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Focusing on the lives
of any person or family who has lived in Little Washington,
Washington County, Pennsylvania at anytime throughout
history to recent times, through data and family stories.
NEW SEARCH BOX ADDED
McDONALD, PA
Genealogy (often misspelled geneology) and family history
research in the area of
Little Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania from 1700 to present.
Nearest cities: Sturgeon-Noblestown, PA (1.9 miles ), Oakdale,
PA (3.8 miles ), Midway, PA (4.1 miles ), Cecil-Bishop, PA (4.4 miles ),
Imperial-Enlow, PA (5.7 miles ), Canonsburg, PA (8.2 miles ), Houston, PA (8.5
miles ), Bridgeville, PA (8.6 miles ). Latitude: 40.37 N, Longitude: 80.23
W
From Oct. 1912 McDonald Outlook Newspaper.
Ten miles outside of
Canonsburg, over rolling low hills, lies the old borough of McDonald.
McDonald's namesake is John N. McDonald who bought land in that section in 1775.
Eventually Mr. McDonald owned 5-6,000 acres of land. Michael O'Ohara laid out
the town plan in 1871. But it wasn't until about Nov. 11, 1889 that the borough
was incorporated. In that long period of time, the town saw many changes
and eventually a massive boom in population and progress.
Oct. 30, 1914
McDonald PA Record
John James C. MCDONALD, aged about 75, grandson of the first settler of this
section, died Tuesday afternoon, October 27th, at 3 o'clock in a sanitarium in
Erie, where he had been for the last five years. He was one of the wealthiest
men of this part of the county. Part of Mount Pleasant and Robinson townships
were settled by his grandfather, and he and his brother, K. Noble MCDONALD,
fell heirs to a large estate. His brother, K. Noble MCDONALD, survives. The
body was brought to the family home at Primrose on Thursday. The funeral
services will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.
A railroad station,
called Havelock until 1869-70, was erected in 1865 by the Pittsburgh and
Steubenville Railroad which later became the Panhandle Division of the
Pennsylvania Railroad. The only buildings in town at the time was one
residence, a gristmill and a blacksmith shop. What a solitary place it
must have been, except for the occasional train. Then, like numerous other
communities of this county, McDonald soon became a focal point mining the rich
resource of coal. Then, by the time the borough was incorporated, the oil
boom was on in McDonald, as it was throughout Washington County during this
period of time. Oil riggers and derrick workers flocked to the town, as
had coal miners from overseas. Both industries were dangerous. It
was not unusual for local newspapers to carry stories of men losing limbs or
their lives while tending the machinery involved with drilling above ground, and
there were numerous unfortunate victims of mine accidents. Safety measures
were still very much lacking by the turn of the century, but the push was in the
direction of safety and unionization.
Many people became
rich in this area, especially from oil. The town prospered. Stately
homes, an elegant business district, and modern services were quickly brought to
the area, enriching the lives of the residents. McDonald was known far and
wide during the oil boom.
The Oil Field July 9, 1892
McDonald PA Outlook
The Oil Field
McDonald through June maintained the lead she has so persistently held since
coming into prominence as an oil district. Her daily production as revealed by
the gauges and pipe lines runs has continued at very nearly constant figures,
and it is still one of the most remarkable features of the times. In the month
just closed there were 58 productive wells and five dry holes completed at
McDonald. The new production was 4,966 barrels, or an average of 85 1/2
barrels to the well. The figures for May were almost identical, there having
been 58 wells, 6 dusters, with a new production of 4,958 barrels and has no
appreciable effect in the averages. The 64 new wells in April averaged a
little more than 65 barrels each, while those of march were good for 118
barrels and those of February for 101 barrels apiece.
McDonald contributed about 56 per cent of the entire amount of new production
for June, her 58 wells being credited with 4,966 of the 9,587 barrels of crude
supplied by the new wells. The production of this wonderfield was over 63
percent, for May and April, and for March 82 percent.
In new work McDonald supplies 12 rigs and 81 wells drilling, a decrease of 18
from the figures at the close of May. There were in this field on the last day
April 94 drilling wells and 23 rigs. On March 31, the field contained 29 rigs
and 112 drilling wells, and on February 29, 32 rigs and 116 wells drilling. On
May 31 the record showed 16 rigs and 95 drilling wells. After McDonald
Sistersville ranks second in importance. It has developed several surprised
during the past month and materially enlarged it prospective area. The wells
are huge producers of salt water, but there is likewise a plentiful supply of
the oleaginous fluid, and already a large number of oil men have been
attracted to the region. Twenty-one wells were added to the producing list at
Sistersville during the month just closed; the total yield of the new wells
was 3,270 barrels, or an average of 156 barrels to the well. The may wells
were 10 in number and the production 745 barrels. For !
the last day of June, Sistersville records 19 rigs and 33 drilling wells as
compared with 10 rigs and 18 wells drilling on the last day of May. -
From the Oil City Derrick
The area prospered for another 20 years, but the oil business was hard hit
during WWI.
