Denver’s Neighborly Treasure: The Stunning Weld County Courthouse
The Courthouse Stained Glass Was Designed By A Swiss Artist Whose Name Is Lost To History
The State Motto appears in numerous places in the Courthouse. The Colorado state motto is “Nil sine numine,” which is Latin for “Nothing without providence” or “Nothing without the deity.” This phrase suggests that all endeavors and achievements are dependent on a higher power or divine guidance. The motto reflects a belief in the importance of divine influence in the success and prosperity of the state.
The Courthouse was built with attention to every detail. It’s ubiquitous white marble is the rare white marble from Marble, Colorado. The same white marble is found in the Lincoln Memorial and in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Courthouse is another example of a haunted Colorado building. A young ghost boy lives on the 4th floor of this architectural gem, and is heard playing there from time to time. People have different reasons for not preferring to work late, alone, in the dark, in an old creaky building! The beauty fades when the lights go out and the ghost comes out! At least they are not “really alone.”
Even the “Usually Ignored” Architectural Details Were Done With Marble and Attention To Detail!
Attorneys Were Treated With Respect, Warranting Their Own Door Into Courtroom
The ceiling details were painted over in the 1030’s as part of a WPA project. It was restored to its original beauty in the 1960’s.Sequestered juries were housed in men’s and women’s bedrooms on the 4th Floor. Modern practice is to house sequestered juries in local motels. Keeping the jurors in the courthose had several advantages. They were not exposed to outside information, transportation was not necessary, and the County saved some money in housing those who served.
The Stained Glass Windows Are Different On Every Floor
Thanks to our neighbors in Greeley! And thanks again to Grace Moreno, the Water Court Specialist who arranged the permissions and logistics to make this adventure possible. The interest in the history of the building by those who work in the building is evident. From the Sheriff’s Deputies to the Court Clerks, all were knowledgeable about the history and as fascinated by the building and its history as we were, if not even more!
All pics: Lenny Lensworth Frieling
Shared Knowledge Is Power!