AAC F A M I L Y & F R I E N D S
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seat of justice was originally located in a red-brick structure erected in 1890. However, by the mid-1930s that build- ing could no longer serve the county’s needs, and Lee County turned to a Depression-era New Deal program, the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, for financial assistance. Tey received it through project number Ark. 1136-R.
Te county building committee chose
Memphis architects George Mahan and Everett Woods to design an expansion of the existing courthouse, and they chose an unusual strategy: instead of mak- ing a small extension to the side or rear of the existing structure, they designed an entirely new building for its front, separating it from the original by using a contrasting style and materials. Contrac- tors Jennings and Samuel received the contract to build the new courthouse and it was completed in 1936.
Tough it was a style that had largely gone out of fashion by around 1920, Mahan and Woods chose the Classical Revival style for the new structure, and it is an exceptionally fine example of the idiom. As the National Register of Historic Places nomination (the building was listed on Sept. 7, 1995) states: “Te handsome yet restrained Classical detail- ing on the building’s exterior combines with the sheer, imposing aspect of the overall composition to render this build-
See “LEE COUNTY” on Page 32 >>> COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2016
Above: Lee County Judge Jim Keasler, who plans to retire after completing his current term, successfully applies for eight AHPP County Courthouse Restoration Grants during his tenure.
A life centered around the Lee County Courthouse
J.O. Foreman was the Lee County judge when the new Lee County Courthouse was erected in 1936, and just over 60 years later another county executive began working with the Arkansas Historic Pres- ervation Program, an agency of the De- partment of Arkansas Heritage, to make needed restorations to keep the stately building in service. Now, 26 years after taking office, Lee County Judge Jim Keasler, a dedicated steward of the historic building that serves county government, is looking for- ward to retirement. Te Lee County Courthouse has been a touchstone in Judge Keasler’s life from the beginning. He was born, went to school and attended church within a short dis- tance of the courthouse, and most of his public life has centered around the build- ing, having served 11 terms as a justice of the peace and 13 terms as county judge after a successful career as a farmer. “I’ve been on the ballot 48 times [primary and general elections],” Keasler said. “When I go home, and I’ve helped someone in this
county, it’s been a good day.”
Among the highlights of his long career in public service was helping to get the East Arkansas Regional Unit of the Arkan- sas Department of Corrections established at Brickeys, northeast of Marianna, which has helped Lee County hold down costs at the county jail and provided jobs in the rural county. He also has successfully ap- plied for eight AHPP County Courthouse Restoration Grants, which are funded by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Re- sources Council using proceeds of the state Real Estate Transfer Tax. He will seek a ninth grant this year to update the light- ing system in the courthouse, which could result in annual savings of 70 percent from the use of its current fluorescent lights. Now, Judge Keasler is looking forward to doing lots of hunting and fishing and spending more time with his family, in- cluding four grandchildren, and for the first time in his life not having to face a full day of work. “It’s going to seem strange,” he admits.
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