A Story of Love Scorned

The Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie, Texas is one of the most famous and most visited courthouses in the United States. Built in 1889, the Ellis County Courthouse still has the original elevator and the county has preserved the original woodwork in the courtrooms. A trip into the past, visiting the Ellis County Courthouse is a treat enjoyed year round by tourist from across the country, even the world. It is a daily occurrence to see tourist with their cameras at the ready standing around the courthouse. But what the Ellis County Courthouse is most famous for its architecture. Not everyone knows the real story behind some of the, let us say "unique," architecture that surrounds the up most portions of the courthouse. I would like to share that story with you here:

A young Italian bricklayer came to America seeking his fortune. He had been hired to do the brickwork on the newly built Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie, Texas. Fresh off the boat, the young Italian was lauded for the work he did, and became friendly with many of the towns folks. In particular was one young lady by the name of Mabel Frame. The bricklayer became sweet on Ms. Frame, and at first she returned his affection. The bricklayer was enamored, and began carving angels in the brick of the Ellis County Courthouse to express his love for Miss Mabel.

But Mabel Frame's mother had different plans for her daughter. Her hopes were not for her daughter to marry a stranger from Italy, a bricklayer fresh off the boat. Back in those days, a young girl was often promised to be betrothed from almost birth. Mrs. Frame had a young man in mind for her daughter, and it certainly wasn't the young Italian. Convincing her daughter of the foolishness of what could only be a passing fancy and a life of struggle, Mabel broke it off with the bricklayer. Broken hearted, angry and upset, the young Italian's carvings drastically changed. He began to take his anger out on the stone, carving ugly gargoyles--monsters--in the brick of the courthouse.

These angels and gargoyles are the thing that makes the Ellis County Courthouse a building with one of the most interesting histories behind it. Who is not fascinated by a story of unrequited love? If I have piqued your interest, make sure to visit the Ellis County Courthouse the next time you and your family feel like having some good old fashioned fun. You will be able to stand and look at the angels and gargoyles and feel the love and the pain of that young bricklayer from 1889 as if it were today.

Waxahachie, Texas is located 25 miles south of Dallas, Texas. Hope to see you there soon!