History of East Butler
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Butler Eagle Write Up on 9/9/25
At first glance, East Butler looks like any other small Pennsylvania borough. But behind its quiet streets lies nearly a century of history shaped not by single events, but by the steady rhythm of community life.Early settlersAfter the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the land that would become East Butler was opened for settlers. Veterans, along with Scotch-Irish and German immigrants, began building the foundation for the state we know today.To compensate soldiers returning from war, the Pennsylvania legislature established depreciation lands for settling. This opened up opportunities for soldiers such as Thomas McKee, who relocated from Mifflin County to the area that would later become East Butler in 1796.At the time of McKee’s arrival, much of the land was still wilderness, dense forests and tangled underbrush. Black bears roamed the area.This land needed to be cleared and made livable. It required hard work and dedication if settlers like McKee were going prosper and survive.According to History of Butler County Pennsylvania 1895, trees had to chopped down as settlers gathered resources to build homes. This meant weeks of backbreaking labor. Trunks needed to be hauled away, stumps wrestled from the grip of the earth. This was not easy work and not everyone who set out to build settlements survived.Later, lands needed to be tilled so farmers could grow crops of corn, wheat and oats. These crops were not only essential as food for the settlers, they also opened up trading opportunities between settlers. While some were able to sell quantities of their crop, many were subsistence farmers who produced just enough for their families.Farmers keeping livestock would make the trek south to Pittsburgh to buy, sell or trade with other farmers in various markets.Hunting and trapping was also important for early settlers, not only was it a source of food, but also opened up trading opportunities.
The oil boomAs oil began to enrich the area starting in 1859, the Butler Oil Co. was established in 1860. This was only the early days of oil drilling, however, as many attempts were halted by the lack of proper equipment and in, some cases, lack of knowledge of the geological area.By the 1870s, “oil towns” began to sprout up around Western Pennsylvania. Towns such as, Petrol, Karns City, and Millerstown became hubs for business activity. Oil attracted the likes of capitalists, speculators, and laborers.While preserved in history today, the oil boom eventually faded due to issues such as over production. Additionally, the shift from oil to natural gas had huge impact. Those interested in the history of the county’s oil heritage have to go no further than McConnells Mill State Park, where a restored oil well is on display.Industrial expansionLike with much of Western Pennsylvania, the growth and future success of the area is strongly linked to the industrial expansion that took place in the latter half of the 19th century.The boom of oil and natural gas of the 1860s helped the communities of Butler County to grow both economically and in terms of population.While the steel industry is strongly linked to the history of Pittsburgh, steel and iron production is also part of the history of Butler County. By the late 1800s Butler County was home to small foundries and machine shops, producing tools and building materials.In 1902, the Standard Steel Car Co. was founded, this was a turning point in the economic growth of the county.As a one of the nation’s largest producers of railroad freight cars, the company employed thousands of workers. This made the area a lucrative place for people to move to, growing the population. Workers needed homes, their children needed schools, and residents would need stores to shop in.Glass factories began producing bottles and windows that went on to be sold in Pittsburgh markets. Smaller glasshouses also began spreading across the area, often run by immigrant craftsmen. Some more notable factories could be found in places like Karns City, where Standard Plate Glass Co. was founded in the 1880s.In the early 1900s, factories from surrounding regions began relocating to the Butler County area because of the abundance of natural gas. These factories also saw the immense benefit of Butler’s railroad network — their products could be shipped faster and farther than before.By the turn of the 20th century, glass making was one of the largest employers in Butler County. But, as with many industries, it started to show decline in the following years creating an economic vacuum that hurt the area for some time.East ButlerEast Butler was officially established in 1927.According to the book “Physical Features: A History of Butler County Pennsylvania,“ population and economic growth of the area because of industrial expansion led to the establishment of its own local government. While East Butler wasn’t formally recognized on its own until the early 20th century, the area played a significant role in terms of residential growth.Known as a working-class area, many of East Butler’s residents worked in the steel mills, railcar factories and glass works of Butler County. The area offered residents modest homes for families, built to accommodate the influx of workers who came to benefit from the various industries powering the area, the book says.The borough, 1 square mile, worked on community infrastructure, installing roads and street lamps, as well as the establishment of volunteer fire companies.Churches served as the community social centers, and often reflected the borough’s growing immigrant diversity. Families came together, looked out for each other, and respected the heritage they brought with them.DeindustrializationBy the late 20th century, the deindustrialization of the area lead to a steady decline in jobs. Some residents needed to travel further for work, which was an economic hit to families. Many others faced unemployment altogether.Stores were boarding up and factories were closing their doors. Economic turmoil rocked the area, with once vibrant and busy neighborhoods quieting down. Without the influx of economic growth, some places fell into disrepair. In other cases, families picked up and moved closer to where the jobs were being offered.This period in East Butler’s history brought significant challenges, but through community institutions like families, churches, and significant appreciation for cultural heritage of the area, the community was able to persevere.East Butler todayEast Butler has quietly evolved from dense wilderness to a vibrant working-class borough. While its history isn’t defined by a single dramatic event, that doesn’t take away the importance and the struggle of those who helped to shape the community into what it is today.East Butler had 764 residents, according to the U.S. Census in 2020 and has 748 today, according to borough officials and remains a close-knit residential borough with a variety of small businesses and manufacturers.
