Boston Store Cafeteria Shines

Gimme Gravy, on my Mashed Potatoes...That song gets stuck in my head when I hear people talk about the super mashed potatoes from the cafeteria in the basement of the old Boston Store. You could also get a hearty bowl of vegetable soup or a super sweet milkshake. Thankfully, I don't associate those items with any songs.

The Cafeteria was in the basement of the Boston Store at 718 State Street in Downtown Erie, PA. It was always packed with students from Gannon College, Prep, Villa and St. Ben's, just to name a few. So, grab your tray and make your way through the original 'fast food' restaurant.

Everything is so shiny in this shot of the cafeteria, just as it was on every floor in the store. I like the glass block on the outer wall. The tables are set up for two or four people at each setting. Thanks to Bill for sending in this awesome photograph.

Click here to share your Boston Store Cafeteria memories.

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

Dependent and Neglected Children

Four hundred and twenty-nine dependent or neglected children received care from social agencies and institutions in Erie County, PA in 1940. The break-down is as follows: 

184 children lived in institutions (Sarah A. Reed Home and St. Joseph's Home for Children)
164 children lived in foster homes
81 children lived in relatives' homes

Additionally, 69 children with legal residence in Erie County received foster care outside of the county:

35 children lived at Bethesda Home in Meadville, PA
2 children lived at Carson College in Flourtown, Montgomery Co., PA
4 children lived at Girard College in Philadelphia, PA
2 children lived at the Odd Fellows' Home of NW PA in Meadville, PA
1 child lived at the Orphans' Home & Farm School in Zelienople, Butler Co., PA
9 children lived at Pennsylvania Soldiers' Orphans' Home in Scotland, Franklin Co., PA
4 children lived at Ruth M. Smith Children's Home in Sheffield, Warren Co., PA
3 children lived at St. Paul's Orphanage in Greenville, Mercer Co., PA
1 child was under the care of Children's Aid Society in Oil City, Venango Co., PA
7 children were under the care of Conference of Catholic Charities in Pittsburgh, PA
1 child was under the care of Children's Aid Society in Meadville, PA

"During 1939, 38 children were adopted through the Erie County Court. Of this number five were adopted by their own parents, probably after the second marriage of one natural parent of the children. Of the remaining 33 children, 18 had legal residence in the City of Erie and two in Corry, six children came from other Pennsylvania counties, two from Ohio, one from New York State, one from Mississippi and three from unknown localities.

Fifteen of the children were recorded as born out of marriage. In five instances the original placements in the adoption homes were made by social agencies or institutions. The adopting parents were married couple, with one single woman as an exception.

Many instances were cited of placements of children for adoption by doctors and private individuals." -Care of Dependent, Neglected and Delinquent Children in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

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

Tour Top Historic Sites in Downtown Erie

Charles M. Tibbals lived in this Greek Revival home at 146 East 5th Street more than 170 years ago. Tibbals was the founder of the Chicago & Erie Stove Company, which manufactured the "Invincible," an award-winning, ornate coal burning stove that heated many a parlor throughout the United States. This red brick house is a testament to his wealth and keen attention to detail.

Did you miss your chance to tour this beautiful home, and nine other nearby properties, this Thursday, Sept. 26th? The Erie County Historical Society coordinated this self-guided tour, which included sites owned by Erie Insurance. Many of the buildings pre-date the Civil War. Tickets are $10 each.

Ten sites on State and French Streets, from 3rd to 6th Street, were included on the itinerary. They included the Cashier's House and Erie History Center, Chandlery Corner (4th and State), the Dickson Tavern (2nd and French), Pierre S. V. Hamot House (3rd and French), Sullivan's Pub, O'Donnell House (4th and French), St. Patrick Catholic Church (130 E. 4th), the H. O. Hirt Building (East 6th) and the F. W. Hirt Building on the corner of 6th and French. On street parking is generally free after 6 p.m. downtown.

(On a side note, I almost called this post "The Trouble With Tibbals" but I wasn't sure how many of you were Star Trek fans and watched the episode about tribbles.)

