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mh/grand.pr Contact: Al Roshdieh, 301-217-6099 or
Eileen McGuckian, 301-762-0096
HISTORIC COURTROOM
REDEDICATED FOLLOWING
RESTORATION EFFORT For Immediate Release: February 15, 1996
Following a five year restoration project, Montgomery County officials
today rededicated the County's oldest courtroom --the Grand Courtroom in the
historic Red Brick Courthouse in Rockville. Although the restoration has been
ongoing, the Montgomery County Department of Facilities and Services spent the
last seven months completing work to make the courtroom operational.
Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan, County Council President
Gail H. Ewing, Circuit Court Administrative Judge Paul H. Weinstein and
retired Court of Appeals Judge John McAuliffe joined officials from Peerless
Rockville Historic Preservation, Ltd. for ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The
Grand Courtroom, which reopened in January 1996 with Circuit Court Judge
Louise Scrivener presiding, will be primarily used for civil trials and
community gatherings.
"The completion of this restoration effort returns a significant piece
of history to Montgomery County," said Duncan. "Throughout its history, this
room, as well as this building, served as more than a place for judicial
hearings; it was the centerpiece for community activities. I'm delighted to
see that the community will be able to use it once again."
When it opened in 1891, the Red Brick Courthouse housed all executive
and legislative offices of the County government, in addition to judicial
functions. At that time, the Grand Courtroom served as the Montgomery County
-more-
GRAND COURTROOM 2-2-2-2
Circuit Court and was also used for meetings for County Commissioners, the
Board of Education and local civic groups. When the present Judicial Center
was completed in 1982, the Grand Courtroom was no longer used as a court.
Peerless Rockville began researching the courthouse in the early 1980s,
using historical records, photos and personal accounts. With this
documentation, the courtroom was recreated to its original appearance, with
vaulted ceiling, huge oak trusses, panelled judges' bench, stained glass
windows, lighting and furnishings.
Restoration, through the Department of Facilities and Services, began in
1990 and was financed through a combination of County, State and private
funds. More than $145,000 was donated to "Friends of the Red Brick
Courthouse," an earmarked fund of Peerless Rockville.
"This project has truly been a labor of love for the entire community,
said Eileen McGuckian, executive director of Peerless Rockville. "This
building has many special memories for a lot of people, as indicated by
community response. Private contributions for the courthouse restoration came
from attorneys who tried cases here, couples who were married in the
courthouse, County employees who worked in the building, preservationists, and
newcomers who appreciate a timeless historic treasure."
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