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The borough on Wednesday had the honor of celebrating the distinction of being named to the National Register of Historical Places with a ceremony.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places that it deems worthy of preservation.
According to the National Historical and Museum Commission, this designation makes Juniata Terrace eligible for certain federal tax incentives for income-producing buildings, as well as state and federal grants for planning and rehabilitation of buildings owned by not-for-profit organizations and local governments.
It also includes the Borough for consideration in the planning for state and federal projects or projects that are assisted by state or federal agencies.
The Terrace joins nine other places in Mifflin County already listed on the Register, including the McCoy House, the Mifflin County Courthouse, Embassy Theatre and the Montgomery Ward building.
The 100-year-old borough originally consists of 250 brick homes, a meat market and grocery store, repurposed elementary school and playgrounds was nominated due to its serving as a planned community town for the American Viscose Company, which opened its rayon manufacturing plant in 1921.
American Viscose grew to employ nearly 5,000 workers and soon required more housing to accommodate the families relocating to Lewistown.
The company's answer was to build a "modern industrial village" based upon the Garden City design. The homes could only be rented by American Viscose employees, initially for $1 per week.
The first home was occupied in December 1924, with most homes being rented by the end of 1925. By 1930, more than 600 residents from the 250 homes were employed at the plant. By 1950, the new owners of American Viscose chose to sell all of the properties. In 1967, Juniata Terrace became a Borough to govern itself, as we know it today.
Wednesday also marked the release of "Juniata Terrace...A Walk Back in Time," written by native Rick Bodenschatz, who grew up in Juniata Terrace. It is now available locally at Juniata Terrace Community Building, Wilson's Meat Market, and the Mifflin County Historical Society Library and Research Center.
According to Bodenschatz, the book captures the rich history of the community, ranging from its construction to destruction caused by floods, to the massive fire that ripped through 25 homes on the 300 block in 2014 and the closure of the American Viscose plant in 1972.
The book celebrates the community's ability to thrive and prosper -- something residents should take great pride in.