Published: July 05, 2008 02:15 am            

Historic state jail now houses government offices

CHARLES TOWN — The new offices for many Jefferson County government workers are located in a building that’s nearly 100 years old.

The county circuit clerk’s office moved into the first floor of the former Jefferson County Jail last week and family court workers set up shop in the second level about two weeks ago.

A few years ago, the county commission considered demolishing the building, but the Jefferson County Alliance to Save Our Heritage worked to save it.

The group said the old jail should be preserved because of its architecture and historical significance. A series of trials was held there in 1922 for coal miners involved in a southern West Virginia labor uprising referred to as the Battle of Blair Mountain.

In 2005, the commission decided to renovate the building into much needed office space. And despite a $2 million makeover, county maintenance Director Bill Polk says some reminders of the structure’s past remain. For example, iron doors still cover some of the windows and an old door that once was used to pass food to prisoners is now used to share files.

County employees and others have been stopping by the building recently to see its transformation and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department deputies have been regaling them with stories from their experiences there — including hints of the place being haunted. One bailiff says he periodically hears what sounds like somebody whistling in a nearby corridor. When he goes to check it out, no one is there.

County Commissioner Dale Manuel says keeping the jail was a good move.

“We’re preserving a building the same time as making it functional,” he said.

An official dedication of the renovated building is slated for Sept. 20.

        

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