Glassport, Pennsylvania

History Written in 1934

This page reproduces the history of Glassport as reported in the stories of the Daily News of June 30, 1934

Great Progress Made By Glassport

Borough Founded in 1902
Thriving Town of Today Once Only Large Farm, Later Under Port Vue
H.C. GRIFFIN WAS MADE 1ST BURGESS
By Charles C. Shaw
Some geologists claim that the Monongahela river flowed through what is now Glassport, and archaeologists say that an Indian burying mound once was located in the center of the town.
Those statements easily can be disputed, but every person will agree that a spirit of progress now flows through the borough and the town is by no means a "boneyard."
Only a big farm in the middle of the nineteenth century, Glassport has grown until it contains 8,380 persons and has a total property valuation of $6,558,750. It's history extends many years before 1902, when articles of incorporation were drawn up to give residents a separate government and to establish a new unit in the group of municipalities along the Monongahela river.
Early History
Little information before 1851 about the district which was to be named Glassport is available, but records show that at that time a house owned by Mrs. Jane McClure was standing on the public road leading from Elizabeth to Glassport. That old farm is considered the settling place of the first residents of that district.
The oldest house now standing is occupied by Harry Rommel and is located at Seventh street and Michigan avenue. It has been remodeled, however, to provide the occupants with modern methods of living.
That vast acreage then was part of Elizabeth township, but Richard T. Wiley, Elizabeth historian, declares that a division of the township was made in 1869, placing the Glassport district in Lincoln township. It remained in that township until the time it and other territory were merged to form Port Vue borough.
The Civil War
Few residents of Glassport today boast of the part of their town played in the Civil war, but the lack of pride may be attributed only to the fact that few records are available on that subject. Scattered tales of ardent patriotism and the fear of rebels invading the homes give some indication of how those pioneers upheld the sanctity of ideals and the right to live freely. An unnamed company was formed at a meeting in the old Edmundson schoolhouse, and daily drills were conducted on the flat Hilltop back of the town. Whether these men saw service the records do not show, but the important revelation was that the men were willing to defend their country in a remote section of the nation that was to be spared the ravages of war.
Early Politics
Glassport long has been famous for its political activity, and she had gained that fame in the pre-Civil war days. The town until recently was solidly Republican, but the first mention of politics concerns a Democrat -- Hon Fulton. He was active in the presidential election which resulted in Abraham Lincoln's being placed in the White House, and he supported John C. Breckenridge over Stephen A. Douglass, the regular Democratic nominee, for his party's nomination. History shows, however, that he developed into an ardent supporter of Lincoln and revealed himself as a true patriot.
The Community Grows
Glassport continued to grow steadily, and the next mention of that section is found in an old book called "The Old and New Monongahela" by John S. Van Voorhis, Belle Vernon. It was published in 1893 when the community, although still part of Port Vue, bore the name of Glassport. Van Voorhis said:
"This is a new town laid out by the United States Glass company. It is located on the east bank of the Monongahela river, about three miles above McKeesport, in Allegheny county, Pa. The McKeesport and Belle Vernon railroad runs through the town. It is one of the most desirable sites for a manufacturing town on the river. The United States Glass company are at this time, November, 1893, erecting a mammoth glass works on this site, and other large plants are in contemplation."
Incorporation
Glassport had then and still has a distinctive geographical formation that made it almost separate from Port Vue, which lay over the hills. And as the population centered toward the river front, with the coming of the new glass factory, a new utility developed. That independence led leading citizens to seek detachment from the mother borough and establish a separate government. In August, 1902, the articles of incorporation were drawn up, and the borough of Glassport became a reality. Borough officers were elected and the genial Harry C. "Pop" Griffin, who still lives in Otto, was named the first burgess. F. J. Chester, later to become more noted in public life, was the first president of council, and W. C. Niven was the first borough secretary.
The old ordinance book, which is kept by the present borough clerk, W. Hays Satterfield, shows that the first ordinance, signed August 30, 1902, was for the purpose of "authorizing the paving, grading and curbing" of Broadway from Ohio avenue to Delaware avenue.
Borough Government
A state law at that time provided that a burgess could not succeed himself, and when Mr. Griffin's three-year term expired in 1905, he was succeeded by Patrick Kelley. Mr. Griffin then entered borough council and held his office for 16 years, many of which were spent being president of the body.
