Open House Saturday For New Courthouse

Public Invited To Inspect New Structure

Spartans will tour the new County Courthouse for the first time Saturday when the modern $2 million - plus aluminum and stone structure is formally opened.

An elaborate dedication ceremony, sprinkled with dignitaries from throughout the state, will start at 11:00 a.m. in the walnut-paneled west courtroom.

From 9 a.m. until the dedication ceremony begins Saturday morning, employees and department heads will explain the functions of their departments to the public.

Following the dedication ceremony, the new courthouse will remain open until 5 p.m. The public will be able to browse leisurely through offices along the long air-conditioned corridors.

An automatic elevator places the three floors of the giant structure only a whisk apart. Gently sloping stairways adjacent to the elevators are available for those who had rather walk.

Circuit Judge Bruce Littlejohn will preside at the dedication ceremony. Supreme Court Justice Claude Taylor, Federal Judge C.C. Wyche and County Judge Charles Pace will make addresses at the ceremony.

All state officials and the judiciary systems from surrounding counties have been invited to the dedication ceremony.

A speaker system will connect the east courtroom and the marble-paneled lobby with the dedication ceremony in the main courtroom.

Chairs will be placed in the lobby to accomodate those who are unable to get in the courtroom during the ceremony.

Sen. Strom Thurmond will be unable to attend the dedication ceremony. He has requested Judge Littlejohn extend his regrets.