Bradford Then and Now 2016

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Dear Reader, From time to time it rts is important to acknowledge Spo 11 and appreciate the history of our e communitiy to give us perspective of the car h t l a g e world that we live in today. Our history can humble H 7 urin t c us. Our history can make us long for “the good ol’ days” or a logy nuf Ma echno make us realize how lucky and fortunate we are. Each person &T 5 who picks up this piece will have a different reaction, based on their own perspective, experiences, and life. That is the beauty of history, we take from tion a c it what we want, and hopefully learn from it. This publication is by no means meant Edu 3 to be a full chronological account of the history of the Bradford area. Rather, it is meant to ra serve as a glimpse, small flashbacks to various times over the course of our past. It is my rd E dfo ctive a r e B p . e hope that the stories, articles and photographs on the following pages will bring back old s d h er erve 16 T al P s ©20 istoric hts re memories and help strike new conversations.

H rig by Now 16 All ced he u & d Sincerely, 0 n ro ft The Nov. 2 rep sion o ere e b s w Chelsea Place ay ermi in ons nm p ere atio ritten otos h nizati for c i l Special Sections Manager a pub ut w ant org d ph

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PUBLISHER: JIM BONN EXECUTIVE GROUP EDITOR: JIM ECKSTROM ADVERTISING MANAGER: JILL HENRY CIRCULATION MANAGER: NICHOLE FINNERTY

ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1909 Bovaird & Co. in Bradford is now Allegheny Arsenal

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

EDUCATION

By AMBER TURBA

Photo courtesy of: Helen Hassek’s BAHS Barker • Submitted by: Joann Bigley, Bradford Circa 1931 Bradford Area High School

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f there is anything that can bind a group of people together, it is their memories of “schooldays.”

And, according to the testament of one Lewis Run man, the days of the past looked a lot different for students than they do now.

“Individual memories are often blurred by the passing of time, so the fuzzy edges can often be filled in by the collective memories of others,” stated Jim C. Owens, Jr., 89, who, as a young child, attended Second Ward School in Lafayette Township in the early 1930s.

“But there aren’t many who attended the Second Ward in those days. My brother, Eddie, did, but his memory is worse than mine,” Owens told The Era, with a chuckle.

In “the real old days,” Owens continued, schools were referred to as “PS 151” or something similar. Today, they tend to be named after people or places.

“But in my school days, I simply went to Second Ward School,” Owens explained. “Everybody walked to school, then back home Nov. 10, 2016 • THE OLEAN TIMES HERALD

for lunch, then back to school for the afternoon, and back home again after school. It wasn’t quite ten miles uphill each way in the snow, or maybe it was, but that’s just what you did.”

Like most children his age, Owens said he “had no idea” what exactly a “ward” was, only that there were several of them across the area and that the one he attended was the least popular.

“I don’t know why,” Owens added. “Maybe that’s why it was called the ‘second’ ward,” he joked. “It wasn’t exactly the cool hangout spot that students enjoy nowadays. Back then, you went to school and you came home and you worked.”

Speaking of “hanging out,” however, Owens recalled the way the Second Ward had two janitors he distinctly remembered.

“I don’t recall many names, but you could always find them down in the basement furnace room where they would tend the huge coal-burning furnace most of the school

year,” Owens explained. “I don’t know where they hung out in the warmer months of the school year. They both chewed tobacco and could spit from their chairs right over the wooden wall into the coal bin. That impressed me a lot. As old as it sounds, students used to take the blackboard erasers from the classrooms down to the coal bins and ‘clean’ them by banging them together, letting the white chalk dust fall down onto the black coal chunks. I liked that job and volunteered for it often. That’s why I know the janitors were good spitters.”

Nowadays, chalkboards are hard to come by, Owens noted, adding that most modern school districts throughout the region prefer whiteboards, some even smartboards.

“My granddaughter’s class -- I’m not sure which school, but you get the idea -- they have electronic boards that teachers can write on,” Owens said. “I don’t see the fun in that, but I’m sure it’s very efficient.”

Perhaps his favorite memory, Owens conTHEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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EDUCATION tinued, was the ward’s clock tower.

“The school, while thin and narrow, was tall -- so it was a perfect place for the area’s clock tower,” he described.

The first clocks didn’t have faces, but were solely striking clocks, which sounded bells to call the surrounding community to work, school or church. They were therefore placed in towers or tall structures so the bells would be audible for a long distance.

