SHAMOKIN - The gift of a large, historic home in the city to the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities has been described as a "Christmas miracle" by the council's executive director.
Jeanne Shaffer, who has been in charge of the council since 2000, said Saturday the acquisition of the former Kallaway home at 144 E. Lincoln St., next to the "99 steps," will be finalized by the end of the year. She said the former home of Dr. John and JoAnn Kallaway will most likely be used as a forum for art lessons and activities.
She said the three-story house includes Dr. Kallaway's former dentist office and a two-car garage in the rear of the property.
Shaffer said the building will be known as the Kallaway Center for the Arts.
Dr. Kallaway, 86, who grew up in the Lincoln Street home where his father, Sidney, served as a physician, currently resides in a nursing home in Akron, Ohio. His wife, the former JoAnn McCloskey of Danville, was a registered nurse who passed away March 28, 2011, at the age of 76. Mrs. Kallaway volunteered for many years with the Meals on Wheels program coordinated locally by Shaffer.
The home was built at the turn of the 20th century.
When reached by telephone Saturday night, Cindy Hetrick of Akron, Ohio, a first cousin to Mrs. Kallaway who is in charge of bequeathing the building to the council, said, "We didn't get any offers on the house and the family decided to donate it to the arts and humanities council rather than sell it for a song. This way, we know the home will be preserved. It's very beautiful."
Hetrick, a native of Danville who has relatives still living in the area, said she was very close to her cousin, whom she described as a very talented artist. "JoAnn would be very happy with this decision. Giving it to the arts council would be right up her alley," she said.
She added, "Our family is thrilled to be able to do this. When I told Dr. Kallaway about donating the building to the arts council, his face lit up."
Hetrick, whose family comes back to the area to visit, said it's nice to know that the Kallaway home will still be there and serving an important purpose in the community. "My children will love to see the house again," she said.
"The family wanted to donate it to an organization that has been active in the community and we are so glad they chose us," Shaffer said. "I consider this a Christmas miracle."
Shaffer said the possibilities with the building are "endless."
Shaffer expressed her deep appreciation to the Kallaway family for their outstanding generosity and interest in the arts.
"This a huge shot in the arm for us," Shaffer said.
She said a board meeting will be held next month to discuss the best ways to utilize the property.
"We believe the children in our communities are facing a heavy burden because of the cuts made in the music and arts programs at area middle schools," she said. "We would like to see more classes in the arts offered to adults and students, and this building will provide a perfect atmosphere for that."
Shaffer said plans are being made to offer a wider array of special classes in all art forms and hopes the community continues to support the council's efforts through its sponsorships and fund-raising activities.
She said, "Hopefully, we can provide some help to children who are missing out on the opportunity of being exposed to the arts at a very crucial time of their lives. The arts are important in the formative years and have proven to enhance learning in children their age. We are hopeful that we can make a difference in this area."
Currently, the council for the arts and humanities operates an art gallery on the ground-level floor at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center at Arch and Eighth streets, and sponsors various art, music and theatrical programs for children and adults.