Shadows of the Past

On December 7, 2015, the Crawford County Historical Society took ownership of the James and Elizabeth Tarr Mansion, thus saving it from planned demolition. In that moment, thanks largely to the support of the community, the society took a major step towards both preserving our past and building a new future.

This gorgeous Italianate building, designed by Francis Marion Ellis and paid for with the Tarr Family's $2 million (over $35 million today) in revenue from the Oil Boom, was a testament to oil's influence in our region and the nation as a whole. The Tarrs were one of our country's first oil barons and their home of over 12,000 square feet will stand the test of time to become the self-sustaining Crawford County Historical Society's headquarters and history center!

The Early Days of Meadville's Diamond Park

The Tarr Mansion with its balconies intact

We are excited to announce the Crawford County Historical Society is now the proud owner of the James and Elizabeth Tarr Mansion on Meadville’s Diamond Park! Even though we have purchased the building, the work is far from completed with fundraising efforts stepping up to begin restoration projects. You will find a donation form in this issue to assist with these efforts. Any amount, regardless of how large or small, is a great help in saving this beautiful structure.

Diamond Park was a gift from David Mead to the city of Meadville in 1795, and was used by residents in many different ways, including drill practice by the Pennsylvania militia led by Mead. It eventually became surrounded by churches, government buildings, businesses and residences, many of which are still standing today. With the newest structures (the exception being the new county Judicial Center currently under construction next door to the Tarr Mansion) dating to the early 1900s, the Diamond has retained much of its charm-or gained charm it didn’t have.