From the Sault Ste. Mare Public Library archives:
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Few buildings dominate Queen Street as prominently as the Courthouse does, however it began from very humble beginnings.
As the area’s population began to increase in the mid-1800’s, so too did the crime rate and the need for a courthouse became necessary.
The first session of court in Sault Ste. Marie was held on November 20, 1860 in a room at the Ermatinger (Old Stone) House, which was the residence of Sheriff W.H. Carney.
In 1865, the Province of Ontario decided to begin construction on a permanent courthouse and jail and by 1868 construction was completed of a building located on the site of the current courthouse.
This building was a two-story stone structure, which resembled a large house and cost approximately $20,000 to complete.
This courthouse served the community’s needs for 53 years until it was demolished in 1919 to make room for the grander Courthouse that we know today.
The new Courthouse was designed by Frank R. Heakes who wanted to replace the pioneer structure with a more substantial building.
Work began soon after the demolition of the original courthouse.
The escalation in labour and other related costs caused numerous delays and nearly ended the entire project.
However, the work continued and the structure was finally completed in 1922 at a cost of $350,000.
Our Courthouse is an example of Beaux Arts Classicism architecture, a style that became popular at the 1893 Chicago’s World Fair.
This style is characterized by oak wood working, ornate plaster moldings, Corinthian pilasters (ornamental columns affixed to the walls) and symmetrical design.
The Courthouse has three distinctive interior features, the first being the central staircase which is an 8-foot-wide grand staircase.
The balustrade is ornamental wrought iron with hardwood handrails.
The second interior architectural feature is the glass ceiling, which is located above the staircase.
This decorated stained or painted glass ceiling is divided into three segments and natural light is provided by a rooftop skylight.
The third and final architectural feature is Courtroom No. 1.
This imposing room boasts wood paneling and Corinthian pilasters.
The courthouse presently has seven court rooms which hear both civil and criminal cases.
On August 30, 2011 a fire destroyed some of the basement and caused extensive smoke damage throughout the building which amounted to $1.6 million in damage.
In order to ensure the court system continued, spaces were rented at four locations throughout the downtown area including the Delta Hotel, Civic Centre, Roberta Bondar Building and the Masonic Hall.
Upon completion of the investigation the cause of the fire was never determined but the Fire Marshal’s Office concluded that it did originate in the basement offices.
The Courthouse was re-opened on April 2, 2012 once repairs were completed, preserving this imposing structure for many years to come.
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Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives provides SooToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more of what the Public Library has to offer at www.ssmpl.ca and look for more Remember This? columns here.