USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > Popular history of Erie county, Pennsylvania > Part 12
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This company, has, from time to time, added new lines and today the city is nearly grid-ironed with an electric road. In the winter of 1891 the company com- menced building their present Power House at the foot of Peach street which was completed and put in use in the summer of 1892. The demand for power had been so greatly increased by reason of additional cars and extensions of lines that two 250 HP. dynamos and an additional 500 HP. engine, together with three 200 HP. boilers were added. The Power House has at present in use 1,000 HP. This Power House is said to be one of the best of its size in the country. The company has increased its original stock from thirty to eighty-seven cars, which include both summer and winter outfit. There are few cities which enjoy a double equip- ment, of summer and winter cars, in many of the larger cities only closed cars be- ing used. The horse cars that were in best condition were reserved by the com- pany and placed at the intersections of lines for use as transfer cars or waiting rooms. A fair idea of the improvement that has taken place in our street cars within the last few years can be noticed by comparing the waiting cars with the present electric motors, well lighted and heated and with fully double the ca- pacity of the old ones. There is probably no other improvement in the history of Erie that has added as great an increase to its worth, comfort and prosperity as the Erie Electric Motor line. There is not a person who owns a foot of real es- tate in the city of Erie who has not felt a direct benefit by reason of the increase to the value of his property. In addition to this, every person, whether owner of real estate or not, has received proportionate benefit through the ease, comfort and rapidity with which he can travel to and from any portion of the city.
Distances by Lake-from Erie, to the principal lake ports are as follows:
Alpena, on Huron, 578. Marquette, on Superior, 694
Bay City, on Huron, 407.
Milwaukee, on Michigan, 762.
Buffalo, on Erie, 79. Port Sarnia, on Huron, 252
Chicago, on Michigan,
827.
Sandusky, on Erie, 150.
Cleveland, on Erie, 100.
Sault Ste. Marie, Superior, 534.
Copper Harbor, on Superior, 727.
Superior City, on Superior, 933
Detroit, on Detroit River, 188.
Saginaw, on Huron, 422.
Duluth, on Superior,
933. Toledo, on Erie, 197.
Hamilton, on Ontario, 130. Toronto, via Welland Canal 126.
In the month of December, 1865, '75 and '93 the mercury registered above 70°. The winter of 1881-2 was remarkable for its mildness, the bay having scarcely been coated with ice. The preceding and following winters were very severe, the ground in Apr. '83 having been found frozen to a depth of 4} feet in Erie city. There have been many remarkable contrasts, which we have not space to mention.
MÆNNERCHOR HALL
SIXTH STREET EAST OF MYRTLE
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
NINTH AT SASSAFRAS, LOOKING EAST
124
ERIE COUNTY HISTORY.
Public Buildings-Handsomest among the public edifices in Erie, is the im- posing Government building which was completed in 1888. In 1844, Congress ap- propriated $27,000 for a building in Erie and the United States Bank build- ing, on State street below Fifth, was purchased. This served as a custom house and post office until 1853, when the latter required larger quarters, and was for many years kept in the Reed House block. In 1882, Congressman Brainerd se- cured the passage of an act appropriating $150,000 for the erection of a public building here and this was later increased to $250,000. The site of the old R. S. Reed mansion, State street above the Park, was secured for $36,000 and work was commenced in 1885.
The basement is of Maine granite and superstructure of Amherst, O. sand- stone, and everything has been put together in the most perfect order. The base- ment contains the steam heating plant and gives large additional storage room. The first floor is occupied entirely by the post office, and for beauty of finish, adaptability to its purpose and convenience of light it has no superior in the State. The U. S. customs, collectors, commissioners and district attorney's offi- ces occupy the second floor; court, jury and judges rooms the third floor and the fourth floor is taken by the U. S. signal service. It has a convenient observation tower and is fully furnished and fitted with all necessary appliances.
The building fronts 114 ft. on the Park and 72 ft. on State street. The entire structure is fire proof, and large vaults for the postal service give additional secur- ity. The wainscoating is of variegated marble and the building from basement to dome elegantly fitted and furnished. In 1893 a convenient passenger elevator was erected, which adds greatly to the ease of reaching the upper stories. In Ju- ly 1887, while the building was being erected, Andrew Guenther and Mark Shan- non, two of the workmen fell from a giddy height and were instantly killed.
