The Replace the Signs Campaign & WAVE 2

When many of the historical markers put into place in 2003 by the Greater Canonsburg Heritage Society were so cracked or faded they became difficult to read JCHS started the Replace the Signs Campaign. The intention was to install new high quality signs that would stand up against time and the elements. That fundraising campaign was completed in 2020 and the first of the signs replaced, McMillan's Log School, was put into place October 31, 2020. All other markers were installed in the following year.

There were several other sites that we felt should be recognized as well because of their importance to the community and the beyond. The five Wave 2 signs (Olome Institute, Sarris Candies, Town Park, Vitro Rare Metals, and Don Yenko/Yenko Chevrolet) have also now been manufactured and set in place.

Special thanks goes to Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome, Tom Lawrence , Brian Moody and borough's crew for the installation of the poles for the new signs.

Jefferson College Historical MarkerS

McMillan's Log School

The first of the new markers to be installed. John McMillan's Log School has been used as the symbol for Canonsburg and the Jefferson College Historical Society. Originating in North Strabane the original log cabin school was moved to Canonsburg and has remained on the grounds of Jefferson College and subsequently on the school property ever since.

Watch the Unveiling

Blackhorse Tavern

McMillan's Log School

Opened in 1793 by Henry Westbay, it became famous due to its link to the Whiskey Rebellion. It was in its back room that David Bradford, Colonel John Canon, and Thomas Speer opened stolen mail sacks.

Briceland's Tavern

McMillan's Log School

Briceland's Tavern

Operated for the better part of the 1800s this hotel and tavern at the southwest corner of Pike and Central was a popular and well frequented location in Canonsburg. That was especially true in the Jefferson College years when visitors to the school would often use its facilities. The 140th's Company G were welcomed home after service in the Civil War inside its walls

Budke House

Canonsburg Armory

Briceland's Tavern

Budke House Jefferson College Historical Society Marker

The homestead of John F. Budke and family. Mr. Budke was a one time state senator and contributed greatly to the local economy via his enterprises in the gas and steel industries. He organized the Canonsburg Steel Company in 1904 and was its president.

Canonsburg Armory

On the grounds of the president's home for Jefferson College. The armory was dedicated in 1938 and has housed companies H of the 103rd Medical Regiment and G of the 110th infantry, among others.

Emery's Tavern

Canonsburg Armory

At the northeast corner of Pike and Central Emery's Tavern is said to have entertained Presidents John Quincy Adams and James Monroe.

Fort Armstrong

Jefferson College

Located at the southwest corner of College and Greenside Fort Armstrong was a student residence in which the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity was founded.

Jefferson College

Between the Veteran's Statue and Log School this marker returns to demark the location of the Jefferson College campus as well as Jefferson Academy and Canonsburg High School.

John Canon's Mill

Jefferson College

John Canon's Mill

The last sign was the victim of a car accident. Canon's Mill operated for over 200 years beginning in 1780 and finally closing its doors in 1996.

Letherman House

John Canon's Mill

Located at 246 North Jefferson Avenue it is the site of the founding of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, based on the "great joy of serving others".

Morgan Building

Letherman House

Morgan Building

A building that has stood for more that 130 years housing businesses and apartments for generations. It is infamously known as the location of the Morgan Opera House Disaster on August 26, 1911.

Olome Institute

Letherman House

Morgan Building

The Olome Institute was an early educational facility for women. The "Seminoles" were led by Mrs. Olivia French and often the interest of Jefferson College students. The name Olome comes from the union of Olivia and home, a term Mrs. French's husband penned at the end of his written sermons.

Payne Chapel AME

With a congregation that started at Morganza more than 200 years ago and with a cemetery that includes more than 800 souls members of Payne Chapel proudly unveiled this historical marker during their church bicentennial celebrations on June 1, 2024.

Roberts House

Payne Chapel AME

The last remaining building of Jefferson College, was originally occupied by Rev. John Watson in 1800. The land was part of John Canon's land parcels and was sold to Rev. John McMillan in 1796 and the original part of the house was constructed.

Sarris Candies

Payne Chapel AME

Stone College Building

Perhaps the most common experience for local residents over the past six decades is enjoying the offerings from Sarris Candies on Adams Ave. Founded by Frank Sarris the business has grown and continues to grow today under the leadership of his son, Bill Sarris.

Stone College Building

Stone College Jefferson College Historical Society Marker

The location of Canonsburg Academy and Library Company, that became the Jefferson College. The building was used from 1794 until 1817 when the campus opened across the street.

Town Park

Stone College Building

Veteran's Statue

Town Park is an enduring symbol of the efforts of so many civic-minded people who came together to provide a common space for the citizens of the area to enjoy. The Town Park marker was unveiled on July 23, 2023 as part of the centennial celebration of the park.

Veteran's Statue

Stone College Building

Veteran's Statue

After a public fundraising campaign the Mothers of Democracy commissioned sculptor Guiseppe Moretti to create a statue in honor of the area's servicemen. The statue was dedicated on Memorial Day 1924.

Vitro/Standard Chemical

Don Yenko - Yenko Chevrolet

Vitro/Standard Chemical

The nuclear industry has deep roots in Canonsburg borough. where Standard Chemcial and later Vitro Rare Metals operated. Uranium and radium were processed there and used by Madame Curie and in the Manhatten Project.

Watson's Corner

Don Yenko - Yenko Chevrolet

Vitro/Standard Chemical

Watson's Corner Jefferson College Historical Society Marker

The home and business location of John Watson, Esq. His blacksmith shop operated at the northwest corner of Pike and Central for 40 years, opening its doors a few years prior to the incorporation of Canonsburg borough.

Don Yenko - Yenko Chevrolet

Don Yenko drew international attention with both his racing and his sportcar modifications. Yenko Super Cars were put together at the Yenko Chevrolet site on West Pike Street Extension.