venango county homes 23

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23. James B. and Carrie Webb Robbins

Located at 901 Elk Street, this home was built in 1904 for James B. and Carrie Webb Robbins and their son, Hartwell B. The home features a central gable with fish-scale siding and a Palladian window. The fanlight window in the west bay is spectacular. A sun porch and exceptional landscaping enhance this Colonial Revival / Queen Anne style home. James Belden Robbins was born in Watertown, NY in 1867 and became the mainstay of the family at age 13 when his father died. He became interested in the Young Men�s Christian Association and in 1889 went to work in Addison, NY as secretary of the local organization. In November of 1890 he came to Franklin to take a similar position which he held for 13 years. His obituary, printed in the Venango Citizen Press of March 5, 1908, gives us insight to his contribution to the development of the young men in the area: �Mr. Robbins had the confidence and affection of the boys under him from the start and more than one father attributes to the secretary�s interest in the welfare of their boys the fact that they have developed many qualities. He was stern when the occasion required it, but the boys grew to know that when they did what was right they had in J.B. a true friend, one who would do anything to help them.� In 1903 he accepted a position at a YMCA in Williamsport only to return to Franklin a year later as he could not reconcile himself to being away from Franklin and the friends he had made here. Upon returning he was elected to the Board of Directors of the YMCA and worked as an insurance and real estate agent. He was very successful during the few years prior to his death, which was caused by Bright�s disease (inflammatory disease of the kidneys). Mr. Robbins was remembered as ��a man of the highest moral type ... thoroughly honest with his acquaintances and himself. There was nothing of hypocrisy or the sham about him. He had the courage of his convictions and his rugged honesty and strict integrity won him friends that were most loyal.�

Carrie Robbins was born in 1866 in Watertown, NY and married there in July 1889. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Robbins and son, Hartwell B., age 13, moved to a smaller home in the 800 block of Elk Street. Their son, who was an insurance agent for 25 years, died in 1950 and is buried with his parents at Franklin Cemetery.

Submitted by: Penny Minnick