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THE SEA COAST ECHO • COURTHOUSE MEMORIES_SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009 • 17
A proud part of Hancock County history
BY TIM KELLAR Hancock Chancery Clerk, County Administrator
y earliest memories of the courthouse mostly revolve around election night beginning in August 1963 when my father Dolph Kellar was running for Beat Two Supervisor.
People would gather both inside and outside to listen to the results as they came in. It always seemed to be hot and sticky with nowhere to cool off because there was no air conditioning.
The ballots were counted upstairs and the results were called out something like this. "Gov. John Bell Williams, Lt. Gov. Brad Dye, Agriculture Commissioner Jim Buck Ross," and so on until all of
Tim Kellar
the county offices were announced.
A table was set up and people were hired to officially tally each vote as it came in. As the votes were called and the number reached five, there would be a shout around the table saying "tally" to assure the account-
ing accuracy.
The process started early in the evening and the final results would not be known until after daylight the following morning.
I can remember the anxious feelings surrounding the election nights. Even at a young age, I realized the process was important but also stressful. Little did I know that I would find out first-hand in the years to come, just how true this was.
Another memory of the courthouse is of the snack store set-up in the rotunda of the first floor. Ms. Lillian Carver was the storekeeper who would take orders, accept payments, make change, and fill the orders for the customers.
She sold soft drinks, snack cakes, and all types of candy. Ordinarily, this would not be
anything special except Ms. Carver was totally blind.
As I got older, I counted down the days until my 18th birthday when I could be eligible to vote. Several friends and neighbors made the trip with me to Bay St. Louis. Mrs. Lila Taylor registered us—she still works there today.
Roll the clock forward 20 years and I find myself having an office in the same building I admired when I was a little boy. There was a feeling of excitement the day I took office and this building has been an important part of my life since.
The rich history of the courthouse became an interest of mine. I read about the trials of Cowboy Dale Morris and Silas Richardson—the last man hanged in the county jail. I enjoyed researching
school and livestock records dating back before the 1800s.
The last day in the courthouse before Hurricane Katrina, I remember the sounds and smells during the final walk-through.
My next visit would be the day after the storm. My initial reaction was the courthouse was damaged beyond repair.
Some four years later, I am proud to say that my reaction was wrong. The courthouse has been given a breath of fresh air. The repairs have been made along with additions to provide service to the citizens of Hancock County for generations to come.
I am excited beyond words about moving back to the historic courthouse and I appreciate the confidence that the people have placed in me to continue to be a public servant.