Glassport had a population of 1,800 in 1902. In 1910, there were 5,340 persons in the borough, and in 1920 the number had increased to 6,959. The approximate 1928 population was 7,500 and more than 1,000 were added in the next two years. Burgess Kelley was succeeded by W. F. Sparks, who was followed by J. W. Keim, John F. Reed, Sr., James Lucot, Charles E. Redman and Seward J. Gross, the incumbent.
Every one of the former burgesses is living, with the possible exception of Mr. Sparks. He also served as tax collector.
Present Officials
Burgess Gross, a Republican by politics, heads the present government. Council is composed of nine members, three of whom represent each ward, as follows: First ward, Samuel Ferguson, council president, Alex Kaczonyi and Harry Wilson; Second ward, William Vollmer, Charles J. Tomedolsky and John F. Reed, Sr.; Third ward, Frank Tacik, Joseph Hornfeck and Thomas Granger.
Andrew Granger is tax collector, Mr. Satterfield is clerk and John Cochenour is health officer.
D. J. George is chief of the police department, and his officers are Lieutenant H. L. McClafferty, Lieutenant Wallace Rozanski., Sergeant Jack Lees, Sergeant William Rushe and Patrolmen Robert Kurtzrock, J. C. Stinner, Lester Cunningham, Louis Martino, William Stewart and Joseph Zalewski. The park commission is composed of Grover C. DeLaney, George Marks, Jesse J. Dobbins, Charles J. Tomedolsky and George Pforsich.
Robert J. Schwerha is solicitor, W. S. Kearney is treasurer, Alex Hutchison is engineer and John B. Klinkner is street commissioner. The board of health is composed of Dr. W. E. Hodgson, chairman, Charles E. Redman, Dr. Thomas Richards, A. Robinson and Harry Reed.
Glassport is protected by two fire companies -- Citizens Hose company No. 1 and Reliance Hose company No. 2. No. 1 company was organized March 22, 1901, with a membership of 25 men, and No. 2 company was formed by 13 members October 13, 1903. A third group, known as Vigiliant Hose company No. 3, was organized in May, 1907, and served the hill district in those days of hand-drawn hook and ladders. Only the first two companies remain.
No. 2 company has its truck in the municipal building at Fifth street and Monongahela avenue, and the other company's truck is housed in a building on Monongahela avenue between Eight and Ninth streets. Borough fire chief is Robert McDonald, of the Reliance company, and his assistant is Peter Saires, of the citizens company.
Industry and Glassport
To trace the progress of Glassport, one must study the history of its factories, for the town was built around a mill and has fashioned its life according to industrial progress ever since. The town, as has been mentioned before, was the result of the establishment of a plant there by the United States Glass company.
The first piece of glass was made at the glass house in September, 1893, when Daniel Ripley was president of the company. S. A. Bryce was the first superintendent, acting at first as manager also, but James B. Russell soon became manager. Only about 50 persons were living in Glassport at that time.
Present officers of the company, whose offices are in Pittsburgh, include W. R. Nickle, president; E.E. Slick, Jr., vice president and general manager; C.R. Keil, vice president in charge of sales, J. A. Wells, treasurer, and E. E. Slick, Sr., chairman of the board of directors. Harry P. Rommel, who lives in Glassport's oldest house, was an employee when that first piece of glass was made, and he still works for the company.
The next mill was the Pittsburgh Steel Foundry corporation, which established a factory there in 1899. Stewart Johnston was the first president, and the present officers are: President, G. A. Hassell; assistant to president, W. B. N. Brooks; vice president, C. W. Howat; second vice president, J. E. Rew; secretary and treasurer, John Bright. The factory occupies 15 acres of ground and normally employs 400 men.
At one time when one wished to ascertain whether Glassport was prospering, he usually asked, "How is the foundry doing?"
The Pittsburgh Steel company established its hoop and band department in Glassport, March 5, 1900, with Major Redman as the first superintendent. He was killed in a railroad accident in Otto in 1902. The plant occupied six acres and employed 270 men when operating, but the plant has been shut down since September, 1931. E. J. Dittmar was the last superintendent.
Glassport's newest mill is the Copperweld Steel company, which came there in 1927 after being first established in Rankin in 1915. The buildings are situated on 20 acres of ground, and 500 men work there. S. E. Bramer was the first president, and he still holds that position. Officers of the Copperweld, in addition to Mr. Bramer are: William K. Frank, vice president and chairman of the executive committee; Robert J. Frank, vice president; I. A. Simon, vice president; Frank R. S. Kaplan, secretary and treasurer, and J. H. Hammond, chairman of the board of directors.
