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History of the Jail At the October, 1912 term of the Circuit Court On September 23, 1913, the court declared "said Jail and supplement contract therein have been fulfilled according to the terms of the contract without prejudice to the same." The total payment to Mr. Stiffler for the 2-story concrete structure was $4,288. In 1950, the federal government began acquiring land for the construction of Bull Shoals Lake on the White River. The town of Forsyth was relocated above the flood plain, and the old jail was replaced with a new facility. The old building, located on a hillside above the flood plain, was used for various civic purposes for the next 40 years, including the American Legion, the Boy Scouts, Head Start, and as a city storage facility. Forsyth native Jerry Gideon proved to be the vital link between a deteriorating historic building and the need for a permanent home for the White River Valley Historical Society. With high hopes, volunteers, and very little money, the Society took possession of the building and made plans for restoration and occupancy. The jail is the only civic building still standing in the original town of Forsyth. It is the sole physical link to Taney County's legal history. Current Condition of the Jail Initial repairs on the jail included a new roof and sewer and water lines provided by the city of Forsyth. Thanks primarily to the efforts of society members Bob Miley and Jerry Gideon, the building was cleaned out; several damaged windows were replaced; repairs to the plumbing and electrical systems were made; paint was applied to the walls of the upstairs; sheet rock was removed from the downstairs cell area, revealing graffiti covered walls; and a gas heating system was donated by a local Forsyth business. Renewed efforts in building fundraising in 2001 led to more work being done. The remaining upstairs windows and the south door were replaced; the electrical system was upgraded by member Bob Hartman; the upstairs History Center walls were repainted a deep gold color by members Jo Stacey Albers and Vonda Wilson Sheets; and a new energy efficient electrical heating system was donated and installed by member Bob Hartman. In the spring of 2002, a ramp was installed on the south side of the building, providing wheelchair access to the previously inaccessible south balcony. In preparation for grant applications, members of the Society have compiled a Wish List for future improvements to the Old Jail. An application to have the building added to the National Register of Historic Sites is also being prepared.
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