Written by VALENTINE J. BRKICH
Years ago, I had the pleasure of gathering with several Beaverites at the home of Shirley Pow on Bank Street to chat about their personal histories of living here in our lovely little town. Two of these were Juergen and Ingrid Steinmetz, whose home sits at 494 Bank Street.
Before coming to Beaver almost 50 years ago, the Steinmetzes, who are German immigrants, lived in Daytona Beach, Florida. At the time Juergen, a commercial pilot with US Airways, was commuting to Boston for work and was looking to move somewhere closer. A friend told him to contact local realtor John McLaughlin about Beaver, and soon they found their new home on Bank Street.
“It was the best-kept secret in western PA,” Juergen told me. “A real historic jewel, with no cookiecutter homes.” T
he Steinmetz’ property was Lot #25 in the original plan of the town laid out by Surveyor Daniel Leet. Originally, it stretched all the way back to Second Street. It was sold to Revolutionary War Veteran John McKee (1771-1832) (supposedly a member of Boston Tea Party) for $7.50.
In 1866, Rev. D.P. Lowry purchased the lot for $609, divided it in half, built a wood-framed house, and just 18 months later sold the southern half for $3,000.
Capt. Charles S. Stewart, a riverboat pilot along the Ohio, purchased the home in 1919 and lived there for 29 years. From his lofty property, Stewart could see his boat docked down at the old wharf.
The next owner, Dr. McCauley, purchased the land, moved the house back from the curb, and had it covered with stone. His wife, E. Grace McCauley (1870-1938), was a suffragist and served as President of the Pennsylvania State School Directors Association, Welfare Secretary, and Chairman of the Women’s Republican Committee in Western Pennsylvania.
Ingrid shared that some time after they purchased the property, while digging a garden in the backyard, Ingrid and Juergen found what they believe was part of the foundation of the old Beaver Academy, which once sat in the middle of the block.
Ingrid said that when they first purchased the house, it was in great disrepair. But over the years they have made it into the beautiful home it is today.
“Captain Stewart would be happy with what we did,” she said. Sadly, Ingrid passed away on Sept. 12, 2022.
