After more than 50 years in business and until last December, Hill’s Machine Shop in Lansford crafted countless parts for manufacturers in Carbon, Schuylkill and beyond.

Owner Kenny Hill also crafted a close-knit team of workers who became like family.

On Thursday, an honor from Lansford Alive prompted a reunion of that family, and its many friends from around the valley.

The event celebrated Hill’s role as a machinist and business owner, and the legacy he created by preserving Lansford’s Lehigh & New England Train Station as his machine shop.

“He gave back to the community in many ways. It shows his importance to the community to look at the crowd here today,” said Christopher Ondrus, President of Lansford Alive.

On the floor of Hill’s Machine Shop, friends and employees swapped stories about Hill’s dedication, generosity and personality. For 50-plus years, Hill and his employees made essential parts for businesses like Ametek and Silberline.

“It’s a family unit, and I feel so honored to be a part of it,” said Frank Porambo, who started at Hill’s in 1988.

Foreman Ken Nevenglosky worked alongside Hill for 50 years. He recalled how he and Hill started as co-workers, became friends, and finally as brothers.

Richie Murlo, who worked 42 years, recalled how Hill always took care of his employees, preached safety first, and never took himself too seriously.

“He was a great guy to work for,” Murlo said.

One of Hill’s former employees, Dr. John C. Williams, went on to become the Dean of the School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology at Alfred State College in New York. He said that Hill’s was a boon to local industry and the community, and had an important impact on him in the early part of his career.

“There’s quite a bit going on here. The women and men of Hill’s Machine Shop are great people doing great work. You have the community, the impact of Kenny, and the generosity he’s expressed,” Williams said.

Williams also praised Hill for selling the building to the borough, which plans to use it to promote tourism and serve as an incubator space for up-and-coming businesses.

“The building itself is steeped in history, tied to what Lansford became and is a sign of where it’s heading,” Williams said.

Bill Harleman, president of the Lansford Historical Society, said Hill’s contribution is important because of the large number of historic buildings in Lansford which have been lost over time. “The potential is unreal,” Harleman said.

Lansford Borough Council President Bruce Markovich said he was grateful that Hill chose the borough over buyers offering more money because they shared a vision to preserve the building.

Hill and his wife, Jeanie, Hill’s partner in life and business, plan to enjoy retirement and drive Route 66 in their 1930s hot rod coupe, Miss Pinky. Jeanie Hill said that they won’t be sad that this chapter is over, but will smile and reminisce because it happened.

“Life with Kenny Hill has been one wild ride,” she said.