The History of the Old Corner

A Lock Haven Express Exclusive

Sue Hannegan, mother-in-law to Shaun Dale, owner of the Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop, spent time researching the building and its history.

Originally constructed in 1871, the three-story brick building originally held three storefronts. The Old Corner’s address was 128 E. Church St. and the adjoining building address was 124-126 E. Church Street. The Old Corner was used as a saloon. Peter Beck, the original hotel keeper, was assessed on a one-third lot containing a brick dwelling and saloon. Beck operated the corner portion as a hotel and saloon until his death in November 1891

A municipal parking lot now occupies the western two-thirds of the original Strayer Building.

Joining these two storefronts was a one-story, wood frame canopy that extended over the sidewalk to the curb.

There is documentation noting the corner building at 128 was a hotel, and at 126 E. Church Street was Globe Bottling Works operated by Ward Holloway.

The Globe Bottling Works transitioned to the Holloway Bottling Company.

Following Holloway’s bottling operations at 145 E. Church Street, William A. Mosher acquired the operation naming it Mosher’s Steam Bottling Works. He subsequently served as the operator of the Lock Haven Steam Bottling Works and was recognized locally as being in the “wholesale liquor business” until he sold the business in 1917.

Mosher conducted a wholesale operation for carbonated soft drinks and bottled homebrewed beers, ales and porter as well as Budweiser and Iroquois beers. His specialties were Toca-Coca, Jersey Cream and Cascade Ginger Ale.

History in the Making

Dale purchased the business in July 2022 from its previous owner Don Powers.

Since then, he has been committed to serving the community — offering the public a place for good food and great people.

Dale has gotten permission from the Lock Haven City Council every year to allow the closure of a portion of the street on Fridays and Saturdays to provide outdoor dining and entertainment.

From May to August, Dale offers a selection of musicians to appeal to everyone.

“There’s so many local organizations or fundraising efforts in the area. We donate many gift cards for those efforts, too. Last year we were able to give back a lot to the community through various discounts and fundraisers,” said Dale.

They also sponsor the Sheriff’s department’s “Night Out” hosted annually, attending the event and cooking food for the officers.

Dale also has plans to do various chicken barbecue events with organizations throughout Clinton County to help with fundraising efforts.

Area organizations such as sports teams or the boy scouts organization also do sub sales throughout the school year that they help out with. “It’s been a huge hit throughout the community,” said Dale.

The bar/restaurant offers a wide range of drink options along with delicious food — including unique weekly specials.

The Old Corner is open 7 days a week, Monday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. with the kitchen open 11 a.m. to midnight.

You can also see regular updates on their Facebook page at The Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop.

Click to read Sue Hannegan's Old Corner historical research in it's entirety.

J.W.C. Floyd Photo #281 of the Curb Market on East Church Street. The photo was taken c. 1900, looking west from Grove Street to Vesper Street.

This bottle is 9 inches tall and appears to have 8 sides, and is aqua in color. This Lock Haven Bottling Works bottle could have contained soda or beer and was likely used at 145 E. Church St., Lock Haven.

Summer Fun Music for community entertainment.

Shaun Dale and others are pictured grilling and helping out at the Night Out event.