The Erie Academy as of 1888

On Peach Street, between 9th and 10th Streets.

The building was extensively modernized and remodeled in 1878. One of the reasons for these updates was so “…children from the adjoining towns can secure in the city of Erie all the needed accommodations at reasonable prices,” as explained in the 1888 publication Erie, Penn’a Illustrated.

“The stone and brick structure gave place to an imposing edifice surmounted with a Gothic mansard roof, making the building three stories high…The surroundings of the academy are attractive. With spacious grounds, well-shaded by grand old trees; a position near to the center of the city, and yet open to the cool breezes from the lake, it becomes a place where study is easy and school work delightful. The work of education that has been done on this almost classical ground needs no comment.”

Colorized and restored image of the Erie Academy is from “Erie, Penn’a Illustrated” 1888

It was still standing and a point of pride in 1888 when this colorized sketch was made ~ on the SE corner of 10th and Peach, where the former Avalon Hotel building is now. Not sure when it was demolished. In the meantime, it’s fun to try to envision this architectural masterpiece of education situated on that busy downtown Erie corner.

~ No Longer Standing ~