Look around. Maybe you’re inside a century-old building! Perhaps you’re in a flow of time where past people and their actions shape 2025 reality?

Young people appear to be intrigued with local history and architecture. So here are a few interesting gems for drive-by tours.

The Captain James Jefferis House (c.1835) was the first home in Lock Haven and you can see it today at 400 E. Bald Eagle St. Imagine that 190-year history! It’s on the corner of East Bald Eagle and Henderson streets that was once a bustling little business district.

On East Main Street, Rachael K’s Creations is inside the Moorehead-Irwin House (c.1840) and for years, Tommy Thompson sold paint from that showroom.

Stop and have a libation with Barkeep Bobby or a meal at Stella A’s and you’ll be in the Odd Fellows Hall (c.1849), built for $4,000 and divided into the same three rooms you can occupy today. Its second floor was utilized by the Odd Fellows who practiced social welfare and community service. It’s also been Chips Dips Dairy Bar and a host of other shops over the years.

On Stella A’s back parking lot was the Al Poorman Tin Shop. Tinner Poorman was my second uncle and dad took me there to see the metal fabricating equipment.

Across the street from Stella A’s is the Simon Scott House (c.1854). The Elks Lodge was added in later years.

German-born Scott owned more downtown buildings than any other investor. This structure will be the new home of Euphoria Heights Brewery.

Years ago I supported The Elks by remodeling the building. While rummaging around in the basement, I discovered a sealed-up door. And it opened into Lock Haven’s Underground Railroad!

Tunnels were constructed as a network of secret routes and hiding places. Individuals often assisted enslaved people in escaping to freedom in the United States before the Civil War.

It’s not an actual railroad, but a tunnel that begins in the Simon Scott basement and terminates near Stella A’s so those fleeing slavery might eventually reach Canada.

Now, when you drive on East Main Street, shortly before the Opera House (c.1868), imagine you’re driving over an old hand-dug 1850s tunnel!

But don’t tell the city about this tunnel or they might install parking meters down there!

Check out Sandpaper Designs at 100 E. Main St. It was the Prieson Building and when owned by John and Joyce Gummo, dubbed “100 East Main Street” and one of the finest upscale dining spots in the region.

The Prieson Building was also designated as a significant historical structure by the Commonwealth.

Walk out Vesper Street toward the river and pass the four-story Academy of Music Building (c.1867) now housing Odd Fellas Craft Burgers.

When you come to Uncle Alberts (still Dunkles Clown Room to long-timers) you might see what locals refer to as the “white elephant.”

The Elephant is the stately David Carskaddon House on the corner and Mrs. Teah, widow of Phillip Teah of Widman & Teah Drug Stores, recently occupied the home along with the Snowiss, Faulkner & Steinberg law firm.

Or, if you visit the former location of Marshall’s Mens Store and Sander’s Fabrics, now The Pinch-N-Poke Tattoo Studio, Hair Concepts by Roz and Pearls Cafe on Main, you might find you’re inside the Guyer Building (c.1865).

The Lock Haven Express operates inside the Isaac Building (c.1887). Adjacent to it was my first music store (The Big Red Note) which occupied the four-story Deborah Rynder Building (c.1871).

While the city is overflowing with beautiful churches, visit the Poorman Gallery, next to the Heisey Museum at 362 E. Water St. where they offer afghans woven with the History of Lock Haven.

The Poorman Gallery is a museum and meeting area on the first floor and home for The Lock Haven Regatta Foundation on the lower level.

You’ll be inside the former Great Island Presbyterian (eventually Lutheran) Church (c.1850) with a Georgian- style bell tower.

History resides at The Heisey House. It was the S. D. Ball House (c.1865) with a Gothic veranda and coupled octagonal columns joined with a lancet arch and trefoil.

But, the historical beauty doesn’t stop downtown. Head up West Main Street and you may notice the Phaon Jarrett House (c.1854) on the corner of West Main and First Street. It was once Dr. Callahan’s dental office and it’s now occupied by the Attorney Charles Rosamilia, Jr. family.

Look around and travel west on your tour of Church, Main and Water streets where you’ll notice numerous treasures.

Many family descendants are still living today and anyone with a fertile mind will soon become enamored with the stunning architecture.

Lock Haven’s history has a unique visual heritage. The Lock Haven Express files, Ross Library and Clinton County Historical Society work in unison to preserve the area’s heritage.

But the real appreciation begins with YOU. Young people are naturally inquisitive and there is no better place to be enlightened than by investigating the beauty and underground tunnel you pass every day.

It’s your heritage to protect. Go ahead… step into it!

Stephen Poorman is a longtime area resident and business consultant.