Candidate's Name: Wilbur Henry Adams
Occupation: Industrial Designer

Wilbur Henry Adams was an Erie-born famed industrial designer. Adams' original output rates with the greatest pioneers of the field, such as Raymond Loewy and Walter Dorwin Teague, both of whom he worked with. Adams, who returned to Erie to set up a design studio here, died in 1959.

Working from a private studio on his Wolf Rd. family farm, Adams racked up impressive credentials designing products for the largest and most prestigious commercial companies of his day, from locals such as Zurn and American Sterilizer, to national giants such as B.F. Goodrich, Sherwin-Williams, and Electromaster. Adams' genius was employed on a breathtaking array of projects, ranging from motor vehicles to playgrounds. His avante garde blueprints for service stations, appliances, public buildings, and private homes still appear forward-looking, 50 years after they were first formulated.

He was greatly moved by the natural beauty of our area and even devised innovative designs for preserving the environment of the Erie Bay. As President of the Erie Philharmonic, he sketched a striking proposal for a floating bandstand on the lake for the orchestra's concerts.

Candidates Name: Edward J. Allen
Occupation: Policeman
Lifespan: November 13, 1907-October 25, 1990

Edward J. Allen was born on November 13, 1907 in Erie, PA. In 1936, Allen served as a patrolman in Erie, where he was later promoted to Detective Sergeant. During WWII, after being assigned to special duty with the Erie FBI office, Allen assisted with investigations regarding sabotage, espionage, and subversion. In 1947, Allen graduated from the FBI National Academy, and one year later, he was appointed to Chief of Police in Youngstown, OH. In Youngstown, he helped drive Mafia influence away, which won him worldwide recognition, winning Youngstown the ‘All American City' Award in 1950.

Along with his success in reducing crime, he also served as an enforcement officer for the Ohio Department of Liquor Control. He was given the title of Chief of Police in Santa Ana, CA in 1955, increasing manpower and organization during his 17 years in office.

He served many other roles in several organizations such as the YMCA, Boy's Club, Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, Services for the Blind, Head Start, and Big Brothers and Sisters. Allen was an active member of St. Joseph's Parish in Santa Ana, serving a Eucharistic Minister, lector, usher, and CCD teacher. Allen helped to begin a jail ministry and was also a committed member of the Holy Name Confraternity and was also president of the L.A. Archdiocesan Holy Name Union (1974-75) and a member of the 3rd Order of St. Francis, Knights of Columbus, St. Anthony Guild, and the Christopher's. In 1962, Allen became author of the book "Merchants of Menace—The Mafia," analyzing U.S. mafia activity. He also wrote many poems, of which his religious pieces were collected in "Sonnet Meditations on the Way of the Cross." In 1972, Allen retired, and 18 years later, passed away on January 6, 1990.

After his death, on October 25, 1990, the Honorable Robert K. Dornan (R-CA) entered a tribute to Edward Allen into the congressional record. About 50 years ago, Allen was also featured in the film "Story of a Policeman" and was very much admired for his outstanding work and tremendous contributions to society.

Candidate's Name: Donald M. Alstadt
Occupation: Manufacturer/Inventor
Life Span: 1922-2007

Don Alstadt was one of the most influential American manufacturing figures in 1943, when he accepted a position as a developmental engineer at LORD Corporation. He headed LORD's research efforts from 1952-1961, and served as the manager of Central Research from 1956-1961. He spent 50 years at LORD, and was the inventor of rubber to metal adhesives, now known collectively as "Chemlok."

Alstadt became LORD's executive vice-president in 1966, and president in 1968. Don Alstadt was one of the great industrialists in American history. A well-respected and powerful voice in manufacturing, known globally for his entrepreneurial leadership and management, as well as product innovation, he made a significant and lasting impact on development and manufacturing, and in our community.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Alstadt also served as chairman of Jura Corporation. He was recognized with honorary doctorate degrees from Edinboro University, Alleghany College, and Thiel College, and was a Distinguished Fellow of the Cleveland Clinic. Don Alstadt passed away on February 19, 2007 at age 85. Don Alstadt made a vital and lasting impact at LORD Corporation, in the Erie community, on manufacturing in America and the world.

Candidate's Name: Dr. Gertrude A. Barber
Occupation: Doctor

Dr. Barber must have felt in her heart the sadness of mothers, fathers and siblings when they were separated from their loved one with special needs. Because of her commitment to bring these children back to their Families, few of our special people are institutionalized today. They have a much richer life living with their families or in group homes along with the help of the Dr. Gertrude Barber National Institute.

Over 50 years ago, Dr. Barber saw a real need and began in a very small way to bring education and new life to those who did not fit into the realm of main stream public education. Dr. Gertrude Barber National Institute services Erie and surrounding areas along with other areas in Pennsylvania. People from all over the world have come to Erie to see the Barber National Institute so they too could provide for their special needs citizens.

The lives of many were lifted because of her life's work. The lives of the individuals who are clients at the Barber National Institute, the parents and families of these clients and the citizens of our community came to realize the dignity and contribution each and every person has in a community. She raised us all to a new level.

Candidate's Name: Ernest R. Behrend
Occupation: Businessman/Entrepreneur
Lifespan: March 29, 1869-September 22, 1940

Ernst Richard Behrend was born on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1869 in Coeslin, Germany. Before coming to America in 1896, Behrend studied at the Dresden and Charlottenburg Polytechnic Institutes and served as a Lieutenant in the Prussian Mounted Artillery. He later moved on to the Nekoosa Paper Company in Nekoosa, WI where he helped start their first sulphite mill. With his father and his brother, Dr. Otto Behrend, he co-founded the Hammermill Paper Company on the shores of Lake Erie in Erie, PA in 1898. He became a naturalized citizen three years later. Behrend met Newport, Rhode Island debutante Mary Brownell and they were soon married.

He and his brother Otto received a patent in 1903 for a revolutionary, high-speed watermarking device. Hammermill also became the first company to manufacture writing paper from all wood pulp instead of cotton and to use super-heated steam Belmer bleachers. He was a Trustee of the Institute of Paper Chemistry and maintained a membership in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Behrend was one of the twelve founders of the National Industrial Conference Board and was serving as Vice Chairman at the time of his death in 1940. Through Behrend's leadership Hammermill became a pioneer in the area of personnel relations.

During World War I, Behrend was one of the "Four Minute Men," a government-sanctioned group of prominent local leaders who gave short speeches to shore up support for the war. Later, he received a Distinguished Service Certificate from the Pennsylvania American Legion. He served as President of the board of Hamot Hospital from 1920-22 and as Chairman of the 1923 Erie Community Chest campaign. In 1928, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant-Commander in the US Volunteer Naval Reserves. He was a director of the First National Bank and a member of Erie's most exclusive clubs including the Erie Club and the Kahkwa Club. He was presented an honorary degree from Thiel College in Greenville, PA in 1936. In 1929, he took possession of the yacht Amida. Behrend passed away from a heart attack on September 22, 1940 and eight years later, so that her husband's memory and his love of education could live on, Mary Behrend deeded the 400 acres of the estate to the Pennsylvania State University and it is now known as Penn State Erie, the Behrend College.

Candidates Name: Alice Bentley
Occupation: Teacher/Politician

After graduating from Edinboro State Normal School, Alice Bentley taught elementary school in Guys Mills and Meadville. Alice also sold insurance for a time until she ran for the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1922, only two years after passage of the 19th Amendment, the right to women's suffrage. After gaining support from fellow teachers and business leaders, Alice won a seat in the House where she served from 1923 to 1928. In the 1922 election, Representatives Alice Bentley, Rosa DeYoung, Sarah Gallaher, Helene Grimes, Sarah MacKinney, Lillie Pitts, Martha Speiser, and Martha Thomas became the first women in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives forever changing the face of the Pennsylvania House.

Alice fought for women's rights and railed against the party bosses as she believed in representing the masses instead of the party. During her term in office, she chaired the education committee and became the first woman Speaker of the House.

Candidate's Name: Emil G. Berg
Occupation: Inventor
Lifespan: 1879-1950

Emil G. Berg came to the United States in 1894 at the age of 15. He started his career as an apprentice tool maker in the New England area and moved to Erie in 1934 to work at American Sterilizer Company on an invention of his for refrigeration in hospitals. He also invented the first refrigerator called the Iceberg. One or two years later, General Electric Company invented their own refrigerator. He also invented the first working room air conditioning unit, and his last project was the Berg-Johnson electric razor, which was marketed as the Coleman razor. He was to go to New York City for marketing when he was killed in an auto accident in 1950.

Candidate's Name: Moses Billings
Occupation: Painter/Artist
Lifespan: January 15, 1809-May 18, 1842

Moses Billings was born on January 15, 1809 and traveled to Erie in 1829. Billings was a very talented artist, who quickly became the most prominent portrait painter in Erie County in the first half of the 19th century. He painted many portraits, including his first known and most famous, entitled "The Father of His Country." This painting was a portrait of George Washington, which was displayed in a procession on September 10, 1840, in conjunction with a Great Whig Convention.

Billings offered a new technology to the people of Erie, called daguerreotype, which was the process of making a photograph on a plate of chemically treated metal or glass, which put him at a great advantage. Along with his most famous painting, Billings also painted portraits of John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, and Dolly Madison, among 500 other estimated portraits in his lifetime. In 1963, the Erie Public Museum opened a special exhibit featuring Billings' portraits.

In 1976, the Smithsonian Institution's National Collection of Fine Arts honored him among American artists, and the following year, the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown purchased an oil painting entitled "Girl in White." His portraits are now located at the Erie Public Museum, the Erie Historical Society, the Erie County Courthouse, and Theil College.

Candidate's Name: Samuel P. Black Jr.
Occupation: Innovators/Community Builders
Lifespan: 1902-2001

In the 1920s, Black had a significant influence on the nation's insurance industry. Black and his wife, Irene, chose to target their philanthropic goals to organizations and institutions positioned to improve the quality of life in the Erie region. In 1925, two men named H.O. Hirt and O.G. "Ollie" Crawford, left Pennsylvania Indemnity to form their own auto insurer, Erie Insurance Exchange.

Two years later, Hirt and Crawford asked Black to join their company as its first full-time claims adjuster, as well as become a stockholder. Black took on an unheard of role in the insurance industry by making himself available to clients at almost any time during the day. Black made two advances to extend his services to the public. The first was giving the ability to file a claim with a single telephone call, while the second was Black's idea to bring a photographer with him to record accident scenes for claims adjustment. In his first year at Erie Insurance, Black handled 1,300 claims single-handedly.

In 1935, was named second vice president of the company. In 1953, he became first vice president and, in 1962, he retired from Erie Insurance to found the agency: Samuel P. Black and Associates. Black helped to establish the annual Lions Club Save-An-Eye charity football game, served as president of the Erie Philharmonic, and was honored with the Alexis de Tocqueville Society's community service award for his work with the United Way of Erie County.

In March 1998, Sam and Irene Black donated $20 million to Penn State Behrend, to help support the college's School of Business, anonymously. The Blacks made several generous donations, including the Black Family Faculty Fund, the Black Family Student Fund, and the Black Family Excellence and Opportunity Fund.

Candidate's Name: Colonel John Boyd
Occupation: US Pilot
Lifespan: NA

Colonel John Boyd is an American patriot. John was instrumental in the design of and spearheaded the use of the US Air Force F-15 and F-16 fighter plane. He developed the protective tactical theory known as OODA (Observe, Operate, Design and Act), Destruction Creation Theory and Patterns of Conflict.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he was the leader of the Military Reform Movement, which changed U.S. war tactics. Vice President Cheney, then a congressman, and later Secretary of Defense, conferred with John about his theories and sought his advice on more than one occassion. The theories presented to Vice President Cheney and other military leaders, were used in Desert Storm, and are currently being applied to the disciplines of economics, law, business, finance and medical surgery. John has been compared to Sun-Tzu, the world's greatest military theoretician.

John's father, Hubert, died when he was three years old. His mother, Elsie, raised John and his four siblings at the family homestead, 514 Lincoln Avenue in Erie. John, a student at Strong Vincent High School, was a member of the swim team and captain of the water polo team. John worked summers as a lifeguard at Presque Isle State Park. At the peninsula, he came under the influence of chief lifeguard Frank Pettinato. Frank became a mentor and surrogate father to John.

John enlisted in the Air Force in April, 1945. He could not participate in the graduation ceremony at Strong Vincent. On his Air Force application, he listed his occupation as lifeguard. John became a pilot, graduated from the University of Iowa and Georgia Tech, and rose to the rank of Colonel while stationed at numerous Air Force bases in the U.S. and abroad. He flew in the Korean Conflict where he was known as "40 Second Boyd." Colonel Boyd died March 9, 1997 at age 70. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Many books have been published about John's accomplishments including Robert Coram's "Boyd the Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War." Many news articles have been written about John in national news media including "Time Magazine," "US News," "New York Times," and has been highlighted in a "60 Minute" episode.

John Boyd was an innovative thinker who exercised the courage of his convictions to bring to fruition ideas that altered America's military and American lives in a positive way. His life was the epitome of integrity, loyalty and patriotism. John's life also is a reflection of a strong family life and strong community values.

Candidate's Name: Oliver A. Brown
Occupation: Mentor/TV Host

Ollie Brown had the first live television show on channel 12 but that was not his greatest gift to Erie. Over the years Ollie and his wife, Thelma Brown, opened an emergency home where troubled teen could be brought by police officers that felt the Erie Jails were not where they belonged.

