Old Time Erie

Erie County Community College at St. Benedict

2021-10-20T08:45:00.003-04:00

Erie County Community College at SBEC
Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania held its inaugural classes on the third floor of St. Benedict Education Center, 330 East 10th Street, Erie, PA, in the fall of 2021. Photo by Debbi Lyon ©2021. Old Time Erie

Time line for St. Benedict Academy:

1867 Original St. Benedict Academy opened
1955 New SBA opened at 330 East Tenth Street
1988 Last graduating class at St. Benedict Academy; school closed
1989 St. Benedict Education Center opens
2021 Erie County Community College of PA held its first classes here

Learn a little bit more about St. Benedict Academy here.

The Benedictine Sisters maintain a website for Saint Benedict Academy alumni.

Find more fun facts about the history of Erie, PA here!

Erie Woman is Jeopardy Champ!

2020-12-02T22:58:00.001-05:00

Mercyhurst Prep grad wins on Jeopardy!

Jeopardy champ Leslie Minot graduated from Mercyhurst Prep in Erie, PA!

Leslie Minot, a former resident of Erie, PA, was the champion of Jeopardy! America's Favorite Quiz Show on December 2, 2020!

Imagine my surprise when I saw a familiar face on the screen while watching Jeopardy! Leslie Minot graduated from Mercyhurst Prep in 1986. Although we went to different schools, we each wrote for our high school newspaper (and hoped to work in the publishing field). If I remember correctly, we may have participated in a car wash to raise a few dollars to save the McDowell Hub newspaper in the mid-eighties.

It is refreshing to see an intelligent and well educated woman on television. In high school, Leslie was a member of the National Honor Society and she participated in Model UN and High-Q. She graduated from Yale, earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MFA in Writing from Goddard College. The clipping above Leslie's picture appeared in the Erie Times-News on June 8, 1986.

She was one of the last contestants to appear on Jeopardy with host Alex Trebek, as this show was taped before he passed away.

On a side note, Leslie's father, Dr. Walter S. Minot, taught at Gannon University for 36 years, and was named Professor Emeritus after he retired.

Enjoy more esoteric facts about Erie, PA history at Old Time Erie!.

Stearns Strikes it Rich in Erie, PA

2019-09-17T21:56:00.001-04:00

Stearns Manufacturing Co., ad in Erie Morning Dispatch, January 7, 1880.

Glenn Stearns put Erie on the map with 'Undercover Billionaire' in 2019, a hit Discovery Channel television series based on the premise of building a million-dollar business with just $100 and a pickup truck. But long before Glenn came to town, a different Stearns struck it rich in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Edward H. Stearns moved to Erie after a fire destroyed his planing mill in Massachusetts. E. H. Stearns bought property at East 10th between Holland and German Streets in Erie and built a company that was known throughout the world, thanks in part to his keen eye for industrial necessity.

E. H. Stearns held over 30 patents, one of which was issued by the United States Patent Office in 1856! His machines made it faster and safer to remove bark from trees and to turn logs in saw mills. This entrepreneurial spirit made life easier at a time when most houses were made of wood, and timber was king.

"These productions, which are known in every lumber camp and saw mill in the United States, have maintained their excellence of construction during the entire period of their manufacture." -History of Erie County, PA (Warner, Beers 1884).

Enjoy more fun facts about Erie, PA at Old Time Erie!

Big Rubber Duck Rocks Tall Ships Festival in Erie, PA

2019-08-23T18:56:00.004-04:00

Mama Duck was the star of the show at the 2019 Tall Ships Erie festival. Billed as the World's Largest Rubber Duck, Mama weighed in at 15 tons, and was tethered to the dock at the foot of Holland Street in Erie, PA from August 22-25, 2019. Her offspring, Baby Quackers, nestled next to Mama for the duration. Children and their parents lined near the ducks to take selfies.

Mama Duck and Quackers have made appearances on Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and other Great Lakes ports in the United States and Canada.

Tall Ships Erie is a benefit for the Flagship Niagara League, the group that operates the historic reproduction of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Tall Ships Erie was last held in 2016.

Enjoy fun facts about all things Erie at Old Time Erie

Birdseye View West 6th and Peach

2015-12-28T15:34:00.001-05:00

The Erie County Courthouse is the 'U' shaped building near the center of this photo. Old Time Erie history blog.

Here is a scene that has seen a lot of changes over the years. The Erie County Courthouse is the 'U' shaped building in the upper half of this photo. The part shown here is at 140 West 6th Street in Erie, PA, before the addition with the jail was built on West 5th Street. It would be interesting to find out how many thousands of people have walked the halls of the courthouse, appearing as jurors, filing a will or applying for a marriage license.

The bulk of this shot is between Peach and Sassafras Streets. Perry Square is in the center on the left, and below that is the old Greyhound Station on North Park Row.