Other industries in Glassport include the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie railroad roudhouse, the Union Barge Line terminal, the Standard Oil company distributing plant and the Freedom Oil company warehouse in Otto.
DEFUNCT INDUSTRIES
Three other mills once flourished in Glassport -- the American Axe and Tool company, on the site of the Copperweld, the Allegheny By-Products Coke Company, between Harrison and Second streets, and the S. S. Severance Manufacturing company, between Third and Fourth streets. Severance and the coke works have been abandoned, and the axe works' property has been developed into the borough's largest factory.
HOW OTTO WAS NAMED
The first ward of Glassport is known as "Otto" and every visitor asks how the appelation came to be given that section of town.
The ward was named for Otto Hoffman, a German who invented the old by-product coke system and helped bring the second plant of its kind in the country to Otto. Otto is not the official name of the ward, but every person in Glassport refers to it by that name.
Glassport has always been fortunate in having a sufficient number of churches of every creed in which its residents may worship God in their own way. Nine such edifices stand as spiritual lighthouse to the hard-working progressive citizens.
A Y. M. C. A. was established in Glassport in 1918, but has since ceased to function.
The Glassport Ministerial association is composed of the pastors of the Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist and Baptist churches, with Rev. Lansberry as president.
THE SCHOOLS
No more facinating work could be encountered than tracing the borough schools from the time it had one, a frame building it now rates with the best in the country both in point of equipment and in scholarship.
The Edmundson school has been mentioned, but its date of establishment is unknown. The first building of which there is any accurate record is the old one-room frame structure, called the Pleasant Valley school, which was built almost on the site of the present Second ward structure in 1857. A Professor McMichaels is said to have been the principal of that school.
Not only did the Pleasant Valley school serve for academic education, but it was there that the embryo of the Methodist church was hatched and the Citizens Hose company was founded.
The rod was used freely in those early days, as it was everyplace, but punitive measures were extended in 1902 when the building was abandoned and transformed into the jail and council chamber.
Second Ward and the Fire
But the school leaders were prepared for the abandonment of Pleasant Valley, and a four-room brick building was constructed in 1898. In 1903, a six-room addition was built, and just as it was about completed, fire leveled it to the ground. The conflagration raged on a bitter cold winter night, and many still claim the fire was of incendiary origin.
But the school officials realized the need of education, and they turned in to erect another building on the same site, and in 1904 the present Second ward school was finished. It contained 13 rooms and an auditorium, and it was pointed to with pride by every Glassporter.
The First ward building was erected in 1905 and contained only four rooms. Later a frame addition of four rooms was joined to the old brick section. Within a short time, the Third ward school was completed.
The first high school class entered Third ward school in 1904, but secondary activities were transferred to the First ward building. The writer spent seven years in that "little red school house," in Otto, three in grades and four in high school, sat with another person in a narrow seat at chapel exercises, and had a study period in a smelly laboratory and studied English in a room "reserved" for the commercial department. There was no gymnasium, nor was there an auditorium.
But as quickly as possible, the situation changed, and in September, 1929, a new modern high school building was opened, containing an auditorium, gymnasium, space for a swimming pool, shop rooms and sections for every type of instruction. Whereas in 1857 education was an ordeal in Glassport, today it is a distinct pleasure.
The head of the school system is John S. Hart, who came from West Newton in June, 1913, to succeed Professor Murray. Melvin J. Naser is principal of the high school, and under his guidance and that of Mr. Hart, the high school has taken a leading part in both academic and extra-curricular activities.
The athletic teams hold many championships, and extra-curricular activities were climaxed this year by Harvey Schauffler's being named oratorical champion of the United States this spring.
The school board is headed by Jesse J. Dobbins, and other members are James R. Hewitt, George M. Marks, William F. Hutton, John T. Murdoch, Thomas C. Lapsley and Ivan Gressler. Assemblyman James H. McClure is solicitor of the school district.
The Postoffice
The first postoffice was established in Glassport in 1895 and was a branch office in the P. & L. E. station. Theodore C. Smith served in the dual role of ticket agent and postmaster. The next mail headquarters were in an old frame building at Sixth street and Ohio avenue, remembered as being owned for a long time by the late John Davis and his wife Hannah.
From there it went to Sixth street and Monongahela avenue, and in 1915 the present postoffice was built on Monongahela avenue near Fifth street. Charles H. Lapsley held the office of postmaster from 1915 to 1933, he having been appointed by President Wilson, a democrat, and, after changing his politics to Republican, was successively named by Presidents Harding, Coolidge and Hoover. Joseph Stein is the incumbent by virtue of his appointment last year by President Roosevelt.
