Curtze Family Leadership Giving Circle

Why donors join us

Curtze Circle members Glenn and Sue Chichester continue to support our mission through the Curtze Circle. Glenn shared his memories with us recently: 

Memories of the Watson-Curtze Mansion 

As a Curtze Circle member and docent at the Hagen History Center, I’ve become deeply aware of all that the History Center offers to Erie County, our schools, and the many visitors who come to explore. Even though most will read this after Christmas, my story begins with holiday memories at the Hagen History Center—and I want to share them with you.

I was about six years old when I first saw the “mansion.” I was an only child living with my parents near West 6th Street. At Christmas, my mother and I would walk downtown—our usual route was from 10th Street to South Park Row. If you picture Ralphie in A Christmas Story, you’ll have the perfect visual. 

To me, the downtown department stores were grand and magical. The Boston Store, Trasks, and Halles sparkled with lights and decorations. I especially remember Chacona’s candy store, whose front window featured elaborate chocolate displays. One year, they built a massive chocolate castle—I can still see it in my mind. At that age, I never wondered why there were so many Santas downtown. Sadly, that downtown of my childhood is gone. I wish I could walk it again with my mother.

On those Christmas walks, my mother always included the Watson Curtze Mansion. We walked everywhere—my dad had the car, and my mother never learned to drive, something hard to imagine today. The Mansion was both fun and a little foreboding. The Christmas trees were big and beautiful, but the electric train was the real highlight. I would dream about adding more tracks at home.

And then there was “the pot.” Mad Anthony Wayne’s pot was a curious attraction for a little boy, and it became part of every visit. That quirky artifact sparked my love of history—and taught me how strange historical truths can be. Even now, as a docent, older visitors often rush up to ask, “Where’s the pot?” Funny how the oddest things stay with us. 

Recently, I watched a little girl slowly descend the grand staircase. When she reached the bottom, she looked up and asked, “Did Cinderella live here?” I smiled and said, “Maybe she did.” I wanted her to leave with a memory—just as I did so many years ago. Now, as a father and grandfather, I reflect on the memories the Hagen History Center has given me, my children, and my grandchildren. We have photos of three generations in the same spot at the Mansion. Thank you, old Mansion, for the memories.  The Christmas magic of State Street may be gone, but the Watson Curtze Mansion endures. Through generous donations—large and small—the Hagen History Center has become the shining star of West 6th Street and Erie, PA. As a Curtze Circle member, you help preserve Erie’s history and the Mansion itself. Your support ensures that future generations will create their own memories here.