KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha County Courthouse will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its dedication on Sunday, Aug. 24, with a day of free, family-friendly events staged in and around the landmark building at 912 56th St., County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced.
Festivities begin at noon with an ice cream social in Civic Center Park, followed by a 12:30 p.m. program on the Courthouse steps featuring speakers and musical performances. Members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band are slated to open the ceremony. An open house inside the Courthouse will start immediately after the speaking program and continue until 3:30 p.m., offering historic displays curated by the Kenosha History Center, courtroom visits, and information about jury service. A chamber performance by the Prairie String Quartet is scheduled in the second-floor corridor.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kerkman said the centennial recognizes the foresight of county leaders who built a Courthouse that has “stood the test of time,” and invited the public to celebrate both its history and future. The event was planned with input from a Courthouse Centennial Committee that includes current and retired members of the judiciary, county board leadership, former county executives, and representatives of local historical groups.
Ice cream will be served while supplies last courtesy of Jockey International, with additional support from Snap-on Incorporated and Niagara Bottling. Current and retired employees who have worked in the Courthouse are invited to gather for a group photo on the front steps at 1:30 p.m. The Kenosha Pops Concert Band will close the celebration with a one-hour performance beginning at 4 p.m. on the Courthouse steps.
Traffic on 56th Street between Sheridan Road and 10th Avenue will be closed during the events to provide space for the program and concert. The Kenosha Area Transit streetcar will run on its normal route with free rides all day. Guests are encouraged to use free parking at the City of Kenosha structure at Eighth Avenue and 56th Street or the Kenosha County structure at 54th Street and 10th Avenue and ride the streetcar to the event if they choose.
Among the expected guests are members of the family of architect Joseph Lindl, who designed the Courthouse and many other notable local buildings in the early 20th century. In case of inclement weather, the speaking program will move inside the Courthouse.
The celebration coincides with ongoing restoration of the building’s grand Ceremonial Courtroom. That project is supported by community and corporate donations and grants from the Jeffris Family Foundation and the TAWANI Foundation. A formal dedication of the restored courtroom is planned for 2026.
Centennial Committee members include County Executive Samantha Kerkman; retired County Executives John R. Collins and Jim Kreuser; retired Judges Mary Kay Wagner and Barbara Kluka; Judge Chad Kerkman; Clerk of Circuit Court Rebecca Matoska-Mentink; County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas and Vice Chairman Daniel Gaschke; Alderman Bill Siel; representatives from Snap-on Incorporated and Jockey International; and leaders from area historical societies.
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2 Responses
I’m old enough to remember when democrat politicians and an incompetent Sheriff were willing to let the rioters destroy it.
The way that courthouse was handled up until just recently is reason to not celebrate anything to do with it.