Institution

David Evan Strickler, a 23 year old apprentice pharmacist at Tassell Pharmacy,
805 Ligonier Street in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, created the first banana split in
1904. This unique creation soon became very popular within Latrobe, especially
with the students from nearby Saint Vincent College, who helped to spread the
popularity of the new ice cream treat. 

After the success of his creation,
Strickler became a pharmacist and optometrist and would purchase the pharmacy,
naming it Strickler's Drug Store. Dr. Strickler was often described by family
members as a "tinkerer." His creative instinct and his time observing
"soda jerks" at the beach during the summer inspired him to construct
his now famous "triple sundae" dessert. Since its creation in 1904,
the banana split's fame has grown immensely gaining national and international
popularity. In the 1900s, the banana split was a large part of US history; a
staple at drugstore and soda-fountains throughout the country. These soda
fountains were crucial social hubs, due to prohibition closing down former
social gathering places such as bars. In addition to the delicious banana split, Dr. Strickler also created an equally unique dish to hold the sundae. To best display his banana split, Strickler designed long, narrow "banana boat" dishes. He made these dishes to his specifications at Westmorland Glass Company in nearby Grapeville, PA.

Dr. Strickler's Drug Store where the first banana split was served 


This historical marker and colorful sculpture commemorates the 1904 invention of the banana split by Dr. David Strickler, a 23-year-old apprentice pharmacist at Tassell Pharmacy. His creation was enjoyed and publicized by students from nearby Saint Vincent College and before long, his creation was served by ice cream parlors and restaurants around the world. Strickler later purchased the building and operated Strickler's Drug Store.

Banana Split Historical Marker and Strickler's Drug Store

A walking tour of some of the most hisotric and iconic buildings in Latrobe.

<div>The Latrobe Railroad Station was a late Victorian-era facility which served the former mainline between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh at a time when the western part of the line was being improved and required track elevation. The building was constructed with limestone and features a terracotta brick exterior with three doors in front. A one-story brick building, it is eight bays wide and five bays deep. There is a flat roof with a parapet and a&nbsp;central cross gable. The&nbsp;gable above the entrance has a pediment featuring stone panels and decorated using terra cotta.</div><div> </div><div>It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. </div><div> </div><div>Today, Amtrak utilizes the station and operates two daily&nbsp;trains. Similar to many other Amtrak stations,&nbsp;there is no ticketing or baggage facility although the station does include a restaurant that serves local residents as well as passengers.&nbsp;</div> The station is now the home of DiSalvo's Restaurant. It was opened in 1990 and is recognized for its Italian Cuisine.

The Latrobe Railroad Station was built by architect William H. Brown for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) in 1903. It is located at 329 McKinley Avenue. It served the mainline between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for the Pennsylvania Railroad and currently serves as an Amtrak stop and an Italian restaurant.

Latrobe Railroad Station (1903)

In 1886, where Dainty Pastry stands today, was the site of Latrobe's Methodist Episcopal Church. Between 1886 and 1922 many different businesses, including a flour and feed store from 1903-1909, occupied the building. On December 22, 1922 the lot was sold to Theron Smith. Until the year 1952, Smith ran an auto repair shop there, and lived above the garage of the business.                In 1952, Smith finally took down the old church building on site. Following the tear down of the church building, the structure that currently stands was erected. It is unclear when it was built exactly, however based on an ad from the 1954 Latrobean, it was presumably constructed by Theron Smith between the years of 1952-1954.               Dainty Pastry was started by Latrobe resident Robert Colaianne during the 1940s. The business was originally housed at 223 Main Street until it moved to 806 Ligonier Street in 1952. On July 1st, 1975, Smith sold the lot and his building on Depot Street to Robert and Juanita Colaianne. Shortly after the sale they moved their bakery in. To this day, 339 Depot Street in the heart of Downtown Latrobe continues to be the home of Dainty Pastry. In 2021 the building was burned down in an accidental fire that was caused by lightning and the family officially decided not to rebuild.

In 1886, where Dainty Pastry stands today, was the site of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Between 1886 and 1922 many different businesses went in that building until it was ultimately torn down in 1952. Dainty Pastry was started by Robert Colaianne in the 1940s on Ligonier Street in Downtown Latrobe. In 1975, Theron Smith sold the lot and his building on Depot Street to Robert and Juanita Colaianne to move their bakery. Depot Street has been the home of Dainty Pastry since then.

