Smethport, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Smethport is a borough in McKean County
, Pennsylvania
, United States
. The current mayor is Ross Porter. The population was 1,684 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat
of McKean County
.
borough of Smethport is in the midst of a community-wide renaissance based on a renewed awareness of its history, translating that history to define and build its future.
Since the earliest days Smethport has been considered a topographic crown jewel of the Pennsylvania Wilds region. The moment the traveler enters Smethport they feel the hills wrap around them and from any direction they know that they have discovered a special place. A short drive from the Allegheny National Forest
and Kinzua Bridge State Park
, Smethport is about two hours from Erie
and Buffalo
and five hours from Philadelphia and New York City
. The Smethport area is teaming with natural game, wildlife, and outdoor recreational opportunities. With its many festivals and events residents enjoy an active community and cultural life. The 1,700 residents have been bustling with renewed focus and interest as the Borough embraces opportunities and grass roots initiatives for economic and tourism development.
It was in 1807 that Dutch land investors, while surveying a giant track of land they purchased from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, discovered this most perfect valley and named it in honor of the Dutch banking family, the De Smeths, who financed their land investments.
Smethport became the McKean County
seat in 1826, and grew and thrived as the principal village of Keating Township
. But it wasn’t until 1853, that Smethport officially was incorporated as a Borough
. Prior to this, Smethport was simply a settlement surrounding the county courthouse.
Part of the modern Smethport Renaissance is being driven by former residents returning or newcomers simply discovering that it is an excellent place to settle and start a business. Well educated and well traveled, they appreciate Smethport for its quality of life, charming small town demeanor, and low cost of living. The unique character and charm of this Pennsylvania Wilds community, coupled with high-speed Internet infrastructure makes Smethport a desirable place to launch a business.
Smethport has a long and colorful entrepreneurial history. From its earliest days, creative innovation has been tied to the local environment. In 1822, John Applebee built a dam across Marvin Creek to create a millpond in the center of town and installed a water-powered sawmill. Thus began an entrepreneurial lumber industry with the naturally supplied power.
Eventually the millpond at the center of Smethport became Hamlin Park and Hamlin Lake. Once filled with thousands of logs waiting processing at the local sawmill
, the lake is now teaming with trout
and offers opportunities for anglers. Today, just as in its past, Smethport is at the epicenter of major east coast hardwood industry and is home to the offices of forest industry giants.
During the 1870s through early 1900s Smethport was in an economic explosion that created some of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the country. Financier and Smethport benefactor Henry Hamlin was reported to be the wealthiest private banker in the United States during the 1890s. As a result of vast wealth generated by various aspects of the lumber industry and financiers Smethport was blessed with numerous exquisite mansions. The Smethport Mansion District is one of the community’s paramount attractions, and is one of the best-maintained historic architectural areas in the region. Examples of Victorian style architecture include Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Stick and Italianate. Visitors can view these masterpieces through walking tours that are offered periodically during special events, or by taking a casual stroll with the aid of the Smethport Mansion District walking tour guide.
Smethport celebrates its ties to American Civil War
. It was in 1861 that General Thomas Leiper Kane first mustered the McKean County Rifles and the famous and valiant Bucktail Regiment was born. Named for the whitetail deer tail placed in their hats, the Bucktails marched out of Smethport and into history. Smethport is home to an active group of Bucktail re-enactors who each April recreate this special piece of United States history.
The first magnetic toys in the country were invented in Smethport in 1908. From out of those early roots would eventually come the famous 1955 hit toy “Wooly Willy
.” This famous 20th century toy was created by Jim Herzog in Smethport in 1955, when he worked for the family-owned business Smethport Specialty Co. Wooly Willy is celebrated by the town in June during Summer Fest when any Willy-want-to-be can enter the Wooly Willy look-alike contest to stake their claim with Smethport’s most famous son. With more than 50 million being sold, the child’s toy is one of the largest promoters of Smethport, which features the town’s name on every toy.
Smethport was a center of bicycle
hysteria during the 1890s. During September, Victorian Days Smethport relives part of its 1890s history by featuring its famous, “Wheel Around the Hub” 53-Mile Bicycle Race. Just as during the 1890s, the winners receive gold pocket watches as well as handsome cash prizes. Period costumed folk mingle with visitors as they wander through street art vendors and enjoy tea and live music on the courthouse green.
