This post is about a building that has a lot of personal meaning for me. Instead of telling you a bunch of hard facts about the Putnam County Courthouse, I'm going to tell you what it is to me.
I've always loved this building. As a little girl, it looked like a castle to me. It still does. I do feel an attachment to certain buildings and I think that's part of what led me to be a Realtor in the first place. This building is one of my first loves.
My Grandma worked here as County Clerk before I was born. She used to take the ferry across the river before there was a bridge. (I am old enough to remember when it was still a toll bridge, but young enough not to remember NO bridge.)
When I (finally!) turned 18 and could register to vote, I went straight to the courthouse. The ladies there knew me and knew Grandma, and reserved judgment until they saw "which side" I was on. They were happy with me, I must have gotten that answer right! A tip for living a happy life: Don't go against Grandma.
When my husband and I got married, our marriage certificate went here. They sent us a card. See? That building loves me back.
I vote here, I pay my personal income taxes here. I know several people that work here and it's got a nice hometown feel. Walking in the door is like visiting a relative.
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This morning I walked the grounds with my camera. I've never done that before, and I saw a different aspect of this building.
The grounds have several beautiful tributes to our local heroes. I found the name of a very good family friend who died when I was little. He was a State Trooper who died on duty, and my family along with so many others really mourned his loss.
There are monuments to our soldiers killed, MIA or POW. Emergency workers that died caring for us are remembered.
Today the flag was at half mast. We've lost another hero recently; a 19 year old boy from Scott Depot named Michael Slater. Seeing all the memorials, I had to wonder if one day my daughters would walk here and find one more with Michael's name on it. Michael, thank you for protecting us. I know you didn't lose your life, you gave it. We appreciate what you did for us.
This building represents all of us. It houses the records of our best and worst moments. Maybe the building itself is a memorial to the people of Putnam County.
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Isn't it funny how some buildings actually speak to us? Nice job as usual Sarah.
Very good post Sarah.
Sarah, your sense of local history must be great asset to your business. I can almost hear you doing the "tour"... it is a pleasure. Almost makes me want to move. Thanks!
Peggy - Just read on your blog that you signed up for RES yourself!! You won't regret it! I think I'd keep it even if I left real estate. Can you think of any other tool you'd say that about?! (Oh, and glad you liked the post!)
Steve - Thank you.
Beth - Sadly, most of the time I'm saying, "And over there is the courthouse," as we whiz past. But my blog lets me say a lot more.
Hi Sarah, I love historic buildings. Our first home was 105 years old, and if we could have moved it when we bought another house, that would have been our first choice! What a great way to place the spotlight on a historical building in your community.
Sarah - beautiful post on a really beautiful old building. I love pictures of old buildings, and you did a great job on your show. This gave me some ideas for my areas...thanks!
Ann
Sarah - Ann took the words out of my mouth.... beautiful buildings and great post (okay i changed it up a bit). You are certainly a diligent gal when it comes to your posts... great job!! If you ever want to move to Jersey.... I am bribing you to join my team!!
Sarah- what a beautiful building, but most importantly, what a beautiful tribute to the building. I alwasy love your real estate shows.
Lola - I think I would have loved your house! I would love to have a big old farmhouse. My husband prefers new construction. We compromised, our house is 30-something, enough character for me, enough "modern" for him.
Ann - Glad you liked the show. My brother (the cop) told me to be careful taking pictures of government buildings like this, makes 'em nervous! I wanted to take pics of our locks and dam too, but he warned me about that. Maybe I'll make HIM take me out there.
Desiree - LOL! I've never thought about moving to Jersey, but IF I DID ... !!! :o)
Ines - Thanks! I do love that building. There is a brand spankin' new annex building behind it, and it's pretty enough in a "new" way. But it doesn't have the heart of this old building, I didn't even think about getting pictures of it.
These are my favorite types of posts! I love history and old buildings and structures.
Sarah, I really enjoy reading your posts. I truly love those pictures... I too am into old homes - I live in a 1920's built home (constantly being worked on!) Maybe I'll post a before and current shots...
Sarah: You gotta know by now we (the Codgers) pretty-much love old things; cars houses, buildings, & in my case wives (shhh don't tell Laura I said that). Very impressive building!
Medford