There was a postoffice in Otto in 1896 and a few following years, and the old-timers claim the government never knew of its existence. It was in a one-room frame building near Harrison street and was established there because of the heavy mail for the coke works.
Finance
One bank engages in business in Glassport, its name now being the Bank of Glassport. It was incorporated as the Glassport Trust company January 6, 1906, after operating under a charter granted in 1899 to the Glassport National bank. It was placed under restrictions after President Roosevelt's bank holiday and opened for unrestricted business March 8, 1934.
Officers are T. F. Soles, president; W. F. Kearney and G. A. Hassell, vice presidents; M. E. Wood, cashier, and R. N. Claypool, assistant cashier.
Other Activities
A Rotary club functions in Glassport under the leadership of Samuel G. Ferguson, president; John Fabry, vice president, and Phil Twiford, secretary and treasurer. Commercial interests are represented by the Business Men's association whose officers are Paul Fabry, president; A. A. Raden, vice president; William Broder, secretary, and A. E. Skodol, treasurer. It took leadership in promulgating the NRA there and in a short time had every business house in the borough signed to support the plan.
The town is active in every community, commercial and civic enterprise. Stores line Monongahela avenue, the main street, and are sprinkled throughout the hill district. There are many doctors and dentists there, but no undertakers.
The McMasters Murder
Glassport holds the dubious distinction of being the location of the crime for which the first woman in Allegheny county and the second in Pennsylvania, was hanged. Charlotte Jones was convicted, along with Henry Fife, of murdering her uncle and aunt, George Wilson and Elizabeth McMasters, in 1857.
The murder occured in an old log cabin located near what is now Harrison street alongside of a run at the foot of the hill below the present "Red Row." Charlotte and Henry killed the old couple, brother and sister, in order to get enough money with which to be married.
The story goes that Fife did the killing, slaying the man with a dirk and beating the woman to death with a poker. They were hanged at Pittsburgh February 12, 1858, Charlotte collapsing after kissing her sweetheart, and Fife going stoically to his death with the words: "Remember, gentlemen, I die game."
The murder occurred April 30, 1857. Charlotte is supposed to have knocked at the door that night and gained entrance, after which she summoned Fife by whistling.
There is a legend that on the thirtieth of April, every year, if one stands on the site of that old log cabin at midnight, he will hear (cont.)
History Traced To 1851
3 Present Industries Were Established In River Town 34 Years Ago
FAMOUS MURDER THERE RECALLED
the echo of the whistle. The writer has visited the spot twice during the past two years, but at both times, he left the weird, dark place. Men and two women, miss Lillian Davis and Miss Cecelia Schnupp, serving as nurses on the "front." Twelve of those boys never came back having been killed in action or having died in camp. Six were wounded in action and five left early because he needed sleep "or sumpin."
The money stolen by Charlotte and Henry was divided near a spring containing crystal clear water. That spring is still in existence, and it is in the back yard of the home of Tax Collector Andrew Granger. Mr. Granger has boarded it up, but he says one can get a drink of cool, pure water there any time.
Glassport and the War
Glassport did more than its "bit" during the World war both in man-power and with money. There went forth from the borough 308? were gassed.
A total of $706,600 was subscribed to the five Liberty loans, or $218,400 over the quota. Generous support was given the Red Cross, and many women nursed sore fingers from nights of knitting sweaters and socks and sewing other clothing for the boys in khaki.
Glassport and the Depression
Glassport was "hit hard" by the depression, and no one can doubt the truth of that statement. But the remark that an ill wind that blows nobody good was proved in the borough as the slump brought the citizens close to a realization of their responsibilities and resulted in a unity and spirit that had been dispayed before in its crisis in the World war.
Glassport is coming back and coming back fast. Operations are in progress at every factory but the hoop mill, and hope has not been abandoned for its resumption. And as Glassport stages its comeback, more history is being made in the campaign for its annexation to McKeesport.
This is no time for comment on the movement, but the writer feels confident that the course the majority makes will be as well advised as those in past years.
The Monongahela river no longer flows through the town, but it carries Glassport products to the four corners of the earth. And practically all of the tomahawks and arrow heads have been dug from "Sand Hill" the purported Indian mound. Glassport must let the dead past bury its dead as it follows out the command of Longfellow:
"Let us then be up and doing with a heart for any fate."
