By 
A George P. Washburn masterpiece – the Harper County Courthouse in Anthony.
Washburn, an architect from Ottawa, designed, in my opinion, some of the best courthouses in the state. Here’s a video biography on Washburn (5:35).
The clock works – and it chimed at 2:00.
The building faces west.
Peeking in through the front door.
I looked in all the obvious places, but didn’t see the words “Harper County Courthouse” on the building. Not even on the cornerstone. (And, I’m curious, why does the cornerstone also mention the Grand Lodge?) Maybe the county name is on the building somehwere, but I couldn’t find it.
An eagle emblem over the side/south door.
The back door. The courthouse lawn was beautiful.
I wonder if the Grand Lodge shared the use of the building in the beginning.
BTW, that floor is amazing, just gorgeous.
The clock tower with the Lady Justice (Blind Justice?) on top is beautiful.
Thought provoking, this whole thing.
How many Washburn courthouses are still in use in the state? How many have you see, Cheryl?
Thanks for the historical tip and video link.
After viewing the clip, I learned Pratt’s courthouse was designed by Mr. Washburn.
I posted the link to the youtube clip on PrattTown.
Well, Milt – that was the first time I’d heard of Pratt being on the Washburn list. I want to do further research on that, ’cause Marci had listed only 10 Washburn Courthouses still being used and I don’t think Pratt was on the list.
Pratt’s doesn’t seem to have the same design as the other Washburn courthouses. So…. ???
You will find a lodge name and number on the cornerstone of nearly all substantial government buildings of any age. This identifies what chapter (lodge) of the Ancient Free & Associated Masons (A. F. & A. M.) set officiated over the setting of the corner stone. This goes all the way back to President George Washington (in Masonic regallia) setting the cornerstone of the U. S. Capital Building, and further than that in colonial America and Britain of the same time period.
Thanks for the information. I guess I’d never noticed that before.
Mr. Durbin is dead on with his comments but with one minor correction; Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
The number is something like 70% of all court houses in Kansas were/are dedicated by the Grand Lodge. In Kansas the ceremony used is actually the one that was written by President Washington for the Capitol Building. I have been a part of that cerermony it is very elegant. The Grand Lodge dedicates approximately 12 buildings consisting of Lodge buildings, schools, churches, fire stations and statues. The Grand Lodge is always willing to perform this ceremony. In 2014 the Emporia Lodge will be 150 years old and part of our celebration will be to rededicated our building.