Westmoreland 250: 10 unique things in Latrobe
Aug. 9—(Editor's note: To mark Westmoreland County's 250th birthday this year, we've come up with a list of 250 things — 10 things in 25 communities — that we consider to be important to the makeup of our area. This series will appear each week through December. If you have a suggestion for a future installment, please email gtrcity@triblive.com.)
Nestled between Derry and Unity townships along the Loyalhanna Creek, Latrobe didn't develop as originally planned in the mid-19th century.
Pennsylvania Railroad agent Oliver Barnes favored the site as a possible rail yard. When the decision was made to locate the yard nearby in what is now Derry Borough, Barnes acquired the Latrobe property from his employer and laid it out as a town. He named it for a friend — Benjamin Latrobe, who was the chief engineer of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He later became general superintendent of that rail company and mayor of Baltimore.
Latrobe was incorporated as a borough in 1854, and it quickly grew to support several manufacturing businesses, including various foundries and Barnes' own Pennsylvania Car Works.
Other industries included a paper mill, tanneries, distilleries and breweries. Long associated with Latrobe, Rolling Rock beer last was brewed in the town in 2006, when Anheuser-Busch bought the brand and moved production to New Jersey.
The town reached a peak population of nearly 12,000 in 1960 before growth shifted into adjacent Unity Township.
Chartered as a city in 1999, Latrobe retains many of its core assets — including the brewery that originated Rolling Rock and a large metals plant, surrounded by a small-town atmosphere.
A major rail line still runs through Latrobe, and you can still board a passenger train there.
Here are 10 unique things in Latrobe:
Fred Rogers statue
One of the town's favorite native sons and beloved host of the classic children's television show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," Fred Rogers relocated to Pittsburgh, where he lived until his death in 2003. But his spirit and legacy are still present in Latrobe — as is his likeness, in the form of a bronze statue of him seated casually on one of the benches at James Hillis Rogers Park, named for his father and located at Main and Jefferson streets.
Inscribed in the sidewalk in front of the bench is one of Rogers' many reassuring phrases, "You are special," and an image of the toy trolley that was a regular feature on his show.
The park isn't the only place you'll find Rogers' lasting imprint on his hometown. Trolley designs are displayed on many of the city's street name signs. A weeklong Mister Rogers Family Days is held each summer featuring entertainment, food and, of course, plenty of activities for kids.
Greater Latrobe 4th of July Celebration
Latrobe celebrates Independence Day in a big way, with another series of activities stretched over multiple dates. The chief draw is a 4th of July parade through downtown that attracts residents from throughout the area as well as former Latrobeans who return home for the festive occasion.
Event organizers crown a Miss 4th of July and have a Big Wheel/scooter race for kids as well as a 5-mile run and 2-mile walk. There's also a midway full of activities and a fireworks display.
Great American Banana Split Celebration
Later in the summer, Latrobe throws another shindig with plenty of appeal. This weekend event recognizes the town's claim as the birthplace of the banana split — created in 1904 by local pharmacist David Strickler at Tassell Pharmacy on Ligonier Street.
In addition to entertainment and other festival fare, the event offers plenty of opportunities to sample a split. Throughout the year, a super-sized banana split statue and an accompanying state historical marker are on view along Ligonier Street, not far from where the sweet, frosty treat debuted more than a century ago.
This year's festival runs from Aug. 25 -27.
Latrobe Area Historical Society
This volunteer-run nonprofit takes visitors on a trip back through time at its headquarters and museum, at the former Beth Israel Synagogue, 416 Weldon St.
There are collections of vintage photos and information available for historical and genealogical research as well as displays of artifacts, including many from World War II.
Some exhibits focus on local notables, including Chester Lee, who became NASA's chief mission director, and Fred Rogers. The society has a collection of some early puppets Rogers fashioned before creating similar characters for his show's make-believe kingdom.
Sections of the museum are set up in the guise of a one-room schoolhouse and "grandma's house." The society has created videos on local historical topics and screens similar PowerPoint programs for visitors. It publishes a newsletter and shares images from the past on its Facebook page.
The headquarters and museum are open three days per week or by appointment.
Latrobe Art Center
Since 2002, this center at 819 Ligonier St. has featured a gallery where member artists display works for sale. It also hosts special shows such as the annual Mister Fred Rogers Fine Arts Juried Exhibition.
It offers art classes, workshops with nationally known artists and summer art camps for kids.
The Neighborhood Store at the center has a selection of jewelry as well as apparel, toys and souvenirs inspired by Rogers and his show. The center also is home to Ricolita's Cafe, which specializes in Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
DiSalvo's Station Restaurant and Cigar Bar
Open for scheduled events, weddings and private parties, this restaurant and event venue has a unique setting to match its cuisine. It occupies the town's restored 1903 Pennsylvania Railroad station at 325 McKinley Ave., recognized as a national historic landmark.
The former ticket and luggage areas serve as a tap room, and a full-size railroad dining car is featured inside the restaurant. The lower-level speakeasy-style cigar bar has a selection of premium cigars. Gourmet wine dinners and cigar nights are regularly held.
512 Coffee and Ice Cream
As its name indicates, this eatery offers a variety of hand-dipped ice cream treats and an array of coffee beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos and affogatos — treats that combine ice cream and espresso. Pastries, tea and lemonade also are on the menu.
The shop occupies a restored Victorian house at 512 Ligonier St. with relaxed indoor and outdoor seating.
Reaching beyond the premises, it has organized a local Italian festival and a bocce tournament.
Legion Keener Park
This 52-acre community park at 1658 Catherine St. functions as Latrobe's front lawn and recreational space along the Loyalhanna.
Features include a 3-mile walking trail, areas for youth and adult sports and the Rogers McFeely Memorial Pool for public swimming. Playland II offers swings, slides, mazes and wooden towers that invite kids to climb and explore.
Pavilion rentals are available. A band shell is the site for occasional concerts and other entertaining and educational presentations.
Loyalhanna Sojourn
Another Latrobe recreational area, Cardinal Park on East First Avenue, is the starting point for the annual Loyalhanna Sojourn.
Kayakers who have registered for the event put into the creek at the Latrobe park for a nine-mile paddle downstream on the Loyalhanna Creek, meandering along the border of Derry Township.
Refreshments and fun activities await participants at the end of the route, at Gray Wing Park in New Alexandria. The sojourn is jointly organized by Greater Latrobe Parks & Recreation and the Loyalhanna Watershed Association.
B&D Creekside Activity Center
This indoor sports arena with turf flooring is a setting where dog owners can bring their four-footed friends for various activities and classes.
Agility, obedience and other classes are led by various instructors. The arena hosted tryouts for the American Kennel Club 2019 European Open Agility Team.
The arena sits on about 18 acres bordering Loyalhanna Creek that are perfect for walking dogs.
Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .
