Can you imagine?
The above information comes from "The 1950 History of Utica Penna" by W.R. McCay. The booklet may be purchased for $5 to cover copy costs and an additional $2 for mailing if needed by contacting the Borough at P.O. Box 66, Utica, PA 16362.
- A wooden bridge, built in 1842, replaced a flat-boat ferry and skiff.
- Bison roamed the area. The French name for French Creek was Riviere aux Boeuf , literally Buffalo River.
- During the War of 1812, supplies for Perry's fleet were brought to Franklin from Pittsburgh, loaded onto smaller boats and "poled" up French Creek to Waterford and then hauled the remaining 14 miles to Presque Isle by wagon.
- A.W. Raymond purchased the land that is now Utica from James Adams in 1832. He wanted to name the town Troy after the community in New York where he was raised, but learning that Pennsylvania already had a Troy, he selected Utica instead.
- In its early years, Utica had multiple mills, a foundry, a stock barn, a small chair factory, a dormitory to house campers, a harness shop, an undertaking firm/barber shop, a general store, a hotel with bar room, a drug store and a distillery.
- Utica schooled its children with parents paying a sixpence per child per week along with purchasing their books.
- Both the Methodists and the Presbyterians built churches and worshipped in Utica.
- During the "extensive oil excitement," Utica had 16 places where "thirst could be quenched."
- Buggies and trains brought people to Utica's big annual day in August. A good band was hired for the day and the 5,000 to 7,000 attendees would listen to music and speakers and enjoy picnic lunches.
The above information comes from "The 1950 History of Utica Penna" by W.R. McCay. The booklet may be purchased for $5 to cover copy costs and an additional $2 for mailing if needed by contacting the Borough at P.O. Box 66, Utica, PA 16362.