NINE CHURCHES ARE THRIVING IN GLASSPORT
Worship Stressed By Town
Protestants, Catholics, Greek Catholics and Jews Represented
EVERY DENOMINATION HAS FINE STRUCTURE
First M. E.
Beginning in 1895 and until 1897, a mission Sunday school was held in the Pleasant Valley schoolhouse.
Eight women of the school in January, 1893, decided to organize a Methodist Episcopal church. The Glassport Land company gave them a lot and the present location of the church was selected at the corner of Fifth street and Ohio avenue.
In 1898, a frame building was erected and the first Sunday in July the same year, Sunday school was held in the new church. In November the church was dedicated. Under the jurisdiction of the Reynoldton church, McKeesport, the Rev. J. B. Uber organized a congregation of the following seven members: A. W. Cole, Mary Cole, Joseph Hart, Mary Hart, Pearl Hart, Elizabeth Jones and Charles Musterer. At the conference of 1899, the Rev. W. T. Robinson was appointed pastor. The first board of trustees was: A. W. Cole, Joseph Hart, Charles Musterer, William Jones and George Pforsich.
In 1906, the cornerstone of the present church was laid. On July 9, 1907, it was dedicated under the pastorate of W. H. Kirkland.
While Rev. J. W. Hall was pastor, during the year 1919, the church debt was liquidated. The pastors of the church from the beginning to the present were: J. B. Uber, W. T. Robinson, W. I. Cadman, W. J. Hunter, W. H. Kirkland, C. P. Salladay, J. H. Lancaster, Grant Pollock, J. R. Barbour, Solomon Keebler, G. H. Dougherty, C. M. Allhouse, John Hall, M. R. Hackman, Oliver Watson, G. E. Buhan, Charles Richmond, L. M. Humes, A. H. Davis, Clyde Nevins and J. F. Dipner, the present pastor.
The present trustees are: H. Robinson, H. Byard, W. H. Downing, A. Granger, M. J. Naser, H. Grove, and J. W. Robinson.
There are approximately 335 members in the congregation at the present time.
The heads of Sunday school are: O. C. Evans, superintendent; Mrs. Harvey Schauffler, treasurer; Fred Carveth, superintendent of the adult department; Mrs. Harry Byard, superintendent of the young people's department and Anna Heath, superintendent of the junior school.
St. John's Lutheran
Rev. W. I. Guss, of Duquesne, Dr. J. Elmer Bittle and Rev. T. A. Himes, of McKeesport canvassed Glassport and found a good many Lutheran families living there in 1909. These families organized a parish on March 10, 1910. Rev. Himes served as the first pastor. These first services were held in the Baptist church on Ohio avenue.
The congregation was received into the general synod at Charleroi in October, 1910. At that time the congregation adopted the name of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church of Glassport. The first roster of the congregation contained 13 names.
Rev. U. A. Guss, a brother of Rev. W. I. Guss, served the church from March to September, 1911.
In August, 1912, Rev. A. C. Curran took up his duties as the first regular pastor of the congregation. The present home of the Lutheran church was used for service on October 13, 1912. The charter was adopted by the congregation April 9, 1913.
Rev. Curran severed his relations with the parish in June, 1919, and the Rev. S. K. Herbster succeeded him.
Rev. Herbster resigned in July, 1926. He was followed by Rev. William B. Sadtler who took up his duties here June, 1927 and remained until, March, 1929 when he resigned. Rev. Arnold G. Lansberry, the present pastor, came to the parish on June 1, 1929.
The church council is composed of the following; Rev. Lansberry, president; Charles Ross, vice president; Harrison Reed, secretary; Chauncey Thompson, financial secretary; John Reed, treasurer, R. O. Turney, Joseph James and John Daniels.
St. Cecelia R. C.
Early in the spring of 1901, the 12 Catholic families of Glassport who had been attending mass at St. Peter's R. C. church in McKeesport, decided to organize a parish of their own at Glassport. Up to this time the only catholic services conducted in the borough was the weekly Sunday school taught by the sisters of Mercy who came to Glassport from St. Peter's convent in McKeesport. The Catholic residents petitioned the Bishop of Pittsburgh for a charter and obtained it so that work was commenced on the first frame church building which stood on a plot of ground at the corner of Eighth street and Cypress alley. This building was erected late in the spring of 1901. The first mass was celebrated in this church on Sunday, July 21, 1901, as well as the first baptism, which was administered to Cecelia Arnold. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas R. Rae who officially assumed his duties on Thursday, July 18, 1901.
