O'Brien County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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O'Brien County Courthouse
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fir Ave. Primghar, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1917 |
| Built by | L.E. Lovejoy |
| Architect | Smith & Loeffer |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| MPS | County Courthouses in Iowa TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000656 |
| Added to NRHP | July 2, 1981 |
The O'Brien County Courthouse is an important building located in Primghar, Iowa, United States. It's where the local government for O'Brien County does its work. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. It's special because it's the fourth building the county has used for its court and administrative tasks.
Contents
A Look Back: The Courthouse Story
The O'Brien County Courthouse has a long history, with several buildings serving the community over the years.
Early Beginnings: The First Buildings
The very first courthouse for O'Brien County was a simple log building. It was built on a farm around 1860 and cost about $2,000. After a while, this log building was moved and used for other things, like a school, a blacksmith shop, and even a stable for animals.
The county needed a proper place for its government, so a second courthouse was finished in April 1874. It also cost about $2,000. This building was built in Primghar, which had just been chosen as the "county seat." A county seat is the main town where the county government offices are located.
Growing Needs: The Third Courthouse
As the county grew, a bigger building was needed. So, a third courthouse was built in 1887 for $6,000. This building was about 50 feet by 54 feet. In 1902, more space was added to this building to help the county government with its work.
The Current Courthouse: A Grand Design
The courthouse you see today was completed in 1915. It cost much more than the earlier buildings, about $159,000. It was designed by a company called Smith & Loeffer from Des Moines, Iowa. The building has a style called Beaux Arts, which means it looks grand and classic. L.E. Lovejoy was the builder who made sure it was constructed.
What Makes It Special: Design and Style
The O'Brien County Courthouse is not just important for its history, but also for its beautiful design.
Outside Features: Stone and Columns
This courthouse is three stories tall. Its outside walls are covered with a special kind of stone called Bedford stone. You'll notice six large columns on the front of the building. These are called Doric columns, which are a classic style. The building also has very large windows.
Inside Details: Marble and Bronze
Step inside, and you'll see that the hallways are made of shiny marble. The handrails on the stairways are made of bronze, which adds an elegant touch. The courthouse is important because it shows the power and importance of the county government. It also represents the pride of Primghar as the main town for the county.
