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of Freeland, Pa. Cross Creek Hall, Drifton |
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Cross Creek Hall, Drifton In his Panorama book Freeland (p. 11), Charles Stumpf described Cross Creek Hall: "MMI had originally opened on May 7, 1879 and classes were held in Cross Creek Hall in Drifton. It was a two-story building of Gothic design. The first floor consisted of classrooms and a library. The second floor had a large auditorium, 115x55’ with a 15’ stage. The auditorium was lit with 176 gas lights, while the entire building was heated by steam. The auditorium was used as a lecture hall and was also a very popular site for dances and other social gatherings of the time. Additional classrooms were located in the basement. In one of the lower rooms students sometimes engaged in a German sporting game called ‘Fighting Schlager.’ Opponents dueled with sabres, wearing face masks to protect themselves from injury. … Cross Creek Hall was destroyed by fire in 1888. It was believed the fire was started accidentally by a lighted cigar, during a dance held in the auditorium." After that fire, Eckley B. Coxe had Cross Creek Hall rebuilt as a recreation center, enjoyed for decades by many who attended dances and other social events there. MMI, however, moved to Freeland. |