Now Erie has juvenile detention centers. They also adopted 16 children and over 90 foster children of all races. At times there were 22 children in the home at once. Ollie also taught the children to sing and traveled all over the US finding home for children. They made a point to take in children which were called hard to place children that most people would not consider for adoption. Ollie and Thelma helped Erie by helping to raise troubled kids into productive success for young people for our future.

Candidate's Name: Harry T. Burleigh
Occupation: Musician
Lifespan: 1866-1949

Harry Burleigh was born in Erie, PA in 1866. After high school, Harry became established as a singer in the Episcopal Church choir in Erie. With the help of donations from many Erie music lovers he was able to accept a scholarship at the National Conservatory of Music. While still in school in 1894, he auditioned and was accepted as a baritone in the choir of St. George Episcopal Church in New York City where he sang for 52 years. In 1900 he also joined the Temple Emanu-El choir, where he sang for 25 years.

In 1917, friends convinced him to publish Deep River and soon afterward, he published Little Mother of Mine, which was sung throughout the world by John McCormack. Harry was a charter member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and he received honorary degrees from Atlanta University and Howard University. He also coached many famous singers including Enrico Caruso, Marian Anderson, and Paul Robeson.

Harry retired from the St. George choir in 1946, and died in Stamford, Connecticut in 1949.

The list of spirituals for which Harry wrote accompaniments is long, including Ain't Gonna Study War No More, Balm in Gilead, De Gospel Train, Deep River, Give Me Jesus, Go Down Moses, Go Tell It on de Mountains, My Lord What a Mornin', Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen, Sometimes I feel Like a Motherless Child, Steal Away, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, and Were You There.

Candidate's Name: Bea Canfield
Occupation: TV Hostess

Bea quit high school at the age of sixteen to join the work force. She continued to work until her retirement in 1980. Bea and her husband Homer moved to Erie in 1950, where they raised a blended family while pursuing their individual careers. Bea was a saleswoman for many of her early adult years.

She opened the Royale Lady Maternity Shoppe in Kearsarge in the early 1960's, providing a retail option for pregnant women not previously available in Erie. The business prospered and moved to larger quarters in the Colony Plaza in Millcreek. Bea remained proprietor until selling the business in the mid 1970's. By that time, her career as a TV hostess has taken off. In 1966, her original half hour show aired one day a week.

As Bea's popularity grew, her local show went to three days a week and eventually five days a week. During her daily shows, Bea brought all aspects of the Erie community to her viewers. Bea was also a presence in the community. All of her public appearances were done on her own time and she rarely turned down an opportunity to lend her name to a deserving event.

Candidate's Name: Paul K. Carlton
Occupation: Pilot/ Instructor/ Military Commander
Lifespan: April 14, 1921-November 23, 2009

General Paul K. Carlton was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on April 14, 1921 and graduated from Erie's Academy High School in 1939 before attending the University of Pittsburgh and Ohio University. General Carlton entered the Army Air Corps in September 1941 and earned his pilot wings and commission as a second lieutenant in April 1942 at Albany Army Airfield in Georgia.

During World War II, General Carlton accumulated over 350 combat hours in a B-29 aircraft flying raids against the Japanese mainland from India and China. He also served as a B-17 instructor pilot with the Air Training Command. After World War II, General Carlton served in a number of commands including, Strategic Air Command's first atomic bomb organization, the 509th Bombardment Wing, aide-de-camp to SAC Commander in Chief, General Curtis E. LeMay, Director of Operations and Director of Plans for the 320th Bombardment Wing, Director of Operations for the SAC's 3rd Air Division, Deputy Commander of the 93rd Bombardment Wing and Combat Crew Training School, and commanded the 4126th Strategic Wing.

After attending the National War College in Washington and The George Washington University, Carlton assumed command of the 379th Bombardment Wing and later became the commander of the 305th Bombardment Wing in Indiana. He completed his career by serving as commander of the Military Airlift Command and retired from the Air Force on March 31, 1977. During his career, General Carlton earned the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Under his command, the Military Airlift General Carlton also won the Reserve Officers Association's Minuteman Hall of Fame Award.

Candidate's Name: Mike Cannavino
Occupation: Political Figure/Humanitarian

At old Central High, Mike excelled in sports which earned him a college scholarship in the 1920's. Unfortunately, he lost his leg in an auto accident and was forced to forfeit his scholarship.

He gravitated toward public service and developed a maverick style which would characterize his personality. Mike is generally known for his political life, started in 1939, as Third Ward Assessor, known today as District Justice. In 1944, he was the only Democrat and Italian-American elected to a Republican dominated city school board. In 1948, he was elected to city council regularly recording some of the highest vote totals.

Mike was the Democratic Mayoral Nominee and would have become the first Italian-American Mayor when he passed away just ten days before the election. Mike's love of sports inspired him to ask his friends who were then coaching BIG TEN football teams to consider his latest idea bringing their players to town for a special exhibition game, The Gem City Bowl. He began Mike's Bantams Football Team and managed various baseball teams at Glenwood Field.

Mike and Art Arkelian enticed many to come for our annual sports banquet, and in the 1950's, Erie had its first pro baseball team. The Erie Sailors Baseball Team played at Ainsworth for eleven seasons.

He was a founding member of a group who established amateur boxing that continues today at the Avalon Hotel. He became a magician, comedian, entertainer and actor. Dr. Gertrude Barker also credited Mike for helping her to acquire the first building that would become the G.B. International Institute. He was recognized by the Red Cross during WWII for innovating fund raising to help the troops and he often visited and encouraged disabled vets. Throughout his life he regularly visited hospitals, schools, churches and events regardless of race or creed. He never said no, often volunteered to help, and never asked for or received compensation.

He personally collected old toys, broken toys and even discards from Mary Toys and brought them to children in need. He visited funeral homes on a regular basis to extend condolences to the large families and helped the Erie Playhouse raise funds by starring in their production of Fiorello! Some future plans included wanting to work on improving health options for those in need, forming citizen groups to work on local projects, developing Erie into a recreational place for residents of other areas. He died unexpectedly on October 23, 1965.

Candidate's Name: Phil Cochran
Occupation: Army soldier/Pilot
Lifespan: 1910-1979

Phil Cochran was born in Erie PA Jan 29, 1910. He was educated at local Erie schools, and the Ohio State University. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to World War II. Illness prevented him from joining the squadron he commanded when they were deployed to North Africa, but talked his way into bringing over a squadron of replacement pilots.

He returned home to find himself famous as the model for "Flip Corkin" in the comic strip "Terry and the Pirates ( and later as the model for "General Philerie" in "Steve Canyon"). The Chief of the Army Air Corps, General Arnold, called upon Phil to lead air support for British Gen. Orde Wingate and his Chindit guerrillas in Burma.

This plan evolved into the 1st Air Commando, and their achievements included landing gliders with troops and heavy equipment deep behind Japanese lines, gaining air superiority in the Burmese skies, bombing bridges and rail lines, and evacuating the wounded from jungle clearings and riverbeds in light planes and the first use of a helicopter in combat. After the war, Phil returned to Erie, and rose to President of Lyons Transportation Lines. He was also a Trustee of Gannon University, Pennsylvania State Chairman of the Heart Fund and many other such activities.

Candidate's Name: Max C. Currick
Occupation: Rabbi

In 1901, Max C. Currick came to Erie and served as a rabbi of the Congregation Temple Anshe Hesed. Currick was the head sponsor for many community activities, including the City of Erie municipal garbage collection, serving as the prime mover in establishing the Community Chest of Erie, and taking on a significant role for the United Way.

Rabbi Currick executed the establishment of the Erie County Library and also served as its chairman. From 1912-1916, Currick was Editor of the Erie Morning Dispatch and went on to be a columnist of the Erie Dispatch Herald and Erie Daily Times. He also participated in the founding of the Erie Civic Theater Association and contributed to the foundation of the Public Museum.

Rabbi Currick served on the Erie Public Library's first board and also played a significant role in organizations such as The Erie Boys Club, Erie County Health and Tuberculosis Society, and Children and Parents Bureau. One other major contribution that Rabbi Currick made to civil society was serving as the national chairman of the Committee on International Peace, which warned the public of the dangers of Nazi Germany in 1934.

Candidate's Name: Rear Adm. Charles A. Curtze
Occupation: Military Chief
Lifespan: 1911-2007

Curtze attended the US Naval Academy; he excelled in gymnastics and was selected, yet not permitted, by the Navy to attend the 1936 Summer Olympics in Hitler's Germany. Curtze was one of the fleet safety officers during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, who helped get the USS St. Louis safely out of port and take some of the first actions of the war.

Curtze received his masters in naval construction from MIT, served with the first American team with NATO, commanded the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, and served as Deputy Chief of the Navy's Bureau of Ships during the Vietnam War. Curtze and his superior at BuShips, Rear Adm. William A. Brockett, both resigned in a famous act of protest against Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara's consolidation of power in the Pentagon.

Candidate's Name: Anne B. Davis
Occupation: Actress
Lifespan: May 5, 1926-Present

Anne Bradford Davis was born on May 5, 1926 in Schenectady, New York and moved to Erie with her twin sister, Harriet, and older brother, Evans, when she was three years old. Anne graduated from Strong Vincent High School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree in drama and speech from the University of Michigan.

Anne's long acting career started when she played Charmaine "Schultzy" Schultz in the sitcom, The Bob Cummings Show on NBC. She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series twice for this role. Anne received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 9, 1960. Anne also played Miss Wilson, on John Forsythe's, The John Forsythe Show, a sitcom on NBC during the 1965-1966 seasons. She also appeared in television commercials for the Ford Motor Company during the 1960's and 1970's, was featured in commercials for Minute Rice until the mid 1980's.

Anne is best known for her role as the housekeeper, Alice Nelson, in the Brady Bunch series which was produced from 1969 through 1974. Since the end of that series, Anne has appeared in a number of Brady Bunch spin-off series including The Brady Brides, the Bradys, and The Brady Bunch Movie. Anne also appeared in a number of Brady Bunch reunion project, including TV Land's, The Brady Bunch 35th Anniversary Reunion Special, and Still Brady After All These Years. She and other cast members accepted the TV Land Pop Culture Award on the 5th annual TV Land Awards on April 22, 2007.

Candidate's Name: John Silk Deckard
Occupation: Artist
Lifespan: 1938-1994

John Silk Deckard (1938-1994) was a renowned printmaker and sculptor who began his arts education as a student of Joseph Plavcan. He received a National Scholastic scholarship to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine and subsequently studied at Edinboro State College, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Pratt Graphic Art Center. During the 1960's he created a distinctive printmaking style utilizing the human form to explore themes of alienation, sacrifice, and powerlessness.

He was selected by the Associated American Artists in New York City to show in A New Generation of American Printmakers. The Whitney Museum of American Art's show Annual Exhibition 1966: Contemporary Sculpture and Prints included his work. In 1965 and 1967 he was included in the Annual Exhibitions at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and in 1965 and 1966 his work showed in the Boston Printmakers Annual Print Exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Other galleries and museums that showed his work were the Brooklyn Museum, De Cinque Gallery, the Museum of Art at Penn State University, and the Mickelson Gallery in Washington, DC.

His works in sculpting and in printmaking remain in several private and public collections including the National Gallery of Art, Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University, PPG Industries, Cincinnati Art Museum, Sheldon Swope Art Museum, DePauw University, The Free Library of Philadelphia, Wichita Art Museum, and Erie Art Museum. Among his major works are the sculptures Eternal Vigilance, Erie Art Museum, 1978; Knifeman, Wichita Museum of Art, 1986; Cruciform-Transfiguration, Holy Cross Church, Erie, Pennsylvania, 1977; and the print Didactic Dance, National Gallery of Art, 1964.

Candidate's Name: William E. Dimorier
Occupation: Educator/Poet
Lifespan: 1871-1951

William E. Dimorier (pronounced Dim-or-ee) was born in 1871 in Sanford, NY. After his graduation, he came to Erie to teach English.It was in 1903 or so that Mr. Dimorier came to Erie to take a teaching position in the Erie School District. In addition to teaching high school English, he directed school plays, and acted as treasurer of the debate team. He was also interested in sports and in 1913; he led the effort to raise $6,000 for an "athletic field," which is where Ainsworth Field stands along with the old Roosevelt School.

When Academy High School opened in 1919, he took the position of assistant principal and became manager for the Academy Singers. He booked their engagements and took care of other administrative matters for the singers. A decade after he raised the funds for the athletic field, he led the fundraising effort for around $100,000 for Veterans' Stadium, which was named to honor the veterans of World War I. Mr. Dimorier was also a poet. Themes include Lake Erie, the sea (which must be inspired by Lake Erie), nature, spirituality, and historical figures, such as Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. Dimorier self-published his poems in a small paper-back book called The West Wind and other Verses, and in another book in 1944, called Rhymes and Some Reason. Mr. Dimorier died in 1951 in Afton, NY, where he had retired and resided with his sister and her husband. Demmie never married nor did he have children of his own, except for the many children he influenced in the Erie School District.

Candidate's Name: Captain Daniel Dobbins
Occupation: Captain
Lifespan: July 5, 1776-February 29, 1856

Daniel Dobbins was born 5 July 1776 (near present-day Lewiston) in Mifflin Co., Pennsylvania. An Erie pioneer, he came to the town with a surveying party, c.1795-6. He soon began serving onboard Lake Erie merchant ships, and by 1803 was captain of the Sloop Good Intent, one of perhaps only a dozen ships on the lake at that time. In 1809, Dobbins became master and part owner, along with Rufus S. Reed, of the 90-ton salt-trade Schooner Salina.

Dobbins sailed Salina on Lakes Erie and Huron until they were captured by the British when Fort Michilimackinac fell, 17 July 1812. The British gave Dobbins parole and ordered him to take his ship and paroled American soldiers to Cleveland. When Salina reached Detroit, Dobbins joined the militia unit there and participated in some skirmishes. When Gen. Hull surrendered Detroit, 16 Aug. 1812, Dobbins again became a prisoner of the British.

Dobbins moved to Erie and persuaded the Navy of the need for an American naval force on Lake Erie and of the suitability of Erie as the place to build and base that squadron. The Navy gave Dobbins the rank of sailing master and after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry took command of the ship building effort at Erie, Dobbins continued to be instrumental in the success of that project. Perry appointed Dobbins to command the US Schooner Ohio. The vessel was sent back to Erie for supplies and missed the Battle of Lake Erie. In 1826, he left the service and supervised harbor improvement projects in Erie and Ashtabula, Ohio and was a director of the Erie and Chautauqua Steamboat Company.

In 1829, he was appointed a captain in the US Revenue Cutter Service. Dobbins was involved in the Underground Railroad, helping an escaped slave, William Mason, evade slave catchers and getting him to safety onboard a schooner departing Erie. Dobbins Landing, Erie's public dock, is named for Capt. Dobbins. In 2003, Dobbins was honored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission with a state historical marker on Dobbins Landing. For further information we suggest reading Daniel Dobbins: Frontier Mariner by Robert D. Ilisevich, published by the Erie County Historical Society, 1993.

Candidate's Name: David Dennis Dunn M.D.
Occupation: Physician

Dr. Dunn was the first, or one of the first physicians, to volunteer for military service in W.W. II, He had a distinguished career in the E.T.O. pre and post Normandy invasion. He does not wear this on his sleeve, this this should be gathered by first hand interview.

Dr. Dunn was the first board certified surgeon to practice in Erie. He brought us surgery of national level competence and installed ethical and intellectual facets of first rate medical practice into the community, He trained many outstanding surgeons, some living, some gone, to serve the community. He was the "doctors doctor"...his colleagues and family's turned to him in crises. I recall that in the 1950s Dr. W.W.Maclachlan, emeritus professor of medicine at Pitt, had an acute appendicitis while in North East. Dr. Dunn did the surgery. Dr. Machlachlan mused to me :"wish we had a surgeon like Dr. Dunn in Pittsburgh."

He was, and is, a man of many interests. Dr. Dunn developed the technique, now used nationally, of doing hernia repair under local anaesthesis.He was a prime factor in Hamot becoming a first rate institution. Dr. Dunn was co-founder of the local hospice program and had great input into hospice nationally.

Candidate's Name: Mother Borgia Egan, RSM
Occupation: Educator
Lifespan: March 23, 1885-February 11, 1962

Mother Borgia Egan, RSM, became Superior of The Sisters of Mercy of Crawford and Erie Counties in 1920. She was an educator in the parochial schools of the Diocese of Erie, and in 1926, her vision of a "college on the hill" came to life after opening the Seminary for Girls (what would become Mercyhurst Preparatory School) and Mercyhurst College. Mother Borgia Egan was born on March 23, 1885. She was educated in Dubois, Pennsylvania and at the age of fourteen, she entered the Sisters of Mercy. For thirty years, she created and led the new Mercyhurst College.

She taught in Mercy schools in western Pennsylvania and became Principal of St. Catherine's School in Dubois from 1906 to 1916, and in 1918, she was elected Mother Superior of the Sisters of Mercy of Crawford and Erie Counties. Concurrent with that role she was Principal of St. Joseph's Academy in Titusville.

On September 30, 1922, the Sisters of Mercy bought a farm for almost $51,000 to build the college. In September of 1926, the college and seminary opened at the new campus on the hill, and by 1928, the college had a Charter from the Commonwealth, and a few years later accreditation from the Middle States Association. Mother Borgia 1927 on, as dean of the college until 1956. Mother Borgia Egan foundress and the embodiment of the college died on February 11, 1962 at the age of eighty-five.

Candidate's Name: Andrew Ellicott
Occupation: Mathematician/Surveyor
Life Span: 1754-1820

Andrew Ellicott was born in Buckingham Township, in Bucks County Pa. Growing up he was educated like many others at a local Quaker School. In 1985, Ellicott and his family moved where he would become a professor of mathematics at the Academy of Baltimore. Later that year he was asked to assist in a survey, which would label the western border of Pennsylvania. His efforts on this survey would lead to future encounters with Benjamin Franklin and Simon De Witt. Ellicott was appointed by George Washington to investigate lands between Lake Erie and Pennsylvania to determine boundaries between Western New York and U.S. territory.

Between 1791-1792, Ellicott assisted in the future boundaries for the city of Washington. Shortly after, Ellicott and his brother, Benjamin Ellicott, revised L'Enfant's plans which led to the re-alignment of Massachusetts Avenue. His revisions became the guide for the city's future development. In 1794, Ellicott received a position to plan the town of Erie, Pennsylvania, which he worked on for the next two years.

In 1796, Washington commissioned Ellicott as the U.S. Representative for the survey of boundaries between Spanish territories in Florida. His next task appointed by then Pennsylvania governor, Thomas McKean, positioned him as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Land Office. In 1809 he was fired by Simon Snyder, the following governor of McKean, due to political differences. During 1817, Ellicott performed the last survey he would be noted for. Three years later, Ellicott died in his home at West Point due to a stroke. In memoriam, is a self-titled park in Northern Virginia, along with Elliott Circle and Ellicott Street in Washington, D.C.

Candidate's Name: Mario J. Filigenzi
Occupation: Master Sergeant
Lifespan: November 11, 1921 - May 31, 1945

Mario was the First World War II Veteran from Erie, Pennsylvania to be awarded the Silver Star, America's third highest award for valor.

Mario J. Filigenzi served as Sergeant of the 93rd bombardment squadron and in the 19th bombardment group of the Air Corp in the United States Army for gallantry in action over Vunakanau Airdrome, Rabaul, New Britain, on 7th August, 1942. This soldier was engineer of B-17E aircraft on a bombardment mission over enemy territory near Rabaul, and before reaching the target, the formation was intercepted by a number of Zero type fighters, and during the ensuing engagement, one engine and the oxygen system were disabled. Sergeant Filigenzi operated the top turret guns, and by his accurate firing, warded off many enemy attacks, thus resulting in the destruction of a large number of enemy aircraft on Vunakanau airdrome.

Mario is the holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters awarded for having completed 50 operational missions in the fight against enemy submarines. Mario and his squadron were featured in The National Geographic magazine January, 1943 in "American bombers attacking from Australia" with 19 illustrations & map. Also a there is a book "On Wings We Conquer", by John Mitchel (IN ALIS VICMUS).

Candidate's Name: John Mark Gannon
Occupation: Bishop
Lifespan: June 12, 1877- September 5, 1968

John Mark Gannon was Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie for 46 years. Bishop Gannon was born in Eire in 1877. He was ordained in 1901, and appointed Bishop of Erie in 1920. He served for 46 years till his retirement in 1966. Archbishop Gannon died in 1968, having been a priest for 67 years and a bishop for 48.

He was appointed chairman of the Bishops' Committee to establish a seminary at Montezuma, New Mexico. In 1921, he founded Cathedral Preparatory School for Boys and in 1933 marked the founding of Cathedral College, which became Gannon University. In the 40's, he founded St. Mark's Seminary for the training of Diocesan Priests. During the 50's, he led the Diocese in a fund drive from which came the new St. Mark's and regional high schools in Bradford, DuBois, St. Mary's, Oil City and Sharon.

Bishop (became a personal Archbishop in 1953) Gannon presided over the greatest growth of the Diocese of Erie. He was not only was he interested in Education. Social Services saw the foundation of Gannondale and Harborcreek Schools. He was chosen the director of the Press Department of the National Catholic Welfare Conference and founded the National Bureau of Information within the Department. In November, 1939, Bishop Gannon was appointed chairman of the Commission for the Canonization of the Martyrs of the United States.

In 1942, Bishop Gannon served as the personal representative of the American hierarchy at the Eucharistic Congress in Brazil. He was the principal speaker at the Fiftieth Anniversary celebration of the Pontifical Coronation of the Venerable Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on October 12, 1945 in Mexico. In 1945, he was named treasurer of the National Catholic Welfare Conference.

Candidate's Name: Horace Greeley
Occupation: Editor/Politician

Horace Greeley was an American editor of a leading newspaper, a founder of the Republican Party, reformer and politician. From 1826 to 1830, Greeley worked as a journeyman printer in Erie, Pa., living across the street of what is now the Erie Art Museum. His New York Tribune was America's most influential newspaper from the 1840s to the 1870s and "established Greeley's reputation as the greatest editor of his day." Greeley used it to promote the Whig and Republican parties, as well as antislavery and a host of reforms. Crusading against the corruption of Ulysses S. Grant's Republican administration, he was the presidential candidate in 1872 of the new Liberal Republican Party. Despite having the additional support of the Democratic Party, he lost in a landslide.

Candidate's Name: Matthew Griswold
Occupation: GE Manager

Mr. Griswold was born in Erie in 1866 and graduated from Yale University in 1888. He was the president of Griswold Manufacturing Company of Erie for many years. In 1906, a Yale classmate (E. W. Rice Jr. General Electric vice president) was looking for a location to build a new plant. Mr. Griswold suggested Erie as a possible location. Subsequently General Electric requested Mr. Griswold to obtain options on the land that General Electric purchased in 1907.

In 1911, Mr. Griswold left Griswold Manufacturing Company to become acting manager of the GE Erie works. Mr. Griswold was named Manager of the GE Erie Works in 1912 and continued in this position until his retirement in 1929. He served as member of the City Planning Commission, Erie Manufacturers Association, Hamot Hospital, Erie Trust Company, the Chamber of Commerce and the Griswold Manufacturing Company.

He was especially active in the promotion of public improvements such as the new Union Station, the new Railway Post Office building, the East Lake Road Boulevard, and in providing the city of Erie with an adequate supply of natural and manufactured gas.

Candidates Name: Flora Best Harris
Occupation: Teacher/Writer/Poet/Composer

Flora Best Bensen grew up on Center Street in Meadville with her sisters and brother, Wesley Bensen who became district attorney of Crawford County and served as a trustee on the board of Allegheny College. Flora married Merriman C. Harris of Beallsville, Ohio in 1873, who was a graduate of Allegheny College. After Merriman was accepted in the Pittsburgh Conference of the Methodist Church, Flora and Merriman were sent to Japan as missionaries.

In addition to her profound impact on her successful students, Flora was a writer, poet, and composer of Christian hymns. One of her best known hymns, O ‘Tis Glory, is still sung in Japan. Her influence on Japan is best described by Kazo Uchimura, a Japanese religious leader, when he wrote, "The land of Yamato has had many lovers.

Candidate's Name: Walter Hendl
Occupation: U.S. Conductor/Composer/Pianist
Lifespan: January 12, 1917 – April 10, 2007

Walter Hendl was an American conductor, composer and pianist. Hendl was born in West New York, New Jersey, and later went on to study with Fritz Reiner at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. From 1939 to 1941 he taught at Sarah Lawrence College in New York City and in 1941 and 1942, he was a pianist and conductor at the Berkshire Music Center under Serge Koussevitzky.

In 1945, he became associate conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Four years later, he was appointed music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, holding this position until 1958. In 1953, Hendl became the music director of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. He remained with Chautauqua until his resignation in 1972. He was also active in the Symphony of the Air and conducted its 1955 tour of east Asia.

In 1958, Reiner appointed Hendl associate conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and he served in this post until 1963. He was the first artistic director of the Ravinia Festival and served there from 1959 to 1963. From 1964 to 1972, Hendl served as director of the Eastman School of Music at Rochester, New York, and was also musical adviser to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and its part-time conductor.

In 1976 Hendl was appointed music director of the Erie Philharmonic in Erie, Pennsylvania, and in 1990, he became professor of conducting at Mercyhurst College in Erie. An advocate of contemporary music, he conducted the premieres of Peter Mennin's Symphony No. 3 with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in 1947, Bohuslav Martinů's Piano Concerto No. 3 with Rudolf Firkušný and the Dallas Symphony in 1949, Villa-Lobos's Cello Concerto No. 2 with Parisot and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in 1954, and the American premiere of Kabalevsky's Requiem with students of the Eastman School in 1965. He composed incidental music for various stage productions and made several orchestral transcriptions.

Candidate's Name: William Himrod
Occupation: Pioneer
Lifespan: May 19, 1791-June 21, 1873

William Himrod was born on 19 May 1791 in Turbot Township, Pennsylvania and died 21 June 1873 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Himrod was a pioneer of the iron industry in Erie. Himrod was a partner in the firm of Johnson, Himrod and Company, an Erie ironworks that developed in the wake of the Depression of 1837. The company was renamed Vincent, Himrod, and Company in 1841, and operated the first blast furnace in Erie County at its Twelfth Street and French Street facility beginning in 1843.

