Alec Williams Photo Collection
Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square, 1978
This massive old building dates from 1896, built when the city was only 39 years old; it was founded in January 1857. By 1896, the city had a railroad, agricultural industries, and the beginnings of a major university *(later the university of North Texas). Being descended from the people who did all this, I think they felt a great sense of pride in their accomplishments, and in the fact that they had left something important for those who would come after. The Texas Courthouse serves a similar purpose to that of the cathedral in Britain. It is the center of the community, and a place where all records are kept; remember Atticus Finch's line from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD? "The courts are our great equalizers!" In the hands of dedicated people, they are just that, and here is the building that houses them--the place where king and pauper stand equal. This courthouse has since been replaced in part by other courts buildings, since the population here is a lot more than in 1896. It still houses the County Commissioners Court (seat of the county government), county offices, and a fine museum and historical office. UPDATE: The computer is refusing to post my latest "thank you." I want everyone to know how much I appreciate their comments.
Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square, 1978
This massive old building dates from 1896, built when the city was only 39 years old; it was founded in January 1857. By 1896, the city had a railroad, agricultural industries, and the beginnings of a major university *(later the university of North Texas). Being descended from the people who did all this, I think they felt a great sense of pride in their accomplishments, and in the fact that they had left something important for those who would come after. The Texas Courthouse serves a similar purpose to that of the cathedral in Britain. It is the center of the community, and a place where all records are kept; remember Atticus Finch's line from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD? "The courts are our great equalizers!" In the hands of dedicated people, they are just that, and here is the building that houses them--the place where king and pauper stand equal. This courthouse has since been replaced in part by other courts buildings, since the population here is a lot more than in 1896. It still houses the County Commissioners Court (seat of the county government), county offices, and a fine museum and historical office. UPDATE: The computer is refusing to post my latest "thank you." I want everyone to know how much I appreciate their comments.