Aug 15, 2005 By Jackie Beranek 5 min read

Dunbar has a long and varied history that members of the Dunbar Historical Society say they are proud of. Long time society member George Myers explained that Dunbar was named for Col. Thomas Dunbar, who was in charge of the 48th Regiment of Foot. Dunbar along with Sir Peter Halket was in command of the 44th Regiment of Foot when Gen. Edward Braddock came to America in 1755.

Myers said Dunbar, Halket and Braddock attacked and regain control of Fort Duquesne just prior to the French and Indian War. Dunbar’s camp, according to Myers, was located just up the road at Jumonville.

“It was in 1791 that Isaac Meason started Union Furnace No. 1 in Dunbar,” said Myers. “The establishment of the furnace marked the beginning of what would become Dunbar’s lifeblood over the next century or so.”

According to Martin the community evolved as furnace workers were hired and the new residents required additional services. Martin said as the iron was moved from the furnace to the creek near the area of the former Bowest Railroad Yard, Connellsville Street became the main road through town and remains the main road in town today.

“It was also along this route that many of Dunbar’s businesses sprang up,” said Martin. “Evidence of some of the old buildings can still be seen today and stand as testament to a more prosperous time in our history.”

Historical Society treasurer Mike Bell said for well over 100 years “Dunbar iron” was known far and wide for its quality and the area along Dunbar Run was rich in mineral resources. The coal and coke era contributed to Dunbar’s growth during the latter half of the 19th century and into the early years of the 20th century.

Dunbar was once home to five banks that served the needs of many ethnic groups that made up the fabric of the town. Hotels, grocery stores, clothing stores and homes began to spring up and by 1915 the town had the Semet-Solvay By-Products ovens, the Pennsylvania Wire Glass Co. and a sand plant that was well known for its quality.

Additional businesses included the Bluestone quarries, coal and coke ovens, an ice plant, brick works and a myriad of smaller businesses that operated in town. Martin said Dunbar was known as the “furnace town” and was a bustling town that was the envy of other communities in the region.

“Through the years, the railroads that cut a patch through town helped to contribute to Dunbar’s good fortunes,” said Martin. “The faith of Dunbar’s residents helped to establish several churches within the community which still exist today.”

Martin said the town’s patriotism has been evident since World War I and its Honor Roll, established in 1944, pays tribute to those from the Dunbar area who have sacrificed for their fellow citizens.

Bell said, “Without a doubt, Dunbar’s Honor Roll is one of the most magnificent in the county.”

“Members of the Dunbar Historical Society have worked hard to preserve the town’s history,” said Bell. “When we speak to kids in schools they are amazed that Dunbar had such a rich history.”

Bell said Dunbar’s decline began with the collapse of the coal and coke industry in the 1920s and the Great Depression of the 1930s.

“The town never quite recovered from these economic tragedies and today is a sleepy little community, whose residents remain proud of the place they call home,” said Martin.

Bell said the historical society also had a mural painted on the old bank building on the corner of Connellsville Street by city artist Gerald Metzger.

“It’s an 8-by-16-foot mural that depicts old bee hive coke ovens the Dunbar Furnace Co. and Pennsylvania Wire and Glass Co., the trolley train and the Dunbar Corp. Sand Mill,” said Bell. “It looks real nice and we had it mounted on plywood and put it up high to preserve it. We did it to promote the history of the town.”

The historical society hopes to some day install a light to illuminate the mural. Bell said in the 10 years the historical society has been in business many members have contributed to the cause even if they are not able to attend meetings.

Bell said there are about 60 members altogether, however, they are not all active members. He additionally said anyone interested in becoming a member of the group may do so by attending a meeting on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church.

The group late last year commissioned South Connellsville artist Helen Alt to paint a watercolor of the old Dunbar Railroad Station, featuring a B&O Big Six engine powering through the town.

Bell said the painting is based on a postcard from the early 20th century. He also said that when he first saw the postcard depicting the scene he liked it so much that he thought it would make a great fund-raiser for the historical society.

“We sold tickets on the original painting in December,” said Bell. “The winners, George and Donna Myers, who are historical society members, were chosen from the Dec. 15, 2004, Pennsylvania Lottery.”

Bell said the society had 150 prints made of the painting so that everyone who wants a copy of it can have one.

“I’m not sure how many we have left but we are selling them for $15 each or two for $25,” said Bell. “All proceeds will benefit the Dunbar Area Historical Society.”

Bell said anyone interested in obtaining a print may call him at 724-277-4442.