Today bicycling is enjoyed on forested county roads and back woods trails that hub out from Smethport as well as on old railroad grades that are being converted in the “rails-to-trails” program. Trails for snowmobiles, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers and ATV riders snake through the area to be enjoyed both winter and summer. The local snowmobile association is working on a connection needed at Smethport to allow access to Pine Creek Gorge
to Allegheny National Forest trail.
Smethport became electrified in 1921 through the vision and persistence of Smethport industrialist and inventor J. C. Backus. The Borough has owned its own electric company since that time. Since the earliest days Smethport operated and serviced its transmission lines and purchased electricity from outside providers. Uniquely Smethport is the only municipality in the entire 12 county Pennsylvania Wilds Region to own its electric company.
In 2004 Smethport was selected as Pennsylvania’s very first Route 6 Heritage Community. The borough is currently in the midst of a community-wide planning project supported by a DCNR grant to develop a Heritage Tourism Work Plan by identifying heritage tourist sites, resources and themes; by developing a way to enhance and refine these resources; and by creating a plan to sustain local heritage tourism while enhancing the local economy. Highlighted in the plan are an extensive community reforestation program, opportunities for business development including lodging, specialty stores and extended hours; cultural venues such as dances, concerts and plays; hospitality training; year-round event planning; streetscape enhancements; park improvements; signage and parking. The completed program is expected to take 10 years to plan and implement the various stages.
We study history to learn what worked and what didn’t work; what was successful and what wasn’t. What did we do right that we should do again and what mistakes did we make so as not to repeat them. Lumbering and the logging industry has played a vital role in Smethport’s economy for Smethport’s entire history. Ever since John Applebee created the Hamlin Millpond and installed the up and down, water-powered, sawmill Smethport has focused on its regional lumber heritage. During the 1880s and 1890s giant, steam powered saw mills were located in the borough sawing millions of board feet of lumber and driving our economy.
During the turn of the century 1900s wood chemical plants dotted McKean County and pumped money into the local economy. But these industries had a high price for the environment. The forests were denuded and toxic byproducts from the chemical industry polluted the soils. But it was this lumber industry that ignited out local economy and drove the economic engine that would create the Smethport Mansion District.
To learn more about Smethport’s colorful past visit Planet Smethport, a virtual (Internet) walking tour of historic Smethport and nearby communities being created by students of Smethport Area High School. It features historic photos, newspaper clippings, and other information. With already over 2,200 pages the giant award winning project is still a work in progress.
Route 6, passing over Bush Hill just east of the Borough, is the highest point in elevation on Route 6 east of the Mississippi River.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the borough has a total area of 1.7 square miles (4.4 km²), of which, 1.7 square miles (4.4 km²) of it is land and 0.60% is water.
Smethport is at high altitude, namely 1488 feet (453.5 m) above sea level, and near Prospect Hill, the summit of which is the highest point in McKean County
, rising above sea level 2495 feet (760.5 m).
of 2000, there were 1,684 people, 686 households, and 456 families residing in the borough. The population density
was 1,009.5 people per square mile (389.3/km²). There were 739 housing units at an average density of 443.0 per square mile (170.9/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 99.05% White, 0.53% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.12% from other races
, and 0.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population.
There were 686 households out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples
living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the borough the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $34,934, and the median income for a family was $42,153. Males had a median income of $30,962 versus $22,159 for females. The per capita income
for the borough was $17,297. About 7.6% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
and other magnetic toys. (Sold to Patch Products, August 2008.)
America's First Christmas Store, opened in 1935 and was the nation's first year-round yuletide shop. (closed 2005)
Hamlin Bank and Trust Company, a community bank founded by Henry Hamlin in 1863. "Hamlin Bank"
Chef Specialties Company, founded in 1940, is America's first manufacturer and purveyor of pepper and spice mills. "Chef Specialties"
Backus Company, a precision metal stamping manufacturer, founded in 1906.
. It operates one elementary school and one high school.
Home of "Wooly Willy" magnetic toy produced by Smethport Specialty.
Home of the U.S. record for 24 hour rainfall from a non-tropical system at 34 inches of rain.
