The public is invited to attend a free Open House at the Tarbell House on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. during Titusville's annual Oil Festival. The historic home is located at 324 East Main Street in Titusville.
The Italianate house was constructed in 1870 for Franklin S. Tarbell using materials recycled from the Bonta House, previously located in Pithole. Miss Ida M. Tarbell resided in the home through her 1876 graduation from Titusville High School and during her early studies at Allegheny College in Meadville. A blue/gold Commonwealth historical marker about Miss Tarbell stands in front of the home today.
In 2007, the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry& Tourism purchased the Tarbell House, and a preservation plan was compiled in January of 2008. To date, exterior rehabilitation has included the removal of trees and vegetation as well as the restoration of the structure's roofline, gutters, bay windows, porch, faade details, and paint. Restoration of the home's wooden windows, storm windows and porch doors has also been completed. The ORA will add a new handicapped access ramp to the side porch yet in 2011.
Randy Seitz, President and COO of the Oil Region Alliance, stated, "The Alliance is proud to provide continued preservation of the Tarbell House. We encourage the public to come out and take a look at one of the Oil Region's cultural gems."
This rehabilitation project has been financed by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the National Park Service, the Crawford Heritage Community Foundation, the Fleming Foundation, the Dr.& Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust and private donors. The Alliance continues to seek funds for the interior rehabilitation of the Tarbell House. Those wishing to make a donation should contact Mike Henderson, Project Manager, at (814) 677-3152, Ext. 121 or mhenderson@oilregion.org.
For more information about the open house, please contact Melissa Mann at (814) 677-3152, ext. 103 or mmann@oilregion.org.