The Mill Creek had a history of overflowing its banks, the worst such flood occurred on August 03, 1915, after a series of storms produced over 5.77 inches of rain in 13 hours. The storm had saturated the soil on its banks causing it to collapse. The flood traveled through Downtown Erie at 25 miles per hour, leaving a path of destruction 3 miles long, and 6 blocks wide. In all, 225 houses were damaged or destroyed, along with over 300 other buildings and businesses, resulting in 36 fatalities. The Jarecki Manufacturing Company and Foundry was in its path, suffering $50,000 worth of damage. Carl A. Jarecki, the grandson of Charles Jarecki, Jr., was one of the owners of the business at the time of the flood.
The Family and Business
The Jarecki Manufacturing Company was formed in 1872, by brothers Henry and Charles Jarecki, it was located at 149 East 9th Street. The Company’s Iron Foundry was located on the southwest corner of West 12th and Chestnut streets.
The company manufactured malleable iron fittings, oil well supplies, brass work for engine builders, plumbing, steam and gas fitters.
Henry J. Jarecki was born in Posen, Prussia, on January 10, 1826. After immigrating to Erie, in 1849, with his family, Henry started a small brass works on State Street prior to building his factory on East 9th Street, between French and Holland streets.
Charles Jarecki Jr., Henry’s brother, would in later years take over the active management of the company when Henry would retired from active participation in the affairs of the company. In 1882 Charles succeeded him as president.
Their father, Charles William Jarecki Sr., was an engraver and a goldsmith who was engaged in the jewelry business with his third son, August Jarecki, until his death, which occurred in 1878 at the age of 72 years. Their father was laid to rest at the Erie Cemetery.
The portion of the plant, which was located on East Ninth street, included the general offices, and occupied over half a square mile, while the iron foundry department, on West 12th Street, covered three and three-fourths acres. The buildings were all substantial stone, brick and iron structures, and ranged from one to three stories high.
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| The foundry after the Mill Creek flood. Look at the high water mark on the building! |
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| Charles Jarecki, Jr at Jarecki Foundry (1915) |
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| Charles Jarecki, Jr and top staff at Jarecki Foundry (1915) |