Oil Business
Aug. 14, 1914
McDonald PA Record
"The oil business has been hit harder by the European war than any other
business in this country. The Standard Oil Companies have given out orders
that because no oil can be exported the full production can no longer be run
and purchased. In West Virginia only 25 percent will be purchased; in Ohio
fifty percent. In this region not more than 100 barrels is being purchased
from any one producer."
The town has also
seen a share of natural disasters and calamities, as described in this article
of 1928:
Robinson Run Valley
Flood
June 28, 1928
McDonald PA Outlook
The heavy rains that last Thursday
night did much damage to McDonald and the neighboring towns when the high
waters washed through the business houses and homes, destroying much property
and laying waste crops and gardens. Many people traveling between McDonald and
Pittsburgh were kept from their destinations until after the flood subsided
about four o'clock Friday morning. The flood rains were preceded by one of the
most severe electric storms ever witnessed in the section.
The lower section of McDonald
was badly washed. The stores of Hyman LEVINE and Joseph WEISSBERG probably
suffered more than the several others into which the water swept. In the
pressing establishment of Pete FEDEROFF, the water rose to within one foot of
the ceiling, doing considerable damage to clothing and equipment. In the M. H.
LEVISON shoe store, a little more than one inch of water covered the main
floor, and the basements from the George W. SMITH building to WEISSBERG's
hardware store were completely filled. Garages, homes and business places on
Washington street were also flooded, and several families on McDonald, Barr,
and Valley streets were driven from their homes. The water rose so rapidly in
these places that many were trapped before they became aware that a flood was
approaching. The fire department was drafted into service and a number of
marooned citizens were rescued by the firemen who waded the high water and
carried them to safety. Several foundations on North McDonald street were
completely destroyed. The high water in McDonald began to recede about
midnight.
The entire business section of
Oakdale was flooded to a depth of several feet, the main part of town and the
public square being covered by several feet of water. The rapid waters of the
north branch of Robinson's Run creek washed down foot bridges, brick porches,
derrick wheels, telephone and telegraph poles, furniture, and other debris,
which tended to hold back the water at the State street arch bridge. Move of
the bigger things were caught for the moment, but the force of the water
rushing through soon washed them under. In the main creek where the old Union
avenue bridge formerly stood, a gas main caught much of the floating debris.
It was feared for a time that the pipe would give way before the heavy weight
of the gathering rubbish. Boxes and steel gasoline drums were among the things
that thundered through the new bridge on this side. In the public square, many
poles were being carried by the currents, threatening the windows and walls of
the business houses. Several autos were severely damaged when caught in the
waters and were unable to run free.
The waters became alarming about
nine-thirty, when a dept of almost three feet was in the square. Traffic was
blocked and no one permitted to attempt a drive to the other side. Until about
one o'clock the flood rose rapidly, then reaching its crest a few inches above
the floor of the new Marshall filling station, which was the last place
entered by the rising water.
Little damage was done in the
high stores, but in all the ones level with the street, hardly anything that
could be damaged was saves. The stores were unable to operate until the next
day, when new supplies of food and other necessities were rushed in.
The Presbyterian and United
Presbyterian church and the following business houses were entered by the
water: J. S. MOORE Hardware, H. C. DODDS Drug store, Oakdale Auto Supply Co.,
Hadden Restaurant, Butler Chain store, Eagle Chain store, SMILNYEK building,
KOSTYAK grocery store, BOCK & WATTERS garage, Lee COOK restaurant and
dining room, HENNEMUTH grocery store, HUEY & MATHEWS store, A. & P.
store, HOFFMAN department store, First National bank, EVANS Barber Shop,
Oakdale Valet Shoppe, SCHWIMER meat market, Joseph VENALECK repair shop,
Oakdale postoffice, Armstrong Cork company, and the MARSHALL filling station.
A new foundation for the MOORE hardware building was badly damaged and
completely filled with water. Homes along Marion avenue and Clinton avenue
were badly flooded and left in a terrible condition when the water receded.
Porches, fences, and gardens were completely destroyed. Stock and equipment of
the business house were carried to the hills and saved.
