COunty of courthouse: Grundy County
Location of courthouse: Main St. (MO-6) & W. 8th St., Trenton
Built: 1903
Architect: George A. Berlinghoff
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
"After securing a $60,000 bond commitment for courthouse and jail in December 1901, Grundy County officials had proposals from 30 architects. It was a year before officials found a plan that could be built within the appropriation. In addition to examining plans that came to them, the court officials visited Kirksville, Palmyra, Hannibal, Macon, Jefferson City, Warrensburg, Butler and Nevada in Missouri; Ottawa, Topeka, Clay Center, Beloit and Garnet, Kansas; and Thayer and Beatrice, Nebraska.
"Plans by the Topeka, Kansas, firm of Holland and Squires, and those from architect R. G. Kirsch ran to as much as $10,000 over the estimated costs when put out for bid. George A. Berlinghoff, Beatrice, Nebraska, then offered a proposal that was also first bid above the limit, but Berlinghoff put the court in touch with contractor John H. Sparks, who received the contract for his bid of $57,000. Cornerstone ceremonies took place in December 1903, and the building was dedicated Oct. 25, 1905.
"The courthouse, which still serves as the Grundy County temple of justice, is on the same block as the first courthouse. Constructed of Bedford stone, the building measures 79 by 84 feet. Height to the cornice is 45 feet and to the top of the tower, 106 feet. There are alternating courses of rough and smooth stones; the rough courses extend inward, becoming an integral part of the wall. There are three stories and four entrances. The circuit Court room is 31 by 52 feet. Although the task was difficult, court officials managed to keep costs very close to the $60,000 figure." ~ Extension, University of Missouri
"The building faces northwest and is a three story cream colored Bedford stone structure. The building is 79 feet by 84 feet and has alternating courses of rough and smooth stones. The west front has a large arch at the first story entrance and rises to a peak above the roof line. There is a square stone tower on each corner with peaked roof. On the center of the roof rises a large square stone tower with peaked roof. On the north side of the courthouse is the old jail." ~ US Courthouses