Shenandoah, PA has a rich history that lives and breathes in the buildings that still stand in the Borough and the memories of those who live here. This is especially true on Main Street where some have aged more gracefully than others, some unfortunately lost to fire and blight, and some remodeled many times over. Each one has a story to tell, each one played an important part in building the foundation of this unique community.
A Bit of Shenandoah History
In its heydey, when the coal and garment industries were thriving, Shenandoah was fondly nicknamed, Little New York due to its vibrant shopping and entertainment destination. that people flocked to. As Anne Chaikowsky La Voie mentions in her book, "Images of America, Shenandoah", Shenandoah has long been recognized for defiance and determination. Mining disasters, financial adversity, and ruinous fires scarred memories of decades of prominence however, Shenandoah's spirit has endured through the last 150 years." And this spirit remains alive today.
Old Bottles May Date Back to the 1800s
Do They Date Back Before Thunder Road JC Penny, and Davison Furniture?
As we embark on a new chapter of history for our community, the North Main Street property where the new Center for Education, Business & Arts is currently under construction gave us a hint of yesteryear. When the construction crews were preparing the foundation, they uncovered many things, but some treasures were more interesting than others. Vintage bottles dating back many years were found in perfect shape. Covered with dirt and filled with soot, each one tells a tale of a time gone by. From a dance hall to a roller rink, Davisons Furniture store to a J.C. Penny's many folks from all walks of life passed through whether it was window shopping, running errands, or just simply living their best lives.
Mary Luscavage DSI Board Secretary did some research on the vintage bottles. One was a JJ Keogh soda bottle from the 1920s (We loved that one because Shenandoah, PA is molded into the bottle). One was a calming syrup bottle from 1849, another a baby whooping cough syrup from 1852, and another just might be a brown beer bottle. Whatever the case, it was both exciting and interesting to dig up pieces of the past that sent us down a walk back through time.
Let's Make History Together and Build The Future of Our Community
The Center For Education, Business & Arts is currently under construction. To see the progress of this project that we've worked on for many years is exciting! Earlier in the year, enough funding was raised to complete the $7M Phase 1 of this two-phase project. Phase 1 includes building the entire shell and finishing and furnishing the ground floor. This includes the commercial kitchen, Penn State classroom, Earn Office, and additional office spaces
Every Dollar Counts, Your Dollar Counts
CEBA's $2M Phase 2 includes finishing and furnishing the event center, and coworking office spaces on the second floor. Help us complete this innovation center and build the future of our community. Everyone who donates any amount will be part of our Giving Tree located in the lobby so everyone who visits will see how many joined together to make this amazing project a reality. Remember, every dollar counts, your dollar counts.