“By climbing up a series of very unsturdy ladders from behind the second floor stage, you could reach the clock tower,” Owens recalled. “It was sort of a right of passage for older students as they prepared to move on to the higher school. It was terrifying, but exhilarating to be up inside that tower. I wouldn’t know, though. I prefer to have my feet on the ground,” he added.

Though Second Ward School is gone now, for it was torn down by a wrecking ball sometime during the 1940s, Owens explained, traces of the way things used to be still remain in the area.

“Second Ward days were pretty good days, but they had to end in order for young people, like I was, to move on to bigger and better things,” Owens said. “Things weren’t always so well-kept and advanced, but that was the beauty of the 1900s, in general, I think,” he added. “Not the wards, or the lack of futuristic feel or the economic struggles or the fun. The simplicity.” ✦

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Photo submitted by: Darrin Cornell, Wellsville, NY Circa 1935 Edwin M. (Darrin) Cornell with students at Oswayo School in Oswayo

Photo courtesy of: Port Allegany History Heritage Club Circa 1915 Viner St. School, Port Allegany

Photo submitted by: Wilber Barber, Scotrun Circa 1935 6th & 7th grade students at Cyclone school

Photo courtesy of: Helen Hassek’s BAHS Barker • Submitted by: Joann Bigley, Bradford Circa 1931 “The Courant” school newspaper staff. Editor was Bruce McKittrick

Photo courtesy of: Helen Hassek’s BAHS Barker • Submitted by: Joann Bigley, Bradford Circa 1931 The Senior play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde was held March 26 and 27 was a “wonderful success.”

Photo courtesy of: Helen Hassek’s BAHS Barker • Submitted by: Joann Bigley, Bradford Circa 1931 Junior Class photo

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

By JOELLEN WANKEL

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1890 Five men work and oil derrick

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imber was a big business in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s in the Bradford area. Lumber was a sought-after commodity, and the area around Bradford was full of quality trees for the cutting. A big business at the time was also the wood chemical business, where acetic acid was produced, with charcoal a byproduct. Day Chemical, which was located near Westline, was a thriving business in the area around 1900.

However, Bradford is known as an oil town.

That is an irrefutable fact. The early 1900’s, however, started off with a low point in Bradford Oil history. In fact, production was low at a little over 2 million barrels. In 1902, the Bradford refinery was purchased by Penn Lubricating Co., which had Bradford businessman Otto Koch as a stockholder. He became General Manager of the refinery in 1906. By the end of 1910, production and prices were starting to rise again. In 1913, Penn LubricatNov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

ing reorganized, and the Kendall Refining Co. name came into use.

Another refinery, known as the Emory refinery, was operating in the Mill Street area.

The second decade saw significant improvement in the oil industry, as Bradford Crude drew its highest price in history at $5.97 per barrel. In 1923, Kendall Refining launched its first national marketing campaign.

By 1928, the “Five Spot” method of water flooding was developed, and the Bradford Field was producing one-third of the total Pennsylvania oil production. In 1942, production from the Bradford Field was around 15.5 million barrels, which was attributed to the desire to fulfill demands from the military.

Following World War II, Kendall Refining Co. grew in size and reputation. By 1956, the refinery was capable of handling almost 4,000 barrels each day. A decade later, that number had increased to 4,500 barrels.

In 1966, Witco Chemical took control of Kendall Refining Co. thanks to an exchange of stock. That change in parent companies meant good things for Kendall, as the next decade saw significant investment in the refinery and purchase of more property. By 1986, the refinery, which was now also producing Amalie products, had a capability of handling 10,000 barrels in a day.

ANOTHER BIG NAME IN LOCAL OIL John C. Looker was a local oil producer who was well known for his growth of the local oil field and his philanthropy. Looker was a resident of the area for 60 years. He started out working in the oil fields at the age of 19 in Tidioute. His first work in Bradford was as a pumper, and he started owning property when he partnered with J.M. Winger to purchase a five-acre lease in Otto Township. After two years of partnership, he bought out Winger and started purchasing more property at Summit (near Rixford), until his lease was THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY 1,200 acres and had 243 producing wells.

Looker’s influence was most strongly seen in the Rixford area, where he was key to having the road from Corwins Corners to Rixford paved – the main reason that Looker Mountain Trail carries his name to this day. Looker also made sure that Pleasant Street in the area of the hospital was paved. He did this to show his gratitude toward the institution for treatment he received following an accident in 1908.

