A slice of Hokendauqua, rich with history that began with David Thomas, who is described as “The Father of the Modern American Iron Industry,” may become Whitehall Township’s first historic district.

The proposed historic district, which would run from Front Street to Third Street, was discussed Monday at the board of commissioners workshop and the later meeting.

There already has been an informal session discussing such a possibility with Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt, Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., Howard Lieberman, who heads the township’s industrial, commercial and development authority, and Christine Ussler, a consultant.

With commissioners in agreement to move the idea forward, Dutt announced there will be a public meeting held in September; the time and date will be announced later. The session will provide the public, in particular those living in the proposed historic district, what it would mean to them and gauge feedback from the residents.

“I spoke to a couple of people; they are all for it,” Dutt said, a response he received from a few residents.

“The key is to preserve history,” Lieberman added.

He told The Press the official designation is to prevent any demolition of structures in the historic area. He said there are homes and other structures with architectural integrity.

There was talk by Lieberman on labeling the area a historic district, taking into account the state’s wording for establishing such an area replete with history worth preserving.

An 1884 published history of Lehigh and Carbon counties heralded Hokendauqua as “a model industrial town.”

The proposed historical district includes the ruins of the Thomas Iron Works, the residence of David Thomas, the first public school in the village dating back to 1864 - now a day care center on Third Street - First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua on Front Street and other buildings.