State College Borough: A History of Transformation and Community
State College Borough, nestled in the heart of Centre County, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant community with a rich history intricately linked to the growth and evolution of Pennsylvania State University. From its humble beginnings as a small village serving the needs of the Farmers' High School to its current status as a bustling borough grappling with rapid development and modernization, State College has undergone a remarkable transformation. This article explores the key milestones, challenges, and enduring spirit that have shaped the borough into what it is today.
The Early Years: From Farm School to Borough
The story of State College begins with the founding of the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania in 1855. The institution was established on 400 acres of land in what was then Harris Township. The location was chosen for its affordability and the fertile soil of the Nittany Valley, rich in limestone. The land had been clear-cut to provide charcoal for Centre Furnace.
In 1860, the "Farm School" post office served a hamlet of about 25 permanent residents and 110 students. The growth of the community closely mirrored the fortunes of the College. By 1890, the village had a mere 200 year-round inhabitants, almost all of whom depended directly or indirectly upon Penn State and its approximately 200 students for their livelihood. As enrollment began to rise rapidly late in the Atherton era, so did the local population.
Recognizing the need for improved infrastructure and services, the citizens of the community incorporated as the borough of State College on August 29, 1896. The name reflected the institution's evolution to The Pennsylvania State College in 1874. The townspeople sought better streets and street lighting, an adequate school, improved utilities, and other amenities not then associated with rural living. The first ordinance passed by the borough council authorized the Central Pennsylvania Telephone and Supply Company to erect and maintain telephone lines in the community.
Growth and Development in the Early 20th Century
Despite initial resistance to some "citified" measures, such as prohibiting the grazing of cows and horses in borough streets, State College matured rapidly in the early 20th century. The establishment of its first newspaper in 1898 (the State College Times, forerunner of the Centre Daily Times), a Western Union Office in 1902, and its first movie theatre in 1909 marked significant milestones in the borough's development.
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Faculty members played a crucial role in establishing essential services, including the State College Water Company, the Nittany Light, Heat and Power Company, the Commercial Telephone Company, and the first bank in 1904. The number of permanent residents kept pace with the number of students as both the borough and the College expanded.
In 1927, the council passed its first zoning ordinance and several years later authorized the formation of a planning commission to protect the borough from the consequences of disorderly growth. By 1930, the borough had a population (excluding students) of about 6,500, while the College recorded an enrollment of about 6,200.
Post-War Expansion and Regional Integration
In the post-World War II era, Penn State underwent tremendous expansion, and the borough annexed large tracts of land from adjacent townships to accommodate its own growth. State College remained in spirit a small town, despite its proximity to the increasingly cosmopolitan University.
The years following the war also witnessed the development of light industry in what by the 1960s had come to be known as the Centre region. Although such firms as HRB-Singer and Corning Glass provided hundreds of jobs, Penn State was still the area's largest employer and single most important economic force.
By 1980, Centre County's permanent population had surpassed 100,000, qualifying it for designation by the federal government as a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area. Despite this growth, there lingered a feeling of insulation, of being cut off from the hurriedness, congestion, noise, and crime of metropolitan living.
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Borough's Neighborhoods
The Borough of State College has twelve neighborhoods and half of University Park. The Highlands have around ten thousand people, making it the largest neighborhood in the borough, followed by Downtown and Orchard Park. The Highlands are a mix of apartments, townhouses, single-family homes, businesses, and parks. The neighborhood features working class areas like Lytle Hill and Marvin Gardens, and student areas like Frat Row.
The Holmes-Foster-Highlands Historic District includes parts of Holmes-Foster, the Highlands, and the West End. Holmes-Foster and the West End were two of the first neighborhoods to be developed due to their proximity to Downtown, University Park, and the Bellefonte Central Railroad. Part of College Heights makes up the College Heights Historic District which was created in 1935 and features the College Heights Service Station.
It took six annexations from College Township from 1930 to 1968 to officially bring the South End and Nittany Hills (also Penfield) neighborhoods in the borough. Vallamont and Penfield are the least populated neighborhoods, both of which are in the foothills of Mount Nittany on the east side of town.
Parkway, short for Westerly Parkway Plaza, is home to State High, the Delta Program, the Westerly Parkway Wetlands, and the Parkway Plaza Apartments, which were built in the 1960s. Orchard Park is home to the South Hills School of Business & Technology.
Recent Developments and Challenges
The 2010s saw a construction boom downtown, with several mixed-use towers developed, including Rise, Metropolitan, Fraser Centre, and Here State College, and others. These developments reflect the growing demand for student housing adjacent to campus.
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However, this rapid development has also raised concerns about the changing character of State College. Some long-time residents lament the loss of the town's unique identity as chain stores and high-rise buildings become more prevalent. There are concerns that downtown is becoming increasingly geared towards students, potentially alienating local residents and creating a sense of homogeneity.
Mayor Ezra Nanes is focused on environmental sustainability and affordable housing in State College.
Notable Landmarks and Cultural Assets
State College boasts several notable landmarks and cultural assets that contribute to its unique identity. These include:
The Pennsylvania State University: The university is the heart of State College, driving its economy and shaping its culture.
Old Main: Penn State's first building of major significance, completed in 1863, stands as a symbol of the university's history and heritage.
Palmer Museum of Art: This visual arts facility and cultural resource serves both Penn State and the local community.
Penn State Creamery: The world's largest university creamery is a beloved institution known for its delicious ice cream and dairy products.
The Arboretum at Penn State: offers gardens and natural areas,
Rec Hall: A historic field house that has hosted countless athletic events and campus activities since 1929.
Pegula Ice Arena: A modern, state-of-the-art ice arena that opened in 2013, replacing the Penn State Ice Pavilion.
Memorial Field: Originally a sinkhole nicknamed "The Hollow," this stadium has hosted State College High School football games since 1937.
Sunset Park: Connected to Gerhold Wildflower Trail.
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts: This annual festival draws artists and visitors from around the country, showcasing a wide range of artistic talent.
The Alpha Fire Company: A Legacy of Volunteerism
The Alpha Fire Company, with a history dating back to 1899, exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and community service in State College. The company provides professional fire, rescue, and emergency support services for the Centre Region, covering a wide area that includes Patton, Ferguson, and College townships, the southeastern part of Benner Township, State College Borough, and University Park.
With over 100 volunteers who contribute more than 11,500 hours of on-scene time, Alpha Fire Company plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Despite the challenges of declining volunteer numbers and the increasing complexity of emergency response in a growing borough, Alpha Fire Company remains committed to its mission.
Challenges and Future Directions
As State College continues to grow and evolve, it faces several challenges:
Managing growth and development: Balancing the need for new housing and commercial development with the desire to preserve the town's unique character and affordability is a key challenge.
Maintaining a vibrant downtown: Ensuring that downtown remains a welcoming and attractive destination for both students and local residents requires careful planning and investment.
Supporting volunteer services: Addressing the decline in volunteer numbers and providing adequate resources for essential services like the Alpha Fire Company is crucial for the community's well-being.
Promoting diversity and sustainability: Continuing to foster a diverse and inclusive community and implementing sustainable practices are essential for State College's long-term success.
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