Wattsburg Area Historical Society
The Wattsburg Area Historical Society has a museum on Main Street in Wattsburg with numerous exhibits showing items from the area. There are exhibits that show the average American home in the mid twentieth century, pictures of the floods and the fire of 1928, the original drum used in the Wattsburg Drum & Bugle Corps, and much more.
NEW HOURS: Saturday 3-7pm
The museum will be open throughout the year on SATURDAY's from 3-7pm. If this is not convenient for you, call Tina at 814-392-7163 for an appointment. The days we will NOT be open are: December 17, 24, & 31, 2022 and January 21, March 18, 2023.
One of the most important aspects of the museum is the research capacity for researchers or genealogists. The organization has extensive archives that document the history of many families that have lived in the area. There are docket books that date back to 1853! Contact Tina through this website for answers to questions.
NEW HOURS: Saturday 3-7pm
The museum will be open throughout the year on SATURDAY's from 3-7pm. If this is not convenient for you, call Tina at 814-392-7163 for an appointment. The days we will NOT be open are: December 17, 24, & 31, 2022 and January 21, March 18, 2023.
One of the most important aspects of the museum is the research capacity for researchers or genealogists. The organization has extensive archives that document the history of many families that have lived in the area. There are docket books that date back to 1853! Contact Tina through this website for answers to questions.
Amity Township Thomsonians
I was going through my collection of books when I came upon a book called, "Memoirs of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania," written in 1850. At the time a form letter was sent out by the Society to members of each community with hopes of gleaning historical information. Lyman Robinson, the original owner of the Wattsburg House hotel, responded as he was also Post Master at the time. His letter was published in this book. Within his letter is a bit of information I had never heard about so I will share it here.
Before 1850, Amity Township had formed an organization called the Thomsonians; a society of physicians that focused on all natural healing. Members believed that the body was comprised of four elements including: earth, air, fire, and water. Because all vegetation comes from the earth herbalistic medicines were often used as well as natural metals and minerals.
The society welcomed both men and women, as well as young adults. The twenty or so members in Amity were aged 15 years and above. Understand, that in 1850 there were only 94 farms in the entire township, and that almost every home was a farm. At least twenty people from these farms were members of this society, so it was a fairly large organization when you do the math.
The society did have a written constitution and by-laws "to prohibit any member of the society from employing any other kind of medical aid, under any circumstances..." According to Robinson, "These people are so prejudiced in favour of adhering to their principles, that they have been known to suffer much, rather than violate their rules." How many of these people not only suffered from their sicknesses but may have even died from lack of necessary medicine is unknown. And, how many families suffered contagious diseases because someone in the family was ill and refused common medicine or treatment known at the time, is unknown. The members were also required to report all new medical discoveries, new diseases, or treatments to all other members of the society.
I find it interesting that Robinson mentions only this one society of those that may have been active at the time. The Temperance Society in Wattsburg was formed at this time and was the first one of its kind organized in the county. But there is no mention of it or any other. Of course, the questions are not listed, only the answers Robinson sent so the organization question may not have been present, just a question about medical help in the area.
Other topics Robinson does mention is the Middlebrook and Wattsburg Presbyterian churches, the early settlement of the area with its families, the land disputes, and the finding of Indian artifacts. If you would like to read the entire letter, call me or visit the museum where the book will be archived this spring. 2018
Before 1850, Amity Township had formed an organization called the Thomsonians; a society of physicians that focused on all natural healing. Members believed that the body was comprised of four elements including: earth, air, fire, and water. Because all vegetation comes from the earth herbalistic medicines were often used as well as natural metals and minerals.
The society welcomed both men and women, as well as young adults. The twenty or so members in Amity were aged 15 years and above. Understand, that in 1850 there were only 94 farms in the entire township, and that almost every home was a farm. At least twenty people from these farms were members of this society, so it was a fairly large organization when you do the math.
The society did have a written constitution and by-laws "to prohibit any member of the society from employing any other kind of medical aid, under any circumstances..." According to Robinson, "These people are so prejudiced in favour of adhering to their principles, that they have been known to suffer much, rather than violate their rules." How many of these people not only suffered from their sicknesses but may have even died from lack of necessary medicine is unknown. And, how many families suffered contagious diseases because someone in the family was ill and refused common medicine or treatment known at the time, is unknown. The members were also required to report all new medical discoveries, new diseases, or treatments to all other members of the society.
