Harley D. Carpenter founded Carpenter Electric Supply and Contracting in 1906. He opened the first electric shop in Meadville, PA, on Mead Avenue in 1906. Then, in 1913 moved to a new building at 291 Chestnut Street. Harley was known for developing electric utilities in rural areas long before large companies were interested in the service. He began the electric service in Conneaut Lake, PA in 1912. Carpenter expanded his electric service to Cochranton, PA, Saegertown, PA, Spartansburg, PA and Sparta Township. By 1952, Carpenter Light, Heat and Power had 9000 customers in 10 rural townships in Crawford County and 500 miles of rural lines. In 1960, Carpenter Light, Heat and Power was sold to Penelec/PennPower.
In 1906, Harley also opened the first electrical supply store in Erie, Carpenter Electric Supply . . . . current location at 1517 State Street . . . Paul Carpenter managed and expanded the Erie location to include 1517 and 1519 State Street. Paul managed the Erie store for 65 years. In 1995 Paul turned the business over to his son and current owner, Gary Carpenter. Gary, being the third generation, has worked at the family business since 1972 and has also expanded the business further by adding 1515 and 1511 State Street. Today Gary continues the family tradition, serving the electrical and lighting needs of Erie.