Saving History

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Question: Who owned this car, and what made it special? Answer: The Crosley's owner was Hubert Vaughn, who was the board chairman for Corry Manufacturing Company. The eclectic car was an idea that came to life in his garage. He used 12 golf cart batteries. One charge would give the car about 35 miles of driving time. The story goes that he drove the electric vehicle to Erie, which took all day. Once there, he had to charge it to get back home. Most remember this car being in the parades, at the local car shows or driving around town. Now it spends its time at the Corry Area Historical Society. There are many items of Hubert Vaughn's, such as canceled checks, notes and even an x-ray of his bones he donated. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_ed8a13e6-6f73-11ef-a573-8fcf601d1566.html

Question: Who used this item? What was it used for? Hint: Some readers may remember their visit to this office.

Answer: This dental treadle drill was invented in 1871 by dentist James Beall Morrison. Some say it could take up to an hour to remove decay from a tooth with this drill. The drill belonged to Dr. Harrison A. Curtis, born in 1882, a local dentist for 55 years who graduated from Northwestern Pennsylvania Dental School in 1909. The school later became the University of Pittsburgh. He first opened his practice in Columbus and later moved it to Corry. At one time, his practice was on the second floor of Dr. Bennett's building, across from the Corrian Hotel, which is now the Corry Higher Education Council.

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_bf9899f4-6a1d-11ef-91ab-5fc2075553e0.html

Question: What was this beautiful item called years ago? How much did one cost back in the day?

Answer: The Thomas A. Edison Disc Phonograph was one of the top-of-the-line sound producers. Edison added the disc phonograph to his company in 1913. Edison cylinder players had been around for years but were losing favor. This machine was purchased by a local family in 1919 from Fuller's Music Parlor at 7 S. Center St. in Corry. Miss Myrtle Fuller held recitals to promote the sale of the disc phonographs. This piece would have cost around $200, or $3,600 in today's prices. The Historical Society has both an Edison cylinder and a disc phonograph. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_ea7b6906-63df-11ef-b04b-57ec35ebc526.html

Question: What personal item was used in this unique wall decoration? What other items were made using the same materials? 

Answer: Made from human hair and wires, this wreath was made by a local woman. It was a practice to save hair from loved ones who had passed and make keepsakes from the hair. It was common practice to save the loose pieces of brushed hair in a hair receiver, making it easy to acquire for crafting pieces. An open-ended wreath like last week's photo is said to show the person's ascent into heaven. Some other items made from human hair are pendants, brooches, bracelets and wall art. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_822135b8-5e60-11ef-a029-d79877b79b7a.html

Question: Where was this photo taken? What year was it? What significant event happened? Photo courtesy of the Sawyer family. 

Answer: This photo is from November 19, 1964, when the Corry Area High School, located at 524 E. Pleasant St., caught fire. Two hundred men from nine different companies fought the blaze. To care for those fighting the fire and and volunteers helping out, local businesses, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and volunteers joined together to serve 80 gallons of coffee, 50 quarts of milk, 30 gallons of soup, 500 sandwiches, and 50 dozen donuts. The first estimated cost of the damage was set at $1.5 million.

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_40e5e17a-58f7-11ef-aee7-fbda887652ac.html

Question: What was this used for back in the day?

Answer: This is a loom weaving shuttleboat bobbin shuttlecock that was used on table or floor looms. The yarn to be woven is wrapped around the bobbing and inserted into the shuttle. The yard can then be winded off while weaving.

A boat shuttle works by winding yarn onto a bobbin or quill and then inserted into the shuttle. This process allows the yarn to wind off quickly while weaving. Unlike the stick shuttle, which you must pass from one hand to another and back, you can easily throw a boat shuttle across. Stop by and check out the weaving, sewing and small crafting display that the Corry Area Historical Society.

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_ff9e51e0-53f4-11ef-9e17-eb808e1e58e8.html

Question: In which cemetery is this gravestone located? What material is this marker made of? 

