Abby Road Veterinary Hospital is expected to open in May on Atlas Road, after being given approval by Allen Township Board of Supervisors at its February meeting.

Abby Gerenser, of Saylorsburg, was granted approval to operate the veterinary clinic, which will provide services for dogs and cats needing surgical procedures and inoculations.

Gerenser, an associate veterinarian at a Saylorsburg animal clinic, can now proceed with the agreement of sale contingent.

At one time, the structure was a two-room schoolhouse.

For township Supervisors Bruce Frack and Dale Hassler and Chairman Larry Oberly, the schoolhouse rekindled fond memories of the past. All three attended school at the brick two-room school.

Hassler recalls a bell on the wall with a chain deployed as a warning sound for fire drills, tempting many youngsters to pull the chain.

A metal pipe above a coal stove served as a place for children to hang their mittens and coats.

Built in the 1920s, the school operated for three decades, serving students in grades 1 through 4.

Following the school’s closure in the late 1950s, the building served as an intermediate unit in the 1960s. Later, it was used by neighboring St. John’s United Church of Christ and, more recently, a concrete and drilling business.

The building has undergone extensive interior and exterior upgrades, including windows, doors and a white brickcote facade.

No boarding of animals will take place at the clinic, but up to two dozen cats and dogs may stay overnight following surgical procedures. The clinic will be open weekdays.

There will be 11 parking spots.