District Courtroom restoration a labor of love

The district courtroom at the Big Horn County Courthouse, built in 1918, has been restored to its original beauty. To celebrate, an open house will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m.

District Court Clerk Serena Lipp began dreaming of the project in 2015 after touring the restored Wyoming Capitol during her first year in office. She noticed similarities in design and suspected the same architect worked on both buildings. When County Clerk Lori Smallwood asked each department for a wish list, Lipp’s wish was to restore the courtroom ceiling.

What began as a plan for new curtains and paint grew after a bat infestation forced major repairs, opening the door for a full restoration. Lipp said the contributors Deany Delaney, Bill Cushing, Kristy Cushing, Rebecca Kinane and Deanna Skillman, donated much of their time and talent.

Restoring the Original Grandeur

At nearly 80, Delaney led the design, often spotted working atop scaffolding. She enlisted Shell artisans Bill Cushing of Cushing Construction and Design and Kristy Cushing of Red Dog Upholstery and Stitching. Bill repaired walls, while Kristy and Delaney created new curtains and cushions with fabric chosen by Lipp and Judge Bobbi Overfield. The Cushings also stripped wallpaper, fixed cracks, replaced bricks and replastered the room.

An engineering firm moved the air conditioning into the attic, allowing the ceiling to return to its original height. New lights were selected to fit the 1918 style. Kristy said the team wanted to restore the courtroom’s dignity, and Delaney called it a “labor of love” for Big Horn County.

Big Horn County Mural

Lipp said the Skillman and Kinane families’ stories still inspire her. The Skillmans’ son Ayden received a heart transplant, and the Kinanes’ son Owen overcame leukemia. The community’s support during those trials motivated the artists to give back by painting the mural within the county’s limited budget.

With encouragement from their husbands, they worked nights and weekends, donating paint and time. “They needed a place to heal,” Lipp said. “Both of their sons are thriving now. They gave their hearts because of what Big Horn County means to them.”

The new mural features so much of what represents Big Horn County well including a 22-foot mural featuring dinosaurs, cattle, trains and more. Kinane called the project “a gift to the community and a legacy,” hoping it will never be painted over and will remain long after she’s gone.

Reception

The public is invited to the November 18 reception featuring guest speakers, a mural slideshow and refreshments. Lipp and Delaney thanked the county commissioners and Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Pouska for their support. Lipp hopes Judge Bill Simpson can attend, noting his family’s ties to the courtroom. “There is so much history here,” Lipp said. “My heart is full seeing this completed — it truly was a labor of love for all.”