Dainty Pastry 

The building home to Jocelyn's Beauty Salon and ComputerX is a double building (332 and 334 Main Street) erected in the 1880s. The structure was presumably built by George Seiler who later built Mozart Hall in 1890. In the years following, the building appeared on the atlas map as a conjoining meat market and residential home. This was confirmed by local Ethel Saxman who in an article stated that George Seiler lived at 336 Main Street, had a meat market at 334, and the "adjoining house (332) was occupied by a small family".               From then on the building became a home for many families and businesses. In 1925, 332 Main Street, which used to be a residential home to David L. Hill, became office space along with the adjoining space 334. From 1925-1934 Hoffman's Jewelry was housed there and in 1940, 332 Main became Betty Ann Beauty Shop and 334 Main was D. L. Hill paint and Wallpaper Store. Both stores became vacant in 1966 until Leonard's Shoe Repair moved into 334 Main in 1976. Today, 332 Main Street in downtown Latrobe is home to Jocelyn's Beauty Salon and the adjoining business at 334 Main Street is ComputerX.

The building (332 and 334 Main Street) is a double building that was erected in the 1880s. The structure was presumably built by George Seiler who later built Mozart Hall in 1890. The building became a home for many families and businesses until both sides became vacant in 1966. Today, 332 Main Street in downtown Latrobe is home to Jocelyn's Beauty Salon and the adjoining business at 334 Main Street is ComputerX.

332/334 Main Street

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Designed in 1907, the building once known
as the Doherty Building later to become the Lattanzino Building was erected on
Depot Street in downtown Latrobe. In 1940, when Harry Lattanzino purchased the
Doherty Hardware building, he transformed the upstairs hall to a skating rink
known as Skateland, but referred to by youth as “the Rink.” By the 1950’s the
building was commonly known as Harry’s Danceland. It had become the scene of
Friday night dances and live concerts by over 100 top recording artists from
across the country. Some of which included Chubby Checker, Bo Diddly, Jimi
Hendrix, Jay and the Shondels and many more top performers. Danceland was the happening
spot for the majority of the 1950s throughout the 1960s. 

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In 2015 work began to return the
Danceland building to its former glory. The building was structurally restored
with the touch of large mural drawings hung on the outside to look like windows
depicting scenes from two important time periods in the buildings life, the
1900s and the 1960s. Once the project was completed, over 150 saved and
autographed photos from famous groups and people who performed there were
installed the entire length of the four story stairwell. A large throwback
dance was then held where Harry Lattanzaio Jr. presented his father Harry
Lattanzio (the creator of Danceland) with a State Citation from the House of
Representatives

 In 1940, when Harry Lattanzino purchased the Doherty Hardware building, he transformed the upstairs hall to a skating rink known as Skateland, but referred to by youth as “the Rink.” By the 1950’s the building was commonly known as Harry’s Danceland. It had become the scene of Friday night dances and live concerts by over 100 top recording artists from across the country. Some of which included Chubby Checker, Bo Diddly, Jimi Hendrix, Jay and the Shondels and many more top performers.

Danceland

Born and raised in Latrobe, Fred McFeely Rogers was the creator, composer, host, and puppeteer of the award winning TV program Mister Rogers Neighborhood (1968-2001). The program, produced at WQED in Pittsburgh, emphasized kindness, compassion, and learning. An ordained minister, Fred Rogers received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his outstanding approach to children's media and his legacy of nurturing and inspiring generations of children.                     (Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission 2016)In memory of Fred's father, James Hillis Rogers, sits a beautiful park located on the corner of Jefferson and 200 Main Street in the heart of downtown Latrobe. James Hillis Rogers and his wife Nancy McFeely Rogers were known nationwide for being the parents of TV program creator, Fred Rogers, however in their hometown community of Latrobe they were often recognized for being major contributors to many community projects. Because of their work as community advocates, the Chapel at Latrobe Area Hospital, Rogers-McFeely Memorial Swimming Pool and the James Hillis Rogers Memorial Park were added to the city of Latrobe.In the James Hillis Rogers Memorial Park sits the Fred Rogers historical marker as well as the life size bronze statue of Mister Rogers. The statue was created by sculptor and artist Jon Hair from Petersburg, Florida. Rogers is sculpted smiling, seated on a bench wearing his iconic cardigan sweater and sneakers. Sculptor Jon Hair of St. Petersburg, Fla., said he used countless photos in deciding how to create the 300-pound work of art that took more than six months to make. “I wanted him on the bench, so that you want to sit by him. From the street, it looks like you want to sit with him,” Hair said as he watched parents and children have pictures taken with the statue." Hair's final product weighs about 300 pounds and took over 6 months to complete.

Born and raised in Latrobe, Mister Rogers was the creator, composer, host, and puppeteer of the award winning TV program Mister Rogers Neighborhood; a program that emphasized kindness, compassion, and learning. Located on the corner of Jefferson and Main Street in James Hillis Rogers Memorial Park, sits the Fred Rogers historical marker and statue to honor his many accomplishments and contributions to the Latrobe community and the nation as a whole.

