Perry 200 Bicentennial Souvenir Book

If you're looking for a snazzy overview of the multitude of events held to celebrate Perry's victory in the Battle of Lake Erie, I've got the book for you.

The Perry 200 Commemoration Bicentennial Souvenir Book is a must for fans of the history of Erie, PA, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and the War of 1812. This full-color hard cover book boasts more than 150 pages and documents the events held for the Centennial 1913, the Sesquicentennial in 1963 and the Bicentennial in 2013. There are also a lot of pictures of the Brig Niagara!

David Frew and Jerry Skrypzak did a fine job in assembling all the parts and putting things in context. The book was published by the Jefferson Educational Society of Erie, PA.

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

The Roar From These Shores

Back in 1963, the Roar on the Shore had nothing to do with motorcycles. Erie residents were in a patriotic mood, celebrating the Perry Sesquicentennial in a big way. A replica of the Flagship Niagara was assembled in Veteran's Memorial Stadium at 26th and State Street, along with a 300 foot stage. Five hundred people appeared in a series of performances that spanned seven days in August of 1963. The Roar From These Shores came from the audience at the end of each show. 

Tonight Show host Jack Paar said, "One thing is evident- it's a great community effort. I've never seen such a project as this before. We need more of this in America."

PA Governor William Scranton said, "I've seen a lot of pageants. This is by far the best I have ever seen. I'm really impressed."

An advertisement claimed, "Any child who sees "From These Shores' will cherish the memory all his life and thank you for it. Don't be the on to deny him the best look he'll ever get at the history of Erie."

Were you one of the children who saw the show? Did you appear in "From These Shores?" I'm looking for pictures of the event and I'm sure someone has a few in a scrapbook. If you would like to contribute photos to an upcoming project about the Perry Sesquicentennial, be sure to act now. Contact me here to participate. Can't wait to hear your stories.

Enjoy more facts and photos of Erie, Pennsylvania 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

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Perry Square Civil War Statue 1875 Erie PA

Old Time Erie Civil War statue near 6th and Peach circa 1875.

Here is a rare photograph of the Civil War statue in Perry Square near 6th and Peach St. in Erie, PA. The inscription on the front states, "In memory of the Soldiers and Sailors from Erie County who gave their lives to save the Union." The back reads, "We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

Perry Square was named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812. Peach Street was a dirt road when this photo was taken. The fence, gaslight and water fountain shown in this picture no longer exist. The monument, however, still stands; it is within walking distance from City Hall, the Erie County Courthouse and the Federal Courthouse.

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