ROCKY GROVE

A view of Rocky Grove Avenue in 1887 near the Brecht Brewery

From "The Historical Album and Daily Program, Venango County Sesquicentennial, 1805 - 1955" - Rocky Grove is perhaps the largest village in the County and is located in Sugarcreek Township which adjoins Franklin. Its recorded history is practically nil and one must rely on stories that have been handed down in the pioneer families. The Lamberton, McCalmont and Parker families were perhaps the first settlers of the community. Much of the land in early days was apple orchards. Early records show that Robert McCalmont settle in Sugarcreek Township in 1802 on a tract of land about five miles from Franklin on the Dempseytown Road, which would not be in Rocky Grove. However, William Parker came from Parker's Landing in 1818 and purchased a grant of land from the State in the present Rocky Grove area. His first home was a log cabin erected opposite the present Jewish Cemetery. Since the turn of the century many changes have taken place. Rocky Grove citizens have made a name for themselves and the county as well, with their modern fire department and their wonderful Fireman's Band. This band was originally established shortly after the turn of the century by P. S. Hoffman upon his arrival from Butler Co. It was an independent band then, before the organization of the fire department. It has since set a precedent for which Rocky Grove is proud and rated high among musical organizations. After its reorganization as a fireman's unit in the 1930s, the band went on to new heights, capturing many prizes in fireman's parades throughout the area. The Rocky Grove Civic Club has provided the community with a modern playground and picnic shelter. Everywhere you go in Rocky Grove there is the same spirit of unity, at work or at play, which continues to make it a thriving residential community.

The Parker Home

The Parker Home - Located at the corner of Parker Avenue and Fox Street in Rocky Grove, this large home, built in the late 1890s by carpenter, Charlie Gordon, was one of the Parker family homes. The Parker, Lamberton and McCalmont families were the early settlers of the hilltop farmlands that surround Franklin.
In 1818 the Parker family came �upriver� to Venango County from Parker�s Landing and purchased land that had the promise of good soil for farming and developing orchards. The property extended for many acres in the area of this home and across Rocky Grove Avenue to include part of the present Franklin Cemetery grounds. The Presbyterian Church was given land to build upon by the Parker family. A small wooden structure, the Parker Schoolhouse, was also on that property.
Henry R. Parker was born on the Parker farm in 1851, the son of George W. and Mary Canan Parker. George�s father was the pioneer settler of the farm that became the center of Rocky Grove.
Henry married Lucy Jane Robinson in 1876. Their son, Fred and his wife, the former Virginia Swartz, enjoyed being called upon to furnish historical information about the area. George had provided a right-of-way for the streetcars that were operated by the Citizen Traction Company and Fred often talked about how a 20-minute service was provided anywhere on the route for a nickel. .
When the Eclipse Refining Company was established in the early 1900s, the need for homes for employees was met by the large farms selling off lots. Many of the homes were built with working class practicality � one room wide and three rooms deep with a front porch.
The street car connection to Franklin and the growth of the Eclipse made Rocky Grove a booming area. Located at the same intersection as the Parker home in 1915 was the Wygant General Store and the Gourley & Co. General Store, certainly making this corner a hub of activity.

An early view of Rocky Grove School

Rocky Grove Presbyterian Church
The cornerstone for the Rocky Grove Presbyterian Church was laid in 1899.
A four room addition was added to the rear of the Sanctuary in 1934.
In 1960 plans were approved by the congregation to extend the front of the building and completely renovate the old building.

Transcribed by Penny Haylett Minnick
minnick862@verizon.net

Disclaimer:there may be errors due to transcription of information from both early and late (current contributors) work.