Twentieth Century: 1900-1950

 

The exterior of the Courthouse changed little in the 20th century. With the exception of updates for safety (like the fire escapes), the architectural designs of John Turner and Neil Darrach remained intact.

Scroll down to view different views of the Courthouse during the first fifty years of the twentieth century.

 

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Courthouse Exterior, ca. 1905

This postcard was postmarked in 1905 and shows a black and white illustration of the exterior of the Elgin County Courthouse, in a decorative frame, flanked by full-colour illustrations of Ontario's coat of arms and maple leaves.

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Courthouse ca.1905

The Courthouse was a popular image for postcards from St. Thomas. This one dates, ca. 1905.

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Courthouse ca. 1906

Photograph of the Courthouse, ca. 1906. The canons on the front lawn were added in 1902.

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Courthouse, ca. 1907

A hand-tinted photograph shows the Courthouse in the spring, ca. 1907.

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The exterior of the Elgin County Courthouse, St. Thomas was decorated with Union Jack flags and bunting to welcome HRH, the Duke of Connaught (then Governor General of Canada) and his wife, Princess Patricia to St. Thomas. The Royal couple arrived on the 3 p.m. train, and during their two hour visit attended a ceremony at the Courthouse where the Duke planted an oak tree east of the Courthouse; drove the grounds of Alma College and laid the cornerstone of the Y. M. C. A.

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Elgin County Council, Staff and Officials, 1925

County Council, staff and officials gathered on the front lawn of the Courthouse for a photograph. The lawn and front steps were often a choice for the annual photograph.

Scott Studio, Box 512, N# 658

 

 

 

 

 

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Queen Street Looking South, ca. 1929

Postcard with the image of the Courthouse from Queen Street.

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Courthouse Draped in Mourning, ca. 1936

Exterior view of the front entrance to the Elgin County Courthouse. The building has been decorated for an unidentified event, possibly to mark the death of King George V, January 20, 1936.

Scott Studio, Box 76, N# 23642

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Courthouse, ca. 1940s

The fire escape on the east side of the building is visible.

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Coat of Arms, ca. 1940s

Detailed view of the coat of arms above the front entrance to the Elgin County Courthouse.

Scott Studio, Box 54, N# 20458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courthouse, ca. 1940s

The Elgin County Courthouse, as seen from Stanley Street, St. Thomas, ca. 1946.

This image provides a good view of the Governor's Residence and the Union Jack flying from the cupola.

Scott Studio 97254

 

 

 

 

 

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Courthouse in Winter, ca. 1950s

The Courthouse in winter, ca. 1950s.
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