Musical Instrument Stores in Erie PA 1970

Old Time Erie ads from the 1970 General Telephone book, courtesy of Jeff George.

Did you take music lessons in Erie, PA in 1970? Or play in a band? If so, you should recognize a few of the music stores listed here. The Osiecki family had the market cornered with a one, and a two and a three and a four stores. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Here's the list of retail musical instrument stores:
Dick Bulling's Music House of Erie, 1128 West 26th St. (2 blocks east of present store)
Discount Piano & Organ Sales, 504 West 8th St.
Erie School of Music, 2501 Peach St.
Froess Piano & Organ Co., 556 West 8th St.
Markham Music, 25 West 11th St.
Moore Music, 1007 West 6th St.
Osiecki Brothers Music Center, 2201 Parade St. and 828 West Erie Plaza
Osiecki Music Co., 1105 Parade St. (Later called Rodney's)
Osiecki Music Co., 3441 Peach St.
Ronzitti Music Store, 2603 Peach St.
Tune Toppers Music & Studio, 1809 State St.

There have been many retail stores that sold guitars, amplifiers, keyboards and drums over the years in Erie, Pennsylvania, but this one is limited to stores that existed in 1970. 

Click here for another article about Osiecki's

Enjoy more Erie history at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com

WICU-TV Sunbeam Christmas Show 1955

-ad in Erie Dispatch, December 25, 1955.

Christmas of 1955 was a special time for kids in Erie, Pennsylvania. 'Let's Be Friends,' the tri-state area's number one live show, presented a special Christmas Show on December 25, 1955.

The show aired on WICU-TV, the local NBC affiliate, and was sponsored by the Firch Baking Company. Firch's spokesperson was 'Little Miss Sunbeam.'

Paul Dwyer was the host of 'Let's Be Friends.' The Christmas Show featured Judy Zalewski, a seven year-old singer; Judy Yoculan, a ten year-old ventriloquist; Tech High School grad Carmen Riazzi, who played basketball at the University of Dayton; Cathedral Prep grad Jim Schaaf, who played football at the University of Notre Dame; and Dan Kelly, the Academy High School concert pianist.

The Tune Toppers performed the music on this live show. The guests performed live at the WICU studio at 3514 State Street in Erie, PA.

Click here for a 1931 Firch Baking Co. ad.

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

Ricardo's Tavern Grand Opening 1948 Erie PA

Ad in Erie Daily Times, May 17, 1948.

Ricardo's Tavern opened in May of 1948 at 2112 East Lake Road in Erie, PA. The restaurant is still in business at the same address. It was remodeled following a destructive fire, reopening in 2012.

Jimmy Manucci and the Tune Toppers headlined the festivities on the opening night.

"Lovers of fine Italian foods will welcome the opening of Ricardo's Tavern. Skilled Italian cooks are on duty during hours the tavern is open. Antipasto, spaghetti and a variety of other tasty dishes...both Italian and American...will be prepared to patron's individual likes without advance notice. All popular beverages and mixed drinks are also served."

Ricardo's Tavern had fresh pizza every Friday and Saturday night.

The business was owned by Ricardo 'Ric' and Hank DeDionisio. (It was formerly Arduini's.)