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Donations Boost Heidelberg Raceway Marker

Several local businesses have chipped in to raise the $1,860 needed to install the historical marker.

 

It wasn’t long after the state approved a historical marker for the old Heidelberg Speedway that donations starting pouring in.

Just three weeks after Heidelberg officials announced their application for a historical marker was approved, several businesses located in and around Raceway Plaza stepped forward to help bring the monument a step closer to reality.

“It’s all clicking right now,” Heidelberg Manager Joe Kauer said. “I’m surprised how fast it’s all coming together.”

The borough needed to raise $1,860 to purchase the sign from the state, and since has received $500 from Walmart, $500 from Woltz & Wind Ford and $275 from L. Thomas Body Shop & Towing. Meanwhile, Lowe’s donated manpower and supplies to build a beautiful flower bed where the sign eventually will be placed.

And just last week, the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club met at the Heidelberg Fire Hall, prompting excitement about the old raceway that led to $440 in donations from its members. Kauer told the borough council during its Tuesday night voting meeting that he expects the borough will be able to raise the remaining $145 needed for the sign by the end of the month.

“There’s a lot of excitement about it,” Kauer said. “It’s a lot of fun on our part because it’s coming together so easily.”

Heidelberg officials worked hard to have the speedway turned shopping center designated as a historical site after finding compelling and unique stories that included NASCAR races and the final Big Top circus. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission approved a historical marker, which will be placed next to Route 50 between the King’s restaurant and Walgreen’s drug store next spring.

Kauer said the Circle Track Club members were especially pleased that the land will be remembered for its historical significance to the region. He said they want to “make an event out of the designation” with a parade or car cruise.

 

Also during the meeting...

  • Borough Council voted unanimously to approve the new bathroom and concession stand for Heidelberg Park. Council agreed to pay Vento Landscaping and Construction $88,047 to build the "comfort station" next to the pavilion in the park. The number is much closer to the borough's expectations after receiving proposals of $110,750 and $136,000 in August. Kauer said they have secured a grant that will pay for about half of the cost.
Related Topics: Donations, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Raceway, Historical markers, and Pennsylvania

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