The oil boomAs oil began to enrich the area starting in 1859, the Butler Oil Co. was established in 1860. This was only the early days of oil drilling, however, as many attempts were halted by the lack of proper equipment and in, some cases, lack of knowledge of the geological area.By the 1870s, “oil towns” began to sprout up around Western Pennsylvania. Towns such as, Petrol, Karns City, and Millerstown became hubs for business activity. Oil attracted the likes of capitalists, speculators, and laborers.While preserved in history today, the oil boom eventually faded due to issues such as over production. Additionally, the shift from oil to natural gas had huge impact. Those interested in the history of the county’s oil heritage have to go no further than McConnells Mill State Park, where a restored oil well is on display.Industrial expansionLike with much of Western Pennsylvania, the growth and future success of the area is strongly linked to the industrial expansion that took place in the latter half of the 19th century.The boom of oil and natural gas of the 1860s helped the communities of Butler County to grow both economically and in terms of population.While the steel industry is strongly linked to the history of Pittsburgh, steel and iron production is also part of the history of Butler County. By the late 1800s Butler County was home to small foundries and machine shops, producing tools and building materials.In 1902, the Standard Steel Car Co. was founded, this was a turning point in the economic growth of the county.As a one of the nation’s largest producers of railroad freight cars, the company employed thousands of workers. This made the area a lucrative place for people to move to, growing the population. Workers needed homes, their children needed schools, and residents would need stores to shop in.Glass factories began producing bottles and windows that went on to be sold in Pittsburgh markets. Smaller glasshouses also began spreading across the area, often run by immigrant craftsmen. Some more notable factories could be found in places like Karns City, where Standard Plate Glass Co. was founded in the 1880s.In the early 1900s, factories from surrounding regions began relocating to the Butler County area because of the abundance of natural gas. These factories also saw the immense benefit of Butler’s railroad network — their products could be shipped faster and farther than before.By the turn of the 20th century, glass making was one of the largest employers in Butler County. But, as with many industries, it started to show decline in the following years creating an economic vacuum that hurt the area for some time.East ButlerEast Butler was officially established in 1927.According to the book “Physical Features: A History of Butler County Pennsylvania,“ population and economic growth of the area because of industrial expansion led to the establishment of its own local government. While East Butler wasn’t formally recognized on its own until the early 20th century, the area played a significant role in terms of residential growth.Known as a working-class area, many of East Butler’s residents worked in the steel mills, railcar factories and glass works of Butler County. The area offered residents modest homes for families, built to accommodate the influx of workers who came to benefit from the various industries powering the area, the book says.The borough, 1 square mile, worked on community infrastructure, installing roads and street lamps, as well as the establishment of volunteer fire companies.Churches served as the community social centers, and often reflected the borough’s growing immigrant diversity. Families came together, looked out for each other, and respected the heritage they brought with them.DeindustrializationBy the late 20th century, the deindustrialization of the area lead to a steady decline in jobs. Some residents needed to travel further for work, which was an economic hit to families. Many others faced unemployment altogether.Stores were boarding up and factories were closing their doors. Economic turmoil rocked the area, with once vibrant and busy neighborhoods quieting down. Without the influx of economic growth, some places fell into disrepair. In other cases, families picked up and moved closer to where the jobs were being offered.This period in East Butler’s history brought significant challenges, but through community institutions like families, churches, and significant appreciation for cultural heritage of the area, the community was able to persevere.East Butler todayEast Butler has quietly evolved from dense wilderness to a vibrant working-class borough. While its history isn’t defined by a single dramatic event, that doesn’t take away the importance and the struggle of those who helped to shape the community into what it is today.East Butler had 764 residents, according to the U.S. Census in 2020 and has 748 today, according to borough officials and remains a close-knit residential borough with a variety of small businesses and manufacturers.
