Nomination for Montgomery County Courthouse

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Form 10-300 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR - State (July 1969) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE X County NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY ENTRY NUMBER (Type all entries - complete applicable sections) AND/ OR HISTORIC: N. W. Corner, Third & Main Streets 3.

CLASSIFICATION (Check One) TO THE PUBLIC - In Process X Restricted - Preservation work PRESENT USE (Check One or More as Appropriate) - Comments - Other (Specify) Military ( OWNER'S NAME: Ohio 45402 LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE, REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC: REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE OF SURVEY: - Federal - Local DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS: Montgomery 113 Dayton LOCATION Religious Site Both ACCESSIBLE CATEGORY Commercial Entertainment NAME Private District Government Museum OWNERSHIP Unoccupied CODE Educational Transportation Park STATUS Scientific Structure Object Agricultural Building Public Yes: Private Residence Being Considered 15 North Main Street Landmark Committee Report County of Montgomery Industrial The Montgomery County Historical Society County of Montgomery Recorder's Office 0006 Public Acquisition: DATE STREET AND NUMBER: The Old Court House OWNER OF PROPERTY Ohio CITY OR TOWN: DATE OF SURVEY: June, 1968 AND NUMBER: .

DESCRIPTION (Check One) - Deteriorated - Unexposed - Unaltered - Moved * Original Site On the exterior, this Greek Revival structure has not been noticeably The building is constructed of native limestone or, as it is often times called, "Dayton Marble." The stone is formally dressed but hexastyle, i.e., having six columns across the portico. On the north side, a connecting hallway leads to the County Adminis- House was removed and a doorway installed to give access to this hallway. On the interior, a few changes have been made, mostly in the way of been added through the years, restrooms facilities were installed and, of course, the heating facilities have been changed. During WPA, the basement was improved for record storage and a con- CONDITION Ruins the exterior. in preparation. Several coats of paint now cover the interior walls and ceiling.

altered with the exception of the roof which is constructed of stone were removed many years ago and are presumed lost. slabs but now covered with a standing seam tin roof. not polished.The architecture is Greek Revival in a quasi-Ionic Plans to convert the building into a county historical museum are Weather has caused an insignificant amount of erosion on most of Fair None of the original permanent courtroom furnishings remain.They crete floor was laid.All rooms in the building now have wood or tration Building which was built in 1884.A window of the Old Court tite floors over the original stone. DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (if known) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Description of the property

additions. Again, however, the almost completely solid stone con- order and somewhat resembles the Theseum of Athens in Greece. It is Excellent struction has prevented any major alterations.A few partitions have No research has yet been conducted to determine the original colors. Good PERIOD (Check One or More as Appropriate) - Pre-Columbian| - 20th Century SPECIFIC DATE(S) (Il Applicable and Known) AREAS OF

Statement of significance

opinion of noted American architects, this treatment is not found ?! on any other building in the United States and ranks as the most planner included features which could, if necessary, transform the Old Court House and according to some historians, had his name placed Over the years, The Old Court House has become the symbol of the symbolizes Cleveland to the north. Letterheads, brochures and mast- 1850 Communications Transportation Engineering losophy Literature SIGNIFICANCE Industry Political Music Aboriginal Social/Human- Agriculture itarian Theater Sculpture Invention in nomination for the first time.

Other significant architectural features include the main or flying one of the finest remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture the rear doors and all of the inswinging window shutters are hinged simplicity of its architectural form.It stands today as perhaps outstanding original conception in the Greek Revival in this country. capable of withstanding riots or possible sieges. Dayton community in the same way that the Probasco Fountain symbol- staircase and the two smaller spiral staircases off the courtroom. in the United States. circular arc having its center on that of the column.In the from the inside and have iron bar latches.These features added to the very thick stone walls would undoubtedly make the building heads exhibit with pride the beauty and simplicity of the structure. Education It is a resource loved by all the citizens of the county.

