Ambridge in Beaver County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Water Pump, Bank, Restaurant, Croatian Club
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, September 13, 2022
1. Water Pump, Bank, Restaurant, Croatian Club Marker
The Ambridge Savings and Trust owned the building from 1926 until 1939. The bank company added onto the north side, removed the second floor to create a larger, impressive, monumental open space, and lowered the first floor to ground level. During this time, the Ambridge Savings and Trust merged with the Economy National Bank, which then occupied the building.
After a downturn in the banking business during the Great Depression, Anthony Pokrzywnicky set up a restaurant and night club named the Colonial Inn here, circa 1936. It was known as "The liveliest spot in town. In 1939 Antonio and Jane Pazzanita bought the building and established the AP Oyster House. The restaurant served the local community for 25 years.
The Ambridge
this page online
Erected by Ambridge Historic District, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Ambridge Rotary Club, Old Economy Village.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Communal and Utopian Societies, and the Rotary International series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 40° 35.805′ N, 80° 13.83′ W. Marker is in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, in Beaver County. It is at the intersection of Merchant Street and 14th Street, on the right when traveling north on Merchant Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ambridge PA 15003, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and in the Ohio River Valley. 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: Economy Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Distillery, Cider Press, and Laundry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blacksmith and Wagonmaker Shops (about 300 feet away); First Harmonist Church and Fire Department (about 500 feet away); Carriage House and Summer Kitchen (about 500 feet away); Harmony Society Church
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, September 13, 2022
2. Water Pump, Bank, Restaurant, Croatian Club Marker
Lower Left Images
After the close of the Harmony Society in 1905 the house served as a rental for laborers of the American Bridge Company and the National Tube Works. The 1920 census lists three families of nine second- and third-generation Swiss and German people living in this house.
The Ambridge Croatian Club's Adult Tamburitzan group was known as "Ansambl Sveti Nikola," or St. Nicholas Ensemble, seen here in 1993.
Pugar siblings Andrew (1910-1999), Stephan(1898-1953), and Stella Stana (Zivic) (1906-1965) of Ambridge proudly pose with the American flag, crowned with ribbons offering their Croatian roots, sponsored by the family in 1916. Stephan Pugar immigrated to America from Blatnica, Croatia in 1905 with his mother. The younger siblings were born in the United States.
Frank C, Schwede, formerly of Toledo, Ohio, and James Huston developed a plan to change the house into a bank, seen here before 1929.
After the close of the Harmony Society in 1905 the house served as a rental for laborers of the American Bridge Company and the National Tube Works. The 1920 census lists three families of nine second- and third-generation Swiss and German people living in this house.
The Ambridge Croatian Club's Adult Tamburitzan group was known as "Ansambl Sveti Nikola," or St. Nicholas Ensemble, seen here in 1993.
Pugar siblings Andrew (1910-1999), Stephan(1898-1953), and Stella Stana (Zivic) (1906-1965) of Ambridge proudly pose with the American flag, crowned with ribbons offering their Croatian roots, sponsored by the family in 1916. Stephan Pugar immigrated to America from Blatnica, Croatia in 1905 with his mother. The younger siblings were born in the United States.
Frank C, Schwede, formerly of Toledo, Ohio, and James Huston developed a plan to change the house into a bank, seen here before 1929.
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, September 13, 2022
3. Water Pump, Bank, Restaurant, Croatian Club Marker
Photo on Right
The water pump in front of the house was known the "Hotel Pump because it sat kitty-corner to the Economy Hotel. It served as one of two town pumps; the other pump was next to the George Race House on Church Street.
The water pump in front of the house was known the "Hotel Pump because it sat kitty-corner to the Economy Hotel. It served as one of two town pumps; the other pump was next to the George Race House on Church Street.
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, September 13, 2022
4. Water Pump, Bank, Restaurant, Croatian Club Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 478 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 15, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