Old Main, part of Gannon University, is partially hidden by trees, but the Erie Club at 524 Peach Street is clearly visible. The old First Presbyterian Church at 502 Peach Street is the one with the whitest roof and steeple.

The Cathedral of St. Paul Episcopal Church is across the street from the courthouse. The triangle near the bottom right has seen the most change. It now contains green space, walkways and tall apartment buildings housing students attending Gannon University.

LifeWorks Erie is now currently occupies the building at 406 Peach Street, visible in the very bottom right corner of this picture. The photographer was looking southwest more or less when this was taken.

Enjoy more cool photos and fun historical facts at Old Time Erie!

Soap Box Derby at the Dock

2015-12-08T10:18:00.000-05:00

Soap Box Derby on State Street in Erie, PA on July 31, 1935. Old Time Erie photo by William Liebler.

It's finally here! The big day. The event everyone has been waiting for. The Soap Box Derby! Hundreds of people lined both sides of State Street to see local boys participate in this race on July 31, 1935. Events like these were held all over the country, building an estimated 50,000 cars. The champion of each city went on to the national race.

"On August 11th at Akron, Ohio, the finals drew a crowd of between 75,000 and 90,000 people who watched Maurice E. Bale, Jr., age 13, of Anderson, Indiana, race down the incline to become the 1935 Soap Box Derby Champion." -Boys Life (May 1936).

There was a lot at stake for the boys. The first place national champion won a four-year college scholarship; 2nd place won a Chevrolet Master Coach and third place won a Chevrolet Standard Coach.The first boy who won the local derby in Erie, PA is shown at 5:09 in this short film of the 1936 All American Derby racing in the elimination trials Akron, OH. It's pretty exciting to watch the race, and it's no wonder so many spectators showed up.

Find more historical facts about Erie, Pennsylvania at Old Time Erie.

Harding Elementary School Addition

2015-12-07T23:19:00.000-05:00

The 1951 addition to Harding Elementary School, on 8th and Lincoln in Erie, PA.
Old Time Erie photo from the Erie School District archives.

Harding Elementary School at 820 Lincoln Avenue holds many fond memories for those who grew up near Frontier Park and the Delaware Avenue Housing Project. So many students attended Harding that the Erie School District built an addition on the north side of the school in June of 1951. The firm of Meyers, Krider, Werle and Ellenberger served as architects and engineer on the project.

For more fun facts about the history of Erie, PA, check out Old Time Erie!

Words and Music to Dream By

2015-12-06T21:37:00.000-05:00

Words and Music to Dream By featured Skip Letcher and Dick Fry. The photo of downtown Erie by Dick Kubeja shows the west side of State Street from 9th to 7th, from Kresge's to the Boston Store.

Skip Letcher was the star of a popular children's television show by day, donning a beard to play Pappy. By night he was a radio personality. More about his career in a moment. Skip teamed up with organist Dick Fry for "Words and Music To Dream By," a record album that was released by Rodeo International. Dick played organ, piano and chimes; Skip read poetry written by Ellen H. Eff.

The Pappy Show was legendary. Hundreds of Erie youngsters appeared in the WICU-TV studio audience for a chance to be on television. Skip was very popular with the kids, many of whom remember him 50+ years later!

Skip Letcher's biography appears on the back cover of the album jacket. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and got his start in 1944 at CJCH in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His next gig was at CJCB in Sydney and then VON in St. John's, Newfoundland. He appeared in the 1949 or 1950 Columbia Pictures' short "Disc Jockeys, USA." This was a jumping-off point that lead to a dual job at WICU radio and TV in Erie, PA.

"On TV Skip does five children's shows a week and on the radio has the most popular show on Sundays, 'Music For Sundays,' four hours of good music and poetry. Skip's programs are heard over the tri-state area of Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania and also the London-Tillsonburg area in Ontario."

I'm not one for poetry, but Dick Kubeja's photo on the cover of this album is awesome. It was taken from the Baldwin Building (Renaissance Center) at 10th and State, which is why the Koehler Beer clock towers over everything. He also got a nice shot of the Boston Store from a different angle. Other stores in the picture are Kresge, Eckerd's Drugs, Jordan's, Thom McCan and Burt's Shoes. There was plenty of neon to light up State Street.

Thanks to Dale for parting with this sweet record! Enjoy more fun facts about Erie, PA at Old Time Erie.

Houses on West 10th & Walnut circa 1910

2015-08-13T02:43:00.002-04:00

West 10th Street near Walnut circa 1910. Old Time Erie historic postcards.

The elegant and distinctive houses shown in this postcard show a series of well manicured lawns along West 10th near Walnut Street in Erie, PA circa 1910. 516 West 10th was home to Edwin Davis, owner of the Davis Wall Paper Co. Elisha C. Mack resided at 524 West 10th and Joseph Weschler owned the dwelling at 536 West 10th.