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

Downing Building 75 Years Later

The Downing Building was a fixture in Downtown Erie from the time it was built in 1883 until it was demolished in the early sixties. This once grand structure sat on the northwest corner of 9th and Peach St. and was built in 1883 by Jerome F. Downing.

This photo was taken in the early sixties, and shows the Peach Street side of the building. The entrance to the Office Bar & Restaurant hangs from the northeast corner, and a political campaign sign for Judge Lindley R. McClelland is on the north side. 

The Fabric Shop and the Christian Science Reading Room were in a separate building to the north of the Downing Building.

Here's a sketch of the Downing Building in the late 1880s.

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

Palace Hardware Towered Above Downtown Erie

The Palace Hardware building was constructed around 1914 and still stands at 913 State Street in Erie, PA. The Palace Hardware House was a retail store that had a variety of items, everything from guns and ammo to bicycles, automobile accessories, paints, sporting goods and cookware. The Erie store was a branch of the United Hardware & Supply Company. After the store closed, the building sat vacant for many years. It was refurbished in the late nineties and then used for a mixture of retail and apartments.

Clifford M. Turner managed the Palace Hardware store in 1922. The building was 42' wide by 65' deep. Marine Bank is the light colored building to the left of Palace in this photo. Some of the early tenants included attorney Miles B. Kitts, Commonwealth Oil Company, Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., Truscon Steel Co., the Real Estate Board of Erie and the Erie Civic Music Association.

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

Ariel Building at 8th and State

The Ariel Building sat on the northeast corner of 8th and State Street in Erie, PA. At ten stories high, this building towered above others in the same block. It was completed in 1917 and stood for a mere 53 years before falling victim to the wrecking ball. Pittsburgh architects Arlen & Harlow designed this building, which was just shy of 150 feet, and very narrow.

The Erie Lighting Company occupied the lobby and second floor of the Ariel Bldg. when this photo was taken in 1924. Real estate agents Harper & Russell had an office on the third floor. Architect C. Paxton Cody was on the fourth floor. Attorney Isador Sobel had offices on the seventh floor. Andrews Land Company was on the eighth floor and attorney John Rilling was on the tenth floor. 

The number of floors is a little bit misleading, because there was a basement, a lobby and a mezzanine under the second floor. By 1968, about half of the offices were vacant.

The Ariel Building was within walking distance of the federal courthouse and the Erie County Courthouse, making it the ideal location for attorneys and real estate agents. 

This building was torn down in 1970. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield at 717 State Street in Erie, Pennsylvania currently occupies this site.

Click here for more facts and photos of Old Time Erie

A Haunted Happening In My Erie Childhood

Old Time Erie: photo illustration by Debbi Lyon.

Ghostbusters! A Haunted Happening in my Erie Childhood

by Lita T.

Founded in 1896, St. Peter’s Cathedral Center is the oldest Catholic elementary school in Erie, PA.  My grandmother went to school there, and in 1984, I attended first grade (1B).  Music class was in the basement under the old school. Our music teacher was fresh out of college, a young handsome man that just about every girl had a teacher crush on. While the girls were more than willing to participate in class and sing, the boys often rolled their eyes and often were not interested. The music teacher even had a musical name “Mr. Martone.”  He wanted us to learn about Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven—but even with his charming personality, he couldn’t motivate us to learn the old masters.

As a good teacher, he needed to find something to stimulate us—some positive reinforcement or reward to deliver after 100% class participation. He discovered that the only thing we loved every week was to sing Ghostbusters with his piano accompaniment. If we were good in class and learned our Mozart, he pulled out his Ghostbusters sheet music.  When Mr. Martone tickled the ivory with those chords, excitement radiated through us all!

We looked forward to Ghostbusters on the keys every week.  He would play it for us at the end of class, and the more often he played it, the more boisterous we became.  Our singing of Ghostbusters reverberated through the old school disrupting classes many floors above.  Other teachers started to complain, and he was forced to close the door to try to contain the sound.  But then strange things started to happen.

As soon as he had sat down on the piano after closing the door, the door would open.  At first we thought drafts caused this, but Mr. Martone, growing increasingly frustrated, closed the door tightly so that it was properly shut and would not open from a draft.  When he arrived back at his piano and started playing, the door would open again. Then we suspected that it was a student playing a prank on us. But he checked over and over again, and no student was there.  When he would ignore the opening door, the door would slam shut.  This happening went on for several weeks.

