From Press and Staff Reports

WALTHALL - The village of Walthall showcased its new Village Hall with an open house and ribbon cutting on June 16.

The historic Webster County Jail is now the fully functioning Walthall Village Hall. The restoration project earned the village an award from the Mississippi Main Street Association for Best Historic Preservation Re-Use Project Under 5,000 in Population. Mayor Belinda Stewart accepted the award during the MMSA's annual Awards Luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson on May 17.

The featured speaker for the event was Beverly Meng, executive director of counsel for Mississippi Main Street Association. Meng assisted Suzanne Smith, MMSA president, with the award presentations.

Bob Wilson, executive director of the Mississippi Main Street Association said, "The 2007 Awards Luncheon gives us the opportunity to celebrate our annual award winners and pay tribute to our Main Street communities and volunteers who work diligently to revitalize their downtowns."

"We are proud that the Mississippi program consistently ranks in the top Main Street Programs throughout the country. These awards are an opportunity to recognize those individuals, businesses, special projects and agencies that make that high rank a reality," commented

The jail was constructed in 1892 for Webster County. The simple cube-shaped, two story masonry brick building was continuously used as the county jail until the current jail was constructed in 1972. In 1990, it was designated as a Mississippi Landmark for its structure and association with events that have shaped Webster County's social and political history.

The mayor, village Board of Alderman and Belinda Stewart Architects, P.A. set out to save this historic building with the help of a Mississippi Landmark Grant and donated services by Belinda Stewart Architects, P.A.

Brick restoration, chimney reconstruction, removal of cement mortar and replacement with lime-based mortar, repointing brick masonry, restoring metal sheathing, repairing substrate pulling away from the walls and ceilings and, of course, AC and a new plumbing system completed this restoration.

The large jail cell was removed, saving one portion that is attached to the wall. This opened the space two stories and made room for a boardroom and balcony. The other cells became restrooms and offices. Ballard Construction was general contractor.