The Evolution of Downtown Erie – A Story Told Through Pictures
Undoubtedly cities and their built environment transform as their inhabitants’ tastes evolve and trends emerge. Erie is no exception. Join Jerry Skrypzak in a journey through pictures along Erie’s downtown corridor of State Street throughout the decades to see what’s new and what has remained the same for decades.
Jerry Skrypzak is a retired lieutenant from the City of Erie Bureau of Police. During his 32 year tenure he served most of his career in the department’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit. He received training in forensic sciences at the FBI Academy and the Southern Police Institute, Sirchie Laboratories, Eastman Kodak Co., Digital Biometrics as well as many other courses. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Police Science from Mercyhurst College. He was among the first active duty police officers to graduate from the college’s Law Enforcement Program.
He served as an instructor in photography, crime scene investigation and fingerprint science at many venues including the Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Regional Training Center and the PA Game Commission Training Center. He also acted as a guest instructor at Gannon University and Mercyhurst College.
His skills as a photographer which he acquired early life carried him into his career and onto his retirement
He has been the president of the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie Fishing Club since 1994. During this period he has acquired extensive knowledge of the history of Erie’s waterfront. He is a member of the Erie western Pennsylvania Port Authority Citizen’s Advisory Committee and the Bi-National Lake Erie Perca Management Advisory Group.
This love of history found him volunteering at the Erie History Center where he was appointed to serve on the board of directors. He has used his photography skills to help his friend, Dr. David Frew with the graphics of several of his books. He and Dr. Frew then co-authored the book “Fortune and Fury” about Erie’s commercial fishing industry.
Jerry shares his knowledge of history as a guest speaker to many organizations throughout the area including the Lake Shore Rail Historical Society, the Fairview Historical Society, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, the Regional Science Consortium, the Maritime Museum, the Erie County Library, the Presque Isle Rotary Club, the West County Shrine Club, the YMCA Men’s club, the Erie Center on Health and Aging, the Erie Yacht Club, the Fairview Garden Club and many local Nursing Homes.
He is married to the former Alma Jean Nash Coman. He has 3 children, 13 step children and 35 grandchildren.
