Life is Sweet

Patton Public Library first opened its doors in 1962. Since then, the library has changed locations several times: from 405 Magee Avenue to 408, to 404, and to its present location at 444 Magee Avenue with the construction of a new building in 2010. The new building was funded through a $200,000 bequest from a former Pattonite, Irene Micklick Sauter, along with grants and donations.

Monica (pictured) is the seventh librarian the Patton Public Library has been blessed with. Born and raised in Patton, Pennsylvania, she moved away for 15 years before settling back down in her grandmothers house. 

Monica has fond memories of Patton, its thriving economy, and its many industries, including The Patton Clay Works, the shirt factory, and the mines. Growing up in Patton, she remembers frequenting Solomon’s Sweet Shop which occupied the building across the street from the library. The long counter and soda fountain, along with the jukebox in the back made Solomon’s a favorite hangout for the after-school groups.

Betsy Solomon, who operated the business with her husband, Ed Solomon, until his death in 1951, continued to run the shop until her retirement in 1977 at the age of 82. In a not-so-fond memory, Monica recalled: “I remember Betsy; she was mean and hated kids!” Not necessarily good traits when you run a sweet shop. Monica also recalled that she lived in the apartment above the shop after it closed.

The building still stands in Patton at 447 Magee Avenue, and currently houses Simple Men Outdoors.

Solomon’s Sweet Shop photos courtesy of Power Library: Pennsylvania’s Electronic Library.