Private Collection of Brownsville Historic Photographs Donated

CONTACT: Maren Meszaros Phone: 724.785.9331


Marketing/Public Relations Associate Fax: 724.785.8626

E-mail: barcinfo@barcpa.org

BARC Heritage Center Receives

1,140-Image Private Collection

BROWNSVILLE, Pa. – A collection of 1,140 historic photographs of Brownsville has been donated by a former resident, Norman "Bill" Patterson of Erie, to Brownsville Area Revitalization Corp. (BARC).

Patterson's donation will become part of BARC's permanent collection in the Heritage Center at 69 Market St., a museum focused on Brownsville’s role in the westward expansion of the U.S., coal and coke-era heritage and steamboat and railroad industries.

Patterson has digitally restored and enlarged photographs assembled by his lifelong friend, the late Harold Richardson, an inveterate collector of Brownsville memorabilia. Their mutually intense local pride has resulted in an irreplaceable portfolio of imagery of the riverfront town, before and after 1900.

"There comes a time when a private collection needs to become available to the wider audience that would appreciate it," Patterson says. "It is time to ensure that fate for my 'Old Brownsville' photographs. I can think of no better or more appropriate home than in the Flatiron Building."

Noted author and local columnist Glenn Tunney and BARC board member Norma Ryan are cataloguing the collection. Select images will be on display at upcoming community events.
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS:

Dennis Cremonese, BARC executive director, 724.785.9331

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Cutline information – Sept. 30, 1927 photo features downtown near Market Street and Brownsville Avenue; 1915 photo features the "Neck."



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Brownsville Area Revitalization Corp. (BARC) is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to achieve economic development through historic preservation, heritage tourism, outdoor recreation, community stewardship, education, youth advancements and the arts. Contact the BARC office, 724.785.9331, for additional information about programs and upcoming events.