One day while we sang Ghostbusters, the door became very active again—opening and closing, again and again and again. This repetition was unusual because air drafts could not have produced such frequent swinging and slamming. I remember feeling a strange chilly breeze swirling around the classroom and yet neither the curtains nor a strand of hair moved.  The lights flickered a bit. Even with all this strange activity, we would not stop belting out our favorite song.  He continued playing even as he noticed something was happening.  Finally we came to the chanting part of the chorus, “I ain’t afraid of no ghost,” that continued to build up louder and louder.  The piano keys quickened the tempo, the door was spastically going, and our chanting reached the breaking point: “I AIN’T AFRAID OF NO GHOST!!!!”

At that moment, the fluorescent light fixture above us exploded and fell to the ground.  All the lights in the room shut off.  Silence in the dark.  We looked at Mr. Martone who gave us a face of shock.  Luckily no one was hurt. Then one by one we started giggling and said, “Oh that was so cool!” 

Strangely enough, after that day the door stayed put and the lights—after repair—were under control.  Everything was at peace. Nothing like that ever happened again to my knowledge—especially since three or four years later the music room in the basement became the boys bathroom.

About twenty-years later, I visited Mr. Martone at [the] school where he now teaches.  As soon as he saw me, he said, “Guess what I recently found?” From his bookshelf, he pulled out the tattered Ghostbusters sheet music which we had used to summon the spirit of St. Peter’s so many years earlier.  He sat at the piano and played it just for me. Though he was a bit rusty at the tune, I warmly approved of the performance.  It was sweet that we both remembered those old school days.

Enjoy more tales about Erie, PA at: Old Time Erie

East High School Circa 1969

Old Time Erie: East High School Class of '69.

East High School was dedicated on November 3, 1921. It was designed by architect William Butts Ittner (who designed a number of buildings in his hometown of St. Louis, MO) and was built by Sutherland Building and Contracting Company. The final cost of the project was $1,420,000. The school was located on Atkins and Brandes Street in Erie, PA.

Here is a brief history of East High School as it appeared in the 1969 Sunrise yearbook:
"Fifty years ago the laying of a cornerstone signaled the beginning of a new educational era on the east side of Erie. East High School opened its doors for the first time to students.

Since 1919, many changes have occurred. Fifty years ago the enrollment of East High was approximately 1000 students in four grades. We have nearly doubled that number in 1969. A graduate returning to East High School in the spring would be pleased to see the trees and shrubs in bloom. He would also notice the physical changes in the building itself because of additional classrooms, new heating, fire enclosures, and new furnishings.

New courses have also been added to the curriculum with the passage of years. Some of them are: honors and advanced placement history, English, biology and mathematics. Vocational courses in business, merchandising and home economics have been reintroduced. The courses of study have kept pace with new ideas in science.

Seven principals have guided East High throughout these fifty years. They are: John Watson Ray, Mr. C. W. McNary, E. Edwin Coon, Harold D. Leberman, Edward R. Abramoski, Henry M. Narducci and our present principal, Miss Viola E. Andrews."

Miss Andrews was principal of East High from 1968 to 1982. She was followed by John Danowski (1982-88 and 1989-93), Rupert Stadtmiller and Helen Jackson.The school colors are scarlet and gray.

The original East High School, shown in the photo above, was demolished. Governor Tom Ridge and Al Roker (from NBC's Today Show) helped dedicate the new East High School in February of 1999. 
Go Warriors!

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

General Electric Erie Locomotive Plant Philosophy

General Electric in Erie, Pennsylvania held an open house on June 12, 1960 to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. Visitors to the plant at 2901 East Lake Road received a 24-page booklet which told the history of the Erie plant. What follows are excerpts from the document entitled Welcome Visitor.

"We at General Electric's Erie Plant are pleased to have you as our guest. As a consumer, you're probably already familiar with GE television sets, radios, appliances, and light bulbs. But General Electric at Erie also means locomotives and generators, ferrous and non-ferrous castings- products that are basic to transportation, industry and defense all over the world. 

