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Reflecting on 50 Years of Glass Growers Gallery - Hagen History Center
Founded on Dec. 4, 1974, Glass Growers Gallery is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary. As owner for the most recent 3.5 years, I, Emily Ernes, sat down with former owner of nearly 47 years, Deborah Vahanian, to reflect back on her experience at this major milestone. We had a warm, sentimental conversation where we shared a sense of gratitude for the artists and community who have shown up and surrounded GGG with their love and care for half a century.
Deciphering an Old Erie “Ghost Ad” - Hagen History Center
A year ago, Dr. Pam Lenz described the fascination and curiosity that accompanied her encounter with what had been known as the Paragon Building, situated on the extreme west end of North Park Row at Peach Street. In particular, she noted that the demolition of the adjacent Greyhound Bus Station had revealed the red-brick east wall of the building on which, in faded white letters, she discerned an advertisement for “Clocks, Watches, Jewelry and Fancy Goods.” Delving into newspaper archives she found the ad to reflect the offerings of the business of T.M. Austin, who, in 1857 seems not only to have been a proprietor but also joint owner/developer of the Paragon Building. <br /> Read the Dr. Pam Lenz article here [image src="/assets/2.-Paragon-Building-Photo.jpg" id="3951" width="600" height="450" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"]<br /> [image src="/assets/BlogImages/Figure-2.jpg" id="4616" width="354" height="425" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"]At the end of her Blog, Dr. Lenz drew attention to a more faded advertisement to the right of the Austin ad, on the east wall on the 5th street side of the building. She asked for help in deciphering the ad. Having grown up in New York City and sharing a fascination with old advertisements uncovered by urban redevelopment, I took an instant interest. I made some enhancements to the photograph and working around what seemed to be an added window, added or cleaned brickwork and the faded whitewash, I decided that the advertisement likely reads “Palmer’s Photograph Gallery.”[image src="/assets/Figure-3.jpg" id="4617" width="600" height="883" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"]<br /> It seems that for a relatively short time, from 1859-1862 (and maybe for a similarly short time later that decade) one of the offices in the Paragon Building was occupied by the studio of O.B. Palmer, “Photographist” whose offerings of “Photographs, Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes” reflected the rapid evolution of novel photographic techniques in the mid-1800’s. Interested parties were invited to “call and examine specimens” – hence, the “Gallery.” [image src="/assets/Figure-4.jpg" id="4618" width="600" height="641" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"]<br /> Palmer may have been born in 1822 in Palmyra, New York, east of Rochester. An entry in “Pioneering American Photographers” suggests that his photography studio moved from Erie to Westfield, New York, and back again. (It may be that in the heyday of early photography, with towns and cities abounding with competing studios, there arose a frequent need to relocate.)[image src="/assets/Figure-5.PNG" id="4619" width="600" height="800" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"]The City Directory notes Palmer to have resided in the “second building east of Myrtle on the north side of 8th Street”. Elsewhere, he is reported to have lived on the south side of 7th Street, east of Sassafras.<br /> [image src="/assets/Figure-6.jpg" id="4620" width="600" height="349" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"]<br /> A documented example of Palmer’s work is seen in a “Carte de Visite” of Matthew Lutz, Captain in the 49th Ohio Infantry. This mounted photograph (serving as a formal visiting card) was likely created after the Civil War.[image src="/assets/Figure-7.jpg" id="4621" width="600" height="733" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"][image src="/assets/Figure-8.jpg" id="4622" width="600" height="765" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"]An announcement in the Erie Observer is made of Palmer’s May 1862 association with Mr. A. Sinclair of Rochester, a photographer of “12 years standing” such that thereafter the business would be known as “Palmer and Sinclair”. In later directories, Palmer seems to have disappeared, leaving Sinclair in solo practice. Going forward, he seems lost to history but worthy of deeper historical investigation.[image src="/assets/Uploads/Figure-9.jpg" id="4623" width="600" height="753" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"]<br /> Further reading on the history of the commercial development of West Park Row can be found in this link to the National Register of Historic Places.<br /> https://www.livingplaces.com/PA/Erie_County/Erie_City/West_Park_Place.html
Waldameer Beach…A Joy Forever (and no drunken persons, no rough talk, and no boisterous demonstrations permitted!) Part 2 - Hagen History Center
The Erie Electric Trolley Company had a hit with Waldameer. Since its opening, the 65-acre picnic park had installed several rides and its beach area was a paradise of sand, boardwalk, lagoon, and bath house. For those not wanting to take the streetcar, stable room and bicycle racks were available for individuals who came by horse or bike.
What I Learned About Cuneiform, the Earliest Known Form of Writing - Hagen History Center
Cuneiform tablets are some of the oldest examples of written language. It is an interesting topic as it spans several centuries and is the foundation of our modern written language. It finds its roots in the region of Mesopotamia, from the ancient Sumerian people.
