LATROBE AREA HISTORY
1900 to Present

The 1900s continued to show steady growth in Latrobe. The Borough grew to six wards as more areas of Derry and Unity Townships were incorporated into the Borough.

Steel companies emerged in the first half of the century: Latrobe Electric Steel, Railway Spring Steel, Vanadium Alloys, McKenna Metals, and Vulcan Mold. Brickyards and distilleries continued to flourish, in addition to a woolen mill, a ceramics company, and even a mattress factory. Coal mines, steel mills, and the railroad were major employers, along with a steadily growing variety of businesses and stores in downtown Latrobe.

The population of the town increased as more and more European immigrants-particularly Irish, German, Italian, Polish, and Slovak-were attracted by the employment opportunities in the area.

To serve this growing population, the Latrobe Area Hospital was built in 1909, a new high school was built in 1914, and a public library was established in 1927. The 1930s and 1940s saw the beginnings of a recreation program to serve the community.

Patriotism abounded during both World Wars. Company M from Latrobe distinguished itself during World War I. When World War II began, the town gave a hero's send-off to its young men on their way to induction into the armed forces; crowds lined the street as the future soldiers marched through the downtown area the railroad station.

During the first half of the century Latrobe also began to attract national and international attention. Latrobe became "The Home of the Banana Split" when David Strickler, a young pharmacist working at Tassel's Pharmacy on Ligonier Street, invented the popular treat in 1904.

Another "first" for Latrobe occurred in 1939. On May 12, the first non-stop airmail pick-up was made at Latrobe Airport.

The 1950s brought more recognition to the town a two of its most famous sons embarked on their careers. Fred Rogers made his debut on public television with his chilldren's program Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, and golf legend Arnold Palmer inspired a loyal following that became known as "Arnie's Army."

The second half of the century showed a period of consolidation and dispersal. The industries tended to consolidate; private, local ownership passed on to large out-of-town conglomerates. However, many small high tech industries moved into the area.

The schools also consolidated, as the Unity Township, Youngstown, and Latrobe Borough schools merged in 1962 to form the Greater Latrobe School District.

The population of the Borough reached its peak of 11,932 in 1960. By the year 2000, the number of residents had declined to 8,994. During this same period of time, the population of the outlying Unity Township increased. Businesses and services in the downtown area are reduced, but there are several shopping centers and businesses just outside town on Route 30.