The parish grew rapidly until in 1909 the congregation decided the quarters were not adequate and began laying plans for a larger church.
The ground for the new church was donated by the Russell family and it is located on the corner of Eighth street and Ohio avenue. A massive brick structure rose on this site to replace the smaller wooden church further up the hill. The cornerstone for this modern edifice, which is still used by the congregation, was laid by the the late Msgr. Tobin, in May, 1910. The new church was dedicated May 11, 1911 by most Rev. J. F. Canevin, then bishop of Pittsburgh.
In 1912 Father Rae was transferred to St. Pius parish, McKeesport, and Rev. Ph. A. Callery was sent to replace him.
Father Callery remained from 1912 til 1925 when he was transferred to Pittsburgh and Rev. W. A. O'Hara was sent to take his place. Father O'Hara is the present pastor of the congregation which numbers at the present time about 200 families.
The parish school was opened in September, 1917, and covered the first six grades only. Each year a grade was added until the complete primary course was installed. As the enrollment in the school grew it was found that the original quarters underneath the church were inadequate and plans were laid for an addition to the school. This new addition costing $50,000, was completed in 1924 and the school now accomodates more than 300 children in eight primary grades.
The rectory, which was built in 1903 has always occupied the same building on a site just above the church on Michigan avenue. for a short while, after the school was opened in 1917, Father Callery moved out of the rectory and turned it over to the nuns, who taught in the school, to use as living quarters until a suitable convent could be provided. During this temporary period he occupied a frame dwelling just across the street from the church on Ohio avenue.
The convent was purchased in the fall of 1919. It was formerly the home of Dr. J. B. Feeley and stands at the corner of Seventh street and Vermont avenue.
Holy Spirit Greek Catholic
The parish was organized on April 10, 1932 with 100 families. Rev. Alexander Ulitsky, the first pastor, has remained here since. The parish is composed of families who came originally from the Podkarpataka Rusj district in central Europe.
Rev. Ulitsky has been engaged in pastoral work in the United States for the past 30 years. Before that time he taught in the Papal Ruthenian Greek Catholic college in Rome.
Members of the congregation hold divine services in a temporary chapel at 423 Monongahela avenue.
The present trustees and officers of the congregation of the church are: Michael Kohutech, president; Peter Krajnak, treasurer; and John Gribschow, secretary.
Holy Cross R. C. (Polish)
Holy Cross parish was organized in June, 1905, by a group of Polish residents of Glassport and Father John Garseka was appointed pastor by Bishop Regis Canevin at Pittsburgh. The congregation erected a church and rectory in March 1906, which was destroyed by fire early in 1907.
The present church and rectory were built the following year over the ruins of the former buildings. Seven years later the school was started with two classrooms of pupils. That was 20 years ago. Two Felician nuns became the first instructors in the school. As the enrollment in the school grew more nuns came each year until the entire basement of the church was converted into school rooms.
About eight years ago the members of the congregation saw the need for a school building to properly accomodate the ever increasing number of children, and ground was purchased at Fifth street and Michigan avenue. Shortly after this the Felician nuns were recalled and the Holy Ghost nuns took up their duties as teachers.
There are approximately 250 families in the congregation and 70 children enrolled in the school.
The church building, rectory and parish property are estimated as being worth about $125,000. The church committee is composed of Jacob Stasiak, Joseph Witkowski, Andrew Kazimitrowski and Frank Tacik.
B'nai Isreal
On July 22, 1907, thirteen Jewish families of Glassport held a meeting and decided to form a Jewish synagogue.
John Baker was elected temporary chairman of the group. The congregation applied for a charter and at the first regular meeting, September 29, 1907 the following officers were chosen: Charles Weisenthal, president; Joseph Shear, vice president; Meyer Viess, treasurer; and A. A. Raden, secretary. Weisenthal, Viess and Raden are still active members of the synagogue.
Until September 1916, all services were held in Furman's hall, Sixth street. Then it was that the members of the congregation felt their quarters inadequate and decided to build a synagogue. The Ladies' Aid society purchased a lot and presented it to the congregation and the present edifice was erected upon it.
The new building was erected under the leadership of Charles Weisenthal, A. A. Raden and Samuel Papernick.
When the new building was started the congregation numbered 14 members. At the present time there are 22 members attending services there. The largest enrollment the synagogue ever had at one time was 29. The congregation owns the building which is free of all debt.
