County Courthouses of Pennsylvania: A Guide

Rating:
Summary: It is more than a guide
Review: Have you ever wondered why county courthouses differ so much from each other? This marvelous book will help you understand that the decisions central to the design and construction of public buildings are influenced by the local perception of image, the politics of money and the functions counties are responsible for carrying out.

Initially, courthouses were the locus of two major functions. Providing a public space for trials, and the recording and storing of public records, particularly those connected to property.

This book examines each of Pennsylvania's 67 county courthouses and provides a lively informed discussion of the design and building of the courthouse, the interior decor, the grounds and the history of the naming of the county and selection of the town as the count seat. The author, a political scientist, who taught and studied local government infuses that background throughout the book.

There are numerous illustrative photographs that help the reader understand the differences in design and emblishment. This is a gem of book that is handy to use when driving in Pennsylvania. For those who work or spend considerable time in courthouses, particularly those in PA, this book is a must read.