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:

Jackie See said...

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

Mersad said...

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

Linda P said...

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.

Kathy said...

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

Cranberry Morning said...

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. :-((

EG CameraGirl said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

My Mind's Eye said...

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

Suburban Girl said...

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

DeniseinVA said...

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

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

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

photowannabe said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Gail said...

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

TexWisGirl said...

famous in your family, for sure!

Ida said...

Great looking Courthouse and surrounding buildings.

diane b said...

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

Rose said...

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

LC said...

Loved the mix of county and family history.

Linda said...

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

Debby@Just Breathe said...

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