Detailed account of Perry's Victory on
Lake Erie
ERIE COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET
The history of Erie County in Pennsylvania,
is recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this
NEW 71 Page
Booklet, reprinted primarily from three hard-to-find
books: the 1843 edition of Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania
by Sherman Day, An Illustrated History of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
by William Egle, M.D., and Pennsylvania, a Guide to the Keystone State,
a WPA project published in 1940. The spiral-bound booklet, sold exclusively
on eBay, is printed one-sided on 60# paper, with the print enlarged for easier
reading. A clear vinyl sheet has been added to protect the front cover.
The
communities mentioned include: Erie, Edinboro, Wellsburg, Albion, West Springfield,
East Springfield, Corry, Union City, North East, Moorheadville, Harbor Creek
(Harborcreek), Wesleyville, Fairville, Girard, Hammett, Lowville, Wattsburg,
Waterford, Platea, Cranesville, and Belle Valley.
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 with additional details.
Among the many and diverse subjects
in the booklet are: Rapid Growth Follows Transportation Improvements;
Building and Equiping of Perry's Fleet; List of Ships and Officers in Battle
of Lake Erie; Diagram and Detailed accounts of the battle, including list
of ships on each side; Diagram and Detailed Account of the engagement; Perry's
young brother on board; Controversy: Did Perry act Rashly or Did Capt. Elliott
act Cowardly; Washington Monument at Waterford; Villa Maria College and Academy
at Erie; "Mad" Anthony Wayne Memorial; First Civil War Memorial is in Girard'
Pennsylvania State Park, resting place for "The Niagara," one of Perry's ships;
a 7-page section on Points of Interest in Erie, with a small city map; "The
City of Stumps," "The Grape Belt," a Curious Case of Partial Insanity, "too
many big guns" for Indians; a Scalped Man who lived 115 years; and other interesting
bits of history and trivia.
ILLUSTRATIONS Western View of the
Public Square in Erie (full page); View of Erie from the Lake (full
page); Old Blockhuse at Erie; Remains of Commodore Perry's Flag Ship'; Soldiers
and Sailors Monument in Erie.