Lowest Recorded Temperature in Pennsylvania (Jan. 5, 1904): Smethport -42 °F
from an improvised explosive device
. Jamie and her dog attended the 2006 State of the Union Address
as the guest of Laura Bush
.
McKean County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 45,936 people, 18,024 households, and 12,094 families residing in the county. The population density was 47 people per square mile . There were 21,644 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The current mayor is Ross Porter. The population was 1,684 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of McKean County
McKean County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 45,936 people, 18,024 households, and 12,094 families residing in the county. The population density was 47 people per square mile . There were 21,644 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile...
.
History
The U.S. Route 6U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania
U.S. Route 6 travels east–west near the north edge of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania from the Ohio state line near Pymatuning Reservoir east to the Mid-Delaware Bridge over the Delaware River into Port Jervis, New York. It is the longest highway segment in the Commonwealth. Most of it is a...
borough of Smethport is in the midst of a community-wide renaissance based on a renewed awareness of its history, translating that history to define and build its future.
Since the earliest days Smethport has been considered a topographic crown jewel of the Pennsylvania Wilds region. The moment the traveler enters Smethport they feel the hills wrap around them and from any direction they know that they have discovered a special place. A short drive from the Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest is a National Forest located in northwestern Pennsylvania. The forest covers of land. Within the forest is Kinzua Dam, which impounds the Allegheny River to form Allegheny Reservoir. The administrative headquarters for the Allegheny National Forest is located in Warren...
and Kinzua Bridge State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park is a Pennsylvania state park near Mount Jewett, in Hamlin and Keating Townships, McKean County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park lies between U.S...
, Smethport is about two hours from Erie
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania in the United States. Named for the lake and the Native American tribe that resided along its southern shore, Erie is the state's fourth-largest city , with a population of 102,000...
and Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
and five hours from Philadelphia and New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. The Smethport area is teaming with natural game, wildlife, and outdoor recreational opportunities. With its many festivals and events residents enjoy an active community and cultural life. The 1,700 residents have been bustling with renewed focus and interest as the Borough embraces opportunities and grass roots initiatives for economic and tourism development.
It was in 1807 that Dutch land investors, while surveying a giant track of land they purchased from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, discovered this most perfect valley and named it in honor of the Dutch banking family, the De Smeths, who financed their land investments.
Smethport became the McKean County
McKean County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 45,936 people, 18,024 households, and 12,094 families residing in the county. The population density was 47 people per square mile . There were 21,644 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile...
seat in 1826, and grew and thrived as the principal village of Keating Township
Keating Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania
Keating Township is a township in McKean County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,087 at the 2000 census.-Origin:The town was named after John Keating, manager and trustee of the Ceres Company, which developed land in the area and sold it to settlers.-Geography:According to the...
. But it wasn’t until 1853, that Smethport officially was incorporated as a Borough
Borough (Pennsylvania)
In the U.S. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a borough is a self-governing municipal entity that is usually smaller than a city. There are 958 boroughs in Pennsylvania. All municipalities in Pennsylvania are classified as either cities, boroughs, or townships...
. Prior to this, Smethport was simply a settlement surrounding the county courthouse.
Part of the modern Smethport Renaissance is being driven by former residents returning or newcomers simply discovering that it is an excellent place to settle and start a business. Well educated and well traveled, they appreciate Smethport for its quality of life, charming small town demeanor, and low cost of living. The unique character and charm of this Pennsylvania Wilds community, coupled with high-speed Internet infrastructure makes Smethport a desirable place to launch a business.
Smethport has a long and colorful entrepreneurial history. From its earliest days, creative innovation has been tied to the local environment. In 1822, John Applebee built a dam across Marvin Creek to create a millpond in the center of town and installed a water-powered sawmill. Thus began an entrepreneurial lumber industry with the naturally supplied power.
Eventually the millpond at the center of Smethport became Hamlin Park and Hamlin Lake. Once filled with thousands of logs waiting processing at the local sawmill
Sawmill
A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....
, the lake is now teaming with trout
Trout
Trout is the name for a number of species of freshwater and saltwater fish belonging to the Salmoninae subfamily of the family Salmonidae. Salmon belong to the same family as trout. Most salmon species spend almost all their lives in salt water...
and offers opportunities for anglers. Today, just as in its past, Smethport is at the epicenter of major east coast hardwood industry and is home to the offices of forest industry giants.