Looker sold off most of his wells prior to his death, so that when he died he only owned one producing well. In his later years, his interest had been in real estate, so he was the owner of the Holley Hotel when he died.

OIL TODAY The longest continuously running oil well in Bradford is the one located on Main Street behind McDonald’s. The well has been operating since the 1870’s, which means it could tell quite a story of the industry if it had a voice.

Meanwhile, American Refining Group operates the refinery that once produced Kendall and Amalie brand lubricants, having purchased the refinery on North Kendall Avenue in 1997. The refinery continues to only product 100% Pennsylvania crude oil, something that no other refinery can claim as a source of pride.

ARG is also the oldest, continuously running refinery in the world. The refinery now covers 131 acres and has the capacity to handle roughly 11,000 barrels per day. ✦

Photo submitted by: Mark Platko, Bradford Circa 1920 Paul Platko in Custer City hauling a load of wood to the Susquehanna Chemical Plant in Custer City.

The plant made charcoal until the 1970’s.

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1940 Kendall Refinery barrel house on North Kendall Ave. in Bradford

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1915 A lease, located in the Derrick City area, operated by John C. Looker, a local oil businessman and philanthropist.

Photo courtesy of: Port Allegany History Heritage Club Circa 1915 Using a steam roller to pave Mill Street, with brick, in Port Allegany

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1925 Emery Refining

Photo submitted by: Port Allegany History Heritage Club Circa 1890 Working on the Western New York and Pennsylvania Raildroad.

The locomotive had a wooden frame and works made $1.50 a day.

Has operated one Jewel of a Business for more than 62 Main Street & Chambers (Studio #B) • Downtown Bradford, PA 16701 • 814-368-3945 • www.orrisjewelers.com 6 | THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

HEALTHCARE

By JOELLEN WANKEL

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Hospital Foundation Circa 1946 Dorothy Gould was a graduate of the Bradford Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. She went on to be the first administrator for The Pavilion after holding several administrative positions within BRMC.

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century of change, improvement and successes have brought local healthcare from a farmhouse on Pleasant Street to the multi-story complex that provides the most up-to-date facilities and treatments. The Bradford area has been witness to numerous changes and improvements.

BRADFORD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Many doctors have walked the halls of the facility currently known as BRMC, part of the Upper Allegheny Health System. Today’s hospital has 107 beds and is an acute-care facility, providing diagnostic, medical and specialty services to its patients.

In 1906, the first modern version of the Bradford Hospital was built. An administrative wing, separate wards for men, women a surgical ward and kitchen made up this newer facility, ensuring patients got the best care. This replaced the original hospital facility, housed in an old farmhouse on Pleasant Street. Further improved care came in 1908, with the addition of a maternity wing. A children’s wing was conNov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

structed in 1914. In 1917, the Hamsher House was donated as a dormitory for a School of Nursing, a gift from Sarah Hamsher in memory of her husband.

The School of Nursing operated until 1956, with 600 nurses graduating from its classrooms. The Bradford Hospital made history as the first building sided with aluminum in the world during its next big renovation in 1951.

That building housed a modern telephone service, used fire-proof construction, oxygen that was piped to individual rooms, a newborn nursery and a surgical recovery room. The fireproof construction was particularly welcome technology, since the maternity ward was lost to fire in 1925 and had to be completely rebuilt the following year.

The hospital became known as Bradford Regional Medical Center. In 2005, a significant renovation plan brought the hospital up to date, with an impressive price tag of $15 million. The project changed the main entrance from Interstate Parkway to North Bennett Street, mod-

ernized and expanded the emergency department, created a 65,000-square-foot outpatient care center, added a specially designed medical oncology suite, a neurosciences center and expanded parking availability for the facility. Modernization and expansion also were the focus of changes in the surgical service area, the cardiac rehab and staff offices.

In 2008, BRMC merged with Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY, to become the Upper Allegheny Health System. The merger was the result of consideration by both hospitals on how to improve services to the region, as well as stabilizing the business aspect of the facilities.

HOSPITAL CAFETERIA The hospital cafeteria received an upgrade in 1956. At that time, the cafeteria was able to serve warm food and deliver it to patient rooms.

Food conveyors were used to keep the food warm and the trays were transported on another cart, with the food put on the trays at the patient’s room to ensure it stayed hot.

