Diamond Fire Company Social Club to open its doors

Walnutport’s Diamond Fire Company Social Club is set to open its doors for the first time in almost four years.

Borough Mayor Wayne Weidner announced at Thursday’s workshop session that the fire company will host a “soft opening” at 2 p.m. Sept. 16.

On Nov. 2, 2014, the social quarters were destroyed by a fire that started in the bell tower and quickly spread through the entire second floor.

The fire severely damaged its roof and gutted its inside, though the structure was able to be saved due to the quick response of its fire department, along with the mutual aid companies that assisted.

However, the inside was a total loss, and the building had to be gutted.

The bell that was removed will eventually get restored and be placed out front.

A grand opening will follow at a later date.

According to Diamond Fire Company’s Facebook page, the social club will sport a whole new look.

Some of the new features will be a six-tap beer system, a variety of bottled beer, mixed drinks; a brand-new jukebox; clear windows that will allow natural light into the club; and plans to eventually have live entertainment on the weekends; pool and dart leagues during the week; and the club will be smoke-free.

It will also feature a full-serve, state-of-the-art kitchen, which will be open every day and serve favorites such as burgers, cheese steaks, wings and an assortment of fried foods. There are also plans to have specialty nights with the food in the very near future, as well as plans to have breakfast once a month in the club which will be sponsored by the fire department.

The second floor of the building — which used to be the social hall — has also been renovated and is available to rent for office space, Smith said. Anyone interested in office space should contact Charlie at Benjamin Real Estate for more information.

An elevator has also been installed to make the upstairs handicap accessible.

They are accepting new memberships, and are running a special to join. The cost is $5 per person, which will pay for membership for the rest of this year, as well as all of 2019.

Anyone who would like to join the fire company should stop by the bingo hall located next door during the day, or on a Tuesday and Saturday night when there is bingo. They may also call 610-767-8476 for more information.

According to the fire company’s website, it purchased the land in 1902 for $601.

Construction began in 1910 and at the time it was one of the largest firehouses in the state.

The first meeting was held on site in 1911.

The new social hall was built in 1977 and the new fire station opened in 1992.