Heisler Locomotives Were Made In Erie

Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA made a mighty engine that sold throughout the world in the early 1900s. The company was formed in 1905 and manufactured trains in its factory on West 16th Street between Myrtle and Chestnut near Hickory St. The geared engine, which was patented by Charles L. Heisler in 1892, was unique because it could haul heavy loads on steep grades and work efficiently on uneven railroad tracks. This engine was used in the logging industry at Mount Shasta and Mount Rainier, among other places.

The 60-ton Heisler in the illustration above was used on the McCloud River Rail Road in California. When fully loaded it had a working speed of five to seven miles per hour. This locomotive was made by Stearns Manufacturing.

The fire box was eliminated from the design of the motor around 1933, making it a fireless steam locomotive. "Steam from the regular equipment is injected into the locomotive boiler and it is ready to run. This is one of the newer developments in one of Erie's older industries and, while little known locally, is well established where safe transportation power is required." -Erie Daily Times, April, 1938.

Felix F. Curtze was the president of Heisler Locomotive Works. G. Leroy Swabb was secretary and later executive vice president. Harvey Lefevre was vice president and secretary, and Frederick A. Curtze was treasurer. Heisler's had previously been made by Stearns Manufacturing in Erie, PA.

Learn more fun and fascinating facts about Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Hanging Out at the Erie Boys' Club

Hey, Billy, what'd you do today?
"Nothing much. I was just hanging out."

It looks like Billy was really hanging out when this photo was snapped at the Erie Boys' Club. This building, which was was located at 112 East 7th Street in Erie, PA, near 7th and French, was constructed in 1901. The Erie organization had the distinction of being the 31st Boys Club founded in the United States, and it was a charter member of the Boys Clubs of America.

The Erie Boys' Club had an enrollment of 537 boys in 1916, with an average daily attendance of 121. During the 1915-1916 season, 14,790 boys used the gym, 10,196 boys used the game room, and 4,656 boys used the library.

The Superintendent reported that "Every department is crowded to overflowing in the busy season. We have not nearly enough class rooms. This congestion has been noticeable for some time, and can only be overcome by the addition of another story or building an addition on the rear of the present building."

The Boys' Club Camp was held for one week at Shorewood. The club had a Lunch Company which sold sandwiches, cookies, pies, milk and candy and a Printing Company which printed odd jobs. The library got mixed reviews. "We are sorry to say the library is used for a game room most of the time. The library is now the midgets game room, and unless we get more room soon, we will have to go out on the roof to play."

I think it's a fair bet that some of the boys were already sneaking up to the roof. I remember climbing onto the roof of Wilson Middle School and the old elementary school near 26th and Peach in Erie to take pictures, and boosting my sisters onto the roof of the school in Wesleyville to get tennis balls. Good times.

The old Erie Boys' Club has since been demolished and is currently occupied by a parking lot.

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

Erie Volunteers in the Civil War

The 145th Pennsylvania Volunteers formed at Erie, Pennsylvania in the summer of 1862, raised in part by David McCreary. The names of the recruits and officers read like a who's who of Erie County. In addition to McCreary, the list includes Osborn, Loomis, and Jordan. The surnames might sound familiar; if you've navigated through Erie County, you may have seen their names on roadsigns. 

Dr. Verel Salmon, former superintendent of the Millcreek School District, is the author of "Common Men in the War for the Common Man," a history of the 145th from its formation in 1862 to the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. Dr. Salmon's great-great-grandfather, George W. Salmon, served in the 145th.

The flag in the photograph above was carried into battle on December 13, 1862 at Fredricksburg, where it was heavily damaged. It was returned to Erie and was later presented to the Erie Public Library by the veterans of the 145th. The flag is on display in the Heritage Room at the Blasco Memorial Library in Erie.

Dr. Salmon spoke at the Erie County Historical Society as part of the Sally Carlow Kohler Lecture Series. The event, which was free and open to the public, took place on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 419 State St. in Erie, PA.

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

Reed House Hotel in Perry Square

Old Time Erie postcard contributed by Tom DiLuzio.

The luxurious five-story Reed hotel attracted guests from all over the United States, including Buffalo Bill Cody. It sat right in the middle of Erie's commercial district, on the corner of North Park Row and French Street. Check out this description of the Reed House:

"The building is pressed brick, with stone, iron and terra cotta towers at each corner and in the center of the north and south fronts. The structure is in the form of a hollow square, thus securing an abundance of light and air to every room in the house, which is traversed by broad corridors running the entire length and breadth. Splendid staircases connect the various stories, and a fine passenger and baggage elevator enables guests to reach their rooms quickly and with little exertion. 

The first floor is laid in marble tiles, and comprises the spacious office, barroom, wine-room, barber shop, baggage room, etc., all elegantly finished in costly woods. On the second floor are the grand dining room, 80x120', reading and writing room facing French street and the park, 40x60', reception room, general parlor, ladies' parlor, sample rooms for traveling salesmen, and several beautiful suites of rooms for the use of guests.

The appointments as regards furniture, carpets, hangings and decorations are of the most luxurious kind, each room or suite of rooms being provided with toilet closet, bath, bells, gas-lights and the neatest, daintiest and most refreshing beds that ever invited the weary wayfarer to repose. 

The dining room with its array of spotless table linen, glittering glass, crystal and silver, and battalion of attentive colored waiters, is another most attractive feature, and especially worthy of the epicure's attention, and every substantial and delicacy obtainable being provided in profusion to tempt the appetite and satiate the inner man. All servants are in livery, and the promptitude and reliability of waiters, bell boys and all employed about the hostelry would satisfy the most exacting."

The description above was written in 1888. Sounds like we had our own Downton Abbey in Downtown Erie. The Reed House was demolished in 1933. A parking lot now occupies this site.

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