During the 1870s through early 1900s Smethport was in an economic explosion that created some of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the country. Financier and Smethport benefactor Henry Hamlin was reported to be the wealthiest private banker in the United States during the 1890s. As a result of vast wealth generated by various aspects of the lumber industry and financiers Smethport was blessed with numerous exquisite mansions. The Smethport Mansion District is one of the community’s paramount attractions, and is one of the best-maintained historic architectural areas in the region. Examples of Victorian style architecture include Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Stick and Italianate. Visitors can view these masterpieces through walking tours that are offered periodically during special events, or by taking a casual stroll with the aid of the Smethport Mansion District walking tour guide.
Smethport celebrates its ties to American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. It was in 1861 that General Thomas Leiper Kane first mustered the McKean County Rifles and the famous and valiant Bucktail Regiment was born. Named for the whitetail deer tail placed in their hats, the Bucktails marched out of Smethport and into history. Smethport is home to an active group of Bucktail re-enactors who each April recreate this special piece of United States history.
The first magnetic toys in the country were invented in Smethport in 1908. From out of those early roots would eventually come the famous 1955 hit toy “Wooly Willy
Wooly Willy
Wooly Willy is a toy in which metal filings are moved about with a magnetic wand to add features to a cartoon face. The toy was originally manufactured in Smethport, Pennsylvania and was launched on the toy market in 1955...
.” This famous 20th century toy was created by Jim Herzog in Smethport in 1955, when he worked for the family-owned business Smethport Specialty Co. Wooly Willy is celebrated by the town in June during Summer Fest when any Willy-want-to-be can enter the Wooly Willy look-alike contest to stake their claim with Smethport’s most famous son. With more than 50 million being sold, the child’s toy is one of the largest promoters of Smethport, which features the town’s name on every toy.
Smethport was a center of bicycle
Bicycle
A bicycle, also known as a bike, pushbike or cycle, is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A person who rides a bicycle is called a cyclist, or bicyclist....
hysteria during the 1890s. During September, Victorian Days Smethport relives part of its 1890s history by featuring its famous, “Wheel Around the Hub” 53-Mile Bicycle Race. Just as during the 1890s, the winners receive gold pocket watches as well as handsome cash prizes. Period costumed folk mingle with visitors as they wander through street art vendors and enjoy tea and live music on the courthouse green.
Today bicycling is enjoyed on forested county roads and back woods trails that hub out from Smethport as well as on old railroad grades that are being converted in the “rails-to-trails” program. Trails for snowmobiles, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers and ATV riders snake through the area to be enjoyed both winter and summer. The local snowmobile association is working on a connection needed at Smethport to allow access to Pine Creek Gorge
Pine Creek Gorge
Pine Creek Gorge, also known as, The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, is situated in approximately 160,000 acres of the Tioga State Forest in the U.S. State of Pennsylvania along Pine Creek. The Canyon begins south of Ansonia, near Wellsboro, along U.S. Route 6 and continues for approximately...
to Allegheny National Forest trail.
Smethport became electrified in 1921 through the vision and persistence of Smethport industrialist and inventor J. C. Backus. The Borough has owned its own electric company since that time. Since the earliest days Smethport operated and serviced its transmission lines and purchased electricity from outside providers. Uniquely Smethport is the only municipality in the entire 12 county Pennsylvania Wilds Region to own its electric company.
In 2004 Smethport was selected as Pennsylvania’s very first Route 6 Heritage Community. The borough is currently in the midst of a community-wide planning project supported by a DCNR grant to develop a Heritage Tourism Work Plan by identifying heritage tourist sites, resources and themes; by developing a way to enhance and refine these resources; and by creating a plan to sustain local heritage tourism while enhancing the local economy. Highlighted in the plan are an extensive community reforestation program, opportunities for business development including lodging, specialty stores and extended hours; cultural venues such as dances, concerts and plays; hospitality training; year-round event planning; streetscape enhancements; park improvements; signage and parking. The completed program is expected to take 10 years to plan and implement the various stages.
