If you were around in 1985, you might remember a different Jefferson County. The streets looked a little quieter, the buildings a little wearier, and the sense of “what comes next?” lingered in many conversations. That September, RE Magazine, the national publication of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, ran a feature story that captured a moment in time — a moment that now feels like the beginning of something remarkable.
Then: A Town on the Edge of Change
In those days, revitalization wasn’t a buzzword — it was a leap of faith. The magazine article told the story of a group of community members who came together to breathe new life into their town. What they lacked in funding or fancy planning tools, they made up for in grit, sweat equity, and a deep love for the place they called home.
It was a time of hope and hard hats. Of scraped knees and handwritten meeting notes. The borough and the Historic Brookville Inc. (HBI) team, along with local leaders and volunteers, rolled up their sleeves — sometimes literally — and began the long, sometimes uphill, journey of preservation and progress.
Reading that article today, it’s clear: it wasn’t just about restoring buildings. It was about restoring pride.
Now: A Vision Realized
Today, the vision from 1985 has taken root. Many of the structures once threatened by decay now stand tall and proud, housing businesses, hosting events, and serving as living monuments to what can happen when a community believes in itself.
Where there were empty storefronts, there are now thriving small businesses. Annual events and walking tours attract visitors from far and wide. What was once a story of survival is now one of success.
The faces have changed — new leaders, new families, and new ideas have joined the fold — but the heart of the effort remains the same: preserving the character of the town while preparing it for a brighter future.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
It’s easy to romanticize the past — the camaraderie, the simplicity, the shared mission. But what makes this story so powerful is that it wasn’t all easy. There were setbacks, doubts, and moments when it would’ve been simpler to let things go. But this community didn’t.
Instead, they built something lasting.
So as we look around today — at the restored facades, the vibrant sidewalks, the hum of activity — let’s tip our hats to 1985. To those who saw potential in the peeling paint. To those who showed up, week after week, because they believed the town was worth it.
It was. And it still is.
