The Old Kendall County Courthouse

The old courthouse was designed by architects Philip Zoeller and J.F. Stendebach and built in 1870 in what is described as the Italianate style. The walls are solid limestone blocks that have been chipped and chiseled into large brick-shaped rectangles. In 1910, Alfred Giles designed the facade that is seen in this picture. It holds the distinction of being the second oldest courthouse in the state and is still being used by the county. A new courthouse was built directly across the street in 1998, but it doesn't have the warmth, appeal and personality of the old one. This picture was taken at dusk. All the cars are gone, folks have gone home for the evening and she stands in quiet solitude, elegant and proud.