CULMINATING PROJECT: THE BREWERIE AT UNION

STATION

Adam Boyer, Nicole DeBias, Carissa Johnston

THE BREWERIE

This was the original Union

Station when it was first

built. It was located between

Peach and Sassafras Street

between 14th and 15th. A

covered passenger platform

surrounded the entire

station to protect

passengers from rain, snow

and sun.

Brewerie Website

HISTORY:THE FIRST STATION

• The building of Erie’s first Union Station/Depot began in the spring of 1865

• The structure was built mostly out of brick and strong timbers

• Everyday, over 90 passenger trains passed through Erie, most of them

stopping.

• The first station served Erie for about 60 years• November 21, 1925 it was shut down

THE NEW STATION

The new station was

redesigned and faces 14th

street. The new design

included a hexagonal

rotunda/waiting room, eight

ticket windows and a

baggage window. The

concourse had a news stand,

a soda fountain bar, a barber

shop, and other merchants

HISTORY:THE NEW STATION

• On Saturday, December 3, 1927 a dedication ceremony

was help, and the New Union Station was open

• The new station was redesigned and faces 14th street

• Below Union Station there is a very old and fully stocked

bomb shelter and an underground tunnel that was used to

transfer mail

HISTORY: FAMOUS FACES AT THE

STATION

• Franklin Roosevelt in 1932

• Harry Truman in 1948

• Jack Dempsey in 1950’s

• Babe Ruth in 1950’s

• Good Morning America made a visit in 2008

HAUNTED HISTORY: GHOST STORIES AND NIGHTLIFE

• Clara • Decades ago a young couple was at the ticket window with their

young daughter, Clara. As they reached the stairs to the train platform, Clara’s father turned quickly, knocking Clara down the flight of stairs to her death, with his suitcase. There is some evidence that her spirit still remains. There are strange noises, lights go on and off and names of the staff are called out in a child’s voice. Some employee’s have even felt “someone sticking their foot out to trip them.” Sounds of giggles have been heard. Three local paranormal groups have recorded some interesting findings.

APPARITION AMBER ALE

• Large brewing tanks

• Model trains

• Old/Historical pictures

• Rustic looking building

• Train platforms

• Large seating areas like an

airport

• Arrival/Departure time boards

• Fun Architecture

• Life- Size train cares

EXPECTATIONS BEFORE OUR F IRST V ISIT - S IGHT

• Ticket booth

• Barber’s light

• Huge open area

• Haunted train station

• Art

• Classy/ Sophisticated

• Professional crowd

• Low lighting

• Home-brewed beer

Jazz music in the

background

Business meetings

Laughter

EXPECTATIONS BEFORE OUR F IRST V ISIT- SOUND

Dates

Friends having

conversations

Slurping of beer

Claire Stuczynski

Chasing Moira

Strange smells from

trains

Smell of beer

Smell of must (from

being old)

EXPECTATIONS BEFORE OUR F IRST V ISIT- SMELL

Smell of food

Smell of

perfume/cologne

Smell of wood

Brewerie’s Menu

OUR FIRST VISIT

NOTICING'S- SIGHT

Dim lighting

Antique pieces, props

Brewing tanks

Old/Original signs

Young and old people

Size of the building

BARBER SHOP

NOTICING’S- SOUND

People talking; chatter

Plates and glasses clinging

Live music

Trains passing by

NOTICING’S- SMELL

Barley

Wheat

Rye

Food cooking

Smell of different beers

NOTCHING'S- FEEL

Hungry

Overwhelmed

Thirsty

Happy

Welcomed

Rumble of the trains passing by

Cool breeze

INSIDE THE BREWERIE

QUESTIONS

1. Why did they change the entrance?

2. Why did they choose this location?

3. Do they come up with a new beer every year?

4. What is the square footage?

5. How do they attract customers?

6. How do they get people to sign up for a tour and why did

they begin the tours?

7. Why did it close down?

8. What was the greatest tragedy? Train wreck?

QUESTIONS CONT’D

9. Are they school-oriented?

10. Who owns the building currently?

11. Most popular beer?

12. How long has the restaurant been in business?

13. What was the top amount of travelers/passengers to come through?

14. Why was there a barber shop?

15. Were they affiliated with other famous train stations?

16. How many trains go by a day?

17. How did they choose the names of the beer?

CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS

Math:

We would implement a lesson on time: this could include when a

train arrives, when it leaves, elapsed time, etc.

Writing:

We would use creative/descriptive writing. The students

would have to put themselves into the era of when the Union

Station first opened up. They would have to include where they

are from,

Where they are going, etc.

Lesson Plan

CONT’D

Reading

After reading “The Little Engine That Could” have the younger

children write a couple sentences about a new skill, hobby or sport

they are struggling to master. Let them copy the phrase “I Think I

Can” from the book and encourage them that as they continue

growing they will soon be able to conquer their new skill.

Read older children the book “Train” by Charles Temple that talks

about a family's trip on a locomotive and encourage them to write

their own version of a train trip with their own family, friends and

loved ones.

CONT’D

Social Studies:

We would do something with the architecture of the

building. The students would have to research the

structure and talk about the style. They could also do

something with famous faces/hauntings.

Science:

The operation of the trains. Older classes could discuss the

brewing process.

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

Nicole: This is my sister’s and I favorite place to go. They

have good food and drinks. We are both in the mug club!

Adam: This was the first place I ever ate at when my

family moved here. I really enjoy the history and learning

about the city.

Carissa: I know Mazany contractors who helped work on

the building. I’ve attended dances in the Union Station. It

is a good gathering place for friends.

KEY IDEAS

Importance

Relevance to City of Erie travelers

Role it plays locally, as well as, nationally

Shaping of America

Role of entertainment in the area

LINE OF INQUIRY

Aesthetic:

What role does the Union Station/ Brewerie play to

create an awareness of the arts through music,

dance, art, architecture and brewing in the

community?

Pedagogical:

How did/does the Union Station impact the life of the

Erie community citizens past, present and future?

RESOURCES

http://brewerie.com/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnuvu5ThkCY&l

ist=PL562E33C2DC93AF7A&index=2&feature=

plpp_video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86nxhPmIGk4

http://angelaengland.suite101.com/elementary-

trains-unit-study-a44858