Local Caterer Crafts Gingerbread Replica of Historical Courthouse

Jo West of Jo’s Custom Cakes & Catering stopped by the Rutherford County Historic Courthouse this week with a traditional holiday treat. Only this time, it wasn’t so traditional!

Putting in over 200 hours of work, West and her assistant, Mary Griffis, constructed a scaled replica of the Courthouse out of gingerbread.

“Facilities Director Ben Mankin provided me with the original blueprints and pictures of the structure,” said West.

The gingerbread house was commissioned by Aramark for Middle Tennessee State University. After taking photos with the actual Courthouse in the background, West and her team moved the confection to Dr. Sidney McPhee’s home where it will be on display for campus-related holiday events.

West says she’s been making the gingerbread houses for the university since 2013. “The most nerve-racking part is the delivery,” she said. “Getting it from my shop into the truck and to its final destination puts me on pins and needles every time!”

“We are thrilled that we had the opportunity to view the finished product,” said Mayor Bill Ketron. “West did a fine job capturing the timeless beauty of the most-recognized landmark of our downtown area.”