Bellefonte in Centre County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Pennsylvania Match Factory

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

1. Pennsylvania Match Factory Marker

Inscription. One of the nation's leading producers of wooden matches during the first half of the 20th century; founded 1899 by Bellefonte entrepreneurs. The factory buildings opened in 1900, using the vast resources of the surrounding lumber region. By World War II, the company had merged into the Universal Match Corp., and the workforce had grown to 400. The factory closed in 1947 due to competition from book matches and cigarette lighters.

Erected 2004 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 40° 54.468′ N, 77° 46.923′ W. Marker is in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, in Centre County. It is at the intersection of Willowbank Street (State Highway 550) and Phoenix Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Willowbank Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bellefonte PA 16823, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bellefonte (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gateway & Destination Locations (about 600 feet away); Bellefonte, Centre County ~ Gateway to the Lumber Heritage Region

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(about 600 feet away); U.S. Airmail Pioneers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lucinda Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); Bellefonte Governors Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Veterans' Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Bellefonte Governors Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellefonte.

Also see . . .
1. The Match Factory. From a virtual tour of Bellefonte. (Submitted on June 3, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. MarkerQuest - Pennsylvania Match Factory. (Submitted on February 15, 2023, by Laura Klotz of Northampton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

2. Pennsylvania Match Factory Marker

Renovated Portions of the Match Factory Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

3. Renovated Portions of the Match Factory Today

The Match Factory image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

4. The Match Factory

<i>Plant of the Pennsylvania Match Company</i> image. Click for full size.

Postcard published by the Williamsport Paper Co. (courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Archives), circa 1912

5. Plant of the Pennsylvania Match Company

Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,853 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 3, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on January 19, 2020.