Enjoy more fun facts about the history of Erie, PA on the Old Time Erie blog

No Loud Talkers!

2014-09-14T10:58:00.001-04:00

Page from ledger of the Wesleyville Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars No. 188

The Wesleyville Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars No. 188 was formed on May 26th, 1854. They met once a week at the Sons of Temperance Hall. Members signed a pledge of total abstinence. This meant no beer, no wine, nothing of the sort. This fraternal organization accepted both men and women, and the group voted to admit new members upon nomination by a current member.

The Wesleyville I.O. of G. T. had another strict rule: No Loud Talking. "Moved that any members who shall hereafter be found guilty of loud talking and making a noise in the hall and about the door of this house so as to disturb the members of this Lodge (when in session) shall be fined 25 cts for each offense this Res. to be in force one week from tonight." Passed September 17, 1856.

This ledger book was discovered in the home of a descendent of the Henry family in Rochester, NY and was recently donated to the Harborcreek Historical Society.

Enjoy more fun historical Erie photos and facts at Old Time Erie history blog

National Night Out 2014 Erie County, PA

2014-08-03T17:43:00.000-04:00

Looking for a way to reminisce about your old neighborhood? Why not attend an annual National Night Out event. This annual gathering is funded by the United Way of Erie County. "These events seek to promote the spirit of community and encourage everyone to play a role in supporting the education of youth in our neighborhoods. Neighborhood events will feature free food, music and games, along with the opportunity to interact with local police and fire departments." -United Way.

The National Night Out events that I have attended over the years remind me of a laid-back block party where adults can mingle and trade stories about the old days. Or a family reunion. Local businesses and service providers usually have tables set up to share information. The children seem to really like to play games and see fire trucks up close. It's one big party before they get ready to go back to school.

This was the line-up for the August 5, 2014 celebration in Erie, PA:

City of Erie, PA- East Side locations:
John F. Kennedy Center
5-8 p.m. JFK Center - Building & Parking Lot, 2021 East 20th Street
Youth Leadership Institute of Erie
11 a.m.-7 p.m. 22nd & Reed Streets
Neighborhood Watch #13, SNOOPS Association
5:30-8:30 p.m. Friendship Park, 14th & Reed Streets
Bayfront East Side Taskforce (BEST)
6:00-8:30 p.m. Wallace Park
East Avenue/Hess Avenue Neighborhood Watch
5-9 p.m. Perseus House School/St. Casimir's Church (Lynn St., Brandes St. & Hess Ave.)
Eastside Eagles
5:00-7:30 p.m. Multi-Cultural Community Resource Center, 554 East 10th St. (5th and Ash St.)
SafeNet
5-8 p.m. SafeNet's Big Backyard Children's Garden, 240 East 9th Street

City of Erie, PA- West Side locations:
Little Italy Neighborhood Watch
5:00-7:30 p.m. St. Paul's Church Parking Lot, 19th & Myrtle Streets
West Bayfront
6-9 p.m. Gridley Park & Gridley School on Liberty Street near West 6th St.
YMCA of Greater Erie
5-8 p.m. MLK Community Center, 312 Chestnut Street
Housing Authority of the City of Erie
5-8 p.m. Erie Heights Housing Development, 4030 Garden Ave. Featuring music by the Sam Hyman Band.
Robbins Blass Neighborhood Watch
6-8 p.m. Pebble Park at Washington Avenue and Cold Spring Drive

County of Erie, PA locations:
Elk Creek Leisure and Recreation
1-10 p.m. Girard Community Pool behind municipal building in Girard, PA
Greene Township
6-9 p.m. Greene Township Municipal Building (9333 Tate Road)
Union City
6-9 p.m. Caflisch Park (Bridge & Willow Streets)
Wattsburg Borough
6-8 p.m. Della Bayle Park in Wattsburg, PA

Find more fun facts and old photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at Old Time Erie history blog

Top 10 Causes of Death in Erie, PA in 1946

2014-05-16T15:00:00.002-04:00

June 1947 Erie's Health drawn by Helen P. Thurlow.

Sad to say, I don't have any fun facts about Erie. This post is pretty grim. One thousand five hundred and eighteen people died in the City of Erie, PA in 1946. The death rate per 1,000 population was 11.6. The number one cause of death? Heart Disease

"Heart disease continues to rise and continues to be the greatest killer of mankind. There were 60 more such deaths in 1946 over 1945. Cancer is still unopposed for the second most common cause of death, although there were forty less deaths from that disease then in 1945. Apoplexy has shown a slightly lower trend for the past ten years. Pneumonia deaths have shown a gradual decline for practically the same period. Accidental deaths have shown a decline for the past three years, but the increase, already noted in automobile deaths, will probably tend to end this decline.

