It was 100 years ago this month. That one of the greatest athletes of the twentieth century. Took home the gold for several categories in the 1912 olympics. People living in the community named for him are celebrating that feat.
Jim Thorpe has been called the greatest athlete in the world. He won several competitions at the 1912 Olympics, and when he died his family buried him here. The community's name was eventually changed from Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe.
Ann Marie Fitzpatrick has been on the phone a lot. She and others have been organizing a special celebration for the town's namesake. "We do this for Jim Thorpe and we do this from his family. a very simple man. We're very, very proud to have him here and to honor him." said Fitzpatrick.
All kinds of activities are planned for the weekend celebrating the Olympians birthday and the 100th anniversary of winning the gold in 1912.
"There are all kinds of activities planned. There are good activities for families, for people out on dates we got a lot of music at night, restaurants have great menus and there is lots to do," said Dan Hugos of the Chamber of Commerce.
Barb Timberz runs the Bear Appetit restaurant. Timberz expects a boost in business this weekend. "We usually have a great turnout with the Jim Thorpe birthday celebration. It usually brings in folks from all over the town, gets very busy and we appreciate it."
Thousands of people are expected in the community and the grave of Jim Thorpe.