Redbank Valley Historical Society Displays Businesses of the Past

Historic displays of businesses of the past in the Redbank Valley will be open for viewing on Monday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. The displays are located at the Redbank Valley Historical Society Center at 301 Broad Street, New Bethlehem.

Displays include the New Bethlehem Tile Company, Saint Charles Brick Plant, Crawford Furniture, a local pop bottling company, and past pharmacies, among many other companies that existed in the area.

You are invited to come learn about the business history of the area, and also share any memories you might have of the businesses of the past. Refreshments will be provided.

Parking is available on Broad Street and in the municipal lot behind the history center. Admission to the display is free. Donations to support the society are always welcome.

This brick plant at St. Charles was opened in 1900 by Isaac E. Shumaker of Deanville. It was called the Clarion Brick Co. The plant is on the Clarion County side of Redbank Creek at the mouth of Leatherwood Creek. In 1919, the firm changed ownership and was called McClain Fire Brick Co. H. K. Porter Industries purchased the facility and operated it until the early 1990s, when it closed.