Lightening threatened homes and
the firefighting equipment was paralyzed. The home of F. L. SHANE on Vincennes
avenue was struck by the lightening, which tore off part of the slate roof and
chimney, setting fire to the house. The flames, however, were quickly
smothered by a deluge of rain.
The water reached its crest
about one o'clock then quickly receded. A drop of two feet was made in the
first hour, and soon traffic was resumed through about three feet of water
still in the square. Cleaning up followed with an exhaustion of the water
supply which lasted several hours. The water level reached has only been
equaled by one flood many years ago, which rose to a higher level of two and
one-half feet.
In Noblestown homes and business
places of the following persons were flooded: Harry LAUDERBAUGH, Joseph
SNEZAK, Alex PLUMERET, Leon DUCRAY, Mary MARTIN, Mary HENEN, Charles TENNYSON,
Louis QUERNS, M. NOIR, John DUFFY, and Clyde LAUDERBAUGH.
McDonald today is
remembered for rearing a number of citizens who made themselves famous across
the United States. Jay Livingston, composer and lyricist, wrote such hits
as “Buttons and Bows," “Que Sera Sera,” and “Silver Bells,” to
name a few. Alan Livingston, Jay's brother , was president of Capitol
Records, created BOZO the Clown, brought the Beatles to America, and wrote and
produced cartoons for Warner Brothers and Walt Disney. Mitsie Welch
(Marilyn Cottle) with her husband, Ken, wrote for the once-popular Carol Burnett
Shows. And the sports field has recently gained NFL coaches
Martin Schottenheimer and Marvin Lewis.
The local newspaper
often highlighted the towns famous or creative citizens. From the Nov. 16,
1914 issue of the McDonald PA Record, we read the following under the title
"Song Composed by McDonald Man -
"When Andy Dies A Pauper,"
or the Millionaire One-step, is the latest song out, composed and published by
J. S. JOHNSTON of Greensburg, Pa.
Mr. JOHNSTON is a native of McDonald and
will be remembered by many of the older residents as the John JOHNSTON who
conducted the first hotel and established the first newspaper in McDonald.
His composition refers to John D. ROCKEFELLER, W. J. BRYAN and other notables,
and takes a fling at Women's Suffrage. It is on sale at Mel MOORHEAD's Victrola
Department, 15 cents a copy. Sent to any address for 20 cents."
[Webmaster's Note: I'm not sure if the hotel pictured above was Mr.
Johnston's hotel.]
The Financial Edition of the Washington Observer Has This To Say
About
McDonald, Pa. March 18, 1920 McDonald PA Outlook
Oil fields
come and go but this can hardly be said about the
McDonald field which has been giving up the pay fluid for the past 30 years.
This with the mining industry has made McDonald the prosperous town of the
Panhandle for many years. Upwards of 50,000,000 barrels of oil have been
taken from wells in the McDonald district since this field was first
developed in the year 1890. In addition to this enormous amount of oil the
land surrounding McDonald has given up thousands of tons of coal. These
two
industries have given employment to more than 3000 men in the district for
years.
The one
factory of any size in McDonald, the Crescent Bottling
works, has given employment to about 150 men and girls throughout the years.
The machine shop and foundries located here have run steadily and gave
employment to an average of 50 men. In the McDonald district there are
approximately 12 active mines that have run throughout the year with the
exception of time lost by the strike and car shortage. These conditions have
hindered the progress of the community to some extent. No new developments
were made during the year in the mining industry as mot of this work was
completed two years ago. Practically all the coal lands are now in the
hands of the operators who have developed their holdings. The chemical
works at Oakdale formerly furnished employment to many men in this district.
New firms have purchased the plants of the chemical works and it is
understood that smaller factories will be established which will make
another new line of employment in the district. It is also reported that a
large steel company has purchased a tract of land near Noblestown upon which
will be erected a plant.
The opening
of the oil fields here in the year 1890 was the
first boom in McDonald. The MATTHEWS well when drilled in produced 730
barrels per hour. This well is still pumping and today has produced more
than 2,000,000 barrels. There are still about 600 producing wells in the
field making an average production of about seven barrels per day.
Approximately 120 men are employed in the oil fields with an average monthly
pay roll of more than $15,000. Practically no new drilling has been done
during the past year but several old wells were cleaned out in order to
increase the production of the high priced oil. At the present time
considerable leasing is being done in the McDonald section and it is likely
that some drilling will be done in an attempt to locate new pools. When it
is considered that nearly 45,000,000 barrels of oil have been taken from
this field which is still yielding about 2,500 barrels per months it will be
seen why McDonald has been prosperous.
