Friction Rocked Rainbow Gardens on New Year's Eve

You and me we're goin' Rockin' Tonight at Rainbow Gardens, where Friction will help ring in the New Year. But not tonight.

In the 80s and early 90s, we had a Love to Live By, courtesy of Friction. Sure, we were younger then, but as we said, we ain't bad kids, we're just tryin' to fake it. So when the ball drops, At Midnight I Go Punk. It's Too Late to Cry, and this ain't no Broken Heart Charity Ball.

Rockin' my baby on the tree top, Baby Talk. You couldn't turn on the radio and not hear a Friction tune, especially if you listened to K-104. Nobody was Down & Lonely when these guys were around.

Bob Michel, Marty Scott, Marlon Coe and the boys in Friction packed them in at Rainbow Gardens at Waldameer Park, and at practically any other gig they played in Erie, PA and the Tri-state area. If you followed the band you always had a chance to Wave Goodbye to a Friend at the end of the night.

Friction performed a reunion gig at Rainbow Gardens in 2008.

Enjoy more fun and puns about Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

The Moonlighters Rocked Rainbow Gardens

Remember Rockin' in the New Year with the Moonlighters at Rainbow Gardens in Erie, PA?

This poster is probably from 1989, since guitarist Keith Veschecco is in this photo, second from the left. Wendy Stevens was the lead vocalist, and Tim Papotnik (far right) played keyboards. 

The musician on the far left is drummer John Portonova, and Steve Witkowski might be the third man from the left. 

The Moonlighters were a very popular local Top 40 rock band in the 1980s. Their New Year's Eve show at Rainbow Gardens at Waldameer Park was usually performed in front of a packed house.

Bill McLean opened for the Moonlighters for this show.

Here is a link to a 1990 article about the late Keith Veschecco: 
http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/08/keith-veschecco-trs-audio-1990-profile.html

John Portonova was in Vertical Union prior to joining the Moonlighters. You can read about Vertical Union here: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/08/vertical-union-rocked-erie-circa-1975.html

Kraus' Store at 8th and Parade with Trolley

Parade Street postcard looking south from 8th St. courtesy of Ken Sidun.

Kraus' Department Store has been a fixture on Parade Street in Erie, Pennsylvania since it opened around 1886. "The city's main shopping center of that era was centered mostly on Parade Street and some of Erie's finest homes were to be found in this community. It was originally settled by people of German ancestry so it was only natural that Edward Kraus was to be a successful merchant in that area. He was a pioneer in department store merchandising and early knowledge in that field provided a foothold for later expanding. Several years after he opened his little establishment, Mr. Kraus started construction on an ornate three-story building adjoining the original store."- Erie Dispatch, August 11, 1951.

The postcard above shows the 'new' Kraus' building on the far right, at 810 Parade St., and the 'old' Kraus' store (the two-story yellow building), at 814 Parade. As you can see, Parade Street was a wall-to-wall business district, with a double trolley track running north to south. There was plenty of space to hitch a horse and buggy along the wide, cobble-stone street.

This family-owned retail store continues to play a vital role in the community, especially for those who own old houses. My friend Barbara inspired this post with her kind words about a recent shopping experience: "Kraus' Department Store to the rescue again. For some months the faucets in the tub would not turn off. Drip, drip, drip. I decided today was the day I would try to fix them. Off I went to Kraus' with two zip-locked bags of parts-- one for hot and one for cold faucet. In a matter of minutes the gentleman found just what I needed, greased the parts and put them back together for me. I just installed them. They work like a charm. Cost $15.88! ... I love Erie!"

Ed Kraus' delivery truck is visible in this 1910 photo of State Street in Erie, PA: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/10/state-street-erie-pa-pre-bayfront.html

Christmas Dinner at Central Market, 16th & State 1922

ad in the Erie Dispatch-Herald, December 22, 1922.

The Central Mall was located on the west side of State Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, from the railroad tracks south to West 16th Street. You could buy meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables at one location. This was long before Wegman's, Giant Eagle, Erie County Farms and Tops Friendly Markets came to town.

The Central Mall was a place for individuals or families to rent a booth to sell their goods. John C. Nick sold butter for 52¢, Philip Bova had oranges for 40¢ a dozen and Fred E. Bowers (who also had a corner store at 21st & Ash) had raisins for 33¢ for two pounds. 

Roy E. Tarr (who also had a butcher shop at 1102 West 10th St. in Erie, PA) sold fresh ham for 20¢ per pound. Ernest Throop sold chickens, ducks and eggs from his farm. He also sold cigarettes for $1.25 a carton and two pounds of sugar for 15¢. 

Central Market was the "Market at the Market, where you could buy everything for the table." This public market house was demolished by the Erie Redevelopment Authority. If you would like to step back in time and have a shopping experience similar to that of the Central Market, be sure to visit the West Side Market, at 1979 West 25th Street in Cleveland, OH.

Here is a link to a photo of the old Erie Central Market: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/06/central-market-on-state-street-in-erie.html

Let Us Buy the Hassam and Grow Up To It

Childe Hassam painting "Summer Afternoon, Isle Of Shoals."

Jennie Cleveland's letter in defense of the purchase of the Childe Hassam painting 'Summer Afternoon, Isle of Shoals' was published in the Erie, PA Sunday Messenger-Graphic on March 13, 1904:

"Whenever there is any discussion as to the purchase of pictures for our Public Art Gallery, the question arises, 'What kind of picture shall we buy? Shall we get one that pleases the people now, or something to grow up to?'

