FOR Donates to Courthouse Renovation

FRIENDS OF RAYMOND WEIGHS IN FINANCIALLY ON COURTHOUSE RESTORATION EFFORTS

by Judge Bobby DeLaughter

Thanks to Friends of Raymond (FOR), approximately half of the beautiful courtroom pine floor in our historic courthouse is being restored. It is a mistake to assume that the focus of this group of concerned and dedicated citizens is limited only to Civil War battlefield preservation. As made clear in its written bylaws, FOR is committed “to preserve, interpret, and promote significant historic sites in Raymond…and the surrounding area.” Parker Hills, a retired General in the United States Army and current FOR President, reiterates, “Friends of Raymond is dedicated to the historic preservation of Raymond, which means, in addition to the battlefield south of town, all in-town and other nearby sites that played a role in Raymond's history – its entire history, and not just its 1863 history.”

The private, non-profit organization is backing up that mission statement with a gift of approximately $8,500 for the courtroom-floor work and another $5,000 that will help defray the costs of remodeling the first-floor public restroom that has been an embarrassing eyesore for years. “The Raymond Courthouse is a gem in the crown of Raymond's history,” observed General Hills, “and the Friends is delighted to assist in the preservation of this key historical building-a major structure that is historic as well as functional, and the centerpiece of Raymond's tourism potential.” FOR's willingness to make this significant contribution spurred a further commitment of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors. At its last meeting, Supervisor Ronnie Chappell made a motion that the board accept the FOR contribution and that the board add another $25,000 to widen the doorway, completely rework the plumbing, and otherwise make the restroom handicap-accessible. The other supervisors whole-heartedly agreed. Mayrant Construction, which just completed the magnificent exterior restoration of the building, is expected to begin work on the restroom in mid-May.

Some years ago, the wood flooring in the courtroom was covered with linoleum, which sometime later was covered with carpet. Sheriff Malcolm McMillin graciously, as always, provided valuable inmate labor, this time to remove the carpet and padding. Environmental Management Plus, Inc., a minority-owned business certified by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, removed the linoleum tiles beneath, and Richard Starnes of Utica did the refinishing work, bringing back a warm, rich luster that has been hidden for decades. This cooperation illustrates the truthfulness of a Benjamin Franklin quote: “The good men may do separately is small compared with what they may do collectively.” It warms the heart to see such a collective effort. It is because of this kind of spirit that Peggy and I joined FOR. It does not espouse political causes of the present or lost causes of the past. It simply, but importantly, strives to preserve and interpret our historic sites so that we and our descendants will have a deeper understanding of the lessons that history is waiting to teach us.