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ATTRACTIONS:  Foster County Courthouse

Carrington, North Dakota

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The Foster County Courthouse: As It Looks Today

The following description is taken from A History of Foster County, compiled by the Foster County History Book Committee in cooperation with the Foster County Commission and in conjunction wit the Foster County Centennial - 1983:

     "The Foster County Courthouse is one of the thirteen Buechner and Orth courthouses in North Dakota named to the National Register of Historic Places by the Secretary of the Interior in 1980.  The building, both inside and out, has remained virtually unchanged during its 70 years of service to the citizens of the county.  Its stark outlines are now obscured and softened by trees which reach as high as the pediment over the front entrance.  It no longer gives the impression of standing isolated on the flat prairies, residences have been built as close as across the street on two sides.  The exterior brick and stonework show only a minimum of weathering and wear, and there are no obvious cracks or uneven settling of the structure.  The copper sheathing of the dome, now covered with aluminum paint, still shines from the distance on sunny days.

     "In the interior of the rotunda the four paintings still illustrate the early history of the county, but light from the windows in the dome no longer filters through the stained glass skylight.  The dome has been floored to conserve heat in these energy-conscious days.

     "The four corner offices on the first floor remain as originally shown in the architect's plans, but the sheriff now occupies the space designated for the county judge.  the second floor courtroom furniture judge's bench, jury box, and spectators' seats remain exactly as they were when the first term of court was held in the Spring of 1911.  The frieze decorating the walls is visible, but somewhat dim.

     "There have been changes in the functions of the offices on the second and basement floors, but none have involved any structural alteration.  The dark wood framing of the doors and windows, the marble wainscoting, and the terrazzo floors are still in excellent condition.  Original lighting fixtures in the offices have been replaced by more efficient fluorescent lights, except in the courtroom where the brass chandeliers still supply illumination."

More info about Carrington, ND.

Carrington, North Dakota, The Central City

Carrington Chamber of Commerce

Carrington, North Dakota: Wikipedia

Carrington, ND: Citi-Data.Com

North Dakota University: Carrington Research Extension  Center

US Census: Quick facts - Carrington, North Dakota

US Census: Quick Facts - Foster County, ND

 

Book Recommendation: A History of Foster County - North Dakota

I just want to remind everyone that there is a wonderful book, A History of Foster County - North Dakota, available at the Foster County Courthouse, as well as at the museum in Carrington. Being a relative newcomer to the area, I only discovered it this year, after which I had the pleasure of meeting Lucile Zink, one of the major compilers of the extensive research that went into creating this book. For those of you who are interested in the history of Foster County and Carrington, it is a "must read!"  This book is filed with fascinating details, stories, and pictures of Foster County's past.  I especially liked the pictures of Carrington in its heyday and was amazed to learn that a huge lake, Lake Willow, existed along 1st Street North, where my house now stands. All of the people who were involved in creating A History of Foster County for the 1983 Centennial should be commended for the hard work and dedication that went into making it.  I'm sure many of you already have copies and have studied the book, but for those of you who missed out, it will take just a short trip to the courthouse or the museum to pick up a copy. Can you believe you can get a copy for only $5.00?! It's quite a buy with an attractive green and gold hardback cover and over 600 pages of interesting information and old photos of the area.  It would make a great gift for friends and relatives, as well as support our local Historical Society. Best wishes, and have a great read!           Judy Keller

FOSTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE

COURTHOUSE

CARRINGTON

WATERTOWER

THE CHIEFTAIN

MAIN STREET

POST OFFICE

PUTNAM HOUSE

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