Waller County Courthouse

County Seat – Hempstead
Built – 1955
Architect – Herbert Voelcker
Style – Modern
Photographed – 12/30/08

see Historic Waller County Jail

I actually kind of like this courthouse.  It is imposing – and it actually looks like it might be a center of power – like a courthouse.  Unlike a lot of other modern courthouses which can be confused for schools or hospitals, etc.  I think the reason is the entrance which is large and well appointed with decorative touches and even a little relief you might find in moderne buildings.  The red brick works – and there’s lots of polished marble inside.  There’s a bell tower on one of the corners of the courthouse holding the bell from the 1884 courthouse.

it’s a shame the 1884 courthouse was torn down.  It wasn’t destroyed by fire or falling it – it was just replaced by a more modern structure.  The 1884 courthouse was a pearl that cannot be replaced.  see the photo below:

1894 waller County Courthouse, Hempstead TX old photo

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