The headquarters of the Company's Motor and Generator Division is at the Erie Plant. The Direct Current Motor and Generator Department, Locomotive and Car Equipment Department, and Erie Relations and Utilities Operation are assigned to the Motor and Generator Division. Two other GE operations at the Erie Plant are the Erie Foundries and Erie Reconditioning Shop...

We hope that we have given you a better idea of what we do at General Electric's Erie Plant- the products we make, and the philosophy we try to live by. In the interest of all of our five 'Partners in Progress,' we try:

To give EMPLOYEES a good job at a fair wage under capable and trained supervision- in return for their attendance, skill, care and effort.

To give CUSTOMERS a good product at a fair price- in return for their business and loyalty.

To give LOCAL SUPPLIERS all the business we can- in return for quality products and skilled services.

To give SHAREOWNERS an equitable return on their money- in return for their investment in the Company.

To give you, our COMMUNITY NEIGHBORS, our full cooperation as a corporate citizen- in return for your continuing efforts to keep the Erie area a good place in which to work and live."

Note: GE made howitzers for the Army during World War II. Read about the 75mm weapons here:  GE Howitzers

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

Go Ahead, Make My Day

Every now and then I run across an interesting snippet of Erie history. Here's one that started with a bang:

"While patrolling his beat early this morning, Officer George Warfel heard a shot ring out. He was directly opposite the Wilcox House at the time and distinctly heard the shot come from that place. Rapping on the sidewalk for help help he rushed into the house, where he found one of the night watchmen holding a .32 calibre revolver in one hand while brushing bits of broken glass off a dresser.

Upon investigation Warfel found that the gun was the property of Detective Caldwell, who is employed by Reed Manufacturing Company to protest non-union men employed at that shop. Caldwell had left the gun on a table when he retired for the night. The night watchman, being inquisitive, picked up the gun, pointed it toward a large mirror and pulled the trigger. The bullet plowed its way through glass and wood, making a clean hole.

Caldwell, in speaking of the affair said: 'I was never so scared in all my life.' Then with an air of bravado, he pulled out a drawer of the table and exhibited two .38's. 'If he got hold of this artillery,' said the detective, 'there would have been some damage.' Alongside the artillery was a quart bottle of whiskey almost half full.

Before leaving the place Officer Warfel ordered the detective to unload all three guns and put them safely away from the hands of boarders. One scare seemed to be enough for Mr. Caldwell as he was hasty in obeying the orders of the bluecoat." -Erie Sunday Herald, September 7, 1913.

There was a lot of labor unrest in Erie, Pennsylvania at the time. Iron workers had been on strike for ten months. The Reed Manufacturing Co. building at 1425 West 8th Street still stands. It is near the intersection of West 8th and the Bayfront Highway, kitty-corner from Frontier Park.

George D. Warfel, who was born in 1880, lived at 523 East 4th St. in Erie, PA with his wife and children. He died in 1930 and was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Millcreek Twp.

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

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

Epp Furniture 1307 State Street Erie PA

-ad in Erie Dispatch-Herald, January 7, 1927.

Epp Furniture Company was in the same location for at least 45 years, at 1307-1309-1311 State Street in Erie, PA. The building still stands, although the facade has been covered by panels above the first floor. This is the third building south of 13th Street on the east side of the street.

George Epp chartered the Epp Furniture Company in 1921 with $350,000 in capital.

George L. Epp was president and treasurer of the Epp Furniture Co. in 1922. Edward M. Epp was vice-president, Arthur D. Epp was secretary. The store sold furniture, carpets, stoves and furnaces.

In 1967, Epp Furniture was run by Robert Taft, president and treasurer; Arthur Meyer, vice-president; James Daly, vice-president merchandising; Elizabeth Taft, secretary. The store sold furniture and floor coverings. It also offered an interior decorating service.

Elizabeth Taft was the daughter of Epp Furniture founder George L. Epp. She married Robert Taft in March of 1944. So, by studying the genealogy of the Epp family, we learn that this furniture company was a two-generation business venture.

