On September 2, 1906, Privates John F. Henry and Francis A. Zehringer were killed in the line of duty as they attempted to arrest fugitive murderers barricaded in a nearby house. Three other troopers were wounded. Their sacrifice symbolizes the Pa. . . . — — Map (db m94391) HM
From the first Gristmill in Brockway built in 1848 and located at the south end of 9th Avenue along Toby Creek.
Owned and operated by Dr. Asaph M. Clarke — — Map (db m209699) HM
Within State Game Lands 54 is the original site of the first academy in the nation devoted entirely to the training of Game Protectors, later known as Wildlife Conservation Officers. Established in 1932, it was an important component in the . . . — — Map (db m76761) HM
Brookville's early growth can be attributed to its strategic location along the Susquehanna and Waterford Turnpike, a toll road which was completed in 1822 from the Susquehanna River in Clearfield County northwest to Waterford in Erie County. This . . . — — Map (db m176972) HM
[Left text and photo]
Sandt's Auto Service Station
Walter J. Sandt, brother of local aviation pioneer Earle Sandt (aka "Brookville's Bird Man"), established the Walter J. Sandt Company when he installed an underground gasoline tank in front . . . — — Map (db m176846) HM
Constructed of structural tile produced by Brookville's Humphrey Brick & Tile Co., this is the town's oldest remaining structure built [and] designed expressly for the automobile industry. Originally built for the Baker Buick Company, it later . . . — — Map (db m176683) HM
TOP ROW
American Crow: Aggressive and intelligent, crows live in family groups and prey on carrion and other bird nests. They frequently harass large predatory birds like hawks and owls.
Black-capped Chickadee: Small friendly birds, . . . — — Map (db m195311) HM
"I was born in Brookville when wolves howled almost nightly on what is now known as our 'Fair Ground'; when the pine in its lofty pride leaned gloomily over every hillside; when the woods around our shanty town was the home of many wild animals . . . — — Map (db m176801) HM
The YMCA was established in Brookville in 1905. This building was erected by contractor Raymond H. Richards from designs by DuBois architect Harrington & Howard, using the Colonial Revival style with terra cotta trim on the exterior. The "Y" has . . . — — Map (db m177785) HM
This late Victorian home was constructed by master builder Daniel Baumgardner for Griswold Buell Carrier (1831-1900), a Jefferson County farmer and lumberman. Carrier was also a director of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society and Driving . . . — — Map (db m176620) HM
Griswold B. Carrier built this small store and owned it for just three years before selling it to grocer William Shields who lived in the house immediately to the left. The two buildings were connected by a passageway which has been closed. During . . . — — Map (db m176616) HM
Located on this site was the 1832 Franklin House, the first brick hotel erected in Jefferson County. Richard Arthurs (1811-1892) erected the Central Hotel, which originally had a lavish 3-story balcony on the facade. In 1894, two large windows . . . — — Map (db m177222) HM
Today the forests of Western Pennsylvania are known for vast acres of black cherry, maple and other hardwoods. However, the makeup of the forest was not always this way. In the 18th century, eastern hemlock, American beech, white pine and oak . . . — — Map (db m195241) HM
It was late autumn in 1911, when a local businessman suggested to Stahlman that the names under which the rocks had been dedicated ought to be cut on them. He began this process shortly afterward, inscribing a few rocks with a railroad spike . . . — — Map (db m195685) HM
One of Main Street's finest domestic buildings, this Renaissance Revival residence features an exterior of rusticated wood blocks fashioned to simulate stone. Built as the home of lumberman E.H. Darrah (1826-1890) who was active in timbering both . . . — — Map (db m177832) HM
our history
There's no telling exactly how many elk once roamed free throughout Pennsylvania. From the Allegheny National Forest to Kettle Creek State Park, the loud bugles of the male bulls could be heard calling the female cows to mate. . . . — — Map (db m206946) HM
A physician turned senator, he coauthored an act in 1883 that established a board to oversee the distribution of unclaimed bodies to medical schools for anatomical study. In effect, it made grave robbery illegal and promoted the advancement of . . . — — Map (db m133509) HM
Queen Anne style residential building constructed as the private home of druggist and Associate Judge E.B. Henderson. Octagonal corner tower and Palladian window on facade. Present porch ornament installed in 1909, in a Neo-Classical mode. First . . . — — Map (db m176621) HM
