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Soon-to-open Century Inn a stop on Heritage Day tour

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Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter Stromy Brasuk of Hopwood as a Lenni Lenape Indian cooks a meal inside puckin a during Scenery Hill heritage day celebrating the first 100 years on Saturday, September 30, 2017.

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Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter Cora Kinsey,3, tosses the ring to her mother Michelle Kinsey of California, Pa. as they play an early American game during Scenery Hill heritage day celebrating the first 100 years on Saturday, September 30, 2017.

SCENERY HILL – When a fire devastated the famed Century Inn in 2015, residents and business owners wanted to ensure their historic district did not perish. The Scenery Hill Civic Committee was formed with the intention of preserving the community’s past while creating opportunities for the future.

The committee held the second annual Heritage Day Saturday, and visitors learned the Century Inn would soon reopen for business.

Though the 223-year-old structure is still under renovation, co-owner Megin Harrington said the tavern is scheduled to open around Thanksgiving.

“After the fire, I realized how much the community was affected by it,” said Harrington.

The inn has housed a restaurant, tavern and overnight accommodations. It served as the center of the village, with annual events like Christmas parties and musical performances.

During a guided historic tour, Harrington told visitors the building was a popular stop for stage coaches. It featured five dining rooms and seven bedrooms.

Renovations, by contractor Waller Corp. of Washington, include new construction and preservation of historic features, such as the original outer stone walls and fireplaces.

“Work is moving quickly,” said Harrington.

The Century Inn is one of several significant structures in Scenery Hill’s historic district, located along the National Road in North Bethlehem Township. Visitors strolled along the open shops Saturday during the event, which also featured live music, square dancing and historical activities for children, including sack races and hoop rolling.

Mindy Crawford, executive director of the nonprofit Preservation Pennsylvania, visited the community after touring Lincoln National Bank, a historic building in Avella.

“I’ve driven through Scenery Hill, looking at all of the great buildings,” she said. “It’s great to see people on the street today.”

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