Jamestown is a small community tucked into the northwest corner of Mercer County. Established in 1853, it was originally settled by James Campbell, who arrived from County Antrim, Ireland, in 1798. Hence the name Jamestown.

Gibson House fund-raiser

Dr. William Gibson is attributed with major business and cultural improvements to Jamestown. The "Gibson House" is still in existence and may be visited by the public.

The Jamestown Future Foundation, which is restoring the house, will host a fund-raising picnic from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, with serving from 4 to 7 and continuous entertainment. Tickets are available from Doug Shannon, Michelle Brooks, Diane Helbig, Mayor Esther McClimans and several members of Jamestown Historical Society.

Because of Dr. Gibson's efforts, Jamestown was a bustling community by 1900. Central to the economic growth of Jamestown was the railroad.

For a time the Gibson House was known as Mark Twain Manor, because it was believed that author Mark Twain had visited there. Located in the business section of town, The Gibson House is easy to find and a great place to spend some time.

Help spruce up the arch

Entering Jamestown at the northwest end of town, you will pass under a historic stone arch. The arch, built in 1872, was to be demolished by PennDOT.

But residents went into action to save it and after several years of struggle, the town was granted possession of the arch.

Today, Mayor Esther McClimans and other citizens are creating a garden on each side of the north face of the arch. Flowers, stone and helping hands are needed to complete the project.

Anyone who can contribute time, flowers or stone is asked to contact the borough building.

More about the town

Jamestown Paint Co. and Jamestown Area School District are the town's two largest employers.

Jamestown Paint was founded by Victor H. Ehrhart 1885 and sold to the Joseph Walton family in 1946.

The school district boasts a fine curriculum, faculty and award-winning students. Later on in this series, I will report more in-depth information about this point of Jamestown pride.

For most small towns the secret to survival and success is adaptation. Jamestown has survived successfully by making use of its natural local resources.

The most notable natural resource is the people. Willing to work together and combine their talents, Jamestown keeps moving on.

Civic organizations like Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department and the Jamestown Fair Association make it possible for Jamestown to participate in the annual Pioneer Arts and Crafts Festival held at Pymatuning State Park in July. The festival reported an attendance of more than 18,000 visitors in 2001.

Jamestown's fair is held ever year in September beginning the day after Labor Day. The fair association was formed in 1944.

Jamestown High School is the center of the fair, housing the exhibits, and the surrounding school grounds are filled with vendors and displays of many varieties. Games and special events are always a big part of any fair and Jamestown's Fair is no exception.

The historical information in this article was gathered from a report written by Norma Ehrhart Leary, titled "Jamestown Borough --Mercer County, Pa."

Mrs. Leary is perhaps the best-known resident of Jamestown. Thank you for your great efforts and the information you shared.

In conclusion I would like to say, if you think that Jamestown is just a town you drive through on your way to somewhere else, think again.

Behind the scenes of the well-kept homes, the museum, and the small business district you will find a selection of diversified events that will definitely get your attention.