Blog

Here at the Hagen History Center, we have had the privilege of working with architect Jeff Kidder and contractor Mike Jefferys multiple times on various types of construction projects and exhibit development.  Their office is in the city’s oldest, still standing building, the Dickson Tavern.  What is the history of this 1815 building which is currently surrounded by the modern UPMC Hamot Hospital?

Occasionally, a blog will appear called, “Found in the Archives!” so to assume any regularity is entirely irresponsible—but the Processing Archivist likes to think proactively so:

This week’s exciting, “Found in the Archives!” at the Hagen History Center is a once a month or two kind of find.

I grew up in the country, south of Erie, and as a kid I remember riding my bicycle everywhere.  One place I enjoyed seeing was Lake Pleasant and being that we didn’t get to Lake Erie often, it was always a treat. The Lake is so peaceful and pretty surrounded by trees and farmland.

Many of us learned what we know about the Millcreek Flood when riding on the Erie Zoo Train, which passes over a bridge where the creek itself is still visible, before it disappears into the Millcreek Tube. Enthusiastic train engineers describe how the tube has prevented future devastation like the flood that took place on August 3, 1915.

Today’s blog came to me while working one day. My office, also known as the mezzanine, is within the Archive building where I am surrounded by objects. Most of these objects have been catalogued into our system and properly put away for storage. Although there are still a small number that have not yet been looked at.

With a recent attempt to finish putting objects away, I stumbled upon a group of military pieces.

On a beautiful September Friday in 1813, Oliver Hazard Perry’s nine-ship squadron of hastily built ships and converted merchant vessels defeated a six-ship British squadron off Put-in-Bay at the western end of Lake Erie. It was the first time in United States naval history that an entire enemy fleet was captured.  This meant American control of the lake.

The title of this blog is a perfect description for this Erie store because it has brought much happiness to generations of Erie residents.  It has been in business for 135 years and still serves the community with a smile.  Its tag line is “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it”.  Can you guess which store I am writing about?

William Leverett Morrison was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1869. The son of Leverett and Missouri Bliss Morrison, young Morrison would choose a naval career and become one of Erie’s most influential and experienced citizens.

Sometimes when we really take a close look at an object, just to be with it in the present without our minds wandering, we see things differently.  I have had that very opportunity lately.

Many of you have commented to us here at the History Center about the wonderful work being done on so many of the old homes surrounding our campus.  Led by Mr. Tom Hagen, these old mansions are being beautifully restored and given new life as either apartments or businesses.  The Erie community is thrilled and so are we who work on this wonderful street.