SHU professor edits book about Westmoreland County Courthouse

Michael Cary, a Seton Hill University (SHU) professor of political science and history, recently edited a commemorative book to celebrate the Westmoreland County Courthouse of Greensburg. Tim Kelly, chairman of the history department at St. Vincent College, also edited the book.

“The book is a history, and to some extent, a celebration of the courthouse. It’s also a history of Westmoreland County,” said Cary.

Kayla Sawyer,

Staff Writer

Michael Cary, a Seton Hill University (SHU) professor of political science and history, recently edited a commemorative book to celebrate the Westmoreland County Courthouse of Greensburg. Tim Kelly, chairman of the history department at St. Vincent College, also edited the book.

“The book is a history, and to some extent, a celebration of the courthouse. It’s also a history of Westmoreland County,” said Cary.

The book, “This American Courthouse: One Hundred Years of Service to the People of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania,” was released on Friday, September 14. The day of its release also marked the 100-year anniversary of the courthouse.

“Most of my attention is given to national and international politics and history. I really had a good time learning the local history. I spent a lot of time in the archives of the Westmoreland County Historical Society,” said Cary.

It has 131 glossy pages and is filled with information about Westmoreland County and its courthouse, as well as photos of the interior and exterior of the courthouse in its past and present state.

“It’s such a beautiful building. How could it not be a highlight of Greensburg? The architecture is just amazing. I plan to visit it someday to see if the inside is just as beautiful as the outside,” said Elyse Schneider, a junior.

“It’s very picturesque. I like that you can see it at night, even from far away,” said Joshua Underwood, a senior.

The chapters cover the architectural style and uses of the courthouse, its history, the social and legal environment, and the jails that have been attached to the courthouse. There were many various contributors to the book such as lawyers, attorneys, historians, practicing judges, and even a former SHU student.

“The courthouse is a major landmark. It stands out from the rest of downtown,” said Schneider.
Cary compares the courthouse to a medieval cathedral that “Points the way to the center of town.”

“In the Middle Ages, people knew where the town was because they could see the steeple of the town cathedral,” said Cary. “If you’re coming in from the east or the west, it’s the first thing you see. It’s a beacon on the hill.”