“The High Court” building has been a lively place since 1876 with a history of colorful characters. The only three-story structure in downtown Lanesboro, its name comes from its most famous use: for decades the third floor was the town courthouse, presided over by one of those colorful characters, Joseph Golley (J.G.) French.

Born in Oneida, New York, in 1846, Joseph French made his way to Lanesboro in the late 1860s and became its Justice of the Peace in 1876. A distinguished man with a nickname to match, “Squire Frenchy” sported impressive, nearly shoulder-length mutton-chop sideburns. He was also known in town as an excellent gardener.

A flag flew from the third-floor window to let people know court was in session. Judge French oversaw all local cases, except for more serious crimes. One dispute litigated whether a local doctor had been inept in his treatment of a lady’s ingrown toenail. (Verdict to the defendant). In another typical example of Lanesboro justice, Judge French assessed an $18 fine for fisticuffs in a local saloon.

Over the last century this building’s upper floors became apartments, while the first floor has been many things: a temporary school room (for students displaced by the Church Hill fire of 1917); a restaurant; a bakery; and various taverns, including Vivian’s, The Happy Hour, The D & D Tavern, The Bent Elbow, Jay’s Saloon, Joe’s Place, and the Parkway Pub. In 2015 “The High Court Pub” underwent major renovations and now also offers short-term rentals upstairs.

Judge French passed away in Lanesboro on October 27, 1922, at the age of 76. His court is now permanently adjourned at the Lanesboro Cemetery.