New Jersey State House – Trenton, New Jersey
We arrived on a day where restoration efforts were underway. As such, access to the primary entrance was closed off.
We entered through the New Jersey State House Annex. It was still early and not many people were here yet. We enjoyed the quiet halls and being able to prepare for our presentation a few hours later.
The Old Supreme Court Chamber held New Jersey’s highest court where landmark cases were argued and justices rendered their decisions between 1931 and 1982. Today, it is known as Committee Room 11. Legislative committees meet here, including the General Assembly Budget Committee to hear public testimony and discuss proposed laws. The pediment behind the dais and an arched coffered ceiling are reminiscent of the colonial Georgian style, symbolizing American independence and the 18th century age Age of Reason with its powerful associations to law and justice.
Famous cases heard in this room include Bruno R. Hauptmann who lost his final appeal for the kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh baby in 1935. In 1976, the parents of Karen Ann Quinlan secured the right to disconnect their daughter’s life-support system. The courts were relocated in 1982 to the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex.
The barrel vaulting in the hallways and ample windows made for a pleasant gathering space outside of the main meeting rooms.
The Old Court Conference Room was where our meeting was held. Here is where members of the Court of Errors and Appeals discussed cases. The room featured shelves of scholarly books, dark chestnut paneling, and comfortable leather chairs. A pluckemin cabinetmaker named Frank Klaus was commissioned to create the 19-foot conference table, a witness table, a small hearing reproter’s table, and the carved New Jersey State Seal. The restoration in 1995 returned the room to its former appearance, complete with several original pieces, including the bronze lamps, two oversized wing chairs, and nine leather-covered armchairs. Now known as Committee Room 12, the room retains some of its original furnishings and fixtures.
There is linenfold carving over this fireplace. To achieve this effect in such low relief requires great skill and precision on the part of the craftsperson.
Outside of the State House and across the street, we had to admire this Romanesque and Queen Anne influenced brick townhouse. An elevated stone base, has a graceful stone arch of contrasting colors over the recessed entrance. A bowed oriel window on the second floor is in one of two bays. The other bay has two double hung sash windows with stone lintels and cells directly over the arch on the first floor. On the third floor level above the bowed oriental window is a band of three sash windows within the wall dormer. These are through the eaves and break the cornice line. A small hipped roof dormer is also on the third floor level.