While in the Netherlands recently I visited the Velvet Cave. During WWII the cave, where I found this soldier's name, had been used as a shelter for the public and also by American Troops. Many soldiers have inscribed their names in this sandstone cave. I knew about this prior to visiting the cave and had been looking to spot where the soldiers wrote their names. The first thing I spotted was "S F Henry Butler PA". At first glance, I thought this was possibly my grandfather Henry Dottle from Butler PA. I was blown away because Butler PA is where I grew up, and I saw it written 2 more times. This was by far the highlight of my trip! I know my Grandfather was actively serving in Europe in 1945 when most of the names were written inside the cave. I will always wonder if he had been there or if he knew the other men from Butler who were.
Benjamin D. Phillips, founder of the Phillips Gas and Oil Company, resided in this Tudor-Gothic mansion named Elm Court, one of America's most spectacular private homes. It was completed in 1931 by Benno Jannsen, a Pittsburgh architect. The mansion houses the famous Skinner Organ, Opus 783.
I would imagine that you are aware of the "happening" in Butler this morning. Just in case you haven't seen a picture, I thought I would provide one for you. This was taken first hand, this morning as the Troutman house crawled from Main Street to the new destination on N. McKean Street. Carol Foster
When the Milann came across a box of yellowed letters in the bottom drawer of an old dresser, she discovered not only that the letters were all written by her great-great-uncle nearly one hundred and fifty years earlier but that they were a fascinating first-hand account of the Civil War as seen through the eyes of a young soldier.
The oldest church building in Butler is also the city’s oldest congregation. The congregation began formally meeting at the Butler County Courthouse on
April 7, 1813, with its current home being built in 1862.
We went to Erie yesterday and located the former Eastland Diner from Butler. It is now at the entrance to Presque Isle in Erie. It is on display, and walked inside to take pictures [click here].