Parkes Automotive Technology Center
Pennsylvania College of Technology History Trail Stop 8
— 1914 • Centennial • 2014 —
Constructed in 1970
The Parkes Automotive Technology Center at Penn College is one of the oldest postsecondary automotive instructional programs in the nation; classes were first offered nearly a century ago.
Major industry sponsors attest to the quality of automotive education available in this facility, which was rededicated in 2010 following an extensive renovation.
Projects on Display
The 2010 renovation of the automotive facility was part of a $45.27 million campus building program.
In addition to automotive and collision repair programs that support the most advanced technology vehicles, Penn College offers an automotive restoration degree that provides opportunities for students to work on models that include the most prestigious and recognizable names in automobile history.
Penn College student projects have been displayed at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum.
Inside the Automotive Technology Center (ATC)
• Instructional space.
• Autos on shop floor.
• Rededication.
George H. Parkes
Dr. George H. Parkes, who served as the director of Williamsport Technical Institute from 1941-52, was a vocational teacher at Williamsport High School when the first automotive class was offered. Hailed as a "mechanic with a Ph.D.," Dr. Parkes entered the field
this page online
[Marker timeline images, from left to right]
• The first auto repair class - with one student and one automobile - was taught on the campus in 1920. Instruction took place outdoors, under the bleachers of a football field that was located behind Bardo Gymnasium.
• "Unit 1," built under the leadership of Dr. Parkes, was believed to be one of the first automotive instructional facilities built by a school.
• Dr. Parkes' family came to the Automotive Technology Center to celebrate the College's "Diamond 10" anniversary in 1999.
• A rededication ceremony celebrated expansion of the facility in 2010.
[School's centennial timeline]
1914 - Williamsport Area School District Adult Education
1941 - Williamsport Technical Institute
1965 - Williamsport Area Community College
1989 - Pennsylvania College of Technology
Erected 2014 by Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Man-Made Features • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 2010.
Location. 41° 14.098′ N, 77° 1.574′
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thompson Professional Development Center (a few steps from this marker); Lycoming Construction Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Le Jeune Chef (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Centennial Mosaic (about 400 feet away); Victorian House (about 400 feet away); Field House (about 600 feet away); Hager Lifelong Education Center (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.
Also see . . . Penn College History Trail. (Submitted on August 24, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Additional commentary.
1. 104 years!
This is my great grandfather! It’s crazy to see how much he accomplished. Im the young blonde kid who visited in 1999 with my father Edward and grandfather George. I’d also like to say love of mechanics is definitely in the blood. I love working on anything with a motor. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on July 27, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
