This is the first edition of a series regarding an 1898 Photo Book compiled by George S. Young. I’m attempting to provide a modern day photo of the same location for each photo taken 110 years ago. George S. Young’s family lived at 252 Union Ave. in the early 1900’s. This residence no longer exists, and was located behind the current Melody Manor which is at the corner of N. Mckean St. and Union Ave. As Chris Anthony stated in an earlier blog, some attempts were made to learn more about George S. Young. We discovered that he is buried Hillsboro, Oregon dying in 1945, at age 71. He and his wife lived in the nearby Yamhill County from 1920 on. Possibly what led him away from Kittanning, was the occupation of salesman for Kodak. One can wonder what photos existed that weren’t published. Calls were made by me to a few Young’s in that Oregon area, but no connection was made. I did enjoy some great conversations though.
Some of family still remained in the Kittanning and attempts are being made to locate them. I do have a family connection to George S. Young from the 1930’s. I had a great-aunt, Mary Elizabeth Harmon married to James Young, he was a brother to George S. Young. They resided at 145 Oak Ave. in 1931, and James Young had a daughter Margaret to a previous marriage. The search will continue and many photo treasures may be discovered.
(If you like, click on each photo to enlarge, then click back.)
- 1898 – 208 Jacob St. – 2008
Ellermeyer Bros. Apartments are still in use today.
Harry Ellermeyer in the early 1900’s was associated with the Hardware business in Kittanning, also having a Studebaker Dealership in the 1930’s on N. Mckean St. Brothers William and Charles Ellermeyer had a large meat market. They owned a large farm where the current Walmart is located, and it extended to the Roofner Plan in West Kittanning. Joe Bonner who lived in West Kittanning as a kid(1930’s), can remember them butchering the cows near the Roofner Plan. He recalls the Polish mothers coming and getting the blood for “Blood Pudding”.
- 1898 – 108 S. Water St. – 2008
Before becoming the VFW this was the residence of Grier C. Orr when the photo was taken. Grier C. Orr was an attorney, and had an uncle Robert C. Grier that was on the United States Supreme Count. Later in the 1919 Polk Directory, John A. Fox resided here. He was associated with the Safe Deposit and Guaranty Bank(currently Citizen’s Bank). Later he was associated with Fox & Stone a Real Estate company, in Kittanning.
- 1898 – 253 N.Grant Ave. – 2008
Formerly the home of Joseph Smith in 1898, this has served Kittanning as a funeral home for several year. Alonzo P. Merwin, Kennedy, Kennedy/Blodgett, and recently purchased by Snyder-Crissman.
- 1898 – 107 Arch St. – 2008
In 1898 this was the residence of Mrs. Mary A. Craig. Long known as the Craig Apartments, it is now occupied by Northwood Reality.
This is wonderful! It would be fantastic if we were able to do this with all the old Kittanning buildings!
Thanks Linda, I have about 20 buildings I can do and plan to do a series. I guess something to bring them back. I’ve been thinking about giving to each owner of business a framed History of their building to display. Hope that you can contribute some articles, I’ve been impressed by the wealth of knowledge and info you have.
I kinda look at this site also like a magazine publication. Various people contribute either weekly or monthly articles, and people are notified of a new article appearing via the site and their signup.
I have really enjoyed reading what I have ready so far. I think it is great what you have done. Go Kathy and everyone else working on this site. Great job! Thank you for the history and the pictures of Kittanning then and now are really neat George and Pete. See you on Facebook Kathy..
I just recently found this site, and I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed the pictures of the Ellermeyer Apts. This is where I lived from 1957 to 1975 and still consider it home. I know I will be spending too much time staring at the monitor, but it will be worth it. Thanks to you guys and anyone else involved with this site.
Chuck, the Ellermeyer building is unique when you look at. Not real fancy, but none other configured or built like it. Still standing strong.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.
Prianca, glad you enjoy. This is still a work in progress, but we continue to gather great info to share with others. Sometimes it takes a little while to put the content together. Thanks
Hi Pete! I am a Young! George’s father was Jeremiah Young. I am the great-granddaughter of Francis Dewey Young. There are many Young’s still in the area. Please send me an email.
Hi Pete,
What years did George Young have his photography business in Kittanning? Christopher and I were talking about what I’m doing and it hit me that knowing the years of the photographers in the area would help to date the pictures.
Thanks and see ya.
Ruthi
Hi Ruthie. We know that the Photo Souvenior Book that was completed by George Young was done in 1898. I also know that there are few earlier photos credited to him as well….