Osceola County is named for Chief Osceola, who was a Seminole Indian Chief.
Surrounding County Courthouses:
N – Wexford County and Missaukee County
E – Clare County
S – Mecosta County
W – Lake County
Created: April 1, 1840
County Seat:
Hersey 1869 – 1927
Reed City 1927 – present
County Courthouse – Reed City
Location: 301 West Upton Street / South Park Street
Built: 1938 – 1939
Style: Moderne
Architect: Roger Allen
Contractor: Fred Gietzen ( WPA Superintendent )
Description: The building faces north and is a two story buff colored brick, glass and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Reed City. The north front has concrete trim around the entrance extending up to the top of the second story. In the interior is a large courtroom. The building houses the County Circuit Court of the 49th Judicial District. The building has an addition added on the west and south sides. This was a Work Projects Administration project. In 1960 an addition was built on the west side and in 1968, an addition was built on the east side. Renovations were made in 2009. The Courthouse Annex is located to the west.
See: The 49th Judicial District includes Mecosta County.
County Courthouse Annex – Reed City
Location: 410 West Upton Street / North Sears Street
Built: Unknown
Style: Moderne Hospital
Architect: Unknown
Contractor: Unknown
Description: The building faces south and is a two story cream colored brick and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Reed City. The building is an “L” shape with a south wing and an east wing and has a raised basement. The south front has a small porch on the second story. The roof is hipped. The building is a former hospital. The building houses the County District Court and County Probate Court.
History: The county was created as Unwaettin County and the county was renamed in 1843 as Osceola County. The county was attached to Mecosta County for judicial purposes. Hersey was selected as the county seat in 1869 when the county was organized. The first courthouse and jail were built at a cost of $8,500. The county seat was moved to Reed City in 1927. The City Hall became the second courthouse. The third and present courthouse was constructed in 1938 to 1939.
County Courthouse – Reed City
Photos taken 2008
Images 5