LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Bald Eagle Beer Distributor owner Tom Myers stands just inside the purchase window at Bald Eagle Beer Distributor.

LOCK HAVEN — Those who buy their beverage needs at Bald Eagle Distributors Inc., 20 N. Grove St., Lock Haven will notice big changes to the old retail warehouse.

Renovations that have been going on all summer were recently completed and have highlighted the historic value of the facility.

The deeds on the building date back to the 1930s when it was originally an auto repair garage.

In 1958 Angelo Dicello purchased the building and turned it into a Beer Distributor. It operated as Dicello Beverage under Angelo and his son Joe for 36 years.

In 1996, Bald Eagle Distributors Inc., owned by Tom Myers and Joe Dicello Jr. purchased the business and still remains today.

Back in the 50s and 60s the location was convenient because of its proximity to the local ice factory which was a block away on Bald Eagle Street. There were no large commercial refrigeration at the time and beer had to be kept cold because it was non-pasteurized.

Several distributors, including City Beverage, Romeo’s, Zimmerman Brothers and Dicello’s where within blocks of each so they could rent cold storage at the ice factory.

It was also convenient for delivery to the local watering holes down at “the coast,” the old train stop area and downtown. Today after 60 years of operation under two ownership groups, the property remains the only beer distributor in Lock Haven.

Since its inception in 1996, Bald Eagle has been a large supporter of micros and specialty beers and devote much of their 10,000 square foot of warehouse space to these products. They wholesale many brand for all of North Central Pa., including Otto’s, Robinhood, Southern Tier, Flying Dog, Iron City, Boom City, Avery, Terripin, Three Floyds and Left Hand.

Bald Eagle also wholesales Spring Water which includes five gallon water jug delivery, cooler rental service, and case delivery of distilled and spring water. Service for delivery to the home or office can set up by calling 570-748-4771.

They will be holding an open house this coming Friday, Sept. 20. It will featured free food on the grill, beer tastings by brewery representatives, drawings for large prizes and a lot of giveaways of T-shirts, hats, cozies and glassware.

Bald Eagle’s newly remodeled retail area creates a unique and pleasant warehouse shopping environment with everyone’s favorite brands. Store hours are Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Friday open until 9 p.m.