The Oil City area’s hidden heritage is one filled with ingenuity, largesse, culture and so much more. The city’s incredible success was fueled by great wealth and exceptional talent. Much of our heritage, though, is unknown to many of us. The Oil City Heritage Society and the Oil City Library believe our city’s legacy should be shared and enjoyed. To that end, we will share our community’s stories and pictures on our Hidden Heritage blog. Stay tuned for historic as well as quirky entries that tell our history.

Support the Oil City Library Theater Restoration Project

By donating to this cause, you will be contributing to the revitalization of not just a historic theater, but an entire community. Your generous contributions will enable us to implement vital community programs that inspire & engage people of all ages, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Donate Now

Luxurious Residences

For many years, Oil City was replete with hundreds of ornate residences scattered throughout the

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The Glass Industry

Oil and gas fueled Oil City’s early economy. The extraction, production and refining processes

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Notable Women

Oil City’s lively culture and hefty wealth in its heyday encouraged local residents to explore new

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Oil City Boat Club

Financial success and a keen interest in finding a recreational outlet prompted a group of Oil City

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Early Theaters

Oil City boasted several theaters in its early history. Patrons could enjoy a wide variety of

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Horses

Oil City’s early history featured a favorite four-legged critter – horses. As the city prospered in

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Parochial Schools

Catholic education has a long history in Oil City as a result of efforts undertaken by hundreds of

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PLEASE NOTE:

Hidden Heritage has produced 61 volumes since its inception in May of 2021. While there are still many more stories to share about Oil City’s eventful past, it is time for a brief intermission. Volume 61 will be the last to publish before Hidden Heritage takes a hiatus until further notice. We want to thank our readers for all the support & encourage you to read published volumes below, where they will remain freely available for the foreseeable future. If you’d like to purchase volumes in bulk, 4 compendiums are available at the Oil City Library. We look forward to bringing you more stories in the future!

– Judy, Kay & Natalie

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