Oscoda County Courthouse facts for kids
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Oscoda County Courthouse
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 311 Morenci Ave., between 10th and 11th |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1888-1889 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000651 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 25, 1972 |
The Oscoda County Courthouse is an important building in Mio, Michigan. It serves as the main courthouse for Oscoda County, Michigan. This historic building is located at 311 Morenci Avenue. It is recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As of 2012, different courts like the Circuit Court and District Court used the building. Sadly, a fire destroyed the courthouse on May 4, 2016.
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A Look Back at the Courthouse
The land for the courthouse was bought in 1885. John Randall, one of Mio's founders, sold it to the county for $100. The courthouse itself was built between July 1888 and May 1889. George E. Hunter was the builder, and it cost about $3,800 to construct.
Growing Over the Years
In 1908, two new sections were added to the building. These sections held special vaults for the county clerk and treasurer. In 1891, the courthouse got its own water supply. Later, in 1917, electricity was added to the building.
Becoming a Historic Site
The courthouse was officially named a Michigan State Historic Site on August 13, 1971. It was then added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1972. A special sign telling its history was put up in 2001. Sadly, the building was destroyed by fire on May 4, 2016.
What the Courthouse Looked Like
The Oscoda County Courthouse was a two-story building. It had a rectangular shape with a front-gable roof. Originally, it had white clapboard siding. Later, it was covered in aluminum.
Special Design Features
The front of the building had a part that stuck out, topped with a hip-roofed steeple. The main entrance had a pedimented portico. Above the entrance on the second floor, there was a fanlight, which is a window shaped like a fan. One-story sections extended from both sides of the courthouse.
Its Unique Style
Architects Pratt and Koeppe designed the courthouse. They used the Classical Revival style. Unlike many courthouses built at that time, which used stone or brick, the Oscoda County Courthouse was a simpler building made of wood.
Images for kids
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The courthouse after being rebuilt in 2019-20
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