Benson Memorial Library
Minerva and Byron David Benson's children built the library as a memorial to their parents in 1902. Mr. Benson had organized and was the first president of the Titusville Library Association. He further demonstrated his commitment to reading and education by serving on the school board and often visiting the schools.
Benson, a capable entrepreneur, was involved at various times in lumber, mining, railroads, and the developing oil industry. He engaged in many aspects of oil production and served as president of the Titusville Oil Exchange. He also made an important contribution to the industry.
During the 1860s oil was being transported through small pipelines to railroad cars. Benson conceived of a larger pipeline through which oil could be pumped overland for long distances. To build the pipeline, he formed and became president of the Tide Water Pipe Company. Although his idea was referred to by some as "Benson's Folly," the firm constructed a six-inch pipeline over 109 miles of difficult terrain and conditions from Bradford to Williamsport. The success of the pipeline proved Benson correct and revolutionized oil transport.
[Photo
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Byron David Benson
Minerva Stewart Benson
The Benson heirs, Robert, Bessie & William Benson, circa 1870.
Benson Memorial Library, 1904
Building the pipeline (Early Days of Oil, Giddens, 1948)
Erected by Oil Region Alliance and City of Titusville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 41° 37.739′ N, 79° 40.41′ W. Marker is in Titusville, Pennsylvania, in Crawford County. Marker is at the intersection of Franklin Street (Pennsylvania Route 89) and Church Place, on the left when traveling north on Franklin Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 213 North Franklin Street, Titusville PA 16354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hyde Home, 1864 (within shouting distance of this marker); St. James Episcopal Church, 1863 (within shouting distance of this marker); William White Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scheide Home, 1864 (about 500 feet away); The Abbott Home
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Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Byron David Benson. Find A Grave website entry (Submitted on August 27, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Articles of Incorporation of the Tidewater Pipe Line (1878). Page Tutor website entry (Submitted on August 27, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Oil pollution still oozes at Star Lake mine. Adirondack Explorer website entry (2017):
The mine was opened by Byron Benson (Submitted on August 27, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 27, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on July 19, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on June 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5. submitted on August 27, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
