In the spring of 1974, a group of citizens came together to investigate the need for a community center in Apollo. The citizen-driven committee brought together representatives from various civic groups, industry, churches, and businesses, along with representatives from Apollo, North Apollo, and Kiski Township governments. The group set its sights on the former Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 since it included a large auditorium and stage, as well as kitchen, restrooms, and three meeting rooms. They decided the building would need some renovations to better meet the region’s needs, and funding would be secured through independent sources.
In April, 1974, members of the committee distributed surveys throughout the Apollo area to families, students, individuals, and citizens, and civic groups to determine what it would take for the Community Center to be sufficient. During a three month study, the surveys revealed more than 90 percent felt the center was a need and that it should provide regularly scheduled activities for all ages.
By that August, the committee held a thorough cleanup at the former fire department, and held a post-football game dance for Apollo-Ridge teens later that month.
In early 1975, Apollo Council and the committee approved an agreement to use the building as a community center, and bylaws were drafted and approved. By the end of the year, the committee incorporated as the Apollo Area Community Center, a non-profit group tasked with running and maintaining the community center.
In February, 1976, Council and the Community Center planned major renovations for the building, and work was finished in late 1978.
During a rededication ceremony on April 22, 1979, Mayor William Kerr helped celebrate the completion of renovations and the fifth anniversary of the center by dedicating the south end of the municipal building as the Apollo Area Community Center.
Since the first round of renovations, more updates to the building have been made using federal and state grants, as well as donations from area civic groups and residents.
Meetings for several groups throughout the region have been held at the center and it remained a hub for the community for 30 years before its disbandment in 2004 when the Apollo Municipal Building closed.

Taken from the Apollo Bicentennial Celebration 1816-2016 book with permission.

Apollo Loses Again by Cora Lee Scott Apollo News Record June 23, 2004
I received a phone call a couple of weeks ago from a friend in Apollo. He asked me to meet with him as he had a story for me. As I listened I got the distinct impression this story was, unfortunately, true, and that it meant Apollo has another nail in its coffin. Apollo has a long history in our valley and the town has survived many hard times. I hope it survives this one.
Alan Morgan announced the demise of the Apollo Community Center Committee. Ho hum. What does that mean? What did they do? How does that affect me?
The committee was formed of Apollo residents and anyone else with an interest in promoting and organizing events centered in and around the Community Center on the corner of North Fourth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The large building was the home of Apollo Hose Company #2 for years, until the fire department built another building across the street. The space still holds offices of the mayor, Roaring Run Watershed Association, and OVR. Apollo Food Bank holds part of the basement. The library stores used books there for their annual book, bake, and jewelry sale. The police department and the jail are in the building, as are Council chambers and the borough’s secretary’s office. The large open auditorium has been the scene of weddings, showers, dances, reunions, various classes, Miss Rita’s Dance School, martial arts classes, the library book sales, benefit auctions, and concerts. The kitchen has served countless hot dogs and slices of pizza. The garage houses borough vehicles. No other town in the valley has a resource quite like it.
The Committee was formed to manage the use of the non-boro parts of the building. The borough did not charge rent, but after a time, the committee did contribute utility dollars. Membership peaked at around 45 members in the early 80’s. The committee can list long entries of activities sponsored over the years: Apollo Moon Landing ornaments every year, trips to Cherry Blossom Festivals and to plays, sponsoring Helping Hands, Armstrong Patriots Marching Unit, Kiski Valley Youth for Christ, 2nd Ward polling place, Little League meetings and storage, political rallies, American Legion Bingo, and many other events.
The Committee sponsored Spring Fling workshops, the Easter egg hunt, Halloween parties, Breakfast with Santa, teen dances after football games, the pep rally and bonfire for A-R football teams, band concerts in the park, and other events. They contributed dollars to other town organizations and projects; Meals on Wheels, wiring the Christmas lights downtown, Light Up Night activities, the Nellie Bly historical marker, Apollo Memorial Library, the 4th of July fireworks, the beautification fund, and others.
Now membership has dropped to five. In spite of several recruitment efforts, death, illness, retirements, disinterest, and departures have reduced the committee so far the five remaining members do not believe they can continue to function. So they have officially disbanded. The borough council will take over management duties so that some groups can continue to meet here and use the facilities.
If anyone has memories they would like to share, please send them to us at AAHS, PO Box 434, Apollo, PA 15613 or email at apollopahistory@gmail.com. Thanks!

The following pictures are from Breakfasts with Santa, Easter Egg Hunts, Valentines Day, Pep Rallies, Halloween, and Miss Apollo Pageants.