1883 Courthouse Open House held Sat

Jamestown (CSi) – On May 14, 2016 – The State Historical Society of North Dakota and the 1883 Courthouse Committee opened the doors to over 800 visitors at  the historic structure for all to see.  If you couldn’t attend, scroll down for a video taken before the doors opened.

Open House Photos at Facebook by Matt Sheppard – CSi

Sneak Peek Video from before the Open House

Sneak Peek Historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse from The Replay Channel on Vimeo.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show, on CSi Cable 2, North Dakota State Historical Society, Sites Manager, Guinn Hinman said, the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse will be open for the public to see the progress made on the restoration, since the last open house in 2014.

There was a separate reception Friday for the family and friends of Mary Young to dedicate the clerk of court office in the historic courthouse in honor of Young.  Mike Williams, a member of the 1883 Courthouse Committee, said getting the clerk’s office named in honor of Young was very important to the committee.

Related Story:  Mary Faith Young Room dedicated Friday

Sneak Peek Photo Tour at Facebook by CSi Photographers Matt Sheppard and Thomas Ravely.

The courthouse, located at 503 3rd Avenue SE in Jamestown, is the oldest in the state and has been undergoing a massive rehabilitation effort in the past few years. Recent updates include the complete restoration of the historic clerk of court, auditor, and sheriff’s offices as well as an electrical overhaul and the installation of new restrooms.

Future plans include restoration of the second floor, including the courtroom,  and installation of an elevator.

She pointed out that the courthouse’s restoration began about 30 years ago, as the late Mary Young and others formed a “Save The Courthouse Committee,” to save the historic structure from the wrecking ball, with the space planned for a parking lot.

The initial restoration was the exterior of the building.

She hopes the complete restoration will be accomplished by the summer of 2017, and open for public meetings, and gatherings.

The North Dakota legislature in 2015 allocated $350,000 toward the restoration project, with the local committee in the process of fundraising with the goal of $75,000. Anyone wishing to make a donation may contact Barb Lang in Jamestown, or any 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse Committee member.

The Stutsman County Courthouse was the location for meetings in the 1880s movement toward the creation of the state of North Dakota, and it remains the only building in North and South Dakota from the statehood movement. Notable for the pressed tin that adorns the walls and ceilings throughout the building, the courthouse is an architectural gem in the heart of Jamestown.