Information from the 1976 Bicentennial Book
W.D.Brandon
Founder of East Butler in the late 1800'sHe was born at Conoquenessing Township, Butler County, on Nov. 1, 1847. He was ready to enter Army service in the Civil War when word was received of Gen. Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.Mr. Brandon was a member of the first class of Washington and Jefferson College in 1868 and was the oldest graduate of the school. Last November he cast his twenty-second consecutive Republican Presidential ballot for Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. He cast his first vote in 1868 for Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.Mr. Brandon, who hung out his shingle in 1871, had gone daily to his office in the Butler Savings and Trust Building his ill health caused his confinement in the hospital.Washington D. Brandon, believed to be the oldest practicing lawyer in the nation, died in 1951 at Butler Memorial Hospital at the age of 105.
J. Campbell BrandonIn the late 1800's, a rich plot of ground located approximately two and one-half miles east from the Butler city line was a rich and thriving farm area. This piece of ground was made up of four farms. It was rich farmland and the four farms which occupied our borough were made up of 640 acres.The four farms which occupied the 640 acres were the Heinzer Farm, built in 1810 and now occupied by Mrs.Effie Covert and family. The Stevenson Farm built in 1822... known later as the Miller Farm. The Johnson Farm built in 1823 and now occupied by the Fundark Family. The Stevenson Jr. Farm built in 1851 and now occupied by the Lawrence Hay family.Around the year 1895, a man by the name of John Brandon and his two sons John Jr. and J. Campbell Brandon were out walking one beautiful Sunday afternoon and decided that this rich farmland would be a great investment in real estate. After several months of negotiations with the farm owners, the property was purchased under the name of Brandon and Sons.A company was formed which was known as the Butler Land & Improvement Company. John Campbell Sr. was named president of the Land Company for many years. His death came in 1951 at the ripe old age 105. Since that time, his son J. Campbell Brandon took over as head of the Butler Land & Improvement Company and now resides in Phoenix, Arizona.There are still plots of ground in East Butler today which are still owned by J. Campbell Brandon. Many industries were attracted to our community. One of the reasons was that a double set of railroad tracks, BR & P. and the B.& O. Railroad both had right of ways in the lowlands of our borough running alongside the Connoquenessing Creek.
The 4 original Farm HousesTop left- The Heinzer Farm Built in 1810Top Right- The Johnston FarmBuilt in 1850Bottom Left- The Stevenson FarmBuilt in 1825Bottom Right- The Stevenson FarmBuilt by Mr. Stevenson for his son in 1826
In 1903 the first industry was-Eleanor Iron and Steel Company then 1906—Pittsburgh Hickson Bed Works Company known as the Bedstead came to East Butler. Now that these two companies had purchased property, housing development must start. It was told to the committee that as many as three houses a day were under construction. The first row of houses were built on Grant Street. Then houses were built on Broadway and Madison Avenue.East Butler in 1910Hundreds of workers of the Greek Nationality were hired and brought to East Butler. It was told to the committee that as many as 1,000 Greek descendants lived in East Butler at one time. All of them employed at the Bedstead They were used as nainters in the Bedstead works.
Aerial View of East Butler in 1914An old hotel was located where the East Butler Post Office is at the present time. It was called, by the residents of East Butler, the Sheep Shed. This building housed as many as 200 of the Greek workers. Other Greek people were located in tents and other buildings that they themselves constructed as living quarters.
The History of East Butler's Mail Service
East Butler had their own Post Office on October 22, 1907.
This picture was taken in front of the Butler Post Office which, at that time, was located in the basement of the Mellon Bank Building."Rural Free Delivery" was a term used in the early years to describe the type of mail delivery.We are told that mail was first delivered to East Butler by a Mr. McMurray on horseback or with horse and buggy or sleigh.Details or a picture of this carrier could not be obtained.However, moving on in the years, Mr. P. H. Lehnerd pictured above (back row) was a carrier from 1901 until 1932 on the R. D. #2 route. His route included East Butler (until we obtained our own post office), Carbon Center, Woodbine, North Oakland, St. Joe,and he was succeeded on this route byhis son, Wendell Lehnerd.
In 1965, plans began to locate a site for a new Post Office. The lot across from the creek and Firehall on the main road seemed to be the ideal spot and was centrally located to accommodate the people of East Butler. There was one problem—the Kenneth Crispin family lived there! In 1966, Crispins sold their property and began to make arrangements to move their house across the street. Blocks were knocked out from under the house to enable large beams to be placed under the entire floor and the house was rolled on to the bed of John D. Clark's truck.The large crowd of people watching were given a "thrill" as the house was turned. It tipped as though it was going to upset but Mrs. Crispin said that when they later went into the house, a stack of dishes in the cupboard hadn't even moved. Amazing! Construction began on the new Post Office and was finally completed in 1967.
