Downtown Beaver, Pa. Photo by Jerry Yarris.
Is Beaver, Pennsylvania a Mayberry, R.F.D.? Some people might think Beaver is just another cookie cutter sleepy little bedroom community in western Pennsylvania. But it isn't. Just one visit to Beaver and you would see that it truly is like the town portrayed on the old Andy Griffith Show. It has the same small town values, hospitality, and quaintness as Mayberry. It differs from most towns we experience today.
I never knew this charming place existed until my brother Jerry and my sister-in-law Mary Jo moved to Beaver last year. The town is a little slower paced than I am use to, but that's a good thing. My brother and his wife enjoy sitting and relaxing on their front porch, greeting the neighbors and passer-bys while watching the world go by. (My grandparents use to do the same thing thirty or forty years ago.) Just like in Mayberry, it seems everybody knows everybody in Beaver!
No, you won’t see an Andy or Goober or Barney, nor will you see an Aunt Bea or Opie here. But, then again, maybe you will. The people here are just as friendly and neighborly. The neighborhoods, at least the ones I saw along the Ohio River, are clean in appearance and have small parks scattered throughout for all to enjoy. There are some houses here that are real architectural gems and most homes are from the 1960’s or older. I can easily see why Beaver is named a “Tree City, USA” town with all the tree lined streets. Because of the gentle terrain, wide streets and minimal vehicle traffic, this town is wonderful for bicycling around the neighborhoods. You can easily pedal anywhere, whether it’s to the local historic sites, library or just downtown Beaver for a bite to eat.
Beaver’s main street, which is actually Third Street, also maintains that mid 19th century charm. It’s lined with Mom and Pop stores that are actually thriving! The locals and visitors alike really do support these businesses. Third Street has a nice variety of shops which include a number of picture framing shops / art galleries, gift shops, flower shops, a supermarket, hardware store, a few clothing stores, a gas station, bank and many eateries.
I love the Fischer Hardware Store. It has a vintage look and appeal reminiscence of those from the 1940's or 1950's. Walking through the front door is like stepping back in time. It has an old fashion store interior with period counters, equipment and bins.
The local bakery, Kretchmars, is a favorite stop of mine and the locals too. It is full of freshly made, delicious pastries that don’t stay of the shelf very long. Last fall, during the presidential election, they gave you your choice of a McCain cookie, with his likeness on it, or an Obama cookie with his image on it… and you voted by buying a cookie. They kept score of which cookie sold best, and guess who won!
There are two eateries located on Third Street that I really enjoyed. They are Mario’s Pizzeria and Kafe Kolache. Mario’s serves up more than just pizza. It also serves a variety of other Italian food as well. The food is great and the place is always crowded around dinner time. Then there’s Kafe Kolaches. They serve up coffees, lattes, Italian sodas and the like. But, they are best known for their kolaches. They put a different twist on the traditional pastry kolach I am use to eating. They make their kolaches with different kinds of meats, cheeses, fruit and chocolate, whatever is tasty. Their kolaches are excellent and the café itself is very inviting. A cup of coffee, a bowl of chili and any one of their kolaches will fill you up. By the way, are you asking yourself what is a kolach? If you are, I recommend you go to Kafe Kolaches and find out for yourself. While you’re there, say hi to Zach for me!
Beaver is known for its safe community environment. Just like Mayberry, the youngsters here can walk around the neighborhoods and town without their parents worrying about them. The local teenagers even have their favorite downtown after school eating hangouts, again a throw back to the good old days of the 50’s and 60’s.
One of Beaver’s larger community parks is located in the downtown business district. The focal point of this park is a nostalgic gazebo that is always being invaded by local residents and visitors alike for concerts, rallies, events and get-togethers throughout the year. At Christmas time, this park, the gazebo, and the trees on Third Street, are beautifully lit with Christmas tree lights. On Saturdays, from May through December, the Beaver County Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association has a farmer’s market in town. Beaver also is the host of an annual classic and vintage car cruise and show in August.
The people of Beaver are proud of their history and heritage. Just talk to them or visit the Beaver Area Heritage Museum or walk through the ruins of old Fort McIntosh (home of the first U.S. Army Regiment) and you will see what I mean. Being over 200 years old, most of Beaver is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The residents of Beaver understand and value what they have. There is a sense of pride, a sense of belonging and a sense of contentment. So take a day out of your busy schedule. Slow down a bit. Then step back in time as you spend a leisurely day exploring western Pennsylvania’s very own Mayberry, R.F.D.
Beaver is located just off Route 60 on Route 68 along the Ohio River. It is 40 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh and 20 minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport. Click here for a map.
Make it a habit. Plan a day trip... then get out and about!
Comments
THANK YOU FOR SUCH A NICE ARTICLE ABOUT BEAVER. I WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE. WE ALSO RAISED OUR 3 CHILDREN HERE. I AM VERY PROUD TO SAY I AM FROM BEAVER.
We lived there for 40 years, brought up ourS five kids there, and loved it. It's a place that stays in your heart. We'd still be there if there had been a facility there that provided independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing.
I was born and raised in Beaver and it was a wonderful place to raise my two children. When people ask if I ever considered leaving -my reply: I was born here, raised here, work here, I'll die here and I will be buried here. I never wanted to live anywhere else. It is a beautiful and active community - one in which the residents and the officials take great pride. I love living here.
I was born in Beaver but didn't stay long due to Dad's service in the Army. But we always came back. I was a nice article and brought back many memories, especially about Kretchmars! I love their donuts! Everytime I visit Beaver I stop in at Kretchmars for some donuts and the Beaver Super to get some ham salad! Mmmmmmmm!
Nice article! Best of all, it's so very true. We are "transplants" to Beaver and find this a wonderful place to live for all the reasons Mark mentioned...safety, walkability and convenience. The Mayberry comparison really does hold water....even though I don't think our police force has a Barney-like character. As my husband and I sat on our porch about 9:45 last evening, two young ladies raced by on their bicycles laughing and giggling. We remarked how fortunate we are in today's age of crime to live in such a safe place where kids can be kids. Add in the fireflys, the riverboats, the train whistles and the town bells and it is a special place, indeed. The July 4th weekend promises to be another perfect day in Beaver/Mayberry for anyone wanting to visit.
I grew up in Beaver and to this day I describe it to friends as Mayberry...it truly is and hopefully always will be.
DICK AND I WERE BORN AND RAISED IN BEAVER MANY. MANY YEARS AGO AND LEFT IN 1962. WE STILL SPEAK OFTEN OF THE FUN WE HAD GROWING UP THERE. DELIGHTFUL ARTICLE.
Great article! I was born in Philly and moved to Beaver County in 1992 after meeting my husbund who is from another wonderfully town in B.C., Monaca. Beaver County is one of the first towns to be developed as part of the Rivertowns Development program. Everything you wrote is true! It took me a few years to adjust to small town ways, after living in big cities most of my live (Philly, N.Y. Calif). I love it here. The people are friendly and the family value is very much a part of this County. I am lucky to work for the B.C. tourism Dept were I get to met and greet many visitors as well as local residents. Mark, next time you visit Beaver County stop by the Tourism Dept. located in Bradys Run Park another wonder in Beaver County. 800/342-8192
Thank you again. I will share this article with others.
Thank You for the wonderful article about Beaver. I grew up there and have now lived away from there for 20+ years. Visiting home is so enjoyable. My wife, a North Carolinian loves the quaintness of it all. Beaver is truly a special place. Again, Thank You!!
I grew up in Beaver and graduated there in '61, and was married there in '65. Last year I returned for a visit for the first time. (other than to breeze through). I saw all my old "haunts" and fell in love with Beaver again. You don't think much about how special your town is, as you are growing up. It's just where you live. But reading your article and visiting last year, brought such wonderful memories back to me. Thanks for the reminder, again.
I recently moved from Beaver to Florida and miss the small town. My husband and I raised our four children in Beaver and we will always call it our home. Your article was very true about my small great home town.
My family moved to Beaver in 52, graduated HS in 53. My 3 brothers followed and we all loved Beaver to grow and mature. Today, we all are scattered in the NC, FL, SC and CO, USA, but some of our best memories are in Beaver. It is one super-outstanding nurturing area, and great sweet friendships
remain outstanding. What a down-home feeling
remains, and we live in the feeling, even today. Such nurturing never leaves!
Your article on Beaver was picture perfect. Also born and raised there, I could not imagine a better place. I recently returned for a couple of years with my daughters and was delighted with an addition; the courthouse music that serenades the town every hour (along with the music from the courthouse clock "upstreet"). My girls and I loved it. There's no place like home.
I moved from Beaver in 1963 to Hagerstown, MD. Some of my Maryland friends expressed an interest in visiting Beaver since I always talked about our great town. So, last summer we made that trip a reality. They just loved our town and its parks and all the friendly people. Whenever I travel, I faithfully pack a few of my Beaver t-shirts which always sparks a bit of conversation from those I come in contact with. It seems there is always someone somewhere that has lived, visited or heard about our great little town.
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How great it was to read your article about our great little town. Your brother and sister-in-law are our new neighbors and their excitement about living here is contagious and also opens our eyes to things that over so many years we take for granted. No place like Beaver! Thanks.
My Beaver High School graduating Class of 1954, had it's 55th anniversary reunion on May 22 and 23, 2009. Our theme - MEMORIES. We wrote booklet essays and talked about our growing up years - all very positive. There was a lot of laughter and a few tears. We talked about how our parents, Beaver Area School District personnel and towns people prepared us to go out into the world and be productive citizens. We know that our youthful, life-long friends were cemented into place and that was good, very good. Thanks for the wonderful article about our home town. We agree with each and every word!!!!!
In remembering about Beaver I would echo a phrase I will someday steal if I ever finish my Memoir. The author stated: "During my Wonder Bread years..."
During my Wonder Bread years in Beaver, I remember carrying a salt shaker down to the gardens by the old water works to complement my lunch of 'free' tomato and carrots (Victory Gardens). Then 'Pepper' and I would hunt rats for a coupla of hours. When I had .60 or.70cents , I would stop at the Beaver Super Market and get a quart of chocolate milk, Kretchmars for two lady fingers, and sit on the back of a park bench and...dream. I think it was F. Scott Fitzgerald who said memories are the diaries we all carry around with us. Then of course the swimming pool. I went to the gate at the pool early one year to try and get Number 1 my season pass. Had to settle for 3. What a great country that provides for us 'boys of cheeck of tan' places like Beaver...
I was born in Beaver, was raised here, went through school here, graduated from high school here, married here, and my husband and I raised three sons here.
I have lived here all of my 70 years with the exception of five months in 1961 when I married a guy who was in the Air Force. We lived in Washington state for that five months until he got discharged. I was soooo homesick for Beaver I couldn't wait to get "home." Yes, we who live here do tend to take our wonderful town of Beaver, Pennsylvania for granted. Thank you for the "reality check." There really is no place like home. If you ever leave Beaver, you will take wonderful memories with you.
I have lived in Beaver 57 of my 72 years and
married a local girl, raised three son's.
Beaver is trruly someplace special, that is probably why I have been so involved ocer the years. I was on Town Council, Emergency Coordinator for 29 yrs, and still active volunteer fireman on my 40th yr. I love Beaver and when I pass on, I'll only be moving 2 blocks. Thanks for the article and come back anytime.
Ah! Beaver what a place to grow up and raise a family. In 1982 Rick my husband, myself, and our 2 sons moved to FL. But now we are making plans to retire in Beaver. Just the reverse of most people. OK Kkrtchmars' donuts are good but their French butter cream cake is great. I even tried to buy the recipe. How about the Beaver Bobcats. We never missed a game, especially with Rochester. Fond memories.
Just came up for a visit last weekend. Went to the hot dog shop for breakfast 3.69 a quarter for coffee, crazy, that would cost 10.00 near D.C. Of course had hot dogs for lunch 1.07 WOW. Went to Rogers on Friday nobody around here works everyone is at Rogers Ohio. Went to Beaver Supermarket to get chipped ham (never heard of that here only Boars Head 8.99 a pound) had to get Snyders chips and Heinz dill pickles. Next stop Hanks frozen custard. For dinner we went to Berts ham barbeque with relish and mustard. Oh my want memories. Checked out the house I grew up in on 6th street, it looked so small now. Not enough time to see old friends Cherry, Ruthie, Judy love you all
Go Bobcats! Beaver is my favorite place on Earth!
I also was born and lived in Beaver until I was 12. I was able to do my return visit in the mid 90's and was thrilled to see so many of the things the same. I could walk the route we took to school each day, the houses were the same (thanks to some very well done restorations) we walked to the swimming pool, the main street was pleasant and still walkable. One of the thrills was seeing how the bank restored the old multi-story open balcony building with the amazing skylight above. It had been the post office when we were there. The upstairs had been converted to apartments and it was a favorite for Halloweeners as you got lots of candy in one stop! They did a beautiful job on one of Beaver's most unique buildings.
We walked everywhere, rode our decorated bikes in all the parades, hiked in the surrounding woods - all the memories that one cherishes the rest of your life. Great article - great place.
You forgot one other very important aspect that makes Beaver the special place that it is...the town is DRY. No bars or saloons in Beaver...meaning no drunks to dodge. Very important aspect of what makes the town what it is.
I grew up in Beaver and moved to Hagerstown, MD in the middle of my junior year of high school in 1962. I still travel back to Beaver to my high school class reunions - one of which is this coming August. I can hardly wait to get back to my hometown. I have lived in Connecticut for many years now but my heart is in my lovely hometown of Beaver, PA. It is exactly as is described in the article and comments - it truly is Mayberry RFD. And please don't forget all of the wonderful memories of the Beaver swimming pool that was always open and where we spent all of our summer days. Sled riding down Dravo Avenue was a must in the winter and very near my 6th Street home. Maybe, someday I will be able to buy a home in Beaver and retire there so that I can sit on the benches that line River Road and look out over the Ohio River and remember all the good times in that wonderful, lovely town.
What can I say after all the fantastic comments above. I have also always lived in Beaver except for a few months during the Berlin Crisis. I married a Beaver guy and we raised two daughters and a son here. My husband died in 2006 and our children have married and moved to Ridgecrest, CA, the Cayman Islands and Evans City but they still love their old hometown of Beaver. Thanks for the great article, I have sent it to everyone I know.
Beaver is more like Mayberry RFD than you think. Don't forget it was Ron Howard who built the Gazebo for a movie (Gung Ho) and left it to the City.
We were fortunate to have spent four years living in Beaver, prior to moving to Nashville. It truly was a piece of God's country and the people are some of the finest I have ever known. There are so many other things that could be added to the list of Beaver assets, including: fabulous medical facilities, inexpensive housing, a dynamite gardening club, great Rotarians, friendly churches, a thriving downtown and a great view of the river. There's even a park nearby where you can get involved in making maple syrup. How much better can it get?
Your article made me proud.I am a 1974 graduate of B.A.S.H and I freely admit that I am extremely fond of my hometown, Beaver. My dad, now 83 still resides in the old homestead, and I get that specail feeling every time we go to visit him. He makes us chipped ham sandwiches fresh from the Beaver Supermarket and we finish lunch with a butter- cream cake from Kretchmar's. It doesen't get any better than that! Thanks for the great write-up! It made my day!
I agree with everything said in this article. Lots of excellent real estate to be had right on the Ohio River. What a view, what a place!
My husband and I moved to Beaver 3 months ago after living 20 years in New England, and we love it here! People here seem friendly and courteous to us. We often notice "Mayberry moments" around town and now know we aren't the only ones who think of Beaver this way. So far, we've enjoyed the wild bunnies lounging in our back yard, the packs of young boys on bikes and skateboards, and the wonderful farmers' market, in addition to everything else mentioned above. There are also a good, much-used library, the River City Brass Band monthly concerts, and arts and crafts festivals in the park. We finally have the quaint village home we've always wanted!
Hate to be a party pooper - but Kretchmar cookies - McCain won Beaver County. Also Beaver has a neglible minority population - go figure. Politically incorrect but a fact!
Playing wiffle ball with friends at Bocay Park; sled riding up at the water lot; Mom giving me a nickle to buy a box of jaw breakers up at Smitty's candy store; exploring the isle's of toys up at Roland's; playing basketball behind Lincoln School; fishing with Dad down at the Ohio River and catching a bunch of catfish and carp; playing "army" near slippery rock and church rock; bike hikes out Gypsy Glenn Rd; laying under the shade of the "lucky tree" in Bocay Park; a plethora of warm memories. Thanks for the article!
Who is the Yahoo who wrote this drivel? Mayberry RFD????? I'm sure Sheriff Taylor never had to make drug arrests like Beaver PD does. Beaver is a nice town, mostly quiet, but many residents there are racist, calling police when they see "a Negro" walking down their street. And it's Cafe Kolache. Nice to see it spelled 7 different ways in your article. Who edited this drivel?
Thanks for the nostalgia! I was born in Beaver, and lived there until I was 10 years old. Every vacation of every year involved a trip back to Beaver to visit family. Sadly, there aren't many family members left to visit anymore, and I haven't had a chance to go back since the 1990s. I wish I would have had the opportunity to raise my children in such a wonderful little town.
It was our dream for years to move to Beaver and in July 2011 our dream came true! Now we sit on the front porch of our new home and enjoy the evening sun, people walking by, and a neighborly hello. Please tell Jerry and Mary Jo that we hope they are well and that we are loving the house we bought from them! We feel like we are on vacation every day!
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