Downtown
Downtown New Castle, Pennsylvania, was a thriving industrial and commercial center marked by rapid growth and prosperity. It was famously known as the tin plate capital of the world due to the Shenango Tin and Steel Company’s extensive mills, making tin plate manufacturing its dominant industry. The population swelled as waves of immigrants from Europe, particularly Italians, Welsh, and Greeks, flocked to the city to work in the mills and settle in ethnic neighborhoods, contributing to a culturally diverse community. The downtown landscape featured beautiful early 20th-century buildings such as the Scottish Rite Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the Castleton Hotel, which still stand as historic reminders. New Castle also earned unique nicknames during this time: the “hot dog capital of the world” for its famous Greek immigrant chili dog restaurants, and the “fireworks capital of America,” home to renowned fireworks companies like Zambelli and Pyrotecnico.
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Sweeper
Historically, Washington Street formed part of the heart of New Castle’s commercial and civic life, with early mercantile houses, hotels, and public buildings dating back to the early 19th century. It became a main artery for business and social activity as New Castle developed from a frontier settlement into an important industrial and transportation hub.
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YWCA
Inside the Social Room at the New Castle, PA YWCA. The Social Room at the New Castle, PA YWCA was part of a building originally acquired by the YWCA in February 1914. Before that, the building was used by the YMCA, which had opened a newer facility in 1913. After purchasing the old YMCA building,
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Birds Eye View
Birds eye view of New Castle, Pennsylvania looking south.
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Gymnasium – YWCA
The YWCA is distinct from, but somewhat parallel to, the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association). The organization has historically focused on supporting women in leadership, health, education, and social justice.
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Lawrence Savings & Trust Co.
The Lawrence Savings and Trust Company of New Castle, Pennsylvania, began in 1901. It quickly grew and was known for being a sound and well-managed financial institution. The bank was located at 125 East Washington Street in a seven-story building constructed with granite, cut stone, and red pressed brick. It featured a highly secure vault