(photos by Elaine A. Russell)

One of the most prominent buildings in town is the Courthouse. Coudersport happens to be the county seat for Potter County, and so lots of proceedings take place inside it's fine walls. It was built in 1851-53 by contractor William Bell of Warren and carpenter Eli Rees, at a cost of about $17,000. And it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970's.

"Alterations were made in 1888-89, including relocation of the courtroom from the first floor to the second. Contractor was Home Hall of Olean, N.Y., who also built the Coudersport Consistory.
During the winter of 1933-45, through the Civil Works Administration, Potter County was able to renovate the courthouse. The basement was excavated for establishment of additional office space. Concrete footing was placed under the old walls. The entire interior and exterior were repainted and modern conveniences were added.
A cupola clock keeps time for the town. It was a gift of Henry Hatch Dent.

A courthouse bell was donated by the Hon. Timothy Ives.
Atop the clock tower is a statue of justice."

The original statue is one of only 5 statues of Lady Justice where she is depicted with her eyes wide open. The statue was ordered from Humphrey and Jones of Jamestown, NY; and was placed atop the courthouse on October 25, 1888. She stands 12 feet tall, and is carved in a Greco-Roman neoclassical style. "The statue was carved from a block of wood and overlaid with handcrafted zinc panels by a process of 'tin knocking', which the hammering of the metal into the carved sections of a tree trunk." She is overlaid with gold plating ... and is adorned with an olive branch crown.

The original statue now takes an honored position inside; and a few years ago a replica was cast and placed atop of the building where she once stood. This new replica will withstand the weather much better than the original, who had a grand restoration about 10yrs ago.

Amongst the relics found during her restoration, was an antique pin... which was later reproduced and sold to help fund the restoration of the statue. The photos here, depict the original statue and the general architecture of the building.

For more info look at these links:

Living Places info...
Visit Potter County website
Coudersport Info on Wiki
and more quotes and info from this site here