A sold out gathering filled the Hecker Community Center on Saturday to celebrate Monroe County’s 200th anniversary during a Bicentennial Birthday Bash.

Attendees were treated to fried chicken and all the fixings, with music provided by the Kaskaskia Trail Chorus, Waterloo German Band and Butch’s Polka Kings.
Commemorative items featuring the Bicentennial logo were sold and special signage and other souvenirs were raffled at the end of the night.

Photos were on display in the entryway to the center as people arrived, showcasing Monroe County’s rich history.

In remarks made following the dinner portion of the evening, Monroe County Clerk and Bicentennial co-chairman Dennis Knobloch explained how this county was carved out of what was then St. Clair and Randolph counties in 1816.

Knobloch also talked of the successful Sesquicentennial celebration that took place in January 1966 inside the Waterloo High School gym. A show of hands indicated there were several people in attendance Saturday night who attended that event.
In an effort to get people thinking about the 250th celebration in 2066, Knobloch offered a pledge to those in attendance who are 30 years old or younger.

“Fifty years from now, you are the folks that are going to be around to do this,” he said. “Don’t screw it up.”
Knobloch then proposed a champagne toast.

“In recognition of that event in 1966: here’s to it, and from it, and to it again,” he said. “Because we probably won’t be here to do it again.”

State Rep. Jerry Costello II (D-Smithton) also offered remarks during the program, congratulating Monroe County on 200 years.

“A county is comprised of cities and villages, and in those cities and villages, obviously, you have families,” he said. “But families are comprised of individuals. Thank you to every individual that makes Monroe County what it is. I can’t think of a better place to raise a family or live than Monroe County, Illinois, and individually, each one of you are the people who make that happen.”

Retiring State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) also offered glowing remarks about one of his favorite counties.
“I’ve told my wife that if we had to move, it would be to Monroe County,” he said. “This is a special place. Tonight is a good example that you do things right. Congratulations.”

Costello and Luechtefeld joined Monroe County commissioners Bob Elmore, Terry Liefer and Delbert Wittenauer in a ceremonial cutting of the cake to officially celebrate the county’s milestone birthday.

Wittenauer also explained that time capsules were being handed to officials from the communities making up this county, which will be full of items collected throughout the Bicentennial year. These time capsules will be sealed inside the brick platform that holds up the bison statue on the courthouse grounds at the end of the year – not to be opened for another 100 years.

For photos from Saturday’s event, click here.