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Argyle Township Argyle Township & Gaol, located in the
centre of the village of Tusket, Nova Scotia, is Canada’s oldest
standing courthouse. The first court session was held here in October
1805. The most famous trial to take place in this courthouse was the
murder trial of Omar P. Roberts in 1922. He was the last man to be hanged
in Yarmouth County, for the murder of his housekeeper, Flora Gray. This
building continued to be used as a courthouse and the Municipal Office
for the Municipality of Argyle until 1976. The building was rescued
from dereliction and potential demolition by three private citizens
in 1982. A restored courthouse was reopened in 1983 as a museum, historic
site and archives. Since that time the building has been cared for by
its owners, the Municipality of Argyle, and an active Historical Society
dedicated to the preservation of this important landmark. |