Reborn for the Future
Sitting vacant and
deteriorating on a daily basis, the old CCHS building appeared destined
for the wrecking ball. The roof began to leak and water caused damage
to the interior, window frames were rotting away, and glass was broken
out by vandals. Even though the building had been deemed structurally
sound by a structural engineer, no useful purpose that was supported by
the County Commissioners could be identified. Some of the
commissioners, as well as some community members, thought the building
should be razed.
A small group
of CCHS alumni refused to give up and let the building be destroyed. 
Some possible uses were explored, including offices for the Cumberland
County school system, an alternative school, or an art and cultural
center. None of these ideas took hold, but the ongoing efforts to come
up with a plan did buy some time for the old building.
With no
acceptable plan to put the building to good use, when the need arose to
enlarge the Cumberland County Justice Center, which is located directly
behind the CCHS building, it appeared the structure would be torn down
to make way for the addition.
The Justice
Center addition was needed because of the jail overcrowding and the need
for more courtrooms. In exploring addition options, one remote
possibility was to utilize the CCHS building as part of that complex.
The old building could be converted to offices and the courtrooms and
jail addition could be built behind the CCHS building, linking all
sections of this complex, including the existing Justice Center,
together. Even though this approach did not initially have much
support, the concept gained approval when it was shown that it was not
only practical from a functional standpoint, but that it would also save
the county money in its construction. However, the auditorium had to be
torn down to make room for the courtroom complex of the project.
A contract was
let in the spring of 2008 to incorporate the renovated CCHS building
into the Justice Center project. The old building would house the
county offices that are associated with the court system, some of which
were then located in the courthouse, as well as offices for judges and
state agencies. This would consolidate the services of the justice
system, improving its efficiency, convenience and security.
Many original
features of the building were to be preserved. 
For example, the wooden interior doors and transoms would be beautifully
refinished by the inmates at the Bledsoe Regional Correctional Center,
and would be used. The original staircases also remained intact, and
every effort was made to retain the original plaster walls, which are a
form of plaster containing horsehair
This was a $14
million project; however, it would maintain a part of Cumberland County
history which is priceless. A facility that has served thousands of
Cumberland County’s youth would once again be available to serve our
citizens for many years to come.
In early 2009,
after a slow start, good progress was being made on our old school
building. All exterior windows and doors had been removed. The
auditorium was gone. The old roof had been completely removed and a new
on installed. The large Crab Orchard Stone with the memorial
inscription honoring our servicemen had been removed and was in storage
to be reinstalled when the renovations neared completion.
By spring of
2009, with most of the demolition completed, items were being replaced.
The new roof was almost complete. Some work had begun on the interior.
Refinished interior doors and transoms were being returned from the
Bledsoe Regional Correctional Center workshop and stored awaiting
reinstallation. Most of the footings and plumbing were in the ground
for the courtrooms and jail addition behind the school building.
In June of
2009, one couldn’t tell much from the outside, other than to notice the
new windows that are like the original ones installed in the 1930s. The
stone exterior was still to be cleaned. However, the transformation on
the inside was incredible. The mechanical, plumbing and electrical
systems were in place, and the sheetrock had been installed and
painted. Most of the ceilings and light fixtures had been hung.
As mentioned
earlier, the auditorium had to be removed to make room for the addition
to the jail. Even though we lost that part of the building, we are
thrilled that the main structure has been saved and the identity of the
exterior of the building is intact.
Another
interesting fact is that the old doors and transoms have been refinished
and reinstalled, giving the building interior an original look.
After months
of construction, the newly renovated CCHS building opened in December,
2009, having been incorporated into the new addition to the existing
Justice Center and Jail.
Our old school
building now houses offices associated with the court system. Those
include the offices of Clerk and Master, Circuit Court Clerk, judges and
other court-related agencies. All these offices had been located in the
Court House downtown. Not only has our former high school building
saved, but it is also serving the growing needs of our community.
The large
addition attached to the rear of the high school building houses new
court rooms, jury rooms, judge’s chambers court rooms, the Sheriff’s
Department and additional jail cells and the existing Justice Center
where the existing jail and the Sheriff’s Department are located. Now
all court and jail activities are housed under one roof, known as the
Cumberland County Justice Center. No longer are prisoners transported
to the Courthouse downtown for trial. They are moved from the jail down
a corridor to the courtrooms, making these moves more secure and safer.
Many thanks
are due to several CCHS Alumni who fought hard to keep this historical
building from being torn down and also to our County Mayor and
Commissioners for taking the necessary action to bring this project to a
successful completion. Because of their foresight and perseverance, the
Cumberland County High School, built in 1932, will endure and be used by
the people of Cumberland County for generations to come.
Sue Harrison Patton stands beside a 1950s photo of the CCHS
building, enlarged to 5’ by 15’, which is the first item you see
upon entering the main lobby of the Justice Center.
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A Doyle Vaden Pen and Ink drawing of old CCHS was presented to County
Mayor Brock Hill and other county officials in honor of all CCHS alumni.
This framed print now hangs in the front hall along with a plaque
outlining the history of Cumberland County High School. Pictured are,
l-r, Clerk and Master Sue Tollett, Circuit Court Clerk Larry Sherrill,
CCHS alumna Sue Harrison Patton, County Mayor Brock Hill, and CCHS
alumna Vancienita Smith Wisdom.
