Brookville Borough - A Family First Community
The Brookville story began at the same time as Jefferson County in 1830. Brookville was laid out along the Susquehanna and Waterford Turnpike major overland route which extended from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Clearfield northwest to Waterford, south of Erie.
Before the Civil War, abolitionist Judge Elijah Heath was convicted of helping escaped slaves through the Underground Railroad. Remnants of the Underground Railroad are still visible within Brookville. Resident John McMurray led a group of the first African American soldiers into combat.
One of the earliest luminaries was Earle Sandt, the first American to make an international flight when he flew across Lake Erie in the dead of winter in 1912. Sandt was also the first man to fly over the city of Pittsburgh in his Curtiss “Pusher” airplane.
Family owned and operated industry is part of the heart of Brookville’s legacy. Brookville owes its early existence to the stands of timber that grew in the area as multiple sawmills were developed during the town's earliest days. Moses Knapp was a pioneer of the logging industry establishing a network of sawmills in the area.
Brookville’s other burgeoning industries included window glass manufacturing, a wagon and furniture factory, and the Twyford Motor Car Company. The car company was established in 1904 but was short-lived. Its place in history is solidified, however, as it produced the first successful 4- wheel-drive automobile in America.
In the 1920s, local Ford dealer, L.A. Leathers, began putting flange wheels on Model T trucks, which enabled them to enter coal mines via the rails, thus making it more efficient. This venture would later become Brookville Locomotive Company, known today as Brookville Equipment Corporation, a family-owned operation that employs more than 200, and produces railcars and modern trolleys that are sold worldwide. Another family-owned industry leader is Miller Fabrication Solutions. In 1963, the Millers began a three-man welding and machine shop. Today, Miller Fabrication Solutions has a workforce of more than 400 and caters to numerous international markets including producing components for the Space Shuttle.
During World War II, Sylvania Electric Products established a plant in Brookville producing radio tubes. Unfortunately, with the transition from tubes to transistors, the plant closed. This historic building currently houses White Brook, a custom machine development company. Beverage-Air established a plant in Brookville and is the leading manufacturer of commercial refrigeration equipment for the food service industry. A family-first community, Brookville is proud to be the home to these varying industries and their employees.
Historic Preservation and recreational opportunities are at the heart of the community. Historic Brookville Inc. (HBI), along with local government as an enthusiastic partner, joined together to move forward with one of PA’s earliest Main Street Projects. This endeavor made it a national model for these types of undertakings with Brookville being named one of America’s “Prettiest Painted Places”. HBI continues to provide opportunities for open space like the Town Square, adjacent to the Court Hose on Main Street.
Brookville is the northernmost terminus of the award-winning Redbank Valley Trail, and with the addition of the kayak launch, has added additional recreational opportunities. Looking to the future Memorial Park, continues to provide fun for all ages including a new playground with a zip-line, tennis and pickleball courts, playing fields, batting cages, and covered picnic areas. The borough continues to work on upgrading all the parks moving forward, keeping in mind what’s important to our residents, especially our youth, with a strong Junior Council Person Program and the current members continue help in these efforts.
Borough Council, the Borough Manager, along with business community partners, are strong supporters of the local arts community. The borough is re-energizing the Arts Council, headed up by Council Vice President and PSAB 2nd Vice President, Karen Allgeier.
Borough Manager, Dana Rooney said it best, “Brookville is moving our borough forward with a new sense of purpose and identity. Through a comprehensive rebranding effort- including the development of a new logo, mission and vision statement, and a borough slogan, we are working to define who we are and where we're going. By investing in family friendly activities and enhancing our tourism appeal, we're laying the foundation for long term growth and pride in our community. These efforts reflect our commitment to thoughtful forward-looking governance.”
Council president Phil Hines stated, “Brookville is the quintessential small town. Its charm is enhanced by the real community where everyone knows their neighbors.”
Brookville’s designation as PA’s Outstanding Community of the Year may have occurred decades ago, but in the opinion of its community leaders, this little town is only getting better every year.
