Old Tooele County Courthouse
1999 Centennial Year

At a regular meeting of the County Commissioners, consisting of John A. Bevan, William Bracken of St. John, and George Hammond of Grantsville, a Resolution of Order was written into the minutes of April 5, 1898. They had thoroughly investigated the matter of building a County Courthouse, and found all conditions favorable. John P. Hill had submitted plans and specifications, and was employed as Architect at a commission of 5% of the estimated cost.

Fred Lionberg was given the general contract. Robert Scott received the contract for $1,120.00, to excavate. furnish material and put in the basement. John Martin was awarded the contract to furnish 115,000 brick at $6.75 per thousand. James Gollaher and Sons Co. did the shingling.

It was resolved that the County Courthouse be erected upon what was known as “The County Poor House” lot. The building was of the typical modern day architecture, two story with a basement, constructed of sandstone foundation, brick wall, and wood floors. In 1899, the building was ready for occupancy.

For a number of years after its erection, the Courthouse stood on a bare plot of land, but in 1905. Sheriff Ophir A. Evans persuaded the Commissioners to plant lawn and trees. The landscaping was under the direction of Fred Hansen and Jimmy Cairescio Lawns and maple trees were planted and gravel walks were constructed.

Across the front of the grounds they erected an ornamental iron fence, which stood for many years before being removed. Our County Courthouse, with its shaded grounds and handsome edifice, was a tribunal and sanctuary for our County from 1899 thru 1973, 74 years in all. The Courthouse was demolished in 1974 after the new Courthouse was completed.

The text on this page is from the monument, Sons of Utah Pioneers historic marker #90, located at 47 South Main Street in Tooele

Existing County Courthouse

A brief ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, February 23, 1973 signaled the start of construction for the new Tooele County Courthouse. It, being completed in late fall of 1973, and dedicated on October 12, 1974.


Dedication Program

Welcome- George Buzianis
Presentation of Colors- Scout Troop #126
Pledge of Allegiance- Dennis D. Ewing
National Anthem – George Garwood
Invocation- Father John Sullivan
Remarks- Governor Calvin L. Rampton
Musical Number- Ladies Trio, Relva Winmill Elaine Parkinson, Colleen Didericksen
Remarks-
Commissioner G. Willis Smith
Commissioner James R. Palmer
Commissioner Sterling Halladay
Dedicatory Prayer- J. Rex Kirk Sr.
Musical Number- Miss Marge Durfee
Thanks- George Buzianis
Retiring of Colors- Scout Troop #126
Closing Prayer- President Lee V. Bracken

Sesquicentennial Year
1999 Tooele County Elected Officials

Teryl Hunsaker – Commissioner
Gary M. Griffith – Commissioner
Dennis Rockwell – Commissioner
Jerrie Paystrup – Assessor
Douglas J. Ahlstrom – Attorney
Glenn W. Caldwell – Auditor
Dennis D. Ewing – Clerk
Caleen Peshell – Recorder
Frank A. Scharmann – Sheriff
Donald J. Rosenberg – Surveyor
Valerie Lee – Treasurer