Group Hopes To Save Courthouse Gazebo

An effort has emerged among a group of concerned citizens to save the Crawford County Courthouse gazebo, which has been slated for removal.

In its place, the commission plans on having a new gazebo erected by 5 Star Buildings.

Commissioners have been wrestling with the gazebo’s future for more than a month now. The structure, which is decades old, is leaning into the courthouse. For safety purposes, county officials have roped it off.

The “Save the Crawford County Bandstand” group on Monday addressed commissioners. Kevin Green, one of the residents leading the charge, told commissioners a Facebook group dedicated to saving the gazebo already has hundreds of members. Green wanted the commission to rescind bids for the project until the group could plan and prepare for an alternative. Theresa Schmitt, the Democratic candidate for the 120th District in next month’s election, urged commissioners to look into preserving it as a historical site. There is some debate on how old the gazebo is. Estimates date back to the courthouse’s construction in the 1880s, but that appears to be in dispute. 

The day before the meeting, Tami Cape told commissioners a group of 20 citizens gathered to look at the gazebo and felt it could be saved. District 1 Commissioner Rob Cummings said he attended the meeting and that if it was feasible, he was on board with preservation.

“I feel it should be saved if it can be done,” Cummings said, citing the county’s finances and safety as the two deciding factors. 

Brian White identified himself as a contractor and someone with expertise in restoring historic structures. 

I feel it can be saved,” White said to commissioners. “The whole thing can be done safely. The structural integrity is not a problem.”

White suggested demolishing the bottom of the structure, using a crane to lift the roof and placing it on a new structure.

Time is of the essence on following through. Presiding Commissioner Leo Sanders told the group that they need to have a plan in place in the next couple of weeks. 

“Because of safety issues, we want to hurry,” Sanders said.

The group says it believes it can raise the money through donations and contributions throughout the community.