The Gorgeous Allen County Courthouse

The Allen County Courthouse is an amazing building. Construction began on it in 1897, and it was finished in 1902. It's breathtaking with lovely Italian marble, limestone, and Vermont granite features.

There are giant murals by Charles Holloway, columns, bas-reliefs and art glass. A seven-year restoration was completed on the building in 2002. The courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003.

When it was nominated for these awards, the nominating committee said the combination of Greek, Roman and Renaissance influences reflected the exuberance and ambition of late 19th Century America.

We were in the courthouse to obtain the guardianship of a disabled child. Without it, for a person such as this at 18, there is no authority to speak for the person if they have to make medical decisions or are hospitalized.

One must go through a metal detector to enter the courthouse. The process is much like going through security in an airport. One must empty one's pockets, and you can't take a camera or cell phone into the building at all. I'm sure this must be very difficult for people who are totally connected to their phones 24 hours a day, as so many people are now. I found it refreshing; like the good old days that weren't that long ago.

As for the hearing itself, unfortunately, our lawyer had laryngitis. She said she didn't feel sick, and she had never had it before. But it had left her completely unable to speak. The magistrate was really good about the situation, and allowed the lawyer for the disabled person (yes, two lawyers were required for this) to do all the questioning. It was unusual, but it worked; we got through it, and we were granted the guardianship.

I love the beautiful building, the marble staircases, and all the helpful people we ran into that day. My pictures here are not that good, copied with my iPod from a website, but you can look for photos on the Internet to see more of the lovely art and art glass windows.

Our lawyer was very kind, and sent me this quote after the hearing: 'Faith is believing that one of two things will happen - that there will be something solid for you to stand on, or that you will be taught to fly.' I had never heard that statement before, and it was quite fitting.