Broadway Grille & Pub in downtown Jim Thorpe, a location that has undergone much historic preservation, was the site of the annual Mauch Chunk Historical Society Membership Banquet.

The location for the event seemed all the more appropriate as many of those in attendance have been the driving forces over the years in restoring the Architecture and History of Jim Thorpe.The banquet was not only a way of saying thank you to their members, but also the occasion to honor two people for their work in historic preservation in Jim Thorpe.The honorees that evening were John Drury for his work at the Inn at Jim Thorpe, at the Mauch Chunk Museum, and at other properties in the borough; and Ed Weller who has done a lot of rescue work on buildings in Jim Thorpe including the restaurant they were in.They were each presented with framed plaques which were "Restoration/Preservation Awards" that read in part "given in recognition of outstanding efforts toward Historic Preservation of the architecture of Carbon County".Dan Hugos, President of the Mauch Chunk Historical Society and emcee for the event, thanked both of them for all that they have done.He also noted to all in attendance the progress made at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.Hugos said that in the past two years the Opera House has gotten a new roof, new seats, new carpet, new sound system, new back stage, newly painted steps, and they're working on the front canopy.He added that all of this has happened in a large part because of the members of the Mauch Chunk Historical Society.Also speaking to the gathering was Justin Yaich, candidate for the PA House of Representatives for the 122nd District who noted that the town which years ago had a lot of boarded up shops, has through restoration and preservation, become one of the most popular tourists destinations in the country.After the banquet, Society President Hugos complemented the Broadway Grille and stated that the food was excellent and very nicely presented.He went on to say that the Broadway Grille is a particularly good setting for an event like the Historical Society Banquet because its helps them emphasize the whole idea of Historic Preservation, how Its done, and how beautiful it is when done properly.For information about the Mauch Chunk Historical Society, you can visit their website at

www.mauchchunkhistory.com or call (570) 325-4439.