'Icing on the Cake'
State historical marker, revealed Saturday, called the perfect conclusion to courthouse restoration
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Staff Photo by Benjamin Sharp County Judge John Murrile, left, and State Rep. John Zerwas unveil a marker recognizing the Wharton County Courthouse as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

State and local officials joined historical preservationists this weekend to dedicate a marker recognizing the Wharton County Courthouse as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

A small crowd braved a gentle drizzle to gather at the courthouse's south side Saturday morning to witness the unveiling of the official state marker. Carriages from Stewart Morris Carriage House were on hand, with several spectators in period garb for the brief ceremony.

State Representative John Zerwas assisted County Judge John Murrile in revealing the marker, which had been covered with a Texas flag.

Zerwas said such buildings are the "pride of Texas" and said the RTHL designation is the "icing on the cake" on the Wharton County Courthouse's extensive restoration.

He said the community now has a responsibility to maintain what it has preserved.

"I have no doubt the people will step up to that (responsibility) and go above and beyond," Zerwas said.

The RTHL designation is the highest one bestowed by the state to a historic structure for "architectural integrity and historical associations."

"Historic structures serve as directories of early residents and reflect the cultural influences that helped shape our state's communities," Texas Historical Commission Director Larry Oaks earlier said in a press release.

"The Recorded Texas Historic Landmark helps bring attention to these community treasures and the importance of their preservation."

To qualify for an RTHL marker, a historic structure must be at least 50 years old and retain much of its architectural integrity.

As part of the celebration of the courthouse's recognition, items are now being collected for a time capsule that will be buried near the Wharton County Veterans Memorial.

Items are now being collected at county libraries and banks and will continue to be accepted until the end of June, said area preservationist A.C. Shelton.
Suggested items include:
* church directories
* written comments
* school test papers.
* CDs and DVDs.
* personal photos.
* teachers' names and the names of
their students.
* expired credit cards.
* brochures and calendars.
* catalogs and menus.
* resumes and newspaper clippings.

No glass containers or items that contain liquids will be accepted. Items should be smaller than a coffee can.

It's not yet known exactly when the capsule will be buried. It will be opened in 2058.