ROCKWALL — By state statute, Rockwall County is required to provide certain functions and services. Courts, sheriff, district and county clerks, indigent health care, road and bridge operations, and the jail are all provided for by the state legislation and the duties and responsibilities of each of these organizations are spelled out in detail in the statutes.

In this capacity the county is really acting as an extension of the state government, and we are providing those things that are necessary for a society to function smoothly.

But set that aside for a moment and look at the other things that Rockwall County provides for its citizens that are not required by some other governmental agency.

Start with our library.

Few counties have a library, as they leave providing this function up to the cities. Our county did not take this path, but when you start tracing back the origin of our county library, it’s hard to really determine when the decision was made to have such a function added to the county.

Stories of the library in the 1950s being located in the “elevator room” of the historic courthouse generally are where the hunt starts. Then the function moves to what is now the drivers license building on Fannin Street. Somewhere along the line comes the story of where the citizens voted to build a new library, but then county judge, Derwood Wimpee, decided not to spend the money (and he was not reelected).

From Fannin Street the facility was moved to the current adult probation building. And then in the early 2000s, the Friends of the Library, an organization that can be traced back to the 1950s, composed of very dedicated ladies, was able to garner the support of the citizens and pass a bond issue of $11.5 million to build and equip our current facility.

Our library is a real winner! If you haven’t used this facility, please take the time to walk through the building and see the enthusiasm and eyes of delight in its users.

Everything from current periodicals to reference material is there. Over fifty computers are available at no charge for use. If you believe printed books are not the way to go and “Kindle and Nook” may be the future, well then you can use those devices as this media is also stocked in the library. An entire wing is devoted for children and children’s programs.

Literally thousands of people have taken advantage of the special programs offered this summer for all age groups but the main focus was on the children. As an adjunct, a GED program is offered in the library with over 300 students enrolled. Also offered are courses in English as a second language. Study rooms are available and comfortable reading areas have been set aside for those who want to relax and look at material in the facility.

The budget for the library next year is $977,723. There are 10 full-time and 15 part-time employees. The library is headed by Ms. Marcine McCulley, a Rice University graduate as well as a graduate of SMU Law School. The facility is open every day of the week except Sunday.

Many citizen volunteers help this county staff; in the GED program as well as the library itself. And in addition to the county support of the library, the Friends of the Library have been very generous in providing large donations for use in upgrading and buying new materials. If you would like to volunteer, please contact any of the people at the front desk of the library.

Next is meeting space.

When the new courthouse was being designed, the commissioners court wanted to build a facility that could be used by the citizens as well as by the county for its official purposes. Accordingly, a room capable of holding 350 people was built on the first floor. The official function of the room is for the potential jury participants to gather on those days when called. The rest of the time the room is available for citizen groups to use the facility.

During the days during normal business hours, the room is free for use by organizations. In the evenings and on weekends, because of having to have a county employee present for security reasons, a charge of $50 per hour is necessary. The room has a small stage and very inclusive audio-visual equipment. Please feel free to look at this room if you have a possible use.

The courtroom on the third floor of the historic courthouse is also available; free during the day and $50 per hour for evenings and weekends. This room will comfortably hold 100 or more people. For use of either of these rooms, please call Ms. Morris at 972-204-6000

Finally there are rooms available in the library that can also be used for meetings. They range in size from 4-60 people. For use of these rooms, please call the library director at 972-204-7762.

Next, a little tour destination.

In 1942 the current historic courthouse was built. On the top floor was located the county jail: no air conditioning, no elevator, no exercise area, and not a very nice place. Some inmates spent the night there; others spent over two years! One guy broke out; another four were stopped at the last minute by the current Royse City Police Chief who was an 18 year old jailer at the time.

The jail legally was designed to hold 17 inmates. According to the stories, many more were often placed in the jail. There were four jailers and a supervisor guarding the prisoners. Breakfast consisted on a roll and small glass of milk; lunch was a cup of Jungle Juice and a sandwich of bologna or a pot pie; and supper was a Salisbury steak or fried chicken TV dinner.

There are all kinds of stories about the prisoners yelling out the windows at the passing ladies trying to get them to send up food (or other items to drink).

This jail was used from the early 1940s to 1988 when the first segment of our current jail was opened. Can’t you just imagine the stories that can be told about this piece of Rockwall History?

Well, the jail is being opened up for tours so people can see a little of this history. Starting in September, the Rockwall Independent School District will start field trips to visit the jail. Other groups may also schedule these visits. Please call Ms. Morris at 972-204-6000 for times.

Finally, please don’t forget that art groups of the county are welcome to display art shows in the atrium of the new courthouse. Likewise, chorale groups are welcome to sing in the atrium. With the holiday season just around the corner, just call Ms Morris at 972-204-6000 to get a time reserved.



Jerry Hogan is a retired US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel who is currently County Judge of Rockwall County. He can be reached at jerryhogan@sbcglobal.net  or 214-394-4033 or 972-204-6001.