Hollidaysburg council votes to split Reiser House between canal exhibits and Slinky displays

Hollidaysburg Borough Council voted 4–2 on April 9 to split the first floor of the Reiser House between the borough’s canal‑era displays and a proposed Slinky exhibit after an extended public comment period. The motion, approved by roll call, requires that all existing canal artifacts remain on display and says Slinky displays would be removed if a National Park Service partnership for the site is later pursued.

Many residents packed council chambers to oppose placing a Slinky exhibit in the Reiser House, saying the building and its artifacts are irreplaceable local history. Claire Burke, who identified herself as a longtime borough resident, told the council, “We are not opposed to a Slinky museum. We agree that Mrs. James, her family, and the iconic toy they produced here in Hollidaysburg deserve the recognition that a museum would provide. However, we feel the location this museum needs additional consideration.”

Members of the James family and Slinky proponents described archival material and artifacts they have gathered. Rebecca James Morris, who said her father invented the Slinky, recounted rescuing family materials and said the family approached the borough to “add to and leave the artifacts” rather than displace them. Supporters presented petitions opposing the Reiser House location; speakers gave varying counts of signatures, stating “200 plus” in one comment and later a figure of 270 was cited during discussion.

Council debate centered on compromise language, costs and preserving the town’s chance to partner with the National Park Service on the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. Several council members urged caution about acting hastily without a detailed budget or exhibit plan; others argued a temporary, professionally curated presence could boost visitation and exposure for the canal exhibits as well.

The roll call reflected the split in public comment. Mr. Jacobs voted no, Mr. Closson voted yes, Shelly voted yes, Mr. English voted yes, Mr. Kidd voted no and Mr. Kenner voted yes. The motion’s passage means the Reiser House first floor will be divided roughly 50/50 for canal artifacts and Slinky displays, with the clause that the Slinky displays would be removed if the National Park Service makes a formal move that affects the site.

Council members and staff said the next steps will include clarifying exhibit plans, ensuring that existing artifacts are preserved in place, and drafting any follow‑up language or timelines for removal should federal interest materialize. Several speakers urged the borough and the James family to continue working toward a solution that protects the borough’s canal history while finding an appropriate long‑term home for Slinky materials.