of
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| History of Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume I, 1911, pages 96-102
COURT HOUSES AND JAILS OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. Today Muscatine county has one of the handsomest court houses in the state of Iowa, and the board of supervisors under whose management the building was constructed is entitled to much praise for the splendid performance of its duties. The members each had an eye single to the interests of his constituents and the county at large, and saw to it that the bonds were properly marketed, that a competent architect was secured and an honest and practical contractor was placed on the work. The result, when the building was turned over to the county, became at once apparent that the best of material was used and that everything had been accomplished in a workmanlike manner. The building speaks for itself and there is none better, of its class, anywhere. The same may be said of the new jail.
After these buildings were finished and occupied, the very capable and painstaking auditor, A. S. Lawrence, through research of the records of a most arduous nature, gathered the necessary early historic data relating to the old county buildings and prepared, in pamphlet form, a history of the court houses and jails built by the county. The story is so lucidly and interestingly written that the compiler of this work would hesitate at any time to enlarge upon the subject or attempt to make any improvements in its composition. Hence, with the permission of the author, the history of the county buildings is republished:
"From early settlers and from those conversant with county matters in the early periods of the county's history, we are informed that what is now known as Court House Square was a part of a land grant from the general government and that the money used for the construction of the first court house and jail was obtained from the proceeds of the sale of a portion of section 35, that particular quarter section being also a part of the lands given to the state by the general government, so it appears that the grounds and buildings formerly used were no expense whatever to the taxpayers of Muscatine county.
"We find that the meetings of the first county commissioners, of which we are able to find a record, were held at private houses. This was in the years 1837 to 1838, during the territorial days.
"At a meeting of the board of commissioners, held January 14, 1839, there was present Err Thornton, John Vanater and Aaron Usher. The following order was passed: 'Ordered, That a jail be built in the town of Bloomington on the square reserved for the public buildings.' This appears to be the first county building constructed in the county and as it was rather a unique structure, viewed from the standpoint of today, we append the plans and specifications submitted for its construction.
PLAN OF JAIL. "Dimensions 24 feet long by 16 feet wide. Floors to be two layers of timbers crosswise, each layer one foot square. Walls two thicknesses of timber twelve inches square, ten inches apart, filled in with stone pounded fine. Ten feet between floors. Plank on inside two inches thick with 20d nails one every inch square. Partition on lower story three-inch stuff. Flooring inch plank tongued and grooved.
UPPER STORY. "Floor same width as above, with a trap door in the center of one of the rooms, trap door to shut down level with the upper floor, with hinges extending across the door, made of bar iron two inches wide and three-fourths inch thick, with a lock on opposite end of the hinge. Walls of second-story built of square timber one foot thick, seven feet high, ceiled above with inch plank, roof of pine shingles, four inches to the weather, rafters covered with sheeting. Stairway to go up outside with platform above and banisters around.
DOORS. "Inch plank spiked double and clinched. Sheet iron outside. The trap door to be covered on the lower side with sheet iron clinched and spiked on the inner side one inch apart.
GRATINGS. "Two windows in the lower story with double gratings, side bars inch inch thick by two wide. Size of window ten inches square, gratings one inch square.
WINDOWS, UPPER STORY. "Windows eight by ten glass, grating outside as above. One door through each partition made of two-inch plank, locks, etc.
FOUNDATIONS FOUR FEET DEEP. The contract was let February 11, 1839, to Giles Pettibone, L. C. Hine and John Pettibone. The completed building was turned over to the commissioners June 1, 1839, and the contractors were paid $1,400 for their work. This structure stood on the northwest corner of the square and was doubtless in use until the construction of the second jail and sheriff's residence.
"This second building was constructed in 1856 and 1857. The lot upon which it stands was purchased in 1855 at a cost of $1,300. The jail and sheriff's residence were erected by Hine & Mulford, contractors, the cost of the building, according to the best figures obtainable at this date being about $12,500. As the building is still standing and shows for itself, it is unnecessary for us to go into details regarding its architecture and construction except to say that it was located in what was then a low swale or depression and as a consequence was at frequent intervals flooded with water, much to the discomfort of its enforced occupants.
