Weld County has many historic buildings, with the courthouse standing out as one of the most notable. As the season for ghost stories approaches, it's worth mentioning that the Weld County Courthouse has its share of chilling tales. Beyond these spooky encounters, the prominent building boasts a rich history many may not be aware of.
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The Weld County Courthouse is said to have a spooky side, with employees reporting various mysterious occurrences. For instance, janitors claim to have seen a spiritual image entering and leaving the old grandfather clock, prompting a séance that went unanswered. A court reporter recounted an eerie experience in the attic where a box moved on its own to reveal the file he was searching for. Some believe the courthouse might be home to the restless spirit of W.D. French, a lynching victim from 1888, whose ghost may still linger in the building. Watch the "Ghosts of Weld County Courthouse" to hear from employees themselves on the activity they have encountered.
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The Jewel of the Plains: The Weld County Courthouse, completed in 1917, was the first in Colorado to provide overnight accommodations for jurors, reflecting the practical needs of the time as jurors often traveled long distances to serve. This innovative feature included amenities like water heaters in the bathrooms and even a women’s restroom, which was quite rare for that era.
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Architect William Bowman, who designed the Weld County Courthouse, had a humble beginning — he dropped out of school at age 11 to support his family after his father's injury. Despite this, he dedicated himself to learning, studying mathematics and drawing with a tutor, ultimately becoming a prominent architect responsible for many significant structures across Colorado and Wyoming.
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The Weld County Courthouse combines both Greek and Roman architectural influences: it embodies the Greek Classical style's focus on pragmatism and government transparency through its massive pillars, while also incorporating Roman elements like arched doorways and colorful decorations, reflecting a shift toward aesthetics. This blend symbolizes the evolution of architectural expression in government buildings over time.
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An important and admired structure today, the Weld County Courthouse was built without incurring any long-term debt, thanks to the responsible decision-making of county commissioners George A. Hodgson, W.C. Levis, and T.E. Rowe. This careful planning was particularly notable given the recent financial disaster experienced by a neighboring county in their courthouse construction, which had doubled in cost.
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There is a rich history of relocation and evolution, with a total of six different structures in five locations since its establishment in 1883. The very first official courthouse was a one-room log cabin on Andrew Lumry’s farm, showcasing how local governance began in humble settings before transitioning to the impressive marble structure that stands today.
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The Weld County Courthouse features a rare system of clocks, powered by a grandfather clock on the second floor, which uses compressed air to move the hands of four subordinate clocks. This system, a luxury at the time of the courthouse's construction in 1915, has largely become obsolete, with very few operational examples remaining in the state. The grandfather clock was restored to working order, highlighting the craftsmanship behind it, but many of the pipes that connect the system have been damaged over the years, leading to the replacement of most subordinate clocks with battery-operated versions.
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Pigeons have been considered some of the most notorious "villains" of the Weld County Courthouse since it opened in 1917. Their presence, while comical, caused significant damage due to their droppings, which can erode stone and attract decay organisms. This led to creative pest control measures, including the use of mothballs, until more permanent solutions like pigeon spikes were installed in the late 1990s, greatly reducing their population around the building.
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There once was a mysterious presence of a tiny wooden toilet seat in the attic of the Weld County Courthouse, which has puzzled employees and residents alike. Despite its clear use —evidenced by green copper stains on the hinges — there has never been a toilet of that size in the courthouse, as all toilets installed since its opening in 1917 have been standard adult size. The origins and purpose of this small seat remain a delightful enigma.
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June 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the Weld County Courthouse, a milestone that signifies a century of service to the residents of Weld County. Celebrations took place throughout the month, and at that time, 19th Judicial Chief Judge James Hartmann presented an overview of the building and its history in a short video titled "The Story of Us."