Members of Save Old Cleburne and appointees of the Johnson County Historical Commission will have a booth at Market Square offering the personalized bricks and displaying the architect’s renderings of the revitalization during Cleburne Springfest on Saturday. Residents can hear Commissioner Rick Bailey speak at Layland Museum on “Bringing New Life to Market Square” from 2-3 p.m. during Springfest festivities.
The year was 1898 when land was purchased by Johnson County from M. Mickle and Patrick Cleburne Chambers, son of Col. B.J. Chambers, for a nominal fee to create a marketplace, a meeting place to be called the Market Square. A document is held in the office of County Judge Roger Harmon that details the transaction transferring the property on South Main, bordered by Mill Street on the west and Harrell Street on the north and Shaffer Street on the south to county commissioners more than 100 years ago.
“The Market Square was the only place in town whereby one could buy, sell or trade without a permit and was so stated in the legal document of conveyance,” said Jack Carlton, local historian and author.
Carlton has been the man with a dream regarding Market Square revival and has left no stone unturned in his pledge to see the project gets off the ground.
Market Square has seen better days. But thanks to county Commissioner Rick Bailey, civic organizations and most recently the city of Cleburne; Market Square will become a useful entity that citizens of Johnson County can once again be proud of. As the driving force on the project, Bailey’s goals are for the betterment of the community and to set a new direction for future growth and revitalization of downtown Cleburne. Bailey envisions a place that will give back to the people, remind them of a simpler time and preserve the history of Market Square.
“The project has been in the works for several years and because the property was designated a historical location, the Texas Historical Commission had to release the property for renovation,” Bailey said. “We are currently in Phase Two of the project. Phase One was basically removal of old structures and installing restroom facilities. Phase Two is refurbishing the old horse trough into a fountain area, installing archways and flagpoles. The installation of sidewalks and ADA ramps, curbs and gutters will begin after Cleburne Springfest. Phase Three will be landscaping, lighting and layout and design of the interior of the Square. Phase Four will be the installation of pavers, stone work and perimeter fencing.”
Bailey also added that bricks removed from Texas 171 along with old bricks donated by the city of Cleburne will be used in the renovation.
The Market Square project has received support over the years from many civic organizations in conjunction with the revitalization currently underway. The Heritage Assembly, founded in 1965 by Tommie Kimbro, was responsible for the canopy now in existence. The Layland family donated the cast iron horse trough back in the day and Layland Plumbing is working to bring it back to its former glory. Save Old Cleburne and the Johnson County Historical Commission have partnered to sell personalized bricks to be installed on the grounds as a fundraiser for the project.
Bailey has received help from Buffalo Creek Association, Johnson County Master Gardeners and the Downtown Cleburne Association. Past county Commissioner R.C. McFall was also credited for his contributions to the project. Donations to Market Square project are accepted upon approval by the Johnson County Commissioner’s Court and can be made to Johnson County on behalf of Market Square according to Bailey.
In the not-so-distant future, the citizenry of Johnson County will be able to enjoy a pleasant walk around the grounds, purchase produce from area growers or perhaps listen to local talent perform on a Saturday evening at the revitalized Market Square. Possibly one will see Jack Carlton there enjoying the surroundings. Give him a nod and a thank you for his persistence. What once was old is new again soundly describes this worthy project for all to enjoy.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Members of Save Old Cleburne and appointees to the Johnson County HIstorical Commission met to discuss their joint efforts to support the Market Square revitalization and the upcoming Cleburne Springfest on Saturday. Courtesy photo
-
Original to the Market Square, the cast iron horse trough donated by the Layland family will spring to life as a fountain thanks to the work by Layland Plumbing. Courtesy photo
-
Considered Phase One of the Market Square project, the new public restroom facilities were a joint venture of Johnson County and the city of Cleburne. Courtesy photo
Discussion
Market Square renewal topic of speech during Springfest
- Local News
-
-
Officials, residents remember those who gave it all
A robust breeze alleviated the heat somewhat Monday morning at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, but also played pandemonium with the setting up of a memorial table for POW and MIA veterans. Wind tipped a vase holding a single rose shattering it on the pavement. A hastily retrieved replacement held out but at one point toppled causing water to spill inches shy of the public announcement speaker.
-
A mother’s love, one day at a time
To everyone else, it was a regular Thursday. It was almost the weekend, almost summer break, time for vacation or time with family.
-
Candidates vie for Pct. 2, 3 seats
County voters will weigh in on three Johnson County Commissioners Court seats up for election on Tuesday. In addition to the five-candidate Precinct 1 race, voters living in precincts 2 and 3 will also vote for the commissioner of their choice.
-
Primary could decide constables
Ten candidates, all Republican, compete in their four respective precincts in the May 29 primary. With no Democratic opponents to face in November’s general election, the primary should decide the winner of all but one possible race.
-
Voters urged to check for possible precinct changes
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator.
-
Early voting numbers well short of ’08
Early voting turnout in Johnson County’s Democratic and Republican primaries totaled 3,914 as of Friday morning. That total includes 309 votes in the Democratic Primary and 3,605 in the Republican Primary.
-
Yellow Jackets headed to finals
GRAHAM — The Wichita Falls Rider pitching staff swam with sharks for most of five innings Friday, avoiding all but a few love taps and playful nips from Cleburne batters.
-
Changes at Splash Station
Splash Station officially opens for the summer season this weekend, and those who frequented the park in years past may notice some modifications.
-
Dang Gym steps up for injured Cleburne officer
Though he remains wheelchair bound for now with braces on his neck and left leg, Cleburne police officer Aaron Beseda gave a thumbs up Wednesday at the Dang Gym in Cleburne.
-
Cowan discusses being police chief, Burleson’s crime rate
Police Chief Tom Cowan, 63, said he believes the key to developing safe neighborhoods begins with the community. It’s an idea he’s developed in his more than 40 years serving in law enforcement.
- More Local News Headlines
-
