Lehighton is the largest borough in Carbon County. What do smaller towns like Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, and Summit Hill have that Lehighton doesn't?

A historical society.That could soon change.At a meeting of Lehighton Borough Council this week, a request was made to utilize a room in the borough annex, rent free. The request was made by Dr. Harrison Hoppes, who 10 1/2 years ago was one of the founders of the Lehighton Area Heritage Alliance (LAHA).Hoppes is a 1953 graduate of Lehighton High School where he was class president and valedictorian. He has been living in Maryland where he had a successful career in industry.Despite not living locally, he still returned to his hometown periodically and was instrumental in helping the town stage an impressive 250th anniversary event of the Gnadenhutten Massacre.Hoppes is retired now, and moved back to Lehighton last March.He told Lehighton Borough Council of his intentions to revitalize LAHA, set up a display of historical relics in the borough annex, and create a computer database for historical and community related data.The council approved his request for the room in the annex and will give it to the LAHA rent-free. Councilman Scott Rehrig endorsed the efforts and expertise of Hoppes. None of the council members expressed hesitation in granting the approval, which is a good thing.Over the years, numerous efforts have been made to form some sort of historical society in Lehighton. For some reason, those efforts always fell short.Former TIMES NEWS Associate Editor Jim Zbick had a vast collection of historical items that he would have contributed, but last year he retired and moved to Florida. One of his first projects there was joining with some other history buffs and opening a military museum there. It's too bad the local area couldn't capitalize on what he had to offer.But through the efforts of Hoppes, hopefully other such opportunities won't pass us by.Hoppes expressed enthusiasm during the request to the council. He said he is willing to provide the financing for a computer database.He told the council, "I firmly believe hat LAHA should be a self-sustaining activity oriented not only to preserving the past but also to promoting present and future events of a community nature."The timing of the request by Hoppes was perfect. In 2016, Lehighton will be celebrating its 150th anniversary.A committee has been set up to plan anniversary events.Certainly interest in the borough's heritage will peak during the centennial celebration.LAHA should be up and operating by that time. A museum in the borough annex will be a wonderful accompaniment to the anniversary celebration.It's great to see something positive happening. Getting LAHA up and running is definitely a good thing.By RON GOWERrgower@tnonline.com