Just like it did in the 19th century, New Garden Township's Lyceum Hall is once again hosting programs for the public: my friend Hilary Fox is teaching an all-levels community yoga class there from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
A neighbor and I attended a class a few weeks ago -- Hilary is a terrific, inspiring teacher -- and I was curious enough about the building to do some research.
Lynn Sinclair, a member of New Garden Township's Historical Commission, told me that the Hall was built in 1852 on Route 41 near New Garden Road (right across from the Hilltop Inn) and served as a meeting place, school and township building (and possibly a hiding place for slaves on the Underground Railroad).
The frame building's condition was deteriorating, and the township supervisors voted to move it to the township park so it could be preserved. A documentary of the 2012 move shows the building, shrouded in a blue tarp and sitting sideways on a flatbed, moving slowly up Route 41; it barely fits through the park gates.
The Historical Commission has plans to rebuild the windows and fix and paint the exterior of the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you're interested in Hilary's Lyceum yoga class, she charges $12 for one class, with reduced prices if you take multiple classes. Her Ellicott Road yoga studio is called The Growing Room.
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