Rabbis who have served the congregation since its founding were: H. Mharram, S. Pearlstein. M. Federman, I. Friedman, B. Holander and Samuel Schecter. At present the congregation has no rabbi. Members conduct their own services.
First Baptist
Early in 1907 a group of Baptist families of Glassport formed a Sunday school and asked Prof. F. W. Squibb to teach them. Interest in the school became such that it was decided to form a congregation of Baptists. The 18 members who had been attending the Sunday school took out a charter, elected officers and in September, 1907, purchased the old Methodist church on Ohio avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets.
A complete record of the pastors has not been kept but it is known that Rev. Homer Eddy was the first and Rev. J. C. Wilson and the late Rev. C. A. Downing were in a large manner responsible for the growth of the congregation to its present size.
Rev. Downing, the last pastor to serve before the coming of Rev. F. S. Edge, the present minister, was with the congregation ten years. He was instrumental in having many repairs and improvements made to the building and church property and in securing many new members for the church.
At present the parish numbers about 150 people. Rev. Edge has been in the pulpit here three years, or since the death of Rev. Downing.
The members of the board of trustees are: Andrew Edding, Walter Laughlin, Walter Vanetta and William Derfinger.
First Presbyterian
The beginning of the First Presbyterian church of Glassport dates from October 21, 1900. Preaching services were established May 7, 1901, by a committee of Redstone presbytery, said to have been composed of Rev. Dr. Meloy, of West Newton and Rev. Dr. Carrell, of McKeesport. Rev. Merchant Spargrove Bush took up his duties there June 11, 1901. The first members of the congregation were: Robert H. Alexander, Mrs. Jeanette Alexander, Walter Barrett, Mrs. Bertha Anna Bush, J. F. Cummins, Mrs. J. F. Cummins, Miss Anna L. Foreman, J. W. Jones, A. E. Lapsley, Mrs. Clara Lapsley, P. S. McMullen, Mrs. Matti McMullen, George S. Lapsley, Mrs. Mary A. Lapsley, W. L. McClaran, John Redman, Mrs. Grace Redman, John J. Redman, Mrs. Catherine Redman, Mrs. Louisa Smith, Miss Flora Mae Smith, Miss Leah S. Willis, Miss Nellie L. Willis, W. E. Weaver, M. J. Webster, Mrs. M. J. Webster, Thomas L. Wible, Mrs. Ada Wible.
The original congregation was composed of 33 names and of this number 12 are still on the role. They are A. E. Lapsley, Mrs. Clara Lapsley, J. A. Lapsley, Mrs. Anna B. Lapsley, George S. Lapsley, Mrs. Mary A. Lapsley, P. S. McMullen, Mrs. Mattie McMullen, Miss Flora Mae Smith, Mrs. Leah S. Reed (nee Willis), Robert H. Alexander and Mrs. M. J. Webster.
In connection with the organization of the church the following men were elected ruling elders: J. A. Lapsley, P. S. McMullen and J. F. Cummins.
Preaching services were first held in the old Methodist church on Fifth street; then in a hall over the bank.
The first church edifice was dedicated March 1, 1903. Rev. Merchant Spargrove Bush terminated his ministry in this church due to poor health of his family. On February 21, 1904, the Rev. Conover Samuel Osborne, of Chester N. J., was called to the pastorate May 25, 1904. On May 11, 1904, T. A. Lapsley was elected an elder in place of Elder Cummins, deceased, and was installed May 15, 1904.
At a meeting of the session, March 4, 1907, P. S. McMullen resigned as an elder in the church. Shortly after this B. B. Wilson was elected to fill the vacancy, and continued as such until April, 18, 1920, when he was dismissed. Rev. Osborne terminated his pastorate at the church September 27, 1910. The Rev. Phaon Silas Kohler, Ph. D. answered a call as the new pastor, September 14, 1911. At a congregational meeting May 6, 1914, Dr. E. L. Erhard and C. N. Snyder were elected to eldership.
Another election for elders was held April 7, 1926, when the following were elected: P. S. McMullen, A. E. Lapsley, W. L. Jackson, J. R. Greinert, I. I. Weddell and F. W. Finney.
The trustees bought an additional plot of ground September 14, 1924. In June, 1926, plans for remodeling the building were submitted by P. S. McMullen. The first service in the new church was held in the basement September 10, 1926.
Elders at present include John A. Lapsley, elected May 7, 1901, Dr. E. L. Erhard, elected May 24, 1914, and C. N. Snyder, elected on the same date, and the following elected on April 18, 1926, P. S. McMullen, A. E. Lapsley, W. L. Jackson, J. R. Greinert, and Frank W. Finney.
