December is always filled to the brim with holiday events. At times, it feels like there are so many we don’t have enough days to enjoy. But enjoy we will, and there are weekends when we can get in a “two-fer” back-to-back. This weekend is one. Both Saturday and Sunday will be filled with holiday music: one will be for listening and the other for participating.
The University of Jamestown’s annual Christmas Concert will be at 2 p.m. both days in the DeNault Auditorium of the Reiland Fine Arts Center. Musical selections will range from classical to contemporary and will be led by choir and band leaders. UJ’s music students will perform.
Then on Sunday, from 2-4 p.m., the historic Stutsman County Courthouse will host a Christmas Sing-Along. Area musicians will lead the audience in traditional tunes and ask everyone to sing along. Families are invited to bring the little ones to join in the festivities, since there will be a special person ready to hear what they want for Christmas. Refreshments will be served. Tours will be available, and it is free and open to the public.
The following Saturday (Dec. 13), the historic courthouse will host a Christmas tree display from 3-5 p.m., complete with refreshments. Jennine Albrecht and Sheila Harr have decorated the courthouse and will be on hand to explain their designs and give some history.
Many updates have taken place at the 142-year-old Stutsman County Courthouse. In 2022-23, an elevator was installed, giving people unable to navigate the stairway their first opportunity to see the courtroom itself. Area legislators were responsible for bringing the need for access to the state, which in turn allocated the money to fund it. During the 2023 celebration of the new Stutsman County Courthouse elevator/Christmas Sing-Along, area citizens who had longed to see the courtroom itself were finally able to use the elevator to access it.
George Spangler, an antique dealer, patron and long-time area rancher, attended, and was finally able to get upstairs to see the recent restorations and improvements. He’d been a loyal preservation advocate for many years, donating a chandelier that was part of his own antique collection. The week after the sing, he died. But in his will, he gave more than $5 million to be used to continue keeping it “alive” and well. He wanted air conditioning to be installed so a new generation could enjoy the building as he had as a youngster growing up in Jamestown.
In many ways, the 2025 Christmas Sing-Along echoes his wishes. Thanks to his generous donation, an updated heating and air system is being installed in the building. His spirit will always remain a component as will those of individuals like Mary Faith Young and the early courthouse preservation committee that took on the task to keep the building from being destroyed during a time when the United States was pushing modernity over preservation.
Also, new this year is a store where unique items related to the courthouse are available. Many would make wonderful gifts for the history buff. Use the time after the sing on Sunday to look through the selections. Look for discounts on merchandise during this December event.
Kyle Nelson, site supervisor, said the building will be occupied by HVAC crews beginning in January. He said they will update the heating system and install air conditioning, and possibly get started on updating and repairing the clock tower. Barb Lang, president of the 1883 committee, explained the need.
“The clock tower should be open for tours by next summer,” she said. “It will give visitors a 360 view of Jamestown’s historic district,” adding, “we hope people will come to see what has been done already and will join in the holiday sing. We want the courthouse to be used and enjoyed all year-round.”
Refreshments will be servedm and the two December events are free of charge and appropriate for the entire family.
The historic Stutsman County Courthouse is located at 504 Third Ave. SE, in Jamestown, ND.
If anyone has an item for this column, please send it to Sharon Cox, PO Box 1559, Jamestown, ND 58402-1559.
Sharon Cox retired in 2020 after 28 years at the University of Jamestown, including as department chair and professor of art.