The ironworks employed dozens if not hundreds of local workers, while its use of locally obtained iron ore employed yet others in the greater Erie area. In 1876 it became the joint stock company Chicago and Erie Stove Company, Ltd, which was also known as the Chicago and Erie Stove Works.

Himrod resided at the corner of Second Street and French Street for nearly fifty years. On 22 December 1839, he founded a Sunday School for African Americans and the destitute. He operated the school, which came to be known as the Himrod Mission, for nearly twenty years despite how it directly conflicted with the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793. Himrod was also involved in the Underground Railroad.

Candidate's Name: Henry Orth Hirt (H.O. Hirt)
Occupation: Founder of Erie Insurance

H.O. Hirt is the founder of ERIE Insurance. On April 20, 1925, Hirt founded the ERIE Insurance Exchange, along with the Erie Indemnity Company. ERIE Insurance has become one of the country's leading insurers and has helped to create thousands of jobs. It serves as Erie's third largest employer, and also ranks at 486 on the Fortune 500 list.

Hirt was born and raised in Erie, PA and in 1911, Hirt received a BA degree in Biology from Wittenberg College in Springfield, OH and became a teacher of Biology in Iowa and then of History in Texas. After contracting TB, he left his career as a teacher. He went on to serve as Secretary and Manager (CEO) of The ERIE from 1925 until 1931, when he became President and Manager (CEO) until 1976. His son, F. William Hirt, took over as President, but H.O. Hirt continued giving advice, serving as the "Founder and President Emeritus."

He remained as a Director of The ERIE companies until 1980 when he was named a Director Emeritus. He was a charter member of the Board of Governors and past Vice President of the National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII), who later awarded him the "Distinguished Service Award" in 1965, and in 1966, presented him with the "Distinguished Service Citation." Hirt also received the "Distinguished Service Award" from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce in 1964 and was honored in Erie by Insurance Industry leaders, in 1972, for his 50 years in the insurance business. Three years later, in 1975, Hirt received the "Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award" from the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System (ACES). He served as a director of the Insurance Information Office of Pennsylvania and the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, which honored him in 1977 and was also among the first to be named a "Distinguished Pennsylvanian" by Gannon University's William Penn Society in observance of Pennsylvania's 300th Anniversary in 1981.

Hirt also served as an Honorary Director of the Erie County Crippled Children's Society, a member of the Advisory Board of Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a member of the Advisory Board and was active in fundraising for the First Good Samaritan AME Zion Church. He served as the Co-Chairman of the Exceptional Children's Center Emergency Fund and was also active in the Northwest Pennsylvania TB Association, which is now known as the American Lung Association.

Among his other accomplishments, Hirt was a Corporator of Hamot Medical Center, and Incorporator of St. Vincent Health Center, a past Honorary Chairman of the WQLN Annual Fund Drive, and an Honorary Director of the Erie Philharmonic. He also served as a lifetime member of Luther Memorial Church and participated in fundraising for the Alumni Advisory Council of Wittenberg University, of which he was an active member. H.O. Hirt's name is displayed in various ways throughout the Erie area through the H.O. Hirt Building, the H.O. Hirt Scholarship Fund, the H.O. Hirt Auditorium, the H.O. Hirt Reading Room, the H.O. Hirt Room at the First Good Samaritan AME Zion Church in Erie, the Erie Insurance Group/H.O. Hirt Memorial Fund, the H. Orth Chair of History, and the publication, H.O. Hirt in His Own Words.

Candidate's Name: Frederic C. Howe
Occupation: Politician
Lifespan: 1867-1940

Born in Meadville, PA, in 1867, Howe became a very well known figure to the world of politics. After graduating from Allegheny College in 1889, Howe was accepted to John Hopkins University where he later received his Ph D in 1892. After his time at John Hopkins, Howe went to New York to study law. He finally settled in Cleveland and turned to politics in hopes he could change the economic and social justice in the Greater Cleveland area.

He was on city council, as a republican, but after running for re-election and not making it, he went in a new direction. Howe later became the president of the Sinking Fund Commission and was also a state senator of Ohio for two years. After his time in Ohio, Howe left again for New York City where he would head many boards.

Howe also had time to write books. He has four published books. One of the more well known titles is, "Confession of a Reformer". Howe was married to Marie H. Jenney, but did not have any children. Howe died in Martha's Vineyard, NY in 1940, but was buried in Meadville, PA.

Candidate's Name: Eugene Iverd
Occupation: Erie Illustrator
Lifespan: 1893-1936

Born on January 31, 1893; George Ericson, Iverd's real name, showed an interest in art at a young age while growing up in Waseca, Minnesota. A house painter taught him to mix colors and ordered his first paint set from the Sears & Roebuck Catalog.

He studied at the St. Paul School of Art and attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. His education was cut short when he joined the Army during World War I. He spent two years teaching art to wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Hospital. In 1921, Ericson accepted a position as the art teachers at the new Academy High School in Erie, Pennsylvania. He taught and encouraged a generation of Erie artists including Joseph Plavcan, Lester Roesner, Andy Hintenach, Harry Simpson, Wilber Adams and others.

He was soon considered one of the top illustrators in the United States. He enjoyed a successful commercial art career at the same time as other famous illustrators. Together, their works mark a time when magazines featured paintings, not photographs, and when publications had an amazing wealth of talented artists to call upon.

Ericson used the name Eugene Iverd for his commercial work but continued to sign his own name on his fine art paintings. Iverd illustrations were produced for national advertising campaigns for companies such as Monarch Foods, Campbell's Soup, Iodent Toothpaste, Winchester-Western Company, Pure Oil Corporation, Pequot Sheets and the Buffalo Evening News. Iverd produced covers and illustrations for the largest magazines of the day including the Saturday Evening Post, Ladies Home Journal, and others. The models for these illustrations included Ericson's wife Lillian, children Ruth, George and Jean and other Erie residents. George Ericson met an untimely death in June, 1936 at the age of 43.

Candidate's Name: James Renwick Jackson
Occupation: Minister
Lifespan: 1905-1953

Born in 1905 in Philadelphia, James Renwick Jackson attended night school at Temple University and became the minister at Union Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia in 1931. He brought in 610 new members in seven years, and in 1939, Jackson moved to Tyrone, PA, where he became minister at the First Presbyterian Church. For over five years, under his leadership, the church was able to cut its debt in half. In 1943, The American Bible College of Chicago awarded Jackson a Doctor of Divinity. One year later, in 1944,Jackson moved to Erie.

After the Old First Presbyterian Church burned down in April, he worked to rebuild the church that is now known as Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel for Gannon University. During the nine years of Dr. Jackson's ministry, the church increased its members from 744 to 2282.

Dr. Jackson died in 1953, at the age of 48, leaving a significant impact on the city of Erie and the rest of the world. His story has been retold and published in the book, "The Life of the Rev. James Renwick Jackson, Presbyterian Minister in Pennsylvania (1905-1953)," by his daughter, Agnes Jackson Wilson (Edwin Mellen Press, 2005).

Candidate's Name: Stephen E. Jones
Occupation: Admiral (one of Erie's five Admirals)
Lifespan: January 14, 1906-April 24, 1997

Stephen Everington Jones, a native of Duluth, Minnesota was born on January 14, 1906. He died at age 91 on April 24, 1997. He practiced law in Minneapolis for a year, then, after passing the Minnesota Bar, he returned to Erie, where he began practicing law with Lloyd Kennedy. Jones became a partner in the firm of Jones, Benson, and Dwyer.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he entered into the U.S. Navy as a reserve officer and soon became a Lieutenant, J.G. He was soon promoted and continued to remain on active duty in Naval Intelligence for seventeen years. He served on the Lighter-than Air-Base in Lakehurst, N.J., the Russell Islands in the Pacific, Traverse City Michigan, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Chicago, IL., and Washington, D.C.

As the St. Lawrence Seaway opened, Woods founded and served as the first chairman of the Erie Port Commission from 1956 to 1958, subsequently serving on the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. During his retirement, he also served on the port authority's advisory board, and in 1969, while also serving as president of the Erie County Bar Association.

He served as one of the 38 incorporators from the Bar Association, became a director, and also obtained the role as the first president of Erie County legal services, now known as Northwestern Legal Services. He served on the board of Erie Family Life Insurance Company from 1967 until 1996, and from 1965 to 1994, Woods served as a director of the Erie Indemnity Company. The Admiral was "Of Counsel" with the Knox Law firm from 1976 until his death. At the University of Michigan, he played as the goalie for the Big Ten Championship Ice Hockey team in 1927. He was named Michigan's first all American hockey player in 1929, the city of Erie's handball champion in 1935, and a Squash racquet champ in 1936 and 1938.

Candidate's Name: Ish Kabibble
Occupation: Comedian/ Cornet Player
Lifespan: January 19, 1908 – June 5, 1994

Ish Kabibble was a comedian and cornet player. Born Merwyn Bogue in North East, Pennsylvania, his family returned to Erie, Pennsylvania a few months after his birth. He studied law at West Virginia University, and performed with Kay Kyser on the television quiz show Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge in 1949 and 1950.

He also appeared in ten movies between 1939 and 1950, including In Thousands Cheer (1943). He's also a vocalist in That's Right — You're Wrong (1939), You'll Find Out (1940) and Playmates (1941). In his 1989 autobiography, Bogue explained his stage name, which he took from the lyrics of one of his comedic songs, "Isch ga-bibble," which was purported to mean "I should worry?", prompting a curious association of the comedian with the "What, me worry?" motto of Mad's mascot, Alfred E. Neuman.

Although Bogue's stage persona was that of a dimwitted person, he was a notable cornet player and was also business manager for the Kay Kyser Orchestra from 1931 to 1951. With the decline of the big bands, Bogue found a new career in real estate. He died in 1994 in Palm Springs, California.

Candidate's Name: Harry Kellar
Occupation: Magician
Life Span: 1849-1922

Harry Kellar is the father of magic. His contributions to the craft were so noteworthy that Harry Houdini is reported to have selected the stage name "Harry" in his honor. He was born in Erie to German immigrant parents. Kellar was often referred to as the "Dean of American Magicians." After serving as an apprentice to a druggist and experimenting with different chemical formulas, Kellar ran away and became a vagabond, until he ended up in Buffalo, New York, where he became an assistant to Fakir of Ava. In 1869, Kellar took a job with Davenport Brothers and Fay, until 1873 when he set off for a world tour through Central and South America with Fay. Through some inspiration, Kellar bought a place of his own to perform magic, naming it Egyptian Hall and after 264 performances, shut it down. He later retired in 1908, but performed one last time on November 11, 1917 for the Society of American Magicians. Some of Kellar's most notable illusions include "The Nested Boxes," "The Levitation of Princess Karnac," and "The Vanishing Lamp."

Candidate's Name: John "Jack" Kelley
Occupation: Reporter
Life Span: 1863-1943

John "Jack" Kelley was born in Chicago, in 1863 by residents of Erie County; by age seven he traveled with his then widowed mother to live with relatives is what is presently Lake City and attended Girard Township public schools. Kelley quit school at age 15 and worked various jobs until becoming the first reporter for The Erie Times. Leaving the position in late 1888, he returned to Chicago, where he began a well-known 40-year career with The Chicago Tribune.

He was also an accomplished feature writer. His articles were frequently published by Chicago newspapers, and he often submitted material of local interest to Erie county daily or weekly papers. Upon retirement in 1929, Kelley returned to Erie where he was a contributor of articles and also an aid in writing the history of at least four county catholic parishes.

A Kelley article re-printed a year ago, reveals the failed attempt near Sandusky, Ohio to seize the USS Michigan and free 3,000 Confederate officer prisoners of war. Kelley passed in 1943, while reading a newspaper, and is buried in Girard's St. John's Cemetery. His collections of hundreds of rare books were left to the Erie Public Library.

Candidate's Name: James Kennedy
Occupation: Union President/Founder
Lifespan: 1893-1958

James A. Kennedy was born in Pittsburgh, PA on July 23, 1893 and died in Erie, PA on December 18, 1958. He was the Father of Local 506. Founder and charter member of UE Local 506, James A. Kennedy, (Jim) devoted his adult life in organizing a strong rank and file Union at the General Electric.

In May 1937, shortly after the UE Local 506 was chartered by the International UE, Jim became the Union's first President. He was re-elected each year until December 1942, at which time, he was elected Business Agent, a position he was to keep until the time of his death.

Jim Kennedy's crucial role as catalyst of the organizing movement, a man who won memberships and loyalty to UE 506 by means of his absolute sincerity and his unquestioned integrity. He emerges as the vital force behind the formation of 506 in the Depression of 1937. Another aspect of Jim Kennedy's tremendous contribution to the tradition of rank and file political action, was his run for Congress in 1948 against Carroll D. Kearns.

Candidate's Name: Gerald W. "Buzz" King
Occupation: Trumpeter

Gerald "Buzz" King grew up in Erie and attended Strong Vincent High School, graduating with the class of 1933. He attended Kingsley United Methodist Church as a child. His mother wanted him to play the piano and he told her "just get me a trumpet." He later played the trumpet in the early 1930's with the "Collegiate Ramblers" band in Erie.

He left Erie in 1940 and took a train to New York City. He obtained a job playing the trumpet at Radio City Music Hall and in January, 1943, he enlisted in the Army and played for the Army Band, and during the same year, was honorably discharged in November.

