Tucked alongside the Lake Erie coast, a borough with a broad history and a show town past bears the name Girard, Pennsylvania
Why “Girard“?
–
Girard Township was formed by petition in 1832 from land given by Elk Creek, Fairview, and Springfield Townships. The Girard name is believed to have been chosen because of the large amount of land owned in Springfield Township by Mr. Stephen Girard. He lived in Philadelphia, where he was a businessman and banker. He was thought to be one of the wealthiest men in the country as well as the founder of Girard College.
–
The local citizens admired Mr. Girard, and they collectively chose to name the township after him.
–
The Girard History Project
–
History can be told in many ways. The Girard history project tells the story of Girard through its architecture. The reason the town of Girard was founded 150 years ago was the dam on the Mahoning River that can still be seen from the viaduct. Since then, the architecture of Girard has deeply influenced how the people of Girard lived, how they worked, how they were educated, how they played, and how they thought about themselves and their world.
–
This is the story told by the Girard History Project.
–
Education
–
The Girard School District provides a rigorous, high quality education for all students. We offer numerous opportunities for our students and are proud of both our outstanding academic programs and our extra-curricular activities.
–
Chamber of Commerce
–
The Girard-Lake City Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the Girard-Lake City community for both business and social aspects. As such, our organization leads the effort in promoting economic growth while providing the leadership that is necessary for business and community development.
–
“You know you are from Girard or Lake City when…”
Dan Rice
–
Dan Rice (January 23, 1823 – February 22, 1900) was an established circus owner long before making Girard his home.
–
In the mid-1800s Dan Rice was as celebrated a showman as Barnum, to whom he was often compared. Across a long career he was a clown, a blackface minstrel, a circus impresario of great note, a political orator and a presidential candidate.
–
All sorts of legends and myths grew up around him, many of which Dan, like Barnum, propagated himself. That he invented pink lemonade and the peanut gallery, that he coined the term “on the bandwagon,” that he played cards with Louis Napoleon and was Abe Lincoln’s “court jester,” and many others. One story is still retailed today: that Dan Rice, with his sharp features, signature goatee, top hat and striped outfits, was the model for Thomas Nast’s depictions of Uncle Sam.
–
And something that might sound like legend is actually true: that Dan Rice was a key influence on both Stephen Foster and the Ringling brothers.
“The most famous man you’ve never heard of.”
–
Small in stature, Dan Rice was a charismatic and charming performer. Quick-witted and possessing a powerful baritone voice, the multi-talented Rice was successful at all aspects of his trade. A gifted animal trainer, singer, dancer, speaker, and comedian, Dan had an uncanny ability to draw in audiences, immediately establishing a personal connection with them by knowing and discussing precisely what was on the public’s mind at the time.
–
He was a figure in the new American mass culture brought on by the technological changes of the Industrial Revolution. Rice ran for President of the United States in 1868. With changes in circus venues and popular culture after the Civil War, his fame has gradually slipped into such historical obscurity.
–
We now celebrate Dan Rice each year with a three day festival held at the start of August!
–