Now, the central thought, around which our Public Library is built, is to educate, to elevate, hold up higher standards.

The idea of a library is not to fill the shelves with books of any and every kind, just to make possible the boast of the great number of publications we possess. We want to put better books into the hands of children and adults, and want them to learn to enjoy them. It is quality not quantity for which we must stand, if we would not go backwards.

This thing is equally true of our picture gallery. People say, 'Wouldn't it be better to buy two cheaper pictures, rather than a more expensive one?' Well, a cheap picture is much like a tolerable egg- we soon wish we had a better one.

What is the use of buying pictures simply to fill the gallery? Every housewife, when she sees a piece of handsome furniture, bemoans her already crowded rooms. Every book lover regrets his filled shelves. Let us leave some space on the gallery walls for the picture that, ten or twenty years hence, is so beautiful that its purchase is compulsory. But this is for the future. 

For the present the picture we need is the one which we cannot comprehend at a glance. We do not want to read 'Mary had a little lamb' all our lives, although that poem served its purpose very well when we were children. We must progress to Milton, to Tennyson, to Shakespeare, to Browning.

Just so, we want to progress in our study of art, and to progress we must have mental exercise; we must study pictures for their technique, their drawing, their color, their meaning.

As to who shall say how hard a lesson shall be given us, how high our standard shall be, let me use a material illustration: If one wanted to buy a reaper he would care more for the opinion of an intelligent farmer than for Paderewski's. Why? Because such a farmer has used the machine, and Paderewski has not. But if he wants to buy a piano the situation is reversed. The farmer's opinion on the subject is worth nothing except to himself.

If a man is ill, he does not trust his precious anatomy to a barber or to the blacksmith- that is, if he is a wise man- but to the skilled physician. Apply the same principle to the judging of pictures. Is not the opinion of those who have made a special study of the subject more reliable and valuable than the hap-hazard opinion of the many who simply know what they like?

Would an audience expect Thomas's orchestra to play popular airs and rag-time simply because the people like such music? That we would soon tire of it, our street pianos are noisy witnesses. 

Now the one picture that fulfills the conditions that we think indispensable, is Childe Hassam's New England Coast, a picture correct in topography, fine in drawing, unique in method and style, beautiful in color. Let us buy the Hassam and grow up to it."
-JENNIE R. CLEVELAND

Miss Jennie R. Cleveland (1859-1937) taught at the old Erie High School in downtown Erie, PA. Her family home at 8th and Peach is currently the site of the Masonic Temple Building. Miss Cleveland was a charter member of the Art Club of Erie.

The community raised $1,000 through popular subscription to purchase the Hassam painting.

The Childe Hassam painting 'Summer Evening, Isle of Shoals' is on display at the Blasco Memorial Library, 160 East Front Street, Erie, Pennsylvania.

Millcreek Subdivision Names, Lakewood

Zahniser ad in the Erie Daily Times, May 29, 1927.

The Zahniser Company placed an ad in the Erie, PA newspaper in 1927 to show potential homebuyers where the new Lakewood subdivision was located. Little did they know it would someday be in the path of the Erie International Airport Tom Ridge Field, shown on this map as the 'Flying Field' on the left.

Lakewood was situated in Millcreek Township. Lakewood Park still exists between 10th and 12th Streets, from Chelsea Avenue to Oakmont Ave.

There are several subdivisions shown on this map, including Avondale, Kelso Park, Orth Gardens, Forest Park, Eaglehurst, Glenrudah, Hartt Estates, Pulakos, Whitney Garden, Richland, West Lawn, Duncan Acres and Westminster.

Waldameer Park is shown in the circle in the top center of the map. Here is an article about Rainbow Gardens at Waldameer Park: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/11/rainbow-gardens-at-waldameer-park-erie.html

Erie Public Library Trustees Letter 1898

The  Erie Public Library at 17 South Park Row was dedicated February 16, 1899. Prior to its opening, the Board of Library Trustees made a public plea to the citizens of Erie, Pennsylvania.

"Erie, Pa., June 17, 1898.
The board of trustees of the public library desire to call your attention, and the fact that the new library building is fast approaching completion, and will soon be ready for the inspection of the public. Due notice of the opening will be given through the newspapers, when yourself and friends are cordially invited to visit the structure.

The means at the disposal of the board for the first year will not allow them to purchase more than eight to ten thousand volumes, but they are strong in the hope that the gifts of our liberal-minded citizens, who have never failed to respond in the right spirit to any worthy public enterprise, will increase this number, so that the library may be opened with fifteen or twenty thousand volumes.

To this end, they solicit donations of Books, Magazines (bound or unbound), maps, charts, prints, newspapers, newspaper files and publications generally that may be of use to any class of readers.

An important feature of the library will be the children's room, for which literary matter that is calculated to please and improve the little ones will be especially acceptable. 

In addition to the rooms for library purposes, spacious quarters have been set apart in the building for an art gallery, a scientific, mechanical and historical museum, and a collection of maps, plots, letters, legal papers, etc., relating to the settlement and growth of the city, county and northwestern portion of the state.

No public fund has been made applicable by the law for the last stated objects, and it will be necessary, in order to carry out the plans of the board, to rely solely upon the good will and generosity of the citizens. Many persons are the owners of some valuable article, or collection of articles, which may be lost or destroyed in the course of time, and which they are anxious to have preserved for the benefit of those who are to come after them. All such can be safely deposited in the library building, with an assurance that they will be properly and permanently cared for.

Further information may be had from the several members of the board, and contributions for either of the purposes mentioned may be sent to the library building at any time in care of Mr. Chas. E. Wright, Librarian.

Respectfully yours,
George P. Colt
J. F. Downing
M. C. Dunigan
Charles Jarecki
L. M. Little
John W. Little
H. C. Missimer
L. Rosenzweig
Benjamin Whitman
Board of Library Trustees"
-published in the Erie Journal, June 17, 1898.

Here is an article about the rules of the library in 1899: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/06/two-books-for-you-erie-public-library.html

10th and State circa 1908 Looking South

Tenth and State St. in Erie, PA, looking south, around 1908. Postcard courtesy of Ken Sidun.

This drug store was located on the southwest corner of 10th and State Street in Erie, Pennsylvania around 1908. You could purchase cut glass, hand-painted China and novelties at 1002-1004 State St. Ostheimer had a clothing store next door at 1006 State St., and Charles Beck was next door to the south. O'Conner's had a storefront to the left of the large American flag. A number of stores had racks out front so they could showcase the items they sold.

This is a nice example of the varied brick and block work that was crafted by skilled laborers in so many old time Erie blocks.

Here is a picture of the same side of State Street in Erie, PA, taken around 1893, but it was taken from 11th Street, looking north: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/09/11th-and-state-street-1893-erie-pa.html

Loblaws 6th and East Ave circa 1935 Erie PA

-newspaper clipping of Loblaws circa 1935.

When I think of Loblaws, I remember big supermarkets spread out around Erie. Judging by this picture, it looks like the Loblaw chain had humble beginnings. The store shown here was located at 528 East Avenue. It had been the Fred Eisert grocery in the 1920s.

This building no longer exists. This stretch of East Avenue, which was across the street from Wayne School, became part of the street when East Lake Road was re-alligned to connect with East 6th Street.

Loblaw had thirteen stores in Erie County, PA in 1974. http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/09/loblaws-had-13-erie-pa-grocery-stores.html

Lee Aaron played Erie in 1984

-ad in Showcase/Erie Daily Times, May 17, 1984.

This post is a special request from a reader in Sweden, who wrote: "This is a bit of a long shot, but will give it a try. I have an old bootleg video with Canadian rock singer Lee Aaron (The Metal Queen) recorded at some club in Erie in 1984 and I'm trying to find out where it was shot. The sound quality isn't that good on the video, but she says something like 'Down here at Change's in Erie, Pennsylvania tonight.' Was there a club called Change's/Chance's or something similar in Erie around that time? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Best regards. Johan www.leeaaron.se Lee Aaron fan page."

Changes was located at 3619 McClelland Avenue in Erie, PA. Lee Aaron played on May 18-19, 1984 as part of her U. S. tour. If I had to make an educated guess as to who filmed her show, I would say it was probably Eddie DeDionisio.

The Erie metal band Satin Steel played Changes on May 17, 1984.

Changes had several different names over the years, including the Place, the Hullabaloo, Gadsbys and the Alternative. It was right between Skaterie Roller Rink and Eastland Bowl.

Lincoln Funeral Train in Erie PA

President Abraham Lincoln died on April 15, 1865 several hours after he was fatally shot by John Wilkes Booth. A train bearing the president's remains toured the country on its way from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, IL. The Lincoln Funeral Train stopped in Erie, Pennsylvania on Friday, April 28, 1865.

The people of Erie, PA knew the train was going to travel through Erie on its way from Buffalo, NY to Cleveland, OH, but due to a mix-up, they were told that the train was not going to stop here.

Erie Mayor Fernando F. Farrar wrote a letter which was published in the Erie Weekly Observer:
"While acknowledging with profound humiliation the absence of a proper demonstration of respect on the part of this city to greet the remains of President Lincoln on their arrival here last Friday morning, justice to our citizens who have ever delighted to honor the lamented patriot while living, and who have second to none in heartfelt devotion to the memory of the distinguished dead, requires publicity of the fact that in the midst of preparations for the mournful occasion they were informed by a Superintendent of the Cleveland & Erie railroad that the funeral escort had made a special request that no public demonstration be made at his place, in order that their committee might have rest and repose. Acquiescing with this unauthorized request is therefore the true cause of the apparent national discredit attributed to this city.
(Signed) F. F. Farrar, Mayor."

Telegraphed reports in the Erie Daily Dispatch accounted for every stop made along the route of the Lincoln Funeral Train. When the train reached the New York/Pennsylvania border at 1:32 a.m. on April 28, 1865, a contingency from Erie, Pa boarded the train to escort President Lincoln's remains to the station at Erie. The escorts included: Erie Mayor F. F. Farrar; George W. Starr, the president and one of the founders of the Erie Forge Company; Bethuel B. Vincent (father of Col. Strong Vincent); businessman E. P. Bennett and Jacob F. Walther; and Lt. Commander Francis A. Roe from the U.S.S. Michigan. 

The train reached Erie, PA at 2:50 a.m. on April 28th. "There was no particular demonstration at this place. The employees running this train are the same who were on the train that brought the late president to this point."