Outspoken abolitionist and judge, in 1835 Heath and others rescued two fugitive slaves, Charles Brown and William Parker. Heath, a Brookville resident, was sued by a Virginia slaveholder and fined for his actions. Undeterred, Heath continued his . . . — — Map (db m42907) HM
Built as the home of Daniel English, a local architect-builder who was responsible for the construction of the Jefferson and Clarion County Court Houses. After 1897 it was home to William Shields (1859-1935), a Brookville grocer active in . . . — — Map (db m176618) HM
A central theme for Stahlman is his belief that his rock plan fulfills a prophecy set out in the King James Version of Isaiah. At least three rocks, including Faith Rock, contain this verse from Isaiah 33:16:
HIS PLACE OF DEFENSE SHALL
BE . . . — — Map (db m195687) HM
Frederick Knapp (1869-1948) documented the people, places and events around Brookville from 1898 to 1944. His enchanting studio portraits include prominent men and beautiful women, soldiers of two world wars, young boys and their first deer, young . . . — — Map (db m177184) HM
Greek Revival style commercial building which was the only building on this block to survive the Fire of 1876. Built as the tinware and stove shop of Judge Joseph Henderson (1814-1896). His residence still stands immediately to the left of the . . . — — Map (db m176684) HM
This rock was described by Stahlman in 1907 as the location where he first came to the woods and repeatedly prayed more than 150 times in solitude, from the spring of 1907 through June of 1908. It was also here that he began giving his first public . . . — — Map (db m195326) HM
Two major, interrelated themes are found repeatedly among Stahlman's writings and engravings. First, he appears to embrace his impoverished existence as essential to attaining spiritual purity and as a test of his faith and evidence of divine . . . — — Map (db m195697) HM
According to The Brookville Republican, Douglas Stahlman was committed to the local jail on August 20, 1915. The paper further states that "a commission was appointed to examine him which declared him insane, and he was sent to the county home." . . . — — Map (db m195997) HM
J.T. Carroll (1829-1895) was a Brookville cobbler who was also associated with James K. Hamilton in the manufacture of harnesses. Described as a "veteran shoemaker," in an 1888 county history, Carroll built this Italianate style residence and . . . — — Map (db m177788) HM
Formed March 26, 1804 out of Lycoming County and named for President Thomas Jefferson. Until 1806 attached to Westmoreland County, then to Indiana County until 1830. Noted for its coal and lumber industries. Brookville, county seat, was incorporated . . . — — Map (db m42908) HM
With Brookville being named the county seat in 1830, officials planned and contracted the construction of the Jefferson County courthouse and jail that same year. The two-story stone jail building in the rear came first. Next came the brick . . . — — Map (db m177218) HM
Handsome facade of granite and terra cotta, constructed by Brookville builder John H. Carr & Son from designs by Brooklyn architect A. Stanley Miller. The bank was first organized in 1878 by Thomas K. Litch, Paul Darling, and J.B. Henderson. . . . — — Map (db m176705) HM
Designed in the Queen Anne style with a variety of materials and using a typically irregular floor plan. Especially notable is the handsome oriel window on the right side. Hon. Henry Truman (1836-1930) was a native of England who came to Sigel, . . . — — Map (db m177827) HM
Built by merchant William Kelso as a furniture store. In 1909 the western portion was erected by Kelso's son-in-law, Rufus G. Reitz, for use as Brookville's Post Office. Now owned by the Galbraith Family, this structure has been used as a . . . — — Map (db m176623) HM
In honor of all Jefferson County
citizens killed in action during
the Korean War
Myron H. Reed Robert E. Smith Wilbur L. Conrad
John E. Crawford Glenn F. Dinger Morgan Glinkerman
Walter L. Hughes Harry R. Hughey Richard D. . . . — — Map (db m177429) WM
A pioneer aviator, Sandt was the first American to make an international flight, from Erie to Canada, in 1912. Like many early pilots, he died as a result of crash injuries a year later. His efforts helped spur popular interest in flight. He lived . . . — — Map (db m42909) HM
J.E. Long and George A. Pearsall erected this Italianate building in 1874 for their hardware business. It also housed the printing office of the Brookville Jeffersonian, the Knights of Pythias, and the American Legion. The first floor was used as . . . — — Map (db m176696) HM
[Historical postcard views of Main Street's evolution]
[Captions, counterclockwise from top, read]
Circa 1890
Circa 1915
Circa 1960 — — Map (db m176830) HM