The epidemic of gastro-intestinal infection in young infants, which spread over the entire nation last year, accounted for this cause of death being elevated into the first ten causes of death in 1946. It also accounted for our highest infant mortality rate in a number of years. Diseases of early infancy and kidney diseases remained rather stationary. 1946 shown the gradual increase in diabetes deaths which has been evident for several years." -City of Erie Board of Health, June 1947.

Top 10 Causes of Death in the City of Erie in 1946:
1. Heart disease, responsible for 528 deaths.
2. Cancer, the cause of 193 deaths.
3. Apoplexy, 153 deaths.
4. Pneumonia (all kinds), 84 deaths.
5. Accidents, 61 deaths.
6. Gastro-enteritis, claimed 50 children under two years of age.
7. Nephritis (Bright's Disease), 47 deaths.
8. Diseases of early infancy, including congenital deformities, 30 deaths.
9. Diabetes, 27 deaths.
10. Tuberculosis (all kinds), 25 deaths.

For comparisons sake, here is a list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Top 10 Causes of Death in the U.S. in 2010:
1. Heart Disease
2. Cancer
3. Chronic lower respiratory disease
4. Stroke
5. Accidents
6. Alzheimer's disease
7. Diabetes
8. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis
9. Influenza and pneumonia
10. Intentional self-harm (suicide)

Find more facts about Erie on my Erie History Blog

Where in the World is Weigelville?

2014-05-09T23:56:00.004-04:00

Detail from a 1900 Sanborn Fire Map at 26th & Brown Ave in Erie, PA.

Where in the world in Weigelville? It's right in our backyard, if you happen to live in the City of Erie, PA. "Weigeltown or Weigelville, as it is variously called, at the intersection of Brown's Avenue with the Ridge Road, was named after George Weigel, Sr., who bought fifty acres in 1833, and laid out the Ridge road front into building lots. The hotel at Weigeltown was long a famous stopping place for parties coming to and driving from Erie. The village was then a mile and a half from the original borough limits." -Nelson's Biographical and Historical Reference Book of Erie County (1896).

"During the year 1828, a colony of 'Pennsylvania Dutch' reached the township [of Millcreek] from Lancaster County, consisting of George Weigel, Martin Warfel, Samuel Brenneman, Thomas Mohr, Jacob Metzler and others, followed by Jacob Charles in 1829." -Nelson's.

Looking for a Erie History Blog? You'll find it here.

Bicyclist at the Erie County Courthouse

2014-05-08T00:40:00.000-04:00

Bicyclist in fron of the Erie County Courthouse circa 1904.

Thousands of people have passed through the doors at the Erie County Courthouse. Think of how many young couples applied for marriage licenses. Or sat in a courtroom as an attorney, jurist, victim, witness or defendant. Children involved in custody battles, estranged couples filing for a divorce. Descendants filing an estate for a dearly departed parent. Perps in handcuffs escorted by a sheriff's deputy. Immigrants filing for citizenship. Members of the military filing their DD-214 separation papers in the Veteran's Affairs office for safekeeping. Genealogists researching their family tree. The man standing next to his bicycle. The list goes on and on. The County Courthouse, at 140 West 6th street, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Erie County, PA.

Find more Old Time Erie pictures at my Erie History Blog.

The Mystery of the Man in the Uniform

2014-05-05T23:54:00.000-04:00

Take a close look at the gentleman shown in this mystery photo. A friend of mine saved this picture from going to the landfill and we are both curious about his story. Was he in the Army? If so, do you know what unit or regiment wore this style of double-breasted wool jacket?

I don't see any obvious clues about the rank of this man. There are no stripes, badges or insignia. The buttons may hold the key. Unfortunately, the image is too fuzzy to make out any details. The photograph was mounted in a large, oval frame, the style that was popular in the twenties and thirties. Could this be a World War I era photo?

There is not much detail shown in his shoes or legs, so it's hard to tell if he is wearing leather boots, canvas leggings or wool puttees.

The cap looks similar to old ones worn by members of the American Legion, but once again, there are no visible post numbers.

Please leave a comment if you have any knowledge about the uniform or, better yet, the name of the man in the picture.

Find more historical facts about northwest Pennsylvania on the Erie history blog Old Time Erie.

Ainsworth Field Entrance Circa 1967

2014-04-25T08:10:00.000-04:00

Ainsworth Field in Erie, PA prior to its renovation.

Thousands of fans have passed through the gates at Ainsworth Field in Erie, PA. The ballpark is located at West 23rd and Washington Place, right behind Roosevelt School. Baseball legend Babe Ruth played here. So did the Erie Sailors and the Erie Cardinals. The Erie Tigers, a name that is almost lost to history, played one season at Ainsworth in 1967. Their logo is painted above the old entrance to Ainsworth, aiding in dating this photo of the park prior to its renovation.