In 2016, yet more changes have come to THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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HEALTHCARE pass. Another renovation resulted in a new cafeteria that provides state-of-the-art cooking equipment and a new dish room for the staff and a modern dining environment, complete with improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as the installation of LED lighting. A new wood stone pizza oven provides Photo courtesy of: BRMC Foundation both tasty menu options and increased ambiTechnician P.J. Carroll and student nurse ance for diners that choose to enjoy a meal in Photo courtesy of: BRMC Foundation Corine Ward remove sterilized dressings from the cafeteria in view of the exposed flame of the Circa 1953 the autoclave, which used 20 pounds of steam at Bradford City Ambulance that is fully equipped for first aid.

250ºF to sterilize the dressings. oven.

TREATMENTS Between 1951 and 1952, 93 cases of cancer were treated at Bradford Hospital. Those were the cases found to be malignant, with 479 people tested for cancer. There were 23 deaths due to cancer, with the most common forms being intestinal or breast cancer. According to the 2015 BRMC Community Health Needs Assessment Report, 47 cases of cancer were diagnosed Photo courtesy of: BRMC Foundation Photo courtesy of: BRMC Foundation in 2012, 65 in 2013 and 62 in 2014. This report Frank Szematowicz and Janice Stoneking setting up equipment for experiments in Circa 1952 the Dorn Laboratory. The duo worked for Dr. Abraham Drury, who did research on also indicated that deaths related to breast canFreshmen nursing students at the metabolic diseases that included diabetes and arteriosclerosis. cer are higher in McKean County than the state Bradford Hospital School of Nursing average, although a specific number was not mentioned. Efforts to combat this disease and increase survival rates has led to BRMC being re-accredited in mammography by the American College of Radiology, a distinction that is only given to facilities where the highest level of patient safety and image quality are found.

Photo submitted by: Cole Memorial Hospital Circa 2015 Also in 1952, the 98th case of polio was An aerial view of Cole Memorial Hospital much of the facilities buildings and Photo courtesy of: BRMC Foundation treated. That made a total of 45 cases reported expansions were made possible through contributions made by Mr. Cole’s widow Edith Circa 1952 for the year, which was considered epidemic Pinney and her second husband G. Howard Irwin.

Bradford Hospital began serving hot food

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THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

HEALTHCARE proportions. Fortunately for our community, it occurred just as the disease was started to wind down so there was no need for epidemic protocol to be put in effect. With a population of 18,000 people, Bradford’s epidemic level was considered to be 36, or two people per thousand.

In 2016, there have not been any health issues that have reached epidemic proportions.

THE PAVILION Photo submitted by: Cole Memorial The Pavilion at BRMC is a 95-bed skilled Circa 1940 nursing facility, where those requiring longThe former Coudersport Hospital was located in downtown Couderterm care and those requiring either shortsport until the 1960’s when it moved to its current location on Rt. 6 and became Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, now Cole Memorial. term or long-term rehabilitation are housed.

The program has had several notable staff members who dedicated their lives to ensuring the residents in the facility received optimal care and felt at home.

Dorothy Gould was a graduate of the Bradford Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. She went on to be the first administrator for The Photo Courtesy of: Bradford Regional Medical Center Pavilion after holding several administrative Circa 2016 positions within BRMC. The front entrance of BRMC. Photo submitted by: Cole MemoFormer Activities Director Karen Sutherrial land is another notable figure for the facility.

Circa 1930 Sutherland retired in September after 35 years Mr. Charles Cole was a wealthy salesman who made his fortune of service at The Pavilion. Sutherland was with the Rochester Time and known for her high level of energy and dedicaRecording Company (which later became IBM). He returned to his tion to the job. She noted that she was doing hometown of Coudersport in the something she loved, which made it easier to 1920’s where few in the commucreate new program that included the commu- nity knew of his wealth until upon his death, he gave his money to nity and make enjoyable daily plans for the 91 establish a community hospital. residents of the facility on a daily basis. ✦

Nov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

Photo Courtesy of: BRMC Foundation Circa 1900 A drawing of the Bradford Hospital

Photo submitted by: Cole Memorial Circa 1930 The Coudersport Hospital was located at the former Dean Sanitarium in downtown Coudersport.

THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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Healthcare Did you know these important dates in healthcare history...

1857 Louis Pasteur identifies germs as cause of disease 1887 First contact lenses developed 1895 Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovers X rays 1921 Earle Dickson Invented the Band-Aid 1927 First vaccine developed for tuberculosis 1928 Sir Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin 1945 First vaccine developed for influenza 1950 John Hopps invented the first cardiac pacemaker

1964 First vaccine developed for measles.

1978 First test-tube baby is born 1983 HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is identified 1984 Alec Jeffreys devises genetic fingerprinting method 1985 Willem J. Kolff invented the artificial kidney dialysis machine 1996 Dolly the sheep becomes the first clone 2006 First vaccine to target a cause of cancer

Photo submitted by: Marion Pockalny, Olean, NY Circa 1941 Estella Pockalny’s American Junior Red Cross membership card Photo courtesy of: Bradford Regional Medical Center Circa 1986 BRMC lobby after it was renovated.

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Photo courtesy of: BRMC Foundation Rabbits and guinea pigs, which were housed on the sixth floor of the hospital and used for experiments. Prior to the invention of modernday pregnancy tests, rabbits were injected with a woman’s urine. If the rabbit died, the test was positive.

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

SPORTS

By JOELLEN WANKEL

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1948 Bradford baseball players

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ports have been a big part of America from the beginning. Bradford is no different. Bradford has a long history with sports, has been the home of many notable athletes who played professionally and also has a very strong love of baseball.

As recently as the summers of 2016 and 2013, Bradford has been the site and Bradford Regional Little League the host of the Pennsylvania Little League Championship Tournaments. In 2013, that meant watching Lionville claim victory over Clarion, Keystone and Ridley.

In 2016, the 8-10 year old baseball championships featured Rostraver Township, Bellefonte, Back Mountain American and Lehigh – in addition to the four teams who visited in 2013.

In the early 1900’s, Bradford had a ballpark, which was located where the old Tuna Manufacturing Co. structure and Charlotte Avenue are now.

Nov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

Another ballpark was constructed in Foster Township around 1916, located near where Bolivar Drive is now – where Graham Packing and American Refining Group’s packaging plant are today. This ballpark eventually became known as the Community Ball Park.

There was even an interstate league between New York and Pennsylvania, named the “Iron and Oil League.” Bradford had a team that regularly faced off with teams from Warren, Oil City and Olean, as well as other nearby towns.

The league had ups and downs but played off and on for the first two decades of the century.

Bradford also was home to a farm team called the Bradford Bees, then later the Phillies, a farm team for the Philadelphia Phillies.

These teams played in Bradford in the 1930’s and 40’s.

FAMOUS ATHLETES FROM BRADFORD Stew Barber was born in Bradford on June 14, 1939. He played football for Pennsylvania

State University before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the NFL Draft in 1961. Barber played for the Bills as an outside linebacker and left tackle, spending his entire NFL career with them. He played from 1961 to 1969. Barber was an all-star for the American Football League for five consecutive years, from 1963-1967.

Larry Peace was another athlete born in Bradford. He was born February 13, 1917.

Peace attended Bradford Area High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He then went on to play one season of football with the Brooklyn Dodgers, then part of the National Football League.

Rube Waddell is a famous left-handed baseball player. He was born just outside of Bradford on Oct.13, 1876. He played 13 years of Major League Baseball, playing for the Louisville Colonels in 1897 and 1899, the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1900-1901 and the Chicago Orphans in THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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SPORTS 1901 in the National League. He also played in the American League, playing for the Philadelphia Athletics from 1902 to 1907 and the St. Louis Browns from 1908-1910.

SPORTS TODAY Today, sports vie with video games for participation and interest. However, in Bradford, youth sports are alive and well. Children can choose baseball, softball, football and soccer from a young age, typically participating in the warmer months for softball, baseball and soccer and in the late summer and fall for football.

Programs are available through the local YMCA, local schools and through booster clubs and leagues organized by those who have a dedication to the sport. There are swim teams, gymnastics and even dance classes to keep children healthy and active.

For the school-age generations, there are basketball teams and a wide variety of sports to participate in once you reach junior high school. Sports like wrestling, swimming, cross country and track and field see impressive levels of participation. At the high school level, competition is strong in soccer, football, volleyball, tennis, cross country, wrestling, swimming and basketball, track and field and baseball and softball.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford also offers sports at a collegiate level. Those sports include swimming, basketball, baseball, golf, soccer, tennis, bowling, softball and volleyball. College students can work at balancing course work and sports as they proceed toward a degree and entry into a career.

