ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Rockingham County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office has announced the return of a restored historic ladderback chair to its rightful home at the courthouse. This unique artifact, bearing the initials “RCCH” (Rockingham County Court House), was generously donated by Beth Bowers and Julie Bowers Liskey in memory of their father, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Beverly B. Bowers, and brother, W. Kent Bowers.

The chair, believed to have connections to the courthouse, was rediscovered by Beth Bowers while cleaning out her brother Kent’s home. For years, it had sat in the law firm of Bowers and retired Judge Thomas J. Wilson IV. Struck by the “RCCH” engraving, Beth contacted Clerk of Court Chaz Haywood, who sought the expertise of Jeff Evans from Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates to evaluate the chair’s historical significance. Known as the Valley’s renowned “chair whisperer,” Evans confirmed he had never seen another like it, further underscoring the uniqueness of the piece.

Shea Alexander of Alexander Brothers in Timberville led the intricate restoration process. When the chair arrived at the workshop, it had loose joints and was coated with four layers of exterior oil-based green paint that had compromised the original white oak split seat. The restoration began with carefully disassembling the chair, stripping the paint through a detailed four-step process, and sanding the parts before reassembly.

To recreate the woven seat, Nathan Jenkins utilized the traditional white oak split weaving method. This involved harvesting a living white oak tree, splitting the wood lengthwise into narrow strips, and smoothing them for weaving. The final touch was a dark tung oil finish, which restored the chair’s antique aesthetic and preserved its historical integrity.

The restored chair now sits in the Clerk’s Office, accompanied by a plaque commemorating Judge Beverly B. Bowers and W. Kent Bowers. “This chair is a tangible link to our past and a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the community,” said Clerk of Court Haywood. “We are thrilled to preserve and share this piece of history with future generations.”