First Hancock County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Hancock County Courthouse
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Front of the courthouse
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 819 Park St., Findlay, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1833 |
| Architect | William Taylor, Frederick Henderson, Jonathan Parker, and Parlee Carlin |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001454 |
| Added to NRHP | March 13, 1976 |
The First Hancock County Courthouse is a really old building in Findlay, Ohio, United States. It was built way back in 1833. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It was originally meant to be a temporary place for county offices and the court system.
Contents
What Did the First Courthouse Look Like?
This courthouse was a simple, two-story building. It measured about 24 by 26 feet. It was built using a basic wood frame. There wasn't any fancy architectural style to it.
Simple Design Features
The building's design was mostly practical. It had a simple rectangular shape. There were no special decorations, except for the main entrance. This entrance had a pretty transom (a window above the door) and sidelights (windows on the sides of the door).
Where Was the Courthouse Built?
The First Hancock County Courthouse was first built in Findlay. It stood at the corner of Main and Putnam (now Crawford) Streets. The job to build it was given to Wilson Vance, Frederick Henderson, and Jonathion Parker. They started in January 1832 and finished it for $700.
Who Helped Build It?
After the main construction, Parlee Carlin plastered the inside. This happened in the autumn of 1833. The building was then ready for use.
What Was the Courthouse Used For?
This building served as the county's courthouse until 1842. That's when a bigger, more permanent courthouse was finished. The new one was on the corner of Main and West Cross Streets. This new building was a step towards Findlay's current courthouse.
More Than Just a Courthouse
Besides being a courthouse, this building had many other uses. It was also a schoolhouse for kids to learn. And it even served as a church for people to gather and worship.
What Happened to the Old Courthouse?
After the new courthouse was built, the First Hancock County Courthouse was sold. It was moved to different spots around the city. Over time, it became several different hotels. Today, you can find it at 819 Park Street in Findlay.
A First for Natural Gas
In the late 1800s, Findlay had a big natural gas boom. Many homes started using natural gas for heating and lighting. The old courthouse was one of the very first buildings in the city to have natural gas installed. This was a big deal for its time!
Why Is It a Historic Place?
In 1976, the First Hancock County Courthouse was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It was the third building in Hancock County to get this special honor.
Other Historic Buildings in Hancock County
Before this courthouse, two other buildings in Hancock County were listed. These were the Jasper G. Hull House and the current courthouse.
