Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-02-24
MEADvILLE, PEyEsYLvAEIA, |
February y, 1864. ]

MEssRs. EDIToRs: The influence Of
railroad Communication is fast tuning
the staid and sober borough Of Meadville
into a most enterprising town. The tumble
down, rickety old wooden structures Of a
past age no longer answer the demands Of
business, and if the Flames only spare
these rat inhabited tenements a little
longer they will be torn down and the
ground rebuilt upon with elegant and sub
stantial business blocks. What is known
as Cullums row, is in.process of demoli-
ton and an immense four story brick is
to put up as fast as possible, and to be
finished sometime during the coming sum-
mer. The first stOryiis to be used for
stores, and the upper stories for hotel
We understand, the entire block is already
rented. Even since the opening Of the
McHenry House, the numerous hotels are
all full, and more accommodations for the
travelling public are wanted. The McFar-
land Brothers have commenced brick
building for their own accommodation.
1t will, when finished, be the largest and
finest store in the place. This firm and
E. C. Msgaw, both ,;grOcers, are among
the most enterprising and reliable houses
in Western Pennsylvania.
In my recent frat trip to Franklin,
I was surprised to find such q large and
substantial village. The town is pleasantly
located among lofty hills, on French Greek
above its junction with the Allegheny
River. Il WAS settled before 1900, and
pursued the even tenor of its way till the
oil discoveries and the building Of q rail
road to Meadville started the town from
its Rip Van Winkle sleep, and now it is
alive with business. A canal was once
completed from point on the Erie s. Pitts
burg canal 10 Franklin, which can be
traced along the railroad. My informant
stated that but single boat ever passed
through it. The dams in French Greek in.
terfered with running lumber, and the
raftsmen turned out and tore them away,
Thus completely destroying the canal, and
they were never rebuilt.
Cochranton is an enterprising little town,
ten nj es from Meadville, on the Franklin
Branch Railroad. Its population is about
500 and it has one Touring mill with fouI
run of stone, two hotels, three churches
and q goodly number Of mechanics. A
large number Of copies, of the Morning
Leader are taken here, and are delivered by
your indefaigable agent, Mr.. Townsend
at p. m, on the day Of publication. Thii
fact is evidence that COchrsnton is loyal
town, and is no hsrbor for Cobperheads.
The laurel which is used plentifully il
the decoration of the Fair buildings, was
obtained near Franklin, by Alexander Nc.
Intosh. The young men Of the village
turned out and worked with will, to pro
cure and place il aboard the cars for trans
portstion over the Atlantic & Great West
ern Railroad to Cleveland. hear almos
as much talk here Of the Fair as at Cleve
land, and the citizens are workingas well
which has no doubt been demonstrated.
When you come TO Meadville stop ct thu
MoHenry House, and my word for it, yol
will say you was neFer domiciled in q no
tel where greater attention is paid TO tn
comfort Of guests. The style Of living i
prinosly and nothing can surpass thl
cleanliness and comfort Of the sleeping
apartments. II the house continues t
be kept up to its present standard land i
is pretty sure to be, under its present man
agement) great deal of travel will be OF
tracted over the road just to dine here.