2015 DINING IN HISTORY CELEBRATES 
                                      MADISON COUNTY COURT HOUSE 100TH BIRTHDAY

The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) will celebrate the 100th Birthday of the Madison County Courthouse at its Annual Dining in History event on Sunday, Nov 8, in the rotunda of the Madison County Court House. The event will feature a presentation from the Circuit Judges and the Madison County Bar Association. The featured speaker for the evening, Circuit Clerk Mark Von Nida, will also entertain guests with stories of “Madison County Mysteries and Court Room Drama.”  Courtrooms will be open to the public so visitors can observe the beautiful craftsmanship of the century old building.

Following announcements by MCHS President Gary Denue, Chief Judge David Hylla and MCBA President Judge Ellar Duff will present special framed editions of the Declaration of Independence to Madison County in recognition of the Court House Centennial from both the Circuit Judges and the Madison County Bar Association.

“These prints were hand-rolled on the same press as the original Declaration of Independence and we are giving one for each Circuit Judge’s courtroom and one for the lobby to the people of Madison County in recognition of this important event,” stated Judge Hylla.

This is the third “Dining in History” event by the Madison County Historical Society and they are pleased to host it in the court house during this anniversary year. MCHS is grateful for assistance from Madison County Government that made the event possible.
This court house, designed by St. Louis architect Robert Kirsch, is the second one to stand at 155 North Main Street in Edwardsville.  The first was completed in 1857 and was torn down in 1914 to make room for the current court house which was dedicated on October 18, 1915.

Tickets for the event are $45 for MCHS members and $50 for non-members. Reservations can be made at the Madison County Archival Library, 801 N. Main Street, Edwardsville, or by calling 618-656-7569 during regular hours (Wed-Fri, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.). After hours, call 618-656-3493. Reservation forms are also available at madcohistory.org. All reservations must be paid in advance by check, cash or credit card and are non-refundable. The last day to confirm reservations is October 28. 

Contact:  Cindy Reinhardt
Madison County Historical Society
715 N. Main Street
Edwardsville, IL  62025
Phone: 618-656-1294
cynreinhardt@yahoo.com
October 8, 2015