Find more fun historical facts and old photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at Old Time Erie

Kids Raised Cash For Kennedy

2014-04-23T11:59:00.001-04:00

Kids from the Schley Avenue neighborhood where Babe Harkins lived in Erie, PA.

The summer after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the youth of Erie raised money to commission a bust of JFK to be placed in City Hall. Kids went door to door in their neighborhoods to collect money for the Greater Erie President John F. Kennedy Memorial Fund. Canisters were placed on the counters in local corner stores. Kids set up lemonade stands, had carnivals, bike races and other creative activities to add to the fund. Black crape paper was placed on old JFK campaign posters such as the one in the photograph shown here as the community was still mourning the death of the charismatic President Kennedy.

Find more historical photos of Erie, PA at Old Time Erie

Leading Cheers At the Old Stadium

2014-04-18T23:58:00.001-04:00

Veterans Memorial Stadium before its renovation.

Gimme an "A"
Gimme a "C"
Gimme another "A" ....

Yes, the universal cheer to get everyone excited before the big football game- spelling out the name of the high school. Looks like these cheerleaders at Academy High School have made it to the last letter, "Y," made famous by the Village People song "YMCA." Sign language for the masses.

This picture was taken in 1963 and it shows the old bleachers at Veterans Memorial Stadium before it was renovated.

Find more facts about Erie, Pennsylvania in the local history blog Old Time Erie

Top 20 Ethnic Clubs in Erie 1952

2014-04-17T18:43:00.000-04:00

Listings from the 1952 Club Directory.

There were a number of clubs that catered to the various ethnic groups in Erie in 1952 which are better known by their nicknames. A few that come to mind are the PP Club, the PNA Club and the CYS Club. And let's not forget the Hooksie Dooksie!

Pratola-Peligna Society: The PP Club. 1601 Plum St., Erie, PA. The club had 450 members including social and beneficial. Annual dues were $12 for beneficial and $1 for social members. Officers included John Gamble, Albert DiLoreto, Nick Bianchi, Patsy DiLoreto, Oliver Franz, Louis Semintilli, Louis Benacci and Gino Cargiole.

American Jugo Slav Club. 136 West 17th St., Erie, PA. Officers of the club included Harry Christensen, Philip Marnella and Robert Fischer.

Arbeiters Gesang Verien Club: Arbeiters Club. 324 East 18th St., Erie, PA. The club had six bowling lanes. Annual dues were $1.20. Officers included Joseph L. Nies, Theodore Monahan, Michael Nowak and E. Andrick.

Calabrese Club di Monte Carmelo: Calabrese Club. 509 West 16th St., Erie, PA. Officers of the club were Jack Fatica, Patsy Fratto, Anthony Presogna, Joseph DeFazio, Anthony DeFazio, Nick DeLaura, Dan Presogna, Ted Chimenti, Joseph Pillitieri and Louis DeLaura. The club had eight bowling lanes. Annual dues were $12 for regular and $3 for social members. Activities included bowling leagues and floor shows.

Cesare Battisti Club, 301 German St., Erie, PA. Officers included Paul DeDionisio, Frank Damico, Armand Chimente, Anthony Chimente, Al. DeDionisio, Anthony Mando, Marc Alberico and Edward DeLuca. The club had 200 beneficial members, whose dues were $12 per year, and 300 social members whose dues were $1.20 per year. Initiation fees were $5-10 depending on age.

Circolo Nazionale: National Club.

Community of Young Staroobriadcy: CYS Club. 155 East 2nd St., Erie, PA. Officers included Fred Simon, John Petroff, Fred Orloff, Charles Pancerev and Matt Federoff. The club had 900 members.

Danish Club, 1114 West 8th St., Erie, PA. Officers included Peter Larsen, Harry Sorensen, Wylie Hansen and Andrew Nielsen. the club had 400 members and annual dues were $1.

Graeco Americus Society. 1511 Peach St., Erie, PA. Officers included Charles Ramandanes and Gus Katos.

Gwardja Huzarow-Karzmierz Pulaskiego i Tad. Kosciuski: Huzars Club. 1120 East 10th St., Erie, PA. Officers included Adolph Prawdzik, Edward Maciukiewicz, Paul Lipiec, Joseph Dworakowski, Edwin Slupski and Joseph Zielonka. Incorporated in 1935. The club had 900 members. Annual dues were $4.20 for beneficial and $1 for social members. Activities included bowling and softball leagues and dancing.

Holy Trinity Portugese Association: Portugese Club. 1043 West 5th St., Erie, PA. Officers included Harold Fratus, John Costa, Anthony Costa, Joseph Viera, Carlo Santo and John Maio.

Lithuanian Alliance of America, Lodge No. 216. 806 Parade St., Erie, PA. Officers included Anthony Matulevick, John McShane, Joseph Zdunski, Catherine Matulevick and Joseph McShane. The club was incorporated in 1946. The club had 1,426 members. Annual dues were $1.