Answer: This gravestone marker is straight ahead when entering the Pine Grove Cemetery’s main driveway. The"white bronze" marker, also known as a Zinker, because its primary material is cast zinc, has a distinctive pale grey or pale blue color. These grave markers were manufactured by the Monumental Bronze Company in Bridgeport, Conn., and sold to the public by catalog or through a salesman. These beautiful markers have stood the test of time, as one can see the bust of Mr. Myer's face. Mr. Myer operated the Oneida Market, a butcher shop in Corry. He served in the Civil War for Company E, 117th of New York. He was twice wounded, once in the head and once in the arm. As a side note, during prohibition, these hollow grave markers were used to exchange alcohol by hiding the stuff inside the makers. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_71b73bdc-505f-11ef-814e-87d36e557503.html

Question: Where did this boat float for years? Did it always stay in the Lake or go for unauthorized outings?

Answer: The Robert E. Lee Steamer originally floated on Alice Lake in Mead Park. Norman Edinger built the steamer in the 1960s. It was stolen many times and even damaged by vandals. One such incident left the steamer too damaged to display. Kornikoski worked for two weeks in 1984 to refurbish the steamer. He and Fred " Chuck" Haenel Jr., caretaker for the park, anchored the steamer back into Alice Lake. In 1990, it was once again rebuilt by a Boy Scout as part of his Eagle Badge. It now resides at the Corry Area Historical Society Museum. Stop by the historical society during the Glen Mead Day celebration on Sunday, Aug. 11, and see the Robert E. Lee. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_a8184504-4835-11ef-abe7-afcf4670a2af.html

Question: Plaques like these hung throughout what building? Why were they made? Who are the ladies mentioned here?

Answer: These plaques were hung in memory of two ladies at the former Corry Memorial Hospital Display on West Smith Street. When considerable donations to the hospital were made, the plaques were hung to recognize the generous gift. In 1949, a donation of $5,000 was made to the 60-bed hospital fundraiser. Mrs. Henry McSweeney was the former Theresa Nugent. She donated in memory of her sister, who had passed. These two ladies grew up and lived in Corry on West Pleasant Street extension. Mrs. Henry McSweeney was one of the top five wealthiest women in America, as stated at the time of her passing. Theresa's husband, Henry McSweeney, was an attorney for Standard Oil, among many other successful business ventures. Theresa is also the Great Aunt of Singer Ted Nugent. Descendants of the Nugent line still reside in Corry today.

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_53cfccee-42f2-11ef-9321-efa700ae212e.html

Question: What was this used for back in the day?

Answer: This Vintage sand tamper was used to tamp the sand between the bricks, giving a smooth, firm surface for walking and driving. The first road bricked in Corry was South Center Street. At the museum, a few bricks in “Little Corry” need to be reset. Stop by the Corry Historical Society to see the tamper and a brick sidewalk, like the those that were all around Corry back in the day.

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Question: What was this stand made of? Where was the company located in Corry?

Answer: This 1920s plant stand might be mistaken for wicker, but it is not. It is made of Fibre, which is stronger than wicker. It is one of many items made at Corry Fibre Furniture company. The company was started with $30,000 in 1916 and was located on West Bond Street. The company advertised home furniture repair of all kinds, promising to lock the door when done. In 1929, H. O. Kitner filed voluntary bankruptcy, with assets of $18,200 and debts of $16,345.98, leading to the end of the fiber furniture era in Corry.

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_a620014a-3586-11ef-aabc-a32f23c1d99a.html

Question: What war affected this man’s life? How did this war affect the local land survey? What is the name of the National organization founded on October 11, 1890, for proven bloodline descendants of these soldiers?

Answer: John Loomis served in the Revolutionary War and moved to Wayne Township in 1831. He is buried in Lawn Cemetery in Beaverdam. Donation land bounties were implemented to keep soldiers in service until the end of the Revolutionary War. David Watts surveyed the donation parcel north of Corry, which went up into New York, almost to Waterford, making a large rectangle. Soldiers were awarded bounty land warrants by service and rank parcels of 100 to 1,100 acres, then parcels were awarded by spinning a lottery wheel.

The Daughters of the American Revolution issued a local chapter organized in August 1919. It was known as the Brokenstraw Valley Chapter. This Corry Chapter has disbanded, but others still in Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties.

