Zelienople, PA

Zelienople is a borough in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Zelienople was founded in 1802 by Dettmar Basse, who came to America from Germany. He bought 10,000 acres of Depression Lands and established a town, which he named Zelienople for his eldest daughter Zelie. In 1840 Zelienople was chartered as a borough. The Zelienople Historical Society operates the two oldest homes in Zelienople. The 1819 Buhl House and the 1808-1810 Passavant House. The Passavant House was built by Philippe Passavant and his wife Zelia. The Passavants raised there five children in this home. It is a beautiful historical home, and offers tours. My tour guide was Peggy, the home and area has wonderful history. The outdoors to this home has a gazebo and is surrounded by historical gardens inspired by Zelie Passavant. The Strand Theater was built in 1914 by Gioachino and Rosalia Spienza, who were Italian immigrants. The theater started its beginnings as a grocery store. After a few years, it was converted into a single screen movie house. Now the theater is a performing arts, film and community center. Zelienople is a modern town with old fashion charm.