Historic Harrisburg Association

07/24/2025

The Uptown Theater opened in 1949 at N. 4th and Schuylkill streets as a state-of-the-art, 700-seat movie house built by theater veteran Mark Rubinsky. It was the city’s first theater with its own parking lot, a TV-equipped lounge, a soundproof "cry room" for parents, and a custom glare-reducing screen. Known for its modern design and comfort, the Uptown originally showed films about a month after their downtown premieres, later specializing in foreign and art films, and eventually booking first-run hits like My Fair Lady and Funny Girl. Changing lifestyles and the rise of television and suburban theaters diminished attendance. Rubinsky sold the building to Polyclinic Hospital in 1966, and after several lease renewals, the Uptown closed quietly in April 1972. The building was later demolished to make way for a hospital parking garage.

07/16/2025

Harrisburg Heritage Happenings E-Newsletter -

Harristown Enterprises on Tuesday announced that they are partnering with New Holland-based Garden Spot Communities and Select Capital Commercial Properties to construct senior independent living apartments at a former office building at 112 Market St.

07/10/2025

Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church at 19th & Market was designed by its rector in 1910, Rev. Ward Winter Reese (a former PRR civil engineer). It deviated from the common Gothic Style, instead evoking Elizabethan architecture and elements of Tudor Revival. The stone carving was done by vestry member Isaac Birkett Dickinson, formerly with the prominent firm of McKim, Mead & White. It wasn't until 1973 when the 21 stained-glass windows were installed.

07/04/2025

In this photograph from the early 1900s, a gentleman in a patriotic boat takes two ladies for a paddle in front of Independence Island. On the island, you can make out the bathhouse and picnic pavilion, which once accommodated hundreds of residents on hot summer days. At the time, rowboats like this or rope-drawn ferries were the only way to reach Independence Island, which remains a popular spot today for boating and watching fireworks. Where is your favorite place to watch the Independence Day fireworks?

06/26/2025

On this day 21 years ago was the final day and auction of Cow Parade, an international public art project. For participation in the project's sixth year, it justifiably settled upon the ever-quirky Harrisburg. Local artists decorated 137 fiberglass cows which were displayed both indoors and outdoors across the region from March 30 to June 26. "Raise your Paddle for Cattle" was the culmination of the event, where the bovines were auctioned for the benefit of local nonprofits and charities. Though several remain owned and displayed locally, many were relocated to their new owners, sparking a community effort through Reddit’s r/HarrisburgCowParade to track down their whereabouts. Pictured here is one of the most “Harrisburg-themed” cows: Mary Ann Byrne-Walker’s “Moo-er Reed,” which fittingly sat at City Hall. Did you have a favorite cow or one that stood out to you?

06/19/2025

UPDATE: It was pointed out to us that the source we used for this post, p.75 of "African Americans of Harrisburg" from the African American Museum of Harrisburg, Inc., incorrectly attributed this brick house. Upon looking at a Sanborn Fire Insurance Map in 1889, a frame dwelling would have occupied this spot during the Civil War. We apologize for the oversight and strive for complete accuracy when reporting our history.

The late John Weldon Scott noted that this house on Capital Street, once used for rag collection—an early form of recycling in which fabric scraps were repurposed to make paper—was supposedly home to early residents who participated in the Underground Railroad. While unconfirmed, it is plausible that they assisted Dr. William "Pap" Jones in his efforts to help enslaved individuals escape to freedom in the North.

06/12/2025

Seen here in 1987 is the construction of the first phase of the Washington Square Apartments at 200 South Court Street. This initial phase included 100 townhouse-style apartments, funded by multi-million-dollar Housing Development grants. The apartments featured amenities such as available parking and balconies. The project was built on land that had been vacant and tax-exempt for years, just blocks from the central business district, transportation center, and Susquehanna River.

06/05/2025

The Penway Theater opened in 1937 at the corner of 18th and State Streets and originally housed a corner drugstore within the building. It is a prime example of Streamline Moderne, a late offshoot of the Art Deco movement that was especially popular during the 1930s. Serving as a vital neighborhood social hub, the theater remained in operation until 1979. In 1987, the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (HRA) purchased the vacant building to convert it for lease by Peoples Drug Store, along with two upstairs apartments. The neighboring duplex was razed to create parking spaces. Today, the building houses the Harrisburg Electricians' Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee program. While the marquee is gone, the legacy of the Penway still shines.

05/29/2025

Today's features a photo from February 1963 of Hermann's Shoe Store at 42 N. Third Street, next to the Esquire Bar at the former Penn-Harris Hotel. In October 1937, Hermann Latt opened his second shoe store at this location. His first store nearby sold women's shoes, but this one specialized in "distinctive shoes for men." Unfortunately, the Penn-Harris would be demolished in 1973.

05/22/2025

In September 1961, Uptown Lanes, a bowling alley located at 7th and Woodland Streets near Uptown Plaza, opened its doors. Brothers Ron, Bruce, and Mervin Isaacman operated the venue, making it a popular destination for "keglers." On Sundays, WTPA Channel 27 broadcast a live "Queen of the Hill" bowling contest. In 1981, the business was sold to Rob Lehman and renamed Capitol Lanes, which continued operating until its closure in 1999.

05/12/2025

Preservation Pennsylvania's 2025 PA At Risk List is released today and includes HHA's nomination for the William Penn High School, which faces an uncertain future in our city. Learn more below and at their website!

📣 Announcing 2025 Pennsylvania At Risk List

Preservation Pennsylvania has named four historic places to its annual Pennsylvania At Risk list, each threatened with demolition.

🏚️ Moore-Irwin House – Montgomery County

🏛️ Philadelphia Police Headquarters (The Roundhouse) – Philadelphia County

⛪ St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church – Allegheny County

🏫 William Penn High School – Dauphin County

Preservation Pennsylvania partners with local advocates, promotes the calls to action for each property, and provides additional services and support such as letters of support for Keystone Grant and other funding applications or connecting partners with helpful site-specific expertise.

As the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping people protect and preserve the historic places they love, Pennsylvania At Risk has been part of the organization’s mission since 1992.

Visit https://preservationpa.com/pa-at-risk-2025/ to learn more and to find out how you can support Pennsylvania At Risk sites.