Emlenton in Venango County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

James Bennett - Premier Entrepeneur

By Mike Wintermantel, November 12, 2014

1. James Bennett - Premier Entrepeneur Marker

Inscription. Bennett came to Emlenton in 1868 to hire out as a tinner to the Widel and Crawford Foundry at $1.25 a day. He stayed on to become one of the town's most prosperous and respected citizens. For half a century hea was the impetus and/or promoter of most of the business and civic enterprises in the Emlenton area.

By 1895 his general hardware business (part of which was the manufactuer of tin, copper, and sheet iron ware) was doing an annual business of over $100,000. His varied business interests included the Emlenton Flouring Mill and the Emlenton-Shippenville Railroad. He served as the first president of the Emlenton Gas Light and Fuel Co. and organized both local banks - the First National Bank and Farmers National Bank. One of his community efforts was the raising of funds to build the large three-story brick school which was completed in 1874.

Following Bennett's retirement from active business in 1896, the two buildings he built in this block were occupied by various enterprises. Banking in Emlenton had so grown in importance that the First National dominated the corner. The Barnard Co. dry goods store shared the first floor, while a variety of offices were located on the second floor, in addition to the Emlenton Opera House.

In 1912, D.M. Long purchased the Bennett Hardware. Long's business (which included

By Mike Wintermantel, November 12, 2014

2. James Bennett - Premier Entrepeneur Marker

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Bennett Block, circa 1903

hardware, farm equipment, furniture, and automobile interests) flourished here until a fire leveled the structure in 1946.

Erected by Oil Heritage Region.

Location. 41° 10.627′ N, 79° 42.504′ W. Marker is in Emlenton, Pennsylvania, in Venango County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Main Street and 5th Street (Pennsylvania Route 38). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Emlenton PA 16373, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Railroad Supplies The Area's Needs (a few steps from this marker); H.B. Mitchell - An Emlenton Success Story (a few steps from this marker); The Crawford Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Arthur W. Phillips - Physician / Humanitarian (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Emlenton At Leisure (about 300 feet away); West Main Street Development (about 400 feet away); Education - A Local Priority (about 400 feet away); The Emlenton Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emlenton.

Categories. • Notable Persons •

By Mike Wintermantel, November 12, 2014

3. James Bennett - Premier Entrepeneur Marker

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The Bank's modest exterior belied its extensive influence in the oil and natural gas industry.

By Mike Wintermantel, November 12, 2014

4. James Bennett - Premier Entrepeneur Marker

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DeLaval (Cream Separator) Service Day at D.M. Long's Hardware, 1920.

By Mike Wintermantel, November 12, 2014

5. James Bennett - Premier Entrepeneur Marker

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Crowds viewing aftermath of 1946 fire

By Mike Wintermantel, November 12, 2014

6. James Bennett - Premier Entrepeneur Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on November 12, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 272 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 12, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.