History — after a period of 75 years — dramatically repeated itself Thursday night at the “open house” of the Park Home, formerly the Park Hotel.

Several hundred visitors inspecting the beautifully remodeled and redecorated henceforth to be operated as a home for elderly men and women, the electric lighting failed–just as gas illumination failed in September 1865, at the grand opening of the newly erected Park Hotel.

There was a difference however, Peter Herdic, builder of the hotel and Williamsport’s master promoter had several hours after the burning of the gas plant during which he had time to assemble hundreds of coal oil lamps and “tallow dips” to serve during the evening’s grand reception.

Dr. George F. Schaum, superintendent of the Park Home, was given no warning last evening when the use of lights all over the building overtaxed the electrical system and caused fuses to blow out. He and the home personnel were left only with a score of candles and flashlights for a few minutes until the recently installed emergency lighting system took over the load.

While the failure of the lights slowed the inspection of the building, which 2.500 persons visited, it took nothing from the favorable opinion formed by those of the visitors, if anything adding to that impression of warm-heartedness which Dr. Schaum and the home’s trustees created.

Praise for the home was lavish. Visitors found its appointments comfortable and homey. Facilities appeared to be excellent. The guest rooms were most attractively furnished and of ample size. There was no sense of crowding or regimenting.