Reader Ed Kindle, professional photographer and former Erieite, alerted us to his very cool collection of old Erie postcards on Flickr. There are over 170 photos and depictions of Erie in days gone by, with interesting views of the peninsula and downtown. The set also includes scenes from Waldameer of rides long gone and the Erie Zoo before they improved the children’s area.
There are postcards of many old buildings as well, including St. Joseph’s Orphanage (now St. Joseph Apartments), the Soldiers and Sailors Home, St. Vincent and Hamot Hospitals, as well as many local schools, government buildings and hotels. The postcards are definitely worth a look.
Thanks for sharing, Ed!
All very interesting but I thought this one was especially neat. Before Dobbins Landing it was called the Public Steamboat Landing.
I'm wondering what year these were printed.
The collection certainly contains a lot of interesting scenes.
In response to the above comment, Dobbins Landing is a relatively recent moniker. For many years following the Public Steamboat Landing, it was simply called the Public Dock. Miscreants would on occasion steal the “L” from the sign hung from the upper deck. Don't ask me how I know that.
A couple of things I noted was that the city’s waterfront was apparently much more heavily utilized for recreation at one time before being closed in by industrial development and only now is returning to a much different use.
My favorite pic is that of the drive-in shaped like a giant fish. I remember that from my childhood and when I’ve told people about it, they thought I was nuts. However, the postcard placed it at the entrance to Presque Isle and I seem to recall it on 6th, just east of the entrance to Waldameer. I wonder if it was moved at some point.
As a Hershey, Pa. reader of your blog, I appreciate the added feature of linking the Flickr Postcards. Great photos of Erie etc., shared them with a number of family members who stills lives in Erie. Enjoyed them and continue to enjoy your blog. Thanks