Travel Back to the 1920s and Punta Gorda's "Saved" Court House

While Charlotte County became a County and Punta Gorda was voted as its county seat by an overwhelming referendum vote in 1922,  the new seat didn't have its own court house until much later.  Initially the new County rented space in the Masonic Lodge which was then at the corner of Marion Ave. and Sullivan Street.  It wasn't until 1927 that the Commission accumulated sufficient funds to start the building of  a court house.

The initial plan was for the building  to be located on the harbor.  But unable to achieve an agreement with the landowners of those lots,  on April 11, 1927, the Commission voted to purchase two lots on Taylor Street owned by George Brown, owner of Cleveland Marine Steam Way.  He sold the land to the Commission for $25,000, and plans for the new court house started.

Clerk of the Court Staff work at Crowded Rented Masonic Lodge Building in the 20s before Court Hosue was Built 

A jail, which had living quarters and a kitchen for the jailer and his family, was added to the plan. There were 12 cells with doors operated by remote control.  A hallway led from the courtroom to the jail -- quick justice.   

The building originally had separate rest room and drinking facilities for black and white citizens, which were desegregated in 1964.  

The Charlotte County court house was ultimately dedicated on March 30, 1928.  A special edition of the Punta Gorda Herald celebrated its opening with ads from most of the local businesses and dignitaries congratulating the County on the grand achievement.    It was considered one of the most modern buildings in Florida at the time.

The Court House became obsolete when  the needs of the growing county outgrew it, and was falling in to disrepair when Hurricane Charley struck.  That may have been the final blow had it not been for a group of determined citizens who worked to preserve the building that now serves as the home of the Supervisor of Elections and staff, as well as an office for Representative Tom Rooney, and a juvenille court.  

Take some time during Punta Gorda's Founders' Day Week to travel back to the 1920s with County Supervisor of Elections Paul Stamoulis and staff to discover the history and stories of this wonderful old Punta Gorda building.    More information.

Find out more about events during Founders' Week.