Since we knew we would be near McKinney, TX this week, and since we knew that they had a nice town square area, we had arranged to meet Wanda and Bud for lunch on the square.
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| The former Collin County Courthouse building sits in the middle of the square. |
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| 1927 Collin County Courthouse |
Collin County was formed in 1846 and its only town, Buckner, was automatically selected as the county seat. To comply with state law, and election was held to relocate the county seat to the center of the county. Only eleven people participated due to inclement weather, and when the vote was tallied, McKinney was established as the county seat in 1848.
The first courthouses in McKinney were modest wooden structures. A third courthouse was erected on this site during 1874-1875, and was opened for use in 1876. The 2-story Victorian structure was made of native limestone blocks with a steep mansard roof and a main entrance that faced east. The building's architect, often mistakenly identified as Charles Wheeler, was Charles Wheelock of Sherman. The much-celebrated courthouse on the square became a backdrop for parades and other events.
The structure was overcrowded and in poor condition by the mid-1920s. Extensive exterior and interior renovations included the removal of the mansard roof and tower caps, as well as the addition of a third story and basement. Overseen by W.A. Peters of the Paris, Texas, architectural firm of Sparger and Peters, the work resulted in a classical revival edifice completed in 1927. Original features included tripartite windows with flanking double classical columns on the north and south facades.
The new structure was commonly known as the "Temple of Justice," and continued to be the center of activity for city and county functions. It remained in service as a courthouse until 1979. The structure remaines a fine example of 20th century classical revival design and a monument to Collin County History.
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| The blocks around the old courthouse are filled with businesses, apparently doing well... restaurants and small shops. |
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| One of several "solar powered trash compactor and recycling center" containers around the square. |
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| North side of the square. |
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| Statue of James W. Throckmorton |
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| James W Throckmorton |
A Tennessean by birth, A Texan by adoption.
A slight tribute to the patriot and statesman, from his fellow citizens and admirers, because of his pre-eminent personal worth, and distinguished public services.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_W._Throckmorton
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| A view up Kentucky Street toward the north. |
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| We met Wanda and Bud for lunch at The Square Burger. |
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| After lunch, we headed to Emporium Pies for dessert - the sign on the door says, "No Soliciting Unless You Sell Thin Mints"! |
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| Yummy slices of pie!!! |
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| The courthouse now houses an art exhibit and McKinney Performing Arts Center. |
https://www.mckinneytexas.org/595/Historic-Collin-County-Courthouse
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| A cute shop on the north side of the square... |
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| Bud and Wanda came by MCD and got a tour of Miss Doozie... They seemed to think that the seats would be pretty comfortable for traveling down the road! |
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| Bud may have been a little TOO comfortable in the driver's seat! |
It was great to visit with friends and get to enjoy the town square in McKinney!
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