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!
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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, and County Treasurer 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 2, 2022, and you will want to come by for the Christmas lighting ceremony as well on 8
Saturday, November 26, 2022. houses offices for tax collecCounty government is tion, vehicle registration and directed by the Commissioners transfers, and maintaining Court, comprised of four Com- public records, deeds and birth missioners, elected from each certificates as well as voter of the four precincts, and the registration and the supervicounty Judge, sion of elections. elected at large. Justice Courts Generally, Texas are maintained counties provide by the Justices the essential of the Peace with things that make offices in Hedley our communities and in Clarenlivable: roads don. and bridges, law As provider enforcement and of public safecorrections, a ty, the Sheriff’s court system to Office is responprotect our legal sible for making rights, secure Donley County storage of our one of the safest important public communities in Donley County Judge records and prothe area, if not John Howard, MD tection against the entire state. threats to public And we are health and safety. proud to be able to provide 24The Courthouse Annex hour on-duty officers, a rarity
CLARENDON WELCOME GUIDE • SPRING / SUMMER 2022
for a community of our 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.
