Clarion County Courthouse and Former Jail
Courtesy of Nicholas A. Tonelli
9 June 2012, 20:01:02
Website:
https://www.co.clarion.pa.us/community/about_the_county/courthouse_history.php
Telephone Number:
Location:
451 Twenty-Eighth Division Hwy, Clarion, PA 16214
Description:
The historic Clarion County Courthouse and Jail complex is situated in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Constructed between 1883 and 1885, the courthouse is an imposing 3 1/2-story brick Victorian edifice adorned with Classical architectural elements, boasting dimensions of 78 feet, 8 inches in width and 134 feet in depth. Its most prominent feature is a majestic clock tower rising 213 feet above ground, measuring 25 feet square.
Complementing the courthouse is the jail, built from 1873 to 1875. This unique structure, constructed of a combination of brick and sandstone, stands discreetly behind the courthouse.
The site has a storied history, with two previous courthouses succumbing to fire in 1843 and 1863, respectively. Tragically, the second courthouse was destroyed in a blaze on September 12, 1882.
The construction of the current courthouse involved a competitive bidding process, with P. H. Melvin securing the contract. Commencing on July 6, 1883, construction aimed for completion by November 16, 1884, but ultimately finished on October 14, 1885. However, a dispute led to Melvin being replaced as the contractor, with the bondsmen assuming control and retaining Melvin as superintendent. The final cost totaled $126,936, leading to subsequent legal action by Melvin against the county.
Designed by E.M. Butz of Allegheny (now part of Pittsburgh) in the Queen Anne style, with supervision by D. English of Brockville, the courthouse features intricate frescos by Henry Warner and floor tiling by the Star Encaustic Tile Company of Pittsburgh. The clock dial and bell were supplied by the Howard Clock Company of New York. Crowning the tower is the enigmatic "Lady of Justice," a 9-foot, 11-inch galvanized iron sculpture whose origins remain shrouded in mystery.
Over the years, the courthouse has undergone several changes and renovations, including the addition of gas illumination for the clock in 1889, electric lighting in 1923, and a complete exterior renovation in 1981. Notably, the "Lady of Justice" underwent restoration in 1981, repairing bullet holes and adding a fiberglass coating and backing to ensure its preservation for generations to come.