City Hall-The plans for the City Hall were made by D. K. Dean and the corner stone laid with Masonic ceremony in July 1884. D. McDonald laid the foundations, Donnelly Brothers erected the superstructure, towers and roof, and Bauschard Brothers had charge of the inside finishing. The building fronts 124 ft. on Peach street and 64 ft. on the Park. It is 156 ft. from foundation to top of the tower and 88 feet from the top of the basement to the center ridge of the roof. The basement is occupied in the south end, by the police department, com- prising large office rooms and 16 cells, for temporary confinement of prisoners. The north end has offices for the city engineer, street supervisors and health de- partment. The first floor has elegant apartments for the Mayor, city treasurer, controller, and water commissioners; while the second floor furnishes ample ac- commodations for council chambers, city clerks and other offices. The third floor, still incomplete, has two large halls, rooms for the fire department, committee rooms, etc. The main portion of the building is of brick. with brown stone trim- mings while the windows and transoms are large and artistic and are of handsome cathedral glass. The cell floors are solid stone and sides are boiler iron, the front being open cage work. The hall floors are Mosaic mar- ble work and all the fittings of highly polished hard wood making a very substan- tial and handsome structure throughout. When completed the building and fur- nishings will have cost nearly $200,000.
- This building, of which we present an illustration elsewhere, is very conven- ient, appropriately fitted and a credit to the municipality. It will long remain as a monument to Erie's progressive growth and when fully completed will afford de- partments for all municipal offices, which will be needed for decades to come.
125
SOLDIERS & SAILORS HOME
Soldiers and Sailors Home-In June, 1884, the Legislature of Pennsyl- rania resolved to redeem the pledge which this State had made, a score of years before, to care for the unfortunate and infirm soldiers who had gone forth from the Keystone Commonwealth in war's dark hour to battle with the foes of our common country. The uncompleted "Marine Hospital" was accepted as a nucleus and the Soldiers and Sailors Home of Pennsylvania was dedicated with appropri- ate ceremonies on the 22d of February, 1887. It is a fitting place for the heroes who occupy the premises, from its commanding position overlooking the mouth of the harbor, having been selected by the French in 1753 as the location for Fort Pres- que Isle. It was made sacred by the death and burial here of the famous Indian warrior, General Anthony Wayne, in December, 1796, was used as a camp ground by the soldiers of 1812-15, and has been occupied as a garrison for scores of years. The plat contains about 109 acres, more than half of which is on the bluff. The sand beach from its swampy condition was a few years since considered to be of little value, but Commander Tyson and the members of the Home, by arduous la- bor, have cleared, drained and raised protecting levees, excavated and filled many thousands of yards of dirt, and a considerable portion of the beach is now under cultivation, raising luxuriant crops, while the remainder makes excellent pasturage for the cows and horses required by the occupants of the Home. The sand beach has thus been changed from a swamp to a very valuable garden and dairy lands.
The original front was 56x153 feet, three stories and basement. with a wing extending westward 40x130 feet and a shorter central extension for chapel. Addi- tions have been made on three sides and there are now over 140 rooms with a ca- pacity for 600 members. The dining room is 44x100 feet, seating 500 persons at table. The infirmary, completed in 1889 is 30x130, two stories, and supplied with the latest approved appliances and surgical aids. This is connected to the main building by a corridor 180 feet long, which is used as a conservatory, and at all seasons has an ample supply of rare and beautiful flowers and foilage which are so acceptable to the sick or convalescent.
The Home has no guards, nor high fences to restrain its family, but all are expected to conform to proper regulations. The total membership of the Home January 1894 was 400; several were absent on a visit to friends. During the year from Jan. 1, 1893 to Jan 1, 1894 there were 45 deaths, several of whom were much enfeebled on admission. The average stay at the Home is two and one-half years, a fair share regaining health and returning to their own support. Number of Pensioners present January 1, 1891, was 241. Average rate per month, $9.18. Up to Jan. 1, 1894, total number of admissions had been 1,580: total number of re- admissions, 188. Total number of deaths in the Home, 213; total number of deaths away from the Home, so far as information received, 111. Five nurses, two cooks, one farmer and general foreman, one baker, one barber, one florist, are employed; all the other labor is done by the members. The value of the premises is about $500,000, and improvements are being made each year.
