The communities
mentioned include: Aliquippa, Ambridge (site of Economy), Beaver Falls (formerly
Brighton), Beaver, Bridgewater, Conway, Darlington, Ellwood, Fallston, Frankfort,
Freedom, Glasgow, Hookstown, Industry, Koppel, Midland, Monaca, New Brighton,
Phillipsburg, Rochester (Bolesville), and Sharon.
The Day and Egle histories cover the early development of
this area, while excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from
a 1940 vantage point, including interesting historical notes, especially
as they relate to sightseeing possibilities. There is occasionally some duplication
of material, but often with a different slant or emphasis.
Among the many and diverse subjects
in the booklet are: County terrain and geological traits; Early Settlers;
Extraordinary Assets – Canals for Ready Transportation, Waterfall for Power,
Fine Bottom Lands and Rich Coal Mines; Morovian Brethren, Converting Indians
Despite Jealous Medicine Men; Washington’s Visits to Area; Tanacharison,
Mingo Chief; An Adventure of Capt. Brady, Noted Indian Fighter; School of
Speculation; Failure of the U.S. Bank; Improvements on the Beaver River;
the Town of Freedom – Built in a Week!; the Harmony Society, a search for
Religious Freedom, settlement at Economy led by Frederick Rapp; Society Duped
by County de Leon; Ban on Marriage, Decreasing Membership; Desolution of
the Society and Preservation of Buildings; State Soldiers’ Orphan School;
Rochester – Site of Logan’s Town; Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp. and Other
Early Industries; and other interesting
bits of history and trivia.
ILLUSTRATIONS
include: Towns About the Mouth of Beaver River (small map); Beaver; New Brighton
and Part of Fallston; Economy; Beaver College; View of New Brighton; View
of Beaver Falls; Assembly Hall at Economy; Church of the Harmonists.
