Nesquehoning Historical Society dedicates sign

The Nesquehoning Historical Society is a glimpse into the past at how life used to be in the community.

Now, thanks to Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Nesquehoning photographer Allyson Kusko and the society’s members’ dedication, the organization’s home has a new sign that welcomes visitors and residents alike into a building that has been rooted in the community for decades.

On Saturday, society members and bank officials gathered to formally dedicate the new Nesquehoning Historical Society sign during the group’s monthly cleanup session.

Lois Kuba, president of the society, said that the sign is fitted directly on the former First Baptist Church bulletin board sign as a reminder of the church’s heritage. The dedication to the late Gwen Conway even remains on the bottom corner as a reminder of one of the church’s first parishioners.

Kuba also pointed out one detail on the new sign, a photo of the creek near the footbridge between Nesquehoning and New Columbus.

She thanked Kusko, who takes photographs of the area, for her support of the society’s project by taking that photo.

“This is our hometown girl who gave us this picture,” Kuba said, adding that it looks amazing when it is illuminated at night.

“It’s nice because being a local photographer and just starting out, it’s nice to have artwork that means a lot to the town,” Kusko said.

The sign project was in the works for approximately a year, and Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank signed on to be the sponsor after Bill Gardiner, a society member, and bank board member, looked into the partnership.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the bank to be able to sponsor someone in the community that is trying to better the community,” Heike Hartman of Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank said. “We are happy to do this.”

In addition to the sponsorship, Hartman gave the society with a $200 donation on Saturday to help with its efforts.

The Nesquehoning Society aims to showcase the history of the borough through its displays and presentations.

Located in the former First Baptist Church at 157 W. Railroad St., the building is beginning to fill up with various displays, from an 1800s bedroom and kitchen to a barbershop shaving cream mug collection.

Donations of both historical items, as well as money are always accepted and can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and noon on the first Saturday of every month when the group’s monthly cleanups occur or at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month during the group’s monthly meetings.

Kuba said that if you have something that you don’t want to part with, but would like to showcase it at the society, a loan program is available to display the artifact for a period of time before returning it to its owner.

In addition, looking forward, the group hopes to have rotating displays, from trains to bridal gowns and everything in between.

For information on the historical society, check out the group’s Facebook page, Nesquehoning Historical Society, or contact any of its members.