Before the traffic lights and the turning lanes, when traffic was evolving from horse and wagon to gas-powered horseless carriages, travelers were greeted at the

The Pennsburg Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows built the original three-story building in 1875.  At the time it was the largest building of its kind in the Upper Perkiomen Valley.

Pennsburg crossroads by four unique and interesting buildings.

            Roth's Hotel, Mensch's Drug Store, and Gilbert and Heveners corner store were businesses unto themselves, but the three-story Odd Fellows Hall stood out with its size and varied uses.  It was billed as the business center of Pennsburg.

            The Pennsburg Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows built the original three-story building in 1875.  Back then it was the largest building of its kind in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. 

            In 1909, the Odd Fellows purchased some additional property to the rear of the building and extended the size of the building an additional 90' x 40'.  This made the structure an impressive four stories, and 150' in length, adding to its appeal as a local

In 1909, the Odd Fellows purchased some additional property to the rear of the building and extended the size of the building making it an impressive four stories, and 150' in length.

business center.

            The Farmer's National Bank, which already occupied part of the building, was expanded beyond the small business office they rented in the existing building.  The bank plans included rooms for the directors, president, and cashier. 

            The entire front porch was removed and a new center door was installed. 

            The post office, which originally shared a floor with the bank, was moved to the new addition.  Another portion of the new basement space was scheduled to be used by "H. T. Kneule – The Tonsorial Artist."

            The third floor was to be a banquet or opera room with ladies and gents "retiring rooms" at the entrance.  A 30' stage was installed and the floor raised to allow a good

The building was purchased by local contractor John Keelor in 1941 and razed in 1967.  Pennsburg borough took ownership of the property and in 1986 converted the vacant lot into a "pocket" park.

view of it.  A balcony was added, and the seating capacity was expected to be greater than 600.

            The top story of the building was to house the Lodge Room and a large smoking room. 

            Over the years the building had quite an assortment of tenants in addition to the Farmers National Bank, the post office and the tonsorial parlor.  Stage shows and movies could be seen at the Aurora Theater, before it constructed its own building on Main St.  The Odd Fellows building was once home to an insurance company, shoe store, men's clothing store, candy store, a Teen-Canteen for young folks, and more.  During World War II the building housed the local ration board.  

            Many other local service clubs called the Odd Fellows Hall their home as well.  Among them were the Knights of Malta, Junior Order-United Mechanics, and Patriotic Order of Sons of America of Pennsburg. 

            The building was purchased by local contractor John Keelor in 1941 and razed in 1967.

            Pennsburg borough took ownership of the property and in 1986, then Borough Council President, Bob Brand brought up the idea of turning it into a park.  Officials embraced it as a way to beautify the downtown area and provide a sort of respite for shoppers.   Shade trees would greet people, and park benches and a gazebo would give them a place to sit and rest.

            At the time a lone pine tree stood alone to greet travelers through the busy intersection at Routes 663 and 29.  The evergreen was about 12 feet tall back then, but it always looked great when it was decorated with holiday lights every year.

            Pennsburg officials went about the task of securing government grants and donations to build the park.  Then Senator Ed Holl, along with State Representative Raymond Bunt, Jr., and former Montgomery County Commission Chairman Paul Bartle played major roles in helping to direct state and county funds to the project.  Pennsburg Mayor James E. Mullen hit the phones to solicit donations from private and corporate sponsors.

            The patch of beauty at the corner of Routes 663 & 29 was designed and completed well before the Montgomery County Open Space project made it to the commissioner's desks.  Funding was tough but not impossible. 

            The original park was constructed using a $17,000 grant from the State Department of Community Affairs in Harrisburg and grants from Montgomery County.

By the Christmas season of 1986, the park was ready to host Santa Claus.  He arrived (as he did for several years during the late '80s and early '90s) on the back of the Pennsburg Fire Company ladder truck.

            The borough sold the land about 15 years ago and while plans for a new building there are in the works, the site of the once thriving business center of Pennsburg sits vacant.