Contact Old Time Erie

Do you have an album full of old Erie photographs or postcards that you would like to share? Have an idea for an article? Need expert help with a genealogy question? 


I have a special interest in photographs of State Street and Parade Street businesses in Erie, PA prior to 1960. Also, pre-1980 Erie rock bands, family photos of houses that have been demolished, destruction from floods, fires, car and train wrecks and photos of Erie Police officers and elected officials. Erie athletes. And old photos taken in Erie County cemeteries. Photos of Erie county dairies that sold bottled milk. And any old Erie postcards or or stereo view cards of Erie. Postcards that were sent home from summer camp. Pictures of Erie theaters, Waldameer Park, booths in the Central Market, Twelfth Street Market, Parade Street Market, the old National Guard Armory, concerts, etc.

Contact Debbi:

Debbi Lyon
E-mail: dlyontamer@gmail.com
Twitter: @Lyontamer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
A: My main project is Erie, Pennsylvania history. I'm always on the lookout for hidden treasures.

Q: How did you get interested in the history of Erie, PA?
A: I grew up in Erie and took art classes at the old Erie Public Museum. Russell McLaughlin was the program director and a Revolutionary War re-enactor. I learned a lot from him and have had other mentors through the years. 

Q: How many websites do you have?
A: Just one, Old Time Erie

Q: How long have you been writing articles?
A: I have been writing professionally for 30 years. In addition to two local history books, my articles have been published in the Erie Daily Times, the Journal of Erie Studies, RTR, So-So-Ciety, Guitar Player magazine, Foundations, Billboard, and a variety of local indie music papers. Here's a recent article I wrote for Erie Magazine

Q: How often do you do PowerPoint presentations on Erie history?
A: I do a limited number of speaking engagements each year. I mainly concentrate on researching and writing articles. Thanks to those who joined me on August 8, 2013 at the Blasco Memorial Library in Erie, PA for the Old Time Erie Roadshow. (Sorry that some of you had to stand because the seats were all taken.)

Q: What is the best way to contact you?
A: The best way to reach me is via e-mail. Drop me a line here. Please send media requests to: dlyontamer@gmail.com

Q: I published a book about Erie. Will you review it on Old Time Erie?
A: Yes. Send me an e-mail and I will give you my shipping address.

Q: I am cleaning out my parent's house. Do you accept donations of Erie related books, pamphlets, pictures and memorabilia?
A: Yes, Yes, Yes! I love surprises, and I am always grateful to find a small envelope or a large package of things in my mailbox.

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A: Yes, a lot more than I thought I would get. Some of them are odd and others are humorous. Here are a few examples: 

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32 comments:

  1. Any photos of 23rd & Ash street park across form Fire Station near Holy Trinity Church. The city turned lot into park @ 1971/72. It became the magnet were all the top High School Basketball players played all summer, Essi Hollis, Blanks brothers, all the Acedemy HS players, Leading Cath Prep stars Gerry Digello, Marty O, Bruce Shanowski, just loads of talent.

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    1. All the erie times paper boys used the fire house to pick up the morning and evening papers, Mr Green the head fireman was the meanest fireman in the whole town. All the Fiorelli's (they ran 23rd street park) and delivered papers from 1967-1972 knew the whole neighborhood from 26st to 18th street.

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  2. Thank you Debbi.

    I grew up in Erie and have just found this website. I lived there from 1946 til the late 60s when I got married. This is a wonderful blog.

    Nancy

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  3. Great blog and great service I went to High school in Erie and now live in Ct. I love seeing the old sights and visit as often as possible thanks for keeping the memories alive Mike

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  4. Debbi, I'm interested in finding a list of bands that played at Waldameer in 1963. Do you know anyone who could help with that?

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    1. Hi Donna,
      I have been working on a list of bands that played at Waldameer's Rainbow Gardens. You can find it here: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/11/rainbow-gardens-at-waldameer-park-erie.html I will add more dates as I find them.

