"Happy Birthday Schuylkill County," was the theme of the program held Tuesday morning at the steps of the courthouse in Pottsville to launch the 200th anniversary of the founding of the county. More than 600 shivering spectators were present for the early morning ceremonies, which began at 9 a.m.

State Sen. David Argall, one of the key speakers, spoke of his great-great-great grandfather who sailed from England at the age of 29 in 1884, and came to live in Pottsville where he took up the trade of shoemaker. He renounced his English citizenship to become an American citizen at a hearing before the Court of Common Pleas in Pottsville.Argall extended his congratulations to the people of the county and presented a citation issued by the state Senate and on behalf of his colleagues from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, who were unable to attend because of meetings held Tuesday morning in Harrisburg.President Judge William E. Baldwin gave a brief history of the county.The first courthouse was located in the village of McKeansburg in 1815. In 1847 it was moved to Pottsville, where a new courthouse building was constructed and the first court hearing was held in 1851.In 1889 a county jail was constructed across the street with 38 cells. Today there are over 200 cells which currently house around 300 inmates. At that time executions were held by each county. In Schuylkill County a scaffold was erected in the courtyard where 16 hangings took place, including nine of Molly McGuire's. In 1911 the state took over the executions.Mantura Gallagher, the first female chairperson of the Schuylkill County Commissioners, addressed the crowd."Today's celebration is Schuylkill County's way of addressing our heritage under one government, one flag, and, that is, that of the great United States of America," she said. "As I stand here today, I cannot help but reflect on the fact that each of us owes an enormous debt of gratitude to our forefathers, from whose sacrifices and hard work we have directly benefited."Through the strong work ethic and good sense of values of the generations of families who preceded us and who settled in Schuylkill County, we see the beautiful landscape of a county that was born a wilderness. Our great-great grandparents and perhaps even their parents left their homeland to come to an unknown land with unknown opportunity. We are the proud recipients of the results of the courage, hard work and sacrifice displayed by our ancestors, who so wisely chose to make Schuylkill County their home, and ultimately ours," she added."Our 200 years of growth would not be possible if it were not for the men and women of Schuylkill County and of our great country who placed themselves in harm's way to guarantee us the freedom to establish and enjoy this wonderful county. I am proud and honored to serve as Schuylkill County commissioner, not only during this momentous occasion, but also every day of the more than seven years during which I have served."Gallagher also read a proclamation issued by the commissioners.Commissioner Frank Staudenmeier also addressed the crowd."To say that I feel proud, honored and privilege to be standing here with all of you today on this historic moment in Schuylkill County history would be an absolute understatement," said Staudenmeier. "This courthouse is symbolic of Schuylkill County for as the county has grown and changed over the past 200 years, it has never lost sight of its history and founding. And though the county's founders might not recognize the many changes and growth that occurred in the last 200 years they would certainly feel right at home in the warm communities that populate our county. Schuylkill County is the place that I called home all of my life and there is no other place that I'd rather be."Reiley Lonergan, a student, sang the national anthem. Doreen Fesko, an employee in the treasurer's office, sang a song entitled, "Schuylkill County, We're Coming Back To You."High school bands from Pine Grove Area, Shenandoah Valley and Pottsville Area played spine-tingling marches.The highlight of the program was the unfurling of five American flags, each 90 feet long and 40 feet wide, which were carried by more than 600 spectators who were present. Some of the people took part because they have loved ones fighting overseas or had a member in armed service at some time. Also military cadets were present to participate.Some band members joined in unfurling the flags which made a spectacular scene extending over a city block. The national flag exhibit was under the direction of Marc Valentine, of Halifax, Mass., and was coordinated by Clerk of Courts Stephen Lukach. A handful of preschool children sang "Happy birthday to Schuylkill County."The chairman of the program committee was Register of Wills Michael McCord.Congressman Tim Holden delivered a citation from the 17th Congressional District, but could not stay for the program as he had to be in Washington D.C. by noon to vote on the budget.This marked the beginning of a number of events which will be staged throughout the year. A fireworks display will be held Thursday, June 9, at the county's new park, Sweet Arrow Lake in Pine Grove Township. A time capsule including a list of current officials, newspapers and other items from the county will be buried in October. Also, some time in October, a tentative semi-formal dance is planned to be held in a field at Heisler's Dairy Bar; and a groundbreaking ceremony will be held for the proposed courthouse complex.