The railroad played a big role in Erie Avenue's history

June 13, 2012

Photo courtesy of the St. Marys Historical Society collection - Pictured is a passenger train arriving in St. Marys on Aug. 7, 1919, the day of the big Welcome Home Celebration.

Throughout the community's history, the railroad has had a significant impact on the area around Erie Avenue.
During a recent presentation at the St. Marys Senior Center, local historian Ray Beimel discussed the ways that the railroad shaped the Erie Avenue area.
One photograph Beimel showed during his presentation was of Erie Avenue prior to the placement of the railroad tracks. He noted it is "one of the earliest pictures we have of Erie Avenue."