AUTAUGA COUNTY COURTHOUSE CORNERSTONE
The first courthouse was constructed in 1870 at 147
South Court Street directly across from the creek, dam and industrial complex in
Prattville. The jail was located behind the courthouse building.
The first Prattville courthouse and jail were sold for $5,000 sometime about
1905, and these proceeds were applied to the cost of the new courthouse and
jail. The interior of this 1870 building is now gutted and serves as a
warehouse. A service station was added to the west side of the building sometime
around 1924.
The second (and present Prattville courthouse) is located at 134 North Court
Street. Construction began in 1905 and was concluded in 1906. The Bruce
Architectural Company of Birmingham was the architect and Lewman & Company of
Louisville, Kentucky, were the contractors. At the same time, Dobson & Bynum of
Montgomery contracted to design and build a new jail.
The Autauga board of revenue awarded the courthouse contract to the Lewmans in
May of 1905, and work began in mid-June. Characteristically, they proceeded
briskly. Foundations were completed by the end of June. They overcame a shortage
of workers in early July, and the Masons of Autauga County (Prattville Lodge No.
89) laid the cornerstone on September 7. Although GL records show the
cornerstone was laid on August 31, 1905.
(Photos provided by Bro. Troy Seamon)
According to the Regular Communication of August 14, 1905, a motion was made
that Prattville Lodge No. 89 lay the cornerstone of the new Autauga County
Courthouse and was unanimously agreed to. Another motion was then made that the
WM, in conjunction with three other members, whom the WM choose, constitute a
committee of four on Arrangement. The following members were chosen, JW Smith,
BH Gaines and CJ Hubbard. The lodge also resolved to have Bro. R.M. Cunningham
as orator on the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone. The lodge then
resolved to have a barbecue on that day. The Secretary was then instructed to
contact the Grand Secretary to see if the cornerstone could be laid in another
place, other than the NE corner.
In the Regular Communication of Sept. 11, 1905, a motion passed allowing the
WM, if necessary, to draw on the treasury for a sum not to exceed $20 to help
pay the cost for the music rendered on the occasion of the laying of the
cornerstone in the courthouse.