The Evolution of the Circle in Centre Square Part 2

The Soldier and Sailors monument had been up only two years when Congressman Mutchler went to Washington DC to propose that the Circle in Centre Square be the site for a "Public Building". (EDFP 11/6/1902) He suggested that the monument be moved to the Court House property so that it would be adjacent to both the county and newly bought City Hall. There was a vigorous protest against its removal by veterans, G.A.R. posts, businessmen and professionals. By November 21 the county Commissioners decided the monument would remain in the Circle.

February 1906, Easton City Council received a petition from the Merchants Association of Easton and Phillipsburg to abolish the Circle Market. They claimed; " That for a long time past the manner in which the Circle market has been conducted has been an imposition upon the public and the resident merchant who deals in similar commodities; That the original idea of allowing the farmers a place where they might offer for sale their produce has passed away, and in its place we have a large number of hucksters who monopolize this spot for the purpose of selling articles of merchandise which they themselves purchased for sale at this place. " It went on to say that some of the hucksters were non-residents and merchants could not sell some goods at the price of the hucksters, and they the merchants, were taxed upon the amount of business done, besides being under heavy expenses of maintaining  a permanent place of business. (EDFP 2/17/1906)

Ledger of Market Stands sold in the Circle and 12th St. from 1905 -1939

                                   This ledger is located in the Marx Historical Room at the EAPL.

                                                Photo courtesy of Ronald Wynkoop

Needless to say the Market continued although with a new resolution.

In June of  1921, Easton City Councilman, Albert F. Heck won his long battle for a Comfort Station to be put into the Circle. Comfort stations built below ground in town squares in Pennsylvania cities were the practice rather than the exception. Harrisburg, Lancaster, Allentown, Reading, Easton, and Scranton, all had underground facilities.William Richardson, a student at Lafayette College in 1921 wrote his thesis, titled;
The Design of a Public Comfort Station for Center Square, Easton, Pa. This book can be found at the Lafayette College Library.

Comfort Station in 1966 Photo courtesy of R. Wynkoop

On May 25, 1925 The Easton W.C.T.U. Federation were proud to unveil a new drinking fountain on the west side of the Circle. (The purpose of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was to create a "sober and pure world" by abstinence, purity and evangelical Christianity.) In presenting the fountain, Mrs. McWilliams said: When the 18th amendment went into effect January 16, 1920, a group of Easton citizens decided to celebrate the event....it was agreed upon to commemorate the passing of the 18th amendment by placing a drinking fountain on some busy thoroughfare in Easton. (Easton Express  5/25/1925) It took them almost five years to collect the money and find a place.

In August of 1928 it was decided to remove the public drinking fountain located on the north curb line of the Circle. For years it furnished water for man and horse. The reason given were there were far more cars than horses that came into town. This was the same fountain that Peter S. Hulsizer had raised funds to install in 1887.

The following decades brought few major changes to the Circle. On August 14, 1945, " The Greatest Mass Celebration Since World War I Greets Victory News In Easton Area; Thousands and thousands of Eastonians and residents nearby poured into the downtown section jamming the district about Center Square so that police had to close main streets to traffic throughout the evening." (Easton Express 8/15/1945) The reason for this jubilant celebration was the war was over! 

On December 10, 1951 the very first Christmas Candle was lit. This candle was made of wood and plaster and was placed over the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Christmas Candle

Current Peace Candle

 Over the years, the Candle (Peace Candle) changed. Some years it was not put up at all. Whether you agree with the Candle being put up or not, it is to this day, a seasonal decoration and symbol.


June 20, 1969 it was decided that the Comfort Stations would remain closed, mainly because they didn't feel they were being used to the extent they cost to keep up. This was for the most part, due to major plumbing repairs.


In June of 2002 a resolution guaranteed the Fallen Firefighters' Monument would remain in the Circle at Centre Square. Six-graders had raised $3,800 to erect a monument after being inspired by the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City.


In recent years the biggest event to happen in the Circle is the Farmers Market. This has grown into one of the most well attended and vibrant events in downtown Easton. Vegetables, fruits, honey, soap, coffee, wine, food and much more are sold there. Music and cooking demonstrations can be seen through out the day. So well received they expanded into a Garlic Fest and Bacon Fest that extended past the circle into the four streets that converge on the circle.

Easton Farmer's Market

 A town square is an open public space commonly found in the heart of a traditional town used for community gatherings, according to Wikipedia. Easton, in the past 252 years has certainly proved this!