I find it interesting that Robinson mentions only this one society of those that may have been active at the time. The Temperance Society in Wattsburg was formed at this time and was the first one of its kind organized in the county. But there is no mention of it or any other. Of course, the questions are not listed, only the answers Robinson sent so the organization question may not have been present, just a question about medical help in the area.
Other topics Robinson does mention is the Middlebrook and Wattsburg Presbyterian churches, the early settlement of the area with its families, the land disputes, and the finding of Indian artifacts. If you would like to read the entire letter, call me or visit the museum where the book will be archived this spring. 2018
Erie County Fair at Wattsburg & the Wattsburg Museum
The Erie County Fair and the Wattsburg Museum have a long standing relationship that has enabled the museum to care for many of the fair's historical artifacts. The museum has also participated and won many first and second place ribbons in the group booth exhibits. Each year the fair has a theme that booths are designed around like "Treasure the Memories." The theme is decided by the PA State Fair Association and is expected to be on the fair premium book each year. Shown here are the 1997 and 1998 booths entered by the Wattsburg Museum.
Wattsburg Bypass Flood of 1984
In June of 1984, The Laing Bridge, south of Wattsburg, had to be replaced. With the help of Governor Dick Thornburgh a bypass was built so traffic could continue to flow through Wattsburg. The earthen dike was built over three large culvert pipes which allowed the water to pass through. However, the engineers did not take into consideration the debris that high water could cause. Because of the large amount of water and the debris clogging the pipes, the bypass was in danger of collapsing. This did not keep townspeople from going out to view the flooded area. People, including this photographer, stood on the partially dismantled bridge only a few yards west of the bypass. Firemen warned people to clear the bridge. The bypass did hold but people did even crazier things during this flood including tube and kayak down the creek.
Top Left & Bottom Right: The bypass looking south toward Trux.
Top Right: The road between the two bridges overflows into the west field.
Bottom Left: Photo take between the bridge and the bypass showing the little bit of water that was actually getting through two of the pipes.
Top Left & Bottom Right: The bypass looking south toward Trux.
Top Right: The road between the two bridges overflows into the west field.
Bottom Left: Photo take between the bridge and the bypass showing the little bit of water that was actually getting through two of the pipes.
Wattsburg History
Excerpts from the book "Shedding Light n the Shadows of the Past"
William Miles came to the thick woods, in a valley later to be named "Wattsburg" in 1785 to survey the land. He returned in 1895 as a land owner and began the settlement naming after his father-inlaw, David Watts, who had helped him survey the land. By 1822 he had convinced Lyman Robinson to come to the area and build a tavern where settlers could live until their own homes were built. Of course, these were mostly men who built crude log cabins and then brought out their wives to join them. Miles also built a saw mill and grist mill so lumber could be sawed from the virgin timber that covered the land. The grist mill served to grind the corn and other grains so they could be used for food by the settlers.
In 1833, Wattsburg became incorporated as a borough and Miles set up a series of twelve blocks to be sectioned off as lots for sale. These original blocks have been altered over the years as people bought and sold property shaping the land as was needed. As Wattsburg grew, industries were developed, businesses flourished and people filled the land in town and on the outskirts as farms sprang up in abundance. By the 1880s Wattsburg was at its peak. Railroads would be the crucial point to the failed future growth of industries in town. Two railroads were planned with hopes of one coming through Wattsburg but both went by way of Union City and Corry. Another planned route from Union City to Wattsburg was never built.
So, Wattsburg remained a small town with a few businesses and residents. In 1928, fire struck the town destroying both sides of Main Street for a full block. Most properties were left desolate until the 1940s. Though the town has had its difficulties, it has continued to survive though, in the 21st century, it is now more like a suburb of the Erie area.
CAPTION: Corner of Main and Jamestown streets between 1892 and 1909. There were several floods during this time that would have been able to cause the water to be this high. It has not been this high since 1947 after a dam in New York was repaired. At the time of the photo the home belonged to Charles McDannell, the town photographer. His studio was on the top floor of the house.
In 1833, Wattsburg became incorporated as a borough and Miles set up a series of twelve blocks to be sectioned off as lots for sale. These original blocks have been altered over the years as people bought and sold property shaping the land as was needed. As Wattsburg grew, industries were developed, businesses flourished and people filled the land in town and on the outskirts as farms sprang up in abundance. By the 1880s Wattsburg was at its peak. Railroads would be the crucial point to the failed future growth of industries in town. Two railroads were planned with hopes of one coming through Wattsburg but both went by way of Union City and Corry. Another planned route from Union City to Wattsburg was never built.
So, Wattsburg remained a small town with a few businesses and residents. In 1928, fire struck the town destroying both sides of Main Street for a full block. Most properties were left desolate until the 1940s. Though the town has had its difficulties, it has continued to survive though, in the 21st century, it is now more like a suburb of the Erie area.
CAPTION: Corner of Main and Jamestown streets between 1892 and 1909. There were several floods during this time that would have been able to cause the water to be this high. It has not been this high since 1947 after a dam in New York was repaired. At the time of the photo the home belonged to Charles McDannell, the town photographer. His studio was on the top floor of the house.
Wattsburg's Participation in the Underground Railroad - "Charley"
There is only two references that I have ever found directly connecting Wattsburg to the activity on the Underground Railroad. One is the obituary of Andrew Haskell. He was an activist concerning abolition which was spoken of in his obituary. It was said that his door was always open to the black man in need of help. He lived at the foot of Haskell Hill.
The other reference is found in The Lake Shore Home Magazine published by L.U. Johnson. In Vol.IV, No. 28 published August 1886 had an article called "Romances and Realities of the Underground Railroad," Part III. The part of the story that ties Wattsburg to the Underground Railroad will be quoted here:
"The traveler who has been swept along on the Nickel Plate or Lake Shore over the Black Swamp country and onward through Cleveland, Ashtabula and Erie, seeing little that savors of roughness, except perchance the gulches about the Forest City, the bluffs at Euclid and Little Mountain in the distance, would little think as he crosses the unpretentious bridges spanning Six-Mile-Creek , east of Erie, that just a little way back it passes through some wild and rugged country; yet such is the fact. Down through a deep gorge come its crystal waters, whilst high above them on its precipitate banks the hemlock has cast its somber shadows for centuries. Into a thin, scarcely accessible portion of this gorge came years ago JohnCass, and took possession of a primitive "carding works," where he diligently plied his craft, rearing his sons and daughters to habits of industry, frugality, virtue, and a love of their little church, which is situated some two miles away on an elevated plateu, which from its largely Celtic population, has acquired the appellation of "Wales."
The little Celts of this rural community were very much surprised one winter day to see their old pastor, Parson Rice, who resided at Wattsburg, go dashing by the school-house with a colored man in his sleigh. Never before had their unsophisticated eyes seen such a sight, and what they that day beheld was the all-engrossing theme in the homes of the Joneses, the Williamses, and the Daviscs that night.
As for Parson Rice, he kept right on down, down, until he reached the carding works of his worthy parishioner, where the woolly head of Charley was safely hidden amid fleeces of a far whiter hue.
In this retreat he remained for some time, and was taught his letters by the young Casses, William, Edward, Jane and the others. When, at length, it was deemed safe to remove him, he was taken by Mrs. Cass to the office of the True American in the city. From this, after a little delay, he was conveyed to the home of Col. Jas. Moorhead, who passed him on to Parson Nutting, at State Line, by whom he was duly forwarded to KNowlton Station, Westfield, New York.
Though the temperature was below zero, it was again getting hot for Charley, for vigilant eyes all along the line were watching for the young nigger whose return to his master was sure to bring $500, and that he had reached the lake shore was now a well ascertained fact, and unusual activity was noticed among the kidnapping crew.
It was a bitter cold day, with the snow flying and drifting, that Mr. Knowlton's spanking team of jet blacks, still well remembered by many a Westfielder, came out of his yard attached to a sleigh, in the bottom of which was a package evidently of value, as it was carefully covered with blankets and robes. Under a tight rein the team headed eastward, and with almost the fleetness of the wind passed Portland, Brocton, and turning at the old Pemberton stand, in Fredonia,made Petitt Station. Here Charley was made safe and happy for the night, and the next day was landed safely in the Queen's Dominion [Canada] from Black Rock."
The other reference is found in The Lake Shore Home Magazine published by L.U. Johnson. In Vol.IV, No. 28 published August 1886 had an article called "Romances and Realities of the Underground Railroad," Part III. The part of the story that ties Wattsburg to the Underground Railroad will be quoted here:
"The traveler who has been swept along on the Nickel Plate or Lake Shore over the Black Swamp country and onward through Cleveland, Ashtabula and Erie, seeing little that savors of roughness, except perchance the gulches about the Forest City, the bluffs at Euclid and Little Mountain in the distance, would little think as he crosses the unpretentious bridges spanning Six-Mile-Creek , east of Erie, that just a little way back it passes through some wild and rugged country; yet such is the fact. Down through a deep gorge come its crystal waters, whilst high above them on its precipitate banks the hemlock has cast its somber shadows for centuries. Into a thin, scarcely accessible portion of this gorge came years ago JohnCass, and took possession of a primitive "carding works," where he diligently plied his craft, rearing his sons and daughters to habits of industry, frugality, virtue, and a love of their little church, which is situated some two miles away on an elevated plateu, which from its largely Celtic population, has acquired the appellation of "Wales."
The little Celts of this rural community were very much surprised one winter day to see their old pastor, Parson Rice, who resided at Wattsburg, go dashing by the school-house with a colored man in his sleigh. Never before had their unsophisticated eyes seen such a sight, and what they that day beheld was the all-engrossing theme in the homes of the Joneses, the Williamses, and the Daviscs that night.
As for Parson Rice, he kept right on down, down, until he reached the carding works of his worthy parishioner, where the woolly head of Charley was safely hidden amid fleeces of a far whiter hue.
In this retreat he remained for some time, and was taught his letters by the young Casses, William, Edward, Jane and the others. When, at length, it was deemed safe to remove him, he was taken by Mrs. Cass to the office of the True American in the city. From this, after a little delay, he was conveyed to the home of Col. Jas. Moorhead, who passed him on to Parson Nutting, at State Line, by whom he was duly forwarded to KNowlton Station, Westfield, New York.
Though the temperature was below zero, it was again getting hot for Charley, for vigilant eyes all along the line were watching for the young nigger whose return to his master was sure to bring $500, and that he had reached the lake shore was now a well ascertained fact, and unusual activity was noticed among the kidnapping crew.
It was a bitter cold day, with the snow flying and drifting, that Mr. Knowlton's spanking team of jet blacks, still well remembered by many a Westfielder, came out of his yard attached to a sleigh, in the bottom of which was a package evidently of value, as it was carefully covered with blankets and robes. Under a tight rein the team headed eastward, and with almost the fleetness of the wind passed Portland, Brocton, and turning at the old Pemberton stand, in Fredonia,made Petitt Station. Here Charley was made safe and happy for the night, and the next day was landed safely in the Queen's Dominion [Canada] from Black Rock."
Collection of Charles McDannell: Wattsburg Photographer 1880-1940
Top Photo: House on the corner of Jamestown and Main Streets still stands today. It was the house of Charles McDannell; the upstairs was his photography studio. This is one in a collection of postcards he made in the early 1900s. The postcards that were mailed are dated 1911-1913.
Middle Photo: A garden in Wattsburg, PA. Charlie was known to take a lot of outside photos of everyday life, a fairly rare occurrence at this time. From the slope of the hill and the look of the house, I would guess it was taken on Lyons Road just outside of town.
Bottom Photo: The sticker that was placed on this photo said "Waterford" though I suspect it was only because that is where this postcard was mailed from. (I have never seen any pictures by McDannell from Waterford. All his outdoor pictures have been from Wattsburg.) It is French Creek, however, and a foot bridge can be seen up the creek to the left. Two people are climbing the steps to the bridge. Obviously the bridge was built with the intention of being able to cross it during high water. (Educated guess: This photo could have been taken showing the backyard of what is now Boyersmith's with the bridge extending to where the rear of the parking lot of the Wattsburg Post Office is now. The shape of the land on the right and the flat area to the left indicates this may be the spot.)
