Washoe County Courthouse

This post was hiding in the draft folder since the trip that Cory and I made to Reno in 2014

When Cory and I visited Reno back in 2014 one of the places we visited was the Washoe County Courthouse.

In 1909, architect Frederic DeLongchamps won the design competition for the new courthouse, marking the first solo commission of his career. Clad in stone, the building is Classical Revival with a Beaux Arts influence, featuring decorative elements in terra cotta. 

Historically speaking it is significant for playing a role in the divorce industry in Nevada during the first half of the 20th century.  This was a time when divorce was much more difficult elsewhere but was legal in Nevada and liberal residency requirements were enacted. In 1931, more than 4,800 divorces were processed in northern Nevada, most through this courthouse, making Reno's economy boom with $5,000,000 being spent per year in Reno by divorcing parties.

Cory, 2014

A copper dome with ribs ending in fanciful brackets crowns the roof of the courthouse. Underneath the dome, a massive stained glass installation soars above the original entrance and a grand stairway leads to the second floor.

Up the stairs I posed in front of a mural showing the new courthouse next to the old red brick one.

Cory isn't the only one who looks younger, who is that young girl?  What a difference 5 years can make...

More finds from the draft folder to come before the end of the year, I'm determined to get them all dusted off and posted!