These days we drive onto Presque Isle and take the roadways for granted. During the early years of the state park, however, decisions regarding where and how to connect the peninsula with the mainland had enormous and lasting consequences. Beginning with the earlier recommendations of celebrated urban planner John Nolan, Presque Isle embarked upon a series of politically motivated engineering decisions that will influence our park forever. In addition to Nolan, the most important early players in the creation of the state park and its roadways included Isadore Sobel (the unsung hero), Waldameer Park, Erie Waterworks, Sherman Fairchild (inventor of aerial photography), the Erie Yacht Club, and a strange downtown political committee that controlled all park decisions. Covid-19 policies will be in effect throughout programming, please review the JES Covid-19 policy here. Patrons will need to show their vaccination cards or proof of a negative test. While Erie County remains on alert, masks will be required. Advanced registration is required for all JES events. Tickets will not be sold at or during events. This event is free to all with prior registration.
