original c. 1911 ornamental cast brass interior office door "letters" mailslot salvaged from the old cook county courthouse and/or city of chicago city hall building. the neoclassical style spring-loaded letter slot was manufactured by the sargent hardware co., new haven, ct. since 1853, the governments of chicago and cook county have shared three different buildings on this site. the monumental, classical revival-style exterior of the present structure, which was designed to be a functional and efficient office building, symbolizes the strength, dignity, and vigor of the governmental functions it contains. the county building was completed in 1908; city hall was finished in 1911. the architectural firm was holabird and roche. original surface patina left untouched. measures approximately 9 x 3 1/2 inches.