King returned to New York City, continuing his 40-year trumpet-playing career at Radio City Music Hall. In his life-long career of playing the trumpet, "Buzz," as he liked to be called, worked with many famous bands and music legends, some of which include Paul Whiteman, ABC's First Color TV show, Radio City Music Hall, Frank Sinatra, and Doris Day.

While in the Army, he did a hitch with Erie's famous Band Leader, Oscar L.Nutter, and during retirement, played in many local gigs in the Mirmar Florida region. On December 24, 2009, King died at the age of 94.

Candidates Name: Admiral Denys W. Knoll
Occupation: One of Erie's Five Admirals
Lifespan: 1907 - 1989

Denys Knoll was born in Erie on March 7, 1907 to Edmund A. Knoll and Ida May Illig Knoll. After graduating from Cathedral Prep in 1925, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1930, Denys attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1939.

Denys' first naval assignment was as Aerological Officer for the Patrol Wing Five and later served as Aerological Officer on the U.S. Asiatic Fleet. During this time, he was also First Lieutenant on the USS Agusta and USS Houston. He coordinated the meteorological and communication efforts for the allied forces throughout the Pacific at the Fleet Weather Center in the Philippines early in World War II. Later he assisted with the plans to invade North Africa and was sent to Vladivostok and Moscow as part of a military mission.

After serving in World War II, Denys served as Naval Advisor at the organizing meeting for the United Nations, and served as the Secretary of the Military Staff Committee of the U.S. Delegation to the UN. Later, Denys became the Chief of Naval Operations and Commander Naval Oceanographic Office. It was around this time that he co-authored, New Wealth from the Seas: NAM Science and Technology Division [guide and Discussion for Harvesting Resources from the World's Oceans, Ocean Development]. His final post in the Navy was as Deputy Commander of the Military Sea Transportation Service, where he served until his retirement in May, 1967. Denys accumulated a long list of decorations and medals.

Denys authored two books about the Battle of 1812 including, Battle of Lake Erie: building the fleet in the wilderness in (1979), and Perry's victory on Lake Erie: an account of the building of the fleet in the wilderness, the decisive battle at Put-in-Bay in (1980).

Candidates Name: William Kolbe
Occupation: Fisherman/Inventor

William Kolbe was working for the Sandusky Fish Company in 1906 when its owner, Anthony Stoll, sent him to Erie to establish a new operation. At that time, fisherman from the United States frequently strayed into Canadian waters near Long Point to catch the abundant white fish. Since 1894, Captain Edward Dunn, who was hired by the Ministry of Marine & Fisheries, was patrolling the Canadian waters attempting to stop American fisherman from poaching. Dunn, armed with his patrol boat named, the Vigilant and bow-mounted Gatling gun, regularly encountered American fishing vessels, riddled their boats with bullet holes, and chased them back into American waters. This was a regular occurrence until, in 1904; a collision with the Grace M sunk it and killed two of her crew. This event signaled the end of what became known as The Fish Wars.

Kolbe realized that the days of fishing in Canadian waters and bringing the fish back to Erie for processing would soon end. In 1911, he developed a new strategy to harvest Canadian fish legally and take advantage of the distribution systems in the U.S. and Canada. Kolbe moved to Port Dover and took on dual citizenship which allowed him to distribute his fish in either Canada or the U.S. This was made possible by his son's invention of flash freezing which required less ice to keep the fish fresh. When the fishing industry began to decline, Kolbe switched from processing fish to chicken, agricultural feed made from fish byproducts, fertilizer, and other products. Kolbe became the leader of Ontario's commercial fishing community and lived in Port Dover, Ontario until his death in 1948.

Perhaps Kolbe's greatest contribution to the fishing industry was his invention of the fish fillet. Prior to the 1920's, fish processing consisted of gutting and possibly beheading the fish and selling them whole. In an effort to increase the value of his fish and drive up the price of smaller fish like perch, blue pike, and walleye after the decline of herring, Kolbe added filleting to his processing operations. Fish fillets, which required no further processing prior to cooking, drove up the price of fish and soon became the standard for fish processors throughout the Great Lakes.

Candidates Name: Robert Kolbe
Occupation: Inventor Fish Freezing Process

Robert grew up in Erie and was later sent to study at Rensaleer Polytechnic Institute in New York. William Kolbe wanted his son to develop a method of freezing fish that would enhance his processing operations and reduce the need for ice, which was bulky and expensive. By Robert's junior year in 1925, he had developed and patented a flash freezing technique which his father installed in his Port Dover facility. This new process allowed William to create an efficient operation to move his Canadian-processed fish through Erie to larger markets including New York City.

When Robert was ready to return to Rensaleer for his senior year, his father refused to pay his tuition since his son had already developed the fish freezing process. Having no method of paying for his senior year, Robert returned to Rensaleer and shared his dilemma with his professors who realized Robert's potential and found him scholarships which allowed him to finish his education.

Robert returned to Erie and ran the fishing and processing center. Robert became the manager of Union Fish and also ran both operations until he retired in 1972. His flash freezing invention is now used in almost all food industries to preserve foods for delivery from mass producers to the freezers of consumers.

Candidate's Name: Michael E. Kudlak
Occupation: Veteran/ Business Founder
Lifespan: September 18, 1913-May 5, 1983

Michael E. Kudlak was born in Austin, Pa. on September 18, 1913, as one of ten children. In the late 1920's, after a major flood in Austin, Pa., his father moved the family to Erie, Pennsylvania. After high school, Kudlak joined the Army Air Corps and received several medals for his service in World War II.

After his distinguished service for his country, he and his two brothers, Andy and Joe, started a General Aviation Fixed Base Operation (Erie County Flying Service) in Fairview, Pa during 1946. After much success, Kudlak moved the business to the Erie Airport and changed the name to Erie Airways, Inc in 1957.

During the next three decades, Erie Airways became one of the largest Fixed Base Operations in the Northeast. Kudlak was considered an accomplished businessman and boxer, a flight instructor, and an active member in the community. He was also a World War II pilot and served as one of Erie's Aviation pioneers. Under his leadership, he built more hangars and office space than any other current or past full service fixed base operator at Erie International Airport. He passed away on May 5th, 1983.

Candidate's Name: Constantine Gus Lambros
Occupation: Military Commander
Lifespan: 1927-1990

Gus was the 3rd brother. All five brothers served in the Armed Forces, with Alex, the second brother, serving in Army Infantry in Italy during WWII, highly decorated and presented with the Purple Heart. He still lives in Ashtabula today and comes to Erie for his regular visits to the Veterans Medical Center. Gus was born in 1927, in Ashtabula and baptized in the Erie Assumption Greek Orthodox Church a few months later. He graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1944, and immediately enlisted and served in WWII on the USS Lorain.

Constantine D. Lambros was discharged in 1946, and attended West Virginia University and Ohio Northern University in Pre-Law; and was admitted to the John Marshall Law School in Cleveland?Gus practiced Law in Ashtabula with the youngest brother, Tom D. Lambros, and then moved his practice to Cleveland, Ohio.

During the Korean War, Constantine was called to active duty; as he retained his military career in Reserve as an Officer, while practicing law in Cleveland. After returning home with his family, he continued to practice Law in Cleveland and live in Ashtabula. In the process, he was associated in the Military Reserve with Erie's Attorney William Kelley; they had also served in the same military unit. Gus was appointed City Manager of Ashtabula and was also assigned to the Pentagon as a JAG Officer and defended the government in the Kent State University shooting. He won the criminal case for the Government, and also defended the Government in the Wounded Knee Case.

As time passed, all his work was recognized by the Governors of Ohio as they appointed him to the State Cabinet in Columbus, and another Governor appointed him as Head of the Ohio Army Reserve as a One Star General. Gus did much to help students in the Ashtabula County area and was instrumental in aiding students gain admission to West Point. Gus was called to Active Duty during the Vietnam War and was appointed Major General before he passed in 1990.

Candidate's Name: Catherine Little
Occupation: Dancer
Lifespan: 1912- 2003

She operated her studio for over 75 years. Miss Little taught three generations of students from babies to grandmothers. Miss Little was born in 1912 in Parsons, WV. At the age of 14 she opened her first dance studio in the parlor of her mother's home in Erie, PA. After moving to several locations as the studio grew, she settled at 18 North Park Row where it remained for over 50 years.

Catherine was a National Vice President for the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA). She taught her children's work in New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles. She was the President of the Buffalo, NY Chapter. During the 1970's she volunteered her time to teach tap to the deaf and blind students at Wayne School reaching out to children who would not normally be able to experience a dance class. Miss Little attended the University of Cincinnati where she took classes to teach students with Cerebral Palsy.

Catherine Little received Merit and Recognition Awards from the following people: President George Bush, Governor Tom Ridge, Governor Dick Thornburg, Congressman Phil English and Mayor Joyce Savocchio. She was recognized for her 75 years of hard work and devotion to the dance field. She was featured in Dance Teacher Magazine with an article untitled "Catherine The Great" by Steve Succata of Erie. Catherine Little died on September 2, 2003. Her dance studio is in it's 82nd year of operation.

Candidate's Name: Hugh C. Lord
Occupation: Engineer/Entrepreneur

After graduating high school at Erie Academy in 1887, Hugh Lord was accepted to read law—then the term for apprenticeship—under State Senator Emory Walling. Additionally, Hugh taught nights in the Erie public school system and served as a deputy U.S. Marshall while reading law for Walling. In 1890, at age 23 and specializing in patent and trademark law, Hugh Lord was admitted to the Erie County Bar. Soon, his two most important clients were Erie City Iron Works and Lovell Manufacturing.

Hugh was an active member of the Erie Community. He campaigned for and won a Fourth Ward seat on the Select Council of Erie City government. He next served as Select Council President from 1904 to 1906, and was a founding board member of the Erie Chamber of Commerce and later its President in 1916.

In 1924, motivated by the squeaking automobiles that passed his West Fifth Street home, Hugh began experimenting with rubber to dampen or eliminate noise. He founded Lord Manufacturing Company.

Lord Manufacturing Company's first sale was in 1927 to General Electric Company for mountings to silence air-compressors on their trolley cars. In 1927, Lord gained two engine-mount customers, Nash and Lincoln automobile manufacturers. But the euphoria of early success faded rapidly when the Great Depression struck the U.S. in 1929. Lord's next customer, Hupp Motor Company, didn't appear until 1934 and only then did Lord Manufacturing Company turn its first profit. It had operated for its first ten years on Hugh's personal investment of $250,000, plus $25,000 invested by Blanche Hartman who also worked for IOUs during the depression years. In 1936, Hugh convinced of future success in the aviation market, bought an 11-acre parcel of land at Erie's West 12th and Greengarden Streets.

As air travel gained popularity, newly patented aircraft instrument panel mountings from Lord Manufacturing gained popularity with Sperry Gyroscope Company. As our nation's involvement in World War II became imminent, Hugh Lord negotiated the purchase of an aircraft engine mounting system patent from Wright Aeronautical Company, which became known as Dynafocal® engine suspensions. Soon after, the war erupted. To accommodate large production, Hugh Lord used his own money to purchase necessary materials. Hugh suffered a stroke in 1944, but determination kept him alive for eight more years. He held 36 patents related to bonded rubber mountings.

Candidate's Name: Artemas Martin
Occupation: Mathematician
Life Span: 1835-1918

Artemas Martin was a self-taught mathematician from Erie, who used to sell his vegetables locally at the farmers market. He spent most of his life in what is presently Millcreek. As editor of two local journals, The Mathematical Magazine and The Mathematical Visitor, he brought the name of Erie all over North America; he also presented his work at international conferences. Martin enjoyed collecting novels - owning more than 10,000 of them, and worked as a personal computer for the government solving difficult calculations. He was a member of many professional associations within the country and abroad.

Surprisingly this individual, who attended minimal schooling, strongly supported education and in working together to solve problems. His publications targeted mathematics, teachers and lovers of the subject in general. He learned calculus and advanced math on his own, hoping to share it with others. He even learned to typeset his own work because no one in the area met his standards.

He co-authored an important document that listed most of the mathematics books in use in the nation at his time. This document is quite important from the historical point of view, as it offers a view of American education at the time. He donated all his books to American University in Washington, D.C., where part of the rare book collection is named after him.

Candidates Name: General David Meade
Occupation: General War of 1812

In early 1812, when British ships passed close to the opening of the channel at the mouth of Presque Isle Bay, Oliver Hazard Perry believed that the British invasion of Erie was imminent. He appealed to General David Mead of Crawford County for help. Mead immediately ran an ad in the Crawford Weekly Messenger that read, "Citizens to Arms! Your state is invaded. The enemy has arrived at Erie threatening to destroy our navy and town…" Mead raised an army including Thomas Atkinson, the paper's editor, and marched to Erie only to find the British ships had pulled back to Port Dover.

Perry took advantage of the opportunity to move the Niagara and Lawrence across the sandbar at the opening of the canal into open waters. Meade and his men pulled the brigs passed the sandbar with the help of the camels designed to float the brigs over the sandbar. Many of Meade's men accompanied Perry into battle and eventually defeated the British in the most important battle of the war of 1812. Perry personally thanked Meade for his men's part in helping defeat the British. The town of Meadville bears its name in his honor.

