One of the first concerns addressed by the City Council was whether the town’s center was on Penn Street or Broad Street.  When the city purchased two lots on Penn Street and Main the decision was final.  Many citizens thought the decision favored the upper portion of the town.  Few people foresaw the rapid development, which later became the “Upper Orchard.” The construction of hundreds of houses north of Allegheny Street between 1906 and 1920 truly made Penn Street the city’s center.

In September 1906 a contract was signed with T. W. Kelly for the construction of the first city building on Penn Street.  The building “was about 16 feet wide and 24 feet long and was laid adjoining [Rose Alley].” One room served as the meeting place for the City Council and a smaller room served as the city jail.   According to the Council minutes, “two jail cells were ordered from the “Jail Works.”  The city building became the center for festive activities.  The first city park, fire house, and  Christmas trees were located there.  Music concerts, directed by Sherd Cox, the city band leader, occurred there on a little circular bandstand.  The town’s parades also began at the city building.

  From left: First Firehouse, Band Stand, side of City Building.

 

 



 

1960s City Hall. Penn Street Hall next building.

 

 

 

 

*Quotes from City Records, 1906 Firehouse – Follansbee Review, 1960s City Building – James Piccirillo.