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Then and now
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The historic Jackson County Courthouse was decorated for Christmas in this photo from the 1960s (left), though it was hard to tell much about the structure with the double row of evergreens lining the building¹s famous steps. A Christmas star can be seen below the clock, but that¹s about all. In this week¹s photo, right, the bushy trees, which were cut down around 1968, are gone, giving Main Street visitors an excellent view of the wreaths and greenery that adorn the balcony and complement the Hospice tree of Remembrance near the fountain. Built by entrepreneur C.J. Harris in 1913, the old Courthouse is believed to be Jackson County’s most-photographed building. Harris promised local voters that he would construct a courthouse in Sylva if they approved a referendum calling for the removal of the county seat from Webster to Sylva. The measure passed after a contentious campaign, and Sylva became the county¹s center of government. Herald file photo (left) and Herald photo by Nick Breedlove
Correction:
In the Dec. 22 “Then and Now” feature, some important information was inadvertently omitted.
While it is true that early entrepreneur C.J. Harris told voters he’d build a courthouse if they approved a referendum to move the county seat from Webster to Sylva, Harris also stipulated that he’d do so for a sum not to exceed $30,000.
After the “removal” resolution was passed by county voters, Harris submitted the low bid ($30,000) and was awarded a contract to build Jackson County’s new courthouse and jail.
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