Originally known as J. R. Gates & Sons, the company was founded in 1889 and had offices in the Latonia Block at 20 First St, Oil City. The sons were H.E. and M.S. Gates.

The 1904 New York Industrial Recorder stated: “The firm represented large insurance companies due to the advantages which the people of Oil City enjoyed to a larger extent than other cities due to its immunity from big fires. The superiority of the water supply, the excellent distribution system, the efficiency of the fire department and the admirable layout of the City and substantial character of the buildings, all contributed to a low exposure rating. Also, the firm does an extensive business in buying and selling real estate.”

Later, the firm became known as Gates & Burns Insurance and Real Estate and remained in the Burns family until 1985, when it was purchased by Barr’s Insurance.

Fast forward to 2019, now known as Gates & Burns Realty, the company only deals with real estate and has been owned since 1990 by William P. Moon and William P. Moon Jr., Broker. With offices in Oil City, Franklin, and Clarion, the staff includes 11 sales associates and 2 administrative assistants serving all of Northwest Pennsylvania. All sales associates are members of the local, state, and national Realtor Associations.

An open house will be held on July 24 from 4-7 p.m.

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s July 2019 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.