The primary significance of The old Court House lies in the perfect Of outstanding interest is the unusual treatment found at the rear On September 17,1859,Abraham Lincoln spoke from the steps of The izes Cincinnati to the south and the Soldiers and Sailers Monument During the period in which the building was constructed (1847-50), doors are of solid iron and are said to weigh one ton each. Both of column was placed at each rear corner and the wall curved on a semi- 0/61 elevation the appearance of having a portico at each end, a single Art building into a veritable fortress.The front entrance double-hung there was social and political unrest in the country.The structure's

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES New York: Oxford University Press, 1944. America, 1966. LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE COORDINATES DEFINING A RECTANGLE LOCATING THE PROPERTY DEFINING THE CENTER POINT OF A PROPERTY 1/2 acre LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES State O FORM PREPARED BY Gary D. Schuman, Executive Director June 5, 1966 CITY OR TOWN: Ohio 45402 12.

STATE LIAISON OFFICER CERTIFICATION As the designated State Liaison Officer for the Na- tional Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law I hereby certify that this property is included in the 89-665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set Chief, Office of Archeology and Historic Preservatior level of significance of this nomination is: JAN 2 6 1970 Title Director, Ohio Historical Society Keeper of The National Register Date 16 December 1969 Degrees COUNTY Seconds LONGITUDE DATE ORGANIZATION Local LATITUDE Minutes ATTEST: CODE CORNER The Montgomery County Historical Society Degrees Minutes Seconds NATIONAL REGISTER VERIFICATION GEOGRAPHICAL DATA National Register.

Historic Counties and Court Houses of Ohio and The Prominent Men Dayton,Ohio: STREET AND NUMBER: NAME AND TITLE: The Old Court House Hamlin, Talbot F. OF LESS THAN TEN ACRES forth by the National Park Service. The recommended Name 740520 Greek Revival Architecture in America National APPROXIMATE ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY: 610 Registry. Clerk Date Data Page Photo Description(s) Federal Register Entry Map Description(s) Assign NPS No. Architect FILE Date of Entry Annual Edition Entry Yes Editor 1-26~20 Chief Architect :et. to Date of Receipt checked MORKIRG NO. Jerk Map(s) ENTRY Acknowiedgement Sent nistoxien 1.7=70:6 70. 1.34.0015 Title: NPS Number PROPERTY OF THE RTONAL REGISTER Loc Dayton, Ohio Title: NPS Number Loc. 70.1.34.0015 70- 1.

34.0015 Title: NPS Number PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER Loc Coulhoue UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR NPS USE ONLY NAME AND/OR HISTORIC: LOCA TION N. W. Corner, Third & Main Streets CITY OR TOWN: Dayton, Ohio Ohio 45402 PHOTO CREDIT: DATE OF PHOTO: May 29, 1969 NEGATIVE FILED AT: DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC. 113 Montgomery COUNTY STATE CODE COMMON: Ohio Cox Heart Institute PHOTO REFERENCE The Old Court House NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ENTRY NUMBER PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM (Type all entries -attach to or enclose with photograph) STREET AND NUMBER: IDENTIFICATION Interior: view of rotunda and visitors' gallery DATE The Montgomery County Historical Society 90.1:34.0015 70-1- 34.0015 PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER NPS Number Title! Courthouse UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND/OR HISTORIC: N. W.

Corner, Third & Main Streets CITY OR TOWN: Dayton, Ohio Ohio 45402 DATE OF PHOTO: May 29, 1969 NEGATIVE FILED AT: The Montgomery County Historical Society DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC. Front elevation, 3/4 view of SE corner 113 NAME Montgomery COUNTY CODE STATE COMMON: PHOTO REFERENCE PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM Ohio NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES IDENTIFICATION ENTRY NUMBER FOR NPS USE ONLY (Type all entries-attach to or enclose with photograph) STREET AND NUMBER: The Old Court House REGIS : a LOCA TION DATE Cox Heart Institute PHOTO CREDIT: 70.134. 0015 Title: PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER NPS Number Loc Dayton, Ohio UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR NPS USE ONLY ENTRY NUMBER (Type all entries - attach to or enclose with photograph) AND/OR HISTORIC: LOCA TION STREET AND NUMBER: N. W.

Corner, Third & Main Streets Dayton, Ohio Ohio 45402 May 29, 1969 NEGATIVE FILED AT: The Montgomery County Historical Society DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC. Montgomery COUNTY NAME at rear corners. STATE PHOTO REFERENCE CODE COMMON: Ohio Cox Heart Institute PHOTO CREDIT: Rear elevation 3/4 view showing unusual treatment NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES IDENTIFICATION PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM DATE OF PHOTO: CITY OR TOWN: 113 DATE The Old Court House Form 10-301 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (July 1969) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES FOR NPS USE ONLY AND/OR HISTORIC: STREET AND NUM BER: N. W. Corner, Third and Main Streets U. S. Geological Survey, Dayton (Ohio) North Quad. TO BE INCLUDED ON ALL MAPS 1. Property broundaries where required. 2. North arrow. 3. Latitude and longitude reference.

