PHILIPSBURG — A dilapidated hotel that was once a thriving business at the Clearfield/Centre County line in Philipsburg will be demolished to make room for a new Sheetz location.
Sheetz recently confirmed it purchased The Harbor Inn Hotel, 810 N. Front St. from its owner, Dusan Bratic. The establishment was once a well-known hotel and restaurant known as the Wharf Lounge.
The hotel property is located on portions of Decatur Township in Clearfield County and Rush Township in Centre County. It closed earlier this year.
Sheetz spokesman Harry Hammel said since purchasing the property, Sheetz plans to rebuild and expand the existing store that is located next door to the hotel property.
In its heyday, Harbor Inn became a landmark in the region when it opened in 1972. It was a popular hotel and restaurant for visitors. The Wharf Lounge bar offered live entertainment as well.
Its biggest historical note was that the hotel housed the tallest Santa Claus display in the state. That display is now owned and maintained by the Philipsburg Elks and is located with his sleigh and toy soldiers at Cold Stream Dam and Recreation Park.