Waldameer Beach … A Joy Forever (and no drunken persons, no rough talk, and no boisterous demonstrations permitted!) Part 1 - Hagen History Center
I can vouch for every word in the title. When Steve Gorman, park president, led me down the gated path to Waldameer’s beach, not one unruly character got in my way. Actually, no one got in my way. Once visited by thousands every day, no beachgoers have crowded its shore in over 60 years. The only sounds were our footsteps in the calf-high grass and a light breeze whispering through the trees.
Rambaldo “Rockets” into Hagen Archives - Hagen History Center
Despite being a native of Cleveland, as the mastermind behind the radio labels Rocket and Star, Mr. Richard “Rick” Rambaldo has been a household name for decades in Erie media. He founded and oversaw Rambaldo Communications from 1988 to 2006 skyrocketing it into a $15 million brand.
Catarrh Got You Down? - Hagen History Center
Officially a buildup of mucus, some of us know catarrh as postnasal drip. And if you lived in northwestern Pennsylvania during the second half of the 19th century you were in luck, because one of the most celebrated catarrh remedies was developed in Erie by Dr. P. Hall.
Bliley Electric Company collection becomes permanent part of archives (1930-1998) - Hagen History Center
Here is your very, very rare, “Found in the Archives” blog post for 2023! I write to you on this occasion to commemorate a very special donor named Charles A. Bliley. Chuck donated his collection of materials relating to his family’s local company, Bliley Electric Company, founded by Frank Dawson Bliley. The collection came into the archives in September of 2022 as a loan, and recently it was absorbed into the archive as a permanent collection. Pictured is Chuck standing with his donation in our archives.
The Erieite you've never heard of who changed how the nation does business: E.H. Scott, father of transportation by motor - Hagen History Center
History is full of individuals whose ideas changed the world, but then faded into obscurity upon their death. Mention E.H. Scott to someone and you’ll see what I mean.Scott was a headliner in the early 1900s. He appeared in Saturday Evening Post ads, trade journals, and yachting magazines. In 1939, the Erie Times-News referred to him as a “truck mogul” and the “Father of Transportation by Motor.”
Paragon Building - Don't forget the place! - Hagen History Center
I was walking down the sidewalk at the west end of North Park Row in Erie when I happened to look up at just the right time. Greeting me from the red-bricked side of the Flagship City Public Market was faded lettering that read “Paragon Building: Clocks, Watches, Jewelry & Fancy Goods.” Made visible by the removal of the neighboring bus terminal, this ghost sign was obviously old, and I couldn’t wait to get home and research its origins.
Erielicious - Hagen History Center
Tucked into a wooded area with brilliant fall colors as a backdrop, sits a grand three-story Italianate yellow house built in 1857. Sitting on the front porch at 436 Walnut St., just beyond the reach of the hustle of downtown Girard, it's not hard to imagine when the property was a working farm. But now, while it might or might not be haunted by a ghost who likes Whitney Houston, it will soon be the site of a grand dinner put on by the Hagen History Center and Red Letter Hospitality, owner of The Cork 1794.
Baking a community coffee cake recipe - Hagen History Center
Baking has been around for ages. It is a timeless art, recipes passed down from generation to generation. I remember my grandma giving me some of her prized recipe books or my mom teaching me our treasured family recipes. It is a way to connect past to present, it speaks where words won’t. Baking holds a special place in my heart; it’s fun for me. I cannot remember a time when I was not in the kitchen baking. Whether it be during the holidays or a random day in June. I was researching in the archives and stumbled upon some old recipe books and thought to try a recipe out from it.
Looking back and looking ahead at Art’s Bakery - Hagen History Center
With new owners, Art’s Bakery is set to continue its Erie legacy.An Erie staple since 1950, Art’s Bakery is one of the mom-and-pop shops whose light continues to burn bright in this historic city. For the past 72 years, the Evans family kept the business afloat, consistently selling their highly acclaimed baked goods throughout the decades.
Event Spotlight: A Starlight Soiree - Hagen History Center
The Hagen History Center’s outdoor event season is in full swing. Warmer weather and sunnier days have us all excited for the busy schedule of events ahead. Our first event spotlight will showcase Erie Dawn’s “Starlight Soiree” - which was held at the Watson-Curtze Mansion on May 13th.
Excellence in Menswear - Hagen History Center
Have you ever visited a museum and been mesmerized by a piece of clothing or accessory you wish you could have for yourself? I’m here to tell you that you can. Or at least something very similar. This Wedding Wednesday post will take a look at formal menswear. Future grooms, pay attention!
Erie's connection to horse racing tied to Algeria Farm - Hagen History Center
It’s a very common hobby and passion that one researches their family history. Genealogy lovers across the globe spend hours searching for those missing links to create beautiful family trees, and learn the mysteries of their family history. While genealogy researching is well-known, did you know that horse lineage and pedigree has an immensely complex history as well?
Happiness & Long Life for All its Residents #118 - Hagen History Center
Advertising in the Erie Gazette in 1823 was a lot different than ads in newspapers today, and ads say quite a bit about the time period. Did you know that the man who gave the land for today’s Hamot Hospital, P.S.V. Hamot, was a store owner then? On the Hagen History Center website, look up blog #6 that I wrote in 2020 for a quick review on area hospitals and how they got started.
