Old Pa. Route 36

A photo tour of the corridor between Punxsutawney and Brookville

State Route 36 has served Jefferson County for more than a century, evolving steadily as transportation needs changed. The following summary reflects both documented history and recollections shared by longtime residents. (I've done my best to make 'Educated Guesses' but if any details need correction, additions are welcome.)

The roadway that would eventually become PA 36 began as part of Pennsylvania’s Sproul Legislative Route System, established in 1911. The Sproul system converted existing rural roads and former turnpikes into state‑maintained highways. These routes were numbered only on paper; no posted signs existed yet.

In 1924, Pennsylvania introduced posted route numbers to create a consistent statewide navigation system. It was during this period that PA 36 received its signed designation, marking the corridor officially on maps and roadside markers.

In 1955, PA 36 was formally designated the Colonel Drake Highway, honoring Edwin Drake, whose 1859 oil well near Titusville launched the modern petroleum industry. This honorary name applies to the entire length of PA 36, including the stretch between Punxsutawney and Brookville.

One longtime traveler of this road was Katherine Rogers, a lifelong Punxsutawney resident who served as a Court Secretary for three different Jefferson County judges. She drove Route 36 for decades, witnessing nearly every improvement made to the corridor. Katherine never married, dedicated her entire career to the courthouse, and was known for her quiet reliability and professionalism. Sadly, she has long since passed — but those who knew her remember her stories, her service, and her daily travels along this historic roadway. Her life is woven into the history of PA 36 just as surely as the pavement itself.

Stanton (22–23)

At Stanton from South

At Stanton from North

Coolspring (19–21)

Coolspring From South

Coolspring from North — Leaving Coolspring going North

Leaving Coolspring from North — Coolspring from North

Coolspring Hill, McKinstery Road (15–18)

Coolspring Hill In — Leaving Coolspring Hill from South

Coolspring Hill Out — A piece of the old road Looking South

Coolspring Hill Out — The lower end of the old Road

Coolspring Hill Out — Coolspring Hill From the North

Newcome Road (13–14)

Newcome Road, South end

Newcome Out — Newcome Road, North end

Haag Road (11–12)

Haag In — Haag Road, South end

Haag Out — Haag Road, North end

Oliveburg (9–10)

Oliveburg In — Oliveburg, South side

Oliveburg Out — Oliveburg, North Side

Bish Road(7–8) Decommissioned 1947–8

Bish Road In — Bish Road, South end crossing Hwy 536

Bish Road Out — Bish Road, North End

Lewis Farm Lane (5–6) Decommissioned 1947–8

Lewis Farm Lane — Lewis Farm Lane, South End

Lewis Farm Lane — Lewis Farm Lane, a piece of the old Hwy looking North

Lewis Farm Lane — Lewis Farm Lane, where the old road ends

Lewis Farm Lane — Lewis Farm Lane, North end crossing HWY 536

Behind old Car Dealership (3–4)

Car In — Leaving HWY South end

Car Out — North end

Dutchtown (1–2)

Dutchtown In — Dutchtown,South end

Dutchtown Out — Dutchtown, North end