Effingham County Time Capsule

February 20, 2010

History of the Cornerstone

At the convening of their October 1907 assembly, the Grand Jury recommended that the Effingham County Board of Commissioners should undertake at once to construct a modern and up to date “Temple of Justice”.  The construction was to cost not less than $25,000 and not over $30,000.  On November 25, 1908, Mr. F.P. Heiffner of Atlanta signed a contract for $25,055 to build this new Courthouse which was to be completed by July 1, 1909.  Architect Hyman Witcover, one of the South’s leading architects at the time, was selected to complete the design of the building.

Part of the building’s design included a cornerstone be laid.  The cornerstone was laid on February 22, 1909 in commemoration of the birth of George Washington, who traveled through our historic county early in his first term as President.  The cornerstone laying was a grand event.  The Brinson railroad sold a round trip ticket for the price of a one way ticket from Savannah and over 2,000 people flocked to the festivities.  Local civic groups such as the area Masonic Lodges, the Effingham Hussars, elected officials and editors of the Savannah Morning News and the Springfield Herald were all in attendance to witness the foundation of our Historic Courthouse.    Attendees were treated to a dinner on the grounds provided by the ladies of town.

The building was fully inspected and accepted on September 7, 1909 and finally, the keys were turned over to Sheriff William A. Jaudon.

The contents of the items found within the time capsule will be placed on display in a cabinet built using leftover timbers found throughout the Courthouse.  After the festivities today, the display cabinet will move to the Judicial Complex lobby until it can be returned to the Courthouse after the rehabilitation is complete.