Sports continue to teach our youth about hard work, responsibility and perseverance. These characteristics go a long way toward helping our youth with their future actions. ✦

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Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1945 This ball park was located in the Foster Brook area, where Graham Packaging and the ARG Packing Plant are located.

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1945 Tommy “Darcy” Cardamone was a local Barber and boxer.

Photo courtesy of: Helen Hassek’s BAHS Barker Submitted by: Joann Bigley, Bradford Circa 1931 Football Squad

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1940 Bradford Phillies baseball team

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

LIFESTYLES

By AMBER TURBA

Photo submitted by: Pat Girard Circa 1934 Mary Marasco and Anthony Piganelli at their daughter Angela Marie’s wedding on May 26.

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00 YEARS ON MAIN STREET One hundred years ago, what was Bradford really like? Most today can say with certainty that few remember that time in the city’s history. However, according to the Bradford Landmark Society, “Oh, what a time it was!”

In the early 1900s, the town of Bradford was very different from modern-day, not only structurally, but visually. Although many streets were paved in brick, Main Street was a cobblestone way trafficked by trolleys and old automobiles owned by wealthier families -- Solomon Dresser was the first to drive one in the city in 1898.

Horses and wagons were popular, and airplanes wouldn’t appear across the Bradford sky until the late 1920s.

Two railroad stations were located at the foot of Main Street, where nearly 60 trains per day passed to and from.

With a population of approximately 18,000 people, the city was crowded and Nov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

bursting with new businesses and industries at the start of the century.

According to the Bradford Landmark Society city directory records, Bradford was home to 30 barbers, 10 bakers, two Turkish baths, 11 bicycle shops, five billiard parlors, 29 boarding houses, one brewery, six cigar makers, two butter dish manufacturers, 11 shoe stores, three banks, three architects, three chiropodists, eight carriage and wagon makers, nine dentists, 65 dressmakers, 13 drug stores, 10 fruit dealers, seven florists, 55 grocers, 10 horseshoers, 23 hotels, 11 livery stables, 24 lawyers, 11 laundries (seven of them Chinese), 19 meat markets, 154 oil producers, three refineries, four opticians, three piano tuners, five photographers, 28 doctors, 14 restaurants, one silk mill, two table relish manufacturers, and one clairvoyant named Lulu.

Years would pass before several large buildings of modern Bradford -- the Schonblom building on the corner of Kennedy

and Main Street, and the James R. Evans building across the street -- would be constructed.

Also, in the early-twentieth century, The Option House was made of wood, and would soon be replaced by a brand new, brick building with a beautiful facade. The Emery Hotel is still years away from existing, as is the present day Seneca building, the Hooker Fulton, the hospital, and the Armory. City Hall, erected in the first decade of the 1900s and the pride of the city, would be nearly destroyed by fire in the same year that the Herbig Bakery on Corydon Street celebrated its 25th year of baking bread.

A new high school at the top of Mechanic Street was constructed at a cost of $35,000, but was outgrown by the early 1920s, and replaced with the current one on Interstate Parkway the same decade. Over 2,728 students were enrolled throughout the city, the Landmark Society’s records describe.

Developments to follow would include THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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LIFESTYLES Hobson Place, the Iron and Oil baseball league, Carnegie Public Library, the stone wall on South Avenue and the new city reservoir at Marilla.

Also in the early 1900s, there were ten miles of paved streets and twenty-five miles of sidewalks lining the streets of Bradford.

Three daily newspapers -- two Sunday and two weekly papers -- and three refineries -- the Emery, the Orient and the Hoffinan -employed many of the city’s residents.

At the same time, an article was written

by John J. McLaurin, author of Sketches in Oil, a book detailing the history of the oil boom in western Pennsylvania, describing “the contrast between the dingy crossroads village of 1875 and the thriving, bustling metropolis” Bradford became in the 1900s.

Indeed, the discovery of oil drastically altered the image of Littleton, which had been a small lumber town, to the energetic, rich city of Bradford that would continue to grow and evolve throughout the twentieth century.

The next big evolution of Bradford came in the 1970s, with retail emphasis shifting away from smaller businesses and towards chain stores, malls and sprawls, according to Bradford Community/Economic Development Coordinator Anita Dolan.

“At that time, Mom & Pop stores started to disappear, and Main Street grew very quiet,” Dolan explained. “However, at the end of the twentieth century and in

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Photo submitted by: Mary Getchel, Bradford, PA Circa 1938 Magician Harry Blackstone show toured the area.

