Landmarks - Our Courthouse

 

Our Courthouse is a three-story yellow brick building with the main entrance on Yaney Street. Mr. S.S. Bradford had his home on Yaney and he wanted the Courthouse facing that way. He must have had political influence because that is the way it is facing. The front entrance is a curve with steps on either side going up to big double doors on the second floor. Under this curved arch is the entrance to the first floor. The main entrance on the second floor, to me, was quite impressive. There were two large glass doors with brass knobs and fixtures. Beyond the doors there was a wide marble stairway leading to the third floor.

On the outside too, the building impressed me. It had a red-tiled roof. Rising from this is the clock tower with faces of the clock on each direction. On the very top of the tower is a weather vane. The clock struck the hours loud and clear. Most of the activities of the town were run by this clock. No one had to wonder what time it was because you could hear the chimes all over town when the clock struck. I liked that clock, reminding me when it was time to do this or that or if I had time for that. It no longer strikes so loudly and the time isn't always accurate.

I remember going up to the Courthouse with my Grandmother to settle her affairs after my Grandfather died. I can still see her in her little black bonnet and black dress with a crocheted white collar.