PHOTO PROVIDED One of Fox’s many fine waitresses pours coffee next to the life-size wooden pig on display at the restaurant.

LOCK HAVEN — Beginning 17 months ago, Proprietor Matt Clark and Fox’s Market House Restaurant, located inside the historic Lock Haven Market House on the corner of East Church and Grove Street, expanded its building, business and staff to sustain its reputation of providing the finest family dining restaurant in the region.

The building was constructed in 1871. A century later, entrepreneur Stephen Poorman halted the wrecking ball and restored the complex. This act preserved the Romanesque architecture with corner towers, arched and key-stoned windows, brick friezes, pointed towers, arched and key-stoned windows, brick friezes and adornments. The entire building was painted and a parking lot was paved to meet ADA requirements. The historic Market House represents some of the most unique architectural features in Central Pennsylvania.

Mr. Poorman founded the business and Matt Clark, former Clinton Country Club chef, along with Stephanie Simander, has been operating it for the last 30 years. Morgan Caprio was appointed general manager to be certain your visit is pleasant. Larry Glenn and Jordan Sheffer provided construction services and Wagner’s New Look Kitchens is rebuilding the serving counter areas. Poorman selected all local businesses to undertake the restoration.

While not visible from the large dining room, progress was achieved with a kitchen expansion to include a staff lounge, management office and four storage, receiving and prep areas. New restaurant and server equipment was added together with safety devices, memorabilia, new menus, kid’s stuff and four office spaces for rent.

The restaurant added an array of home style condiments, old fashioned soda fountain, gourmet coffees and they serve breakfast all day beginning at 7 a.m. A much larger staff, along with three new full-time cooks, are able to serve dinners in a timely fashion.

HUNTER SMITH /THE EXPRESS The historic Lock Haven Market House is pictured, constructed in 1871. Today, it houses Fox’s Market House Restaurant, which opened in 1991. Many improvements have recently been made to the building and business.

And to save money, BYOB!

You’ll find history about the Clinton County region gracing their walls and under the old building is a 160 foot corridor with 22 arched rooms. In yesteryears, feed and grain was lifted from the rooms to waiting wagons inside the building.

Poorman purchased a 1929 Oldsmobile so kids could scope out the vehicle or snap a selfie. You just might find a gangster with a Tommy gun in the back seat. An Amish buggy is parked on the east side of the building. A visit to the Market House is truly a reminder of days gone by.

Another antique is the original Penny Scale that stood at the entrance to Williamsport’s Stearns Department Store. Adding to the collection is a yellow Piper Cub on loan from The Piper Museum. It is an exact replica of the J-3, sometimes referred to as the Grasshopper, where more than 20,000 were manufactured right here in Lock Haven.

Step into history and see an old wicker buggy hanging from the ceiling just like the ones that wheeled children to the Market House.

PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured is the 1929 Oldsmobile which is located in Fox’s parking lot.

The building became a location for people to sell provisions as they discussed private and public topics of the day. Eventually, it became known as Lock Haven’s Gathering Place.

The Market House wouldn’t be complete without the old original wooden pig, used to advertise provisions. Poorman rescued the life-size piggy from the 3rd floor of a Philadelphia attic. It was spotted with a sign that read “Lock Haven Market Place.” Steve dusted it off, wrapped it up, placed it in the trunk and brought it back to its historical resting place of Lock Haven.

After petting the pig, have a seat in the Candy Cane Chair for another selfie or take a piece of after-dinner free candy from Mr. M&M with a box on his head. Remember, you can pet the old pig. But he just might squeal!

Fox’s Market House Restaurant

142 E. Church St., Lock Haven, PA 17745

570-748-4000