Political rallies, high school graduations and other public ceremonies were held in the courtroom. Surrounding the medallions is a painted sky featuring clouds and gold leaf stars. Thirty feet overhead was an ornate plaster ceiling featuring arches, coffers, finials and two center medallions from which enormous brass chandeliers were suspended. The three-story building included city hall offices and a public opera house. The entire back half of the second floor was devoted to a magnificently appointed courtroom roughly 70 feet long by 50 feet wide. During the three years of construction, all courthouse business was conducted in the Odd Fellows building at the southwest corner of High and Walnut streets. The Courthouse was completed in 1873 at a cost of $135,775.00. Stamps, newspapers and fashion plates from 1871 were deposited as were many documents considered historic at the time including continental money and old coins from the Revolution. Included in the cornerstone were histories of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Druids, Good Templars as well as Lawrenceburg religious societies. The ceremony drew 5,000 spectators according to one account. Louis Jordan of Indianapolis was the guest speaker. The cornerstone was laid on April 13, 1871. Shannor of Lawrenceburg was the general contractor. The contract for the stone cutting was awarded to Francis Raman, Indianapolis. The pearl gray limestone was quarried in Monroe County Indiana. His plans for the new courthouse were approved by the commissioners on June 15, 1870. He had an excellent reputation and his buildings exhibited superior craftsmanship. Kyle was a native of Virginia before moving to Vevay around 1840. The commissioners modeled the new courthouse after Floyd County. They were impressed with the Floyd County courthouse built in New Albany. The county commissioners decided to build a new courthouse. Over time the population of Dearborn County grew and so did the needs of local government. Two separate one-story brick buildings were erected between the courthouse and Mary Street for the county clerk and recorder. The building was not ready for occupancy until the fall or winter of 1828. Hunter and George Dunn were appointed construction superintendents. The Courthouse was re-built within the same walls and local architects Jesse Hunt, James W. Property owners were asked to bring their deeds to the recorder for re-copying. Some records were saved but many were lost to the fire. The fire was believed to be the result of arson. The entire first floor was dedicated to the courtroom while the jury room and judges' chambers were on the second floor. On March 5th, 1826 it was burned to a shell. Click here to view the Circuit Court slide show. It was a two-story brick building with a hipped roof, crowned by an octagonal cupola, following the standard design for public buildings at that time. Dearborn County's first Courthouse was built in 1810 on the public square in Lawrenceburg.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |