My great grandfather, Benjamin Pierce Bean (1881 – 1961) was a successful dairy farmer in Summit Township, Pennsylvania. It is on the outskirts of Erie, PA. In addition to tending to an award winning dairy herd of Holsteins, Ben also operated a meat market stand in the Erie Central Market. It was a family business of farming and food production from hoof to table. Ben’s property was spread out in
several locations throughout Summit County. Each plot supported one aspect of his enterprise. One such plot of land was located at a major intersection that, at that time linked Erie to Pittsburg, PA. In the early 1900’s this intersection was officially named “Bean’s Corners”. This name can still be found on maps from the early 1900s. This was the intersection of Route 19 and Townhall Rd. It is a short distance from "Saint Mathew's In The Woods" Catholic church. Today, Beans Corners is a primary development area for Erie, PA and no longer keeps the original Bean name. A Google search will still bring some information that refers to Bean’s Corners as a historical site. http://pennsylvania.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,3,fid,1205263,n,beans%20corner.cfm
I have subtitled my photo journey “Bean’s Corner” as a tribute to my ancestors and the legacy they provided. My passion for recording the barns of Mid-America, and my comfort in the country, seeking these images stems from my early years alongside Ben. Whether it was baling hay, delivering milk to the dairy or bartering for goods at the auction, this was a huge influence in my life today. Hopefully, these images of farms and barns will serve to preserve the memory of Bean’s Corners for future generations of “Beans” and provide some peaceful enjoyment to all those who view them. This is my corner.
- Dennis Bean
All photographs are originals taken, onsite by Dennis Bean.
