For several years, members of the Shelby County Genealogical Society researched to compile a complete record of the county soldiers in the war. Their work revealed that 15 other soldiers had died in the war, but their names had been inadvertently omitted from the tablets.

Early in 1997 it was decided to relocate the existing tablets to the first floor so that they could be more easily viewed by the public. During this meeting, it had been unanimously decided to honor the additional men who were omitted from the tablets by constructing a new tablet and rededicating them during the Memorial Day ceremonies coordinated by the Shelby County Historical Society on May 26, 1997.

The gabled center pediment of the facade contains a niche holding the bronze "Soldier in Blue" (‘Sergeant Baker’) created by the J.W. Fiske Company (NY) and installed in 1900. Using illustrations created by local artist, Herman Thompson, Sgt. Baker now serves as the Society’s ‘spokesperson’ for its JUST FOR KIDS program.

The structure is distinguished by steeply gabled dormers which break the line of the mansard roof. Upper level windows are embellished by heavy stone Gothic hoodmolds. An enormous belltower for the fire department, which once soared above the rear third of the roofline, was removed due to structural and water problems. On the interior, the third floor retains its opera hall atmosphere. The 42’ x 126’ room still possesses its stage, balconies and much of its ornamentation.