COURTHOUSE NUMBER TWO
Brick, wood and stone went into the construction
of the second Rice County courthouse in 1874. Designed by architect
C.N. Daniels, the building replaced a one story brick building, and
was destroyed by fire in 1932. Rice County's present courthouse was
constructed on the same block in 1934 using a contemporary Moderne/Art
Deco style. Faribault’s position as the county seat bolstered its
economy and population.
THE LIBRARY
Money for the distinctive
1929 Moderne/Art Deco-style public library was donated by Anna
Buckham. Wife of early settler Thomas Buckham, Anna chose to live
mainly in the East with her family, relocating to Faribault after
her husband’s death in 1928. Her nephew, Charles Buckham,
served as the building’s architect. He designed the interior
to feature murals and a stained glass window which reflected Thomas
Buckham’s interest in Greek culture. The library site was
originally the location of Winkley’s Livery Stable.