Mr. Fred Rogers Statue and James Hillis Rogers Park

Mozart Hall is one of the oldest and most iconic buildings
in downtown Latrobe. Built in 1890 by George Seiler, the son of German
immigrants, Mozart Hall reflects the architecture of many grand opera houses in
old Germany. &nbsp;Seiler used the building to
combine business and culture. The first floor was, and &nbsp;is today, store rooms. A number of different
businesses have been housed in Mozart over the years. The second floor
contained a large hall with a stage facing away from the Main Street windows. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Throughout
the 1890s many operettas, musicals and concerts were performed within Mozart
Hall. In 1912, the entirety of Mozart was bought by men's organization, the
Latrobe Club. Both floors were used for meetings, town activities and dances. Over
the years, Mozart Hall was also used for: high school graduations, a WWI
recruiting and drilling station, a WWI Red Cross knitting and bandage rolling
site, amongst other things. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After
WWII when the building was sold once again, the bottom floor storefronts were
rented out like they had been in the 1890s. The second floor was used by many
organizations including the YMCA and the Girl Scouts. &nbsp;For most of the 1950s Mozart Hall was the home
of the Latrobe Community Center. Between the late 1950s to 1980 the building
went unused. During this time, Mozart Hall received little to no upkeep and
progressively began to fall apart. Recently in 2017, the building was restored
to its former glory, and continues to be a unique and iconic landmark in the
City of Latrobe.

Mozart Hall is one of the oldest and most iconic buildings in downtown Latrobe. Built in 1890 by George Seiler, the son of German immigrants, Mozart Hall reflects the architecture of many grand opera houses in old Germany. Throughout the 1890s many operettas, musicals and concerts were performed within Mozart Hall. In 1912, the entirety of Mozart was bought by men's organization, the Latrobe Club, and was used for various activities and meetings. Between the late 1950s to 1980 the building went unused and progressively began to fall apart until recently in 2017, when the building was restored to its former glory. Mozart Hall continues to be a unique and iconic landmark in the City of Latrobe. 

Mozart Hall

MuseumThe main museum area features displays of artifacts covering business and industry, coal mining, prominent citizens, organizations, schools, military service and the beginnings of professional football and airmail delivery. Separate rooms portray an old-time country store, a "Grandma's" house, and a one-room schoolhouse.Library and ArchivesThe collection of books, newspapers, photographs, original documents, microfilm, family, community, and cemetery records, maps, yearbooks and scrapbooks are all made available for public use. The articles, local directories, memoirs, diaries, personal letters, ledgers, meeting minutes, and audio recordings with transcripts cover a diverse cross section of people, their occupations, associations, service and time periods in which they lived from 1780 until today.AuditoriumA 40 seat auditorium with audio and video service is available for hosting student groups, church groups, class reunions, and local organization meetings.EducationPrograms on various topics are available for presentation . A quarterly publication, the Latrobe Historical Gazette, features articles on people, places and events of our past.

Latrobe Area Historical Society is an all volunteer non profit organization chartered in 1974 striving to preserve the legacy of the southwestern Pennsylvania area in and around Latrobe through the collection, study and documentation of the community's heritage and the preservation of the local history and ethnic roots.

The focus area of the City of Latrobe, Unity Township and parts of Derry Township has a rich history, from colonial days in Unity Township to the beginnings of the industrial age, the birth of professional football, and modern innovations in business and industry.
Latrobe also is the birthplace of golf great Arnold Palmer and beloved television personality Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.


Latrobe Area Historical Society

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; On September
19th, 1853, the Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 of Free and Accepted Masons was
consecrated becoming the second oldest lodge in the county. For many years the
Loyalhanna Lodge did not have a specific meeting place, and would gather in
places such as the First National Bank Building on Depot Street or the
McLaughlin Building on Ligonier Street. After years of moving from place to
place the lodge was looking to settle on one location. In 1919 for $20,000 the
Free Masons purchased a building site on the corner of Ligonier and Spring
Street. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In a 1926 publication of The Latrobe Bulletin it was reported
that a five story building was going to be constructed on that site "to
serve as a home for several local Masonic bodies." The building was also
set to include both store and apartment space for rent. In April of 1927 when
the project was complete, the Latrobe Public Library became one of the
buildings first tenants. In 1938 the building was sold to the Reliance Life
Insurance Company. During this time Lodge met in Mozart Hall on Main Street. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It wasn't until 1945 that the
Lodge created a building and trust group that successfully bought the building
back. After it was back under the ownership of the Free and Accepted Masons, the
rental space within the Masonic Building continued to contribute to the life of
Latrobe's small businesses and downtown. The Masonic Building is still used as
retail, residential and meeting space today, just like it was in 1927 when it
was first created. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On September 19th, 1853, the Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 of Free and Accepted Masons was consecrated becoming the second oldest lodge in the county.  In 1919 for $20,000 the Free Masons purchased a building site on the corner of Ligonier and Spring Street.  In April of 1927 the building was complete, but was sold soon after in 1938 to Reliance Life Insurance Company. It wasn't until 1945 that the Lodge created a building and trust group that successfully bought the building back.

Walking tour of Downtown Latrobe, PA

Banana Split Historical Marker and Strickler's Drug Store

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources