During most of the year, the square tends to cater to the downtown lunch crowds with occasional…read moremusic and a so-so market during the noon hour. La de da.. For me, the square is best at christmas time. The weekend after thanksgiving is the tree lighting ceremony. Local celebrities (aka annoying news anchors) show up, we all sing jingle bells, and we light our tree. It's not quite a Seuss-esque Whos-down-in-Whoville gathering, but it's close. While you're there, ride some horse-drawn carriages, try to get a sneak-taste of the gingerbread houses, and check out the old Rike's display. For a very long time tubas accompanied the jingle bells sing along. This was always a great trainwreck of a performance and a helluva a lot of fun. I wonder what has happened to our tubas...

Alright, I'm not knocking Dayton, but I wasn't expecting this! Courthouse Square was the start of…read morethe recent Dayton Urban Nights (http://www.yelp.com/biz/dayton-urban-nights-dayton#hrid:JvRwKxVmhjS1sT_n2FTobg) and I was briefly taken aback when I saw it. Its large and spacious and is wonderfully suited as an event space as it was being used that evening. There is plaza space, a fountain, and plenty of access to the street-front. The Courthouse itself is neat looking! Old fashioned and the cannon out front added a great deal of local charm. From all the people taking pictures at the cannon, it must be a great photo op! The water in the fountain was abnormally green, however. Made me wonder what they put in the water in Dayton!!

I stopped into the county building to check out the courthouse because we have an assisted living…read moreassault case going to trial in Judge Powers's courtroom. The staff was super nice and unlocked the courtroom so I could check out the space. Projector--built in, ceiling mount--and screen, mics, plenty of space, really nice place to try a case.

Amazing! Me and husband got married there and the Judge was really nice, they allowed us to take as…read moremany pictures in the courtroom and the people who was with us could all watch that special moment.

It's a courthouse. The actual building itself was built in 1885, and from the outside it looks full…read moreof history. So full of history in fact that all of its outside stairs are still not approved for bearing weight. So entrance is on Front street beneath the stairs instead. Once inside, going through security was fast and the police officer was courteous. Clerks were efficient as well. Our entire visit took less than 15 minutes, including the time spent filling out the forms. I suppose as far as courthouses go, not that I am an expert, this one is pretty good? Yes I just reviewed a courthouse. Checking that one off the bucket list of things to do.

Only rated 1 as we drove especially to visit this museum and there were construction fences all…read morearound it. It notice on website about it being closed. Great if they would post this.

Troy is so lucky to have such an historic building! Benjamin Overfield built his tavern over 200…read moreyears ago next to the Great Miami River on the Ohio Frontier. The logs from those huge old trees still hold up this 2-story building. Once you step inside you'll feel as if you've gone back in time. It's definitely worth your while to stop in a few times every summer to see the new exhibits and attend seasonal events. Admission is only $2, however, the museum accepts larger donations also!

Pretty courthouse - there's a handful of historical markers that tell the history of it the area…read more It's located in the downtown area - lots of restaurants and places to shop. They do have a handful of picnic tables as well.

This place is impressive for a city the size of London, Ohio. There was a lot more here than I had…read moreimagined. Frankly, I figured I'd be in and out in about 15 to 20 minutes, but I was there about an hour. A few qualms first: A few of the displays were pretty messy and didn't look as professionally done as you would typically see in a museum. Some parts of the museum had the feel of an antiques mall as it looked a little disheveled. I'd rather see less but have it displayed better for a better effect. One last thing, they need more signage and descriptions for what these items are. The good and the great: In the main museum, there are different scenes, a parlor, a dentist's office, wartime, Indian artifacts, sports, quilting, general history and a library. The Society's President, Ned DeCamp, greeted me and offered to give me the grand tour which I accepted. His great grandfather by the way, was the dentist who's artifacts were on display. Ned told me he actually had dental work done in the chair on display and had x-rays done with that very x-ray machine. Very cool to have a personal connection to history. Also impressive is the fact that there are two real store fronts and the insides of the business are in the museum. These are real, not reproductions folks. The bank from Sedalia and the Tobacco shop from the corner of High and Main in London are on display for all to see how life was in the late 1800's to early 1900's One thing on display I certainly did no expect to see was the cupola from the Madison County Courthouse which was damaged during the 1974 tornado ( the same one that devastated Xenia Ohio ). The second building contains the above mentioned bank, a 1920's touring car, farm equipment, a cool prototype of an unmanned helicopter and other miscellaneous stuff. On the grounds are a couple log cabins, Ned was gracious enough to show me the top floor (closed to the public) of the two story one. There's also Jonathan Alder's cabin on site. You will also find, a caboose, a late 1800's train station, a blacksmith's shop and a one room school house. All of which are on display and have been saved from being forever lost. If you are a history buff and are in the area, it's worth checking out. It's free by the way, but feel free to leave a little something in the donation box as you leave. You got your money's worth. TIP: They are open limited hours so call ahead to make sure they are open.

I had heard this place was nice, but seriously, for a fairly small local historical society this is…read moreas good as it gets. They were in the midst of decorating for Christmas but eagerly answered my questions and showed me around. There is a main building with rooms organized into "scenes," another large building with farm equipment, etc., a schoolhouse, a couple of cabins, a train depot... Each seem well-preserved and organized, and there is lots of information about all aspects of local history. Pretty impressive.

The Decatur County Courthouse is one of the most famous courthouses in the U.S. For 150 years, a…read moretree has grown out of the structure's clock tower, grabbing the attention of visitors. The Courthouse is the second dedicated courthouse of Decatur County. Plans for the building were drafted in 1854 by a committee composed of B. Y. Wilson, I. G. Monfort and B. H. Harney. Construction was overseen by Indianapolis architect, Edwin May, who designed the Indiana State House. The final cost of the Romanesque brink structure and grounds was $120,000. The courthouse opened in 1861. Rennovations to update and repair the building have been made periodically throughout the years beginning in 1889 and an expansion in 1997. The staff is friendly and the officer relayed anecdotal stories about the tree(s). The original tree appeared in the 1870s. Additional sprouts appeared over the years, but have been culled to protect the structure. The tree that exists today is a spout of the original tree. The tree has been identified as a large tooth aspen. Inside the courthouse has been preserved throughout history. Iron stairs ascend to the second floor courts. Original oak trim and some furniture adorn the halls. Historical transfer books neatly stacked in cubbies. Court was in session, so I was unable to visit the courtrooms. Framed historical newspaper articles tell stories from the past. The Courthouse is uniquely poised for visitors. On the immaculate grounds surrounding the Courthouse are a War Memorial and several historic markers.

I was drawn here by the "See the tree" signs as I exited the interstate to fill up with gas. I…read moreended up staying for a few hours to use one of the power outlets that are along the curb of the courthouse to charge up my house battery in the Sprinter van. While here, I enjoyed the markers in the courthouse and of course, the tree. The marker reads, "Site of the original court house built in 1827 and occupied until 1854. Present building completed in 1860. Large tooth aspen tree appeared in 1870 on the roof of the 115 foot clock tower. In July, 1863, it became a temporary armory while troops bivouacked on the lawn. The treasurer's office held provisions to feed 10 regiments. The 7th Regimental Band had played weekly on the square before being militarized. Many political figures have given speeches from the steps. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973." Yes, there is a tree growing on the roof. It was noticed in 1870 and it's a tourist draw. Yes, a real tree. [Review 20519 overall - 65 in Indiana - round number 1500 of 2023.]

Kenton is a small town about an hour from Columbus and the downtown area still has that old Main…read moreStreet America, Leave It To Beaver look. The historic county Courthouse, built in the Classical Revival style, is well maintained. It was dedicated in 1915 and is still in active use. I can't remember too much about it except that I thought it was quite nice for a small town and had a nice skylight. Plus it was free and open to the public. Sadly, the downtown area seemed like it was dying and has been for a long time.

Never fun but you gotta take care of business. It's official now...I live in Kentucky. First time I…read morewent I was told I needed a piece of mail with my new address on it. Who would lie about that? Not me...not you. I explained I had a piece of mail with my son's name and my address in my car, but was told NO. Come back when you have something. Another day and I got in line again. Was second...woot! But the young lady in front of me was transferring from Ohio also and had been there several times before. She had a driving abstract - whatever that is - instead of a Drivers License and a interlock. I don't know what that is, and it was causing so many problems I hope I never find out. Someone finally came to help after about 20 minutes, and I was done in about 5 minutes. Exiting I saw the line had grown to about 25 people. So lucky me I didn't came later. I would probably have left and some again another day.

We went to the courthouse to change our daughters name (she is a minor). She was/is very excited…read moreabout the name change and once we got the paperwork we brought it back notarized the next morning and before the end of the day we got a call saying it was official and we could pick up the paperwork. We had no lines on either visit and when they called I explained I had told my daughter (she's 6) she would have to sign something. A wonderful employee named Gaila (I am sure that's spelled incorrectly-sorry) made this even more special by asking our daughter some questions and getting her more excited.. thank you!!! From this staff and the judge that doesn't let these things pile up-- good work! I am from San Diego and the stories you hear about wait time with any government office is not an exaggeration so I am shocked on how smooth it is here. I miss my hometown but NOT the lines and trying to make sure you get to the right person. This experience and previous ones at this courthouse have been amazing! Thank you For anyone curious... name change from Sandra Marie Frances to Sandy Bella

Yeah jury duty! Don't be a baby, it's everybody's responsibility to help out sometimes. The new…read morebuilding is extremely nice with tons on natural light and interesting views of downtown. The Columbus Commons parking garage is the best place to park. There's a Subway and Dempsey's restaurant right across High Street. In the jurors waiting area there are lockers and vending machines and private bathrooms. There's also a coffee shop on the first floor. When I went I got put on a case right away. It was a criminal case and it was fascinating. I wound up being jury foreman and it was fun to handle a little more responsibility. The clerks and bailiffs and stuff were all patient and helpful. We spent one day just doing juror interviews and hearing from the attorneys. The next two days we heard arguments from both sides. We finished up late Wednesday and I was done! A couple weeks later I got a check for like $21. I don't understand why people hate jury duty so much. I think we believe we're supposed to not like it because there are so many instances of characters in popular culture trying to avoid jury duty at any cost. It's fine people, go down there and be grateful you live in a civilized country where you can get a jury trial.

Most of us are not too keen on being summoned for jury duty. It's my turn this week. I am very…read moreproud and consider us very fortunate to live in a society where we do have a trial by peers process. With that and in spite of how untimely it may be, I am thankful for the opportunity. And, it is quite educational & interesting. They have done as much as possible to minimize the disruption this presents in one's life. If your summoned date has conflicts with life, you can request a one-time rescheduling, but must be served within three months. As I needed to take advantage of this option, I am grateful it was available and was pretty easy to do. The new courthouse is quite comfortable. Everyone strives to make your service easy and painless. The jury pool room is a large room where they have free wifi. It is sectioned off with a quiet area where you get some work done or read a book. If you have a tablet and digital movies, bring your own headphones and relax. They also show a movie of the day on a big screen to entertain you while you wait. Free coffee and tea are also available. Parking has not been an issue for me. It's been $5 a day for me. Tip: if you are not familiar with the downtown area, check out the parking options beforehand or allow yourself enough time to locate the area garages and navigate your way around. A little planning on your part can make your experience go much smoother. Another tip: the cafeteria is located on the 16th floor in the old courthouse. I suggest going out for lunch to a local restaurant, especially if the weather is nice, or bring your own. The cafeteria food was okay. There was a long line at the deli counter (which was not the option I choose). They offer a salad bar, too. You get an hour and a half lunch hour! A couple microwaves and a small refrigerator are available for storing your lunch, if you pack. All in all, the new courthouse is quite modern and comfortable. The staff do every thing possible to make your service as comfortable as possible. Performing your civic duty can be very educational and leave you with a civic pride.