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Born out of adversity and perseverance, the Gate House has served the Mansfield community since 1889. When the flood that destroyed much of the Tioga River Valley came into Mansfield, the water washed away the main exhibits and ticket office of the Great Mansfield Fair at Smythe Park. In two weeks, the Mansfield community built the Gate House to provide a ticket office showing the determination and willpower of the people.

During the Gate House’s life span, it has witnessed the world’s first night football game in 1892, the first airplane flight in Tioga County history, and has hosted many influential political leaders. The Gate House served thousands of visitors at the Great Mansfield Fair; and later went on to host offices, act as an art gallery and thrift shop, and be the headquarters for Santa’s Gift Bag.

For the last decade, the Gate House has been unused. With individuals from the Save the Gate House board, the Smythe Park Committee, the Southern Tioga School District, the Mansfield Auxiliary Corporation, the Mansfield Borough, and several other community members, they have worked endlessly to begin a comprehensive plan to restore the Gate House. They are also adding an arched sign across the entranceway to Smythe Park, which will recognize it as the World’s First Night Football Game site.

The vision of the Gate House is to bring pride and unity into the community. When this project is complete, the Gate House will serve the community as a small gathering place, museum, art display, and tourist attraction. The total cost of this project will be approximately $230,000-$250,000. Contributions are greatly appreciated, whether it be online or mail-in. To give an online donation, visit give.mansfieldfoundation.org. Payment can also be mailed or dropped off to Mansfield Foundation, 71 S. Main Street, Mansfield, PA 16933. To find more information on this project, visit savethegatehouse.org.