Nonprofit series continues with spotlight on the Beal Center

  • The tower on The Beal Center, formerly Clay County's Courthouse may be seen from several places around Hayesville. Bob Hanson, of the Courthouse Restoration Committee, explained, "The gray on the tower house is new because that color was revealed under the layers of paint that were removed. We tried to make the historical restoration as best we could to be historically accurate.
    The tower on The Beal Center, formerly Clay County's Courthouse may be seen from several places around Hayesville. Bob Hanson, of the Courthouse Restoration Committee, explained, "The gray on the tower house is new because that color was revealed under the layers of paint that were removed. We tried to make the historical restoration as best we could to be historically accurate.
  • Courthouse Restoration Committee member Bob Hanson provided pictures throughout the renovation of the Historic Courthouse. The building was gutted and completely redone. This picture shows the upstairs courtroom floors being redone. A first step was to protect the structure with a good roof. Hanson said the roof had some holes in it large enough for a big desk to fit through, but they were not obvious because shingles covered them. Cox & Sons had to do "substantial roof repairs," Hanson said.
    Courthouse Restoration Committee member Bob Hanson provided pictures throughout the renovation of the Historic Courthouse. The building was gutted and completely redone. This picture shows the upstairs courtroom floors being redone. A first step was to protect the structure with a good roof. Hanson said the roof had some holes in it large enough for a big desk to fit through, but they were not obvious because shingles covered them. Cox & Sons had to do "substantial roof repairs," Hanson said.

    By Lorrie Ross

    Staff Writer

     

    From silent movies projected on the walls, to roller skating on the sidewalks around the old courthouse until the lumber mill whistle blew, many longtime Clay County residents have fond recollections about the Historic Clay County Courthouse. Now named the Beal Center, its rich history was enough for concerned folks to push for its restoration when it was no longer needed as the county’s official courthouse in the early 2000’s. This week’s non-profit article series focuses on The Beal Center, which is a Clay County Communities Revitalization Association project; however, this historic building holds a prominent place in Clay County history and deserves its own spotlight. 

    Despite its imposing presence in the middle of downtown Hayesville’s Square, the Historic Clay County Courthouse sat empty and seemingly forgotten for years after the new county courthouse was built on the edge of town. It took years of research, grant applications, planning, visits from officials and fund-raisers-both small and community-wide, to begin turning the old building into the historical center and event venue it is now. A generous donation from local entrepreneur and Clay County native Ron Beal, helped complete the work.

    According to information at: www.bealcenter.org, the ornate structure was designed in the Italianate Vernacular style, and built by local craftsman Captain J. S. Anderson, from 1887-1888, at a cost of $7,800. At more than a century old, the building needed to be stabilized and renovated even before it ceased to be used. In 1998, local non-profit CCCRA obtained funding to make some improvements. This included repair and stabilization of the foundation, exterior renovations, planting trees, repainting the gazebo and installation of commemorative brick walks. 

    In addition, CCCRA began a project in 2000 to replace worn out windows and stabilize the courthouse’s exterior. Donations by citizens funded the window replacement. In May 2010, CCCRA developed a plan to restore the courthouse’s beauty and make the landmark a vital place for Clay County gatherings, an entertainment venue and other events. Exterior roof repairs, steeple and brickwork restoration began in 2017. Interior renovations were undertaken in 2017. All renovations were done keeping the building’s historical aspects in mind, while also doing necessary additions like an elevator and a prep kitchen. On July 21, 2018, the Historic Courthouse was officially renamed The Beal Center and reopened 130 years after it was originally built.

    Now the beautiful building continues to represent the families who graced its lawns decades ago for community events, while also offering respite to current-day visitors looking for relaxation. Popular community events such as CCCRA’s Summer Concert Series, Clay County Rotary Club Car-B-Que, Clay County Historical & Arts Festival on the Square, Historic Hayesville Inc.’s Steins & Wines and the annual fall Tractor Parade are held on the grounds annually. In addition, a Thursday Farmer’s Market, Agricultural Day, the Pet Celebration and the Lighting of the Square and Christmas Parade, occur there. The Beal Center often hosts historical presentations, along with meetings, weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, fundraisers, concerts and more. 

    The popular Cookies with Santa moved to the Beal Center a few years ago and the relocation has been positive for local children and families. The Festival of Trees also brings holiday joy to the community by placing sponsored Christmas trees in the Beal Center for the visitors to view and have a chance to win during the three-day event. All proceeds from that event fund scholarships for graduating Hayesville High School students.

    A lot of people came together to make the abandoned building become a vibrant destination and desirable event venue. A subcommittee of CCCRA, calling itself The Friends of the Historic Courthouse prepared an initial plan, a budget and a renovation timeline. That committee collected more than 1,100 signatures from people who supported the renovation and obtained written letters of support from eleven agencies and organizations. At the time, committee member Margie Weathers shared an important reason for the restoration. “If you come here,” Weathers said, “you want a vibrant, living downtown, not a ghost town, with a variety of activities that will interest all ages.” 

    The restoration of the Historic Courthouse, now known as the Beal Center, helped rejuvenate downtown Hayesville. While the renovations may be complete, funds are still needed to ensure the historic building continues to be preserved for generations to come. CCCRA uses grants and donations to operate and maintain the Beal Center, as well as the surrounding grounds. 

    The Beal Center is located at 25 Herbert Street in Hayesville. More information about donating, renting space for an event, touring the building or history, may be found at: www.bealcenter.org. Call: (828) 415-1623 or email: bealcenterevents@icloud.com.

    Tax deductible donations are welcome, as well. The mailing address is: Beal Center, P.O. Box 1533, Hayesville, N.C. 28904.