On August 1st, Yai and I visited the Black Hawk County Courthouse in Waterloo, Iowa. Just over the Cedar River and a couple blocks down in East Waterloo, the current courthouse, built in 1964, features International Style architecture.
Coming in to the building, we had to go through security and have our bags checked. Unlike most of the courthouses I've visited in smaller towns, this one was very busy. Waterloo, with a population of 68,406, is the sixth-largest city in the state.
The lady at the desk told me I could look at the two small courtrooms on the first floor. Then she called upstairs to make sure everything was fine for me to see the main courtroom, and we headed up.
Upstairs, we met the Honorable Andrea Dryer, who kindly took the time to show us one of the small courtrooms on the second floor, and the main courtroom. I was surprised and delighted. It's not every day that a judge offers a tour!
Judge Dryer was appointed by Governor Branstad in 2011 after serving as an assistant public defender in Black Hawk County in 2004. She was retained in the 2012 election to serve until 2018.
Black Hawk County was formed in 1843, and was named for Sauk Chief Black Hawk. Black Hawk fought with the British against the United States in the War of 1812, hoping to protect his tribe's territory. He also led a band of the Sauk and Fox in the Black Hawk War of 1832 against settlers in Illinois and Wisconsin.
He was captured by U.S. troops after the war, and taken to tour several cities. After his release he, with the help of an interpreter and newspaper reporter, published the first Native American autobiography in the United States, Black Hawk, Embracing the Traditions of his Nation, which became a best-seller.
An image of Chief Black Hawk watches over the main courtroom.
The walls in the hallways leading to the county offices looked to be marble, and gave the building a very sophisticated appearance.
Before we left, we visited the courthouse basement--and found a cafeteria! The lady working there, Yvonne, said they had about 60-70 regular customers, if I recall. And she let me take home a copy of the menu, which was filled with all sorts of goodies. If I remember correctly, it was taco buffet day.
Not many courthouses have their own restaurant. The Black Hawk County Courthouse is really a full-service deal.
Wow, full-service, indeed. And Taco Buffet. Imagine the topping combos.
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, I don't believe I've ever eaten in a courthouse...this looks like it would be the perfect place to try that if I ever get the urge.
DeleteDo you ever pack lunches before heading out for the day?
DeleteI often take a little snack with me in case I get hungry (bananas, crackers, granola bars, or pop-tarts), but I seldom pack a real lunch. Eating out--or going hungry--is usually more convenient!
DeleteNice buffet, and the layout of the courthouse reminds me of some churches! Very nice, Bethany! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Linda.
Deletemodern building
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
DeleteIt was very kind of the judge to give you a tour. I found the Black Hawk history especially interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Gracie!
DeleteReally nice that the judge gave you a tour.
ReplyDeleteI really like a modern construction.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, Bethany.
Greetings from Poland.
Lucja
Thanks for stopping by, Lucja!
DeleteHello Bethany!:) How courteous of the judge to show you around the courthouse. I like the marble floors, the modern interior, and the fact that it caters for the employees. The cafeteria looks inviting with the striped awning. Have a good week Bethany.
ReplyDeleteps... Have you answered all the questions put to you about yourself? I can't recall seeing an answer to my question!
I've answered the questions about favorites, travel, personality, and faith. I still have to answer the questions about blogging, politics, and my life. I'm not sure which question was yours (perhaps you asked it anonymously), but I should be getting to the rest of the questions soon! :)
DeleteSounds like a wonderful day and tour for you! I am sure you must miss your grandmother being there and her being able to go with you on your adventures! God bless you, sweet Bethany!
ReplyDeleteI do miss her, but we made great use of our time together...so I have no regrets. It was a lot of fun! God bless you too!
DeleteHow very impressive to be taken on a tour by the Judge - she does have a friendly face with just the right amount of sobriety in her countenance!
ReplyDeleteShe seemed to be a nice lady.
DeleteThat is fun. A judge giving you a tour! It sounds like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteWe did.
Deletewow great building ,you must have wonderful time there
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice tour.
DeleteNice tour. The first photo is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteHi Bethany, I like the Taco Buffet. Your series on Courthouses has sure been interesting. Always looking forward to more posts from Today Liberty or Death. Have a fine weekend ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks, John. Have a great week!
DeleteLucky you to get a tour from a Judge! I'm intrigued by the Taco Buffet...I need to catch up on your other courthouse tours!
ReplyDeleteIt was very nice of her to take the time to show us the courtrooms.
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