Wayne County Courthouse (1831-1878)
| Wayne County Courthouse (1831-1878) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Alternative names | Second Wayne County Courthouse |
| General information | |
| Construction started | 1831 |
| Opening | 1833 |
| Demolished | 1878 |
Also Known As Building Name
- 2nd Wayne County Courthouse
Comprehensive History
The second courthouse was built between 1831 and 1833 on the site of the first courthouse (Wayne County Courthouse (1818-1829)) at a cost of $7,200. Designed by an architect named John McCurdy, it was a square brick structure two stories tall with arched door openings, six-over-six window sash with shutters, and a central bell tower topped by a dome and high spire. The roof of the structure was covered with lead. In its day, it was considered to be one of the most architecturally outstanding courthouses in the state.
Decorating the spire were an iron weathervane and two balls that were made of copper. The copper balls were gilded and bronzed. Crafted by John Babb of Wooster at a combined cost of $16.00, the large ball was 24 gallons and 3 quarts in size, while the smaller one was 1 1/2 gallons.
The interior of the this courthouse was described as follows:
The halls of Justice are not remarkably spacious in Wayne County. The court room, in its general appearance and appointments, has an antiquated look which contrasts strongly with the commodious, and pleasant county offices in the next building. Approaching the entrance with a due sense of respect for the imposing dignities of the law, as we enter the outer door we are confronted by what may be called a skeleton door, across which is stretched a government blanket or similar fabric, intended to prevent noise in shutting, and also the escape of heat, or (if you like it better) the egress of pure air. At a convenient peeking distance from the floor there is a small hole in the aforesaid blanket or carpet, for inquisitive and strategic purposes. That hole has a history, no doubt. Through it the wary and circumspect can take important observations, unobserved, and get a bird-eye view of the interior. The door yields before a slight pressure of one hand, as you respectfully remove your hat with the other and closes noiselessly behind you of its own accord. We are now within the charmed circle. On the right are four or five elevated rows of benches, constructed with the least possible reference to the human anatomy, and as inexorable in their requirements as the iron bed of Procrustes. On the left , ditto. Just in front, on each side of the aisle, are two columns upon which seem to have been lavished all the artistic and architectural skill of the builder. Just why these pillars should monopolize all the aesthetic efforts of the architect, is beyond comprehension, unless, indeed, it be with the intent of impressing the beholder with a becoming sense of the majesty, stability and imposing proportions of the eternal "pillars of justice". Placards affixed to these columns tell us that the seats "within the enclosure" (just ahead) are for members of the bar. A similar lack of regard for convenience and comfort, to say nothing of taste, prevails within the enclosure. It is not half large enough to properly accommodate the profession, and what space there is, is much encumbered. On one side a large egg-shaped stove almost roasts those who must sit near it, or else stubbornly refuses to comfort those more remote. The Bench itself is a very angular, severe and prosaic affair, devoid of pleasant proportions or comely outline. On one end of it is a small case of pigeon-holes, and this, as well as a portion of the Bench itself is usually made the repository for hats, caps, etc. Taken all and all, the whole structure is behind the times, behind the requirements of the county, and far, far behind a reasonable adaptation to the wants of the able judiciary and counsel who are compelled to spend so much of their time in it.[1]
The structure was condemned in 1877 after 44 years of service due to rotting timbers and "defective walls."[2]
Timeline
- 1831-1833 - Second courthouse was built.
- 1856 - A county-wide vote to replace the 2nd courthouse was defeated.
- 1877 - The 2nd courthouse was condemned and deemed unsafe for use and was demolished.
Historical documents
Newspaper articles
Newspaper article reports that the wood in the old courthouse was deteriorating. Source, Wooster Republican 1857-APR-30 p.3
Newspaper article about the crumbling condition of the Wa. Co. Courthouse.
Taxpayer's letter to the editor concerning the poor condition of the Wa. Co. Courthouse.