Candidates Name: Peter Mennin
Occupation: Composer
Lifespan: 1923-1983

Peter Mennin (Mennini) was born in Erie on May 17, 1923 and began composing music when he was seven years old. He began his formal musical training at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, but his training was cut short by his service in the Army during World War II. In 1943 he returned to his training at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York where he graduated in 1947. Upon graduation, he joined the faculty of the Julliard School of Music in New York City where he taught many students including, Jacob Druckman, Richard Danielpour, Karl Korte, Charles L. Bestor, and Clair Polin. That same year his Symphony No. 3 premiered at the New York Philharmonic which eventually was performed by many orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. Peter directed the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland from 1958 to 1962 when he returned to preside over the Julliard School until his death in 1983.

Peter was responsible for overseeing the school's move to the Lincoln Center and established its American Opera Center, Conductors' Training Program, Contemporary Music Festival, Playwrights Program, and Theater Center. Throughout his career, Peter received a number of awards and commissions and Julliard now awards the Peter Mennin prize for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Music. Peter's music and mentorship of other students contributed greatly to classical music.

Candidate's Name: Orange Fowler Merwin
Occupation: Business Founder

Founder of Eriez Magnetics – Developed the first magnets to remove metal from live stock feed – changed the feed mill and food industries with industrial magnetic and vibration feeders.

In 1941, Orange Fowler Merwin or "O.F" as he was known, sold equipment to grain millers. Most of the time however, they had problems with finding "Tramp iron" which was stray pieces of metal that got included with the grain and made for a real problem. Merwin took the time to investigate the problem and came up with a new magnet called "alnico." This was a combination of aluminum, nickel, cobalt and iron which had 30 times more power then that of just cobalt steel.

Eriez Magnetic has thus been formed and is specialized in advance technology for magnetic designs and manufactures magnetic separation. It has turned into a technology advanced international company with locations from Australia and Canada to Brazil and South Africa.

Candidate's Name: James Blaine Miller
Occupation: Captain
Lifespan: NA

James Blaine Miller was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1883, at 32 years old. He graduated from Oberlin College, Ohio, in June of 1903, with a degree of Bachelor of Arts Degree. He was appointed as an Aid in the Survey on June 18, 1903, promoted to Assistant on September 1, 1906, and was also employed on hydrographic and leveling work in various localities. In 1904, he was engaged in surveys in Puerto Rico, and also in 1906, he was in command of the Steamer Endeavor in the survey of Chesapeake Bay and was placed in command of the Steamer Research in the Philippine Islands. In 1909, Miller was transferred to the command of the Fathomer, later returning to the United States. He was placed in command of the Steamer Patterson for surveying work in the Hawaiian Islands and on the coast of Alaska. And in May of 1915, Miller died aboard the Lusitania in her torpedo sinking, while traveling as a passenger.

Candidate's Name: William Morrison
Occupation: Lt. Commander, USNRF
Lifespan: 1869-1956

Erie native Morrison graduated from the Peekskill Military Academy in 1887 and joined the Pennsylvania Naval Militia in 1911, assuming command of the U.S.S. Wolverine (formerly U.S.S. Michigan, the first iron-hulled ship in the U.S. Navy, commissioned in 1844) when the Navy transferred the ship to Pennsylvania in 1912. Morrison remained in command of Wolverine until the ship was laid up in 1923 due to engine failure.

Morrison then avidly sought funding from the Navy and the State to repair Wolverine. When these efforts failed, he tried to gain support for preservation of the ship as a museum. When these efforts were exhausted, Wolverine was scrapped in 1949, but managed to raise funds to preserve a portion of the iron steamer's bow as a memorial. In 1954, a plaque in Morrison's honor was placed at the monument in honor of the ship's last captain.

Captain Morrison's most lasting achievement may be the spearheading of efforts to raise and reconstruct the U.S. Brig Niagara in 1913 for the centennial of the Battle of Lake Erie. Niagara was then triumphantly towed around the Great Lakes by Wolverine, under Morrison's command. Morrison was also an avid yachtsman, a founding member and second commodore of the Erie Yacht Club, 1904-05. A member of the State Parks & Harbor Commission, he was instrumental in the creation of Presque Isle State Park, and was appointed the first superintendent of the Park in 1922. He also served two terms as a State Representative, 1923-26.

Candidate's Name: Ruth Eleanor Newton
Occupation: Artist/Illustrator
Lifespan: March 6, 1884-May 27, 1972

Ruth Eleanor Newton started training as an artist in Erie County. She began taking art lessons as a young student and also enrolled in Saturday classes at the Catlin School of Art. In 1902, Lovia Card-Catlin helped Newton to gain a scholarship to the Philadelphia School of Fine Art, where she entered her drawings into a contest, offering an award for the best illustrations suited for the book "The Old Schloss." Newton's entry won the contest, and after completing art school, she moved to Boston and became an established free-lance artist.

She worked for companies such as Rust-Craft Corporation and the Ivory Soap Company, until she moved to New York City to become an illustrator and designer. During the 1920's, Newton illustrated some of the most popular children's books, entering into a contract with Whitman Publishing Company. Some of these books include Mother Goose, Peter Rabbit, and The Night Before Christmas. Newton soon shifted her creativity in 1949 to creating dolls, teaming up with Sun Rubber, to develop a new doll called "Amosandra," in conjunction with the popular Amos and Andy Show.

Approximately twenty seven other dolls were soon to follow. Newton's love for painting outdoor landscapes brought her back to Harborcreek, where her father's family had lived on a farm. After an injury, she resided in Rondal Nursing Home until her death on May 27, 1972.

Candidate's Name: Oliver Norton
Occupation: Educator/Lieutenant
Lifespan: December 17, 1839-October 1, 1920

Norton was born on December 17, 1839 in the town of Angelica, New York. During the outbreak of the Civil War, he was a teacher in West Springfield, PA and on August 28, 1861, he enlisted in the 83rd Regiment in Erie and later went on to serve as a private in the war.

Norton was wounded at Gaines' Mill, Virginia on June 27, 1862, and it was during this time that Norton, serving as a bugler, was summoned by General Daniel Butterfield to help create bugle calls for various military directions. One of these calls was to signal the end of the day's activities and to instruct the troops to bed down for the night, universally recognized as "Taps," which Butterfield wrote. Norton not only participated with valor in the defense of Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg, but he also gave the dedication speech for the monument to the 83rd Pennsylvania in 1889.

After Gettysburg, in November of 1863, Norton was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Eighth United States Colored Troops. Although Norton was a veteran soldier, the 8th U.S.C.T. had never seen combat. They received their "baptism of fire" at the Battle of Olustee (Florida) on February 20, 1864. Following the war, Norton was employed for a short time as a banker in New York, but instead, moved to Chicago to become a manufacturer of steel cans. His company ultimately became the American Can Company and forever changed the eating habits of Americans. Norton died in Chicago on October 1, 1920, at the age of 81.

Candidate's Name: Sgt. Donald S. Oaks Jr.
Occupation: Sargeant

Sgt. Donald Oaks enlisted in the U.S. Army following his High School Graduation from Harborcreek in 2000. He was following his desire to serve his Country. He graduated boot camp at Fort Knox Kentucky during the time of the bombing of the USS Cole. His patriotism further fueled that desire as well as the results of 9-11. He quickly rose up in the ranks from private to Sergeant. In January of 2003, he was deployed to Iraq serving with the 3rd Battalion 13th Field Artillary regiment out of Fort Sill Oklahoma. He was a Gunner on a Multiple Launcher. All of this acheived while only at the young age of 20. He was 3 weeks shy of his 21st birthday when the effects of the war had taken his life.

His unit was bombed by friendly forces. The ultimate sacrifice has been paid by this young heroic man in his quest to protect the freedoms and safety of his fellow countrymen while fighting the war on terror. Sergeant Donald S.Oaks Jr. died in Iraq on April 3, 2003 during the conflict "Operation Iraqi Freedom".

Candidate's Name: James W. Peterson
Occupation: Chaplain/Catholic Priest

For over 60 years, Msgr. Peterson of the Erie Catholic Diocese Office of special Ministry and Maria House Projects has worked with many kinds of troubled people in need. Peterson has served as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Erie, serving as a pastor in several parishes.

In 1947, Peterson served as an assistant at Blessed Sacrament in Erie, and in 1975, was named pastor at St. Teresa of Avila in Union City, serving for ten years. Peterson helped to found the Horizon House in Union City as a shelter for women. In 1991, he was appointed the role of an administrator at St. Stephen church in Erie. From 1991 to 1995, Peterson served as a chaplain to the Carmelite Nuns at the Holy Family Monastery in Erie.

He has also served as a chaplain in various institutions and organizations such as the Erie County prison, the Catholic Daughters of America, for a Charismatic group meeting at Leopold Center, Courage, and also at Gannon University. From 1947 to 1975, Peterson taught scripture and theology at Gannon University, organizing and serving as the first "Head" of the theology department. Peterson was also a campus minister, founder and moderator of the Thomas More Society.

Some of Peterson's other accomplishments have been writing books and devotional booklets, aiding Catholics and non-Catholics, which include "God, Man, and the World" and "The Sweep of John's Gospel." Peterson also taught scriptures and played a major role in bringing the Serra Club, Christian Family Movement, the Foundation for International Cooperation, and the Cursillo Movement to the Erie diocese. He also organized the diocesan vocation office in 1951, becoming the first diocesan vocation director.

Peterson served as the spiritual director at St. Mark Seminary, and in 1957, made a 30-day retreat and joined the Secular Institute of Priests of the Sacred Heart. He was also the founder and current board member of the Avila House in Union City. Peterson wrote a weekly column in the diocesan newspaper, The Lake Shore Visitor, and also serves as the current editor for the Spirit of Medjugorje. He received the Chaplain of His Holiness, given to him on July 1, 1994, by Pope John Paul II.

Candidate's Name: Joseph Plavcan
Occupation: Artist
Lifespan: 1908-1981

Joseph Plavcan is one of the city's well-known artists who spent a half decade recreating Erie in swirling watercolors and vibrant oils, with landscapes that captured life. Scenes from the city were what inspired him throughout his half-century career. His professional art work has included paintings, drawings, mural decorations, commissioned portraits, and sculpture.

In 1926 Plavcan began studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, where his teacher, George Ericson, had also studied. He did well in his studies, winning a Cresson European Traveling Scholarship to study and travel in Europe in 1928. His paintings can be found in the Bentley Collection of Boston and the Rosenweig Collection in Grand Rapids. Joe's popular exhibitions have traveled to the leading galleries of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York and Washington.

In 1931 Plavcan returned to Erie; it is said that through his students he left his most indelible mark. His classroom at Erie Technical High School would prove to be the first stop for hundreds of would-be future artists. Plavcan taught his students technique, form and function and theimportance of solid drawing skills, all while encouraging a drive for excellence.

Candidate's Name: The Reed Family
Col Seth Reed, Rufus Reed, Charles Manning Reed
Occupation: Founding Family/ Entrepreneurs
Lifespan: NA

The Reed family is Erie's founding family. Col. Seth Reed, the founder of the family fortune, was a physician at Uxbridge, Mass. He fought at Bunker Hill and also came into possession of a tract of land eighteen miles in extent by a trade with the Indians in Ontario Co., N.Y. He built the first building on the site of Erie, was a one-story log cabin, covered with bark, and located at the mouth of Mill Creek. Col. Reed concluded to open a public house, and labeled his cabin the "Presque Isle Hotel."

In September, Col. Reed's sons- Rufus S. and George- came on by way of Pittsburgh, with Mrs. Thos. Rees and Mrs. J. Fairbanks. Here he remained, until his death on the 19th of March, 1797, at the age of fifty-three. Chas. J. Reed occupied the farm after his death. He was joined in Wedlock to Rachel Miller on the 27th of Dec., 1797, which was also the first marriage in the county. George W. Reed, another of the sons, went two miles further up the creek, in Summit Township to live on a farm. He moved to Waterford and opened a public house, and in 1826, he changed to Erie, where he continued in the hotel business for a number of years, later returning to Waterford in 1844, where he died in 1847. Rufus S. Reed, the most prosperous and best known of the sons, always remained in Erie.

He was born at Uxbridge, Mass., on the 11th of Oct., 1775. He started a store in 1796 and in 1797, he began an extensive fur trade with the Indians, which proved to be very profitable. He secured large Government contracts for supplying the western posts with beef, pork, flour and whisky. He came into partnership with Giles Sanford in the mercantile branch, which continued for many years.

Rufus S. Reed died at the age of seventy, on the 1st of June, 1846. Gen. Charles M. Reed was born in Erie in 1803, and he was sent to college at Washington. Penn. Returning to Erie, he engaged in business with his father, and became the largest owner of steamboats on the lakes. While the canal was at the height of its prosperity, he realized all the benefits of that enterprise, and when the time came for building railroads, he quickly grasped their importance.

In his early years he was fond of military display, and became Brigadier General of militia. He served a year in the State Legislature and a term in Congress. In politics, he was first a Whig and then a Republican. He died in the mansion at the corner of West Sixth Street and the park, on the 18th of Dec., 1871, in the sixty ninth year of his age.

Candidates Name: Rufus S. Reed
Occupation: First Settler/Businessman


Rufus Reed, the son of Seth and Hannah Reed, was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts on October 11, 1775, and joined his parents in Erie around 1795. In 1796, he started a store in Erie and soon became very successful trading with the Indians, soldiers, and other settlers. He expanded his business in 1797 by creating a large fur trading operation with the Indians. He acquired a number of boats and began a shipping business. After securing a large government contract to supply the western posts with beef, port, flour and whiskey, he expanded is business again by acquiring more lake vessels.

