The Old Noxen School - Community Center & Library

The Noxen School and Community Center, completed in 1897, was named to the Federal Registry of Historic places in 2006.  Opened as a high school in 1902, the school closed its doors in 1976, and the building stood unused until 1999, when community members set up the Schenck Memorial Library inside.  In 2001, Noxen residents officially voted to save the structure amidst an ongoing restoration program.  The Noxen Historical Community Association became involved in efforts to fully restore the building in 2002.  The efforts paid off.  The building is not only a library and community center, but it has also hosts meetings, dances, reunions, art lessons, and other events. 

A patriotic concert was recently held at the Noxen Community Center in honor of Veterans' Day, 2010. 
Click here for a larger photo.

The facility even served as an evacuation center in June, 2006 when many Noxen residences were damaged by heavy rains.

Volunteers are working to ensure that the building remains in good repair.  Click here to see photos taken in April, 2009 as new stone steps were added to the front of the building.  For more information on what you can do to help, call 570-298-2211.  Donations to the Noxen Historical Community Association are always welcome and can be mailed to: P.O. Box 141, Noxen, PA 18636.

Several articles outlining restoration initiatives in Noxen have appeared in local papers.  Click here to view them.

The Library

With over 10,000 books available, the library is increasing its inventory all the time.  The VHS and DVD collection is also growing, so you can check out great movies while you're there.  In addition to lending books and movies, the library also performs other community services, for example the Clothes Closet, where you can shop for second-hand clothes at great savings!  Hours change seasonally.  Be sure to call for more information.

The Clothes Closet

Volunteers at the Noxen Library realize that while some people have more outfits than they could possibly ever wear, others have trouble acquiring good, quality clothing at a reasonable price.  Even those who can afford to shop at all the best stores sometimes prefer to buy gently-used clothing and save their cash for greater priorities, while others simply love the thrill of finding a bargain. 

For that reason, volunteers at the library opened the Clothes Closet, allowing community members to donate their clothing for others to purchase at discounted prices.  The service is available during regular library hours and is located on the top floor of the Schenck Memorial Library.

If you're looking for a place to host your next event, consider the Noxen School and Community Center.  Whether you're throwing a baby shower or a birthday party, the "Old School" offers a smoke-and alcohol-free environment for your group to gather!  Reservations require a deposit which will be returned after the event (provided the space is clean and undamaged). Bookings require two weeks notice.  Call Cathie Pauley, Noxen Historical Association President and building manager, at 570-298-2052.

Restoration and Repair

As part of the ongoing building restoration and renovation, new concrete steps were added to the front of the building in April, 2009.  At left, members and volunteers of the NHCA pose in front of the site of the new steps.  At right, a crane lowers the heavy concrete steps into place.

These photos of the back and side of the Noxen School, circa 1995, were provided by Lorraine Brelsford.

The photo above, also provided courtesy of Lorraine Brelsford, shows a group of students in the 1920's (before the addition of the fire escape) along the side of the school in what could be a Thanksgiving celebration. 

To see other old images, check out our Vintage Photos page.

November 7th, 2010

Noxen Home Page l Our Town l Our Neighbors
Contacts & Links l Rattlesnake Roundup l Conservation & Restoration

Site design by Moran Photography and Graphic Design - www.moranpix.com
Contact us at .