This impressive-looking courthouse with its clock tower stands in the northern Lower Peninsula town of Onaway. It was constructed in 1908 by Meritt Chandler and donated to the county in the hopes to take the county seat away from Rogers City.  Merritt Chandler was born in 1843 near Adrian, Michigan. He made a fortune in lumbering and building roads.  In 1886 he platted the village of Onaway. By 1903, Onaway had a population of 3000, making it the largest settlement in Presque Isle County.  He was unable to have the county seat moved to his new courthouse so in 1911 a drive started to create a new county for Onaway, to be called “Forest County.” The proposal failed, but as a compromise, county court sessions were alternated between Rogers City and Onaway until the 1940s when it remained in Rogers City.

In the late 1990s, restoration efforts began, and over $1 million was spent to improve the heating and electrical system, replace the roof and windows, refinish the interior, and install a clock in the clocktower.  As of 2009, the building houses the Onaway Branch of the Presque Isle District Library, the Onaway Historical Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, and offices of the City of Onaway.

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The Lapeer County Courthouse was built by Alvin N. Hart, one of Lapeer’s first settlers. Born in Connecticut in 1804, Hart came to Michigan in 1831 and platted the village of Lapeer two years later. He also served as sheriff and as a member of both houses of the state legislature.
Although the date in the pediment, 1839, marks the construction of the county’s first courthouse, this building was erected in 1845-46 and bought by the county in 1853. It is an impressive Greek Revival structure. The two-story exterior is of native white pine, supported by a brick foundation. The facade of the full-height portico has four fluted Doric columns supporting the pediment. A three-tiered tower rises at the rear of the building.

The Lapeer County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Michigan which serves its original purpose.

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The Barry County courthouse stands in Hastings and was constructed between 1892 and 1894.  After a devastating fire swept through the town of Hastings it was decided that a brick courthouse would be less susceptible to fire and would not burn as easily as the previous courthouse even though it was spared by the fire.

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This magnificent looking building stands in Adrian in Lenawee County in the southeast corner of the state. It was built in 1884 replacing the courthouse that burned down in 1852. It still serves the citizens of Lenawee County and is one of Michigan’s most impressive late 19th century courthouses.

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One of the oldest courthouse buildings in Michigan is in Berrien Springs Michigan. Shortly after it was constructed in 1839, problems with the foundation were discovered. The building was raised and a lower level was added along with the square supports for the columns.

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I had taken this photo several years ago of the Midland County Courthouse with the memorial crosses placed on the lawn for Memorial Day. It is a beautiful and unique courthouse with a Tudor Revival style architecture. I had not planned on posting this photo and usually stay away from current events but I felt it necessary for me to share this photo. The past few months have been challenging and stressful for all of us. I can not fathom how the people in Midland County are feeling right now. My thoughts and prayers go out to them in this difficult time. I live in Saginaw not far away and I have friends and relatives who live in Midland, Sanford, and Wixom Lake. I lived through the flood of 86 and know how challenging that time was.

At this point, if you and your family are safe and healthy, be sure to count your blessings. I have been waiting to travel and it has been difficult for me to stay in one place for so long, but now I am just thankful that my family is safe and healthy. I would say it can’t get any worse, but I know that it always can, but I sure hope not.

Stay Safe and be kind, you never know what the other person is going through.

Since the 1950s an ice tree has been made in front of the county building in Gaylord. At the beginning of winter when the temperatures stay below freezing a framework with a water hose is placed outside. As water cascades down it will freeze creating an “Ice Tree.” In years with cold winters the tree can grow to rather large sizes. This year with the warmer temperatures it was not that large but it is still beautiful and unique.

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I have been slowly visiting all the historic courthouses in Michigan as I travel around the state. I made a recent trip to Monroe which is the second oldest county in Michigan, second only to Wayne county. I love their old courthouse that was built in 1880, It was almost lost to a fire set by an arsonist back in 1992. Unfortunately, that person was never apprehended and brought to justice but the courthouse was repaired and is still standing today.

If you live in or near Monroe the Book Nook in downtown Monroe started selling Lost In Michigan books. You can find more about them on their website by clicking HERE

P.S. I have lots of photos and stories to post from the Monroe and Adrian area in the next few months that I am sure you will enjoy reading.

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