Homer City in Indiana County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"Hoodlebug"
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 12, 2025
1. "Hoodlebug" Marker
A gasoline electric rail coach that ran on the PRR rails from Blairsville through Homer City to Indiana transporting passengers, freight and mail. Called a Doodlebug in many areas, locally it was known as a Hoodlebug due to the hoot of its whistle. The last run was in 1940.
Erected 2005 by The Homer City Area Business Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 40° 32.694′ N, 79° 9.687′ W. Marker is in Homer City, Pennsylvania, in Indiana County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 3035) and Station Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Marker is located on the Hoodlebug Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 240 North Main Street, Homer City PA 15748, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Homer City National Bank (a few steps from this marker); Angel Piccirillo (a few steps from this marker); Alex Pozik (within shouting distance of this marker); American Legion Post 493 Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Homer City (approx. 0.3 miles
this page online
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 12, 2025
2. "Hoodlebug" Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 12, 2025
3. The "Dinky" Bell
The "Dinky" bell came from a locomotive that pulled "Larry" cars to the coke ovens to be "charged" at the Graceton Coke Works.
Bell received by way of Jack & Josephine Loughner and Bill Davis of Graceton, PA
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 12, 2025
4. Whistle Stop Post (Left) and Railroad Crossing Sign at This Location
Located at Coral Pa. along the railroad tracks where the train pulled into the coal/coke oven yard.
Railroad Crossing Sign At Graceton, PA Donated by Ed Oswalt
In memory of Albert (led) and Helen Oswalt.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 5, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
