Built in 1888 by brothers Aaron and Nathan Christman, Lodge Hall, as it’s known in Polk Township, got a face-lift with a fresh coat of paint.

The Polk Township Historical Society has been inactive for several years but the plan is to “have it up and running again,” according to Rebecca Tippett, township secretary.

The Historical Society will be deciding how to use the building, which itself has a long history.

Located at 104 Lodge Hall Road, the building was constructed as a business by Aaron and Nathan Christman. It was used as a furniture store and “funery,” Aaron Christman being the only undertaker in Polk Township. Brother Lewis bought the property in 1901 and used it as a furniture store and then a general store, putting an addition in the back.

Kresgeville Camp of the Patriotic Order Sons of America bought the building in 1925 for use as a lodge hall, also to be used by the women’s auxiliary, the Patriot Order of Americans. The P.O.S. of A was a “national fraternal organization, dedicated to love of country, free institutions and defending the government of the United States.”

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and its women‘s auxiliary also used the building. That group honored and preserved the memory of those who fought in the Civil War.

From 1925 to 1946 the lodge became a place of social interaction. Members could show respect and patriotism, and many also joined since belonging offered ”much needed sick and death benefits to its members.”

Membership declined after World War II. When the lodge disbanded in 1981, the building was sold to Richard and Blanche Strausberger, who used it for storage. The Strausbergers donated Lodge Hall to Polk Township in 1998 to be used as a museum and hold archives for the Polk Township Historic Society.

The lower and second story of the hall feature original hardwood floors. Items acquired include an old stove, record player and ice cream cone warmer that was owned by the Strausberger family. There are several garments, including a uniform worn by Pvt. William F Arnold Jr. in the Army from 1942 to 1946. Arnold served in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan.

A “Friendship Quilt” with Polk Township family themes was raffled in the first fundraiser by the Historical Society in 1998 for $2,000. Earl Smith donated it back in 2003.

Future use of the building will be determined as the Polk Historical Society begins meeting again, hoping to share the rich history and items from the past.