Renovations begin on Old Town Hall

By Sandy Zimmerman

Guest Writer

  • Woodhaven Construction owner Tommy Davis, center, was flanked by helpers Steve Johns, left and David Collins, right, to place the first piece of new lumber on the Old Hayesville Town Hall for the front porch.
    Woodhaven Construction owner Tommy Davis, center, was flanked by helpers Steve Johns, left and David Collins, right, to place the first piece of new lumber on the Old Hayesville Town Hall for the front porch.
    The new floor plan for the renovation of Old Town Hall.

    The new floor plan for the renovation of Old Town Hall.

    After a year of fundraising efforts by Historic Hayesville Inc. volunteers, lumber has been delivered to begin construction and rehab of the Old Hayesville Town Hall as a small classroom. The building was used at different times as the town hall, tax office and housing for the town’s early fire hose from the 1930s to early 1950s just off the square in downtown.

    The structure represents part of early 19th century architecture around Hayesville Square with wood buildings which were eventually replaced by brick in the late 1940s. HHI Board of Directors accepted the building as a donation from owners Betty Benedict and Charles Thompson in 2019 for rehabilitation as a classroom for historical and cultural activities. HHI provided transport of the building to Hayesville Heritage Park featuring historic sites by partner nonprofits Clay County Communities Revitalization Association and Clay County Historical & Arts Council.

    Located below the CCCRA Cherokee Homestead and CCHAC Old Jail Museum, the building is within pedestrian access from the Clay County Schools campus and will feature an indoor classroom with added front porch to serve as a small presentation stage for outdoor activities. The building’s interior and exterior will feature re-purposed materials from other local dwellings including the 1930s Hayesville Post Office and furnishings from the former elementary school. The building will also represent combined efforts by CCHAC, CCCRA and HHI for downtown revitalization, historic preservation and activities for all ages. Community support for all projects is greatly appreciated

    HHI is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a budget of at least $22,000 to save the building as a community asset. Those interested in making donations or volunteering for the project can go to historichayesvilleinc.com for more details.