T he first European settlers began arriving in North East around 1794 . The area was incorporated as North East in 1834 . In 1850 , the population of the borough was 386 . Just a decade later , it had grown to 952 , largely because of the establishment of the Lake Shore Railway , and lots of German and Irish immigrants who were attracted to the area .
It ’ s always been a charming center for culture and commerce . In fact , it ’ s so charming that 114 buildings are on the National Historic Register , which includes 84 residential buildings . The homes and businesses are bordered by Lake , Main , Gibson , Park and Division streets .
Every city has its challenges , and on August 13 , 1884 , North East was rocked by a fire that began in the vicinity of the Opera House on Lake and Mechanics streets . It quickly spread , and 22 businesses were lost at a whopping cost of $ 200,000 . This is roughly $ 6.4 million in today ’ s equivalency — a massive loss for a small town .
The borough took a bold approach to prevent such a future catastrophe by forbidding the construction of frame houses , and even demolishing some structures that were already there !
It did not forbid the building of three-story structures , but strongly suggested that it was a bad idea — especially since the fire brigade did not have a way to reach the upper floors .
The only surviving three-story structure after the great fire was the Italianate building at 2-8 Main Street , which was brick . It housed the Grand Army of the Republic Veterans and was later the location of the first American Legion Post in the area . One of the area ’ s first banks , “ The People ’ s Savings Institution ,” was also located on the first floor .
Another opera house was built to replace the fire casualty near the Palace Hotel , later known as Short ’ s Hotel , which survives today . In those days , an opera house was not just for Puccini .
It could be any type of entertainment , from concerts to magic shows .
There is some interesting continuity with the past regarding the North East Breeze newspaper , established in 1869 at 39 S . Lake Street . The paper continued to be published under various owners , and today the North East News Journal still publishes news of the area from the same location !
North East is fortunate to have two outstanding B & Bs in the historic district from which to explore the area ’ s shops , vineyards and lakeshore .
The Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast has been in business since 2002 and is located in two buildings constructed between 1832 and 1835 . It sits in the heart of town at 51 E . Main Street . The beautiful B & B is decorated with period decor throughout .
The Elsie Greer House Bed and Breakfast was built a bit later , circa 1865 . This beautifully restored Victorian lady is also like taking a step back in time with lovely antiques .
Many people from across the country visit these gems , but local people also enjoy a weekend away from home in a place that doesn ’ t require costly travel expenses .
Last , and perhaps most important , is the iconic fountain known as “ The Lady in the Park .” After the devastating fire of 1884 , the borough finally established a water system in 1885 with a public tank for watering horses and fighting fires at the southeast corner of Gibson Park . The ladies of the borough figured if there was water that close by , maybe it should be put to good use for esthetics . They raised money and purchased the statue from a catalogue from Mott Iron Works of New York City . The model of statue chosen was called The Maid of the Mist , but locals seem to prefer The Lady in the Park .
The historical background for the famous statue ( as well as most of the information in this article ) was graciously provided by Dick Tefft . Dick and his wife , Judy , were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North East Historical Society in 2024 . Dick has written two books , “ A Look at North East , PA Through Vintage Postcards ” and “ Historic Vignettes of North East , PA .” Both are available at Tia ’ s Book Store , located at 15 W . Main in North East . They are also available at the North East Historical Society , located in the original fire hall at 25 Vine Street .
The historical society museum will open at the end of May , on Fridays from 4:30 to 7:30 p . m . and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p . m . The society has many historical artifacts on display . If you would be interested in joining , volunteering , or donating to the North East Historical Society , email northeasthistoricalsociety @ yahoo . com . n
HARBORCREEK & NORTH EAST ❘ SPRING 2025 13