Harrington develops under eye of local organizations

HARRINGTON – A significant number of organizations and people are watching over the development of the city. The most prominent are the Harrington Public Development Authority (HPDA), the Harrington Historic Preservation Commission (HHPC) and the Harrington Area Chamber of Commerce.

The HPDA was formed in 2003 "to undertake, assist with and otherwise facilitate the acquisition, construction, development, equipping, leasing, operation and maintenance of public benefit projects within or without the City of Harrington in Lincoln County and surrounding area.

To the extent appropriate and consistent with the needs and objectives of the city, the Authority will acquire and manage real property, secure financing, undertake the construction and development of and otherwise accomplish all purposes required for development and operation of the projects."

The HHPC was established in Nov. 2009 and its purpose "is to provide for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic resources; raise community awareness; and serve as the city's primary resource in matters of history, historic planning and preservation."

The chamber has evolved from the olden days' Commercial Club (1902) to the 1946 adoption of its new title, Chamber of Commerce. Its mission statement as advertised in 2017 is "to actively promote businesses in the Harrington Chamber of Commerce Area".

Activity is ongoing the Harrington business district, but the US Bank at 1 North Third Street has closed. The building was built in 1909, and had been used through the years as bank, a department store, women's clothing store, offices, antique shop, health spa, and church. The Old National Bank in 1968 took ownership of the bank building and the US Bank was housed there.

The Challenger Cafe was recently sold by Van Hong Trinh of Odessa to Michael and Annamaria Ritt, who also own a house on West Sherlock. In a brief conversation, Annamaria stated that they would like to put in an ice cream shop, although they do not have plans set in stone.

Through the years the building had been used as a meat market, but more frequently as a restaurant, cafe or diner. After years of being closed, Jay Draper opened an internet service which did not continue long. The "Block" in which the Challenger Cafe sits was constructed in 1894.

Grange Supply Building, built as the Faulding Building in stages beginning in 1903, was located at 2 North Third Street. In various portions of the building for varying periods of time, the building had been the home of A & H Supply, W P Hill Grocery, Holmes Saloon, Cash Store, Joliff's Variety Store, Hudson-Terraplane Garage (Harold Rux), grange supply, hardware, meat market, freezer storage and a tailor shop.

The old Harrington Haus at 14 South Third Street has been the site of increased activity this summer. The Haus was reconstructed with one of its walls dating to 1906 and the remainder built in 1916 and 1920. It has primarily been used as a tavern, saloon, cafe, bakery and confectionery under a variety of names: The Magnet, Carlsbad Tavern, and Harrington Haus.

It was closed in October 2013 under Pamela Meyer Dietrich's ownership. John and Jeannie Dempsey in 2015 attempted to remodel but failed to manage and the building was sold to Jay Gossett in 2017.

The Hotel Lincoln, purchased by Jerry and Karen Allen and Archie Staley in 2008 continues to make progress in the two-fold project of deconstruction and reconstruction. The building was opened in January of 1902 and continued as a hotel until as the Electric Hotel in the 1950s, the building was primarily remodeled and converted into residential apartments.

Room rental was minimized following the 1981 retirement of Paul and Ava Lee Hanes.

Activity at the Hotel Lincoln seems to have increased this summer with the current owners being in charge for thirteen years.

Town Square Park, originally dubbed the Opera House Square by Paul Gilliland when he acquired the property for the city, has been the center of much activity for the past several years.

For years, the park was an empty lot where the original opera house had been located. In its day, it housed W.C. Hannum & Co. drug store, hardware dealers, a general merchandise establishment, Bank of Harrington, law offices, the opera house, a dress shop, an automotive garage and a mechanic.

From 1980 to 1986 the building was used for storage, and in 1986 the building was removed by its owner, Bill Floyd. He later sold or gifted the vacant lot to the city in Oct. 2011. This was the center of activity for the first Annual Harrington Vintage Country Fair on June 26, 2021.

Harrington Opera House is continuing its renovation projects this season. They recently started a Vintage Shoppe in conjunction with the rummage events they hold. Currently they have scheduled sales in both sections on July 30 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A Christmas theme will be shown in the Vintage Shoppe. Regular rummage may have an overflow of the Christmas items, but will hold its standard rummage sale, "all for a donation."