Silas J. Marlin returned home to Brookville after the Civil War. Using his fortune made in the lumber industry, he began building the Marlin Opera House Block in the spring of 1883. Today the building includes retail spaces and offices, but it . . . — — Map (db m176987) HM
Col. Silas J. Marlin's imposing business block is especially notable for its lavish wood cornice, described when new as "the neatest and handsomest in town." The two storefronts on the left side are the only 19th-century shop fronts left in the . . . — — Map (db m176847) HM
Mary Gilbert lived near Port Barnett and worked as a private nurse in the area. The traditional oral history tells us that Stahlman became obsessed with the idea that he and Miss Gilbert were predestined to be married. In August, 1913, Mary was . . . — — Map (db m195332) HM
After many years of hard work in Eldred Township, farmer John McCracken retired to Brookville in 1864 at the age of 60 and assumed control of the Union Hotel (southwest corner of Main and White). In 1868, McCracken began construction of a . . . — — Map (db m176811) HM
Distinctive for its belvedere at the peak of the hip roof, this structure was built by hotelier John McCracken (1813-1891), whose Union Hotel remains across White Street to the West. The earliest surviving public performance hall in Brookville, . . . — — Map (db m176614) HM
Italianate commercial building constructed for pharmacist (later State Senator) W.J. McKnight. McKnight's Drug Store operated from this building for more than a century. Third floor originally contained a fraternal lodge hall. Brookville's first . . . — — Map (db m176716) HM
1828
Originally known as the Globe Hotel this early Brookville hotel had a succession of owners in its first few decades of operation. In 1857, the owner of the building at the time, C. N. Kretz, renamed the structure the Jefferson . . . — — Map (db m177835) HM
The Scripture Rocks are a type of rock called sandstone. Sandstone is composed of rounded grains of river sand that became cemented together to make a hard durable stone. This sand was deposited 320 million years ago when western Pennsylvania was a . . . — — Map (db m195312) HM
Established in 1890 by Kate Scott and Annie Wittenmyer of the Womans Relief Corps, an advocate for Civil War veterans. It was the first home in the nation to accept not only former soldiers, but also their wives, children, widows, and orphans. — — Map (db m148916) HM
This site was recorded with the Carnegie Museum archaeological survey in 1979 by Ken Burkett and Ray Fitzgerald as Site #36Je55.
Most of the diagnostic chipped stone artifacts recovered during the excavation are projectile points made of . . . — — Map (db m195691) HM
Built in 1851 by John McCall, the Railroad House was one of many hotels in Brookville. It offered a comfortable room along with a place to stable one's horse for the night. The Railroad House was purchased by John McCracken during the Civil War . . . — — Map (db m176807) HM
Hotelier John R. McCall engaged master builder Thomas M. Barr to build this hotel in response to the busy trade along the Susquehanna and Waterford Pike. It operated under a number of proprietors through the years, including Robert R. Means, John . . . — — Map (db m176609) HM
Built by entrepreneur Richard Arthurs (1850-1910), this building originally contained three separate storerooms. The first tenant in the easternmost room was G.W. Stewart & Co., a shoe factory which in 1886 was projected to employ 125. Later . . . — — Map (db m177781) HM
Rock Shelters are naturally occurring overhangs in the sandstone cliff face that can provide natural protection from wind, rain and snow. The two small shelters on the hillside above you were both utilized at various times during the past as . . . — — Map (db m195688) HM
Dr. Mark Rodgers was a local merchant-physician who built this Italianate commercial building to house his business, which in 1878 was described in the newspaper as "the finest store, with the best light and ventilation in town." From 1902-1929, the . . . — — Map (db m176699) HM
Occasionally Stahlman's engravings display iconography as well as text. This rock describes what Stahlman calls The Full Bible Standard. One of the common themes of his overall plan is that his message was essentially non-sectarian, as he . . . — — Map (db m195700) HM
The landscape of the Scripture Rocks Park was largely shaped during the ice age 24,000 to 12,000 years ago when continental glaciers nearly 2 miles thick covered most of Canada and portions of the northern United States. The glacier did not reach . . . — — Map (db m195999) HM
This engraving is part of a rock cluster that addresses the local clergy, including a prominent area clergyman, Dr. J. Bell Neff, the District Superintendent of the Methodist Church.