No municipal
improving was done during the past year owing to
the high cost of materials. Housing conditions in McDonald have not been
good and at least 40 houses are needed at this time. Some new residences
have been erected during the year. The passing of some of the hotels will
also make housing conditions worse as far as transient travel is concerned.
The Commercial hotel with Ben FRANKEL as proprietor has already been turned
into an apartment house and no transient travel is accommodated. Hotel
Pitt
with F. A. THOMASSY proprietor is still operating and Mr. THOMASSY states
that he is yet undecided as what he will do with his hotel. He has but 10
transient rooms and these are filled every night and he is unable to
accommodate all traffic. Hotel VOYE is being made larger. This will
be
used as an ice cream parlor and later a dining room will be enlarged for the
serving of special dinners and dances. Along side the hotel Mr. VOYE has
also under the course of erection a large theatre that will be up-to-date in
every way when completed. The WILLS hotel has been closed for several
months.
The First
National Bank of McDonald has under course of erection
one of the finest banking houses to be found outside of the large cities.
It is all of marble and is located on the corner just across the street from
their present banking house. It will present a handsome appearance when
completed and will be a valued addition to the town as well as the financial
institution. It will be commodious and modern in every way. The bank
will
be fitted throughout with entirely new equipment, including new furniture,
new vaults and safes. It is expected that the new building will be ready
for occupancy by May or June. It will be purely a banking house and will
be
occupied entirely by the financial institution which has grown rapidly with
McDonald.
The First
National Bank has now almost reached the two and
one-half million mark in resources and with deposits of more than two
million. This band with a capital of $50,000 has a surplus and undivided
profit fund of $254,715. Its resources are $2,458,335 and deposits,
$2,131,120. The deposits increased the past year $184,616. Since the
organization this bank has paid its stockholders, in dividends, $194,500.
The McDonald
Savings and Trust company has had a prosperous year
and is fast climbing the ladder toward the million dollar mark. This bank
is capitalized at $125,000 and has a surplus and undivided profit fund of
$30,500. Its resources are $728,992 or an increase of over $200,000 within
the past three years. The deposits are now $573,492 or an increase of
$113,659. The bank has paid in dividends since organization $73,125.
Recently the McDonald Savings and Trust company established a foreign
department with B. TEKESHAZY, of Pittsburgh, in charge. He speaks seven
languages.
Recently the
borough voted in favor of a $70,000 bond issue for
the erection of a borough building. The building will be located on
McDonald and North streets and work will be started soon. It will contain
council rooms, the fire department, a public library, club rooms for the
service men of this district together with other conveniences for the
community.
McDonald has
always been known as an oil town and with about 600
wells still pumping an upwards to a dozen mines giving employment to more
than 3,000 men the continued prosperity of McDonald is assured.
Today, McDonald’s 2,500 residents enjoy the best of living close to the city
of Pittsburgh near the junction of the Montour and
Panhandle Trails.
Note: Articles courtesy of researcher, Victoria Hospodar
Valentine. Used with permission.
Please see McDonald,
PA on the website Washington Co., PA, "Little Washington",
Genealogy and Family History for a description of this fine old
city. You will see some pictures there and get access to newspapers of the
McDonald area. City-Data
has an USGS map showing McDonald PA on their site, along with information based
on the 2000 Census.
For more information, contact:
Heritage Public Library, 52 Fourth St.
McDonald, PA 15057
PHONE: 724-926-8400
FAX: 724-926-4686
E-MAIL: heritagelibrary@comcast.net
WEB SITE: http://heritagemcdonaldpl.org/
SEND ME YOUR PICTURES OR MEMORIES OF
McDONALD
(washington.co.pa.webmaster@gmail.com - and put McDonald
in the subject line)
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Washington.Co.PA.Webmaster
(c) Judith Ann Florian
159 E. Main St.
Girard, Ohio 44420
Copyright Notice - Data / info. for individuals and surnames may be
reproduced for personal family histories only, but not for any commercial use or
sale. Please give credit to Judith Florian and Catherine L. Caldwell for
locating newspaper items and original documents. You may use J. Florian's
research conclusions if credit is given. No other data or images may be
reproduced without permission. © 2005-present, Judith Florian, Copyright All
rights reserved.
This page was last updated on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 23:48
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The background was chosen specifically to
emphasize the matriarchal role of women in "the life" of
children and families, and the resilience of all the women of
southwestern Pennsylvania. |
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