The mill industries have dwindled, and much of our farmland has been replaced with housing developments. Although the scenery has changed significantly in the past 50 years, Beaver County residents can still find comfort in these nostalgic businesses that have persevered throughout the years.
Brunton Dairy
3681 Ridge Rd. Aliquippa, PA 15001 – 724-375-5910
You have not tasted milk in its most glorious form unless you’ve had a tall glass from Brunton Dairy. Anyone can tell from the rich film it leaves on the inside of the glass that this is the good stuff. These guys have been in the business since 1832, and I find it udderly amazing that the family is in its seventh generation of farmers. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself there!)
Their chocolate milk is more akin to a milkshake than a breakfast beverage. Beaver County thanks you, Brunton Dairy, for finally making it acceptable to have dessert first thing in the morning!
Brunton’s unique home delivery service is what sparked the idea for this article. For less than the price of a daily subscription to the Beaver County Times (speaking of the olden days, you can still get a tangible version of media!), you can have delicious ½ gallons of deliciously fresh milk on your doorstep. Just remember to place your empty glass bottles on the porch so they can reuse them. How much greener can you get?
If you’d rather purchase your milk at a brick and mortar store, it is available at over 30 small businesses in the region, from Aliquippa to Zelienople. If you’re in the mood for a trip to the country, they also sell their products straight from the farm!
Smith’s Meats
3134 37th St. Ext. Beaver Falls, PA 15010 – 724-843-1160
If some carne is on the menu for your family dinner, a stop at Smith’s Meats in Beaver Falls is in order. Appropriately labeled “your hometown butcher,” the Smith brothers will custom-cut any request for beef or pork to suit your culinary needs.
The business was established in 1946, upon their father returning from service in World War II. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open what was initially “Smith’s Frozen Food Bank” (the original wooden sign is still on site). He began by raising turkeys, and local farmers soon were presenting their livestock for Mr. Smith to process and store in his rentable meat lockers.
The shop no longer operates as a slaughterhouse, but the original rails for the track system remain in place as an homage to its history. These days, expect to find high-quality meat and over 25 varieties of fresh fish alongside retail items from carefully selected local vendors (including Brunton Dairy).
Their bacon, ham, jerky, and other smoked products are all dry-cured in their own smokehouse, with no water added. What does that mean? You’re getting more meat per dollar than the prepackaged grocery products that are injected with water to plump them up. The meat’s unmatched flavor reflects the dedication of the Smith family to preserve their father’s legacy, so you’ll want enough to go back for seconds (or thirds!).
Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast
2075 Dutch Ridge Rd. Beaver, PA 15009 – 724-775-0735
Before Holiday Inn and Marriott, where did people stay overnight in Beaver County? A bed & breakfast, of course! If you prefer the comfort of a four-poster in a bedroom named after those who built the home, rather than a long walk down a hallway to unlock Room 114 with a card key…head on over to Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast in Brighton Township.
Atop a hill on Dutch Ridge Road stands a charming white house wrapped with an inviting veranda. It has been restored to reflect its original elegance at its completion in 1936, while adding modern amenities to suit the needs of today’s guests. Each of the four cozy bedrooms has its own private bath, a flatscreen TV, and WiFi access.
Book a night at Felicity Farms, and you will be rewarded with sweeping views of farmland, a country breeze in your hair, and the delightful nickers of the horses in the pasture on the property. If you enjoy the eggs served for breakfast, you may consider buying a dozen; they regularly offer farm-fresh eggs for locals to purchase!
Jerry’s Curb Service
1521 Riverside Dr. Beaver, PA 15009 – 724-774-4727
A compilation of nostalgic businesses in Beaver County wouldn’t be complete without locally-famous Jerry’s Curb Service in Bridgewater.
Since 1947, hungry diners have been turning on their parking lights for service from friendly carhops toting trays of comfort food to hang on patrons’ car windows. The waitresses no longer move about on roller skates, but Jerry’s signature menu items have endured the test of time. Fast food giants can only wish they could create a masterpiece like the Dorsey (a double-cheeseburger on a hard roll, with lettuce and a magnificent BBQ & garlic/pepper sauce).
Legend has it that Jerry’s Curb Service is credited for the creation of the (now, incredibly popular) steak salad, after Donna Reed fulfilled an odd request from a customer in the 1960’s. While you indulge in your steak and hand-cut fries (lettuce optional), your rugrats can play pretend with the cardboard classic car that doubles as a kid’s meal vessel. I loved to take those home for Barbie to cruise around in!
Jerry’s has appeal for all. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a soccer mom minivan, a lifted Ford on 38” tires, or a snazzy classic hot rod – there’s a parking spot with your name on it.
Dependable Drive-In Theater
500 Moon Clinton Rd. Coraopolis, PA 15108 – 412-264-7041
When it comes to the big screen, not much beats catching a blockbuster while in the comfort of your daily driver…unless you put an inflatable mattress in the bed of your pickup. That’ll earn you some envious glances.
Beaver Countians have been taking their dates to drive-in theaters since the late ‘40s & early ‘50s. It might be hard nowadays to find a spot for your Plymouth to catch the original version of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, but you may have rolled your Nissan through the gates of Dependable Drive-In in Moon Township to see “Maleficent” last year.
A night at the drive-in wouldn’t be complete without a stop to the Snack Bar. If you forget to pick up your munchies, a pair of dancing hot dogs on a grainy filmstrip will take you right back to Happy Days to remind you that cheeseburgers and popcorn are necessary for your double-header!
Let us take a moment to remember our drive-in theaters of yore:
- Spotlight 88 (1948-1985 – Beaver Falls)
- Tusca Drive-in (1950-1988 – Brighton Township)
- Kane Road Drive-in (1954-2013 – Aliquippa)
- ABC Drive-in (1948-1983 – Baden)
Rest in peace, big screens of Beaver County.
Next time you’re in search for a taste of sentiment, dig out your Fonz-esque leather jacket, and Shake, Rattle, & Roll your way through the county to make some memories!
