A Rose by Any Other Name

North East was at one time known variously as Burgettstown, Gibsonville and Lower Greenfield before becoming North East. Whatever you call it, it’s one of the most enchanting areas in western Pennsylvania.

The first European settlers began arriving in North East around 1794. The area was incorporated as North East in 1834. In 1850, the population of the borough was 386. Just a decade later, it had grown to 952, largely because of the establishment of the Lake Shore Railway, and lots of German and Irish immigrants who were attracted to the area.

It’s always been a charming center for culture and commerce. In fact, it’s so charming that 114 buildings are on the National Historic Register, which includes 84 residential buildings. The homes and businesses are bordered by Lake, Main, Gibson, Park and Division streets.

Every city has its challenges, and on August 13, 1884, North East was rocked by a fire that began in the vicinity of the Opera House on Lake and Mechanics streets. It quickly spread, and 22 businesses were lost at a whopping cost of $200,000. This is roughly $6.4 million in today’s equivalency—a massive loss for a small town.

The borough took a bold approach to prevent such a future catastrophe by forbidding the construction of frame houses, and even demolishing some structures that were already there!

It did not forbid the building of three-story structures, but strongly suggested that it was a bad idea—especially since the fire brigade did not have a way to reach the upper floors.

The only surviving three-story structure after the great fire was the Italianate building at 2-8 Main Street, which was brick. It housed the Grand Army of the Republic Veterans and was later the location of the first American Legion Post in the area. One of the area’s first banks, “The People’s Savings Institution,” was also located on the first floor.

Another opera house was built to replace the fire casualty near the Palace Hotel, later known as Short’s Hotel, which survives today. In those days, an opera house was not just for Puccini. It could be any type of entertainment, from concerts to magic shows.

There is some interesting continuity with the past regarding the North East Breeze newspaper, established in 1869 at 39 S. Lake Street. The paper continued to be published under various owners, and today the North East News Journal still publishes news of the area from the same location!

North East is fortunate to have two outstanding B&Bs in the historic district from which to explore the area’s shops, vineyards and lakeshore.

The Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast has been in business since 2002 and is located in two buildings constructed between 1832 and 1835. It sits in the heart of town at 51 E. Main Street. The beautiful B&B is decorated with period decor throughout.

The Elsie Greer House Bed and Breakfast was built a bit later, circa 1865. This beautifully restored Victorian lady is also like taking a step back in time with lovely antiques.

Many people from across the country visit these gems, but local people also enjoy a weekend away from home in a place that doesn’t require costly travel expenses.

Last, and perhaps most important, is the iconic fountain known as “The Lady in the Park.” After the devastating fire of 1884, the borough finally established a water system in 1885 with a public tank for watering horses and fighting fires at the southeast corner of Gibson Park. The ladies of the borough figured if there was water that close by, maybe it should be put to good use for esthetics. They raised money and purchased the statue from a catalogue from Mott Iron Works of New York City. The model of statue chosen was called The Maid of the Mist, but locals seem to prefer The Lady in the Park.

The historical background for the famous statue (as well as most of the information in this article) was graciously provided by Dick Tefft. Dick and his wife, Judy, were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North East Historical Society in 2024. Dick has written two books, “A Look at North East, PA Through Vintage Postcards” and “Historic Vignettes of North East, PA.” Both are available at Tia’s Book Store, located at 15 W. Main in North East. They are also available at the North East Historical Society, located in the original fire hall at 25 Vine Street.

The historical society museum will open at the end of May, on Fridays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The society has many historical artifacts on display. If you would be interested in joining, volunteering, or donating to the North East Historical Society, email northeasthistoricalsociety@yahoo.com.