Special Collections Division the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries Vol. XV I* No. 2 * Fall 2002

Courthouse Mystery Solved!
By Shirley Rodnitzky

Bob Brinkman of the Texas Historical Commission, History Programs Division, successfully identified our photograph of an undocumented courthouse published in the Spring 2002 Compass Rose, as the Willliamson County courthouse in Georgetown, Texas. He said that it is one of the best views of this courthouse he has seen. The specific photo date cannot be determined but can be narrowed down to between 1878 and 1909. Brinkman verified that Reverend J. H. Hodges, an Episcopal minister, owned Hodges Grocery, which is barely visible in the lower left-hand corner of the image. His active business life, as documented through the Georgetown newspaper, was 1875-1909.

The courthouse architect was F. E. Ruffini. A bid of $27,400 by contractor John Didelot was accepted, and the contract awarded in October 1877. The courthouse was completed and turned over to the county, September 2, 1878. Unfortunately, it showed signs of deterioration as early as 1903. Considered not only unsafe, but inadequate, the building was finally condemned in 1908 by the commissioners court who noted that it had a defective foundation and walls. W. C. Whitney of Beaumont constructed the fourth and present Williamson County courthouse in 1911 at a cost of $115,000. Charles H. Page and Brother of Austin designed the plans and specifications.

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