Dining event will mark 100th birthday of Madison County Courthouse
From Illinois Business Journal news services
EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Historical Society will celebrate the 100th birthday of the Madison County Courthouse during its Annual Dining in History event on Sunday, Nov. 8, in the rotunda of the courthouse.
The event will feature a presentation from the circuit judges and the Madison County Bar Association. The featured speaker for the evening, Circuit Clerk Mark Von Nida, will entertain guests with stories of “Madison County Mysteries and Courtroom Drama.” Courtrooms will be open to the public so visitors can observe the craftsmanship of the century old building.
Following announcements by MCHS President Gary Denue and Chief Judge David Hylla, the bar association president, Judge Ellar Duff, will present special framed editions of the Declaration of Independence to Madison County in recognition of the courthouse centennial from both the circuit judges and the Madison County Bar Association.
“The Declaration of Independence is known as the ‘People’s Document’ because it is the framework of democracy. We are proud to present these hand-engraved, exact copies from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing that will be hung in the Courthouse lobby and each Circuit Judge’s courtroom as a reminder of the equality and rights of all people,” Hylla said.
This is the third “Dining in History” event by the Madison County Historical Society.
The courthouse, designed by St. Louis architect Robert Kirsch, is the second one to stand at 155 N. Main St. in Edwardsville. The first was completed in 1857 and was torn down in 1914 to make room for the current court house which was dedicated on Oct. 18, 1915.
Tickets for the event are $45 for MCHS members and $50 for non-members. Reservations can be made at the Madison County Archival Library, 801 N. Main St., Edwardsville, or by calling (618) 656-7569 during regular hours (Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.). After hours, call (618) 656-3493. Reservation forms are also available at madcohistory.org. All reservations must be paid in advance by check, cash or credit card and are non-refundable. The last day to confirm reservations is Oct. 28.