Here Stahlman quotes the Book of Daniel and refers to the . . . — — Map (db m195463) HM
Pioneer merchant Uriah Matson constructed this as a hotel, but it never saw this use, instead it housed a variety of businesses including the dry goods stores of Sol Kaufman and G. Loebman, L.A. Leathers' grocery, the Brookville Hardware Co., and . . . — — Map (db m176703) HM
Stahlmans rock plan was not a single flash of inspiration, but rather a series of revelations over time. Central to his plan was the dedication of individual rocks in a manner similar to how religious communities dedicated a new church. . . . — — Map (db m195314) HM
Built by lumberman Bernard Verstine for his son-in-law George Sandt, Brookville's first graduate pharmacist. Verstine's Hall, a small performance facility, was on the second floor and hosted local talent as well as travelling shows. The Sandt Drug . . . — — Map (db m177776) HM
In the days before national banking laws, private banks were found in many communities. William F. Clark established a banking house in 1869 and built this building as its home three years later. Clark's bank closed in 1879; in 1881 Ira Fuller . . . — — Map (db m176656) HM
We dedicate to those who served and to all those
who serve in the convenience and defense
of the United States
Dedicated by the citizens of
Jefferson County
Nov. 11, 1984
----------
MG08 Machine Gun
WWI
Refurbished by
Lance . . . — — Map (db m177006) WM
The Scripture Rocks Heritage Park was dedicated June 2016 by the Jefferson County History Center as a public access site where visitors can explore 4.5 acres of a forested hillside near Port Barnett containing the largest rock art site known in . . . — — Map (db m195164) HM
In honor of all Jefferson County Citizens
Killed in Action during World War II
Arthur E. Allison Joe N. Ananea Don Anthony William B. Aulenback
Arden P. Bailey Charles Bair Henry R. Ballentine John L. Barber
Thomas E. . . . — — Map (db m177647) WM
Memorial
erected by the
People of Jefferson County
in honor and memory of those who served our
country in the World War that their names
may live with their valor
In memory of those who gave their lives
in this great . . . — — Map (db m177648) WM
Brookville's YMCA organized sometime before 1905 and operated from Mechanic's Hall. In June, 1915, this wooden building burned down. Citizens quickly responded, raising $41,158 in only a week. This fundraising campaign helped contribute to the . . . — — Map (db m177772) HM
This early road from Olean to Kittanning followed the Catawba Path, formerly used by Five Nations war parties attacking the Catawbas of South Carolina. Near here it crossed the Indian path from Venango (Franklin) to Chinklacamoose (Clearfield). — — Map (db m42910) HM
Prominent lawyer, business executive, and civic and political leader, Margiotti was appointed Pennsylvania Attorney General, 1935-1938, by Governor George Earle. He was among the first Italian Americans to hold such a post in the United States. He . . . — — Map (db m49195) HM
This major Indian path, connecting the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers, paralleled the present highway at this point. Long used by Native Americans as a thoroughfare for hunting and trade, it was traveled by Delaware and Shawnee warriors during the . . . — — Map (db m49196) HM
As early as 1886, German immigrants here observed Groundhog Day and established the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in 1899. According to folklore, if the hibernating groundhog—known as Punxsutawney Phil—leaves its burrow on February 2 and . . . — — Map (db m39891) HM
