Charles M. Tibbals lived in this Greek Revival home at 146 East 5th Street more than 170 years ago. Tibbals was the founder of the Chicago & Erie Stove Company, which manufactured the "Invincible," an award-winning, ornate coal burning stove that heated many a parlor throughout the United States. This red brick house is a testament to his wealth and keen attention to detail.
Did you miss your chance to tour this beautiful home, and nine other nearby properties, this Thursday, Sept. 26th? The Erie County Historical Society coordinated this self-guided tour, which included sites owned by Erie Insurance. Many of the buildings pre-date the Civil War. Tickets are $10 each.
Ten sites on State and French Streets, from 3rd to 6th Street, were included on the itinerary. They included the Cashier's House and Erie History Center, Chandlery Corner (4th and State), the Dickson Tavern (2nd and French), Pierre S. V. Hamot House (3rd and French), Sullivan's Pub, O'Donnell House (4th and French), St. Patrick Catholic Church (130 E. 4th), the H. O. Hirt Building (East 6th) and the F. W. Hirt Building on the corner of 6th and French. On street parking is generally free after 6 p.m. downtown.
(On a side note, I almost called this post "The Trouble With Tibbals" but I wasn't sure how many of you were Star Trek fans and watched the episode about tribbles.)
Enjoy more fun and fascinating facts about Erie, Pennsylvania at: 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.
