Learn more about our hometown, often referred to as “Tool City” and about our rich history.

Birthplace of the Modern Zipper Industry
Home of Talon, Inc., the company that pioneered the mass-produced zipper in the early 1900s, making Meadville a global hub for zipper innovation.

Tool & Die Capital
Meadville earned the nickname “Tool and Die Capital of the World” due to its concentrated cluster of precision machining, mold-making, and manufacturing companies—many of which grew from Talon’s legacy.

Allegheny College
One of the country’s oldest colleges (founded 1815), known for its strong liberal arts programs and environmental science leadership.

French Creek
A nationally recognized waterway celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity—often called one of the most ecologically diverse streams in the northeastern U.S.

Historic Downtown & Cultural Heritage
Charming Victorian-era architecture, the Meadville Market House (built in 1870), and vibrant public art such as the “Read Between the Signs” project.

Manufacturing & Plastics Industry
A strong modern presence in precision manufacturing, plastics, and advanced machining, continuing its industrial tradition.

Starn Tool & Manufacturing Company 2026 Calendar: click image to view yearbook