West Fourth Street in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, whispers tales of a bygone era, a time when towering pines and hemlocks blanketed the West Branch Valley and the Susquehanna’s “Long Reach” flowed freely. This street’s narrative is deeply rooted in lumber, the very industry that fueled Williamsport’s initial boom. In the late 19th century, during the zenith of this prosperity, West Fourth Street earned a remarkable distinction: it was rumored to house more millionaires than any other street of comparable length across the globe.
The transformation of West Fourth Street into the illustrious “Millionaires’ Row” is inextricably linked to the vision and drive of one individual: Peter Herdic. Arriving in Williamsport in 1853, Herdic began acquiring land, starting with a five-acre plot known as the Grove Lot. His ambitions grew, and through strategic purchases, including the Woodward and Maynard farms, he amassed the majority of Fourth Street west of Hepburn Street. This land, much of it swampy, required significant drainage and fill to become suitable for construction. Herdic’s grand plan for this area included a hotel to serve as the city’s social hub, a gasworks for illumination, office spaces conveniently located near the railroad station, a bustling commercial block, and designated sites for churches.
Herdic’s shrewd business acumen was evident in his dealings with the railroad. Recognizing the mutual benefit, he granted the railroad right-of-way through Williamsport and land for the Walnut Street yards. In exchange, he secured a ninety-nine-year agreement ensuring the main station would be built on a site of his choosing – strategically positioned adjacent to his planned hotel. Understanding that the existing business district was a considerable distance from his developing area, approximately a mile from the hotel, Herdic established a horse-drawn streetcar line along West Fourth Street from Market Street, making it easily accessible for a mere three cents.
To realize his architectural vision, Herdic wisely partnered with Eber Culver, a highly talented architect, who designed many of his ambitious projects.
Peter Herdic’s vision extended beyond simply creating opulent residences. He meticulously crafted West Fourth Street as a prestigious residential enclave for the wealthy. He mandated that each mansion be set back twenty to thirty feet from the property line, ensuring an unobstructed and impressive vista of these grand homes. Furthermore, he thoughtfully provided lots and buildings on the surrounding streets to accommodate the diverse needs of the people and businesses that supported the lavish lifestyles of Millionaires’ Row residents.
Herdic’s influence extended into the political sphere as well. He was instrumental in securing the city charter for Williamsport in 1866. In a move of considerable political maneuvering, he orchestrated the annexation of Newberry, reportedly without the awareness of the residents until after it was finalized. His accomplishments culminated in his election as the fourth mayor of Williamsport in the fall of 1869.
While Peter Herdic experienced the fluctuating fortunes common during the lumber industry’s “gilded age,” his enduring legacy is undeniably etched into West Fourth Street. Even today, the soaring spire of Trinity Episcopal Church, the stately Park Home, and the elegant residential avenue stand as lasting tributes to the visionary genius of Peter Herdic and his transformative impact on Williamsport’s most famous street.
Text Source: “The West Fourth Street Story” by the Junior League of Williamsport, Inc.
Postcard Source: “A Bicentennial Postcard History of Williamsport” by Richard and Miriam Mix