Nuova Aurora Society. 1518 Walnut St., Erie, PA. Officers included Simone Fromzaglia, Elmer Mazzei, M. J. Leone, Anthony DiCorpo, Leon DiCecco, Frank Necci and Dan Carbone. Incorporated in 1907. The club had 2,200 members. Activities included mushball, baseball and bowling leagues.

Polish National Alliance: PNA Club. 557 East 21st St., Erie, PA. Officers included Vincent Chrostowski, Joseph Rogers, Walter Kanonczyk, Joseph Kozlowski and Edmund Cieslak. Incorporated in 1936. The club had 1,500 members. Activities included a drum and bugle corps, bowling, dancing and a slow pitch league.

Polish National Club. 2114 Wallace St., Erie, PA. Officers included Joseph Wisniewski, Edmund Olszewski, Paul Kita, F. Benes and Frank Martyna. Incorporated in 1918. The club had 275 members.

Polish Sharpshooters Club. 650 East 12th St., Erie, PA. Officers included Joseph Lewandowski, John Cleramadzki, Snelly Sandusky and Andy Desser. The club had six bowling lanes.

Russian American Club. 262 East 3rd Street, Erie, PA. Officers included John Mickol, Alex Puchinsky, Stanley Lata, Nick Maly and Daniel Zuk. The club had 750 members.

Slovak National Club. 902 Hess Avenue, Erie, PA. Officers included William Galla, Michael Bules, John Krkoska, John Bebko and Stephen Duska.

Slovak Social Club. 902 Pennsylvania Avenue, Erie, PA. Officers included Anthony Samol, Francis Palkovic and John Duska. Incorporated in 1942. The club had 500 members.

Societa Dimutuo Soccorso di Pennapiedimonte: Penn Club.

Societa Nazionale Dimutuo Soccorso Dimontenero Valcocchiaro Club: Monty Club.

Thadeus Kosciuszko Branch No. 610: Polish Falcons Club. 602 East 19th St., Erie, PA. Officers included Joseph Walczak, Leo Hokaj, Ed Zasada and Joseph (Gardner) Ogrowczyk. The club had six bowling lanes. Annual dues were $3.

Ulpia Traiana Society: Roumanian Club. 1133 Pennsylvania Avenue, Erie, PA. Officers included Florian Hada, George Romocea, John Gaspar, Thomas Radu, Tom Jackson, Jacob Luca and Charles Dumbravo. Incorporated in 1906. The club two bowling lanes and 450 members.

If you have more information about these clubs circa 1952, or know of any ethnic clubs that I have forgotten to list, please send me an e-mail. Surely one of you has old membership cards tucked away somewhere.

Find more historic photos and and a fun Erie history blog at: Old Time Erie

145th PA Volunteers Deserters List

2014-04-12T23:13:00.000-04:00

Descriptive List of Deserters courtesy of Pennsylvania State University.

I debated writing about the deserters of the 145th Pennsylvania Volunteers. The purpose is not to tarnish the names of any families, but to point you to a seldom used source for genealogical research. The example shown above is from the Descriptive List of Deserters from the 145th Regiment of Pennsylvania State Volunteers, which I have included because it lists a number of men from Erie Co.

Many researchers are aware of Samuel P. Bates' History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-65, which lists name, rank, regiment, company and the date the person mustered in and out of the service. This series also tells if he was wounded or died of wounds or sickness while on active duty. The Descriptive List of Deserters gives some additional biographical information, including a physical description (age, height, complexion and color of eyes and hair), place of birth, residence at enlistment and occupation, place of enlistment or enrollment and the name of the officer who enrolled said person.

Surprisingly, deserters were not limited to privates; there were plenty of men of rank, including corporals and sergeants. In the photo shown above, Edwin M. Kelsey, a private in Co. K, 145th PA Vol., age 50, was 5'4.5", had a dark complexion, black eyes and black hair. He was born in Erie County, PA and was a seaman. Edwin resided in Erie Co. when he was assigned to this regiment on August 8, 1862 by Capt. Walker. He deserted on August 31, 1863 from the U.S. General Hospital.

The 111 men on the descriptive list held a variety of jobs prior to joining the 145th, including a butcher, a blacksmith, a carpenter, a cooper, a bar tender, a farmer, a shoemaker, a fisherman and a liquor dealer, to name a few. Ages ranged from 18 to 50 years old.

Click here to view the list of 111 deserters from the 145th PA Volunteer Infantry.

Find more historical sources and facts about Erie, PA at Old Time Erie.

Plymouth Manufactured a Car In Erie

2014-03-30T18:12:00.001-04:00

Champion ad in Erie Daily Times, Aug. 23, 1935.
The Times Publishing Co. is located on 12th and
Sassafras St., near the old Plymouth dealership.

