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Deciphering a Wartime Telegram

John C. Reilly M.D.

Friday Feb 14th, 2025

As my wife and I sorted through family memorabilia years ago, we came across a Western Union Telegram the message of which had so completely faded as to be unreadable.

Reflecting on 50 Years of Glass Growers Gallery

Emily Ernes, owner of Glass Growers Gallery

Wednesday Dec 4th, 2024

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”

By John C. Reilly M.D.

Tuesday Dec 3rd, 2024

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.

Read the Dr. Pam Lenz article here

Waldameer Beach…A Joy Forever (and no drunken persons, no rough talk, and no boisterous demonstrations permitted!) Part 2

Dr. Pamela Lenz

Monday Aug 12th, 2024

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

Grace Thompson

Tuesday Jul 23rd, 2024

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

Dr. Pamela Lenz

Tuesday Jul 2nd, 2024

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.

Erie’s edible plants

Grace Thompson

Monday Jul 1st, 2024

Erie is chock-full of edible plants and mushrooms if you know where to look. These plants have been harvested by and used by many people in Erie’s History, including the famous Joe Root. Several people still prepare these plants in foods today.

Rambaldo “Rockets” into Hagen Archives

Steven Mooradian

Wednesday Apr 24th, 2024

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.

2. Advertisement for Dr. P. Halls Celebrated Catarrh Remedy

Catarrh Got You Down?

Dr. Pamela Lenz

Friday Mar 8th, 2024

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 19^th century you were in luck, because one of the most celebrated catarrh remedies was developed in Erie by Dr. P. Hall.

3. John Nicholson headstone located in basement

Found: Headstone in the Millcreek Nicholson House

Dr. Pamela Lenz

Thursday Jan 18th, 2024

Just about everyone has a skeleton or two in their closets … but how many people can say they have a headstone in the basement?

Deciphering a Wartime Telegram

Reflecting on 50 Years of Glass Growers Gallery

Deciphering an Old Erie “Ghost Ad”

Waldameer Beach…A Joy Forever (and no drunken persons, no rough talk, and no boisterous demonstrations permitted!) Part 2

What I Learned About Cuneiform, the Earliest Known Form of Writing

Waldameer Beach … A Joy Forever (and no drunken persons, no rough talk, and no boisterous demonstrations permitted!) Part 1

Erie’s edible plants

Rambaldo “Rockets” into Hagen Archives

Catarrh Got You Down?

Found: Headstone in the Millcreek Nicholson House

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