Thanks to the repeated efforts of Glendon Borough resident Kenneth Teske, Northampton County recently began taking an interest in the long vacant Glendon Hotel. In addition to being in a state of disrepair, the building is only 10' from Main Street. Teske has repeatedly argued blighted, which the above picture makes clear.
Glendon cited owner Albert Rutherford * in 2013 for code violations. Rutherford paid a $1,000 fine,but has failed to remediate the problem. Northampton County's General Purpose Authority (GPA) was beginning to consider the possibility of demolishing the building and replacing it with affordable housing, which for some reason is now called obtainable housing. But at a meeting earlier this week, Glendon Borough Council President Richard Young made a pitch for saving the old property.
According to Young, the Glendon Hotel dates back to 1740, and might be the oldest building in Northampton County. He claims it operated as a tavern and was a meeting place. He'd like to see it restored.
The Library of Congress appears to confirm some of what Young said. Its
Historic American Buildings Survey states initial construction was in 1740. Young said it was a tavern, but the Survey states it was built "as place of refuge from and defense against the Native Americans, the doors were 6 inches thick and the walls perforated with loop holes from which occupants could fire."
Instead of being a refuge for anyone, it is now a safety hazard. But it's highly unlikely the County or GPA will do anything unless borough officials reach a consensus.
*) (Albert is incorrectly referred to as Arthur Rutherford in a
recent Morning Call story)
