Triggering History: Legacy of Erie firearms exhibit open

Triggering History: Legacy of Erie firearms 

Our archives includes dozens of firearms of many sizes, time periods, and geographical locations. Currently on exhibit on the second floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion are pre-Civil War era firearms that are either directly or indirectly related to Erie. This exhibit also has rifles made by Erie gunsmiths, guns owned by Erie families, War of 1812 era muskets, and archaeological finds from the site of Fort Presque Isle.

Some of the firearms were made by Erie firearm manufacturers Daniel Weeks and Henry S. Drake. Daniel Weeks was known as one of the best rifle shots in Northwest Pennsylvania. Moving to Erie in 1849, he was a “practical gunsmith” operating out of 139 State Street and later 1203 State Street. Henry S. Drake appears on an 1851 map as a gunsmith and brass foundry on State Street between 7th and 8th. While not much is known about him, based on our collection, he made percussion rifles, some with octagon barrels.

Additional firearms are linked to Henry Jarecki's brass foundry and Hugh Lord's family and company, the Lord Corporation.

Find out more about the firearms of the early years of Erie by visiting the Hagen History Center.

Elk Creek Township hosts exhibit

Thanks to Elk Creek Township Historical Society, we have a new exhibit with some terrific history.

“The Little Church on the Hill” was founded in Wellsburg in 1855, originally named “Church of Our Father, Universalist”. The church had its final closing in 1957, and the Universalist Convention would sign over the building to the Elk Creek Township with the request for it to be used as a community center. The building stood mostly unused until in 1989 a group of interested residents of the township prevented the demolition of the building.  The group began holding events to fund the preservation projects, that continue to this day. This church has now become a community treasure to the people of Elk Creek.

Find out more about the amazing history and the efforts of the Elk Creek Township and Elk Creek Township Historical Society inside the Watson-Curtze Mansion exhibit.

Winner Winner Maple Dinner March 25

If you love our culinary classes at the Yellow House, you'll want to sign up for this sweet deal with award-winning, Pennsylvania Farm Show recipes. HERE'S THE MENU:

Maple Rum Hot Toddy w/Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

Maple Cherry Shrub w/Vodka

Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar and Maple Cream w/Crackers

Ritzy Chicken for dipping in Maple Barbecue Sauce or Maple Mustard

Maple Glazed Carrots & Maple Coleslaw

Maple Banana Bread

Maple Brown Butter Rice Krispies

 Sign up here