Can't make it to Detroit to tour the automobile factories? No problem. Plymouth hooked up a trailer and traveled around the U.S., stopping in Erie, PA on August 24, 1935, to show off the:

"World's Greatest Miniature Manufacturing Exhibit."

The country was in the midst of the Great Depression, but that did not stop Plymouth from promoting its brand. This enticing free show was held at Champion Auto Sales Co., the local Plymouth dealership, at 12th and Sassafras St., near the other car dealers.

It's like a trip to Detroit!

"See how the railroad cars bring in the various materials for the automobile, and then the various steps of manufacture that take place in the building of the car. At one end of the assembly line- the bare frames; at the other end of the line- finished automobiles ready for the road. And here is a duplicate of the amazing 18-mile long conveyor lines of the great Plymouth factory."

Come and see it!

"It's one of the most elaborate mechanical exhibits of modern industry...It is the marvel of modern industry. Come tomorrow and see this operating miniature factory at our salesroom. The public is cordially invited. The display is for one day only. Don't miss it."

There is one thing I would like to know. Since this was a miniature manufacturing exhibit, did Plymouth make a miniature car in Erie?

As a sidebar, when I saw an illustration of the old Plymouth plant on Lynch Road in Detroit, Michigan I did a double take. At first glance I thought it was a drawing of Central Tech High School / Tech Memorial High School in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Find more fun facts about the old days in Erie, PA at Old Time Erie

Hammermill Bird's Eye View

2014-03-25T11:03:00.000-04:00

Bird's Eye View of Hammermill Paper Co. from a linen card.

Just dropping a quick note to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you. I decided to research my Irish ancestors on St. Patrick's Day and discovered that my great-great-great grandfather, Patrick F. Donnelly, was a veteran of the Civil War! Having survived that harrowing experience, he was one of 17 men who were killed in an explosion in a coal mine in Clinton County, Pennsylvania in November of 1888. So, you can see why I have been neglecting my Old Time Erie duties as of late.

As I ease back into a routine, I thought you might enjoy a bird's eye view of the Hammermill Paper Company on East Lake Road in Erie, PA. The plant was purchased by International Paper and, as was the fate with many industries in the region, no longer exists.

Stay tuned for more historical facts and old photos of Erie, PA following this brief intermission.

Sigsbee Reservoir near the Erie Cemetery

2014-03-17T23:50:00.002-04:00

Old Time Erie: Sigsbee Reservoir on West 26th St. in Erie, PA.

This photo of the Sigsbee Reservoir on West 26th Street in Erie, PA contains a couple optical illusions. At first I thought the upper portion of the caretaker's house was built on stilts, but the poles are actually on the north side of the fence. I also thought 26th Street was covered in grass. However, since this photo was taken from the ridge of Erie Cemetery, the elevation masks the presence of the road. Regardless of the angle, I think think it's a pretty cool old picture.

The reservoir was built on the property of the old Cochran estate on West 26th Street, about halfway between Chestnut and Cherry Street. The property was purchased by the Erie City Water Works in 1871 and the reservoir was completed in 1874. The commissioners of the Water Works borrowed $176,632 on their own to finance this project. Those men included Mr. Reed, Mr. Barr, Mr. Gensheimer and Mr. Liebel.- Erie, Pennsylvania Illustrated (1888).

"The pressing need of an early completion of the reservoir, and the difficulty of selling bonds, has led the commissioners to shoulder a responsibility which could not have been demanded of them, and for which they certainly deserve great credit." -Report to City Council by the auditing committee of William A. Galbraith, Judah Colt Spencer and G. T. Churchill.

The Sigsbee Reservoir, which holds about 34 million gallons of water, exists to this day. The caretaker's house looks neat at night when the exterior is lit up.

Find more fun historical facts about Erie, Pennsylvania at Old Time Erie

Conneaut and Erie Traction Co. Schedule

2014-03-09T20:45:00.000-04:00

Conneaut and Erie Traction Co. schedule circa 1906 courtesy of Mr. Eagley.

All aboard! Today we're going to travel back in time to 1906 and talk about Ken Springirth's favorite subject: Trolleys. Ken is a walking encyclopedia of trolley trivia (check out this interview in the Jamestown Post-Journal), so if you want to read more about trolleys and trains, view a list of Ken's books from the Erie County Public Library's catalog. And while I'm on the subject, Ken Springirth will appear at the Lincoln Community Center in Fairview, PA on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 1 p.m. to talk about his new book, Remembering the Pennsylvania Railroad. Call (814) 451-7085 for more information.

Back to the topic at hand. What I find most interesting about the Conneaut and Lake Erie Traction Company is that you could travel from Perry Square in downtown Erie, PA all the way to Conneaut, Ohio. Never mind that it took one hour and 55 minutes.