The Erie Weekly Gazette later reported: "Under the auspices of Major Scott, a demonstration was made at the Lake Shore Depot in Erie, on the arrival of the funeral cortage of President Lincoln about 2 o'clock on Friday morning. The city bells were tolled, minute guns were fired, etc. A much larger number of persons would have been present but for a misunderstanding with prevented timely notice."

Lincoln stopped in Erie,  PA on February 16, 1861 on the way to his first inauguration in Washington, D. C. http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/11/abraham-lincoln-in-erie-pa-1861.html

May the Force Be With You, 1884 EPD

-Detail from photo of the 1884 Erie Police Dept. from Erie Dispatch, January 11, 1920.

Joseph Ferguson was the Chief of Police in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1884 when there were a couple dozen coppers on the force. I'm looking for real photos of the Erie Police Department. The older the better. Copies from the old newspapers just don't cut it. 

Daniel Mitchell was captain of the police department circa 1884-85. Patrolmen included Patrick Applebee, William Brown, Thomas Culhane, Cornelius Daily, Jacob Dudenhoffer, Michael Emling, William J. Grant and Henry Gross. 

John W. Henry, James Higgins, J. P. Hiller, Roger Kane, John Kelly, Jacob Metz, T. Jefferson Miller, Mark Morrison, Adolf Pamperrien, John Sandusky, George Schaffer and Peter Shufel also served as patrolmen at this time. 

I'm also looking for a photo of Chief Crowley, or any unidentified photos of Erie police officers. Chief Crowley is mentioned in the book Memoirs of a Great Detective .

Did one of your ancestors serve on the E.P.D.? Do you recognize one of them in the picture above or see their name in the list? If you do, please leave a comment below.

If you've visited Erie before or lived here for a time, reminisce at Old Time Erie

WICU-TV Sunbeam Christmas Show 1955

-ad in Erie Dispatch, December 25, 1955.

Christmas of 1955 was a special time for kids in Erie, Pennsylvania. 'Let's Be Friends,' the tri-state area's number one live show, presented a special Christmas Show on December 25, 1955.

The show aired on WICU-TV, the local NBC affiliate, and was sponsored by the Firch Baking Company. Firch's spokesperson was 'Little Miss Sunbeam.'

Paul Dwyer was the host of 'Let's Be Friends.' The Christmas Show featured Judy Zalewski, a seven year-old singer; Judy Yoculan, a ten year-old ventriloquist; Tech High School grad Carmen Riazzi, who played basketball at the University of Dayton; Cathedral Prep grad Jim Schaaf, who played football at the University of Notre Dame; and Dan Kelly, the Academy High School concert pianist.

The Tune Toppers performed the music on this live show. The guests performed live at the WICU studio at 3514 State Street in Erie, PA.

Click here for a 1931 Firch Baking Co. ad.

Enjoy more facts and photos of Erie, Pennsylvania history at: Old Time Erie

Perry Square Carnival, State Street, Erie PA

Perry Square Carnival around 1963. Photo ©Debbi Lyon 2012.

Perry Square was blocked off for a winter carnival around 1963 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Food vendors lined up along the west side of State Street. You could buy a foot long hotdog, cotton candy or a candy apple. There were rides on the east side of State Street. The flying helicopter ride was set up here near South Park Row.

The Hotel Richford, which is now Richford Arms, is the tall brick building in the center of the picture. The old State Store was in the building to the right of the hotel on North Park Row; that building has since been torn down.

Here is an old postcard of the Richford Hotel: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/09/ford-hotel-now-richford-arms-on-state.html

A number of events have been held on State Street at Perry Square over the years, including We Love Erie Days, Erie Rib Fest and Roar on the Shore.

What's your favorite Perry Square Erie festival?

Marvintown Golden Dawn, 28th and Parade, Erie PA

Golden Dawn at 28th and Parade Street in Erie, PA. Photo ©Debbi Lyon 2012.

This area of town at 28th and Parade Street in Erie, Pennsylvania is known as Marvintown. Golden Dawn, shown in the photograph above, was a mid-sized grocery store located on the east side of Parade Street at 28th Street. The store was managed by Raymond Fitzgerald.

Robert's Five & Ten Store was located next door, to the north, at 2711 Parade Street. It was previously known as Meister's, and was a really neat old-style store with a creaky wooden floor. It had dump bins full of items and the setup was such that you could see across the entire store. I bought a clear 'shatter-proof' ruler at Robert's, which broke in two when I used it as a drumstick to tap on my desk. (Shatter-proof and unbreakable must be two different things, like a 'wrinkle-resistant' shirt.) The store was owned by Robert and Patricia Tatara.

Golden Dawn and Robert's were demolished to build a drug store.

This shot was taken around 1979 looking north from the parking lot at Herman's Cafe, 2802 Old French Road. The cafe, which is not shown here, would be on the left of this photo. The cafe was owned by Herman Marquardt, Jr., who died in 2007. Herman's was formerly known as the Marvintown Inn. This building still stands.

There were two donut stores right in this vicinity: Dunkin' Donuts at 2801 Pine Avenue and Mighty-Fine Donuts at 2612 Parade Street. There was also a gas station on the northwest corner of 28th and Parade.

Old French Road and Pine Avenue converge at 28th Street, forming a triangle at the traffic light. 

