The story of the Huntingdon Community Center begins long before its official founding in 1949. Its roots stretch back to 1924, when the local American Legion chapter launched an ambitious campaign to raise $124,000—about $2.3 million today—to build the American Legion Community Home. Their vision was bold: a living tribute to veterans and a welcoming gathering place for the entire community.
The people of Huntingdon rose to the challenge.
By 1928, the Center averaged 500 visitors a day and served as a meeting place for nearly every civic, business, religious, and social organization in town. It quickly became Huntingdon’s hub for recreation, connection, and community life. Sadly, the Great Depression brought financial hardship. The pool closed, parts of the building were rented for office space, and many recreational programs faded. By 1949, unable to keep up with loan payments, the building was headed for sheriff’s sale.
That’s when Huntingdon stepped up again.
In April 1949, local churches, civic groups, business owners, and concerned citizens gathered to discuss the future of the building and the need for a youth center.
Over the course of five community meetings, it was decided the people of Huntingdon would incorporate themselves as a non-profit for the purpose of furnishing entertainment and guidance for the youth of Huntingdon. They would purchase the building and call it the Huntingdon Community Center. Unfortunately, raising the funds and the process of incorporation could not be done before the scheduled sale.
Then came a remarkable act of generosity:
The Elks, Moose, American Legion, and VFW—known as the Associated Clubs— agreed to purchase the building and lease it to the community for $1 per year, with the understanding it was now their responsibility to operate and care for it.
In June 1949 the building was purchased, the first Board of Directors was elected and the motto “For the enrichment of community life” was adopted. Renovations followed: a new roof, a refinished gym floor, and the transformation of the old bowling alley into a teen rec room.
On November 30, 1949, the Huntingdon Community Center officially opened its doors. More than 700 people attended the ceremony, broadcast live on local radio. Congressman Richard M. Simpson was the keynote speaker, and in his remarks, he reminded the crowd that the building’s success depended on their continued community spirit and involvement.
From that moment forward, it has been the enduring commitment of the community that has sustained the Center. Generation after generation, donors, volunteers, and neighbors have not only “kept the doors open” but have ensured the Center continues to grow and thrive - remaining a place where everyone can live, learn and play.
The people of Huntingdon rose to the challenge.
- Individuals and businesses donated
- Churches and civic groups held fundraisers
- Local shops hosted special sales
- Nearly every weekend featured a show, festival, or concert to support the project
By 1928, the Center averaged 500 visitors a day and served as a meeting place for nearly every civic, business, religious, and social organization in town. It quickly became Huntingdon’s hub for recreation, connection, and community life. Sadly, the Great Depression brought financial hardship. The pool closed, parts of the building were rented for office space, and many recreational programs faded. By 1949, unable to keep up with loan payments, the building was headed for sheriff’s sale.
That’s when Huntingdon stepped up again.
In April 1949, local churches, civic groups, business owners, and concerned citizens gathered to discuss the future of the building and the need for a youth center.
Over the course of five community meetings, it was decided the people of Huntingdon would incorporate themselves as a non-profit for the purpose of furnishing entertainment and guidance for the youth of Huntingdon. They would purchase the building and call it the Huntingdon Community Center. Unfortunately, raising the funds and the process of incorporation could not be done before the scheduled sale.
Then came a remarkable act of generosity:
The Elks, Moose, American Legion, and VFW—known as the Associated Clubs— agreed to purchase the building and lease it to the community for $1 per year, with the understanding it was now their responsibility to operate and care for it.
In June 1949 the building was purchased, the first Board of Directors was elected and the motto “For the enrichment of community life” was adopted. Renovations followed: a new roof, a refinished gym floor, and the transformation of the old bowling alley into a teen rec room.
On November 30, 1949, the Huntingdon Community Center officially opened its doors. More than 700 people attended the ceremony, broadcast live on local radio. Congressman Richard M. Simpson was the keynote speaker, and in his remarks, he reminded the crowd that the building’s success depended on their continued community spirit and involvement.
From that moment forward, it has been the enduring commitment of the community that has sustained the Center. Generation after generation, donors, volunteers, and neighbors have not only “kept the doors open” but have ensured the Center continues to grow and thrive - remaining a place where everyone can live, learn and play.
“The child of today will become a better citizen of tomorrow as a result of the opening of the Huntingdon Community Center. This building without a soul merely stands alone. It is the community spirit and your active interest which must enter the building and make it breathe as a living thing, if the purpose to which we dedicate this youth center is to succeed.”
- Congressman Richard M. Simpson
Huntingdon Community Center Grand Opening
November 30, 1949
Huntingdon Community Center Grand Opening
November 30, 1949