Oldham County residents form group to save the courthouse from demolition – WHAS11.com

OLDHAM COUNTY, Ky. Some people in Oldham Co. are now trying to save the old courthouse in La Grange.

The countys Project Development Board recently voted to demolish it and build a new one.

Some residents are doing what they can to fight the decision.

Barbara Manley Calloway grew up in Oldham County. The courthouse has always been a symbol of town and county pride that, in part, has existed for more than a century.

It has stood here as the anchor to this town, Manley Calloway said.

When she found out about plans to demolish the courthouse, Manley Calloway formed a plan of her own.

Somebodys got to do something and I thought well, you know, if not me, who else? Manley Calloway said.

She started a Facebook page to save the courthouse that got 1,700 likes in its first week.

Manley Calloway asked Preservation Kentucky and The Heritage Council of Kentucky for help.

But, it might not be enough.

No matter how many likes, comments, or shares the page gets, Judge Executive David Voegele says the courthouse is just not salvageable.

You cant even raise the facade, it might fall apart, said Voegele.

He says efforts to save the building are misinformed.

People dont know whats behind the walls, they dont know whats in the ceiling, said Voegele. They dont know whats underneath it. They just have a knee jerk reaction to a circumstance that they dont like.

RELATED: Committee votes to demolish Oldham County Courthouse, making room for new building to serve next 100 years

Voegele asked a restoration expert to examine the building and he agrees - nothing can be done to save the building.

But the vote to demolish the building wont stop Barbara Manley Calloway.

My momma always told me, and the one lesson I learned from her is, never let anybody tell you no, you cant do something, Manley Calloway said.

Voegle will publish an article in Wednesdays Oldham Era, debunking some misconceptions about the courthouse and the project.

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Oldham County residents form group to save the courthouse from demolition - WHAS11.com