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The courthouse had been improved and modernized through the years.
A $1,000 Seth Thomas clock in the tower rang in the New Year in
1905. In the spring of 1927 there was extensive remodeling done
to the interior including the addition of fireproof vaults.
In August 1957 a general renovation costing $20,000 took place.
The entire exterior was sandblasted.
Other alterations include a new entrance built in 1958 for $59,089;
a west wing, built in 1965 at a cost of $165,765; and a matching
east wing, constructed for $246,000 in 1966. The latter included
a civil defense operating center in the basement, and part of that
added cost was matched by federal funds.
January 1, 1969 the 65th Judicial District, 2nd Division, was established.
For a time the west wing was occupied by the District Court. Supervisors
moved into the east wing basement civil defense area.
Judges chambers had been added in 1958. As a Centennial celebration
was being held in 1969, construction was being completed in the
Circuit Court, removing rows of rear seating to make way for conference
and office rooms.
In 1974 District Court moved to Whittemore Street (Business US-27)
and the west wing was again used as the Board of Commissioners meeting
room.
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