Since 1936, Lefty’s Irish Pub has been a community staple where the people of Marcus Hook could meet and talk about their community.
Marcus Hook, like much of eastern Pennsylvania, has seen good and bad economic times – and Lefty’s has not been immune to the economic hardships felt around the region.
McLaughlin explained that when industry left during economic downturn, it left “a big void in the community.” With fewer opportunities in Marcus Hook, the younger generation had to leave the community to find opportunities elsewhere.
McLaughin stressed that, “ultimately, people’s livelihoods are at stake.” If Marcus Hook is unable to attract industry to develop a workforce and generate jobs, the outlook will continue to look bleak for local community.
This wasn’t simply a matter of the jobs tied to the plant, he qualifies. It is largely tied to the impact felt by local businesses who are inherently tied to the region’s success. It is a matter of making the community vibrant again.
Today, Marcus Hook is making a comeback thanks to investments made by Pennsylvania-based Sunoco Logistics. Through the Mariner East pipeline systems, Marcus Hook is set to receive natural gas liquids such as ethane, propane, and butane from Pennsylvania’s Marcellus and Utica Shale formations. Western Pennsylvania has benefited a great deal through the energy resources being developed in Western Pennsylvania and with Marcus Hook, southeast Pennsylvania stands to benefits as well.
Serving Marcus Hook residents for more than eighty years, Lefty’s continues to be a place where people come to talk about the good, the bad, and the future of their community.