1965 113 Montgomery Dayton COUNTY STATE DATE CODE NATIONAL COMMON: SOURCE: 1:24,000 MAP REFERENCE Ohio SCALE: PROPERTY MAP FORM ENTRY NUMBER The Old Court House REGISTER (Type all entries-attach to or enclose with map) CITY OR TOWN: NAME REQUIR EMENTS 70134.0006 WEM DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DAYTON NORTH QUADRANGLE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DAYTON NORTH, OHIO OHIO - MONTOOMERY CO 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) GREAT MIAMI COOPER PARK ST. CLAIR LONGITUDE HIRD SCALE I"= 200' PAGE 1 FROM CITY OF DAYTON, OHIO ATLAS RIVER FIRST MONUMENT WILKIN SON 'Form 10-301 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (July 1969) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR NPS USE ONLY NAM E STREET AND NUM BER: N. W. Corner, Third & Main Streets CITY OR TOWN: Atlas of City of Dayton, Ohio 1" = 200' TO BE INCLUDED ON ALL MAPS 1. Property broundaries where required. 2. North arrow. 3. Latitude and longitude reference.

45402 1956 Montgomery 113 Dayton REQUIREMENTS COUNTY NATIONAL DATE STATE REGISTER CODE COMMON: MAP REFERENCE ENTRY NUMBER NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES SCALE: SOURCE: The old Court House AND/OR HISTORIC: PROPERTY MAP FORM (Type all entries -attach to or enclose with map) Ohio LOCATION JAN 2 7 1970 Hon. Chaimers Pangburn Wylte Hon. Donald C. Claacy Duplicate letters sent to: Hon. Willian B. Saxbe Enelosuzeo Hon. Charles W. Vholen, Jr. Sincerely yours, (Dayton, Cltio, Interstate 71 and 17th Avenue May 18, 1971 Mr. Gary D. Schuman, Executive Director The Montgomery County Historical Society Dayton, Ohio Dear Mr. Schuman: Enclosed is a lerox copy of the preliminary application for federal The Ohio Historical Society will ve notified when the budget for Sincerely, the courthouse project. encl.

The Old Courthouse Third G Main Streets matching funds for reséarch and restoration of the Old Courthouse, funding restoration projects for fiscal year 1972 has been approved in Washington, and after the prelininary applications from the 50 states have been studied. At that time final application forms will Pudith. Kitchen Architectural Historian F.Y. 1972 January 27, 1970 OLD MONTGONERY COUNTY COURTHOUSE Mr. .& Mrs. Jefferson Patterson, also of Dayton. Costs related to State employees (1) Personal servires & bencfits (2) Travel - C (A-87, class C) (2) Donated property (S) Indirect costs Contractual services $, Grand Total (a + b) $ State Supervisor c Planner (s). Plans and Specifications Cl 45402 Total Edition Year 3D-4 Acquisition Personnel Cost District $140,000.00 application. Owner Registration Date selected.

Montgomery County Cooperator or contractor costs (3) Specially approved costs State Historic Plan References Yes Project Landmark (list attached) but not.completed, within the first year of work and the $140,000.00 initial budget. (1) Donated services Liaison Officer's office Dayton, Ohio 291-1231 one of the most outstanding buildings uf its cype in the United States. Check if Natl. Hist. (4) Other direct costs Project Title Appraisals .l Development Contract(s) $ 70,000.00 37, 58 The building now 3: Clearinghouse reriey comnents attached Preservation Plan, pp. 59 & 63, this project marks the first application from the state of Pages Congressionai State State Matching Funds Source(s) Private funds-contributions from Mrs.Andrew U.Thomas,Dayton, and Courthouse.Next,the actual work of restoration will begin,first with needed structural Federal 1970. Project Runber Dayton, Ohio Gary D.