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1900 People watching an event at the Bradford Raceway, which was located on Congress Street where Zippo Manufacturing Co. is now located.

ERA Archive photo Circa 1910 A Model-T Ford with runners on the front for snow.

Photo submitted by: Darrin Cornell, Wellsville, NY Circa 1953 50th Anniversary of Edwin C. and Caroline E. Darrin in Coudersport, PA in Aug. 1953 with fourteen of their 15 children, in-laws and 9 of their 15 grandchildren.

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

LIFESTYLES modern-day Bradford, communities have become very mindful of the ‘Shop Local’ initiative which really helps to support our Main Street, independently owned, Mom & Pop type businesses.”

Dolan attributed the growth that has occurred within the historic district in more recent years is reflective of this trend.

“The independent business owners are mindful of the community they live in,” she described. “These business owners are the ones that support local school events, charities, etc.”

Out of the city’s Building a Better Bradford master plan, which was completed in 2009, there were plans made to not only improve the economic development of the city, but to place an emphasis on the community development of the city, Dolan continued. Over the past several years, there have been several community park projects -- such as the Callahan Ice Rink, the Kessel Athletic Field and the Tuna Valley Trail System.

“All of these projects have worked together to make Bradford a community where people love to live, work and play,” Dolan described. “That’s the biggest change from then until now -- a strengthened sense of loyalty to the community, and a local desire to continue the efforts that were, and will continue to be, started here.” ✦

Nov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

ERA Archive photo Circa 1890 Barnes & Grabe Hardware, Coudersport

ERA Archive photo Circa 1910 Main St., Honeoye

Photo courtesy of: Rock City Park, Olean, NY Circa 1890 A group of ladies visited Rock City Park near Olean NY

Photo submitted by: Marion Pockalny, Olean, NY Circa 1941 War Ration Book

Photo submitted by: Lisa Duke Circa 1980 Monze’s Bar on Main St. was a popular Bradford establishment. It was purchased and transformed into Lisa’s Hairport hair salon by Lisa Duke. In 2016 it became Michelle’s Flair for Hair.

THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1920 Bradford Area High School football team

Photo submitted by: Pat Girard Circa 1934 Angela Marie Piganelli married Joseph Carl Girard on May 26, at St. Bernard Church in Bradford. The best man was Gaeton Suppa and the Maid of Honor was Jessie Pascarella.

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1940 Ladies bowling class

Photo submitted by: Patty Arrowsmith Circa 1960 Bradford midget football team

Photo submitted by: Marion Pockalny, Olean, NY February 8, 1945 Letterhead of the National Ammunition Company in Eldred

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Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1928 Don Chamberlain at Benny’s Gym in Bradford

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

AGRICULTURE

By FRAN DE LANCEY

Photo courtesty of: McKean Historical Society Circa 1940 Wiliam and Paul D. Comes corral cattle

“O

ur farmers and ranchers have never faced as many problems as they do today with drought, range fires, high gas prices and an ever-tightening budget on agriculture subsidies.” Michael McCaul, member of Congress.

Raising crops is just one branch of agriculture. So are livestock and chicken raising, dairy farming, fruit farming and even fur farming.

Agriculture includes the raising of every kind of plant and animal useful to man.

With all its branches, agriculture is the world’s most important industry.

Among the many factors that influence the types of crops and livestock that a farmer raises, one of the most important is climate, which includes temperature, sunshine, rainfall and length of growing season.

McKean County is not well suited for various types of agriculture. The average growing season for McKean, Elk and Potter counties is short, often lasting from June through September.

According to the National Weather Service, the median date for the last frost of spring is May 21, while the median date for the first fall freeze is Nov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

October 1.

As reported in the publication, “Historical Data of McKean County - 1804-1945,” prepared by C. W. Lillibridge of the McKean County Schools, “Much of the land near the heads of the valleys is so-called ‘marginal land’ as far as farming is concerned. In these areas, much of the land that was formerly cultivated has been allowed to revert to pasture land and quite often to areas that are growing up to second growth brush and timber.”

At the same time, however, the county is well-suited for the dairy industry, and many successful farmers have moved to this significant type of agriculture.

As early as the 1870s, Orlo J. Hamlin, who became a banker in Smethport, recognized this situation. In one speech that was included in “Life and Works of Orlo Jay Hamlin” that was privately published in 1914, Hamlin said, “I apprehend that the true interest of the McKean County farmer is to turn his attention mostly to cattle growing and dairying. It is evident that this county can most profitably be used as a grazing county.”

