What was in the Vault at the Kane County's Third Street Courthouse?

​

Recently, Kane County officials unlocked an old vault at the Third Street Courthouse in Geneva, curious to see what it held. The vault, dating back to 1893, hadn't been opened in recent memory. A locksmith was called in to tackle the unusual five-digit combination lock, which required both a drill and a high-tech camera to observe the movements of the combination as it turned. After about 45 minutes, the door opened to reveal a walk-in vault containing a smaller, decorative safe from 1883. When this safe was opened, it was found to be empty. However, the inside of the safe indicated it was purchased from the Mosler Safe Company and featured artwork on the inside of both doors.  The Mosler company also made the vault that formerly held the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.  

A brief history of the Third Street Courthouse

• 1837: First courthouse built on 4th and State Streets in Geneva.
• 1844: Second courthouse constructed from quarry stone at the site of present-day Geneva City Hall.
• 1857: Third courthouse built on Third Street by architect John M. Van Osdel; occupied after delays.
• 1890: Fire destroyed the 1857 courthouse; county business moved temporarily to a rented house.
• 1892: Current Third Street Courthouse completed, designed by W.J. Edbrooke and Franklin P. Burnham for $195,000.
• 1908-1911: Edward Holslag painted murals depicting early Kane County scenes for the fourth floor.
• 1975: County administrative offices moved to the Kane County Government Center, and the courthouse was refurbished for the Circuit Court and Clerk.
• 1980s: Additional facilities acquired, including the Sixth Street School for Family Court and space at the Campana building for the Circuit Clerk.
• 1993: Kane County Judicial Center opened in St. Charles, consolidating major criminal, family, and civil cases.