Enjoy more historical facts and photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Railroad Bridge at Four Mile Creek and Water Street

Steps to the New York Central Railroad tracks at Four Mile Creek. Photo ©Debbi Lyon 2012.

This railroad bridge on Water Street near the General Electric Plant in Lawrence Park Township has been covered with graffiti for as long as I can remember. The bridge was built in 1865. I took this photo in the late eighties.

The stairs used to lead to the New York Central Railroad tracks before an iron bar was welded on to block access to the steps. The New York Central roundhouse and repair shop used to be located just east of this bridge. The old roundhouse had twelve bays to repair trains.

Fishermen often cast a line over the cement wall. Fourmile Creek is now posted with 'No Trespassing' signs just north (left in this photo) of this bridge. If you look over the edge of the wall after a rainstorm you'll often see raging, muddy water. On a hot summer day, the creek runs at a trickle.

There is a footbridge just north of here that you can use to cross over the creek; it comes out at Bell Street and Napier Avenue.

Abraham Lincoln in Erie, PA 1861

Abraham Lincoln stopped in Erie, Pennsylvania at the bequest of the Erie County Republican Club in 1861. 

The club wrote a letter to Lincoln on February 1, 1861, which stated:

Hon. A. Lincoln, President Elect
Dear Sir,
As it is announced that your route to Washington will be through Cleveland & Buffalo, and consequently through this place we address you to ascertain if it would be convenient for you to make a short stay at Erie. Our city is connected with the interior of the State by the Sunbury & Pittsburg Railroads, thus enabling the people at the lines of those Roads an opportunity of meeting you which they could not have at any other point. Your reception here would not be partisan in its character, though the political sentiment of this part of the State is largely Republican- As the trains change engines here, you would be necessarily detained and if you could prolong your stay sufficiently to enable our citizens to pay their respects to you as the President elect, you would place them under many obligations. 

Please inform as whether this would be agreeable, and at what time you would reach here.

Very respectfully yours

R. F. Gaggin [Richard F. Gaggin]

A. M. D. Lyon [Alexander McD. Lyon, Yale graduate]

A. H. Caughey [Andrew H. Caughey]"

Citation: The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833-1916. Erie Pennsylvania Republican Club to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, February 01, 1861 (Invitation) 

Lincoln arrived in Erie, PA on February 16, 1861, on his way to his first inauguration, which took place on March 4, 1861. Erie Mayor Sherburn Smith was the chairman of the welcoming committee. The old Union Depot on Peach Street was decorated with flags. An arch was built over the railroad tracks and evergreens were wrapped around the pillars. 

"The train bearing Mr. Lincoln and suite and the Erie committee arrived at twenty minutes past twelve, announced by the booming of cannon and huzzas from the assembled multitude. Great enthusiasm was manifested as he passed from the car he occupied to the depot dining room." -Erie Observer, December 20, 1876.

Lincoln stopped in three communities in Erie County, PA.

"At Girard station several baskets of splendid fruit and flowers were presented to the Presidential family. No little sensation was produced at this point by the unexpected apparition on the train of Horace Greeley, equipped with a valise and his well known red and blue blankets. He was at once conducted into the car of the President, who came forward to greet him. He got off again at Erie, after traveling about twenty miles with the company.

At Erie quite a scene occurred, by the breaking down of a roof on which a large number of curious republicans had gathered. The sudden appearance of the whole group, and the scramble among the ruins, was most ludicrous. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt.

After dinner at Erie Mr. Lincoln addressed the people, excusing himself for not expressing his opinions on the exciting questions of the day. He trusted that when the time for speaking should come he should find it necessary to say nothing not in accordance with the constitution together with the interests of the people of the whole country.

At North East station a flag, inscribed 'fort Sumter,' was carried right up to where Mr. Lincoln stood, but he did not seem to take the hint, and made no allusion to it in his remarks. At the same station Mr. Lincoln took occasion to state that during the campaign he had received a letter from a young girl of this place, in which he was kindly admonished to do certain things, and among others to let his whiskers grow, and that, as he had acted upon that piece of advice, he would now be glad to welcome his fair correspondent, if she was among the crowd. In response to the call, a lassie made her way through the crowd, and was helped on the platform and kissed by the President." -New York Herald, February 17, 1861.

Lincoln's Funeral Train passed through Erie, PA on April 28, 1865 at 3 a.m. on its way from Buffalo, NY to Cleveland, OH.

Click here to read about the old Union Depot railroad station in Erie, PA.

President William Taft visited Erie, PA in 1911.

Enjoy more fascinating facts about the history of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Thanksgiving Snowstorm 1956 Wesleyville, PA

Thanksgiving Snowstorm 1956 on Station Road in Wesleyville, PA. Photo ©Dr. Barbara Chambers 2012.

The great Thanksgiving Snowstorm of 1956 was so big that it is still talked about to this day. The storm dumped 27 inches of snow on Erie County, Pennsylvania over the Thanksgiving holiday. The City of Erie came to a standstill. The snow was so deep that the National Guard was called in to deliver food and clear the streets in November of 1956. 

The picture above shows Hill's Market at 2013 Station Road in Wesleyville, PA. As you can see, cars were stranded on both sides of Station Road (Route 430). Some people had to shovel a path to the street to unbury their cars. Station Road ends at the traffic light at Buffalo Road (Route 20). The big white house is in the center of this photo is located at 3216 Buffalo Road. Plubell Hardware was located on the southeast corner of Buffalo Road and Station Road. It has since been torn down.

