Old Indiana County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Indiana County Courthouse
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 601 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1869 |
| Architect | James W. Drum |
| Architectural style | Second Empire, Modern Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001788 |
| Added to NRHP | October 29, 1974 |
The Old Indiana County Courthouse is a historic building in Indiana, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, between 1869 and 1870. A local architect named James W. Drum designed it. This building was the second courthouse for Indiana County. It cost about $150,000 to build. A special opening ceremony happened on December 19, 1870. The former Governor of Pennsylvania, William F. Johnston, even gave a speech there!
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Building Style and Features
The Old Indiana County Courthouse has a special look called the Second Empire Italianate style. It's mostly made of red brick and stone.
Unique Roof and Clocktower
The roof is designed in a Mansard style, which means it has slopes on all sides. The courthouse also has a tall cupola (a small dome-like structure on top) with a clocktower. This clocktower has four faces and is covered in shiny gold leaf.
The Big Clock
The clock in the cupola was the biggest in the county when it was built! It was made by the Howard Clock Company. Each of the four clock faces is 7 feet (2.1 m) wide. Back then, someone had to wind the clock once a week, which took about 15 minutes. Today, the clock works with a modern digital system.
Courthouse History and Events
A jail and a home for the sheriff were built next to the courthouse in 1879. A bridge connected the jail to the courthouse, making it easier to move people.
Famous Visitors and Moments
The Old Indiana County Courthouse has seen some famous moments! On September 24, 1945, a picture of Indiana-native actor Jimmy Stewart in front of the courthouse was on the cover of Life magazine.
Later, on October 15, 1960, John F. Kennedy gave a speech outside the courthouse. He was campaigning to become president at the time. Inside the building, above the main courtroom, you can even find "JFK" painted in the rafters! No one knows for sure if JFK himself painted it.
New Purpose for an Old Building
The courthouse held its last official court session on November 11, 1970. A newer building took its place. For a while, people thought the old courthouse might be torn down.
However, a bank called the National Bank of the Commonwealth decided to save it! In 1972, they agreed to fix up the building and use it for their offices. Today, the building serves as administrative offices for First Commonwealth Financial.
A Historic Landmark
The Old Indiana County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 29, 1974. This means it's recognized as an important historic site.
Interestingly, a miniature version of the courthouse is even featured in the Miniature Railroad & Village exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh!
Images for kids
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The Old Indiana County Courthouse
See also
In Spanish: Antiguo Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Indiana para niños
