About Battles Yellow House and White House

Battles Yellow House, 436 Walnut Street, Girard, PA 16417 (Pictured)
Battles White House, 306 Walnut Street, Girard, PA 16417

About
These two beautifully preserved historic homes in Girard are open only on special occasions—making each visit truly unique.

The Yellow House, located at 436 Walnut Street, was built in 1858 by Rush Battles, a prominent Girard attorney and banker who founded the Webster-Battles Bank, later known simply as Battles Bank. Just a few years later, in 1861, Rush and his wife Charlotte McConnell Webster built the neighboring White House at 306 Walnut Street.

In 1864, their daughter Charlotte Elizabeth “Beth” or “Libbie” Battles was born in the White House. She would become the couple’s only surviving child—and the home remained hers for the rest of her life.

When Rush Battles passed away in 1904, Charlotte Elizabeth inherited the family estate and made history as the first woman to serve as president of the R.S. Battles Bank. Her leadership didn’t stop there. In 1914, she also became the first woman appointed to the Board of Trustees at Edinboro State Normal School (now Edinboro University), serving until her retirement in 1925.

In time, Georgianna “Nan” Reed moved into the White House to care for Charlotte’s mother, remaining as Charlotte’s devoted companion long after her mother’s passing. When Nan Reed died in 1982, she requested that the Battles Trust be administered by the Erie County Historical Society—ensuring the legacy of the Battles family would be preserved and shared with future generations.

Today, both the Yellow House and the White House have been fully restored, complete with many original Battles family possessions. They now serve as charming seasonal event venues, hosting a variety of History Center experiences such as pop up restaurants, culinary classes, book clubs, farm to table dinners, a sunflower festival, and annual membership gatherings.

The homes come alive during Dan Rice Days the first weekend in August.

The annual Sunflower Festival (based on blooms) also takes place in August, when visitors can explore the property—surrounded by 1.1 million vibrant sunflowers—and enjoy tours, activities, and special programs.

The remarkable story of Charlotte Elizabeth Battles, her pioneering influence, and the legacy of the White House, Yellow House, and Battles Bank were featured in the Emmy nominated WQLN Chronicles episode, "The Legacy of Charlotte Elizabeth Battles."