How did your family survive this winter storm? Please click here to leave a comment.

Check out this photo of the: 1956 Thanksgiving Snow Storm in Erie, PA.

Enjoy more fun photos of Erie, PA from the warmth of your home at: Old Time Erie

West 10th Street, Times They Are a Changing

Here is a cool shot of Tenth Street, taken from the middle of the block between Peach and Sassafras, in Erie, Pennsylvania, looking east. The old Lawrence Hotel is the tall building on the left. The sign for Shea's Theatre is visible just beyond the Lawrence.

The Baldwin Building (now the Renaissance Center) is the light colored building on the horizon on the right side of the photo. The YMCA is the tall red building on the right. The State Department of Public Welfare was located at 103 West 10th Street for many years before the building was demolished. This building is shown on the far right of this postcard.

An eagle-eyed reader pointed out this interesting fact: "If you look on the right you can see the bowsprit of the old Eastern Shore Restaurant, which eventually moved to West Lake Road and became Barnacle Bill's Eastern Shore." [Thanks, J. H.!]

Yes Virginia, the Erie Daily Times was located on West 10th Street before the company built a new facility on West 12th Street to this location: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/11/bessemer-railroad-12th-and-sassafras.html

Here's a photo of Shea's when it was known as the Majestic Theatre: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/10/majestic-theater-and-scott-block-erie-pa.html

Bessemer Railroad 12th and Sassafras Erie, PA

Bessemer Railroad on West 12th Street in Erie, PA. Photo ©Debbi Lyon 2012.

The old Bessemer Railroad building stood on the south side of West 12th Street near Sassafras Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Times Publishing Company currently occupies this site. If you drive behind the Times building, you can still see a pair of tracks that lead to the south side of the building, where giant rolls of newsprint were delivered by rail car when the paper was printed in Erie, PA. The Times bought this property around 1968.

This shot was taken just off of Twelfth Street looking east. The Commerce Building is visible on the left side of this photo, with the radio tower on top of the building. The WSEE-TV tower, at 1220 Peach Street, is visible near the right side of the picture. About 90% of what you see in this photo has been demolished.

Erie Mayor Charles B. Williamson succeeded in having the railroad tracks ripped out for about a four-block stretch in this area on West 12th Street.

Enjoy more fun facts about the history of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

President Taft at Strong Mansion in Erie PA

Front page of the Erie Sunday Herald, September 18, 1911.

President William Howard Taft visited Erie, Pennsylvania on September 16, 1911. He stayed with the Charles H. Strong family in their mansion at 109 West 6th St., better know today as Gannon University's 'Old Main.'

Taft stayed at the Strong mansion for two nights. It is rumored that he became stuck in a bathtub in this house.

Taft arrived by train at the old Union Depot on Peach Street at 9:12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, 1911. The headline of the Erie Sunday Herald stated, "Monster Crowd Greets President Wm. H. Taft." Taft went directly to the Majestic Theater, 18-24 West 10th Street, to a banquet hosted by the Erie Chamber of Commerce. "The Majestic Theater was decorated with flags and bunting and made an ideal banquet hall. A floor was built over the parquet seats on a level with the stage, thus providing seating arrangements for over 800 people...the President's table was almost in the center of the hall and he was seen and heard to the best possible advantage."-Erie Evening Herald, September 17, 1911.

While in Erie, Taft attended the Unitarian Church at 147 West 9th Street with the Strong family on Sunday morning, followed by a luncheon in his honor. "After luncheon, the President was taken for an auto drive in Mrs. Strong's automobile. In addition to the President were Mrs. Strong, Major [Archibald] Butt and Secretary [Charles] Hilles. In addition to driving about a number of streets, a stop was made at the Log Cabin west of the city...At 10 o'clock the President left the Strong residence being accompanied to his private car by Mr. Strong. His car left Erie at 1:21." -Erie Evening Herald, September 18, 1911.

The Herald published Taft's message of appreciation on Sept. 18th:
"It has been a great pleasure to meet the people of Erie. I am glad to have been the first President to visit this interesting and enterprising city. The police arrangements, due to the efficiency of the local police, supplemented by the National Guard, were perfect. The cordial reception by the people, who in great numbers lined the streets from station to auditorium, was very gratifying.

The audience at the Chamber of Commerce banquet, including the 1,600 members and the ladies who honored the occasion by their presence, were in a most hospitable and responsive mood, and encouraging in the highest degree to those whose good fortune it was to speak to them. I was delighted to find such a sympathetic response to the cause of Arbitration Treaties, which I improved the opportunity to present and urge. The Sunday's rest in Erie was grateful.
WILLIAM H. TAFT."

John F. Kennedy visited Erie, but he was a senator at the time, and was campaigning for the presidential election. Senator Kennedy spoke from the Lawrence Hotel, one building west of the old Majestic Theater.

Here is a photo of the Majestic Theater: Majestic Theater

Enjoy more historical facts and photos at: Old Time Erie

Hotel Wayne and Commerce Bldg, 12th and State

Hotel Wayne on West 12th Street near State around 1960. Photo ©Debbi Lyon 2012.

