Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Erie Steam Bakery
Bakery began in 1842 at 5th & Sassafras. In 1873 moved west of here (E. 4th St. Parking Lot). By 1888 considered "the oldest, largest, most perfectly equipped establishment of the kind in Pennsylvania." Using steam in baking process, it was known for "all kinds of plain and fancy bakers' goods" including crackers, cakes, ginger snaps and "tidal-wave" brand bisquits.
This building erected 1894 by owners W.J. Sands & Sons to expand bakery which continued until 1919. Durico Paper Co. located here 1938-1984. Site of Judah Colt House where General Lafayette visited in 1825. Building renamed Lafayette Place in 1985.
Erected 1985 by Historic Square Properties & North Coast Corp.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Food & Drink • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location. 42° 7.909′ N, 80° 5.113′ W. Marker is in Erie, Pennsylvania, in Erie County. It is at the intersection of French Street and East 4th Street, on the right when traveling south on French Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 French Street, Erie PA 16507,
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Regionally, this marker is in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lafayette Visit (here, next to this marker); O'Donnell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Colt Way (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Erie Flagpole (within shouting distance of this marker); Boston Store Livery & Garage (within shouting distance of this marker); Don't Give Up the Ship (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cashier's House (about 400 feet away); Horace Greeley (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Erie.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,066 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on October 12, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
