Friday, January 22, 2016

Manatee County Courthouse


Manatee County Courthouse was built in 1913, the year my dad was born. It is famous because Bob and I were married in that courthouse on Feb. 8th 1985 and My grand parents got their marriage license there in 1923, and my parents got their marriage license there in 1943...


In 1892 the lot cost $200.00 and  $62.60 to clear it.
They built a wooden courthouse, which was later destroyed and this one took 
it;s place in 1913. Our first courthouse built in 1860 is preserved in Manatee Village CLICK HERE for a photo of the first courthouse.


Above is the garden in front of the courthouse and  the monster County Administration building. And below is the building from 1920 with the monster parking garage behind it.


Above next to the courthouse is the Jail and the newer courthouse, the old is now administration with court held in the newer building. To the west and across the street are 3 churches in a row. Our downtown is a mix match of styles..


21 comments:

  1. Lots of family memories there! Love the brick court house and mix of church history.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like how they kept the colors of the old court building in the new one. Makes for a nice transition.

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's an imposing building and part of your family history. In fact the street reflects the different eras and styles in architecture. I remember that lovely old courtyard now in the preserved Manatee Village which you featured on one of your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would have fun in this place! My ears always perk up when I hear "courthouse"!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice building! I'm glad they preserved the old one. Our beautiful red stone courthouse was condemned (a dishonest assessment) and torn down so they could replace it with a dull, Soviet style building. Very common in the 60s. :-((

    ReplyDelete
  6. There should be a plaque out front saying you and Bob got married there. ;))

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello, I like the name Manatee and the older courthouse building. The garden is pretty. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have beautiful architectural features in your area....
    I love the first photo kinda sketch like.
    Hugs Madi and mom
    PS thus far we are having sleet...burr but it is better than freezing rain

    ReplyDelete
  9. When I see those monster govt buildings I always think - No wonder we pay so many taxes!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wonderful post and I love the family connection you have with it. The sketch is great too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for the wonderful history to go along with your fabulous photos!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for the tour of your downtown.
    I love all the history involved with the Courthouse.
    I'm also glad there is a mixture of old and new buildings. I hate when all the old gets replaced by new and sleek.
    Have a great weekend Sandra.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lots of memories there Sandra at the court house. Thank your for sharing.

    I was on my way over to your blog after trying to figure why five times I tried to change the printing that went small to large.

    When I push that update button it quickly slides over to the right.

    So I think it is malfunction.

    I have know idea who to ask about it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like them both...the old and the new. My favorite is the old. I'm glad it was saved.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great looking Courthouse and surrounding buildings.

    ReplyDelete
  16. It is interesting to see your 'down town'. Your family history is well tied to the courthouse.I hope it will be preserved forever.

    ReplyDelete
  17. How cool that all those marriage licenses came from there...

    ReplyDelete
  18. Loved the mix of county and family history.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I loved hearing about your personal history with this historical courthouse!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Those are very special memories. I love that they saved the original courthouse. Three churches in a row, that's different!

    ReplyDelete