The Hotel Wayne was located at 12-14 West 12th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. This four-story hotel was the third building west of State Street on the north side of the street. It was constructed by Valentine D. Eichenlaub, who made all of the concrete blocks for the project. The tall building on the right is the Commerce Building, which was on the east side of State Street.

Here is a color shot of the Hotel Wayne from a different angle and an old postcard of the Commerce Building at 12th and State.

None of the buildings shown in the photo above exist today; this area is now occupied by a bank. 

Enjoy more historical facts and photos of Erie, PA at: Old Time Erie

Grain Elevator Demolition 1986 Erie PA

Grain Elevator at Erie, PA in October of 1986. Photo ©Debbi Lyon 2012.

The Grain Elevator was located near the foot of Holland Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. It was built around 1918 and was demolished in October of 1986. The United States Border Patrol was located in the Cruise Boat Terminal at 1 Holland Street. I took this photo from the top of the Bluff near the Russian Church.

Here is a photo of the Grain Elevator in its prime: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/07/grain-elevator-erie-pa-bayfront-prr.html

And another shot of the Grain Elevator and ice fishermen on the Bay: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/06/ice-fishing-in-erie-pa-bay-in-1965.html

12th and State, Commerce Building Erie PA

Old Time Erie: Commerce Bldg. courtesy of Ken Sidun.

The Commerce Building was located on the northeast corner of 12th and State Streets in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Twelfth and State was a very busy intersection, so its hard to believe that there was NO TRAFFIC LIGHT at this corner.

The old postcard of Erie on the right shows the trolley traveling south on State Street and turning west onto 12th Street. There is also a woman pushing a stroller across 12th Street with a group of people walking behind her. And the cars seem pretty close to each other.

There does not appear to be a radio antenna on top of the Commerce Building in this shot. WLEU and later WCCK both broadcast their stations from this location.

Richard Irwin was the architect of the Commerce Bldg. It was built by Mayer Brothers Construction of Erie, PA. Dr. Elmer Hess was an early tenant of the Commerce Bldg.

The Commerce Building was demolished in the 1980s. Click here to view a photo of the demolition of the brick-faced building.

Enjoy more historical facts and photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

State Street from 7th to 8th, Mayo Leather Shop

The Mayo Leather Shop, located at 709 State Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, is shown in the lower left-hand corner of this postcard of Downtown Erie. The trolley ran right down the center of State Street when this shot was taken. There are lots of cars parked along the west side of State St. at right angles to the curb (too many fender-benders with parallel parking?).

Mayo Leather was owned by Henry Mayo. The company existed at 709 State Street as early as 1878 and was later owned by Maxwell Mayo. The Erie Sports Store had a location here after Mayo Leather. Read about early Erie leather manufacturers here: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/11/25th-and-ash-boot-factory-built-1871.html

Here is a view of the Mayo Leather building circa 1959 when it was occupied by the Erie Sport Store: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/05/erie-sport-store-at-709-state-street.html

The small stone building with the flag is First National Bank at 715 State St. The tall beige building was located on the corner at 729 State St.

None of the building shown in the first block on the left exist today, with the exception of the facade of the First National Bank Building, which was moved to East 26th Street.

The old Penn Building is the white building shown here on the southeast corner of 8th and State.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield currently occupies the building at 717 State St.

West 7th Street, Gannon College Theatre, Erie PA

The old Gannon College Theatre on West 7th St. in Erie, PA. Photo ©Debbi Lyon 2012.

The Gannon College Theatre was located at 128 West 7th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. You can see the old Playhouse sign in front of the theater in this photograph. This shot was taken on West 7th Street looking west, between Peach and Sassafras Streets. The three-story building to the left of the theater was the Cathedral of Saint Paul Chapter House office at 134 West 7th Street. The two-story brick building on the far left was the Pennsylvania State Bureau of Employment Security at 144 West 7th St. These buildings were all demolished.

These buildings have all been demolished. Gannon College is now Gannon University. The Nash Library occupies the western end of this photo. The times they are a changing.'

Read 'em and weep at Old Time Erie

Rainbow Gardens at Waldameer Park, Erie, PA

Rainbow Gardens has held many events over the past eighty plus years, everything from concerts, dances, antique shows, ethnic festivals and craft shows. The venue is located in Millcreek Township, Erie County, PA, on the grounds of Waldameer Park and Water World. The park has entrances on West 8th Street and on Peninsula Drive.

Rainbow Gardens was built around 1925. The roof of Rainbow Gardens collapsed under the weight of a heavy snowstorm just before Christmas in 1950, causing the cancellation of four Christmas and New Year dances. (There was also a destructive fire at a different building at Waldameer Park, the Hofbrau German restaurant, in 1941.)

