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

Majestic Theater and Scott Block Erie PA

Majestic Theater and Scott Block on West 10th St. Photo courtesy of Erie Police historian Ken Sidun.

The Majestic Theater was built in 1904 at 18-24 West 10th Street in Erie, PA. It was just west of the Scott Block and was located on the north side of Tenth St. between Peach and State. The Majestic was also known as the Perry Theater and most recently was Shea's Theater.

None of the buildings shown in this photo exist today. The Majestic was demolished in 1967.

The Lawrence Hotel, on the corner of 10th and Peach Street, is the first building on the left. The Lawrence was built in 1913 and was demolished in 1968.

The Scott Block, shown on the right in this photo, was built in 1875 and was demolished in 1969. It was owned by W. L. Scott. The Hilton Hotel occupied the site of all three buildings in the 1980s, stretching from State to Peach on West 10th St.

Brush up on the history of Erie, Pennsylvania at Old Time Erie

Top 7 Restaurants in Erie, PA in 1956

This ad from the Erie Playhouse production of "King of Hearts" from January of 1956 shows seven of the top restaurants in Erie, Pennsylvania. The list includes:

• Riccardo's "We specialize in steaks, chops and spaghetti"
• The Den- was located at 832 Peach St., you can still buy 'The Den' sauce
• Kontis Restaurant "Handsome Italian prints and excellent service of better foods in a quiet atmosphere"
• Angelotti's was located at 502 West 17th Street
• Hotel Lawrence was located at 10th and Peach
• Cathay House was located at 12 West 7th St. "Delicious Chinese food served with dignity in quiet surroundings"
• Barnacle Bill's was located at 3122 West Lake Road "A Bill-o-fare of unusual dishes made from the finest food obtainable.

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