Dawson Pennsylvania At 150, Healthy, Historic -Roy Hess Sr.

Early in its 150-year existence along the Youghiogheny River, the little community of Dawson grew from a group of plotted farm lots to a booming industrial hub where it has been said, “A millionaire lived on every corner!” Coal and beehive coke production provided the fuel for rapid growth and accumulation of wealth. Railroads, mines and coke ovens employed the human machinery that kept the wheels of progress rolling toward a smoke covered population of 890 near the turn of the century. Even though Dawson owes its illustrious history to the coal and coke revolution it did not evolve as a patch town. The early families that engineered the town’s growth did so by building and living in the area. As a result of that dedication, some of the large, ornate homes still grace the town. Some streets bear the names of the surveyors who laid them out, or the magnate who lived there at the time. One such home was built and occupied by James Cochran, a pioneer in the mining and coke industry, who with his brother Mordecai, floated a log raft down the river and sold the first commercial beehive coke at Cincinnati, Ohio. “Little Jim’s” home still stands in Dawson’s historic district. Benefactors of the town proper laid out streets paved with locally fired bricks, and sandstone foundations supported well built homes framed with locally cut lumber. The Cochran family was very generous to the community with their wealth, and a municipal water system was fed by large wells on one of the Cochran farms. As the population grew, retail business increased as well as entertainment venues. Rare for a town of its size, Dawson boasted theaters and an opera house, two hotels, a bank, clothing, shoe and general stores, several groceries and a furniture store. Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist and Catholic Churches drew large congregations. Three different edifices were constructed in sequence on the property where Cochran Memorial United Methodist Church now stands. A frame chapel, the first building, was moved to Bryan where it stands today. The second, a huge traditional brick structure constructed by businesswoman and philanthropist Sarah Cochran, stood until around 1920 when Mrs. Cochran had it replaced with the magnificent stone church of today, dedicated to her late husband, Philip. No documentation or even a sentence about the illustrious past of Dawson could exist without the inclusion of at least a mention of Sarah B. Cochran. Deeply devoted to God and her family, when she tragically lost both her husband and her only child, she defied the norms of the time when she kept, managed and guided the area’s largest company to incredible success. However wealthy, Sarah B. Cochran never abandoned her hometown attitude or compassion. She built magnificent churches but taught Sunday School classes. The beautiful mansion she had constructed at Linden Hall frequently welcomed public events. Mrs. Cochran was a devoted supporter of both education and women’s rights! Several colleges have buildings named for their benefactor, Sarah B. Cochran. While Mrs. Cochran remained in relative obscurity nationally, her philanthropy equaled and, in some cases, eclipsed that of her more well-known male counterparts. In possibly the only book about Sarah B.’s life, A Lesser Mortal, The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran, author Kimberly Hess accurately documents Mrs. Cochran’s colorful life. But to residents of Dawson, the name Sarah B. speaks of benefactress and legend! Early access to the town was by a major road (now PA Route 819) to Scottdale, northeast of Dawson, and a wooden plank/steel girder bridge across the Youghiogheny River to the south. The south end of the first bridge was later raised to allow passage below to the P&LE train. The bridge was built as a toll structure. When the bridge was paid for, the toll was ended. While the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie rail yards across the river grew and employed more and more workers, the Baltimore & Ohio railroad split Dawson, and carried coal, coke and passengers to the east and west.

Dawson continued to grow and prosper along with the coal, coke and rail industry. But like the hundreds of southwestern Pennsylvania’s small communities whose existence was inexorably tied to the coal industry, progress in industrial practices, technology, and the depletion of the coal fields quietly signaled major changes to come. The first hundred years of Dawson’s history was measured by unparalleled growth and wealth. While the original layout of the town provided for spacious lots, business, industry and housing crowded into every available space. Photos taken at the centennial celebration reflected still existing businesses and population, but nothing like the “heyday” level. Gradually, workforce profiles were changing. Railroad employment, affected by declining coal and coke production, declined as well. Young adults found it necessary to travel further to get meaningful employment. A town that, like so many, depended on active foot traffic to fuel its businesses found many of those feet were on accelerator pedals, headed for the mall! When a few prominent citizens (in dedication, not wealth!) began discussing their shared concerns about the preservation of the rich history of the area, the Greater Tri-Town Area Historical Society was formed. Concerned with the welfare and economy of the towns of Dawson, Vanderbilt, Dickerson Run, and townships of Lower Tyrone, Franklin and Dunbar, the charter included representatives from each location. The goal of the historical society, as reflected in the mission statement, is “the preservation and exploration of the diverse history of the Tri-Town area………Additionally, the Historical Society will monitor the cultural and social needs of the area and assist wherever possible.” The historical society has been headquartered in Dawson since it was chartered, and most of the annual events are conducted in or around town. The society met originally in the former First National Bank building but later acquired the former Burdette Appliance building and modified the building to hold a national award-winning model train display. Other rooms in the museum-like headquarters feature a one-room-schoolhouse type classroom, 1950’s style Youngstown kitchen, a Native-American artifact room, and a military memorabilia room is planned. The Native-American collection was donated to the society by a local historian, the late Donald Keffer. Other displays include early American tools from the collection of the late William Colbert. The model railroad room displays a wall- size mural of the P&LE rail yards at Dickerson Run.

This photograph is dated 1890. Note the left storefront: First National Bank. The building we know as the First National Bank building was built in 1897. Of course, the Rush House is on the right. Photo credit: Tina Anderson

To expand its reach and abilities the historical society acquired 501-C-3 status. Continuing the efforts initiated by the original group, the society strives to keep the area’s illustrious history alive with displays, programs, and events designed to attract visitors and current and former residents. Past events have drawn visitors from nearly every state. This year the historical society is hoping to coordinate a sesquicentennial celebration befitting Dawson’s history. Dawson has an active volunteer fire department which has committed to participate in events. The local churches will sponsor special programs and observances, and veteran’s groups, clubs and individuals are encouraged to participate in the year-long celebration. The society is partnering with Cochran UMC to sponsor public meetings to share information and ideas for the year. At least three major events are hosted annually by the Historical Society: the homecoming, held the first weekend in June, the October craft expo and car show, and Christmas tours/light up night. The Tri-Town Area Historical Society meets the second Tuesday of the month at their headquarters on Howell Street in Dawson. Current officers are President Patty Lint, Vice President Nicole Anderson, Treasurer Claudia Hiles, Recording Secretary Frances Rosensteel and Parade Coordinator, John Pyda. New members are welcomed at any time!

Frank Ronzio, the man with the Pittsburgh Pirate hat, and his friend J. D. Baker standing on the old Dawson Bridge inspecting the work on the new Dawson Bridge in 1967 - The Daily Courier Philip G. Cochran Memorial United Methodist Church

The James Cochran House, built in 1890, currently owned by Eugene and Patty Lint.