Collins and Pancoast Hall (1920 - 2010) - Merchantville, NJ - Photos Then and Now on Waymarking.com

This was a very easy picture to take. Nothing environmentally has changed in the last 100 years. A balcony was removed but everything about the building is also the same. I stepped into Centre Street and easily duplicated the picture taken 90 years ago.

From the Merchantville Historical Society I learned The Merchantville Lodge of Free Masons No. 119 held its first meeting the second Friday of every month. J. Collins & Sons sold coal, lumber, paints, and varnishes on the first floor of the hall. The post office was also located here for a short period of time.

This historic landmark received a complete renovation in the summer of 2008. The exterior was complete painted and appointed with new windows, awnings and signs.

The Blue Monkey Tavern (first floor) now occupies the space where the Collins House Restaurant used to be. The tavern is entirely new with a 20 foot square mahogany bar as the room's centerpiece with more than 7 HD flat screen televisions through out the bar. There are a variety of seating types throughout for groups big and small and larger, more private areas to accommodate small gatherings.

The Collins House has relocated to the second floor which was renovated from floor to ceiling to set the stage for this gracious dining space. The stately decor and high ceilings make it one of the most grand facilities in Southern New Jersey. The entire second floor and adjoining private can seat up to 120 people in a variety of configurations. The space offers a full-service bar and catering packages from full-service dining to sit-down dinners

There is a neat kind of ghost sign on the left side, however, I think it is probably a recent painted sign although it has a vintage look to it.