In 1834, after the completion of the Erie Canal to Pittsburgh, Rufus Reed and State Senator John H. Walker began pressuring the Governor to begin construction on the Erie Extension of the canal. The estimated cost to complete the project was $211,000. Rufus, with other Erie businessmen, created the Erie Canal Company of Pennsylvania to raise the necessary money to complete the project. On August 1, 1843, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed a resolution to give the canal to Rufus' company free of charge. Rufus, the other officers of the company, and the Mayor joined the canal on its final leg to Lake Erie.

Candidate's Name: Sarah A. Reed
Occupation: Active Community Member
Lifespan: 1838-1934

Reed is the great-granddaughter of Erie's first settlers, Colonel Seth Reed and Hannah Reed. She was a major force in the cultural and charitable activities of the community for almost 70 years and served as president of the Home for the Friendless for 44 years. Following her death, the name of the institution was changed to Sarah A. Reed Home.

The Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center is an outgrowth of Erie's first social service agency, which was founded in 1871 by a group of 30 Erie women. Known at the time as "The Home for the Friendless," it fulfilled its purpose by providing care and shelter to the unfortunate of all ages.

By 1890, separate buildings housed the children and adults, marking what was to become a complete division of services. As other agencies developed, the Home's services were adjusted to meet the changing needs and demands within the community. In 1961, the Children's Center moved to a new location where treatment could be provided for children with serious emotional, social, learning and behavioral problems.

In 1986, the two centers were incorporated as separate, private nonprofit organizations. The name Sarah A. Reed Home was adopted in 1936 to honor a founder who served on the volunteer Board of Directors for 45 years.

Candidate's Name: Thomas Rees
Occupation: Deputy Surveyor

On May 16, 1792, Thomas Rees was appointed Deputy Surveyor for the State of Pennsylvania and immediately set out for the Erie Triangle to survey it. His first two efforts to travel here were set back by problems with Indian and other problems. His third attempt was successful and Mr. Rees successfully surveyed the Erie area and effectively laid out the street grid of the City of Erie. In 1796, Rees returned to Erie from Philadelphia, in actuated with the countryside, and immediately took a tract of land which became known as Rees Reserve. He became the first full time resident of Erie County. The Gospel Hill area of Harborcreek on Station Road became his place of residence and his body is still buried along with other family members, employees, and friends in the Gospel Hill Cemetery.

Candidates Name: Daniel McLaren Rice
Occupation: Entertainer
Lifespan: 1823 – 1900

Dan Rice was born in New York City on January 23, 1823. Dan reinvented the role of clown to include, singing, dancing, and political satire. He was also known as an animal trainer, strong man, actor, director, producer, and politician. Dan became so famous that he decided to run for President of the United States in 1868 after the Civil War. Later, he wrote and performed parities of works by William Shakespeare including, Dan Rice's Version of Othello, and Dan Rice's Multifarious Account of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Dan became well known and even drew the attention of Mark Twain. Twain described his clowning escapades in his description of a circus in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. His shows were more famous than those of his rival, Phineas Taylor Barnum. Dan spent his winter months in Girard from 1852 to 1875 where a historical marker now resides across the street from his home. Although the town of Girard hosts an annual Dan Rice Days celebration, biographer David Carlyon called Rice, "the most famous man you've never heard of."

Rice is credited for a number of expressions including, "to jump on the bandwagon", "one horse show" and, "The Greatest Show on Earth." He is also credited for developing vaudevillian style shows before there was Vaudeville. Dan Rice changed the way people would enjoy live entertainment.

Candidate's Name: Samuel J. Roberts
Occupation: Educator/ Humanitarian/ Jurist

Samuel J. Roberts was a teacher, a humanitarian and a jurist. For 35 years he served both Erie County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a member of the judiciary. In 1952, he was appointed Judge of the Orphans Court of Erie County and the following year was elected to a full ten year term.

In 1962, he was elected to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania becoming the third Justice elected from Erie County. Following 20 years of service as an Associate Justice, he was elevated to Chief Justice on January 3, 1983 thus becoming the fifty third Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. After his term on the Supreme Court he served as a Senior Judge on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.

During his term on the Supreme Court he led the Court toward modernization of the jurisprudence of this Commonwealth.

In 1984, he was appointed Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Democracy at Gannon University. He served many institutions of higher education among them University of Pennsylvania School of Law, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Trustee of Gannon University and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the President's Council of Villa Maria College.

Candidate's Name: Walter J. Rogers, Jr., PhD
Occupation: Physician

Walter J. Rogers, Jr. was born in Erie on September 16, 1952. He contracted polio at 18 months old and was inpatient at the Erie Shriners Hospital for Children for six months. While working on his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Gannon after graduating from Fairview High School, Walter worked as tote board manager at the Commodore Downs Racetrack. His B.S. in Biology together with his knowledge gained in the area of computers at the racetrack landed him a position as Research Assistant in the Division of Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland in 1979.

He was promoted from Research Assistant to Consultant in Nuclear Cardiology, Research Associate, and Assistant Professor at the School of Medicine and to Cardiac Physicist while gaining his Masters of Science in Radiation Physics in 1991. He developed patents associated with MRI and co-wrote more than 15 peer reviewed articles working in the emerging field of cardiac magnetic resonance. He was instrumental in the development of the fundamental concepts of myocardial tissue tagging that has since been adapted and today is being used in many cardiac applications.

Walter moved to Pittsburgh in 1993 to work at Allegheny General Hospital; joining a dynamic team including his long-time associate and close friend Dr. Christopher Kramer. Together they worked to reveal significant findings in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) of MI (heart attack) patients. He was a founding member of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. Always looking to further his knowledge, Walt began a concentration in vascular biology and gained his PhD in Cardiovascular Biology through Duquesne University in 2002.

In 2002, Walt accepted a position at the University of Virginia, joining the growing CMR group there making gains in the area of molecular CMR. He quickly became Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Radiology at UVA, being recognized for his leadership skills.This was evidenced in February 2007 at the 10th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and 6th Annual Meeting of the Working Group for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance of the European Society of Cardiology held in Rome, Italy on February 2- 4, 2007. The Young Investigator Award for Clinical CMR Research session was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Rogers.

Candidate's Name: Robert Francis Ruyak
Occupation: Engineer/ Inventor
Lifespan: 1925 - 2006

Robert Francis Ruyak, was born April 4, 1925, in Rankin, PA. He was a pilot with the US Army Air Corps in World War ll, receiving his wings at the age of 18. He began his engineering career as a draftsman for Westinghouse Corp., Atomic Power Division, in Pittsburgh. He was a member of the team that designed the nuclear reactor for powering the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine, for which he received a medal of distinction from President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

He had been a resident of Erie since 1954, when he moved his wife and children here to join Autoclave Engineers, Inc., from which he retired in 1986. During his years at Autoclave, he created a number of inventions and was awarded more than a dozen US patents. The most significant invention was the Synchronous Magnetic Drive. It enabled scientists around the world to develop new organic, inorganic and synthetic materials and products. Record sales to corporate laboratories, such as DuPont, Dow Chemical, Union Carbide, Monsanto, Celanese, Exxon, Shell, Chevron, Upjohn, were just a few of the many that created a demand for the increased production of the MagneDrive.

He was nominated in 2003, by his colleagues to the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation in Akron, Ohio.. He was also recognized for his technological contributions through a special exhibit sponsored by the Erie County Historical Society in 2004. After retiring from Autoclave in 1986, he continued to live and work in Erie consulting, inventing and problem solving. He volunteered to apply his knowledge of pressure and temperature dynamics and the use of his inventions, at the request of the American Red Cross, to try to find a way to kill the HIV virus in donated blood. He also volunteered every week for more than 20 years at the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Candidate's Name: Hon. William L. Scott
Occupation: Politician/Entrepreneur
Lifespan: July 2, 1828-September 19, 1891

Hon. William L. Scott was born in Washington City July 2, 1828. He received a common school education and was first appointed a page in Congress about the year of 1840. Scott received lessons in commerce and modes of transportation. In 1850, he made his first venture in the coal and shipping business with the late Hon. Morrow B. Lowry. This firm continued in business for one year, and in 1851, he engaged in the coal business with Mr. John Hearn.

He was the controlling owner of the stock of the Youghiogheny Coal Company of Pennsylvania, Spring Valley Coal Company of Illinois and Union Coal Company of Pennsylvania. In 1861, Mr. Scott built the portion of the Erie & Pittsburgh railroad, which extends from Girard to New Castle, and in 1863-64, he constructed the completing link from New Castle to the Fort Wayne railroad, becoming a large owner of the same. He was president of the Erie and Pittsburgh R.R. Company and, during the war, he located and constricted the Pittsburgh Docks at the mouth of Cascade run in Erie. In 1862, he and John F. Tracy extended the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroad from Grinnell, Iowa, to the Missouri river. He was the president and director of 22,000 miles of railroad and was one of the pioneers in rapid transit in New York City, and was also one of the builders of the Philadelphia and Norfolk railroad in 1884. He aided to develop the Canada Southern and Canadian Pacific Railroads and was the oldest director of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern railroad. He also served as the director and member of the Chicago and Northwestern R.R., director in the Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis and New Castle and Beaver Valley Railroads; Michigan Central R.R. and Albermarle and Chesapeake Canal Company.

He was an iron manufacturer in the Shenango Valley and in Missouri, later becoming a controlling owner of the Northwestern Fuel Company of St. Paul. In Erie, Scott has built many memorials, including the Scott Block in 1872, his home residence, and the ownership of 2,000 acres of land in Erie County. This land also contributed to the creation of Massassauga Point.

Aside from his service as mayor of Erie, he was elected to Congress in 1884. He was mayor of Erie in 1866 and again in 1871, serving two full terms. Scott was nominated for Congress in 1866 and in 1876, and was also a delegate to the National Democratic Conventions of 1868, 1876, 1880 and 1888. He served as a representative of Pennsylvania on the Democratic National Committee from 1876 to 1884, and in 1884, he was elected to Congress from the Erie district.

During the war, he equipped Capt. Miller's battery of artillery and sent it to the front. He was also very charitable, donating a gift of $10,000 in interest bearing bonds to St. Vincent Hospital; a like sum to the Hamot Hospital, Home for the Friendless, St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, and a church organ to St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Erie.

Some of Scott's greatest life accomplishments included the operations of the Frontier farm., the Massassauga gardens, the Algeria stock farm, the Cascade farm, the Carterfarm and the Lake View farm. He died on the 19th of September, 1891.

Candidates Name: Thomas H. Sill
Occupation: Politician/Businessman
Lifespan: 1783 to 1856

Thomas Hale Sill was born in Windsor, Connecticut on October 11, 1783, completed his preparatory studies and graduated from Brown University in 1804. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1809 and practiced law in Lebanon, Ohio until he moved to Erie in 1813. Thomas resumed practicing law in Erie and became a member of the staff of General Wallace. He was and also a member of the Minutemen of the state militia and deputy United States marshal from 1816 until 1818. He also served as the Borough of Erie Burgess from 1816-1817, in 1833, and again from 1843-1844. He became deputy attorney general in 1819 and member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1823.

Thomas was elected as an Adams candidate to the Nineteenth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Patrick Farrelly and served in the U.S. Congress from March 14, 1826, to March 3, 1827. He was then elected as an Anti-Jacksonian to the Twenty-first Congress and served from March 4, 1829 until March 3, 1831.

In 1831, Thomas met with several businessmen including Charles Reed and P. S. V. Hamot in Fredonia, New York to plan for the construction of railroads through Erie. Thomas became the president of the United States branch bank in Erie in 1837 and the same year was a member of the state constitutional convention. He also served in the state constitutional convention of 1838.

Thomas served as the postmaster of Erie from 1847-1853 and served as a director of the Erie Academy for more than thirty years. He continued practicing law in Erie until his death on February 7, 1856 and was buried in the Erie Cemetery.

Candidate's Name: Dr. Paul A. Siple
Occupation: American Antarctic Explorer/Geographer
Lifespan: 1908-1966

Besides taking part in six major Antarctic expeditions, Siple became a leading authority on the principles governing the adaptation of man to life in cold regions and on polar logistics. Among many other awards, he received the Patron's Medal of the [British Royal Geographic] Society in 1958.

Siple was born at Montpelier, Ohio, in 1908. On his return to Erie, he re-entered Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, as a sophomore; he had already completed a first year working for his B.S., in Science, with biology and geology as minor subjects. In 1932 he took his B.S., and then traveled for a year in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. For the next six months he worked as personal assistant to Admiral Byrd, helping with the preparations for a second expedition, in 1933-5. He established the 'Bolling Advance Base', the first inland weather station in Antarctica. His own specialty was to collect lichens and mosses and to take back to the United States the first living Emperor Penguins to be seen outside the Antarctic.

He then decided to become a geographer and enrolled in 1936 as a graduate student at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Three years later he received a Ph.D. for his thesis on 'Adaptation of the explorer to the climate of Antarctica'.. He was leader and geographer of 'West Base', or 'Little America III', situated close to the site of the two earlier American bases. While in winter, Siple continued the search for a suitable scale to measure atmospheric cooling power. In collaboration with Charles Passel he developed the pioneer work of Sir Leonard Hill with the katathermometer. He initiated what came to be called the 'wind chill index'-the rate at which heat is removed per hour per square meter of surface exposed to the atmosphere.