Religious services are held in the chapel every Sunday afternoon by some of Erie's resident pastors and a regular chaplain lectures on each Thursday evening, Members who desire to have a church pass on Sabbath are allowed to attend ser- vices with the denomination of their choice in the city.
The grounds surrounding the buildings have undergone a wonderful transfor- mation during the past seven years and are now interspersed with walks, lawns, flower beds and young trees, which will soon make of the whole one beautiful park.
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74.77 77 787
CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
.
IME
DOWN PEACH AT 16TH.
NINTH WEST OF SASSAFRAS
€
EIGHTH WEST OF WALNUT
128
ERIE COUNTY HISTORY.
There are no rigid military regulations, but each veteran is placed upon bis honor and required to so conduct himself as to not bring reproach upon the Home. The law of kindness is the governing principle; but those who will not heed kind admonitions and who become unruly or whose actions tend to demoralize good government, are after due trial dishonorably discharged from the institution.
The commander, Maj. W. W. Tyson, appears to be the right man in the right place. He is a zealous worker and looks upon the members of the Home as his family. The major is a native of Pittsburg, was captain of a company in the 45th Pa., (Gov. Beaver's Regiment), in which he made an honorable record. He has been commander of the Home since its opening, and to his arduous labors, supported by a progressive corps of trustees, may be attributed the successful man- agement of the institution, the beautifying of the grounds, the great saving of the sand beach, and sanitary advancement by turning the course of Garrison Run into the lake instead of allowing it to empty into the bay.
Captain N. W. Lowell, who was elected as Quartermaster March 1, 1888, went from Erie to the service in 1861 and served throughout the war. He enlisted as private, earning a promotion to lieutenancy and regimental quartermaster. Since the war he has served 22 years as depot agent for the American Express here. Quartermaster Lowell is an earnest worker, willing to do his share in any position. He is secretary of the re-organized 111th Pa. Vols.
COAL AND ORE DOCKS.
129
ERIE HOSPITALS
Light Houses-We quote from Miss Laura G. Sanford's revised history the following regarding light houses:
"On the mainland just within the eastern limits of the city is the land light- house site, which has been occupied since 1818. The first structure cost $3,000. In 1858 a new tower was built of Milwaukee brick. The foundation proved defec- tive and in 1866 it was replaced by one built of Berea stone at a cost of $33,000. To secure a solid foundation an excavation twenty feet deep was made and filled with Portland cement, oak timber, and finely broken lime stone. On this bed courses of stone were placed aggregating eight feet in thickness. It is sixty-seven feet in height from the water table to the focal plane of the lens, and one hundred and twenty-seven feet above the lake's level. The lens was manufactured in Paris and cost $7,000 when delivered in New York. It is a fixed white light and can be seen seventeen nautical miles. Mineral oil is used in the lamps. In 1880, on the recom- mendation of Commander G. W. Howard, U. S. N., Inspector of the Tenth Light- house District, notwithstanding many protests, the light was discontinued, and the same year the property was sold for $1,800. The next session of Congress or- dered its repurchase and re-establishment as a light.
In 1828 an octagonal wooden tower was erected on east end of the pier at the harbor entrance, and fish oil used for the lamps. This was carried away by a schooner being thrown against it in a gale in 1857. In 1858 a cast iron skeleton tower weighing nineteen tons was erected. Lard oil was then us d and the lamps were the best. In 1880 this tower was taken down and transferred to the extreme end of the pier, which had been lengthened 2,000 fcet. The light had been fixed white and was changed to fixed red, and was visible eleven miles-mineral oil be- ing used. In 1830 a keeper's dwelling was erected but was destroyed by fire in 1841 and a larger one erected. In 1858 a neat residence was erected on the beach. In 1878 a fog bell weighing 1,200 pounds was placed on the pier near the lighthouse, but has been of no practical value to the merchant service.
The Flash lighthouse is a modern square tower of brick, with a convenient keeper's dwelling attached. It was erect in 1872 on the north shore of the penin- sula at a cost of $15,000. The light, varied with red and white flashes, is inside of a fourth order lens, and is said to be the finest in the lighthouse service. Be- ing isolated and on the sand with a background of evergreen, it presents a pic- turesque appearance as seen from passing vessels. The keepers of lighthouses must not be over fifty years of age, and they are not subject to removal when a change of administration occurs."
