Emlenton Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Emlenton Historic District
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Main Street downtown
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Allegheny R., the borough limits, Kerr Ave., Hickory, and Center Sts., Emlenton, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 180 acres (73 ha) |
| Built | 1837 |
| Architect | Crosby, W. Holmes |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Oil Industry Resources in Western Pennsylvania MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001256 |
| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1997 |
The Emlenton Historic District is a special part of Emlenton, Pennsylvania. It is located in Venango County, Pennsylvania. This district is like a living museum. It shows how the town looked and developed over many years.
It includes 317 important buildings and 57 structures. There is also one special object. These are all part of the town's history. You can find homes, shops, factories, and public buildings here. They show different building styles from the past.
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Discovering Emlenton's Historic District
The Emlenton Historic District is a place where history comes alive. It covers the main shopping area and the neighborhoods around it. Walking through the district feels like stepping back in time. You can see how people lived and worked long ago.
What Makes it Historic?
A historic district is a group of buildings and places that are important to history. They are kept safe so future generations can learn from them. The Emlenton Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means it is officially recognized as a valuable historical area.
The buildings in Emlenton show many popular styles. These include Italianate, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival. Each style has its own unique look.
Architectural Styles Explained
- Italianate: This style was popular in the mid-1800s. Buildings often have tall, narrow windows and decorative brackets under the roof.
- Greek Revival: Popular in the early to mid-1800s, this style looks like ancient Greek temples. It often features columns and grand entrances.
- Gothic Revival: This style was popular from the mid-1800s. It often includes pointed arches, steep roofs, and detailed stonework.
Famous Buildings and Places
Many buildings in the district are very old and important. They tell stories of Emlenton's past. Here are some examples:
- The Valley House Hotel was built in 1837. It is one of the oldest buildings.
- The Quaker State Oil Refining Complex shows the town's connection to the oil industry.
- The Farmers National Bank Building from 1904 is a grand old bank.
- The Crawford Memorial School was built in 1928. It was once a place of learning for many local children.
- Several churches are also part of the district. These include St. John's Reformed Church (1869) and Emlenton Presbyterian Church (1874).
- The Emlenton Borough Building (1928) is where local government business happens.
- There is also a World War I memorial. This object honors those who served in the war.
A Look at the Past
One important building, the Emlenton Mill, was built in 1874. Sadly, it was destroyed by a fire on February 6, 2015. Before the fire, the mill was a busy place. It had an ice cream shop, a hostel for bike riders, and a small museum. The hostel was popular with people using the Allegheny River Trail.
After the fire, some nearby houses were also damaged. Emlenton is a small town with about 648 people. The town has been working hard to become a fun place for tourists to visit. Even with the loss of the mill, the historic district helps tell the town's story. It reminds everyone of Emlenton's rich past and its hopes for the future.
