The above picture of the 1724 Courthouse on the Ave. of the States in Chester is from about 1855. It is one of the first pictures taken in Delaware County. The courthouse is the oldest public building in the United States.

 

 

The 1724 Chester Courthouse

 

 

After having been used for 127 years as a Court House, the old landmark was abandoned by the county in 1851 and was purchased by the borough of Chester.  It was fitted up for use by Council, and the borough officials and a public subscription of the citizens provided the money for the erection of the steeple which graces the front gable of the building, and a clock and bell were installed.  The old cupola in the center of the roof was removed and the bell which hung there, a small one which bore the inscription “Chester 1729,” was removed.  It is said to have been taken to the old schoolhouse which stood at Fifth and Welsh Streets at the time, but it has disappeared.  An old bell which was there was afterward taken to the Oak Grove School on Twenty-Fourth Street but it does not hear any inscription and is not likely the same.  The old bell from the Court House, which was cast in England and brought here only five years after the Court House was erected, would be an interesting relic if it could be found.

The picture shows the walls of the building as they appeared until in 1870, the city built the structure adjoining the old Court House to the north.  Tis was used as a post office for a long time and afterward as a store, being converted into offices about twenty years ago.  The building really fronted to the south, toward the old prison, which stood where the Masonic Hall now stands.  There were two doors there, with stone steps, but these were filled in and made windows about twenty-five years ago, and a new door was cut in the front by enlarging one of the windows on the Market Street side, the old court room being divided up into offices at this time.

The offset on the north side of the building where the judges sat still remains, but is hidden by the small building which now provides a stairway to the upper floors.  The lower part of this space is used as an ante-room from the present police court room and the upper part is included in the old Council Chamber.

There are still some of the older people about the county who can remember the old Court House when it looked as it died when the picture was taken.  It would be interesting to know who the figures are standing on the pavement.  Chester will have a fine historical relic to show visitors when the contemplated restoration is accomplished by the city, the State Historical Commission, and the public-spirited citizens, and with an open space on either side and a new city office building erected in the rear of the plaza, the town will have a civic center which will not be surpassed in picturesqueness and interest.

 

 

For immediate release

Tavern Talks 2018 and "Chocolate and Courtship" The Chadds Ford Historical Society’s Tavern Talks will kick off its third season on Thursday, February 15th from 7-9 p.m. with "Chocolate and Courtship." If you are looking to bring dating back to the basics – 300-year-old basics – then you will not want to miss out!

Guests will have the opportunity to watch chocolate-making demonstrations by Mars’ AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate’s very own Chocolate Historian David Borghesani, receive courtship advice from General George Washington (portrayed by Carl Closs), learn about dating in the Colonial period from historical novel writer Susan Holloway Scott, delight in historical chocolate pairings, and more!

Tavern Talks is a monthly experience (not a lecture!) aimed exclusively for adults 21 and older that focuses on unexplored aspects of early American history and culture. Guests will experience history with hands-on activities, food and drink tastings, demonstrations, and more. Tavern Talks takes place at the Chadds Ford Historical Society’s Barns Brinton House, an historic 1714 tavern, located next to the Chaddsford Winery at 630 Baltimore Pike. Admission is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Tickets must be purchased in advance over the phone, in person or online as space is limited. All attendees must be 21 and older. Be sure to mark your calendars for other Tavern Talks we will be doing throughout the year, including:

March 15 – Mind Your Pints & Quarts

April 12 – Law & Order May 17 – To Market, To Market

June 21 – Enlightened!

September 13 – Liberty or Death

October 11 – Fermented & Tormented

November 8 – Sugar & Spice Purchase a year subscription to Tavern Talks and save! A year’s worth of Tavern Talks is $110 for CFHS members and $150 for non-members. Follow the link to get yours: http://bit.ly/2Bt80Fd