Photo by Joseph Bell

Elk County Commissioners Ronald T. Beimel, left, and Daniel R. Freeburg present a proclamation to the Village of WIlcox last night during the opening ceremony of the Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Wilcox kicked off the celebration of the 150th anniversary of its founding. 

By Joseph Bell

Record Staff Writer

WILCOX – The Village of Wilcox kicked off its Sesquicentennial Celebration last night with its opening ceremonies, which featured several guest speakers.
State Senator Joe Scarnati was on hand to co-present a citation to the village of Wilcox recognizing its 150th birthday.
"I always look forward to coming back here to Brockway, Johnsonburg, Wilcox, Bradford and Ridgway because this is home," Scarnati said. "This is where real Americans live."
State Representative Dan Surra also participated in the festivities.
"I'm honored to be here on this beautiful July day," Surra said. "Wilcox first came here in 1830. The hardworking men and women took pride in the area and they still take pride in it and they should."
Surra said that, despite change throughout the years, Wilcox is still a strong, beautiful and friendly community.
"Throughout industry changes, local schools were shuttered and school districts combined but Wilcox maintained its spirit of unity," Surra said. "It's a beautiful place to live in and raise a family. We've worked very hard to help this area."
Daniel R. Freeburg, Elk County Commissioner and a Wilcox resident, also spoke at the ceremony.
"We thank you for inviting us and I'm really proud to be here," Freeburg said. "There's been so much work going into this over the past two years."
On a county level, Freeburg, and Elk County Commissioner Ronald T. Beimel, co-presented Wilcox with a proclamation which, according to Freeburg, will forever will on record at county offices.
"The reality is that, without a strong (Wilcox) Board of Supervisors, funding wouldn't be happening," Freeburg said. "You have to have that foundation to have it happen."
Following Freeburg's speech, Beimel excited the crowd by wishing the village a happy birthday.
"It's fitting that everyone shake your neighbor's hand and say welcome," Beimel said.
Beimel recalled memories of Wilcox from many years ago.
"I played basketball up at that high school against Wilcox," Beimel said. "You guys won.
"I've been around while and I've met a lot of great people in this community. Thank you for inviting us."
Beimel also commended Freeburg, who resides along Clarion Street.
"Dan Freeburg really represents you. If you ask him about anything concerning Wilcox, he knows about it," Beimel said.. "He's an intelligent guy, he thinks things through and he does it well."