Roaring Spring Community Library Original Porch from 1907 Renewed

Roaring Spring Community Library recently installed a new porch, due to the previous one being in bad shape.

The work started in the second week of August and took about four weeks to complete the project.

“It was deteriorating and you could really tell,” Library Director Michelle McIntyre said.

The porch had most of the original framing from when the building was built in 1907, she said.

Cordell Construction was helping them with the project.

McIntyre said because of the condition, all of the floorboards and framing had to be replaced. In addition they also fixed the flashing, gutters, and the roof.

Because of the construction, the library was closed for a few weeks and did only drive up service.

They were able to raise about $7,000 and received a few grants to help cover the cost of about $30,000 for the porch.

The Eldon Inn History

The following is information from an excerpt submitted by Joe Conlon which is found in the “Remember…The Eldon Inn” book found in the Roaring Spring Community Library.

During the early 20th century, Roaring Spring grew as its paper industries flourished, and business men knew the borough had a need for a hotel.

D.M. Bare, A.L. Garver, William Eldon and Edwin Bobb developed plans for a structure and in 1907, the Eldon Inn was built.

Since it opened, it provided first class accommodations for guests who visited Roaring Spring for various reasons.

The Eldon Inn became the town’s social and business center.

Many organizations choose the first floor as a space for their meetings including the Rotary, church groups, BPW. Sales meetings, wedding receptions, and reunions have also been held here.

A barber shop and lunch room known as “Red Rooster” were located in the basement.

In July 1914, 30 automobiles carrying 100 representatives from Blair County made a tour of the area under the Altoona Chamber of Commerce.

Their first stop was at the Eldon Inn for lunch.

The Inn’s Sunday dinners were legendary, which caused the dining room to be packed after church services.

After 50 years, in January 1966, the Eldon Inn transformed into a public library, which is still there today.

The Roaring Spring Public Library was established in 1959, and was searching for a larger space as it had already outgrown three other sites. When the Eldon Inn became available it was purchased by the Borough of Roaring Spring to serve as the community library under the management of a library board.