South Side Historical Village
Website:
Telephone Number:
(724) 899-4165; (724) 573-9367
Location:
1198 State Route 168, Hookstown, PA 15050
Description:
The South Side Historical Village was established in 1995 at the Hookstown Fairgrounds in Hookstown, Pennsylvania. It began with the donation of the Mercer One-Room Schoolhouse. Volunteers relocated and restored the building, which is now used for presentations and tours.
The J.L. Porter Building was relocated to the village next, and restored as an 1880’s blacksmith shop. Demonstrations are conducted regularly explaining the importance of blacksmiths in the early years of America, including the items most often made, as well as tools and techniques that were used.
Since its founding, the South Side Historical Village has grown to include wonders such as a walk-through covered bridge with a cache of artifacts, an old oil derrick, a bank barn and one of the newest additions, a local doctor’s office that served in use from the early 1900’s-1950’s.
The entire village has only been made possible through the hard work of disassembling, relocating, restoring and reassembling historically important buildings. This process includes both the generosity of those who donated historical artifacts and the effort of laborers, such as the Amish contractors hired for the relocation.
Another aspect of the South Side Historical Village that makes us shine is the dedication of our volunteers, whom dress in period-time clothing and give demonstrations centered on antique trades in early America. This includes open-house events where they cook using open-hearth techniques, so we encourage all to join and enjoy!
From museum website
