When you think about the Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse, you might just think about The Catacombs haunted house, but it holds a lot more than that. If the walls could talk, we would hear some amazing stories of Evansville's history. That's why it is so important to keep restoring the courthouse, and especially the bell and clock tower.

Photo: Liberty
Photo: Liberty
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We recently had the opportunity to climb all of the stairs inside the courthouse, to see the bell tower. This was a very cool experience, and it really painted the picture of the work that needs to be done to continue preserving the bell and clock.

Photo: Liberty
Photo: Liberty
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JoElle Knight and Larry Bristow led our tour, and we learned so much about the rich history of our amazing courthouse. The Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse was almost torn down at one point, but it was going to cost too much for demolition. Can you picture our downtown landscape without it?

Photo: Liberty
Photo: Liberty
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We are excited to be a part of the movie night fundraiser this Friday, October 1, 2021.

Great Scott! We heard you Evansville! Our Save the Clocktower campaign has brought so much support to our cause, we are having a movie night featuring “Back to the Future” on the Old Courthouse, Court Street lawn (across from the Coliseum). Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to watch with us. Your best 80’s and 50’s attire is encouraged! Donations for entry accepted. Food trucks will be on hand for your dinner needs. The McFly fun starts at 6:00 pm

 

Photo: Liberty
Photo: Liberty
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History of the Old Courthouse

You've probably never heard of Emma Byrne, so let me tell you how special she was and her ties to the Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse. Emma's nickname became 'The Sunshine Nurse of the Poor,' because of the free clinic that she ran in the courthouse basement. Three days a week she would welcome in any patients that needed care. She was also the very first Evansville nurse to enlist in the Army Nurse Corps.

Photo: Liberty
Photo: Liberty
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Here is a very informative video produced by Yours Always Films, along with the Old Courthouse Foundation, that shows the repairs that need to be made.

See Inside Evansville's Wartime Museum

The City of Evansville played an extremely important role in WWII. Evansville's Wartime Museum is a great place to learn the stories behind the history of the war.

Postcards from Indiana's Past Showcase the Weird and Wonderful

Apparently, there is quite a market for old postcards on eBay. I found some really interesting ones, some even have handwritten messages on them. Basically, postcards were the original text message.

Then & Now - Evansville's Washington Square Mall Through the Years

Evansville is home to a lot of unique buildings including the first enclosed retail shopping center in Indiana. Yes, our very own Washington Square Mall was the place to be when it opened in 1963. If you walk through the mall today, you would never guess how alive the shops were, even through the 1980s. Enjoy this walk down memory lane I've put together, and maybe someday there will be new life inside 5011 Washington Ave.

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