The Corry Area Historical Society was born out of a search --- a search which began in 1959 and culminated on June 1, 1965 when the first meeting was held to form the Society. The search was for a Climax engine - a coal-fired locomotive which was built in Corry up until 1930. The committee selected to conduct the search was comprised of Frank Grice, Armour Hillstrom, Philena Follett, Louis Sears, Kirk Sawyer, Norm Edinger, Walter Casler, and Sidney Elston. Once an engine was found, it was purchased for the scrap price of $2,500, and moved from Oneonta, N.Y. to a siding behind the former Corry-Jamestown building on Route 6. It remained on that siding for three years, pretty much away from public view until it was moved to a permanent spot on a specially constructed siding located at Mead Park. The next project would be to provide adequate cover for the old engine, which was built in 1928. On June 1,1965, a meeting was held for the purpose of forming a Historical Society and the name Corry Area Historical Society was chosen. A committee consisting of Keppel Tiffany, Arden Baldwin, Victor Ohrn, Mrs. Harold Gilbert, Mrs Louis Morrow, Frank Grice, and Florence Grice was selected to set up the by-laws and the articles of corporation. On August 10, 1965, the society met at Nichols Lodge in Mead Park and elected the first officers. President: Frank Grice; Vice-President: Arden Baldwin; Secretary: Vera Tiffany; and Treasurer, Attorney Walter S. Peake. A few more meetings were held at Nichols Lodge and, with the onset of inclement weather, the meetings were
moved to the under croft of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where they remained until 1985. In 1967, the Climax engine was enclosed in a building designed by Norm Edinger and built with volunteer labor. Mrs. Maude Barnes cut the ribbon to the building which would become the first part of the Historical Society Museum on July 2, 1967.  In the '70s an additional building, which formed the upright portion of a "L," the engine building providing the base to the "L," was completed. During the 1984-1985 school year, the Vo-tech class, taught by Wallace (Dutch) Sickler, built the present meeting rooms and archival area. In 1987, a pole barn, separate from the museum and built to house the many engines and large equipment we had acquired, was built and in 1991 a building which connected the pole barn to the central museum was constructed. In 1994, landscaping by Allin Company was completed. The majority of the work was made possible by grants from the Greater Erie Community Foundation and untold hours of donated time, labor and monies from willing workers in our
community. Trades people, professionals and "just plain folks" all contributed in a big way to help make the museum what it is. Today, the museum houses a wealth of history from Corry and the surrounding area. Ancient arrowheads and Aero Supply artifacts, engines and education, storefronts and sleds - all these and more are there for the enjoyment of seniors who remember them and the wonderment of youngsters who can't imagine life without microwaves and television. The Society is extremely proud of all the artifacts on display - especially of that old engine which started the whole thing. Visitors are welcome to tour the facilities every Saturday and Sunday from 2-4, Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Museum is also open by appointment during the week for tours. It is not open during the colder winter months due to the fact that it is not heated and is almost as cold as the out-of-doors. Every Thursday, during the entire year, weather permitting. various members meet and work on archival items and are available for archival research. Each year, numerous school groups enjoy tours of the facility. From April through October, the Society meets on the second Tuesday of each month. They host a variety of events during the year, and for the last five years have helped to host the Boy Scout Camporee at the Park. The highlight of their year is during Glen Mead Days, the second Sunday of August. At that time, a quilt is raffled off and many crafters and old time activities can be observed. This event is held in conjunction with Mead Park Association. |
