The Court House building has literally become one of the symbols of American Justice. Most of these buildings are architecturally imposing and they command a prime setting in many American cities. Modern movies still typically show a courthouse exterior when they refer to a legal situation.
Around the turn of the century, Americans were enamored with the concept of "rule of law" and the concept of "equal justice for all". Architects labored long and hard to translate these intangible concepts of the law into brick and stone.
Today, the popular views of the justice system have been altered due to the perceived irresponsible abuse of the system by many of the people who are supposed to represent it. This is unfortunate because a country without a strong respect for the law will not be able to have a long history. Evidence of this breakdown in society today is quite rampant.
Nevertheless, these unique architectural wonders still retain the power to evoke positive emotions in jaded twentieth century viewers.
Samples of handles found on some court house spoons
The "Blindfolded Justice finial" represents impartial justice
The art nuevo nude is unusual on a courthouse spoon
Indians are a little more common on these spoons, but
the majority of the spoon handles are flower or pattern pieces
Minneapolis,
Minnesota
Shreveport, Louisiana (left)
Wayne County Courthouse, Indiana
Ravenna, Ohio
Peoria,
Illinois, unusual slice bowl
On the back of a New Hampshire spoon, I found this very sexy indian maiden (I think) holding the scales of justice in her right hand and the left is holding the U.S. Shield, all of this under the American eagle.
This is another view of "Justice" with which I wasn't familiar.
For more information on COURTHOUSES
Click to see the
a
large collection of Courthouse spoons which is now
available for viewing on the web. There are over 100 pieces dedicated to
these architectural wonders. (even if you are not particularly interested
in courthouses, if you want to see some fine late Victorian architecture
look at these buildings). This is the largest known collection of these spoons
in the world. Click one of the city names and the picture will appear--ignore
the geocities warning message.
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