Congressman Bill Shuster was the honored guest speaker for the ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday at Liberty Hall, the U.S. Hotel’s new banquet facility.
The Hollidaysburg restaurant and tavern hosted the Altoona Blair County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, area business and government leaders and community members for the event.
Former Congressman Bud Shuster helped to secure the needed funding through Southern Alleghenies for preservation of the U.S. Hotel when owner, Karen Yoder bought it 10 years ago.
“With our promotional theme ‘A Return to the Future’ it only seems fitting that his son Bill would speak at our event,” said Yoder.
The Liberty Hall addition is estimated at a cost of $500,000, and Altoona First Savings Bank is assisting in the financing.
“The Yoders have built a successful business with the U.S. Hotel,” said Altoona First representative Larry Savino. “We want to be a partner with the U.S. Hotel on the Liberty Hall project. We want to help.”
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Congressman Shuster stressed the importance of local heritage and of small businesses.
“For me there is no greater thrill than to sit at a place or walk a path where people have gone hundreds and hundreds of years before,” stated Shuster of the history at the U.S Hotel in Hollidaysburg.
He also included the newly-built Liberty Hall as another asset to Blair County, along with others.
“As I-99 comes fully online, as we see the convention center pick up speed, and we continue to watch the Altoona Curve flourish, we can offer quality of life second to none.”
The U.S. Hotel was established in 1835, and it has survived fires and multiple ownerships. To add onto the structure, harnessed horses raised authentic mid 19th century beams for the framework of Liberty Hall.
“We want Liberty Hall to have the Victorian Period authenticity that our existing restaurant and tavern have,” said Yoder. “The U.S. Hotel is known for its quaintness and charm, and we don’t want to lose that through expansion.”
The hall features a mezzanine area and an outdoor dining porch. Construction of a front patio and authentic stone “ruin wall” will begin in Spring 2003.
The building accommodates up to 300 people for banquets, meetings, or receptions. The hall overlooks Canal Basin Park, The Reiser House, and the Canal Basin Restoration.
The restaurant and tavern is open seven days a week, and during the summer outdoor dining is available. Off-site catering service is also available. Chef Bill Sell prepares a gourmet menu and an in-house pastry chef and baker take care of desserts. To make reservations for Liberty Hall or for more information, contact Karen or Jason Yoder at 695-9924.
Magician Richard Mangiacarne will appear for a Magical Dinner as the next event scheduled at Liberty Hall on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. Reservations are needed to attend the event.