A Bit of History at the Old Court House & Jail

The Old Court House was constructed in 1857, a classic brick structure designed by one of the country's most prominent architects, John Mills Van Osdel. Thirty years later the adjoining Sheriff's House & Jail building was added. After more than a century of serving as the center of local government, the deteriorating complex was vacated in 1972 and scheduled to be demolished to make way for a parking lot. It was saved from the wrecker's ball when purchased by Woodstock residents Cliff and Bev Ganschow, and an extensive renovation program was completed during America's Bicentennial. Because of their national architectural and historical significance, both the Old Court House and the Sheriff's House & Jail were designated and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today the stately complex is a proud landmark known throughout the area, restored and revived for you and your family and friends' enjoyment. Much of its historic space now is occupied by the Old Court House Art Center's unique galleries. The internationally known Dick Tracy Museum also is located here, honoring America's most trusted crime fighter and his originator, longtime Woodstock resident Chester Gould. Throughout the three floors of the building complex you can still see the original pressed tin ceilings, impenetrable jail cells, massive iron vault doors that are beautifully decorated with hand-painted murals and floral motifs, old election tallies recorded and preserved on a giant chalkboard, beautiful arched doorways and handsome moldings and an elegant winding stairway leading to the magnificent Grand Court Room (which is available for distinctive parties, weddings and other activities by calling 815-337-1600). These many vestiges of the good old days make this historic setting a fascinating place to explore.

Over the years, the Old Court House & Jail has witnessed a panorama of American life and history. One of the most famous prisoners was Socialist Leader Eugene V. Debs, jailed here after the great Pullman strikes of the late 1800's. In the 1920s two of America's most notorious bootleggers, "Dapper Dan" McCarthy and Earl Weiss, served a stretch. In 1932 Donald "Lone Wolf" Loftus, billed as America's greatest bank robber, was captured and returned to Woodstock after authorities had trailed him for nearly three years. Another notorious gangster, Frank "Red" McGee, sawed his way out of jail during the holidays long ago, leaving a farewell Merry Christmas note to the sheriff. There are many more stories about the Old Court House & Jail, including some that involve our own area's rowdies.