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By 1920, because the old Chelan County courthouse was overcrowded and there was no space to adequately store records, the county officials seriously thought about building a new courthouse. On April 17, 1922, the commissioners bought the land for the courthouse site for $58,200. On January 30, 1923, the general contract was let to Jarl and Lasker form Montana for $290,000. The contract specified a completion date of March 1, 1924. Granite for the building was obtained from Index, Washington. The cornerstone was laid on June 22, 1923. Judge Thomas Burke, who gave the Clark Hotel for the original courthouse for $1.00, was guest of honor. The Elks band led the procession from Wenatchee Avenue up Orondo Street, and the Grand Masonic Lodge conducted the ceremony. E. C. Long, J.H. Miller, and Stewart Johnson were county commissioners at the time.

The Rendering created by architect, Ludwig Solberg for the Chelan County Courthouse.

The Rendering created by architect, Ludwig Solberg for the Chelan County Courthouse.

Laying the ceremonial corner stone of the Chelan County Courthouse on June 22, 1923. Simmer Studio #1487

Laying the ceremonial corner stone of the Chelan County Courthouse on June 22, 1923.  Simmer Studio #1487

Construction of the Chelan County Courthouse underway in 1924. The entire construction cost was around $400,000.

Construction of the Chelan County Courthouse underway in 1924.  The entire construction cost was around $400,000.

The courthouse became the social center of Wenatchee. Apple Blossom Queens made grand entrances to the community’s festivities from the courthouse steps, and the building has served as a backdrop for the festival ever since it's construction. This photo is from 1929.

The courthouse became the social center of Wenatchee. Apple Blossom Queens made grand entrances to the community’s festivities from the courthouse steps, and the building has served as a backdrop for the festival ever since it's construction.  This photo is from 1929.

Polk Directories. Wenatchee, WA. 1907-2006.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center Photography Collection # 98-34-112

Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center Photography Collection # 85-0-137

Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center Photography Collection # 98-34-117

Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center Photography Collection # 010-27-97