The
John Gaverick Memorial Hall, named for a former borough maintenance foreman,
was built to house the Good Will Hose Company of Frackville, which
was incorporated in 1911. The two story brick building was erected in 1911
in the Art Nouveau architectural style. It is designed of red brick interlaced
with a pattern of white limestone brick in diagonal stripes and arches.
At the roof line, the frieze is covered with ornamental patterned metal
work on three sides. The corners of the building are corbeled brick piers
topped with tin spires.
The Dorsey Brothers, famed musical entertainers, were members of the Good Will Hose Company Band which was formed not long after the hose company was organized. In 1947, the Frackville Ambulance Association was established and shared the use of the building. A garage was built adjacent to it for the ambulance. In 1970 both associations vacated the site and moved into new quarters. The site became a teen canteen and in 1976 was also used as headquarters for the borough's centennial celebration. From 1984 to 1990 the building was used by the Easter Seals Association. Until May 1997, the District Magistrate held office and court there. When the Magistrate vacated the building, the borough council discussed its sale or lease. Fearful of this historical building being razed or altered significantly, the Frackville Area Historical Society approached the council with a lease proposal. This plan met unanimous approval.
The society has recently received word from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Historic Preservation that the building meets their criteria for designation as a historic building and is therefore eligible to apply for National Historic Register. Given its prime location, one block from the main intersection of the borough, and its unique architectural design as well as its ties to the community, the Society views the building's restoration as a priority project.