Some concerts at Rainbow Gardens include:
Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, May 23, 1927
Fletcher Henderson and his orchestra performed around 1928
Tal Henry and his North Carolinians, August 4, 1930
Duke Ellington & his Cotton Club Orchestra with Ivy Anderson, Sept. 10, 1931
Fats Waller and his orchestra performed for 6,000 people on April 25, 1936
Freddy Bergin with Mary Tudor, Oct. 17, 1936
Tommy Reynolds and his orchestra, May 22, 1942
Dick Stabile and his orchestra featuring Gracie Barrie, Nov. 26, 1942
Les Brown and his orchestra, December 5, 1942
Jack Teegarden performed around December, 1942
Richard Himber, April 24, 1943
Buddy Rich and his orchestra, July 6, 1946
Ina Ray Hutton and her orchestra, July 17, 1946
Carmen Cavallaro and his orchestra, July 9, 1947
Tex Beneke and his Glen Miller orchestra, Aug. 22, 1947
Gene Parlette and his orchestra, July 12, 1952
Les Brown and his Band of Renown, July 14, 1952
Stan Kenton, August 8, 1952
CJ Bri, February 13, 1970 Sweetheart Hop ad
Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, May 13, 1973
Maynard Ferguson, August 7, 1975
The Moonlighters
The Pulse and Friction, Nov. 13, 1981
Generic Beat 1985 (Battle of the Bands)
Generic Beat 1986 (show sponsored by WSEG-FM)
Shok Paris, Dirty Looks, Blackout, Rex and Thunder, Friday, March 7 (1987?)
Ronnie James Dio, April 25, 1997

This is going to be a long list. I will add more dates as I find them. Feel free to add a comment with the dates of concerts you have attended at Rainbow Gardens in Erie, PA.

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, PA at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com

Chestnut Street Pool and Waterworks Park, Erie PA

Waterworks Park postcard courtesy of Erie Police historian Ken Sidun.

The Chestnut Street Pool was located at the foot of Chestnut Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. The City of Erie operated this pool to give its citizens a place to swim for free. This old postcard shows people having a picnic and sitting on benches at Waterworks Park.

One of the most vivid things that people remember was scraping their knees on the old concrete pool. A number of people still have the scars to prove it. Others remember that the pool was always very popular and was always crowded.

How far did you walk to swim at the Chestnut Street Pool?

Here's a more modern shot of kids swimming in the pool: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2013/01/swimming-at-chestnut-street-pool-in.html

Magician Harry Kellar Played Erie in 1904

-ad in Erie Evening Herald, Oct. 13, 1904.

Harry Kellar, known throughout the world as a brilliant magician, was born in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1849. Kellar appeared at the Majestic Theatre on West 10th Street in Erie, PA for two shows,  October 17 and October 18, 1904.

"The popularity of Harry Kellar, or 'Our Harry,' as he is familiarly called in Erie, (his old home), was attested last evening...Kellar uses very little apparatus, and performs many of his most wonderful tricks simply with the aid of his bare hands and in the glare of the brilliantly lighted stage." -review in the Erie Evening Herald, Oct. 18, 1904.

Kellar performed one of his most famous acts at the Majestic, the Levitation of the Princess Karnac. "The illusion is only another of the mighty Kellar's marvelous accomplishments, showing the ease and grace with which he defies the laws of nature and makes even the unbending rules of science sway to his will and skill."

Here is a picture of the Majestic Theatre. Magician Harry Blackstone, Sr. also performed in Erie.

Enjoy a magical history tour of Erie, PA at Old Time Erie

Canal Boats Under West 4th and Sassafras

-Detail from Ruger & Stoner's 1870 bird's eye map of Erie, PA. Library of Congress 73-694523.

Erie, Pennsylvania was a much different town back in 1870, when the canal flowed underneath 4th and Sassafras Street and emptied into Lake Erie. The bird's eye view of Erie shown above was made by Ruger & Stoner in 1870. The current Bayfront Highway loosely follows the dirt road shown at the bottom of this old map of Erie.

The path of the canal is shown in blue near the center of this drawing. It went under Sassafras Street south of Fourth Street, then under Fourth Street east of Sass. Its path then became parallel to Peach and Sassafras Street until it reached the bay by a series of three locks. West 2nd Street was blocked by the canal between Peach and Sassafras in 1870.

The Beaver and Erie Canal met its terminus at Reed's Wharf, which was also known as Reed's Pier. The was important for shipping, but it was also an attractive nuisance, as these notices in the Erie Gazette will attest:

"On Friday evening, Mr. G. D. Buckley rescued a little son of Dr. McGill from drowning in the canal near Walnut street, above eighth." -May 26, 1870.

"On Wednesday afternoon of last week, a little son of John McCuminskey fell into the out-let lock, and all efforts to save him were unavailable. His body becoming wedged in the 'wicket,' it was 15 minutes before it was extricated."

The Beaver and Erie Canal is just a memory in Downtown Erie. Part of the canal used to run through Gannon University's Intramural Field near 3rd and Sassafras St.

Enjoy more historic facts about Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Midnight Horror at Shea's Theatre in Erie PA

Shea's ad in Erie Morning News, September 12, 1963.

How about a spine-chilling horror hit featuring Leonard Nimoy? Nimoy appeared as Professor Cole in the 1958 cult-classic "The Brain Eaters" which was part of a double feature five years later at Shea's Theater in Erie, PA.

Shea's ran an interesting promotion, which included:

• Free admission if your name had 13 letters
• A Vampire Cocktail to the first 100 people
• A free Dead Body to some lucky patron

The Horror at Midnight promotion coincided with Friday the 13th, which in this case was September 13, 1963. Shea's lined up two Ed Nelson films, "The Brain Eaters" and "Night of the Blood Beast." The latter was directed by Roger Corman.

Shea's Theatre was located at 22 West 10th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. This theater was demolished. The site is now occupied by the Avalon Hotel. Here's an old photo of the theater.

There's nothing Eerie about Old Time Erie, or is there?