Westmoreland 250: 10 unique things in Irwin
(Editor’s note: To mark Westmoreland County’s 250th birthday this year, we’ve come up with a list of 250 things — 10 things in 25 communities — that we consider to be important to the makeup of our area. This series will appear each week through December. If you have a suggestion for a future installment, please email gtrcity@triblive.)
Irwin has taken on the nickname of the “Biggest Little Town in Pennsylvania” for its vast selection of food, entertainment and shops.
The community’s downtown district has remained vibrant, with a variety of stores and an active business and professional association that sponsors concerts, parades, festivals, car cruises and holiday celebrations to entice patrons to the borough.
Irwin was founded in 1864 by John Irwin, who laid out plots for the community that was carved out of North Huntingdon.
The borough is situated along what was the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Main Line between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, which sparked an interest in mining coal. Part of the growth of the town was related to miners living nearby and the growth of its business district, with a blacksmith shop, wagon shop and three hotels.
Here are 10 unique things in Irwin:
The Lamp Theatre
The Lamp Theatre, which hosts concerts and plays and an occasional movie, is a gem along Main Street. The renovated theater is a shining example of a successful public-private partnership — the building is owned by the borough and the theater is operated by a nonprofit corporation and supported by numerous volunteers.
Originally a movie house that opened in 1937, the venue closed in 2004 and underwent extensive renovations before its grand reopening in 2016. Since then, The Lamp Theatre Corp. has moved the circa 1951 Ritter’s Diner from Pittsburgh’s Station Square to a space abutting the theatre and created a courtyard around it where patrons can enjoy refreshments or listen to live music.
Upcoming shows include tribute bands ranging from The Beatles to Kiss, local blues/soul singer Billy Price and Pure Gold, a band that plays hits from the 1950s to 1970s.
Norwin Historical Society
The Norwin Historical Society office at 219 Main St. has a treasure trove of information about Irwin, North Irwin and North Huntingdon. As Westmoreland County celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding this year, the society’s windows are filled with memorabilia, including displays featuring railroads, coal mining and schools.
Some of the group’s annual events include the “Homes for the Holidays” tour in December, an “Antiques on Main” sale in September, caring for the grounds of the historic Brush Creek Associate Reformed Church Cemetery and providing a military honor guard to honor the area’s war dead on the Sunday before Memorial Day.
Colonial Grille
Gary Santimyer, owner of the landmark Colonial Grille at 333 Main St., has a secret about his restaurant’s famous pressure-fried chicken that he has been holding onto for years — and he is not going to let it go.
The ingredients in the marinade that make the restaurant’s signature dish so tasty are known only to Santimyer and his cooks. You can call it a trade secret of the Colonial Grille.
“We’re really known for our pressure-fried chicken,” Santimyer said. “People come from miles around for it.”
The chicken dinner consists of a breast and leg, marinated and cooked in the Colonial Grille’s special breading, and two sides.
Santimyer is the second-generation owner of the restaurant. His father, Len, worked at the Isaly’s restaurant in town before purchasing what was then a bankrupt Colonial Grille restaurant in 1961. The family has owned it ever since.
John Irwin House
The grand yellow house at the corner of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue was built in 1836 by John Irwin, nephew of Col. John Irwin. The home served as an inn for stagecoach passengers on the Greensburg to Pittsburgh Pike.
At the time the home was constructed, it featured several outbuildings, including a kitchen and stables. A wrought-iron fence lined the property, and a barn was located in the area of the nearby Irwin Park playground.
Home to Ye Olde Teddy Bear Shoppe for 25 years, the house now has other tenants, including CJ’s Photography, counseling services and Rana’s Music Studio.
Gig on Main
For good food and fun, there’s nothing better than a block party — except maybe a two-block party.
The annual Gig on Main takes over two blocks of Irwin’s major thoroughfare each year, and this year’s event is set for 5-11 p.m. Sept. 23.
A bandstand is set up at the intersection of Main and Fifth streets, creating a block-long dance floor. Three bands are expected to perform this year.
The block between Fourth and Third streets becomes a food truck paradise, with something to satisfy just about every appetite. Some Main Street merchants stay open late for shoppers, as do some restaurants, catering to those who prefer a respite from the revelry and a sit-down meal.
Ethnic Food Festival and Craft Show
Held every June, the Irwin Ethnic Food Festival and Craft Show is a feast for all senses and an homage to many different cultures.
Restaurants and food booths offer specialties such as haluski, kielbasa, brats and sauerkraut, tacos, nachos, Italian meatballs, pizza, crepes, baklava, cream puffs, apple strudel, smoothies and salads.
Craft vendor booths are set up along Main Street as the sound of live bands envelops the area. The wrought iron arch in the middle of the town becomes center stage for dancers who twirl and sometimes polka to the music.
For more information, visit downtownirwin.com.
Irwin car cruise
The annual car cruises in downtown Irwin draw big crowds and lots of classic cars that are displayed along Main Street. Trophies are awarded in several categories, and oldies music fills the streets during the all-day event.
The spring car cruise, usually held the last Saturday in April, drew nearly 500 cars this year, according to organizer Gary Ed.
The Irwin Business & Professional Association has scheduled the fall car cruise for Sept. 21.
Green Berry
For those thinking organic, the Green Berry at 409 Main St., is a cafe featuring cold-pressed juice, more than a dozen smoothies and smoothie bowls. Owner Jen Wirsing said she started her business in Irwin eight years ago after returning to the area from South Florida.
“I was hopeful the community would be receptive to healthy food, and it has been,” Wirsing said.
Some of the signature drinks include the Nutty Squirrel, with almond milk, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground flax seeds, vanilla bean, cinnamon, almonds, almond butter, local raw honey and banana; and the Purple Lotus, with dragon fruit, banana, dates, coconut shreds, almond butter and almond milk.
Feathers Artist Market & Gifts
Feathers Artist Market & Gifts, at 102 Fourth St., features an eclectic mix of gifts, clothing, art and jewelry.
Owner Tracy Alaia said the name for the shop came from a favorite feather necklace and from the notion that finding a feather symbolizes hope and happiness. She has been a member of the Norwin Art League since 1997, and her favorite medium is watercolor.
The shop also offers space for artists and exhibits, painting classes and parties geared to children and adults.
Miller’s Crossing Fleatique
If you’re into vintage and antique finds, Miller’s Crossing Fleatique at 210 4th St. is a must-see shop.
From Barbie to Pyrex, Nascar models to delicate needlework, owners Jim and Kristin Miller have about 100 vendors offering unique items in the building, which was at one time was a market and more recently a used furniture store. Shoppers gain a sense of nostalgia as they browse the aisles filled with booths from a wide assortment of sellers.
The business is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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