Stafford's New Court House
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Used For First Time at Opening Of March Term of Court Monday
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Handsome Up-To-Date BLD"G

 (from Free Lance, March 13, 1923)

Contributed By: Bettie S Billingsley
 

  The magnificent new Court House at Stafford, used for the first time
on Monday when the opening sessions of Stafford Circuit Court were held,
was spoken of by everyone in most complimentary terms. The citizens of
the county may take pride in the artistic and imposing
structure that graces the county seat. The building is Colonial in
type, built of red brick with six striking Doric columns commanding
the entrance and is adorned with a characteristic belfry and weather vane
which adds a finished touch to the effective design.
  The two wings at the rear are of neat lines, with pleasing formal entrances.
  An open balustrade across the top of each wing, enhances the appearance
and harmonizes nicely with the lines of the building.
  The main assembly room is spacious and of well balanced proportions.
Comfortable seats are provided for 140 persons, being separated by a
railing from the attorneys tables, the jury box, the
clerk's stand and the judge's bench, which is elevated. To the rear is
the judge's office and the petit jury room. A balcony with seats for
120 people is at the back of the room.
  The right wing of the building houses the clerk's office which is a
commodious room, fitted with new office furniture, well arranged for
keeping the valuable records of the county. The clerk's office is
absolutely fire proof and can be cut off from the main building by a
fire- proof steel door.
  In the other wing,is the grand jury room and the jail, which is
provided with three steel cells.
  The building is equipped with electric lights and running water,
making it thoroughly modern and ventilation show careful consider-
ation, the large windows admitting plenty of sunshine and fresh air.
No detail that would make for comfort or convenience seems to have been
overlooked in the planning or execution of the work.
  The total cost of the building, including all construction, plumbing
sewerage,electric lights water system and furniture was about $24,500.
  Marble tables, neatly lettered, on the walls of the main room, give the
following interesting information:

STAFFORD COUNTY HOUSE

  Erected 1922 A.D. on the site of the old building. built about 1780
(D.B."S" pages 29 and 105)
  C.J.Henry, chairman; W.T.Peyton, Geo.W. Maddox, Board of Supervisors.
  R.H.L. Chichester,Circuit Judge
  James Ashby, Clerk of Court
  Frank P> Moncure, Commonwealth's Attorney
  W.D. Reamy, Treasurer
  W.E. Curtis, Sheriff
  Philip N. Stern, Architect
  Walter Snellings, Contractor

HISTORY Of STAFFORD COURT

  1664- Organized with George Mason, Capt. John Withers and William
Fitzhugh, as Justices. Marlsborough, first county seat.
  1715- Court House burned.
  1749- Court House across road,S.D. of present site destroyed by fire.
  1780- Present site deeded to county by Wm. Fitzhugh,Esq.of Chatham, and
CoL. Wm. Gerand.
  
  The Board of Supervisors will meet on Thursday, March 15th ,to formally
accept the building from Architect Philip N. Stern and
Contractor Walter Snellings.
  The Court House will be dedicated with elaborate exercise on June 
6,1923.