Washington High School - Little Prexie Yearbook (Washington, PA)

Page 9 text:

XlllM'lIlll :XCKl,lCY COYICN- l ll Bllllxllf, lmill ill l8f312. IS mu- nl tlu- lixuwl 1-xaunplvs ul 4uvm'l'c'1l lmrullfv 1ll'i'lllll'L'- hm- Ill nlul ll. 5. x'1u'cl ln' ilu' ll1'm'x' lfm-ml .-. , , , CII.0lll'I INN, Suulln Xluin Stu-wi, was an stopping plau-41 for l.11f11yvltv, mul l7l'l'SlClt'lllS Nlmmw, Pullx, zuul -lau-lxs 1lSlllt'j'll'1lVt'll'1llJj'Sl2lg1'0YK'I'llll'Nillllllllll lloaul.

Page 8 text:

The DAVID BRADFORD HOUSE, South Main Street, which stands on Lots 16 and 17 of thc original plan of lots of NVashington. hat a clearing on the frontier's edge would foster a city so distinguished in history and industry. VV hen they reached the end of the long road that led toward the west, they were greeted hy the Delaware Indians, whose leader was Tingooqua, better known as Chief Catfish. These were the men and women who accepted the hard life of the frontier, who had great physical strength, and who were capable of fighting for their own beliefs. These settlers built their own log cabins, made their own split-log bed frames and tables, tilled the soil, and made a living for their families. Yet all was not work. At house raisings, quilting bees, and apple parings there was much gaiety. Deer hunts and church services were festive occasions. Weddings were delightful events, and the guests enjoyed a week-long housewarming with food and fun. In 1771 David Hoge of Carlisle bought land in VVashington, but town lots were not laid out for another ten years. Catfish Camp became Dandridge, then Bassett Town, in honor of a XA ' . jf. The TOLL HOUSE on Route 40 is the only link remaining on historic National Road. These toll gates were placed every mile to collect toll for travelling over the road. relative of Hogets. The land was surveyed and given a new name-Washington. This became a stop on the road between Brownsville and Wheeling for trafiic seeking the Ohio River. In the expanding town, one of several his- torical spots was the Bradford House, the famous home of David Bradford, leader of the Whiskev insurrection. The LeMoyne House was noted for its operation of an underground railroad sta- tion which smuggled slaves to Canada during the Civil War. The CI'CITlHtOI'y on Callows Hill, built by Dr. Francis I. LeMoyne, was the first in the United States. While Washington was yet little more than a thicket, the first court was held in David Hogeis home. By 1810, the population had increased to 800, trades were represented, and Washington was chartered as a borough. The National Pike soon became a mecca for traders. From the com- merce resulting from this road, Washington con- tinued to grow and in 1921, became a third- class city.

Page 10 text:

hc C X lx ah, v I -ti . Tia -a Fil . A ? ti. XX , .WY A '90's trallie problem revolved around the horses and bnggies on South Main Street. nieentennial edition of the Reporter, fonestoga wagon of pioneer days was used to deliver the 1V1any Indian trails led through western Pennsylvania. By packhorse and wagon, push cart or on foot, the pioneer made his way to VVashington. Conestoga wagons, or schooners, with their gleaming blue bodies, red spoked wheels and white canopies carried such special- ties as tobacco, seeds, and new clothes, but more importantly brought news of friends and rela- tives. VVashington became a manufacturing cen- ter for the Conestoga wagons, but as the stage coach made its appearance, the wagons lost prominence. In 1871, the first train into Washington was welcomed by a blaring band, while the last pas- senger train departed silently in 1956, without notice. The need for better highways was necessi- tated by the emerging Nhorseless carriagev which became prominent at the turn of the century. In 1900, the first brick road in the United States was laid near Wfashington. This area has been the hub of transportation since its founding in 1781. VVith the new inter- change soon to encircle our city, the future holds even greater opportunity for prosperity.