Was Buffalo Bill in Your Backyard?

Ad on left Erie Evening Herald, July 2, 1898; ad on right Erie Evening Herald, June 15, 1901.

Was Buffalo Bill in your backyard?

Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show performed in Erie, Pennsylvania seven times between 1884 and 1916. Chances are pretty good that he played in your backyard, or paraded down your street on the way to your backyard. 

For instance, Cody's July 9, 1898 show was held in a field at 23rd and Parade owned by the Charles M. Reed estate. A stream cut through the middle of the block, which was bordered by Parade and Wallace between 22nd and 23rd Streets. 

If he didn't play in your yard, there's a chance that your grandparents or great-grandparents attended one of his performances. "Thousands were on hand to witness a street parade...The Indians, about eighty in all, resplendent in feather head-dress, paint, bells, etc., mounted upon their lithe and wiry mustangs, rode in amity with the Cowboys."

The Wild West Show was a huge production that was regularly updated. "Another new feature is a series of tableaux, depicting the famous Custer massacre, participated in by a number of Indians who fought against Custer on that memorable day in 1876. Among them is Red Horn Bull, who had a portion of his jawbone shot away by General Custer. Flat Iron, old and shrunken of limb, but rugged and active despite his 73 years, was at the head of the Indian warriors." -Erie Daily Times, July 9, 1898.

Annie Oakley was one of the stars of the Wild West Show. She began touring with Cody in 1885.

Cody's June 21, 1901 was staged under big tents at 8th and Cranberry in Erie, PA on property owned by Charles H. Strong. At the time, Cranberry was the western border of the City of Erie on the lower west side. Cody set up shop in a field was near the present-day Japan Street, just a few blocks from Frontier Park. "There are forty Sioux with the show...Chief Whirlwind is at the head of this tribe." -Erie Morning Dispatch, June 22, 1901. 

Here's an interesting observation about the size and scale of the show. "There is one feature about the show that may not have been appreciated by the thousands who looked at it from their seats, but which is worth remembering, and that is that every war that has occurred on this globe during the past thirty years- no matter in what country- was represented by men who had been actual participants in the battles...In August, after a tour of the Northwest, it will reach the Pan-American exposition and probably be located there a month or more." -Erie Daily Times, June 21, 1901.

Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show performed at the Peach Street circus grounds on at least two occasions, July 15, 1907 and May 13, 1916.

Before he took his Wild West Show on the road, Col. William F. Cody performed at the Park Opera House on North Park Row a number of times. To learn more about this era of his career (1872 to 1876), be sure to check out the book Buffalo Bill On Stage by Erie native Sandra K. Sagala: http://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Bill-Stage-Sandra-Sagala/dp/0826344275/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350012098&sr=8-1&keywords=sandra+k+sagala

JFK Kennedy at the Lawrence Hotel in Erie PA 1960

The Hotel Lawrence was demolished in 1968.

The Lawrence Hotel sat on the northwest corner of 10th and Peach Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. Henry Shenk built the Lawrence in 1913.

John F. Kennedy, then Senator Kennedy, gave a campaign speech in front of the Hotel Lawrence on September 28, 1960 which began with the words "Governor Lawrence ladies and gentlemen, does not anyone ever go to school in Erie?" You can read the text of his speech here. 
Thousands of people crammed the streets to see the future President of the U.S.A. on West 10th Street near Peach. The Erie Daily Times devoted most of the front page of its final edition on Sept. 28, including six articles; '40,000 Greet Kennedy in Erie.' Ed Wellejus wrote 'Wild Reception Given Nominee in Appearances.'

Kennedy was on a hot streak, having just debated Richard Nixon on national TV two nights prior to his appearance in Erie. Watch a clip of the debate here: Watch a clip of the debate here. Adoring fans met Kennedy at the airport. Schools were closed, as were some businesses, so people could attend the downtown rally. JFK was elected president a few weeks after his Erie appearance.
Here's another view of the  Hotel Lawrence, the Majestic Theater and the Scott Block.

Erie Daily Times, Sept. 28, 1960.

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

Boston Store Before the Big One 718 State St

Old Time Erie: Boston Store (Erie Dry Goods Co.), 718-726 State Street.

