Erie County Community College at St. Benedict

Erie County Community College at SBEC

Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania held its inaugural classes on the third floor of St. Benedict Education Center, 330 East 10th Street, Erie, PA, in the fall of 2021. Photo by Debbi Lyon ©2021. Old Time Erie

Stearns Strikes it Rich in Erie, PA

Stearns Manufacturing Co., ad in Erie Morning Dispatch, January 7, 1880.

Glenn Stearns put Erie on the map with 'Undercover Billionaire' in 2019, a hit Discovery Channel television series based on the premise of building a million-dollar business with just $100 and a pickup truck. But long before Glenn came to town, a different Stearns struck it rich in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Edward H. Stearns moved to Erie after a fire destroyed his planing mill in Massachusetts. E. H. Stearns bought property at East 10th between Holland and German Streets in Erie and built a company that was known throughout the world, thanks in part to his keen eye for industrial necessity. 

E. H. Stearns held over 30 patents, one of which was issued by the United States Patent Office in 1856! His machines made it faster and safer to remove bark from trees and to turn logs in saw mills. This entrepreneurial spirit made life easier at a time when most houses were made of wood, and timber was king. 

"These productions, which are known in every lumber camp and saw mill in the United States, have maintained their excellence of construction during the entire period of their manufacture." -History of Erie County, PA (Warner, Beers 1884).

Enjoy more fun facts about Erie, PA at Old Time Erie!

Houses on West 10th & Walnut circa 1910

West 10th Street near Walnut circa 1910. Old Time Erie historic postcards.

The elegant and distinctive houses shown in this postcard show a series of well manicured lawns along West 10th near Walnut Street in Erie, PA circa 1910. 516 West 10th was home to Edwin Davis, owner of the Davis Wall Paper Co. Elisha C. Mack resided at 524 West 10th and Joseph Weschler owned the dwelling at 536 West 10th.

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

Woolworth's and Kresge's on State

Classic Downtown Erie. This looks like a scene that Tom Hanks would have used in the move "That Thing You Do." This is the west side of State Street. Woolworth's was located at 818 State, between 8th and 9th St. Kresge's was on the southwest corner of 9th and State, and Murphy's was to the south of Kresge. The five and dime stores attracted tons of shoppers, old and young. Woolworth's had a lunch counter where you could get a cup of coffee, a burger and fries, a milkshake or a cherry phosphate. The little kids thought it was fun to spin around on the floor mounted stools until their mother gave them "the look" and they stopped misbehaving immediately. Ahh, the good old days.

Click here to share your memories of Woolworth's and Kresge's.

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

Picture Me In Old Time Erie

I love to look at old photo albums. It doesn't matter if I'm not related to the people in the pictures. It's fun to get out a magnifying glass and look for details in the background. As I'm sure you know by know, I also love Erie history. 

I don't know how many times I've visited a historic site and wished someone had taken a picture so I could reminisce about at it later. Especially some of the places that have been demolished. This got me to thinking...how can I encourage you to get out and discover the cool places in Erie, PA.

So, my challenge is that I want you to take a picture of yourself in front of a historic site in Erie County, PA. E-mail a copy to me and I will post as many as I can here, on Old Time Erie. It's that simple.

Those of you who grew up in Erie and no longer live here have an option. Look through your old photos and find a picture of yourself at a historic site in Erie County. I will also accept a shot of you in front of a store on State Street. This is not a contest, and there are no prizes. Just a fun activity to get you out of the house before the snow flies. 

Well, what are you waiting for?

Click here to e-mail your picture to Old Time Erie. 

Old Erie Achievement Center Bldg

This cool brick building on the southeast corner of 6th and French St. has had three major tenants since it was built in 1914; the Achievement Center, Erie Insurance and the C.F. Adams Company. 

Charles F. Adams, the original owner, had a popular household goods store and had offices here. "This building was undoubtedly designed by an architect who was familiar with Tudor Gothic and Romanesque styles of architecture in their various expressions. At least the influence of these styles are clearly shown in this handsome building, showing a fine red tile roof and carefully laid walls. Much neatness is displayed in the surroundings and setting of small shrubs." In 1914, Charles was the president of the company (he died in 1923 and was buried in the Erie Cemetery). Louis T. M. Slocum was 1st vice-president; William Brown was 2nd VP; Harry L. Smith was secretary; Burr Lathrop was treasurer and J. A. Slocum was a traveling auditor.

Erie Insurance moved into this building at 101 East 6th Street in 1938. It was their home in Erie, PA until they needed more office space. Erie Insurance moved into its current headquarters across the street in 1956.

The Achievement Center occupied this site from 1956 until 2013. The building has a lot of character. It is across the street from Perry Square and the old Erie Public Library building.

You can donate to the Achievement Center by clicking here

Learn more about Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Happy Birthday Old Time Erie

Old Time Erie photo of the Brig Niagara by Debbi Lyon.

It seems like yesterday when Old Time Erie was hatched. Hard to believe a year has passed. Where did the time go? I had no idea how much that so many people loved Erie history. Thanks for sending compliments and suggesting story ideas. A big thanks to all the people who have made this possible! If you've ever contributed a picture or a postcard, give yourself a pat on the back. If you've been meaning to say hello or send something in, here's your chance.

Here's to the next chapter in the people's history of Erie, PA!

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