Top 10 Oliver Hazard Perry Sites

Old Time Erie photo by Debbi Lyon.

Oliver Hazard Perry was the victor in the Battle of Lake Erie and was a pivotal figure in the War of 1812. Here my list of Top 10 Oliver Hazard Perry sites in Erie County, PA, some of which were named in his honor (in no particular order).

 1. Perry Square. Make this your vacation destination. Lots of events are centered here.

2. Oliver Hazard Perry statue (show here). Located on the east side of Perry Square. Perry points south and helps drivers navigate around the park.

3. Perry's flagship, the Brig Niagara. A must see, especially when she is under full sail coming through the channel.

4. Perry Monument. Located on Presque Isle State Park. Dedicated September 10, 1926.

5. Perry Elementary School, 955 West 29th St. Opened in 1913.

6. Perry Street runs north/south on Erie's east side.

7. Perry Plaza. On Broad St. on Erie's east side. Opened June 5, 1952

8. Perry Highway. Route 19 in Waterford, Erie County, PA. 

9. Perry Memorial Building. On 2nd and French St. in Erie, across from the entrance to the UPMC/Hamot emergency room. Also known as the Dickson Tavern.

10. Commodore Perry Yacht Club and Perry's Landing Marina. A tip of the cap to Erie's maritime history with these two west bayfront businesses.

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

You'll Love Erie circa 1982

A lot has changed since this You'll Love Erie tourist guide was published by the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce in 1982.

Erie County, PA has gained 6,000 people.
The Flagship Niagara is no longer propped up on State St.
The Civic Center replaced the Erie County Fieldhouse.
Mercyhurst is now a University.
The Erie Art Center is now the Erie Art Museum.
The Greyhound bus station moved to the bayfront.
Doctors Osteopathic Hospital closed.
The Geriatric Center is now Pleasant Ridge Manor.
The Erie Blades no longer exist.
The Erie Cardinals no longer exist.
Commodore Downs is gone.
The Erie International Airport is now Tom Ridge Field.
Villa Maria College merged with Gannon University.
Lou Tullio is no longer the Mayor of Erie.

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

Waldameer Park Opening Day 1924

Boating at Waldameer Park, postmarked 1919. Postcard courtesy of Michele H.

Ten to fifteen thousand people visited Waldameer Park in Erie, PA on May 30, 1924. And that was just in the afternoon! About 5,000 people were there in the evening. It was estimated that about one thousand tourists drove from Pittsburgh, PA to enjoy the park, filling every available spot. (Waldameer and Presque Isle State Park have long been favorites of Pittsburgh natives.)

"The kids were given a new treat yesterday in the 'Custer Car.' The miniature automobiles are run by storage batteries and go around a small track. The kids were so tickled at the new racing cars which they drive themselves that at times they were lined 50 deep waiting for a vacant car.

As usual, the Ravine Flyer was popular with young people seeking thrills and a great many of the more timid got their thrill on the Figure-Eight. The Merry-Go-Round was popular with almost everyone. The introduction of new horses and animals, including the elephant, made everybody want to ride the new ponies or the basket on the elephant." -Erie Dispatch-Herald, May 31, 1924.

Waldameer Park and Water World, located at 3100 West Lake Road in Millcreek Township, Erie County, PA, has long been a favorite with many generations of amusement park fans. The park is a favorite for fans of old style wooden roller coasters.

Here is a link to the Top Seven Rides at Waldameer Park in 1941: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/08/waldameer-park-top-ten-rides-from-1941.html

Steamer City of Erie trip to Cleveland July 10, 1927 for Five Bucks

When was the last time you enjoyed a restful night on Lake Erie? 

In 1927 you could travel round trip from Erie to Cleveland, Ohio on July 10 for only $5.50, or take a trip to Buffalo, NY and back for $4.50.

The trip on the Steamer City of Erie featured clean, commodious staterooms and excellent meals.

The excursion line was run by the Cleveland and Buffalo Transit Company, with moorings at the Municipal Pier in Erie, PA. 

Find more facts about tourism in Erie, Pennsylvania at Old Time Erie