THE NEW JAIL. "The lot upon which the present modern structure is erected, was purchased of one Wilhelmina Winter, by deed dated June 8, 1885, consideration $1,200. This building has ground dimensions of 42x70 feet and is a combined jail and sheriff's residence two stories in height, built of Bedford limestone, interior finished and furnished with all the modern conveniences. The sheriff's residence comprises three rooms on the ground floor and four rooms on the second floor, together with basement, or cellar, with concrete partitions and floors. The jail proper has ground dimensions 32x34 feet, and in additon a ground space in a portion of the sheriff's residence 24x24 feet, which latter portion is fitted for juvenile, female and insane departments. The jail is fitted up with the most improved appliances for the safe keeping of prisoners and has a present capacity for thirty inmates. The accommodations can be doubled at any time by the installation of additional cells on the upper floor, already prepared for the purpose.
"The appropriation for this improvement, amounting to $15,000, was submitted to a vote of the people May 7, 1907, and being approved by them, Architect J. E. Mills of Detroit, Michigan, was employed to draw the plans and specifications. These plans were submitted to the board of supervisors and approved by them at the May session, 1908. Competitive bids were called for and at the session held July 6, 1908, the contract was awarded to J. H. Selden, of Muscatine, for the sum of $14,600. The building was completed in all its parts and turned over for the use of the county in March, 1909. The steel cages and fittings, which are of the modern construction, were installed by the Pauly Jail Building Company of St. Louis, Missouri, at a cost of $6,250. The building for substantial construction, neatness of architecture, safety and convenience of its appliances, is second to none in the state.
ORIGINAL COURT HOUSE BUILDING. "The first data that we find regarding court house appears under date, August 28, 1839, at a special meeting of the board of commissioners, there being present John Vanater and Moses Perrin. A premium of $40 was offered for the best plan for a court house building. We note that at a later date this munificent sum was increased to $200. Under date November 23, 1839, the board then consisting of John Vanater, Moses Perrin and Robert Stewart, met in special session and among other items of business they received and examined plans for a building as submitted by John Sherfey, H. Truesdale and Stephen B. Brophy. The plan of Stephen B. Brophy was adopted.
"December 24, 1839, the commissioners met to receive bids for the construction of the building. Proposals were received from the following named persons and firms: Samuel Smith, O. S. Tuesdale, Thomas Darlington, Weiner & Herron, Pettibone & Hine, Brophy & Dodge and William Brownell. After examination and investigation, the contract was awarded to William Brownell and William Hassinger. The size of the building 50x60 feet, portico across end 10 feet in width, walls of building to be 30 feet in height from platform to wall plate, height of ceiling, lower floor 12 feet, court room floor 16 feet, nine inches, foundation to be of hammered stone, outside walls of brick, thickness of walls twenty inches. The original contract price of building was $11,500, which was materially increased before the building was entirely completed. The contract called for the completion of structure on or before September 1, 1841.
"This building stood in its stability and simplicity until practically destroyed by fire on the night of December 17, 1864. So far as the written record is concerned, we fail to find any mention of this fire and therefore rely upon the statements of old residents, who inform us that there was practically nothing remaining of the building of value with the exception of the outer walls.
"We, however, find that a temporary arrangement was made in January, 1865, with Colonel Hare for the rental of rooms for use of the court and county officers. We suppose that the quarters referred to are what is now known as Hare's Hall.
"During the first nine months of 1865 but little appears to have been done with the matter of rebuilding, with the exception of sundry appropriations, ranging in amounts from $200 to $2,000, for the purpose of enclosing the walls and making temporary repairs.
"At the October session of 1865 the board made an appropriation of $10,000 for reconstructing the old building. A final summary for the year 1865 shows there was a total expenditure for repairing the old original building of about $16,000. This work appears to have been done by J. C. Farrand, as general contractor. At the same time there had been submitted to a vote of the people the question of building a new addition in rear of the building of twenty feet. The question was voted on at the October election of 1865 and was carried. This new addition of about 20x70 feet was built during the year 1866, J. C. Farrand contractor. A computation of expenditures made at various times shows that the total cost of the reconstruction of the old building from the effects of the fire of 1864, together with the new addition on the north end, amounted to $29,081.13.
"It is unnecessary for us to go into details regarding method of construction and materials used. It has been a familiar object for forty-three years and the scenes and incidents which have transpired within its walls are too indelibly stamped upon the minds of those who have passed in and out of its portals for many years to require further repetition from us. Although ample and commodious enough to meet the requirements of former days, yet with the ever increasing population and wealth of the county and the accumulation of valuable records for which it became impossible to find space for their proper preservation from decay and fire, it became apparent to the thinking man that better quarters must be provided. This sentiment of keeping pace with the progress and prosperity of the community and meeting the imperative requirements of the county business at last took tangible form.