The present pastor of the congregation is Rev. Dr. Fred W. Chadwick, Ps. D., D. D., who was called to the pulpit on June 16, 1930 and has remained to the present time.
The present board of trustees is composed of the following: George S. Lapsley, Samuel Gibson, William G. Rankin, James Warren, John Murdock and Harry Griffin.
Pentecostal Mission
The Pentecostal Mission, now located at 704 Monongahela avenue, was started about 20 years ago by Rev. William Casley, its present minister and Warren Furman. Originally, services were conducted on the second floor of the Furman building at Sixth street and Michigan avenue. The first congregation was composed of 20 people but it grew rapidly and today has more than 150 names on its roster. Services were held in the first quarters for about 14 years. About six years ago the congregation moved to its present headquarters on Monongahela avenue in order to accomodate the increased enrollment.
Services are held twice during the week, on Tuesday and Friday evenings and twice on Sunday, in the morning and afternoon. The present trustees are John A. King, Mrs. T. A. Wylie and Mr. Mason.
Furman Oil, Gas Well Was Built During Gas Boom
Glassport shared in the famous "gas boom" that put the McKeesport district in a frenzy in 1918. Both oil and gas were struck in the center of Glassport, and the well was productive for years.
The well situated at Fifth street and Erie avenue, was owned by Warren Furman. After the strike, the well was sold to outside interests, and they piped the gas into the Pittsburgh Steel Foundry corporation plant and the oil to the tracks of the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie railroad to be shipped out of town.
Many other companies drilled for oil and gas after Furman's luck, but most of them failed.
Two Theatres Once Were in Glassport; None Is There Now
Theater-goers in Glassport depend upon McKeesport for their movies today, but two playhouses once flourished in the borough.
The one which lasted longer was known as the Garrick, named in honor of the eighteenth century English actor, David Garrick, and it stood at Sixth street and Monongahela avenue. The building now contains a variety store.
The showhouse on Monongahela avenue, near Seventh street, held many names, the best known being the Palace. A bowling alley, a confectionary store and a church have since occupied the building.
Glassport Men Organize Fuel Selling Group
Company Becomes One of Largest Distributors In State During Seven Years of Existence; Officers Members of Some of Glassport's Oldest Families
By CHARLES MAILEY
Truly a "home-owned" corporation, the Griffin Oil company of Glassport today stands out as an example of the business ability of its founders and owners.
The company was organized in Glassport, by Glassport men, with Glassport capital. Every one of its founders, owners, officers and employes are Glassporters.
Has Remarkable Growth
The company began doing business July 12, 1927 and from a small beginning rose to the position of becoming one of the largest independent motor fuel distributors in the state in the short period of seven years. Its five huge tank trucks service filling stations in several adjacent counties and in nearby cities and towns. A force of 20 young men, embodying the spirit of the company, are on hand day and night to render service to customers. The company's bulk plant at Glassport, now contains, beside the gasoline pumps, a complete washing, greasing and overhauling service familiarly known to the trade as a "one-stop service." The plant is equipped with the most modern up-to-date machinery for rendering service to a motor car. Beside the bulk plant the company now owns four retail stations in McKeesport, Clairton and Duquesne.
Pennzoil gasoline and motor oil was comparatively unknown in this district before the Griffin Oil company came into existence. Now it enjoys widespread popularity among automobilists of the district.
Officers' Families Old Timers
The officers of the company were all born and raised in this district. Harry C. Griffin, president, is a member of one of this city's oldest families. The Griffin family moved to McKeesport more than 50 years ago. Likewise, Charles N. Hartman, vice president of the company, comes from an equally prominent family. For nearly 50 years Mr. Hartman has been connected with the Hartman Hardware company in this city which was founded by his father W. E. Hartman. James R. Hewitt, treasurer of the company, has been connected with the oil industry ever since he left Carnegie Tech where he studied lubrication.
The secretary, and probably the youngest member of the firm is J. Willard Hartman, son of Charles N. Hartman, vice president. Young Mr. Hartman was born in Glassport and graduated from Glassport high school with the class of 1920. Vight E. Griffin is chairman of the board of directors of the company. He is actively engaged in the real estate business in Glassport, a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Glassport.
Only the president, Harry C. Griffin, and the secretary James R. Hewitt, are active in the actual management and operation of the Griffin Oil company.

Page last updated December 19, 1999