The Jewel of the Plains
Donley County Courthouse Construction Began: 1890 Opened: 1891 Restored: 2003 Original Architects: Bulger & Rapp Restoration Architects: Volz & Associates Original Contractors: Troutman Brothers Restoration Contractors: Phoenix One A Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the Romanesque Revival style, the Courthouse is unique for being asymmetrical – no two sides are alike. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 to 5. Visitors Welcome!
ENTERPRISE PHOTO
O
n behalf of the elected officials and employees of Donley County, let me extend a warm welcome to our community. Donley County is proud to be home to one of the finest county courthouses in the state. Called “The Jewel of the Plains,” it was built in 1890 and restored in 2003. The Courthouse is home to the Judge, County Attorney, County Treasurer, and Adult Probation Officer and is venue for the 100th District Judge. It also is the site for the meetings of the County Commissioners. Visitors are welcome in the oldest functioning courthouse in the Panhandle. The courthouse grounds are the site of the county’s annual Saints’ Roost Celebration on July 4 and you will want to come by for the Christmas 8
lighting ceremony as well on houses offices for tax collecSaturday, November 28, 2020. tion, vehicle registration and County government is ditransfers, and maintaining rected by the Commissioners public records, deeds and Court, comprised of four Com- birth certificates as well as missioners, elected from each voter registration and the of the four presupervision of cincts, and the elections. Justice county Judge, Courts are mainelected at large. tained by the Generally, Texas Justices of the counties provide Peace with officthe essential es in Hedley and things that make in Clarendon. our communities As provider livable: roads of public safety, and bridges, law the Sheriff’s enforcement and Office is responcorrections, a sible for making court system to Donley County Donley County Judge protect our legal one of the safest John Howard, MD rights, secure communities in storage of our the area, if not important public records and the entire state. And we are protection against threats to proud to be able to provide public health and safety. 24-hour on-duty officers, a The Courthouse Annex rarity for a community of our
CLARENDON WELCOME GUIDE • FALL / WINTER 2020
size. Emergency Medical Services are provided by the Associated Ambulance Authority, and we have, without a doubt, the finest emergency personnel in the region. Care is coordinated with tertiary care facilities in Amarillo and helicopter medevac is available when required. The Volunteer Fire Departments of Clarendon, Howardwick, and Hedley are on call to protect life and property against a variety of threats, including fire, and the Clarendon department has an Dive Team ready to respond locally and to provide assistance area wide. Emergency Preparedness is coordinated through all our efforts, and we stand by, ready to assist. Donley County is a great place to live, and we are pleased to have you join us.
