SIDNEY — With the sounds of the Sidney Civic Band playing in the background, the 135th anniversary celebration of the Shelby County Courthouse was rededicated Sunday afternoon by the Shelby County Commissioners.
“The courthouse has been steadfast in its mission to serve the residents of Shelby County,” Commissioner Julie Ehemann said in a resolution signed by all three commissioners — Ehemann, Bob Guillozet and Tony Bornhorst.
In April 1880, the commissioners decided the people of Shelby County deserved a new courthouse, said Ehemann. On July 4, 1881, more than 5,000 people were in attendance as the cornerstone for the current building was laid. In June 1883, the Courthouse was finished.
“It’s appropriate for this celebration to be on Father’s Day,” said Ehemann, who asked those present to look back on those people who had the foresight to build such a building.
“The is the culmination of the Legacy Project,” she said. A new tree has been planted on the courthouse grounds in celebration of the event.
“We are fortunate to live the community we live in,” said Guillozet.
He recognized the guests in attendance — Auglaize County Commissioner Don Regula, Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart, Administrator Anita Miller, staff and residents from Fair Haven Shelby County Home, Port Jefferson Mayor Steve Butterfield and Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst.
Ehemann thanked various people who helped with the renovation project and the open house celebration. She signaled out county employee Greg Lyons, who was “the commissioners go to person” during the project.
The Legacy Project included new heating, windows and lighting, door repairs, masonry repairs, roof repairs, new carpeting and a hand-painted mural.
She said when the commissioners decided to undertake the project, they wanted to keep the project local. She named all the companies who were involved in the project.
Tilda Phlipot, Shelby County Historical Society director, said the courthouse is the foundation of Shelby County. The building shows its essence to those visiting it and also “shows us what we want to be,” said Phlipot.
“If the foundation gains a crack, we also gain a crack,” she said.
The village of Hardin was the first county seat for Shelby County. In 1820, the county seat was moved to Sidney, she said.
“The first building where the court met was just across the street,” said Phlipot. “It was also the first school in Sidney.”
Later, a brick building was built on the site of the present courthouse and it became the county’s courthouse. It was painted white and had green blinds. In 1840, it was home to the first county fair.
In conjunction with an architectural movement, the commissioners decided they wanted to build a new courthouse.
“They went to the residents and asked if they could build a new courthouse,” said Phlipot. “In 1880, in a vote with a very near margin, the commissioners were able to replace the courthouse.
“Close your eyes and think,” said Phlipot, what Sidney looked like more than 135 years ago. There were dirt streets. there was a swamp on the east side of the courthouse. All supplies had to be brought into the city on the canal.
In August 1883, the courthouse was completed at a cost of $200,000, which was $60,000 more than the anticipated cost.
‘There were four fountains, all to welcome the residents,” she said. People could stop for a glass of water or to give their horse a drink.
During World War II, the fountains and the items used to tie up horses were melted down to help fight the war. Money was later raised to reconstruct the fountains.
“Lady Justice is always here to greet you,” said Phlipot. “With this re-dedication, the Shelby County Courthouse had regained her majesty.”
Barhorst said he was honored to be part of the festivities. He talked about the offices which were housed in the courthouse and how it has changed through the years.
“When I bring visitors downtown, they always say what a beautiful courthouse we have,” said Barhorst. “I’d like to thank you (commissioners) for recognizing that some structures are worth saving.”
Bornhorst gave the invocation while Boy Scout Troop 97 presented the Colors.
Ohio Sen. Keith Faber, R-Celina, 12th District, said the Courthouse has earned a “prominent place in history” in a resolution he signed and sent to the commissioners. Ohio Reps. Nino Vitale, R-Urbana, 85th District, and Jim Buchy, R-Greenville, 84th District, also sent resolutions marking the celebration.
After the ceremony, the courthouse was opened for tours and an old-fashioned ice cream social, which included sweet corn ice cream, was held.
