Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-05-25

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After lapse OF two years and six months Henry
county again has structure for court and county
government purposes. On the llth day of Novem-
Der, 1870 the old court house was destroyed b, fire,
and In March following the presen. building was
commenced. Messrs. d. W. Gibbs Il Co., of Toledo,
furnished the plans and specifications and were ap-
pointed architects and superinendents and the con-
tract Of construction was let 10 MessFs. Karst 4
Woodruff, of Defiance. How the work has progressed
since its commencement most OF our readers are
familiar with, as they have been kept posted from
time to time through the columns Of the NORTH
WEST.
On Monday the Court Of Common Pleas took
possession of the building so far as to room neces-
sary for Its convenience; although the building has
not yet been formally accepted by the County Com
missioners.
Though not accepted the building is virtually COM
pleted, and nothing remains but for an .micabIe
settlement between the contractors, Messrs. Karst
& Woodruff, and the County Commissioners.
This we hope may be effected.
OF course there have been jars and disagreements
between those intimately connected and concerned
In the structure, and probably mistakes made here
and there in the intricate meshes which will appear
in the construction of vast building but In the
main we believe the citizens have secured good
and substantial county building
During their stay in Napoleon, Messrs. Karst 4
Woodruff, the contractors, have made many friends,
and they have ehown themselves to be not only gen.
tlemen but also men understanding their vocation,
and we can cheerfully commend them to any wishing
their services.
Through the kindness of Bro. c. NJ Kenton, of
Union County, we are enabled to present the above
representation Of the Court House. and with the
permission Of the enterprsing correspondent of the
Bee, Mr.. Erwin, we append his description of the
building In general for the benet of our readers
follows:
The style Of the new building is essentially mod
in its leading features and presents an example
of 'Rensisance' architecture, modified and adapted
to suit the requirements of American etructsre
this character. The building proper covers an area
s6xiO8 feet and the four fronts are similar in de-
sign. In 1.-The center Of the east, west and north
fronts is entrance pavilion OF % feet in width
rising to the height Of 70 feet The fronts unite at
the four corners in towers pavillions rising above
the main portion ef the roof, terminating in peaks
and surmounted7 BY appropriate finals. The OK.
terioris rich and massive in detail, and is happily
devoid of any useless or superduous ornamentation
In its construction combination of pressed brick
and Berea blue sandstone has been used, the effect
of which is very pleasing and striking. The base-
ment to the line Of the water table Ia laid in
OF heavy rock face range work. forming fitting base
for the vast superstructure it suppor and the
ter and corner pavons carried up In stone pill
aster work, the first story rusticated.
The two stories are divided by Intel cornice,
elegantly nodded Of stone, which extends entirely
around the building and at the centres of the street
fronts projects form the roofs of the porches
each of which is supported by four stone columns 20
feet high, the porches being surmounted by stone
balustrade of neat design.
The main cornice, pediments and whole exterior
oftower are Of galvanized iron, painted and sanded
in imitation Of stone Each of the street front pedi
ments Is surmounted by eagle, with wings spread.
resting upon globe and pedestal.
Perhaps the most prominent feature Of the ex-
terror Of the new building Is the tower which rises i6O
feet from the ground, and Is surmonnted by figure
of Justice, ten feet high. Properly speaking, 1t is
divided into four stores 1t is constructed entirely
of wrought iron, and contains striking tower clock,
with Illuminated dials each feet in diameter,
and manufactured by e. Howard q Co., Of New York
and Boston.
tits es feet square at the base gradually decreas-
ing in size, and terminating in dome II feet square
at the springing line. The sides are happily broken
up by pilssters with nodded capitals and bases. The
base Of the tower has baustrade extending entirely
around 1t on the line Of the bell tower Hoor-
The roof construction -russes, purlins, rafters,
t. thad,
rugated sheet iron and covered with slate laid in
asbestos cement, making thoroughly substantial
and fire proof Mansard roof which is pierced on two
sides by appropriate dormer windows, lighting the
attic.
The window openings on all sides of the building
areunnsually large, and mono but the best French
plate glass is used. The reveals are deep and thus
add to the appearance Of massiveness.
THE BASEMENT
story proper is two feet SIX inches below the grade
and twelve feet clear in height II is reached on all
four sides Of the building by entrances underneath
the main porches. It contains large roomy Offices
for the township trustees located In the northeast
corner; the county engineer in the northwestcorner:
the inrmary directors in the southwest and the JAM
itors apartments in the southeast corner. The main
water closet Of the building is located in the base
ment, just inside the Perry street entrance to the
left.
THE MAIN FLOOR.
Entering the building from the Perry street front
the visitor passes through massive arched door
way and finds himself in well lighted hall, II feet
wide with aceiling II feet high extending through to
the opposite side with crosshall leading from the
Washington street door and giving entrance to the