The Old Half-Way-Tree Courthouse
- an edited version of the oldest photograph of the Courthouse that I have found so far, but with no indication of the date it was taken.
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A few days ago this post on Facebook reminded me of some contact I had had, some two decades or so ago, with a project to carry out a restoration of the old Courthouse. And then I realised that I sometimes drink my coffee out of a mug which commemorates that project! |
Restored as the first project of the Jamaica Historic Building
Trust Ltd |
A Jamaican National Monument
The Old Half Way Tree Court House
restored 1992 |
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- the text on the back of the mug -
Built in 1807 as the Local Court House.
The Church Vestry committee met here including National Hero George William Gordon from 1851. The building was restored in 1834, 1854 and £60 replaced the roof blown off in 1882. Undamaged in the 1907 earthquake it went on as a court until the 1920s. After wartime use by the imperial censors, it became the Junior Centre of the Institute of Jamaica for over forty years. |
possibly taken in the late 1980s?
some earlier repairs -
1980s
Daily Gleaner, May 30, 1986
The National Heritage Trust has established an Education Committee to educate the public on the importance of the country's heritage and monuments.
. . . .
Mr David Taylor Chairman of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Special Projects Committee said the Half Way Tree Parish Church recently acquired the old Half Way Tree Court House and plans were being prepared for its use as a cultural centre.
Restoration work would be carefully supervised by the Trust to ensure that the building kept its unique character.
The National Heritage Trust has established an Education Committee to educate the public on the importance of the country's heritage and monuments.
. . . .
Mr David Taylor Chairman of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Special Projects Committee said the Half Way Tree Parish Church recently acquired the old Half Way Tree Court House and plans were being prepared for its use as a cultural centre.
Restoration work would be carefully supervised by the Trust to ensure that the building kept its unique character.
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1990s
Daily Gleaner, February 23, 1991
The pride of Half Way Tree
THE island of Jamaica, is presently going through a period of restoration — that is, the restoration of old buildings. These include structures built from as early as the 17th century.
The Kingston Restoration Company started the ball rolling in downtown Kingston and there seems to be no stop to the process of restoration. In Trelawny, Portland,
and most recently at Half Way Tree, some of Jamaica's most beautiful and historic buildings are being restored.
Although there are people who would prefer to see these buildings demolished, there is apparently a growing consciousness among Jamaicans about the architectural and historical importance of such buildings.
The Old Court House at Half Way Tree is also to be restored. According to a reliable source, the building has been leased by the Kingston Parish Church and is to be restored by a new restoration company.
The pride of Half Way Tree
THE island of Jamaica, is presently going through a period of restoration — that is, the restoration of old buildings. These include structures built from as early as the 17th century.
The Kingston Restoration Company started the ball rolling in downtown Kingston and there seems to be no stop to the process of restoration. In Trelawny, Portland,
and most recently at Half Way Tree, some of Jamaica's most beautiful and historic buildings are being restored.
Although there are people who would prefer to see these buildings demolished, there is apparently a growing consciousness among Jamaicans about the architectural and historical importance of such buildings.
The Old Court House at Half Way Tree is also to be restored. According to a reliable source, the building has been leased by the Kingston Parish Church and is to be restored by a new restoration company.
2000s
Daily Gleaner, September 22, 2002
Raneil Thompson model, Gleaner, March 30, 2014 (slightly edited)
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