Slinky history exhibits in Blair County, PA

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. — The Reiser House in Hollidaysburg's Canal Basin Park is set to feature new exhibits celebrating the history of the Slinky toy.

 

After initial plans to dedicate the entire first floor to Slinky displays met with community resistance, a compromise was reached to preserve existing canal exhibits alongside the new Slinky features.

 

Mayor Chad Repko highlighted the potential for increased visitor engagement, noting that the Reiser House has seen low attendance in recent years.

 

Community members expressed concerns about the costs associated with installing the new displays, emphasizing the need for professional input in museum curation and architecture.

 

Rebekah James, daughter of Slinky creator Richard James, emphasized the importance of honoring her family's legacy while respecting the existing exhibits.

 

Council members aim to have the new displays ready by summer, with the understanding that if the Reiser House and Canal Basin Park are incorporated into the National Parks system—a process requiring congressional approval—the Slinky exhibits would be removed.

 

Canal Basin Park, once a major terminus for the Pennsylvania Canal, has undergone extensive renovations to preserve its historical significance.

 

The park features a replica of the lock mechanisms and offers visitors a glimpse into life along the canal.

 

Incorporating Slinky exhibits into the Reiser House aims to attract more visitors while maintaining the park's rich history.

 

As the project progresses, community input remains vital to ensure that both the legacy of the canal and the Slinky are honored appropriately.