The Coplay 150th anniversary committee meets 7 p.m. Feb. 21 to continue finalizing plans for the celebrations. The fun begins with a banquet scheduled for April 6 at the American Club of Coplay pavilion.

All this talk about the anniversary has brought about more interest in the borough’s history. Here is a flashback to when Second Street was the focus of commercial, social and recreational activities.

At South Second Street and Keystone Alley, there is a brick building that once housed borough hall and the fire station. Later, borough council met on Third Street, on property that is now church owned. Currently, borough hall is on South Fourth Street, the site of the former Coplay High School.

Second Street was the hub for entertainment and featured Paradise Roller Skating Rink, the Ritz Movie Theatre, the Columbia Hotel and Log Cabin Tavern. Polka bands performed for crowds at the Columbia Hotel. The Log Cabin Tavern had adjoining bowling alleys in the 1940s and early 1950s.

Many taverns and bars made their mark in the borough including Sechler’s, later known as Yesterday’s and currently Samuel Owens Restaurant & Bar. Hower’s, later Scramph’s and Chick’s Bar, was located at Second and Center streets. Most recently, the site was Fragnito’s Bar, now closed.

Local restaurants flourished in the area. Sodls, later known as Hilltop, was a popular eatery. Bill’s Lunch, currently The Bacon Strip, was another local hot spot.

Don’t forget about the Coplay Bakery, where the aroma of freshly baked pies, cakes, cookies and bread brought lines of people waiting for some goodies.

Nicholas Market was on North Second Street, and the A&P Market was on South Second Street.

Many remember Coplay News Agency, a family-run business, and Milander’s Market, where patrons overflowed to the sidewalks.

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Coplay Athletic Club is accepting new members and renewals from present members.

The club operates a fitness center with weights and more on the second floor of the borough municipal building, 98 S. Fourth St.

Gym renewals can be made by placing your name in an envelope through the slot at the gym door.

Further information, including pricing, is available by calling 610-657-2477, 610-440-2313 or 610-739-5733.