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Old Albion Area Photos
circa 1900
Courtesy of the Albion News
Albion
Sesquicentennial 1859 to 2009
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History
Once the Erie Extension Canal opened for regular business in the spring of 1845 the surrounding land all along the route was accessible and open to trade. Little hamlets such as Jackson's Cross Roads (later Albion) began to grow more rapidly than before. In 1861 Albion incorporated with a population of 443.
Businesses in the new borough included a hotel called the Sherman House, two millinery shops, two barbershops, three dry goods shops and several grocery (or general) stores. One business that thrived during the canal era was the Otsego Fork Factory. It began operations in 1850, making handles for small farming tools. The business declined after the demise of the canal, and two years later, in 1873, the building burned. The business was later moved to Miles Grove (Lake City) near a railroad line, and there it flourished again. An early newspaper, the Blizzard, which began operation in 1882, is the forerunner of today's newspaper, the Albion News. Today the News is part of the
Gazette Newspapers system from Ohio.
In 1859 another major source of transportation began operation when the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad was purposed. It, too, would pass through Albion. North of nearby Cranesville the track split with the main route going east to Erie and a secondary track heading west to Conneaut, Ohio. By 1900 the line had been purchased by Andrew Carnegie and was called the Bessemer.
One business in the borough that began in 1904 celebrated 100
years in 2004. That year three brothers with the last name of Rogers came to Albion to establish a structural steel fabrication business. They began by building bridges and by 1914 had built their first trailer. The history of the
Rogers Brothers Corporation includes building troop carriers for World War I and being an early recipient of the Army/Navy "E" flag for "excellence" during World War II. One of its special orders for the government was a trailer to haul "Jumbo," a container for the atomic bomb that was to be tested in New Mexico.
Another Albion business that is known around the world is Swanson Boat Oars, manufacturer of wooden paddles. Well on its way to a century mark, this company also worked doubly hard to provide needed equipment for the World War II effort. Today, the company also is known for making the world's longest paddle, and for making the oars for the restored Brig Niagara.
A well-used area in the borough is the recreational Community Park (
Albion Borough Park). It was built during the Depression by the WPA (Works Progress Administration). A fabulous feature in the park is a carousel that is recognized as the second oldest working carousel in the United States. It is housed indoors, but operates each summer.
The businesses and the citizens of the community came together to provide an extraordinary effort after a disastrous tornado on May 31, 1985. Everywhere, people were helping people. Businesses were helping people. Rogers Brothers, who had planned a big community open house for the following day, canceled the festivities and donated their resources and energies to the emergency forces. Utility companies, schools, medical personnel, food and beverage businesses throughout the county… yes, everyone was involved in the major effort to rescue, recover and rebuild the community. Today a peaceful corner has been set aside as a monument to this terrible moment that forever changed the community - and the tremendous effort to return it to normalcy. It is located at the corner of State and Orchard Streets.
Since 1993 there are two new presences in the community. One is a medium security state prison that began operating that year and provides employment to the community. The other provides a glimpse of a gentler past. In 1998 a long-time dream was realized when an old rural school building was moved onto the
Northwestern School District campus for restoration. It also is used as the headquarters of the
Valley School Historical Society. The building, erected in 1853, was in use as a rural school for 100 years.
Although the old canal is gone, the railroad that was built along its path continues today as the Norfolk & Southern. Many trains roll through the borough daily from Conneaut, Ohio, to North Bessemer, north of Pittsburgh. The track was once so busy it was referred to as "the shortest and richest little railroad in the world." The Bessemer now also allows Norfolk & Southern and Conrail equipment to use their tracks.
2010 - Albion's Largest Employer
PA DEPARTMENT
OF CORRECTIONS-
STATE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
SCI Albion
Supt. Raymond Sobina
10745 Route 18 Albion, PA 16475-0001
(814) 756-5778
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