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    2. The Four Seasons played at Rainbow Gardens about 1962 which I attended and had a great time. The performance was outstanding and of course the music was fantastic. While shopping at Trasks for some new clothes to wear to the performance, I actually ran into Nick Macioci (Bass player) and shook his hand which was really cool. Never forget that.

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  5. Just found your blog...GREAT. I wonder if you have any information on the old Koehler (Kohler) farm in SE Erie (Zimmerman Rd & McClelland). The barn was torn down in the late 50's but the house still stands (owned by Gorniak's). I was interested in the original owners, what they farmed, etc.

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  6. Thank you, Debbi. I'm especially interested in a band that might have played there in early 1963 with a keyboard player who went by Bobby Kay (or Bobby K). I'll check back periodically.

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    1. Hi Donna,
      Do you remember any specific songs that they played, or if they had a record out?

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  7. Are you on Facebook??

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to write. The answer is Yes and No. Yes, I have a personal page on FB to keep in touch with friends and family. No, I do not have an Erie History page on Facebook. I publish all of my Erie-related articles on this blog, Old Time Erie. I am lucky to have many devoted readers who share their remarkable family pictures and memories of their hometown and allow me to write about them here.

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  8. What was the name of the tavern on West 26th St just west of Peninsula Drive next to the midway beer distributor in the 1970's

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    1. San Pedro's The spelling may not be correct. Who could ever forget the owner/bar tender singing along with the juke box.

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  9. Just viewed the Kindergarten report card. I still have my own K report card from 1950!

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    1. Cool! I would like to see a copy of yours to see how it compares to the one from the seventies.

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  10. I've lived in Erie since 1945 (with a short break), and love the memories which your photos inspire! Thanks!

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  11. Do you have any information about the old Home Drive-In restaurant on 8th and Peninsula Drive?

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    1. I found a picture of the Home Drive in! Here is the link for the article on Old Time Erie: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2013/11/happy-days-at-home-drive-in.html

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  12. Do you have any information on the 1965 thru 1969 Gannon College basketball
    team?

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    1. Send an e-mail and tell me what you would like to learn about the Gannon basketball team. I will do my best to find the information for you.

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  13. I love this web site! I grew up in Erie, from 1950-1980 when I moved away. I was wondering if there are any plans to put old Erie Newspapers online, either stand alone site or one of the newspaper subscription sites. I have been looking forever and nothing ever shows up. I'd happily pay a subscription fee for access to the Erie papers.

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  14. I'm tring to find a specific photo that I know! I've seen on your blog but now can't find again. Can I send you the content and then could you tell me how to find the picture? Thanks for any help you can give me

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    1. Hi Peggy! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, send me an e-mail and tell me what details you remember about the picture and I will find it for you. My address is: dlyontamer@gmail.com

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  15. Was there ever an upstairs to Damore's and where was the Lamplighters? D.S.

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    1. damore's was in the basement of the Cutri-Sergi Insurance agency..... There was no upstairs Damore's. The Lamplighters Loung was in the Libert Plaza

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  16. Does anyone remember a plaza where west lake fire company stands now? My wife says she sort of remembers it but friends dont

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  17. looking for a paper acetal in the mid 40tys about 3 kids robbing a home up around the zoo it was called something about the 3 bears 3 kids were robbing a home and they fell asleep inthe bed the home owner came home and found them sleeping

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  18. Do you have anything on Abraham Lincoln's funeral train that past thru Erie on the morning of April 28, 1865?

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  19. I have been trying hard to find photographs of the original McKinley Elementary School. Is there any chance that you may have some? Love this blog.

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  20. Do you have any info on Bill's Diner on State Street? I was a small silver caravan. I was run by my Uncle Bill Kern.

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  21. Having attended Harding School beginning in 1950, I well remember the wooden "barracks" shed in which we held kindergarten class. The "new" additions on both north & south ends of the building occurred while I was there. Thanks for the photo & happy memory.

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