This particular collection of cards came from his niece, Dolly Firth, a resident of Spartansburg, PA. Many of the cards were sent to Sparty to a cousin of Charles', Reid M. McDannell. Whether these are family pictures or just used from Charles' collection of extra copies from the studio, is unknown. He rarely mentions who is in them but only uses them for correspondence purposes.
Middle Photo: A garden in Wattsburg, PA. Charlie was known to take a lot of outside photos of everyday life, a fairly rare occurrence at this time. From the slope of the hill and the look of the house, I would guess it was taken on Lyons Road just outside of town.
Bottom Photo: The sticker that was placed on this photo said "Waterford" though I suspect it was only because that is where this postcard was mailed from. (I have never seen any pictures by McDannell from Waterford. All his outdoor pictures have been from Wattsburg.) It is French Creek, however, and a foot bridge can be seen up the creek to the left. Two people are climbing the steps to the bridge. Obviously the bridge was built with the intention of being able to cross it during high water. (Educated guess: This photo could have been taken showing the backyard of what is now Boyersmith's with the bridge extending to where the rear of the parking lot of the Wattsburg Post Office is now. The shape of the land on the right and the flat area to the left indicates this may be the spot.)
This particular collection of cards came from his niece, Dolly Firth, a resident of Spartansburg, PA. Many of the cards were sent to Sparty to a cousin of Charles', Reid M. McDannell. Whether these are family pictures or just used from Charles' collection of extra copies from the studio, is unknown. He rarely mentions who is in them but only uses them for correspondence purposes.
Photos of farming activities was one of the outdoor type of pictures that Charles seemed to enjoy creating. Horses were one of the popular subjects. It is unknown who any of these people are and none of these were mailed to verify they belong to Charles. However, they were in this collection so it is a safe assumption that he did take them. My favorite is the hay wagon with the two men stopping to pose while working in the field. Few of Charles shots were "candid" but were most often posed which was a common practice.
Charles also enjoying photographing the young, especially children though he took pictures of all walks of life. He was a rare photographer considering he took photos of country life. Popular photographers usually set up in larger cities like Erie or even Union City. Charles, who also had studios in Cambridge Springs and Chautauqua Lake, NY, focused on life in and around Wattsburg.
Top Photo: Two young children, probably walking with their mother, stop to have their picture taken by the side of the road. The baby is in a stroller (axle can be seen in the grass).
Middle Photo: Two young girls in the sunflower garden. Notice the rows of corn in the background. Probably taken in someone's back yard.
Bottom Photo: Mother, father, and child pose on the wooden sidewalk in the winter. Notice the plumes of feathers in the mother and daughter's hats. They are dressed in their best, so it is likely to be a Sunday morning. Is that a dog peeking out the window?
Top Photo: Two young children, probably walking with their mother, stop to have their picture taken by the side of the road. The baby is in a stroller (axle can be seen in the grass).
Middle Photo: Two young girls in the sunflower garden. Notice the rows of corn in the background. Probably taken in someone's back yard.
Bottom Photo: Mother, father, and child pose on the wooden sidewalk in the winter. Notice the plumes of feathers in the mother and daughter's hats. They are dressed in their best, so it is likely to be a Sunday morning. Is that a dog peeking out the window?
This is one of the few cards in the collection with a clue to who they are in the photo. The back reads: "Dear Friends, got your postal O.K. Wish I could be with you on your jaunts to "Oil Creek". What do you think of my musicians? Best wish to all. Bert G. Appleby." Written to Reid McDannell of Spartansburg, PA. The boys must be the children or grandchildren of Appleby.
The back of the card with the girl reads: "To Maud Allen. From Myrtle Mill." Photo is most likely Myrtle. This bamboo chair was often used by Charles in his photography.
A few more facts about this collection:
1. 35 postcards were purchased from The Whistle Stop in Corry, PA by Tina Tanner in March 2014. The collection was purchased from Dolly Firth estate, niece of Charles McDannell, of Spartansburg, PA, following her death.
2. 11 postcards are of children; two have the same boy in both; two have same older woman in both; two have the same sitting and look to be a mother in one and daughter in the other; three pictures have the same bamboo chair.
3. There is one class photo from a one room schoolhouse but nothing is written on it to indicate
where it is taken.
The back of the card with the girl reads: "To Maud Allen. From Myrtle Mill." Photo is most likely Myrtle. This bamboo chair was often used by Charles in his photography.
