An effort is underway in San Augustine to restore the 1919 county jail to its original red-brick-with-yellow-trim exterior.

The project has been undertaken by the San Augustine Garden Club in partnership with San Augustine Main Street Patrons and Loyal Supporters and San Augustine County Historical Commission.

The 1919 jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure is located adjacent to the San Augustine County Courthouse.

Betty Oglesbee says a substantial number of donations have been received or pledged, but they are still dollars away from the the goal of $400,000 to $500,000.

She says if you'd like to make a donation, San Augustine County Treasurer Pam Smith has set up an account for the "1919 Jail Restoration Fund".

Ms. Oglesbee said plans are for the building to become a law enforcement museum, in addition, the still-intact jail cells will become "research cubbies" for a Texana Research Library.