Letter to Board of Supervisors Requesting Courthouse be preserved_06.10.1971June 10, 1971
Mr. Louis Barrett, Chairman
Members of the Board of Supervisors
Dubuque County Courthouse
Dubuque, Iota
Gentlemene
It is in our interest as well as yours that the courthouse be preserved.
As you know, we have made andsm all out effort to support the renovation
plan and bond issue.
However, questions relevant to the Murphy Plan have occurred to us simil-
ar to those brought out yesterday in your meeting with the Chamber of Com-
merce regarding the fate of the Jail. Although Xr. Barrett stated, "We
have no intention of dismantling or relocating the Jail", it apparently
was not sufficiently convincing.
We believe a declaration by you gentlemen directly to the press would
clarify the thinking of many people and swing some votes, particularly
of the group cited above. Our own people have some concern where the
Murphy Plan shows an alternate omitting the Oentral Avenue stairway and
portal of the Courthouse. As you know, any outward distortion or omiss-
ion from the original building will detract from its historic merit.
In no way do we wish to be dictatorial, but we are asking for a public and
formal declaration of your intent. Since we are supporting your efforts
we do not wish to be caught in the middle later. We have an obligation,
and hopefully a reputation, of moral integrity to maintain in the commun-
ity. We trust you will consider this a friendly suggestion and, if you
see fit, that it can be accomplished at the earliest possible date.
Application for placement of the Courthouse on the national Register of
Historic Places has been submitted to rir- William Peterson who Will for-
ward it to Washington if he finds it correct. Similar papers for the
Jail will be processed as soon as humanly possible.
We await your decision with interest.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kenneth Mercer
President
Robert A. Sullivan, Chm.
Buildings & Sites .:ogmittee