The printed schedule was very straightforward and easy to decipher. Board the trolley at 7:05 a.m. on North Park Row, travel south on State Street, turn right on West 12th St., turn south at Peach St., then right on West 26th St. to Weigeltown (on which Skip Niebauer is the go-to man). The next stop, as we continue to travel west, was the Poor House (Alms House) near Pittsburgh Avenue, and then on to Swanville.

After stopping in Fairview, it would arrive in Girard at 8:04 a.m. and then turn right and travel to North Girard, which is now Lake City, PA. Traveling parallel to Route 5 for a short distance, the car would make a left, a right, a left and another right. The trolley cars were carried over Elk Creek by a wooden trestle. Elk Creek being a destination for steelhead fishing.

Next stop, East Springfield at 8:30 a.m., then on to West Springfield, and East Conneaut, reaching the final destination- Conneaut, Ohio- at 8:55 a.m. Ten minutes later the trolley would turn around and head back to Erie following the same tracks. The last trolley to cover the entire distance left Conneaut at 9:05 p.m. and reached Perry Square at 10:55 p.m. It took two hours and 20 minutes to make the trip in 1904.

An average of 4,000 passengers per day rode on the Conneaut and Erie line in 1904, and it was quite scenic in the west county. "Probably the most beautiful sections are along the gorges near Elk Creek, Crooked Creek and especially in Walnut Canyon, between Swanville and Fairview." - Street Railway Journal, February 6, 1904.

There were occasional delays when Northwestern PA experienced extreme weather events like lake effect snow. Strong winds of sustained speed would cause huge snow drifts across the trolley tracks in wide open farm areas, and winter maintenance was accomplished with a rotary snow plow or a box car fitted with a ball-nose snow pusher. If there was a really high drift, the work was sometimes done by men with shovels!

Want more information about Erie, PA? Find it here.

1930 Erie County Highway Map

2014-03-07T16:52:00.001-05:00

1930 Pennsylvania Department of Highways map.

When tourists came to Presque Isle State Park or Waldameer in 1930, they had far fewer choices in planning their trip. This was long before interstates I-90 or I-79 were built, and there were a lot of dirt backroads and side streets. The Sproul Road Bill, which was approved in 1911, created the State Highway System in Pennsylvania.

State Highway Routes included SR79 (which appears to be the present-day Route 6-N); SR99 (now Route 5?); State Route 18, SR98, SR 955, SR 505, SR 832 and SR 89 appear to have retained the same numbers.

There were three National Routes in Erie County in 1930, shown on this map as Route 20 (West Ridge Road, West 26th Street and Buffalo Road); Route 19 (Peach Street); and Route 6 (which I think was later changed to Route 97). These stretched much farther than the regular state highway routes.

Early roads were made with bricks or macadamized. Some were paved with other materials much earlier than I realized. Bids for roadwork commissioned by the PA State Highway Department were opened on January 22, 1918 for the following jobs: Route 272 in Millcreek Township (now called Route 20), 13,750 feet in length, reinforced concrete (Joseph McCormick bid $76,395); Route 87 (now called Route 5) in Harborcreek Twp., 15,050 feet in length, material not stated (Joseph McCormick bid $82,018) -Municipal Journal, February 2, 1918.

There were several alternate forms of transportation in Erie in 1940. The New York Central and the Pennsylvania Railroad made regular stops at Union Station; the New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate) had a terminal at 211 East 19th St. and the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad was located at 121 West 12th Street.

The Union Bus Depot, at 12 North Park Row in Perry Square was the terminal for Greyhound, West Ridge Transportation Co. and Harmony Short Line. You could hop on an Erie Coach Company bus at multiple points in Erie and ride for a dime. Taxi service was available at a rate of 30 cents for the first minute and five cents for each additional one-third of a minute. A round trip ride on a ferry boat from the Public Steamboat Landing at the foot of State to Waterworks Park at the Peninsula would set you back a quarter in 1940. American Air Lines offered four flights daily departing from Port Erie, the predecessor to the Erie International Airport -Pennsylvania Guide to the Keystone State (WPA, 1940).

There were seven hotels, including the swanky Lawrence Hotel, along with all the little cabins and motels along Route 20 from the Ohio line to the New York border. There were also plenty of service stations, where the attendant would pump gas, pop the hood to check the oil, top off other fluids if needed and check the pressure in your tires.

When did it become a "convenience" to pump your own gas? A friend brought this up recently and it made me realize how inconvenient it is to stop, get out, pump gas, run to the store, stand in line, pay, hop back in the car, turn the key and zoom off to my destination. It was kind of fun when I first started to drive, but not anymore. Ettwein's still pumps gas for their customers, but I can't think of any other stations that do.

Back to the subject at hand. I'm a map geek and I may post more of these in the future if I get enough requests.

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