Renovation reveals ‘time capsule’

New Honesdale gallery blends art, history and community

By SANDY LONG

HONESDALE, PA — Some will visit to view the work of regional artists and the collection of antiques. Others will gather for community events. Those with an interest in local history will find a fascinating past lurking in the building that now houses the newly restored Philip Hone Gallery on Honesdale’s Main Street. And all are welcome, according to gallery director Robert Nell.

The gallery takes its name from Honesdale’s namesake, Philip Hone, a one-term New York City mayor and president of the D&H Canal Company. It is located on the first floor of a building adjacent to the Wayne County Historical Society (WCHS).

The building has an interesting history of its own. The Wayne County Independent was produced there, and old brick ovens, dating from the days when the building housed a bakery, remain shrouded in cobwebs in the space they occupy under what is now Honesdale’s Main Street. Nell and the building’s new owners, James Longo and John Warpole, hope to convert all four floors for various uses associated with establishing the facility as a community arts center.

The renovation of the formerly dingy gallery space with fluorescent lighting and drop ceilings has been aimed at restoring its appearance to the early 1900s, when a fire gutted the building in 1907. Unattractive walls have been removed to reveal a brick interior and a gleaming tin ceiling now tops the space.

During the renovation process, Nell discovered a two-by-two-foot board covering an opening in the attic. Curious, he investigated what lay within and found an old leather-bound trunk containing personal and professional memorabilia pertaining to the life of newsman Benjamin Haines, owner and editor of the Wayne Independent. The trunk contained one of the first issues ever published in 1830, along with news clippings and local artifacts such as checks from three of the region’s banks.

Nell shared his exciting find with Sally Talaga of the WCHS. Talaga sorted the contents of the trunk, which have since been sent for professional evaluation. Some items will be donated to the WCHS. Others will be displayed permanently in the gallery or made available for purchase.

In addition to featuring the work of regional artists, the gallery will offer antiques and collectibles. Nell would like to see it become a resource for community gatherings and art education. Events are being scheduled such as a “Words and Music” series and various art classes for students of all levels. The gallery will also partner with the Wayne County Arts Alliance, whose office is located within the building.

The Philip Hone Gallery will host a holiday party on December 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of introducing its artists, and its newly restored facility, to the community. Refreshments will be offered, along with entertainment and a visit from Santa. For more information visit philiphonegallery.com or call 570/253-5577.