Albert Perry Howard and the Legacy of the Cottage at Howard Falls

If you read our previous blog post, Mayhem at the Cottage, you have already been introduced to Albert Perry (A.P.) Howard and his summer cottage at Howard Falls. Today, we are taking a closer look at the man behind the cottage and sharing some exciting news about the cottage’s future.

The Man Behind the Name

Albert Perry Howard was born August 18, 1866, on the old farm near the Howard stone quarry in Franklin Township, Pennsylvania, to George Tuttle Howard (1842-1927) and Ellen Louise Perry (1848-1897). He grew up in that well-known pioneer family, which was established in Franklin township by his grandfather, Levi Howard (1812-1869), and his great uncle, Henry Howard (1809-1889). The oldest of four children; he grew up with younger brothers, Frank (1867-1944) and Levi (1873-1974), and younger sister Mary (1869-1915).

After pursuing various preliminary courses in the district schools, he became a student in the more advanced school at Miles Grove (now North Girard) and Edinboro State Normal School. If you read our blog post “Ringing the Bell,” you see how rare it was for a farm boy to become a lawyer, with less than 20 percent of the Franklin Township population attending school beyond 8^th grade in the years before 1920 and less than 3% going on to college. However, A.P. was an outlier, and according to A Twentieth Century History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, he farmed in the seasonable months and taught in winter; his ultimate aim to enter the legal profession – reportedly having been fixed quite early in his youth. This account, written in 1909 by John Miller (1849-1918), historian and writer, meticulously chronicled the progress of Erie County, highlighting its prominent figures and their contributions to its development. His detailed narrative provides an insightful look into Howard’s life and the historical context in which he lived. In 1893, it was reported that Mr. Howard relocated to Erie at the age of 27 to pursue a career in law and studied with the Hon. Samuel M. Brainerd (1842-1898), District Attorney of Erie County in 1872.

Becoming a lawyer in the late 1800s was quite different from today’s process. Here’s a brief overview:

• Apprenticeship: Instead of attending law school, aspiring lawyers would become apprentices, or “read the law,” under the guidance of an experienced lawyer. This involved studying legal texts and observing court proceedings.
• Legal Texts: Key texts included Sir Edward Coke’s “The Institutes of the Laws of England” and Sir William Blackstone’s “Commentaries on the Laws of England”.
• No Formal Law Schools: Formal law schools were rare, and only a few institutions like Yale and Harvard had law programs.
• Bar Exam: After completing their apprenticeship, they would take a bar exam to be admitted to the bar and practice law.

It was a more hands-on and mentorship-driven approach compared to today’s structured legal education system.

In 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) was newly established and began advocating for higher standards and uniformity in the bar admission process. At that time, admission to the bar in Pennsylvania was handled on a county-by-county basis.

A.P. eventually realized his dream and earned his place in the Erie Bar on March 27, 1897. By the end of 1897, A.P. was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Pieper (1874-1949) on December 1. Miss Pieper was the daughter of Christopher (1824-1887) and Hannah Pieper (1833-1905), well-known and substantial residents of Franklin Center.

In Memoirs of the Erie County, Pennsylvania, Bench and Bar, A.P. was described as “a large man with an imposing genial personality and enjoyed the gift of making a good impression on his clients and the public.” He successfully built and maintained a thriving legal practice, earning respect throughout Erie County. His career included notable legal victories, such as Cook v. The Erie Electric Motor Company, 225 Pa. 91, where he challenged corporate interests, almost losing the case by addressing the defendant as “a great millionaire company.”

The Memoirs of the Erie County, Pennsylvania, Bench and Bar was authored by Emory A. Walling (1854-1931) in 1926, a distinguished judge who was District Attorney of Erie County in 1881 and served as the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania from 1897 to 1915. Walling was known for his deep knowledge of the law and commitment to justice, making his account of A.P. Howard’s legal career particularly valuable.

A.P.’s enthusiasm for public service was evident in his aspirations, as even his attempt to run for District Attorney in 1908 demonstrated his ambition. A newspaper advertisement from the time highlights his candidacy, describing him as a well-regarded Erie attorney who had practiced law for 11 years and was active in the community. The ad emphasizes his belief that the office was traditionally a one-term position, serving as a stepping stone for young attorneys, and conveys his promise to serve without fear or favor.