Schuman, Executive Director - The Old Courthouse 45402 Architects Restoration Consultant Project Architect The Montgomery County Historical Society Stanley Mitchell OLD MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURTHOUSE Sullivan, Lecklider, Jay & Mitchell The Old Court House Dayton, Ohio 45402 Phone 513/228-6271 July 26, 1971 The Honorable Charles W. Whalen, Jr. House of Representatives Washington, D. C. 20515 My dear Mr. Whalen: The enclosed application for Federal funds to Montgonery County is sent' to you so you are aware of application would be appreciated. Enclosure RECEIVED Yours sincerely Executive Director GDS/dss the Society's progress. assist in the restoration of The Old Court House of Any action by your office that might affect this Gary D. Schuman CHARLES W. WHALEN, JR. @lashington, DD.C.

20515 (202) 225-6465 ARMED SERVICES Congress of the United States 315 POST OFFICE BUILDING SUBCOMMITTEE NUMBER 1 (513) 461-4830, 5286 August 13, 1971 Mr. Glenn Cunningham Washington, D. C. 20240 Please find enclosed correspondence I received from one and outstanding structures in the country. Moreover, it is an architectural asset both to Montgomery County and the State of CWW: pam Sincerely Enclosure Congressional Liaison Officer Dear Mr. Cunningham: Ohio.Therefore,I will appreciate your favorable consideration of this application. Department of the Intericr Bureau of Outdoor Recreation DISTRICT OFFICE: Member of Congress Thank you for your assistance in this matter. ofmy constituents regarding the restoration of The Old Court Douse of Representatibes THIRD DISTRICT, OHIO DAYTON, OHIO 45402 House in Dayton, Ohio.

The building is one of the most unusual COMMITTEE: WHITE HOUSE, CONGRESSIONAL, OR SECRETARIAL CORRESPONDENCE August 24, 1971 FROM: Division of Legislative Services (LS) CONTROL NUMBER: met, please furnish me an interim draft reply on or before that suspense date, and include reasons for the delay and an estimate as to the date a final reply may be expected. WASO-31 (6/71) USDI - NPS the draft. For Secretarial signature Chief as to whether his Assistant Director should also surname Ira Whitlock The attached correspondence is forwarded for the preparation of PLEASE LEAVE THIS MEMO ATTACHED TO THE CORRESPONDENCE For NPS signature All draft replies must be surnamed by the Chief of the Division a draft reply. In the event the above suspense date cannot be It will be optional with that Division preparing the draft. Hon. Charles W. Whalen Dear lr. Whalen: Court House in Dayton, Ohio.

FNP: DKKellerhouse:amj:8/24/71 Director Sincerely yours, House of Representatives Washington, D.c. We appreciate your interest in this matter and will provide Mr.Gary D.Schuman concerning the restoration of the Old you a reply at our carliest opportunity. We are pleased to ackmowledge your inquiry in behalf of S.Bradford: dyw August 30, 1971 Hon. Charles W. Whalen Washington, D. C. The Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210. We will be happy Mr. Daniel R. Porter, Director, The Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Director, Northeast Region w/cy inc. Draft Director Winge reached. Sincerely yours, The State of Ohio's project application for the Old Montogomery County We are pleased to respond further to your inquiry in behalf of Mr. future collaboration with them.

Courthouse is being reviewed and evaluated.If any questions arise, we Mr.Porter and his colleagues have been most helpful in their admini- House of Representatives Gary D. Schuman concerning the restoration of the Old Court House in Dear Mr. Whalen: to inform you of the final decision on the application when it is stration of the grants-in-aid program in Ohio.We look forward to will consult the State Liaison Officer, Mr. Daniel R. Porter, Director, Dayton, Ohio. Ohio 43210 w/cy inc. OEAC H30-2R SEP 1 6 1971 Bouse of Representatives J. E. N. Jeneen ASSOCIATE Director HR-Dr. Bradford [HR-Cong. Liaison File ) FNP:SBradford: crb: 9-3-71 Director,The Ohio Historical Society Mr.Daniel R.Porter (BASIC FILE RETAINED IN HR) Sincerely yours, Der N.Wha len: Director-NE Region forward to future collaboration with them. OLD MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT- HOUSE (39-72-00020-00). Dayton, Montgom- ery Co.

County ownership. A Greek Revival building of native limestone dating from the mid-1800's. Research, stabilization, and ex- terior and interior restoration. $10,000.00.