Here is a photo of the Boston Store before the Big One was built. By Big One, I mean the building at 716 State Street that is so beloved in the memory of so many Erie natives. The one with the restaurant, the decorations, and several floors of merchandise. The one where you met your friends 'Under the Clock' at 716 State Street in Erie, PA.

The Boston Store was housed in the building shown above, at 718-726 State, before the one at 716 State Street was finished around 1931.

The Boston Store which was known as the Erie Dry Goods Company. The original retail store was located at 1604 Peach Street when it first opened in Erie, PA in 1885. At that time, the store had eight clerks and 2,175 square feet of floor space. Quite a bit smaller than the behemoth building that people remember shopping in on State Street, where there was a department (and sometimes an entire floor) for each category of items, such as toys, cameras, jewelry, ladies blouses, men's suits, children's back to school clothing. You name it and they probably had it in stock. 

The statistics from 1926 were impressive: "The present organization, in peak times, reaches a total of nearly 1,000 employees and more than 210,000 square feet of floor are now used. The Boston Store occupies the larger portion of an entire city block and has entrances on four streets. That the Boston Store meets all of Erie's needs in a fully satisfactory manner is apparent when its great progress is considered." This was one of the biggest employers in Erie County in the twenties.

Click here to view a shot of the Boston Store from 1932. If you would like to see other photos of the store, type 'Boston Store' in the search box near the upper left hand corner (to the right of the orange B). You'll be glad you did.

Enjoy more fun and fascinating historical facts about Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

REO Speedwagon Master of the Road and WJET-AM

-ad in Erie Dispatch Herald, November 23, 1924.

Neal Doughty at WJET-AM in Erie, PA circa 1983. Photo by Debbi Lyon.

REO Speedwagon was the Master of the Road in 1924 and then again in 1984. Depending on what generation you grew up on, REO Speedwagon has two different connotations. Same logo, but two very different things. Both good for Ridin' the Storm Out.

The Arbuckle Company at 1806 State Street in Erie, PA was the local dealer for the Reo Motor Car Company. The Speedwagon was a light motor truck with a flatbed that could be converted to carry cargo or passengers. REO was short for Ransom E. Olds, who also founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company. Check out a short video of the 1924 REO Speedwagon here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4FUCLdCGGg

REO Speedwagon used this name and logo for their band. They've played Erie, PA a couple of times, one of them at Gannon University's Hammermill Center on March 21, 1990, and another at the Liberty Park Amphitheater on June 12, 2011.

The band received tons of local airplay for hits such as "Ridin' the Storm Out," "Keep On Lovin' You," "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Don't Let Him Go" to name a few.

Keyboardist Neal Doughty stopped by WJET-AM at 1635 Ash Street in Erie, PA on May 21, 1987 to sign autographs and promote a concert at the Erie Civic Center. Neal founded REO Speedwagon in the late sixties.

Penn State Behrend Glenhill Estate Aerial Photo

The Glenhill Farm, now Penn State Behrend, circa 1948. Photo courtesy of Dr. Barbara Chambers. 

Mary Behrend donated the Glenhill Farm off of Station Road for use as the campus of the new Pennsylvania State College Behrend Center in 1948. Her husband, Ernest Behrend, a co-founder of Hammermill Paper Company, passed away on this estate in 1940, leaving her a widow. Mr. Behrend was buried nearby in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

The black rectangle near the center of the photograph is the heated pool. You can also see the Glenhill Farmhouse and the Carriage House. It's amazing how much property Behrend now owns in Harborcreek Township. Check out a Google Earth view of Behrend to see how this sliver fits into the big picture. The campus is bordered by I-90, Route 290 (the Eastside Bayfront Connector) and Route 430.

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

Lincoln School Real Estate 1917 Development Southeast Erie

-ad in the Erie Dispatch, October 21, 1917.

The Andrews Land Company owned several chunks of land in the City of Erie, PA. One of the areas they developed was called 'Lincoln Green,' and was centered around Lincoln Elementary School. It stretched from East 28th to East 33rd Street, and from Pine Avenue to East Avenue.