As industries began to move into East Butler, people also moved here and East Butler had their own Post Office in October 22, 1907 with Mr. John L. Ralston as Postmaster. The Post Office was located in the Ralston Store.August 3, 1912, Mr. George V. (Mike) Glenn became Postmaster and the store purchased by Mr. Glenn and his brother-in-law, Mr. Walsh. The Pittsburgh-Hixon and Valvoline Oil Company were doing a booming business and Mr. Glenn needed help in the Post Office. It was Hazel (Greer) Davis who came to his rescue. Coming to East Butler after completing Business School, Hazel recalls how her hand would be bruised at tne end of the day when the Valvoline would send out their statements to all customers-each piece of mail had to be hand-stamped. Hazel married Earl and they moved to Oil City.December 17, 1915, Mr. Glenn gave up his post to Mr. Daniel H. (Harp) Sutton who became Postmaster. (no picture available) January 8, 1920, Grace E. (Whitmire) Bowser was Postmistress until November 15, 1920. About this time, politics determined who was to hold the office of Postmaster—A change of politics meant a change of faces in the Post Office. November 15, 1920, George V. Glenn again assumed the position of Postmaster until January 31, 1936. Brady O. Fair worked in the store and also was a Clerk in the Post Office. Olive Roberts was a Clerk from 1922-1925 (no picture available).In these early years, the train played an important part in the mail pickup and deliveries.East Butler was fortunate in having accommodations so near. Remember the pole that was built below the track at the station? The wire and hook extended to hold the mailbag. As the train passed by the station, someone on the train would grab the mail and at the same time, a bag of mail was tossed off onto the platform. One split second and this exchange was accomplished! Children would watch this transaction with amazement. Were you one of them? Did you ever go to the station to wave to the passengers as the train passed.Remember the circus train? Enough of that—back to the mail delivery—-January 31, 1936, Mr. Harry D. Farnen became Postmaster of the East Butler Post Office and he held this position until he was forced to retire in 1944 due to illness. 1937-1938 a George V.Ahern was a Clerk (no picture available.) Mrs. Brady (Olive) Fair was a Clerk in the Post Office from January-June 1942 (no picture available).Mrs. Clemete (Annie) Graham, Mr. Farnen's assistant, took over the job of Postmistress on May 5, 1944 and continued until December 1945. Mrs. Joseph (Mabel) Vandervort was a Clerk from 1942 until 1945. We have other names, but no pictures, for some of those who worked in the Post Office as Clerks-remember seeing Cleola Marcus, Isabelle (Kabel) Fair and there were probably others but we cannot obtain the information.
George SchnurPostmaster 1945-1972December 21, 1945, Mr. George Schnur was the Postmaster and he recalls the Post Office being moved to the corner as you enter East Butler in "Mac" McClain's building in 1955. Mrs. Graham remained in the Post Office as Assistant to Mr. Schnur and Mrs. Dorothy (Bauldoff) Critchfield as Substitute Clerk from 1956 until her retirement in 1972.In 1950, Mrs. Jerome (Eleanor Graham) Michaels became a Clerk and for a while, it was a Mother/Daughter working side-by-side. Eleanor is still working at the Post Office with Mr. Richard Ballantine, Postmaster and when help is needed, they call on Mrs. Donald (Twila Hay) Crouch. In-cidentally, Twila's husband, Don, is Postmaster of the Butler Post Office (he had to come to East Butler to find Twila).
Valvoline Oil Company
In the year 1907, one of East Butlers largest plants, the Valvoline Oil Company moved to East Butler employing approximately 450 men, the community and population of East Butler grew larger. The Valvoline Oil Company gave the residents of East Butler steady employment until 1949 when it moved to Freedom, Penna., purchased by the Ashland Oil Company. The Valvoline Oil Company was located on the property now owned by the Kovalcheck Family.
The Valvoline Oil Company in East Butler was the scene of one of the worst fires in the county. In the year 1915 a thunderstorm was raging in the late afternoon, when lighting struck one of the oil tanks on the hillside. When this tank of oil exploded, it set off a chain reaction setting other tanks on fire.The fire burned for two weeks before it was brought under control. Many stories were told about the fire. One story we were told that the heat from the flames could be felt one quarter mile away. Smoke darkened the skies for a 15 mile radius of East Butler. Still another story was that you could read a newspaper at night sitting on the old store porch.
