MOUNT VERNON — A cornerstone is the first stone set when erecting a building. It’s critical because it becomes the foundation for the entire construction process.
A poorly chosen or ill-fitting cornerstone leads to instability and potential collapse.
One hundred years ago, Knox County’s forefathers chose wisely, and the Knox Memorial Building stands today as a testament to the local soldiers, sailors, marines, and other men and women who served their country.
On the afternoon of Oct. 23, 1923, the community gathered to lay the cornerstone of the Memorial Building.
According to The Republican News, “business was practically at a standstill in the city during the hour of the ceremonies, practically all business houses being closed and the court house closing during the time of the ceremonies.
There was a large attendance of ex-servicemen of various wars and of the public in general.”
Joe Hooker Post No. 21 G.A.R. was in charge of the ceremony. Post Commander George D. Neal served as master of ceremonies. Chauncey D. Baker of Columbus, state commander of the American Legion, gave the keynote address.
History
The Republican News reports that although many people discussed the idea of a memorial, “a working plan was first given definite expression at the Knox County dinner.” The dinner was held April 23, 1919, at the Mount Vernon Country Club.
C.H. Bishop of Centerburg “strongly advocated” building such a memorial to commemorate the services of the Knox County men in the nation’s wars and as a factor in county unity and development.
“To recognize the date of the placement of the cornerstone hopefully will remind us of the value of cornerstones. May our community be true to the foundational values of our forefathers/mothers for the next 100 years in honorable ways.”
Knox County Commissioner Bill Pursel
The newspaper notes that the discussion probably would “have come to naught” had it not been for former Chamber of Commerce President W.L. Robinson. Robinson pointed out that among the 150 men present, there was a representative from every ward in Mount Vernon and nearly every township in the county. With such a representation, it was a mistake not to take definite action.
A committee was formed, and board of trustees elected. In August 1919, the county commissioners passed a resolution to build a memorial. The cost was not to exceed $250,000.
As local historian James. K. Gibson noted in 2017, “The next few months saw much spirited debate and controversy about the cost, the location, and the use of such a building, but on Nov. 4, 1919, the voters of Knox County narrowly approved the bond issue.”
After two sales failed at 5% and 5 1/2%, bonds finally sold at 6% interest. Funds became available in March 1922.
The board appointed Richards, McCarty & Bulford as architects and set about finding a suitable site. In October 1922, the board bought two adjacent parcels on the south side of East High Street for $31,000.
On May 22, 1923, the board awarded The Willing Brothers Construction Company a construction contract for $169,750. The community laid the cornerstone on Oct. 23, 1923.
Building improvements
Through the years, the Memorial Building has undergone general maintenance and improvements.
The Knox County Memorial Building is located at 112 E. High St. in Mount Vernon.
County Commissioner Bill Pursel noted that many of these items would not have been possible without the generous support from the Ariel Foundation.
“The elevator became a reality which makes all floors accessible to all people no matter what their physical capabilities,” he said. “Most recently, the theater’s air conditioning was totally renovated to hugely improve capacity with proper ventilation ducts installed in a hidden manner. Holes were cut and grills installed which no one will notice.”
Other improvements include upgrading the WiFi, installing a generator, and replacing the gaudy gas meter on the east side of the building. Crews repaired the pillars in the front of the building and replaced rotten facial wood before painting.
They also dismantled the wall between the Public Defender’s office and the theater and replaced it with decorative block that matches the east side wall.
“The sign for the building will be replaced when the negotiations with the city permits an appropriate legal sign,” Pursel said. “Hopefully, the sign can be placed in a manner that allows for it to be seen.”
According to Pursel, the boiler system will need to be replaced sometime in the future.
“As with any house or building, proper maintenance can only be stalled for so long before you have no choice but to do the repairs. We were not close to having the building collapse, but aging features of the building limited maximum use and comfort,” Pursel said.
“We can be very proud of our Knox County Memorial Building. It has been well cared for for nearly a century by those responsible for its use,” Gibson said. “And I am certain that those countless veterans who served their country and Knox County would be proud to see the beautiful facility, whose cornerstone centennial we celebrate today.”
Fulfilling its mission
Mount Vernon residents were given the opportunity to discuss and ask questions about the charter issue on the November 6 general election ballot during an informational session on Tuesday night, held at the Knox County Memorial Building. The Center for the Study of American Democracy (CSAD) at Kenyon College hosted the event.
The Republican News wrote that the board hoped the structure “may be found to be a suitable, dignified and worthy tribute to the memory of the patriotic services and sacrifices of the soldiers, sailors, marines and pioneers of this county and become and continue a practical and useful means in the development of the community life of the people, and a source of inspiration to future generations.”
The Memorial Building has fulfilled its mission. The building was available for public gatherings and meetings for community organizations in February 1926.
“The first general meeting of our Knox County Historical Society was
held here in June, 1942, just a few months after we went to war against Japan and Germany in World War II,” Gibson said, adding that the group met there for many years before establishing the Harcourt Road museum in 1987.
Gibson noted the building has been the home of our Knox County Red Cross Chapter, serving as headquarters during the major flood of 1959, and also for the local Sons of Union Veterans.
“It has served us well as a venue for movies and for musical and theatrical productions that drew visitors from well beyond the borders of Knox County, who frequently commented on the beauty and comfort of the theater,” he said.
Pursel said the Memorial Building is seeing use that the forefathers could not have envisioned at the time.
“Their thoughts were more toward honoring those who sacrificed their lives in a horrific war. They would be pleased to see that the children are frequently in the building, that community events are celebrated here and that the building is being used for multiple good purposes,” he said.
