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County Courthouses of Pennsylvania

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Have you ever wondered why county courthouses differ so much from each other? This marvelous book will help you understand that the decisions central to the design and construction of public buildings are influenced by the local perception of image, the politics of money and the functions counties are responsible for carrying out.

Initially, courthouses were the locus of two major functions. Providing a public space for trials, and the recording and storing of public records, particularly those connected to property.

This book examines each of Pennsylvania's 67 county courthouses and provides a lively informed discussion of the design and building of the courthouse, the interior decor, the grounds and the history of the naming of the county and selection of the town as the count seat. The author, a political scientist, who taught and studied local government infuses that background throughout the book.

There are numerous illustrative photographs that help the reader understand the differences in design and emblishment. This is a gem of book that is handy to use when driving in Pennsylvania. For those who work or spend considerable time in courthouses, particularly those in PA, this book is a must read.

This book offers a concise and well-illustrated history of the courthouses in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania. Counties are arranged alphabetically and along with a brief overview of each county, Oliver Williams describes in detail the architectural features of all the courthouses, from their styles to types of cupolas to statuary and sculpture used. Interiors are also dealt with and some of the most interesting (and historic) features of some of the courthouses are in their interiors. In addition, important surrounding buildings - jailhouses, office buildings, etc. - are included and described. Williams has also written an interesting introduction that speaks about county government and courthouse design in America in general. Needless to say, photos of each courthouse, as well as many other public buildings throughout the state, are included. Local history buffs or those interested in the architecture of public governmental edifices, mainly of the 19th century, will enjoy this book and find it useful.