Fundraiser held to benefit Thebes Courthouse

THEBES, Ill. -- Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mississippi River in Thebes is the Thebes Historical Courthouse where dozens gathered Saturday to help preserve the building and learn about its history during the Thebes Historical Society Memorial Day Celebration 2012.

"In the past we've just opened the courthouse on Memorial Day," said Debbie Goyns, president of the society. "This is the first year in awhile to have advertised and provided entertainment, food and such."

All proceeds from the weekend will go to the society to take care of the courthouse.

About 50 people visited the courthouse Saturday.

"There's a lot of history in this building" Goyns said.

The courthouse, which contains photographs and historical artifacts, is open for tours over the weekend. In addition to what is normally on display in the courthouse, a DVD of photos and information about local veterans will be playing throughout the weekend.

Thebes was the Alexander County Seat from 1845 to 1860. The courthouse was built in 1848 by Hienrich Arnhold Barkhausen at the cost of $4,400.

After the county seat was moved to Cairo, Ill., the building was used as a church, a meeting hall for clubs and an election polling location. Goyns said it was also at one time used as a WPA library with books dating back to 1800 that are still there today. She also said at some point people lived in the building.

The building became an Illinois historical site in 1970 and was entered into the National Register on Dec. 26, 1972.

Tom Sullinger and his son Tim were at the courthouse Saturday representing The Skin to Skin Pewter Co. They were dressed in period clothing and were doing casting demonstrations. They had spoons, coins, games, axes and carving sets they had made representing the period. They also had furs and skulls from animals.

"Everything was trapped or shot locally," Sullinger said.

Local band The Evan Webb Band performed country music Saturday afternoon and were followed by the Teen Challenge Choir, which performed contemporary and traditional Christian music.

"This is the neatest thing we've had up here in years," said Julia Duff-Thrower, a lifetime resident of Thebes. "It's great to see baby boomers showing an appreciation of history."

Having played there as a child, Duff-Thrower said, "The event brings back a lot of memories from childhood."

Today's festivities will consist of a community worship service and local music groups, including the Country Combo, New Harmony Singers and Gospel music led by Jo Ann Leadbetter. Beginning at 10 a.m., the Cape Girardeau bicycle club will ride from the courthouse to the Mounds Cemetery and back.

For more information on today's and Monday's activities, visit www.thebescourthouse.com.

Pertinent address:

Thebes, Ill.