While the family lived in Erie on West 7^th Street, A.P.’s connection to Howard Falls and his family still residing on the property remained all throughout his life. The family built a summer cottage sometime around 1900, nestled beside the cascading waters of Howard Falls, which was more than just a city escape. The cottage served as a sanctuary where legal battles and city life gave way to the tranquility of nature. The family believed the location had healing potential, especially for their daughter, Nellie. A 1909 article from the Erie Daily Times noted that “Lawyer A.P. Howard and family, of Erie, are spending a few weeks with Mr. Howard’s father, Geo. T. Howard, at ‘The Falls’ on account of their daughter’s health,” highlighting the property’s significance not only as a seasonal getaway but also as a nurturing family retreat.

The Final Years and Legacy

The influenza pandemic of 1918-1920, commonly known as the ”Spanish flu,“ significantly impacted  the United States. This pandemic, caused by an H1N1 virus, resulted in an estimated 25 to 50 million deaths worldwide. In the U.S., the epidemic led to a high mortality rate and overwhelmed healthcare systems.

The epidemic influenza struck close to home with the Howard family when, in December 1918, Ellen Waxham, A.P. Howard’s 21 year old niece, succumbed to the illness while living in Erie.

Even into 1920, the influenza was still widespread. In January of that year, an infant in Levi Howard’s home, A.P.’s brother, was reported to be seriously ill but recovered. Then, in February, the flu closed the Falls school. The flu had continued at the home of Levi Howard, where the teacher, Laura Francis, was staying, and as a precaution, Laura moved down the road to the home of Frank Howard, A.P.’s other brother, and the school reopened.

For decades, health-seekers fanned out across the United States in search of a cure for so-called “consumptive” illnesses like the flu and tuberculosis (TB). The pure Western air, they were told, would make them strong and well again. Alongside pioneers and explorers, those seeking relief from consumptives played a significant role in settling the West.

Not surprisingly, many flocked to higher altitude locations in Colorado and other western states during the Epidemic of 1918-1920.  Travel was made convenient by trains, although the journey from Erie to Chicago and then from Chicago to Denver took about 40 hours over the course of 2 to 3 days.

A.P. Howard had been suffering from TB for some time, and the ongoing flu epidemic raging around him only heightened his concerns.  His friend, Fred Steadman (1874-1943), had recently relocated his family to Colorado at the urging of Fred’s wife.  Four of her brothers and a sister had also relocated to Greeley, CO, before 1920. 

Once in Colorado, Fred and his family then moved on to Yampa, Colorado, where he hoped to obtain the job of Postmaster; his father had been the Postmaster for Franklin Center in Franklin Township. Others had also relocated to Yampa from Pennsylvania, including the local doctor, JT Male (1868-1945), who settled there in 1917 seeking relief for his daughter, who was also suffering from TB.

Then, in search of better health, A.P. traveled to Yampa, Colorado, hoping that the climate would aid his recovery. The Fred Steadman family welcomed AP to their home in early March 1920. Unfortunately, his recovery was not to be, and he passed away on April 24, 1920, at the age of 53. His remains were returned to Pennsylvania, where he was laid to rest in Girard Cemetery, the final resting place of many of his family, old friends and neighbors.

His passing marked the end of a short, yet distinguished career, but not the end of his impact. His legacy lives on in the legal precedents he set, the stories of perseverance he inspired, and the cottage at Howard Falls, which stands as a reminder of his love for nature and the outdoors. He continued to be honored in the Erie Times Newspaper for 50 years.

The Cottage: A Piece of Living History

The summer cottage at Howard Falls has stood as a testament to a bygone era. It was a retreat where A.P. Howard could unwind from the pressures of legal practice, indulging in the simple joys of nature and family. Over the years, the structure has weathered storms—both literal and metaphorical—bearing witness to the evolving landscape of Howard Falls and the generations who have passed through its doors. Yet, it is one of the few remaining structures from those early generations; houses, schools, and barns no longer stand.

However, time has not been kind to the cottage. As we strive to honor its history while preparing for its future, we recognize the need for a thoughtful redesign—one that respects its past while ensuring its continued presence for generations to come.

An Invitation to Reimagine Howard Falls

To that end, we are thrilled to announce an international architecture competition to redesign Albert Perry Howard’s summer cottage. This competition, hosted by Buildner, invites architects, designers, and visionaries from around the world to breathe new life into this historic retreat while preserving the essence of its storied past.

The challenge is to create a design that balances historical reverence with modern functionality—one that pays homage to A.P. Howard’s legacy while making the space relevant for today’s needs. Whether through innovative sustainability solutions, creative use of materials, or a reimagining of traditional forms, the winning design will shape the future of Howard Falls.

Are you ready to take part in this extraordinary opportunity? Visit architecturecompetitions.com/howardretreat to learn more and submit your vision for the next chapter of Howard Falls.

Join us in preserving history while embracing the future. We can’t wait to see what you create!