12 Bank Street: 1920 William Halpenny Residence

photo credit: William Halpenny Collection

See the same view of the Halpenny Residense as of 2006.
View wedding photo of Minnie May Bedford and William Howard Halpenny.
Read newspaper articles about the Halpennys.




Fido Knew His Refrigerators
Halpenny Out For Co. Commissioner
Mrs. W. Halpenny Dies Suddenly At Her Home Here
William H. Halpenny Obituary

Fido Knew His Refrigerators
McKean County Democrat May 25, 1933

A group of citizens were discussing the rapidly growing stray dog population in Smethport the other day and McKean County Commissioner W. H. Halpenny had the greatest grievance to recite of all.
"If I knew the dog-owner who has taught his dog to open the family refrigerator and help himself to food when hungry, I might get satisfaction," the local man said.
It develops that the Halpenny refrigerator was formerly placed on the back porch of the family residence on Bank Street.
Several times it was found with the door ajar and food missing.
Finally the county commissioner was amazed to catch --- or rather see --- an unusually gifted strange dog in the act of deftly opening the icebox door. The canine eluded capture.
Mr. Halpenny, like the majority of local property owners has been annoyed by stray dogs, but this was the limit of indurance.
He took drastic action.
He moved his refrigerator indoors.
Halpenny Out For Co. Commissioner
McKean County Democrat June 15, 1939

In its proper place at the head of the editorial column of today's Democrat appears the announcement of W. H. Halpenny, of Smethport, for the office of commissioner of McKean County, subject to the Republican party primary Sept. 12, next.
Mr. Halpenny served several terms in the commissioners' office and is thoroughly conversant with the duties of that office and made a legion of friends throughout the county who remember him as a diligent courteous official.
For many years Mr. Halpenny was employed as a conductor on the historic Kushequa railroad between Smethport and Mt. Jewett and his cheery presence became widely known to the many travelers on that line.
On two occasions he was seriously injured in performance of duty by wrecks on the railroad, but splendid luck and spirit carried him through long hospital ordeals undaunted.
In deciding to again enter the political lists Mr. Halpenny will meet a legion of friends and acquaintances throughout the county who know him as a gentleman of kindly, generous impulses and an indefatigable campaigner in the political area.
At the present time Mr. Halpenny is engaged in the restaruant business in Smethport. He has long been a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Moose lodges and of railroad organizations.
His candidacy willl be certain of the support of a large following of friends including many from the ranks of labor.

Mrs. W. Halpenny Dies Suddenly At Her Home Here
McKean County Democrat February 5, 1942
Funeral Sevices For Well Known Lady To Be Held Today

Mrs. William H. Halpenny, a resident of Smethport for the past 33 years, died unexpectedly Monday at 10:30 p.m. at her home in Union Street. She had been suffering from a heart ailment for some time but her condition had not been regarded as serious.
Before coming to Smethport in November 1909, Mr. and Mrs. Halpenny and family had resided in Kushequa where Mr. Halpenny was employed as a conductor on the Kushequa railroad. The couplewas married in Kushequa, February 5, 1900. Mrs. Minnie M. Halpenny was born July 25, 1877 in Clarendon, Pa., the daughter of the late Frank and Elizabeth Smith Bedford of that place.
She was a charter member of the Mt. Jewett Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Protective Home circle of Smethport. She was well known here and throughout the county.
Her husband served as McKean county commissioner for three terms, from 1924 until 1936.
Survivors in addition to her husband, include one son, Orville, of Smethport; one daugther, Mrs. H. R. Anderson of Coudersport; one sister, Mrs. G. W. Lunn, and one brother, Earl Bedford, of Endicott, NY., and four grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Halpenny will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Halpenny at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
February 5 is also her 42nd wedding anniversary.
Rev. John A. Taylor, pastor of the Smethport Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will be made in Rose Hill cemetary.
William H. Halpenny Obituary
Times Herald August 19, 1958

William H. Halpenny, former Smethport resident, died at Potter County Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, Monday (August 13, 1958). Death followed an illness of long duration. He was 86 years of age.
A native of Canada, wher he was born January 8, 1872, Mr. Halpenny had been a resident of this area for many years. He had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Emogene Anderson, Coudersport, for the last five years.
During his residence at Smethport, he was engaged in the operation of a restaurant on Main Street, and at one time was an insurance agent. He was also a former conductor for the Kushequa Railroad, and served as McKean County Commissioner from 1924 to 1935.
Mr. Halpenny was a member of Olean Masonic bodies for 52 years, and held membership in the Coudersport Consistory and Tuna Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Bradford.
In addition to his daughter, Mrs. Anderson, two granddaughters, Mrs. Betty Cook, Homer City, and Mrs. Jeanne Halpenny, Smethpor; two grandsons, William O. Halpenny, Pittsburgh, and Robert Anderson, Coudersport, and six great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews survive.
The body has been removed to the Lee Funeral Home, Smethport, where friends may call after seven o'clock tonight and where funeral services will be conducted Thursday afternoon, August 21, 1958, at two o'clock. The Rev. Alanson C. Davis, rector of the Church of the Ascension, Bradford, will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.

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