The Grand Old Lady of Montague County
The Texas Story Project.
The first time I saw the Montague County courthouse, I was amazed at the magnificence of the building. The courthouse has been described as one of the hidden treasures of Texas. I believe it! What I didn’t understand was the funny little structure on the top of the courthouse. It looked to me like a one-car garage. Upon inquiry, I found out that the courthouse was originally built in 1913 with a majestic cupola as a crown for the classic revival building. Commissioners in the 1930s decided the cupola, damaged by wind and rain, needed to come down. Repair and upkeep expenses were too much. So, for the sum of $174.36, the cupola was removed. The replacement? A small rectangular object that has been called the “penthouse” by some, a “chicken coop” by others, and a “doghouse” by many.
Two years ago, the “doghouse” was removed from the top of the courthouse during a roof replacement. Now the stately courthouse is the same as ever, but no cupola and no “whatever-you-want-to-call-it” on top, just a flat roof.
When approaching this small rural county capitol from any direction, the courthouse can be seen long before arrival into the town. It's a symbol of Montague County: who we are, where we have been, and where we are going. I, for one, love that old building and believe it needs the cupola to be complete. Someday…maybe.
Paulette Fenoglio is a member emeritus of the Montague County Historical Commission.
Posted July 28, 2014