According to the ad, Lincoln Green had some of the most modern amenities:

Storm water sewers have been laid on 28th, 30th, 31st and Wayne streets, and part of East Ave.

Sanitary sewers have been laid on 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, Ash, Reed, Wayne and Perry streets, and East Avenue.

A $65,000 paving contract for 28th street has been let, and the work of paving this street from Parade east is almost completed. Contract has also been let to pave Wayne street from 26th south to 29th street, and as soon as the storm-water sewer is completed pavement will be continued to 31st street, the site of the new Lincoln school. Contract has been let to pave East Avenue from 24th to 28th street, with plans to carry this south to the city limits next year...

Electric street lights have been placed on the corner of 28th and Ash streets, 28th and Wayne streets, 28th and Perry streets, 28th and Reed streets, 28th and East Avenue, 29th and Wayne streets, 30th and Wayne streets, 31st and Wayne streets, 31st and East Avenue, 31st and Reed streets, and 29th and East Avenue.

Prices range from $350 to $800 with a few business locations higher.

The new Lincoln School, at 31st and Wayne streets, to cost when completed $310,000, and accommodating nearly 1,000 pupils...The school means a new civic center for Southeast Erie.

Andrews Land Co. ran an ad showing the growth of Erie, Pennsylvania from 1910 to 1927. You can read it here: Growth of Erie PA

Find more fun facts about Erie PA at Old Time Erie

Turnpike Street 14th and State map 1950 Erie, PA

Turnpike Street ©1950 Nirenstein's National Realty Map Co.

Two recent articles on Old Time Erie discussed businesses on 14th and State Street in Erie, PA. The most recent showed a photo of the Wilson House/New Wilson Hotel on the triangle of 14th, State and Turnpike St. http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/08/wilson-hotel-west-14th-and-state-1910.html A few readers remembered a gas station at this spot in the fifties, and lo and behold, they were right! At some point prior to 1956, the old hotel was demolished and replaced with a filling station.

Raeder's Central Esso (Paul Raeder) operated at 1330 State St. in 1956. Raid's Central Esso (James F. Raid) was there in 1957. And Rapp's Central Esso (John Rapp) was there in 1959.

I also wrote about Reliable Furnishing, Masiroff & Company Furniture and Jr's Last Laugh, which each occupied the building at 1402 State Street from 1909 to the present. [Masiroff moved from 1527 State to 1402 State on August 14, 1925.] http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/08/jrs-last-laugh-building-1909-reliable.html

The map above shows the owner of the property and the name of the business which occupied the building. For example, Charles Kline owned 1302 and 1304 State Street. Champion Auto Supply Company had a store at 1302 State, and Frederick's Credit Jewelers had a store at 1304 State St.

Turnpike Street no longer exists between State Street and the north side of West 14th St.; the block has resumed a triangular shape. There is still a small portion of Turnpike St. behind the building at 1402 State St. in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Zabawa Holy Trinity Polish Summerfest Erie, PA

Holy Trinity Catholic Church has celebrated its Polish heritage in a big way every summer, throwing a three-day festival called Zabawa, which began in 1993.

Zabawa spans the entire campus of the church, from East 22nd to East 23rd. The church itself borders Reed Street, and the auditorium is on 23rd St. Polka music blares almost non-stop either from live bands or from a disc jockey. A wood dance floor set on E. 23rd and Reed is a big draw, as is the food, which usually includes bigos (sausage and cabbage), golabki (cabbage roll), pierogi z serum (pierogi with cheese), czarina (duck soup), zrazy zawijane (sirloin with sausage, bacon and pickle wrapped inside), kotlet mielony (Swiss steak pattie) and kartoflane placki (potato pancakes). Sweets include bread, cookies, cakes, pies and paczki (Polish donuts).

Holy Trinity's parish built its own church at 2220 Reed Street in the winter of 1903 and is part of the Catholic Diocese of Erie, PA.

The 20th Annual Zabawa takes place August 23, 24 & 25, 2013 at Holy Trinity Parish on 23rd and Reed Streets. For more information, check the Holy Trinity RC Church website.

Find more fun facts and functions at: Old Time Erie