We study history to learn what worked and what didn’t work; what was successful and what wasn’t. What did we do right that we should do again and what mistakes did we make so as not to repeat them. Lumbering and the logging industry has played a vital role in Smethport’s economy for Smethport’s entire history. Ever since John Applebee created the Hamlin Millpond and installed the up and down, water-powered, sawmill Smethport has focused on its regional lumber heritage. During the 1880s and 1890s giant, steam powered saw mills were located in the borough sawing millions of board feet of lumber and driving our economy.
During the turn of the century 1900s wood chemical plants dotted McKean County and pumped money into the local economy. But these industries had a high price for the environment. The forests were denuded and toxic byproducts from the chemical industry polluted the soils. But it was this lumber industry that ignited out local economy and drove the economic engine that would create the Smethport Mansion District.
To learn more about Smethport’s colorful past visit Planet Smethport
Route 6, passing over Bush Hill just east of the Borough, is the highest point in elevation on Route 6 east of the Mississippi River.
Geography
Smethport is located at 41°48′36"N 78°26′42"W (41.809928, -78.444888).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the borough has a total area of 1.7 square miles (4.4 km²), of which, 1.7 square miles (4.4 km²) of it is land and 0.60% is water.
Smethport is at high altitude, namely 1488 feet (453.5 m) above sea level, and near Prospect Hill, the summit of which is the highest point in McKean County
McKean County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 45,936 people, 18,024 households, and 12,094 families residing in the county. The population density was 47 people per square mile . There were 21,644 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile...
, rising above sea level 2495 feet (760.5 m).
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 1,684 people, 686 households, and 456 families residing in the borough. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,009.5 people per square mile (389.3/km²). There were 739 housing units at an average density of 443.0 per square mile (170.9/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 99.05% White, 0.53% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.12% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population.
There were 686 households out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the borough the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $34,934, and the median income for a family was $42,153. Males had a median income of $30,962 versus $22,159 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the borough was $17,297. About 7.6% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
Notable Businesses
Smethport Specialty Company, which manufactures Wooly WillyWooly Willy
Wooly Willy is a toy in which metal filings are moved about with a magnetic wand to add features to a cartoon face. The toy was originally manufactured in Smethport, Pennsylvania and was launched on the toy market in 1955...
and other magnetic toys. (Sold to Patch Products, August 2008.)
America's First Christmas Store, opened in 1935 and was the nation's first year-round yuletide shop. (closed 2005)
Hamlin Bank and Trust Company, a community bank founded by Henry Hamlin in 1863. "Hamlin Bank"
Chef Specialties Company, founded in 1940, is America's first manufacturer and purveyor of pepper and spice mills. "Chef Specialties"
Backus Company, a precision metal stamping manufacturer, founded in 1906.
Education
Smethport is served by the Smethport Area School DistrictSmethport Area School District
Smethport Area School District is a public school district located in McKean County, Pennsylvania, United States. Situated in the north central part of the state, it overlooks the borough of Smethport, which serves as the county seat. The district has its entire complex in the borough of...
. It operates one elementary school and one high school.
Trivia
Home of the "Hubbers" - the local school district's mascot. Hubber refers to the fact that Smethport is in the approximate geographic center of McKean County and is the county seat; therefore it is the "hub" of the county. The logo for the school is an orange and black wagon wheel tilted to one side with the letters "S" and "A" for Smethport Area.Home of "Wooly Willy" magnetic toy produced by Smethport Specialty.
Home of the U.S. record for 24 hour rainfall from a non-tropical system at 34 inches of rain.
Lowest Recorded Temperature in Pennsylvania (Jan. 5, 1904): Smethport -42 °F
Notable people
Jamie Dana USAF TSgt is the first military working dog handler to be allowed to adopt her dog from active duty. She sustained serious injuries with her dog, Rex, in IraqIraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
from an improvised explosive device
Improvised explosive device
An improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
. Jamie and her dog attended the 2006 State of the Union Address
2006 State of the Union address
The 2006 State of the Union Address was delivered by United States President George W. Bush at 9 p.m. EST on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 to a joint session of the U.S. Congress...
as the guest of Laura Bush
Laura Bush
Laura Lane Welch Bush is the wife of the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. She was the First Lady of the United States from January 20, 2001, to January 20, 2009. She has held a love of books and reading since childhood and her life and education have reflected that interest...
.