Visiting Gibson Park, North-East, Pennsylvania: Peace and Activity at the Herbaceous Centre of Town

Gibson Park (1) is situated at the intersection of Main and Lake Streets in North-East, in Pennsylvania's Erie County.

For very many decades it has provided a venue for peaceful reflection and activity, within what is now called North-East's Historic District. (See: Also worth seeing, below.)

Among the many events held at Gibson Park are the Craft Days, organized in June, which typically bring together many displays of crafts.

North-East's war memorial is situated at the Main Street edge of Gibson Park. Interestingly, this structure which includes two statues of soldiers dressed in early 20th century uniforms predates World Wars One and Two, being marked 1911 (see above).

A fountain is surrounded by a circular path.

A marker at Gibson Park reads 'In the heart of Grape Country'; as well as grapes, considerable quantities of cherries have traditionally been grown in the locality, and, indeed, this give rise to an annual cherry festival (2).

The name Gibson Park appears to refer to a real estate investor named Gibson who in 1804 acquired a significant portion of the land on which what became the Town of North-East was built. Interestingly, between 1818 and 1834, when the Borough of North-East was incorporated, what was then a village was known as Gibsonville (3); the land on which the Park was built was donated by the same investor.

Tree species present at Gibson Park include sugar maple and copper beech, some of which have grown to a great size; in recent times, ongoing discussions have occurred among local residents and members of the local Shade Tree Commission and others (4).

May 6, 2019

Notes

(1) See also: http://www.northeastborough.com/parks.html

(2) The cherry festival at North-East is led by the local fire department, and is organized in July; see also: https://www.necherryfestival.com/

(3) See also: http://northeastborough.com/location---history.html

(4) See also: https://www.goerie.com/news/20170401/park-at-root-of-north-east-dispute ; https://www.govserv.org/US/North-East/468747843186030/North-East-Shade-Tree-Commission

In North East itself, other structures and features include: The McCord Memorial Library, the Presbyterian Church on Main Street, Lake Shore Railway Museum, the former First National Bank Building in Lake Street, Short's Hotel; and many others; while on the map the Keystone State is located substantially inland from both the Atlantic Seaboard and the Great Lakes, yet part of the Erie Lake Shore belongs to Pennsylvania, and beaches with bracing winds are located a relatively short distance from Downtown North East.

Presque Isle State Park and the Perry Monument (distance: c. 25 miles / 41 kilometres) are located on large, striking peninsular extending into Lake Erie. The Monument recalls Commodore Oliver H. Perry's naval leadership during the War of 1812.

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How to get there: American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express fly to Erie International Airport (distance from North East: 21.9 miles / 37 kilometres) from Philadephia, Detroit and Chicago-O'Hare respectively; car rental is available at Erie International Airport. North East is situated close to the I-90. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.