Texas County Courthouse - Houston, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 37° 19.652 W 091° 57.361
15S E 592490 N 4131718
Frieze art over the door of the main entrance...
Waymark Code: WM11T2W
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 12/14/2019
Views: 2
County of courthouse" Texas County
Location of courthouse: 210 N. Grand Ave., Houston
courthouse phone: (417) 967-2112
County Organized: Feb. 14, 1845
County Named after: Republic of Texas
This art work is simple, yet effective. It actually pulls your eyes upward as you pass through the door.
"Texas County residents could not agree on how deeply to go into debt for a new courthouse. Some opted for $75,000; others thought $40,000 was more realistic. The court compromised with a $60,000 proposal. Architect E. S. Johnson of Johnson and Maack, St. Louis, showed plans of Osage and Christian counties' courthouses, but the cost was more than $100,000. The court asked Johnson to submit other plans.
"In February 1931 Johnson submitted a plan for a native rubblestone building with face brick and art stone or terra cotta trim. As election time drew near and passage seemed unlikely, the court called off the election. Taking the fire insurance money, they immediately began restoring and rebuilding on the remaining fire-damaged foundation, accepting George H. Gassman Co.'s bid of $20,148 in May 1931. Only enough funds were available to complete the first floor. Voters approved $25,000 in bonds in September 1931 to finish construction on the second story. On April 7, 1932, builders finished the new brick and stone, 95-by-70-foot courthouse, which continues in use today." ~ University of Missouri -Extension