The image flickers on the screen as you sit in the relative safety of your vehicle. Then it happens...a blood-curdling scream shrieks through the little silver box attached to your window. You cover your eyes and peak through your fingers. That's the price your pay for viewing horror movies like "The Fun House" at the drive-in theater.
The Peninsula Drive-In was located at 301 Peninsula Drive, where the Tom Ridge Environmental sits today. Shows started at dusk, and there was usually a double or triple feature. Sometimes the early show was aimed at a young audience (think Herbie the Love Bug), and other times the movies were strictly for a mature audience.
There was generally a long line of cars waiting to get in to the Peninsula Drive-in, which opened around 8 p.m. Cars would snake their way along the gravel covered lanes, which made a distinctive sound when you drove over them. The lot wasn't flat; it was quite a bumpy ride over the humps in the road. Station wagons would bottom out if there was a pothole in the lot.
Enjoy more historical facts and photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie
Gimme Gravy, on my Mashed Potatoes...That song gets stuck in my head when I hear people talk about the super mashed potatoes from the cafeteria in the basement of the old Boston Store. You could also get a hearty bowl of vegetable soup or a super sweet milkshake. Thankfully, I don't associate those items with any songs.
The Cafeteria was in the basement of the Boston Store at 718 State Street in Downtown Erie, PA. It was always packed with students from Gannon College, Prep, Villa and St. Ben's, just to name a few. So, grab your tray and make your way through the original 'fast food' restaurant.
Everything is so shiny in this shot of the cafeteria, just as it was on every floor in the store. I like the glass block on the outer wall. The tables are set up for two or four people at each setting. Thanks to Bill for sending in this awesome photograph.
Click here to share your Boston Store Cafeteria memories.
Enjoy more facts and photos of Erie, PA at: Old Time Erie
When I saw this ad for the Marvintown Bowling & Billiard Academy, the surname caught my eye right away. I knew several of the Wolfram boys from school and the old neighborhood. This family has lived in the old homestead on East 26th Street near St. John's Catholic Church for nearly a decade.
John M. Wolfram owned the bowling alley, which was located at 2621 Parade Street in Erie, PA. The text reads, "Bowlers Attention! We will give to bowler making the best score in five consecutive successive games in Ten Pins a Mineralite Bowling Ball and bag (valued at $20). Grip and holes bored to suit winner. All games must be paid in advance (65 cts.). Bowler must signify his intention to compete for ball. The decision of the house must be considered final in all disputes. Entires close Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. No entry fees. Bowl as many times as you wish. High Score, Henry Flick, 941. Commercial League now organizing. Opening for two more teams." -Erie Evening Herald, November 25, 1918.
...Clap for the Wolfman.
I wonder if the grandfathers of any of Erie's PBA bowlers such as Bob Learn Jr., Ron Palombi Jr. or Mike Machuga might have hung out at Marvintown Bowling.
Enjoy more fun facts about Erie, the Beer and Bowling capital of Northwestern Pennsylvania, at: Old Time Erie
The Masonic Temple Building in Downtown Erie, PA was constructed in 1909 and completed in 1910. This six-story building is located on the northeast corner of 8th and Peach. The grand lobby has beautiful marble and woodwork throughout.
The scene in the postcard above is much different today because the old Boston Store was constructed to the north of the Masonic Temple in place of the three-story building shown here. (You could enter the Boston Store on Peach Street and exit on State St.) The three-story building to the right of the Temple was the Ensign Building at 16 West 8th Street. The Ensign was replaced by a five-story building that is now occupied by UPMC Health Plan.
The Masonic Temple Building, at 32 West 8th St., is the home of the Perry Keystone No. 392, the Lawrence No. 708 and the Tyrian Commonwealth No. 362 Masonic lodges. There are a number of businesses, offices
Enjoy more fun facts about the history of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie
