Perry 200 Bicentennial Souvenir Book

If you're looking for a snazzy overview of the multitude of events held to celebrate Perry's victory in the Battle of Lake Erie, I've got the book for you.

The Perry 200 Commemoration Bicentennial Souvenir Book is a must for fans of the history of Erie, PA, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and the War of 1812. This full-color hard cover book boasts more than 150 pages and documents the events held for the Centennial 1913, the Sesquicentennial in 1963 and the Bicentennial in 2013. There are also a lot of pictures of the Brig Niagara!

David Frew and Jerry Skrypzak did a fine job in assembling all the parts and putting things in context. The book was published by the Jefferson Educational Society of Erie, PA.

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

The Roar From These Shores

Back in 1963, the Roar on the Shore had nothing to do with motorcycles. Erie residents were in a patriotic mood, celebrating the Perry Sesquicentennial in a big way. A replica of the Flagship Niagara was assembled in Veteran's Memorial Stadium at 26th and State Street, along with a 300 foot stage. Five hundred people appeared in a series of performances that spanned seven days in August of 1963. The Roar From These Shores came from the audience at the end of each show. 

Tonight Show host Jack Paar said, "One thing is evident- it's a great community effort. I've never seen such a project as this before. We need more of this in America."

PA Governor William Scranton said, "I've seen a lot of pageants. This is by far the best I have ever seen. I'm really impressed."

An advertisement claimed, "Any child who sees "From These Shores' will cherish the memory all his life and thank you for it. Don't be the on to deny him the best look he'll ever get at the history of Erie."

Were you one of the children who saw the show? Did you appear in "From These Shores?" I'm looking for pictures of the event and I'm sure someone has a few in a scrapbook. If you would like to contribute photos to an upcoming project about the Perry Sesquicentennial, be sure to act now. Contact me here to participate. Can't wait to hear your stories.

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

Perry Monument at Presque Isle State Park

The Perry Monument at Presque Isle State Park was dedicated on September 10, 1926, the 113th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. "The dedication services and unveiling which were under the direction of Major William Spencer were brief and simple. Less than 200 people were in attendance, the Erie County Historical society being largely represented."-Erie Daily Times, Sept. 11, 1926.

The Perry Memorial was designed by architects Fuller and Stickle in honor of Oliver Hazard Perry. The monument cost $45,069 and was built by the Continental Construction Co. of Erie, PA. It was 101 feet above lake level and can be seen from the bluff, the bayfront and Horseshoe Pond. This is a popular spot for tourists to visit when they go to the beach or drive around the Peninsula on Fisher Drive. 

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

War of 1812- Don't Give Up the Ship

Postcard promoting the Perry Centennial in July of 1913.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was a celebrated hero of the War of 1812. The USS Lawrence, USS Niagara and the USS Ariel were constructed at the Perry Shipyard at the foot of Cascade Street in Erie, Pennsylvania.

What follows is a brief account of the Battle of Lake Erie, which took place on September 10, 1813: 

"The battle on the lake- At the moment that Perry commenced the action he hoisted, at his fore-top-gallant mast head, a large flag, until then unseen by, and unknown to his officers, on thick were these words legible to the enemy, 'DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP.' This had a powerful effect. When he left the Lawrence she had only seven men fit for duty- and the commodore himself helped to fire the last gun that was serviceable, before he quit her." -from Niles' Weekly Register, October 9, 1813.

To learn more about Erie's rich maritime history, visit the Erie Maritime Museum. Click here for more information: http://www.eriemaritimemuseum.org

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