Blair County Courthouse

The Blair County Courthouse is located in downtown Hollidaysburg, PA. The original courthouse consisted of a two-story brick structure which was demolished in 1847. The second and current courthouse was designed by Philadelphia architect David S. Gendell. The courthouse was built in 1876 from hand-laid stone in the Gothic Revival style.

Gendell described his design as “in the modern Gothic style of architecture, with the Italian treatment. This style while it is directly founded upon medieval Gothic omits many of the details of the latter”.

The perimeter of the building outlines a “T” shape. The outside-facing stones were originally a deep warm color, but have since faded to a uniform gray appearance.

The courthouse contains five courtrooms, a law library, and office space for each of the commissioners. It also houses several other government services including the prothonotary’s office. The Blair County Courthouse is still in operation to this day.

The building underwent renovations recently that took (years? months?) The renovation focused mainly on the clock tower in the rear, and required very meticulous work. 

The “Talking Heads” on the building

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Interesting Cases: Michael Musto

On April 6, 1943, Altoona barber Michael Musto was called into the Blair County Courthouse for an alimony/child support case in which he lost and his wife Mary Musto was granted $25 a month for her and the children. As Mrs. Musto was leaving, Michael approached her and shot her twice on the steps of the courthouse and then tried to run from the scene. Police officers chased him down, firing two shots at him, eventually catching him and taking him back to the courthouse to take him into custody. He used a 38-caliber revolver which he had a permit for, but the permit only allowed for gun use in the shooting range.

Witnesses to the murder included local residents Anna Mirobelli and Margaret Shoenfelt who were walking with Mrs. Musto when she was shot. Musto was found guilty and convicted with the murder of his wife. He was sentenced to electrocution at the Rockview Penitentiary in Bellefonte, but spent a period of time in Hollidaysburg Jail first.

The case cost over $6,000 in total, the cost of the 24-hour guards to watch Musto before his electrocution being the highest expense ($3,400).

Mary and Michael’s two children Amerigo and Nelda, just 12 and 14 years old respectively at the time of the tragedy, went to live with their Aunt/grandparents after the event. They grew up in Altoona and became active members in the community. Amerigo (86) and now Nelda (88) are both potentially still alive living in the Altoona area.