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Historic Red Top Jail 1895 - 1982
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The Historic “Red Top Jail” is located along the south bank of the Llano River, one block east of Ford Street (State Highway 16 & 71) in Llano, Texas. The Pauly Jail Building and Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Missouri, erected this building, known as the “Red Top Jail.” The yearlong construction was completed in December of 1895 at the cost of $11,500. The gray granite for the exterior was quarried in the county. The red roof of the Romanesque revival jail provided the building its nickname, and prisoners often spoke of staying over at the “Red Top.” The jailer used the first floor for an office and living quarters. The second floor had four cells and two drunk tanks. The fourth and fifth floors housed the gallows. The “Red Top Jail” is entered into the National Register of Historic Places, is a Texas Historic Landmark and located in Llano’s Main Street Historic District. The County’s prisoners were housed in the building until the late 1970s. It has been used as a museum by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and for Head Start’s pre-school program. The Jail is now managed by the Friends of the Llano Red Top Jail . Plans are being made to restore the building. For more information contact Frank Rowell at Enchanted Rocks & Jewelry, 1-325-247-4137. Tom Dalrymple 325-423-2516 Mike Reagor 325-247-6704 City Hall 325-247-4158 Mara Dudley ext. 204 - Sarah Franklin ext. 209
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Annual member meeting July 12th with Jail Break and tours
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Board of Directors President - Sheri Zoch 1-325-248-0284 Vice President - Tom Dalrymple Secretary - Sandy Shaw Treasurer - Ovetra Hartman Frank Rowell Gene Hall Miller
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FIRST ANNUAL BIRTHDAY PARTY.
We had a blast at the first birthday party for the Friends, even though it was hot. The hamburgers, fish, sausage and bread
pudding were scrumptious. Many thanks to Steve's Liquor and Frank Rowell for donating the beer. I can't thank enough all who
helped, including Frank, Tom, Mike, Ovetra and Sandy, as well as Jim Ives and Tommy Nelms (and who else did I forget?). Also
thanks to Cheryl Quallenberg for the great invitations and Allan and Courtney Reed for their awesome free concert. We're a fun
bunch, don't you think?
The event started out with a breakout of Johnny Ringo by the Brazos Bottom Cow'ographers (once again). This time, the glass
did not break with the detonation! It was very realistic and we love having them here. We hope to have many more collaborations in
the future. Following the scrumptious meal, Mike Reagor gave jail tours while Allan and Courtney Reed entertained us with music.
The highlight of the meeting was the appearance of Charles Baldwin, grandson of Sid Smith, a jailor in the 1940s. He had a lot
of good stories and we will get an oral history from him soon.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED
1. Events coordination
2. History (incl. oral histories)
3. Media (advertising and news)
4. Tours
5. Fundraising
The Board can't do it all, or we will burn out.
We need YOU!
Call Sheri, 325-248-0284