I also saw some other interesting building scattered around the city. This school, high up on a hill in the center of town, caught my attention. It is abandoned, unfortunately. With such a prominent location and great vistas, I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t be great for redevelopment.

Nearby on another summit is the Hugh and Bessie Stephens House.

Next is the Central Church, which has roots going back to 1858.

Originally it was the Central German Evangelical Church, but it has obviously shortened its name.

Obviously sometime in the mid-Twentieth Century a modern narthex was built out the front, possibly removing the original Gothic Revival portals and rebuilding them out front.

Finally, we have the Cole County Courthouse, which often see cases filed that will deal with statewide issues.

Built in 1896, it includes the jail and sheriff’s house, and is a masterful example of the Romanesque Revival.

The architect was Frank B. Miller.