Holmes County has a new Office Building
The Holmes County Commissioners have recently completed renovations of the "Old Holmes County Jail". The building is adjacent to the Holmes County Courthouse and served as the County Jail from 1978 until 1994 when the new Holmes County Jail was completed and ready to be occupied. The building was constructed for just under $25,000. J. Tolan and Son of Ft. Wayne, Indiana were the architects; W.H. Myers and Voorhes Bros. were the Contractors. The Holmes County Board of Commissioners at that time were: James Allison, W.F. Hochstetler and Thomas P. Uhl; Hosack Reed was the County Auditor. The Jail was heralded as "one of the finest jails in the State of Ohio".
Twenty-two sheriffs and their staffs worked out of this facility. Most of the Holmes County Sheriffs lived in the building and shared their lives with the prisoners and visitors. Only in recent years were the "living quarters" converted into additional offices and other uses necessary for operation. This was due to an increase in demands upon the department.
The building is now an office building, housing the Commissioners' Offices, Emergency Management, Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, Environmental Management and the Planning Commission. One cell on the first floor has been reserved as a "mini museum" and the interior of the cell is being help as it was when housing inmates. Also, memorabilia is strategically placed throughout the building: "before pictures," old handcuffs and other hardware, a list of all Holmes County Sheriffs, etc. The fireplaces, located in several rooms, were preserved. The exterior of the building remains as it was; just some cleaning and painting was all that was needed there. The building project has sparked many memories and stories regarding the Old Jail Building and the entire project has been enlightening.
On December 2, 1995, the first "open house" was held for one last look at the "Old Jail". The project was completed and the building occupied in December, 1997. A second "open house" was held in March of 1998. Both events were well-attended and comments were favorable. It is a lovely building and will serve the County for many years to come.
In summary, we, the occupants and citizens of the County, are pleased and proud of this "new" old building and the results of the project.
Written by Judith Miller
Courtesy: The Holmes County Commissioners' Office