Happiness & Long Life for All its Residents #117 - Hagen History Center
What was life like in Erie 200 years ago? The year 1823 seems like a long time ago and life was certainly different. The city had a population of about 650 people, yet we had a newspaper, the “Erie Gazette,” that was published every Thursday.
Women making history: Meet Zanita Zacks-Gabriel and Andona Zacks-Jordan - Hagen History Center
For Women’s History Month, we’re thrilled to share that our neighbor has been making history for decades. And her daughter is following in her footsteps. At 402 W. Sixth St., Zanita Zacks-Gabriel and her daughter, Andona Zacks-Jordan, are great role models.
Happiness & Long Life for All its Residents #116 - Hagen History Center
In my journeys through the city of Erie, there is always a beautiful house that catches my eye. There is a house not far from the museum on West 6th Street, that for years I have referred to as the “Holland” house and have admired. Well, I just learned that for years, I have been wrong.
Happiness & Long Life for All its Residents #115 - Hagen History Center
Erie has no shortage of bars and social clubs. Especially in this post-COVID world, it feels good to get out, see people and get involved in something fun. I recently did that when I joined the Polish Falcons, Nest 610 on East 3rd Street. You do not have to be of Polish descent to belong, although I am 25% Polish. I needed to educate myself, and now you, about my new club.
Happiness & Long Life for All its Residents #114 - Hagen History Center
Sometimes when I sit down to write this blog, I get hungry. My mind then wanders to good cooking and then back to the museum collection because it is such an important part of my life. As I ponder our collection and food, my thoughts naturally are drawn to the extensive Griswold cast iron cookware we maintain. The Griswold Manufacturing Company hired the N.W. Ayer & Son advertising firm to promote themselves and what they came up with was highly effective. Please read the following:
John S. Hicks-Erie Confectioner and Ice Cream Manufacturer - Hagen History Center
John S. Hicks, son of a former slave, was born in Virginia on February 14, 1845. He began in the ice cream business in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1864. He moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1878 and soon built his business in a large, modern building at 1216 State Street. He housed his ice cream “factory” in the basement, an ice cream parlor on the first floor and an apartment on the second floor, which he shared with his wife Frances and daughter Ida. The sidewalk in front of his establishment was concrete, the first of its kind on State Street.
Happiness & Long Life for All its Residents #111 - Hagen History Center
I LOVE to walk! It is such great exercise and the lack of any lasting snow this winter has made it easy to get out and breath some fresh air. I can clear my mind and notice things that I never observe with a quick drive. Erie is so walkable too! The topography of the city is mainly flat and there are sidewalks almost everywhere. Something wonderful happened on my last big walk-through town that I just have to tell you about.
Two African Americans Made the Ultimate Sacrifice in WW II - Hagen History Center
This blog is in recognition of Black History Month and the service of our region’s veterans.About 407,000 American service personnel gave their lives in World War II. Of the 727 from Erie County, only two were African Americans: James Walker Carter and William J. Butler. A new Black Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post was opened in their honor after the war named the Carter-Butler Post.
Name our beer! - Hagen History Center
It's time to name our beer! We'll soon be serving historic Koehler lager on our campus for specific events, thanks to an arrangement with Koehler Brewing Company. But we need your help to name that beer. Send your suggestions to Pam Parker pparker@eriehistory.org. Hurry! We hope to hop on a new name in two weeks! So put on your clever and scroll through these photos from our archives for some inspiration. We'll take care of the artwork.
Cookery Through Time #3 - Hagen History Center
I found this recipe in The New Cyclopaedia of Domestic Economy, and Practical Housekeeper: Adapted to All Classes of Society and Comprising Subjects Connected with the Interests of Every Family, and Five Thousand Practical Receipts and Maxims. From the Best English, French, German, and American Sources. United States, H. Bill, 1872.I am beginning to realize these Victorian era books have VERY long and extravagant titles.
Happiness & Long Life for All its Residents # 108 - Hagen History Center
I began blogging about John Nolen’s book “Greater Erie Plans and Reports for the Extension and Improvement of the City” written in 1913 with blog #95 and have since commented on the whole book. The question that I posed then was “why didn’t Erie grow as large as Buffalo or Cleveland”? I hoped that the book would provide an answer. It really did not because so many of the recommendations that Nolen made were followed.
The USS Erie in WW II - Hagen History Center
The USS Erie, (PG-50) classified as a gunboat rather than a cruiser, (most US Navy ships named for cities were cruisers) launched at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1936. The ship was christened by Mrs. Ida Knoll of Erie, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Knoll was the mother of future Rear Admiral, Denys Knoll, United States Navy. The new ship was had a displacement of 2,000 tons, 328 feet in length, 41’3” wide and carried a compliment of 234 sailors and marines. She was armed with four 6” guns, two quad machine guns and two 3-ponders. The ship also carried a floatplane used for reconnaissance.