Sharon's Yesterdays & Tomorrow

An Outline of the Growth of Sharon and its Industries....

and a History of the McDowell National Bank, June 1935

An Outline of Sharon's History 

In addition to geographical and other advantages which Sharon offers, is what might be termed an "endowed community." During the lifetime of Frank H. Buhl, he and Mrs. Buhl created Buhl Farm, a playground of 500 acres, containing a lake, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a free nine-hole golf course, a picnic grove and children’s playgrounds. There are five miles of beautiful drives and many other features. Everything in connection with the Buhl Farm is free to the public. 

Mr. and Mrs. Buhl also built the F. H. Buhl Club which provides a downtown club with gymnasium, free public library, billiard rooms, bowling alleys and various other facilities. A small fee is charged for membership in this club. The dues collected, however, are not sufficient for its maintenance, and a part of that maintenance is paid by the F. H. Buhl Foundation. 

A fully equipped and modern hospital, free of debt, is another institution of great value to the Sharon District. This institution owes its present fine condition to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Buhl. 

Upon the death of Mr. Buhl the residue of his estate became available as a permanent endowment fund to be administered by the Board of Trustees of the F. H. Buhl Club. To this Board had been transferred the F. H. Buhl Farm and the F. H. Buhl Club property, together with a fund for the operation of the Farm. This is a self-perpetuating body and during the past few years has carried on a great many benefactions. For example, over 1400 tonsillectomies have been performed on children of the Valley, without cost to them. All school children in Sharon, Sharpsville and Farrell, where need existed, were fitted with glasses, and all children requiring dental work were taken care of at the expense of the Buhl Fund. 

During last winter one meal a day was furnished to needy school children. Thus meal included soup and a half pint of milk. Overcoats and hats were furnished when they were not obtainable from other relief sources. 

All of these benefactions have a great bearing on labor conditions in this community. It has been possible to relieve workmen of Worries that come from the responsibility of sick and unhappy families. There could not help but he a marked improvement in the work of these men. 

The generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Buhl is one of the greatest assets of the community.

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