NEW COURT HOUSE BUILDING. "As a result of a united effort on the part of leading attorneys and citizens having as a leader our resident judge, Hon. D. V. Jackson, a public meeting was held March 4, 1907, which was attended by representative citizens from all parts of the county. The unanimous sentiment of the meeting was in favor of the board of supervisors calling a special election at which the question of authorizing a bond issue shoud be submitted to the voters. After complying with the necessary legal preliminaries, the proposition for the issue of bonds to the amount of $150,000 for the purpose of building a court house and jail, was submitted to the people at a special election held May 7, 1907, and met with the approval of a majority of the legal voters of the county.
"Steps were immediately taken by the board, consisting of W. H. Fishburn, R. T. Shannon, A. C. Noble, M. J. Shellabarger and George J. Lang, to carry out the instructions of the people. Plans were called for, the board in the meantime visiting and inspecting various new buildings for the purpose of being advised as to modern methods of construction. A number of architects submitted detailed plans. After a careful examination of all designs presented at a meeting of the board held June 27, 1907, the plans of J. E. Mills, architect, of Detroit, Michigan, were unanimously selected as the ones best adapted for the building required and a contract was entered into with said architect for the detailed plans and superintending the construction of the work.
"August 5, 1907, the auditor was instructed to advertise for bids for letting of the work. Proposals were received at a special meeting of the board held September 26, 1907, for the completed structure, with exception of furniture and fixtures. A number of prominent contractors from various sections of the county were present. The bids ranged in price from $129,870 to $108,500. A thorough and careful examination was made of all proposals, after which the contract was awarded to Contractor W. J. McAlpine, of Dixon, Illinois, as the lowest and best bidder, for the sum of $108,500. The terms of the contract called for the completion of the building ready for furniture and fixtures by July 1, 1909.
DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING. "The building is located in the center of the square. It has ground dimensions of 88x120 feet and extreme height above foundation is 124 feet. Foundation, including all cross walls, is of concrete. Superstructure is of No. I Bedford limestone, cut stone exterior, fireproof construction throughout, all floors of concrete and partition walls of fireproof brick, all posts, girders, plates and rafters are of steel or iron, no wood material, with exception of doors and window frames, to be found in the building. It has three floors. The first or ground floor is divided into fireproof storage rooms, offices, memorial and rest rooms. The second floor is arranged as quarters for the five principal county officials and also apartments for the board of supervisors. The third floor is devoted to the use of the district court and is divided into apartments and arranged in an ideal manner for the use for which it is intended.
FURNITURE AND FIXTURES. "In the interior decorations and furniture, the idea of beauty, convenience and above all, durability, has been the paramount object sought to be attained. Steel furniture of the most improved designs has been provided for all the offices, to contain valuable books and papers. The building is well lighted and ventilated. The decorating, fixtures and furniture for the building were let in separate contracts, specifications for the various items being prepared and bids received therefor.
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES. "The original appropriation for the court house complete, finished and furnished, was $135,000, which was expended as follows:
W.J. McAlpine, Dixon, Illinois, general contractor for building.....$108,500.00 Detroit Mantel & Tile Company, Detroit, Michigan, lighting fixtures. 2,200.00 Batterson Stores, Muscatine, Iowa, wood furniture................... 5,042.33 Odin J. Oyen, La Crosse, Wisconsin, painting and decorating......... 2,500.00 Canton Art Metal Company, Canton, Ohio, steel furniture............. 5,120,90 B. E. Lilly, Muscatine, Iowa, carpets, rugs, etc.................... 2,467.74 J. E. Mills, Detroit, Michigan, architect's fees.................... 6,091.54 Huttig Manufacturing Company, Muscatine, Iowa, metal screens........ 700.00 ____________ $132.622.51
BOND ISSUE. "The total amount of the bond issue authorized by the election of May 7, 1907, was $150,000 for both court house and jail. These bear date of November 1, 1907, with interest at four per cent, payable as follows: $45,000 November 1, 1912; $10,000 each year, 1913-14-15; $12,000 each year, 1916-17-18-19-20; $15,000 year 1921.
"Of this issue and by special agreement with purchaser, $15,000 has already been paid and cancelled and $10,000 more will be retired on November 1st of this year. On account of the panic in the money market during the fall of 1907, much difficulty was held in disposing of these bonds, on account of the low rate of interest they bore, but after much effort they were finally sold in a foreign market and the proceeds of the sale placed in interest-bearing securities at four per cent. The revenue derived from this source, amounting to $3,392.94, has been placed in the construction fund and has enabled the board to provide for unexpected expenditures without disturbing other funds of the county."
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