the historic courthouse is alive and well
Origins of the Courthouse
In October, 1822, plans were completed for Meigs County's first courthouse. In November of 1823, the courthouse was completed and the first trial took place. Chester was the county seat of Meigs County until 1841, when the county seat was moved to Pomeroy, and a new courthouse was built there.
Past Life of the Courthouse
Between the late 1800's and the mid 1900's various groups used the building as a meeting hall, including The Grand Army of the Republic and the Return Jonathan Meigs DAR. In 1959, the Chester Grange remodeled the inside of the building and began holding their meetings there.
Preservation and Restoration
In 1976, the Return Jonathan Meigs DAR Chapter had the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Courthouse Museum is currently operated by the Chester Shade Historical Association.
a timeline of the Courthouse Restoration
How The Restoration Began
In October, 1822, plans were completed for Meigs County's first courthouse. In November of 1823, the courthouse was completed and the first trial took place. Chester was the county seat of Meigs County until 1841, when the county seat was moved to Pomeroy, and a new courthouse was built there.
Between 1869 and 1919, the Grand Army of the Republic and other groups met in the old courthouse. Beginning in 1926, it was used as a community center. Between August and October of that year, the Return Jonathan Meigs DAR replaced the roof and made other repairs.
From 1946 - 1951, the Return Jonathan Meigs DAR Chapter came to the rescue again, making much needed repairs with an Estate Gift left by Mary Bennett.
The Work Took Decades
In 1959, the Chester Grange remodeled the inside of the building and began holding their meetings there.
In 1976, the Return Jonathan Meigs DAR Chapter had the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Beginning in 1995, once again it was the Return Jonathan Meigs DAR Chapter that came to the rescue of the old courthouse. Regent Patricia Holter asked the chapter to sponsor an extensive restoration.
Where We Are Today
Mary Powell was named as chairman from DAR, and Dale Colburn was named co-chairman from the Ewings Chapter SAR.
These people have worked extensively and involved many interested people from within the county and around the State. An Appalachian Grant was applied for and funds of $46,000 made it possible to replace the sheathing and roof, as well as install new bracing.
In 2001, for tax purposes, a new organization was formed to spearhead the restoration efforts and to better serve the community. So the Chester-Shade Historical Association (CSHA) was formed. Much time and money have been donated by many folks in the community, and the Modern Woodmen of America have made numerous matching grants to the effort.
Representatives of local organizations compose the board of directors, and under their oversight, the Association has raised over $70,000 for the project. An Appalachian Community Development grant for $20,000, an Ohio Capital Bill fund grant of $15,000 and a Kellogs grant of $15,000 have helped complete the renovations at the historical building.