A few more facts about this collection:
1. 35 postcards were purchased from The Whistle Stop in Corry, PA by Tina Tanner in March 2014. The collection was purchased from Dolly Firth estate, niece of Charles McDannell, of Spartansburg, PA, following her death.
2. 11 postcards are of children; two have the same boy in both; two have same older woman in both; two have the same sitting and look to be a mother in one and daughter in the other; three pictures have the same bamboo chair.
3. There is one class photo from a one room schoolhouse but nothing is written on it to indicate
where it is taken.
Sammons & Tanner's
The Sammons and the Tanners are related because of a single marriage that took place September 30, 1892 between DeWitt Sammons and Miss Jessie Tanner. Jessie was the daughter of Amos & Mary Jane (Faulkner) Tanner who built the farm now owned by Olive Sammons on Route 89. Jessie's brother, William, was Floyd Tanner's grandfather.
DeWitt is the father of Dana Sammons, who lived on the farm at the junction of Route 89 and State Line Road. DeWitt was also the grandfather of Jim Sammons who owned the next farm on State Line Road.
The DeWitt Sammons farm can be seen in the photo on the top right with the trailer that my father, Ray Tanner, lived in at the time of his marriage. He was renting the farm from Dana, at the time, raising dairy cattle. Jim can be seen in the bottom photo while he visits with Floyd and Dorothy Tanner at their home on Lowville Street in Wattsburg. Floyd and Dorothy are pictured with Ray's new wife, Jane (Millspaw) Tanner in the trailer where they first lived together. They are looking at the newly arrived wedding album.
DeWitt is the father of Dana Sammons, who lived on the farm at the junction of Route 89 and State Line Road. DeWitt was also the grandfather of Jim Sammons who owned the next farm on State Line Road.
The DeWitt Sammons farm can be seen in the photo on the top right with the trailer that my father, Ray Tanner, lived in at the time of his marriage. He was renting the farm from Dana, at the time, raising dairy cattle. Jim can be seen in the bottom photo while he visits with Floyd and Dorothy Tanner at their home on Lowville Street in Wattsburg. Floyd and Dorothy are pictured with Ray's new wife, Jane (Millspaw) Tanner in the trailer where they first lived together. They are looking at the newly arrived wedding album.
Past Presidents of the old Wattsburg Elementary PTA
This list was compiled by Dorothy Tanner which dates in the 1960s to 1970s. These were listed in the chronological order the office was held:
Mrs. Floyd Tanner (Dorothy)
Mrs. Everett Allen
Mrs. Walter Drissel (Abbie)
Mrs. Evelyn Foster
Mrs. John Rouse
Mrs. Kenneth Pulling
Mrs. Harold Hall
Mrs. Richard Eaton
Mrs. Mable Parker
Mrs. William Boarts
Mrs. Roy Ladd
Mrs. Esther Robinson
Mrs. Karl Burger
Mrs. Marjorie Whitford
Mrs. Charles Kennedy
Mrs. Gust Gorka
Mrs. Clifford Snyder
Mrs. Walter Ingalls
Mrs. Madelene Gregor
Mrs. Francis Sammons
Mrs. Charles Thornton
Mrs. Matthew Rutkowski
Mrs. James Davis
Mrs. Ted Krol
Mrs. Andy Eldred
Mrs. Florence Allen
Mrs. Jani Tanner
Mrs. Floyd Tanner (Dorothy)
Mrs. Everett Allen
Mrs. Walter Drissel (Abbie)
Mrs. Evelyn Foster
Mrs. John Rouse
Mrs. Kenneth Pulling
Mrs. Harold Hall
Mrs. Richard Eaton
Mrs. Mable Parker
Mrs. William Boarts
Mrs. Roy Ladd
Mrs. Esther Robinson
Mrs. Karl Burger
Mrs. Marjorie Whitford
Mrs. Charles Kennedy
Mrs. Gust Gorka
Mrs. Clifford Snyder
Mrs. Walter Ingalls
Mrs. Madelene Gregor
Mrs. Francis Sammons
Mrs. Charles Thornton
Mrs. Matthew Rutkowski
Mrs. James Davis
Mrs. Ted Krol
Mrs. Andy Eldred
Mrs. Florence Allen
Mrs. Jani Tanner