East Butler Fire Company
The East Butler Volunteer Fire Dept. and Relief Assn. was organized in 1942. Those responsible for the organization were: Joseph Vandervort, Floyd Trimbur, Fran Nebel and, from the city of Butler, Fire Chief Fred Zorb. The first meeting was held at the East Butler School. This meeting was very well attended with men representing East Butler Boro, Summit Township, Oakland Township and Clearfield Township in at-tendance. They elected officers at this meeting and they were, President-Fran Nebel, Vice President-Joe Slater;Secretary-Ralph Goldinger; Treasurer-Ralph Goldinger.Truck officers were elected that night also. They were: Chief-Floyd Trimbur; Asst. Chief-Valentine Green; Captain-Carl Osche. The group held several meetings, drew up a charter and decided upon a membership fee. The fee was set at ($1.00) one dollar per year.The Board of Directors were also elected from men who resided in the Boro along with men from Summit Twp., Oakland Twp. and Clearfield Twp.In the drawing of the Charter many men from the Boro and the three townships were made charter members. Funds were then solicited from people in the Boro, the three surrounding townships and from the In-dustries. These monies were used to purchase a 1930 Model A Ford Fire Truck. The truck was purchased from Fresco Fire Equipment in Aliquippa for the sum of (S500.00) five hundred dollars. This truck boasted a 90 gallon tank and a 500 gallon a minute piston pump.The truck was housed in Joe Vandervort's garage and fire drills were held with Chief Zorb from the City of Butler instructing the men on fire fighting techniques and use of the equipment.The first action this newly organized group saw was on July 4, 1942 at the Bole residence, just down the road from the Barrel. It was a house fire and unfortunately it was a complete loss.Then the big day arrived, on October 26, 1942, the charter was granted and the East Butler Vol. Fire Dept. and Relief Assn. was now a reality.On October 31, 1942, the first major fire occurred.The fire was at the Pittsburgh Steel Drum in East Butler. This fire was battled for 24 hours with East Butler firemen getting assistance from Saxonburg and the City of Butler, but the Steel Drum suffered a total loss. After this fire the Fire Dept. purchased the Steel Drum's ambulance to use as a squad car. The squad car was used to carry the men to and from the fires. It was also taken to many parades.In 1944 the Valvoline Oil donated a Diamond T fire truck with a 500 gallon tank and a 500 gallon a minute centrifugal pump. This Diamond T truck was housed in the old Happy Hollow dance hall. The Fretz Moon Tube Company owned Happy Hollow and allowed the Fire Dept. to use this hall for money making ventures.In 1947, the Fire Dept. made plans to build a Fire Station. The present location of the Fire Dept. was donated to them by the Butler Land and Im-provement.The new Fire Station was built by Louis Etzel, from Herman, for $5,000. It was completed in late fall and the new Volunteer Fire Dept. of East Butler moved in with two trucks and a squad car.
In 1970, East Butler Fire Department decided they needed a rescue van. They purchased a van and for the first two years, ran rescues along with fires on first aid training. In 1972 and 1973, two firemen went to E.M.T. school (Emergency Medical Training) and passed the course with flying colors. The first two were John H. Stutz and Reed Karenbauer. During the period of the next 4 years (73-74-75-76) eleven more men graduated from E.M.T. School and at the present time 4 more are in E.M.T. School and will graduate soon.In the 4 years that the E.B.F.D. has had an E.M.T. squad they can be highly praised for the job they have done.In 1973 they were called to 35 rescue calls. In 1974 they answered 44 calls. In 1975 they answered 80 calls. In 1976 thru April they have already answered 25 calls. The East Butler Rescue Squad is a completely volunteer program.Any call into the E.B.F.D. for fire or rescue, has been answered within 2 to 3 minutes from the time the siren goes off. Two minutes later they are on the road.At the present time, we have 1 rescue van, fully equipped for any emergency. We are now in the process of getting a new Rescue Ambulance. It will be in the fire hall in the near future. The cost of this ambulance will be approximately $15,000.The people of East Butler should be very proud of their rescue squad for a job well done in the 4-5 years they have been formed.
Rescue Van & EquipmentFire Chief Gordan Leech (left) and Asst. Fire Chief John H. Stutz (right).
Front row, I to r: Dan Thomas, Dave Geibel, Ed Nagy (in school), Don Rhodaberger, John H. Stutz and Gordan Leech.Standing, I to r: Don Saeler, Jack Niel, Bruce Slater and Ron Wells (in school).Not in picture are Reed Karenbauer, Terry Geibel, Harry Duke, Jim Gallagher and Jim Thomas (in school).
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