St. Vincent's Hospital-This hospital is under the charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and presided over by Sister Ambrosia, assisted by a large corps of well- trained nurses. It was established and the building that is now occupied at the corner of Twenty-fourth and Sassafras streets erected, in 1875. The building is airy, well-lighted and ventilated, and fitted with all the appliances and furniture necessary for such an institution, It is large, substantial, and conveniently ar- ranged, being of brick, three stories high, besides basement. Dr. J. L. Stewart, was physician-in-charge until he tendered his resignation, and Dr. J. E. Silliman succeeded. The present physicians in charge are Drs. C. W. Strannahan and J. J. Finnerty; but any reputable physician is allowed to serve his patients at this hos- pital. This institution although in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph, is free to the afflicted of any religious persuasion and has never refused to open its doors to the suffering when there was room to accommodate. It has done a noble work and is worthy of due consideration from a generous public.
132
ERIE COUNTY HISTORY.
Home for The Friendless-Erie has an enviable record for the support of charitable institutions, and the Home for the Friendless is one among the most worthy. To Wm. M. Arbuckle, deceased, should be accredited the starting move- ment. Other generous gentlemen were interested in the matter, and it was taken in hand by Miss Laura G. Sanford, who circulated a petition to effect its permanent establishment, secured the signatures of thirty prominent ladies and took the necessary legal steps which led to its having been in-
corporated in 1871. Gen. Chas. M. Reed, a short time before his death, granted the willing workers who had undertaken so momentous a problem as that of car- ing for the homeless, the use of his former mansion, then standing where the Government building now does. This was soon found to be too small and the Homeless Family were removed to the Marine Hospital, now Soldiers' Home. In 1875 Morrow B. Lowry presented the managers with the lot and original building now occupied at the corner of 22d and Sassafras, but it not being large enough for the family of 40, Mrs. I. B. Gara, the president, undertook an enlargement, and through her arduous work, able assistants and the generous public, it was completed in Feb., 1876. Four year later Hon. Wm. L. Scott donated $5,000 as an endowment. In 1881 Hon. Prescott Metcalf made a donation of 50 foot ad- joining lot, and the property as it now stands is worth about $35,000, making a comfortable home for 75 children. The Old People's Home belongs to the same management, on an adjoining lot, and with its building was purchased from M. A. Dunning in 1884 for $5,000. But a small portion was at first paid, and in order to economize, the building was rented for a time as a dwelling. Unknown to the managers, the kind-hearted Col. Ellsworth started a subscription, and after many weeks of personal labor paid off a debt of over $3,000 so that Sept. 8, 1887, it was opened, free of debt as the Old People's Home. The Home for the Friendless has a well earned title and has proven to be a good home for hundreds of waifs who have been placed under its hospitable roof. The officers stand high in our city and the Home deserves a liberal encouragement from a generous public.
The endowment bonds, from the late W. L. Scott, is drawing interest of 7} per cent, making a revenue of $375 per year. The Home owns the entire front from 22d to 23d streets on Sassafras and a depth of 165 feet. Mrs. Gen. Reed was elected first president but resigned and was succeeded by Mrs. I. B. Gara who served four years. Miss Kate M. Mason filled the position with special honor for fourteen years and about the time of her decease, in 1890, Miss Sarah Reed, the present incumbent was elected. The secretaries have been Mrs. W. W. Dinsmore, Mrs. G. N. Johnson, Mrs. Ellen Catlin and Mrs. Louise W. Shirk, the later having performed the duties of scribe for thirteen years past. Regular meetings of the managers are held on the first Tuesday of each month, when any business of, in- portance, regarding the institution is taken in consideration.
Hamot Hospital-The heirs of P. S. V. Hamot on the ninth day of April, 1881, conveyed to a corporation, for the purpose of opening a general hospital, the large and substantial building, with lot of land 216 feet on State street by 165 feet on Front street, and 106 feet on Second street. The valuation of this property at that time was placed at $12,000, and the gift is a magnificent one, being a chari- table as well as a public benefit. Alterations were at once made, the building re- furnished and properly fitted for its future use, and the hospital was formally opened on the first day of July, 1881. A house physician and medical board were selected from among the ablest in our city, and the superintendent and her assis- tant are graduates of the Hospital School for Trained Nurses.