When the U.S. Antarctic Service Expedition was recalled in 1941, Siple's Antarctic work had to give way to an appointment in the War Department as a civilian expert in the design of cold climate clothing and equipment. From 1942 until 1946 he worked, with the rank of Major, in the Research and Development Branch of the Office of the Quartermaster General in Washington.

After the end of the War, in 1946, Siple was discharged from the Quartermaster General's Office as a Lieutenant Colonel and joined the Army General Staff as military geographer and scientific adviser in the Office of the Chief of Research and Development. He was off to the Antarctic again; this time as the Army's Senior Representative with the Navy's 1946-7 Operation 'High jump'. Siple joined the central group as Director of Scientific Projects.

He was selected to be scientific leader of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) station at the South Pole in 1956-7. This was the first ever of the modern inland Antarctic research stations. In 1957, he returned to his Washington appointment and was then sent to Canberra on a State Department assignment as the first United States Scientific Attaché of Australia and New Zealand. In June 1966, while in Wellington, he suffered a stroke which left him partially paralysed.

Candidate's Name: Dr. Roy P. Stonesifer, Jr.
Occupation: Educator/ Officer/Co-Founder

Dr. Roy P. Stonesifer, Jr. taught history at Edinboro University for over 30 years. Hundreds of his students have become teachers, historians, and park rangers at civil war battlefields. His knowledge and enthusiasm for history, especially about the civil war, was passed on to all who came in contact with "Stoney." Dr. Stonesifer wrote numerous articles on military history and was co-author of a book on the life of Confederate General Gideon Pillow. Stonesifer was a graduate of Gettysburg College and Penn State University.

He served as an officer in the U.S. Army in the 1950s and worked for the National Park Service on several Civil War battlefields. Stonesifer was a co-founder of the Flagship Niagara League and founded the ship's first recreated gun crew which led to the creation of the ship's company-that site's living history group. He was co-founder of the Erie Civil War Round Table which is responsible for the construction and dedication of the Strong Vincent Memorial on Erie's Bayfront as well as two markers on Little Round Top at Gettysburg; highlighting Vincent's role in the battle.

Candidates Name: Charles Hamot Strong
Occupation: Businessman
Lifespan: 1853 to 1936

Charles Hamot Strong was born in Erie on March 14, 1853 and was the only son of Dr. Landaff and Catherine Cecilia (Hamot) Strong. Charles also had a younger sister named Kate. He attended private elementary schools in Erie and Erie Academy and in 1872 moved to New Haven, Connecticut to study with an attorney named Thomas Thatcher. He graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1877 and returned to Erie to practice law with Frank Gunnison.

He began his business career as a shipping clerk for the Mount Hickory Iron Works where he eventually became President. In 1886, Charles helped organize the creation of the Edison Electric Light & Power Company and became its president. The Edison Electric Light & Power Company later purchased the Erie County Light Company and became the Erie County Electric Company. Later he became president of the Union Coal Company in Shamokin, Pennsylvania which mined and distributed hard coal through the port of Erie. He was also vice president of the Youghiogheny River Coal Company until it was taken over by the Pittsburgh Coal Company. He also served as vice president of the W.L. Scott Company for a few years. He served as vice president of the Spring Valley Coal Company of Illinois for 30 years until he became president in 1920.

During that same period, Charles served as president of the Dispatch Publishing Company starting in 1902. He served as president of a number of the Dispatch's subsequent owners including, the Dispatch-News Company and the Record Publishing Company of Erie.Charles was a founding member of Hamot Hospital board of corporators whose first location was the home of his grandfather, Pierre Simon Vincent Hamot. Charles also donated the land that eventually held the Shriners Hospital for Children and the land that became the Erie Day School.

Candidate's Name: Ida Minerva Tarbell
Occupation: Author/Editor/Journalist
Lifespan: November 5, 1857- January 6, 1944

Ida Tarbell was a woman who helped paved the way for women to enter careers that were not traditionally filled by women - author, editor, and investigative journalist. She was born in Wattsburg and grew up in Rouseville and Titusville in the heart of the oil region of Northwestern Pennsylvania. First hand knowledge of the oil industry, through her father's involvement in it, was of great help to her in penning "The History of the Standard Oil Company" which brought her to the attention of the nation. The articles she wrote, which later became the book, on the business practices of the monopoly created by Standard Oil under the leadership of John D. Rockefeller, were instrumental in causing the breakup of the Standard Oil Company, an historical landmark.

Candidate's Name: John F. Tracy
Occupation: Railroad Engineer/Entrepreneur
Lifespan: January 7, 1827-February 13, 1878

John F. Tracy was born in Erie, PA., January 7, 1827. He received his education at the Erie Academy.

He was engaged in the construction of the Buffalo and State Line, the New York and Erie and North East railroads, and although not 25 years of age, almost the entire management of these enterprises was confided to his care. He was appointed its superintendent, where he did his full share in devising the plans for the practical operating of railroads. When, in 1853, a decision caused the "Railroad War" – Mr. Tracy held his post with firmness and a courageous devotion to the interests of his road.

Mr. Tracy completed this change of gauge determined on by his company in 1854, and then accepted the office of assistant superintendent of the Chicago and Rock Island R.R. He was soon promoted to the position of general superintendent; was next made vice-president, and finally, president of the road, which he held for many years, until his resignation in 1877.

Under Mr. Tracy's management, the Chicago and Rock Island R.R. were extended through Iowa to the Missouri river and across Iowa and Missouri to Leavenworth, Kansas. He built the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi river. At first, the Federal Court decisions were averse to the construction of the bridge, but in the end, the United States Government became joint owner with the road in a first- class Iron Bridge. In 1870, while maintaining his position as president of his favorite corporation, the Rock Island, he secured control of the Chicago and Northwestern R.R., its active competitor, and became its president, which he held till 1875, until he resigned by reason of failing health. He died in Erie, on February 13, 1878.

Candidate's Name: Louis J. Tullio
Occupation: Mayor
Lifespan: May 17, 1916 - April 17, 1990

Louis J. Tullio was the Mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania for eight terms from 1966 until 1989. He was the first Italian-American appointed to this position. Tullio had a childhood goal of becoming Mayor of Erie. He graduated from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts on a football scholarship, and received a master's degree in education from Boston University.

After serving in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, he opened a restaurant in Erie and became a high school teacher and football coach. He lost the 1965 Democratic primary for mayor to Mike Cannavino, who died 11 days before the general election. This allowed Tullio to replace Cannavino on the ballot and defeat Republican incumbent Charles Williamson.

As mayor, Tullio was credited with helping slow Erie's decline as a manufacturing town and preserving it as a port city and commercial center. He easily won re-election five times, and unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1976. In October 1987, Tullio was diagnosed with amyloidosis, and eventually succumbed to his illness in his home on April 17, 1990. The Louis J. Tullio Arena is named after him.

Candidate's Name: Brig. Gen. Strong Vincent
Occupation: General
Lifespan: June 17, 1837- July 7, 1863

Strong Vincent's contribution, to not only Erie, but to the entire nation is well-documented, and deservedly so. His heroism at the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, as he valiantly led his brigade (including Erie County's own 83rd PA) to defend Little Round Top encompass what a hero and patriot should be. Without waiting for orders to place his men "on that yonder hill", he took it upon himself to hurry his brigade there and strategically place them in the optimum position for the defense of Little Round Top.

His action, without question, was pivotal in saving the Union extreme left flank position. The success of the Union at the Battle of Gettysburg might very well not have happened without the ultimate sacrifice of this great man. He deserves a place of honor in Erie's Hall of Fame.

Candidate's Name: Colonel Lewis Walker
Occupation: Inventor
Lifespan: June 4, 1855-January 24, 1938

Colonel Walker developed the hookless fastener, used in articles of wearing apparel from overshoes to lingerie, into a product which has a world-wide market after discovering the invention at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. The inventor was W1.L. Judson of Chicago, hoping to find a financial backer, when Col. Walker took interest.

It required 20 years of constant endeavor to find the necessary funds needed to market the product. The first manufacturer of the slide fastener began in Meadville in 1913 after efforts to locate factories in other cities met with little success. Since 1913 the company has grown into what is now known as Talon Inc.

Born in Wellsville, Ohio, June 4 1855, Col Walker was a member of a pioneer family. His father operated a clay products family. Col. Walker was a graduate of Allegheny College, Meadville and a trustee of the school for many years. He was a member of the Rolling Rock Country club of Pittsburgh, a charter member of the Park Avenue Congregational Church, a member and life ling leader of the Delta Tau fraternity and a trustee of the Meadville City Hospital. He also was active in civic affairs in Meadville.

Candidate's Name: R. Benjamin Wiley
Occupation: Educator
Lifespan: February 7, 1945 - June 30, 2004

Robert Benjamin Wiley served on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors from 1995 until his death in 2004. At the time of his death, he was vice chairman of the Board. Mr. Wiley graduated from Powhatan High School in Powhatan Point, Ohio in 1963 with academic honors and was also president of his senior class.

He was selected the "Ohio Schoolboy Class A Basketball Player of the Year" in 1963 and in that same year, he led his high school baseball team to the State Championship. He attended Gannon University from 1963 through 1967 and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He also held a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Systems from Gannon University, and in 1986, he was inducted into the Gannon University Basketball Hall of Fame.

Mr. Wiley received many awards, including National Lewis Hine Award, the Distinguished Pennsylvania Award designated by the William Penn Society of Gannon University, both presented in 1988, and the 2000 National John D. Whisman Vision Award designated by the Development District Association of Appalachia. Mr. Wiley was presented with the 2002 Liberty Bell Award by the Erie County Bar Association in recognition of community service that has strengthened the American System of freedom under law.

Mr. Wiley served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Erie Community Action Committee from 1969 to 2004. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation and was a member on the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Pennsylvania, the First National Bank Corporation and Erie Telecommunications, Inc. Mr. Wiley became a member of the Erie Club in 1993, the Kahkwa Club in 1996, and the Aviation Club in 1997. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP and a member of the Greater Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church and also a 33rd degree Mason (Prince Hall).

Candidate's Name: Adella Brindle Woods
Occupation: Doctor
Lifespan: 1852-1930

Adella Brindle Woods earned her medical degree at the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1876, then went on to practice medicine in Erie for about fifty years. Her most significant achievement was the improvement of public health by securing pasteurization of milk, a pure water supply, regular medical examinations in the public schools and immunization for childhood diseases.

She attended Erie High School and in 1870, earned a Diploma of Distinction after completing a science course. After entering the University of Michigan to study medicine, Woods transferred to the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she later received her degree in 1876. In 1897, she opened her practice in Erie, specializing in the diseases of women and children.

Dr. Woods was a founding member of the College Women's Club and also served as the club's president four times. In 1909, this organization sponsored Woods as a candidate for School Director of the City of Erie. She received the Republican nomination and paved the way for the election of Mrs. Stevens in 1911, the first woman to serve as an Erie school director. Dr. Woods served as a member and also took on the role of Secretary for the Erie County Medical Society until four years before the time of her death. She was also a member of the College Women's club (AAUW), and the Woman's Club of Erie.

Candidate's Name: Queen Yagowanea
Occupation: Peacekeeper/Monarch
Life Span: Period of 17th century

Yagowanea was Queen of the Eries nation in the 17th century and was greatly known for her wisdom and fairness throughout lands that far exceeded her territory. She was a peace-keeper, mediator, and judicious monarch among the several tribes in the area, including the Senecas, Hurons, and Mississaguas. Yagowanea operated on the policy of neutrality and allegedly ruled her people from the early to mid 1600's .

Queen Yagowanea served as the ruler of the Eries and was often called upon to mediate disputes between other tribes. After two Mississagua warriors approached the Queen about helping them find a murderer of one of their own tribe members, the Queen, although a follower of neutrality, agreed to assist in the search. Two Seneca warriors voiced their opinion about the Queen going against her own policy, and although she heard them out, she stuck with her decision. The Seneca warriors reported this to the Grand Council of the Seneca Nation, who later voted to engage in war.

After the Queen heard of this, a young boy reported seeing a bear, causing the tribe to rush to the site to capture it, only then realizing that it had been a trap. A battle broke out, where nearly 600 were killed. In later battles, the Eries fought alone, while the Queen still envisioned peace and friendship. But after capturing and killing the Chief of the Onondaga tribe, another war broke out against the Eries, killing the Queen and exterminating the remainder of the Erie tribe, leaving no one and nothing of this land.

Candidate's Name: John A. Zurn
Occupation: Businessman
Lifespan: 1874-1957

Erie City Iron Works manufactured oil drilling equipment used by Colonel E. L. Drake for the first oil well in Titusville. After fire destroyed the business and it was purchased by new owners, John Zurn purchased the company's patents and tooling for backwater values which prevented the flow of storm water back into a building. In 1900, John founded Advance Manufacturing Company which he later located at 1401 German Street.

In 1916, John partnered with Milton Rowley to purchase Keystone Brass Works and later acquired Lake Erie Foundry as well. John's son, Melvin joined the company in 1920 and re-named the company, the J.A. Zurn Manufacturing Company. In 1931, Melvin's brother Everett also joined the company. By the mid 1950's, Everett became president of Zurn Industries, Inc. and the company was comprised of four divisions: Mechanical Power Transmission, Fluid Control, Hydromechanics, and Research and Development.

In 1966, Zurn finally acquired Erie City Iron Works, the company from whom John purchased his first patents. Today, Zurn Industries manufacturers water solutions that are used throughout the world.