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_a620014a-3586-11ef-aabc-a32f23c1d99a.html

Question: What were these used for? Where was this one located? Photo By Jan Bemis 2015

Answer: These cement cylinders were installed to protect children from the weather. The kids had to walk a quarter to half a mile to the bus stop. This one is located on the corner of Whites Corners and Willow Road in Columbus Township. There may be more of these dotting the Corry area countryside.  The Corry Area Historical Society hopes people on Facebook will share more details on the history of these shelters for the Historical Society’s archive room.

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_17112e78-2cd7-11ef-91b0-736065129fb0.html

Question: What was this metal container used for yearly? Hint: This container was used for a significant historical event that changed U.S. citizens' social lives in 1933. 

Answer: This metal container, manufactured by Buffalo Portable Steel House Co., was used as a ballot box for individuals to cast their votes. The company also manufactured other items such as steel cottages, schoolhouses and garbage cans. This ballot box is still housed at the Corry Area Historical Society, and inside were the delegates' ballots for repealing the 18th Amendment — prohibition. November 7, 1933, Pennsylvania residents voted to be a “wet” or “dry” state. The votes were cast siding with the “Repeal of Prohibition,” Amendment 21, which went into effect after Utah delegates ratified the repeal on December 5,1933. Red wax was used to seal the ballot's containers so as not to allow tampering with the voting results. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_9c4f174a-276d-11ef-ab03-8f6741793253.html

Question: Who is this gentleman? What did he give to the community? Hint: It has a lake named after his mother, Alice. 

Answer: Attorney Glenn C. Mead of Philadelphia, a former Corry resident, was born in this area in 1870 to Eli Hatton and Alice Livingston Mead. On November 28, 1940, a parcel of land was given to form a community park. He later donated another parcel to make up the park, which is enjoyed today. It was first known as Mead Recreation Park, located on West Wayne Street. In January of 1949, it was suggested to change the street name to Mead Park Avenue, and was later named Mead Avenue. The prep and buildings in the park were mostly done by volunteers who shared Mr. Mead’s vision for a beautiful community gathering place for recreational and family enjoyment. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_da37b2a6-22ae-11ef-81d1-dfe7c4b56767.html

Question: What is this and where would it be used? Hint: used on a cold winter's night.  

Answer: This vintage brooder kerosene heater was used to warm poultry coops and keep water from freezing. Moe’s Line of Poultry Supplies was out of Chicago, and manufactured by the Hoeft Company. These heaters would sell for about $1.50 in the 1920s. The lamp held enough kerosene to supply heat 24/7. They were sold at the local hardware stores. The CAHS Museum has a Moe’s Line Brood Heater on display. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_a5691412-1cfe-11ef-a82f-9b66ef199448.html

Question: Who is this gentleman? What did he do? What is named after him? Hint: a great place to spend a Friday night. https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown  

Answer: Last week's mystery answer: Howard “Pop” Sheen was the Corry Area High School principal from 1926 to 1960. He came to Corry in 1919 to teach science. In 1920 he worked to get football instated as a sport. Equipment was non-existent, with mothers sewing shoulder pads for the players. He organized the students to work on raising funds for the sports programs, introduced track and coached girls’ and boys' basketball. He was known as a teacher, friend, father figure and counselor, touching the lives of many students. In 1960, the football field was named the Howard Sheen Athletic Field. After Mr. and Mrs. Sheen’s passing, the Howard J. and Ruth H. Sheen Memorial Scholarship was set up, and is still given out to students seeking further education. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/hometown/article_accb6df0-11f4-11ef-b1ae-c309fa68c73d.html 

Question: What two companies were turning out monkey wrenches? Where in town were they located? 

Answer: Locee Wrench was located on 233 Eagle Street In Corry in the 1910 Directory. They manufactured the"Champion" wrench.  Then in the 1912 Directory, the company was listed as Corry Wrench Company operating out of the same building. This company manufactured the wrench in the journal photo. . Some of the local names associated with the company were E.L., W. J., C. A. Keppel, E. J. Rhinehart, and Charles Carroll among others. The company was last listed in the City Directories in the mid-1950s operating at 107 North Second Ave.