133
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS
Over 3,000 patients have been treated since the opening, a great many of whom were charity cases, and the demands on the hospital were soon in excess of its capacity. As a consequence a spacious addition was erected in 1888 and the hospital can now acommodate fifty patients, having every facility for their prop- er treatment and care. This addition was built from the proceeds of subscriptions of liberal-hearted citizens, in connection with a small state appropriation. Includ- ed in the new department are a children's ward, four rooms for private patients, a handsomely furnished reception room. office, ante-room, well equipped operating room, bath room, superintendent's room, and dining room on the first floor, while the basement is used for a kitchen. laundry, ironing, drying and extra dining room. The hospital is supported in part by fees from patients able to pay, but principally from subscriptions of business men and others, one of our liberal citi- zens donating $500 annually. The Hamot Hospital is located on a beautiful site, standing on a bluff 60 feet in height overlooking the bay. It is an attractive place and has delightful surroundings, thus making it more pleasant for the sick and unfortunate who are compelled to seek treatment there.
The late George Selden, bequeathed $20,000 to the Hamot Hospital upon con- ditions that it should be made entirely non-sectarian and it was reorganized in the spring of 1894 upon that basis. The new charter broadens the character of the institution and will make of it even a greater power for good than heretofore.
F
RESIDENCE OF H. F. WATSON
136
ERIE COUNTY HISTORY.
County Buildings-From Buehler's tavern, where court was held in 1803. the seat of justice was removed to the second story of a log jail on Second street, thence to a building owned by Conrad Brown, on the corner of Third and French streets, which was the early business centre of Erie. The first Court House was erected, in 1808, of brick, stood in the Park, on the west side of State street. The State granted $2,000 towards the erection of the Court House, as the County was too poor to stand the entire expenses. About two o'clock Sunday morning, Mar. 23, 1823, this structure burned down, with all its valuable public records, and much of the early history of the County was thereby lost. The janitor had left the ashes, on Saturday evening in a nail keg and the fire probably came from that source. A portion of the Erie Academy building was at once secured, and served for court purposes until the Court House was rebuilt.
R. S.Reed, P. S. V.Hamot, Thos. H. Sill and others agreed to loan the County $2,000 for four years, without interest, and two of the Commissioners decided to ac- cepted the offer, the third one, Henry Colt bringing in a minority report against its acceptance on the grounds that the county treasury would not warrant the expense of rebuilding. A portion of the old walls being intact, Mehaffey and Henderson agreed to do the mason work for $1,950. Wm. Benson and Wm. Him- rod of Waterford undertook the carpenter work for $2,000. Some extras were ad- ded and the building, with furnishings, costs $6,000; having been completed for occupancy about two years subsequent to the fire. It was a two story struc- ture, surmounted by a wooden cupola, in which was hung the bell of the Detroit.
Tuesday May 4, 1824, the commissioners sent to Henderson & Mehaffey the following note: "We are sorry to observe that the finish of the gable ends of the Court-honse does not answer your expectations or our purpose. Already the water has materially injured the wall and unless something is done it will tumble down." Same day Henderson & Mehaffey, agreed to cover the gables with three inch planks beveled from the center and make the same secure.
Court House Bell-The bell which graced the old Court House for many years, was of elegant tone and in use at Ft. Erie in Canada prior to the war of 1812, when it was placed on the English ship Detroit, which was captured by Perry, and later brought to this port. In 1825 when the Navy Yard was abandon- ed here, R. S. Reed, purchased the loose materials among which was this bell, which he shortly afterwards sold to the County Commissioners, who put it in the rebuilt Court House, completed about that time. It was stolen from the old Court House, while the present structure was in process of building, and in 1854, after a new bell had been procured, the old one turned up mysteriously, and was purchased from the County by the city authorities, for $105. It was used as a fire alarm until cracked, when it was preserved as a relic, by P. Osborn, who later gave it into the charge of the Y. M. C. A. When the Independence Bell halted here on its way to the World's Fair, the Erie Liberty Bell was brought out for a holiday after which it was taken to the City Hall for preservation.
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