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8 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009
COURTHOUSE MEMORIES • THE SEA COAST ECHC
Photo courtesy of Hancock County Historical Society
The historic Hancock County Courthouse was built in 1911 for just under $25,000. The structure featured a grand cupola and granite steps with finished wood floors inside. It was built in the Greek Revival style and was one of the finest structures on the Gulf Coast.
Masonic Lodge #147 building near the end of Main St. which was located behind the current masonic building.
Controversy ruled the day:
The city of Shieldsborough began construction of a new city hall in 1866 and much discussion was made about how the city and county would share in the new building.
As county leaders were waffling back and forth with the city of Shieldsborough about a potential land swap for the courthouse site, the police court was hit with an alarming financial crisis.
Minutes for the board of supervisors show that former county Treasurer F.H. Seal was fined $200—an enormous sum for that day—for "non-attendance at regular meetings and failing to make returns of finances according to law."
In January 1869, Seal was forced to settle all of the outstanding accounts and resign from his position.
Main Street becomes home:
In February 1869 the city hall/courthouse was deemed ready. It was a multi-purpose wood-framed building which would hold government offices and court for both entities. The three story courthouse was complete with a crow's nest on top and a horse trough in front of the building.
The site of the new city hall/county courthouse would be built on city-owned property at site where today's courthouse courthouse still stands.
The county was given five rooms in which to hold court, house jurors, and provide office space for the sheriff and clerk.
The county was also required to sweep and clean of the building, provide lights and fires when needed, and assume responsibility for any damage to furniture, windows, fastenings, and locks."
The new building would serve as the center of county
government for the next four decades.
In the years to follow, a new jail would be built 33 feet to the south and east of the courthouse. That jail would last until 1937.
The birth of the "Grand Old Lady"
In the spring of 1910, the Hancock County Board of Supervisors—led by President Horatio S. Weston—embarked on a plan to build a new courthouse.
The old wooden courthouse had become out-dated and more space was needed to accommodate the needs of the every growing population of the county.
In July, 1910 plans were submitted by New Orleans based architects Kennan & Weiss. The new courthouse was to be made of brick and mortar and the plans included lavish features such as granite steps and oval-shaped and colored cupola.
The plans were advertised in the Gulf Coast Progress
152 Main St., Ste. B Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
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HANCOCK COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK
Fax: 228-467-2779 Gulfport: 228-868-1913 1-800-771-9942
BUSINESS HOURS 8 A.M. TIL 5 P.M. MONDAY-FRIDAY
228-467-5265
228-467-5266
Donald Rafferty, p.a.
532 Main Street Bay St. Louis, MS.
(228) 868-5421
Congratulations!
from the law office of
HAAS & HAAS
Attorneys At Law
201 N. Second Street Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone (228) 467-6574 • Fax (228) 467-6575
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DflHMY B. WHITE
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NOVEMBER 3rd 2009
Bay High Educated County Resident South Interstate 10, Owner Kay's Quick Stop - Hwy 603, Kiln
"Our Courthouse Is Beautiful"
I need your vote and support - as I am dedicated to moving Hancock County forward.
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