The Case for an Old Schoolhouse

Just outside Erie, Pennsylvania, in Millcreek Township, a former one-room schoolhouse sits smack in the headlights of “progress.” Located on West Eighth Street near Presque Isle State Park, the structure has a long history that possibly dates back more than 150 years.

The schoolhouse is not currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but that does not mean it is lacking in historic significance. It only means that no one has been motivated to apply for this status yet. This is the perfect opportunity to do so, and it could open the door to grants and other funding, easing the financial burden to the township.

Destruction for Progress

The schoolhouse and four other properties are part of Millcreek Township’s purchase-and-demolish plan. Two of the three supervisors voted for the plan and consider these properties blighted. They believe they will be able to sell the properties and bring new development to the area, to be known as the Presque Isle Gateway. (It’s puzzling that the physical gateway arch is to be built on Eighth Street, which is not the typical path for traffic to Presque Isle for out-of-town visitors, who seem to be the focus of the project.)

There is much dispute over whether the properties in this purchase are truly blighted. The Bel-Aire hotel underwent extensive renovations before Covid but is now considered by project supporters as too far gone for investors to realize a viable return. The oldest and most historic of the buildings is the old schoolhouse, which operated as a clothing and gift shop before the sale. A recent tour of the building by citizens and the press revealed a structure that has been well cared for. No concrete evidence has been publicly presented to support the argument that the five properties cannot be renovated and the appraisals don’t indicate buildings beyond repair.

The stated motivation behind the purchase, and planned demolition, of the five properties is revenue, of course. Millcreek Township is where Presque Isle State Park is located. The park is a sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie and features beaches, hiking trails, and lush nature. Everyone who visits the park must pass through Millcreek Township, and project supporters want to realize increased tourism dollars. It should be noted that the majority of the four-million visits, not discrete visitors, hale from the immediate area.

To digress for just a moment: One argument for the project is that too many young people in the area move away. Will increased tourism entice young people to stay? Most leave this area because of a lack of well-paying jobs. The majority of jobs the hoped-for properties will create will be in the service industry. It’s difficult to raise a family on service-industry pay, and most college graduates don’t aspire to this occupation. So, it’s questionable if the project will help with retention. 

Millcreek’s Original Lack of Vision

Once agricultural, Millcreek was developed with no comprehensive plan. Farms were subdivided into lots, and homes were built within loose zoning ordinances. Streets were laid out by the individual developers, not a central authority. Green space was gobbled up over the years and very little is left anymore.

Through all of this, there has never been much regard for history in Millcreek by the local government or the residents. Consequently, Millcreek is little more than a satellite of the City of Erie. It has no real identity. No unified pride. 

Embrace Millcreek, a precursor to the Presque Isle Gateway, was intended to address widespread apathy and lack of direction in Millcreek. It could have achieved that goal. Instead, a $7 million plan was thrust on the citizens with little warning. Rather than bringing the community together, it is once again tearing it down, as in the case of the Millcreek Senior Center debacle of 2015.

Preservation’s Potential

Many communities have rebirthed themselves while preserving their history. Millcreek could, too. There is much potential to bring our community together and enrich the residents’ appreciation of where they came from. 

The schoolhouse could be developed into a facility that reflects Millcreek’s history and culture. With minor updates, the building could beat as the heart of the community. How could this not benefit the businesses in The Shops at the Colony and West Erie Plaza? 

The center could serve as a sort of chamber of commerce where residents and visitors could learn what Millcreek has to offer. Businesses could contribute informational flyers and promotional materials highlighting what to do, where to eat, where to shop, and where to stay—in Millcreek. It could also display information about schools, employment, business, social services, and real estate. Part of the building could be used as a small museum. 

Millcreek does have history. It’s just that not many people know about it. There has been very little attention given to Millcreek’s history in the past, but the township has very deep roots and recognition of its past might be just what we need to revitalize our community and make us proud of where we live.

A new purpose for an old building would be appealing to tourists, businesses, and those who might be interested in relocating to our community. It might encourage young people to stay here by giving them a sense of pride and identity (if they can find well-paying jobs in the region).

There is a misconception that people who care about history are not interested in progress. That’s not true. They just wish to balance progress with preservation when possible. Other communities have done it successfully. Millcreek can, too.