Built in 1822 on Tolland Green, the old Tolland County Courthouse replaced an earlier building built in 1785. Like the county jail across the Green, the courthouse was built by public subscription. It was designed by local architects Abner P. Davidson and Harry Cogswell and was built on a lot acquired from Calvin Willey, which had previously been the site of a tavern owned by Wilkes Williams. The last court session was held in the building in 1892 (the court was transferred to Rockville). From 1899 to 1985, the building housed the Tolland Public Library. In 2001, the Library gave the old building to the Tolland Historical Society. The second floor has been restored to a working courtroom appearance and there are also exhibits on the history of the building. The first floor of the old courthouse contains the library of the French Canadian Genealogical Society Of Connecticut.
My 1720 circa tavern is on the National register of Historic Places. It is listed as the John Cady House. It is at 484 Mile Hill Road (Route31) Tolland, Ct 06084
Pictures are in Early American Life Magazine in Feb. 1989. This tavern is now known as Old Babcock Tavern. Every detail inside and outside are done in the period of the eighteen century, as are the furnishings. Come visit and include us in the Tolland historic buildings!
I’ll visit next time I’m in the area!