History of N4Cs

A Brief History

Community spirit, cooperation, and generosity have been the driving forces behind the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center (N4Cs). In 1997, some Benton residents assembled to discuss the viability of an intergenerational facility—a place where kids could “hang out,” where families could gather, where seniors could congregate. Many ideas were tossed about, and from this meeting the concept of a community center emerged. In order to move the idea forward, three groups began working together: a core group of Benton residents, the Benton Area Council of Churches, and the Columbia County Housing Corporation. That was the beginning of the 9½ year process to build a safe place for children and adults to gather, have fun, exercise, and learn. The culmination was the grand opening of N4Cs on October 13, 2007. The donation of labor, money, emotional support and ideas from many, many people preceded this special event.

The first major activity for the planned new facility involved conducting a survey to determine if there was local interest in a community center. The overwhelming response was positive. After reviewing the survey responses, the initial Board of Directors realized that the facility should be large enough to serve three school districts (Benton, Millville, and Northwest), and should include more facilities than a typical community center, such as a Library and Museum. Therefore, the idea of “The Benton Community Center” slowly evolved into “Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center.”

Next, the planning committee engaged in a major fund raising effort. And the local community demonstrated outstanding generosity; so many residents, students, churches and businesses contributed money, skills, and time to enable the creation of N4Cs. The Center also received grant money from the State of Pennsylvania and Central Susquehanna Community, as well as funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. N4Cs’ benefactor, Elsie Buyers, an initial force behind the idea for our Community Center, also contributed considerable encouragement, ideas and money during the planning and building process, hence the dedication of the stone monument at N4Cs’ entrance.

Some initial funds came from “selling” rooms. Pledges came from local corporations and individuals to “buy” the Gymnasium, Library, Museum, Kitchen, Cardio/Weight Room, Arts & Crafts Room, Dance Room, Food Bank, Game Room, Multi-purpose Room, and Director’s Office. Another person contributed funds for the Horseshoe Pitching Facility, and another donated the skateboard ramp. In addition, businesses and individuals pledged gifts-in-kind to help with the building process and art work.

A local artist created a Founders’ Tree, highlighting the names of founding donors. That same artist painted the beautiful waterfall mural with historic landmark vignettes on the Game Room Wall. Another local business funded the creation of a waterfall at the base of the mural.

A special thank you must go to our large group of volunteers who continue to make N4Cs function so smoothly. Our volunteers work at the Front Desk and the Thrift Shop. They also maintain the building, landscape, create the advertising, operate the Food Bank, plan many of the programs, conduct the annual auction, prepare the food for all of the special events, and so much more.

N4Cs has become an instrumental part of the Northern Columbia County community for so many people. Some programs are offered on a regular basis, others emerge to satisfy new needs. Kids, teens, young adults, families, and seniors continue to be thankful for the existence of this wonderful facility that grew out of a concept for a place where “multi generations can gather for fun, learning and exercise.”