Michael kicked off the meeting by detailing Ann’s vision to create a welcoming space for the entire community.

“The facility itself has character, wouldn’t you agree,” Michael said.

Ann, the owner of the 88-year-old Royale Dairy building on Juniata Street, aims to create affordable fun by restoring the building to preserve its history and give it new life, while promoting nearby natural spaces, such as the Juniata River and supporting local businesses.

Michael shared that they have money set aside to start the processes necessary to restore the building but need the help of the community to potentially secure grants, manage the project and come together to reach the goal to open part of the property to the public by July 4.

“We need to make sure that it remains safe and stable. So that’s one of our next tasks here, is to get the current engineering study done on it,” Michael said.

Email Royale@Nmax.net to offer ideas, help in the project and attend meetings to bring the restoration project closer to its July 4 goal.

A few ideas that Michael, Ann and Thompson shared include a coffee shop, bakery, kayak rental, ice cream shop, gift shop, food court of rotating food trucks and a bait and tackle shop.

“I think we’re on to something here, but we need help,” Thompson said.

The trio emphasized the location’s history and the need to resume further community investment to restore pride in Lewistown.

According to an informational handout compiled by Rick Bodenschatz, local historian Forest Fisher wrote that the Royale Dairy business began in Juniata County when Robert Frances Innis established a milk-bottling and dairy business in the alley behind the Coleman Hotel in the 1920s, though the original building no longer exists.

Royale Dairy relocated to its Juniata Street location in the 1940s to offer dairy products, including its iconic milkshakes, a soda fountain and a luncheonette.

According to the handout by Bodenschatz, Fisher wrote that the business was sold in 1980 to the UNICO Corp., of State College.

Ann, Michael and Thompson aim to bring the charm of Royale Dairy back to Lewistown. Meeting updates are available on Facebook via the Mifflin County Alerts page or email Royale@Nmax.net to share your thoughts and learn more.