Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism

Specific Need

The Oil Region Alliance is seeking donations for the William H. Scheide House at 221 N. Washington Street, Titusville.

The ORA is seeking funds for the installation of an in-wall dehumidifier and air conditioner in the former library, which will eventually be available as community event space. The room presents installation challenges, including drilling through 18” deep masonry walls and inserting ductwork, grills, and digital controls for the system while maintaining the historic character of the room. The work is needed to make the space useable and comfortable year-round.

Past & Future of the Scheide House

Originally constructed as the home of Charles Maltby during 1863 – 1866, the Scheide House underwent several remodels. Three generations of the Scheide family called it home between 1922 and 1959.

The Scheide men made their money as executives in several oil companies, including Standard Oil. They spent their money collecting and protecting rare books, including early Bibles and important documents from U.S. history. The collection led to the most notable of the renovations at the Scheide House: the fireproof masonry library wing.

William H. Scheide donated the property to the Titusville School District, which used it as their administrative offices until 2016. The Oil Region Alliance acquired the property in 2018. Struxures, LLC based in Seneca, PA is the Architect of Record for the project, which is anticipated to be a several-year phased rehabilitation of the main building on the grounds.

After phases of rehabilitation are completed, the first floor will become a Cultural Preservation Center. Area historical, artistic, heritage-related, educational, or similar types of non-profits will have individual offices on the first floor, with tenants sharing common spaces. The library wing will be used as rentable community event space.

Mission

The mission of the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism is to manage the Oil Region National Heritage Area and to increase the prosperity of the Oil Region by enticing all people to live, work, learn, and play in “The Valley that Changed the World” through the preservation, promotion, development, and support of historical, educational, natural, recreational, residential, commercial, and industrial destinations.

Profile

The Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism formed in 2005 through a merger of local non-profit organizations, including the former Oil Heritage Region, Inc.

For over 18 years, the ORA has rehabilitated historic buildings, established recognition of the region as both Pennsylvania and National Heritage Areas, created and developed industrial parks, assisted the growth of local businesses, built recreational trails and amenities, preserved and interpreted the region’s heritage, and produced educational materials for students and adults. This is in addition to providing leadership in heritage preservation, tourism marketing, recreational development, and economic development.

ORA is the federally designated manager of the Oil Region National Heritage Area. Current ORA historical property projects include the Ida Tarbell House and William H. Scheide House in Titusville, the Downs Building and the former Salvation Army building in Oil City, and the Coal Oil Johnny House within Oil Creek State Park. The organization also facilitates the installation of historic markers and house plaques, interpretive panels, creates history and cultural educational materials, and coordinates the annual Oil Region Historic Preservation Awards.