contacted Brad Patterson with the THC to obtain information for organizing local efforts to begin the work needed to preserve the courthouse. Patterson recommended that a master plan be developed with the help of a preservation architect.  The plan should account for long-range renovations starting with the repairs that need the most immediate attention.

Patterson also suggested that the local historical commission assist the county by seeking monies from grants and foundations.

Moore County Judge Schumacher, who was recently appointed to the Governor’s Courthouse Preservation Working Group, has been contacted regarding the needs of Donley County’s courthouse.  A copy of the report from the THC was mailed to Schumacher to examine before her meeting with the Governor’s Group in August. Stavenhagen will be attending a four-day grant writing workshop in Austin which will cover all aspects of fund raising, including where to find funding, how to approach foundations, and how to write convincing proposals.