The “Agricultural Revolution” is the name applied to the changes in methods of farming that occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States and Europe. This resulted in the widespread use of farm machinery, such as harvesters, reapers, seed drills, combines and tractors, and the application of scientific methods of farming, including artificial fertilization, crop rotation and contour plowing.

According to Mike Barnard, community service coordinator for the McKean County Adult Probation Department and coordinator of the Good Growing Garden project at the former Poor Farm property on Route 6, Smethport, “from my information, from about 1884, the hillside behind ‘The Barn,’ as it’s now called, was an apple orchard and the inmates, as they were called then, grew potatoes and a full field of vegetables.”

The “inmates” were required to work on the farm. It was basically self-sufficient.

Today’s landscape reflects what happened nearing the turn of the 20th century, including the decline of farming and the eventual regrowth of a very old forest. By 1925, very little farming THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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AGRICULTURE was being practiced.

Mechanization soon had a dramatic effect on farmers’ lives. At the end of the 19th century, for instance, it took 35-40 hours of planting and harvesting labor to produce 100 bushels. A hundred years later, producing the same amount of corn required just two hours 45 minutes. and the farmers could ride in air conditioned comfort while listening to music.

In 1902, the 4-H clubs were formed and became the youth development arm of the Cooperative Extension Service. Though traditionally thought of as an agricultural-focused organization, 4-H not only agriculture programs but also others in health, science and citizenship. Now with clubs in every county and parish in the U. S. and six million members, 4-H is the nation’s largest youth organization.

Soon afterward, 4-H members were encouraged their agricultural projects in county fairs.

Historically, county fairs, including the McKean County Fair, founded in 1905, have provided farmers with opportunities to showcase their animals, and crops, the importance of farming and celebrate the rural way of life. Typical activities included livestock judging, exhibits of new agricultural implements and techniques.

In 1916, residents from boroughs and towns organized the McKean Farm Bureau, which later became known as the Agricultural Extension Association, which was then affiliated with Pennsylvania State College, now The Pennsylvania State University.

Under the guidance of a county agent, who represented the college in the county, this association brought the latest information and research to the farmers.

William A. Ross was the first county agent in Cameron County prior to moving to McKean County in 1927, the second person ever to hold that job.

In a newspaper article his daughter, Marty Einloth of Smethport, shared with The Era, it was reported that under his guidance, McKean County developed strong dairying as evidenced by the accreditation for both TB and Bang’s disease prevention programs and its high rate of artificial breeding.

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Photo courtesy of: McKean County Historical Society A Circa 1940 Work horses on Comes Farm

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Photo courtesy of: McKean County Historical Society t Circa 1907 U Cows raised by Grange youth members for the county fair on the street outside the Grange Bank on Main St. in Smethport A

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

AGRICULTURE

After 31 years in public agriculture, Ross was recognized by being named to the 1953 Honor Roll of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

Jim Clark, extension educator for the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service in Smethport, said the Extension Office in McKean County, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

With this service, agricultural has made rapid advances in gardening, poultry raising, forestry, dairying and soil erosion control.

Through the years, the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service has greatly expanded its services to the public. Today, specialists can provide information and training on the topics of animals, plants and pests, natural resources, communities and business, food and health and youth and family.

The year 1925 saw the founding of the Future Farmers of America at Virginia Polytechnic University. After becoming a national organization promoting and supporting agriculture in middle and high schools, the group changed its name to the National FFA Organization in 1988.

In the annual report of the MccKean County Agricultural Extension Association for December 1935- November 1936, it was stated, “The Kane Cooperative Dairy Association was organized for the purpose of furnishing a market for the milk in Kane and Mt. Jewett vicinity. Before this association was organized, a large number of retail milk dealers competed with each other and the association took over practically all of their routes which made an economical method of marketing the milk. The dairy markets the larger amount of fluid milk in the Kane market and also ships cream and butter and sometimes fluid milk to other nearby places. The farmers in this community have been receiving a higher price for their product than most of the dairymen who sell their milk wholesale in the rest of the county.”

During World War II, farmers were asked to produce much more food with fewer workers, while at the same time facing more regulations. At the same time, though, much food headed for Europe was lost in German U-boat attacks on American vessels in the Atlantic. That changed once the Allies gained control of the seas.

Nov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

Photo courtesy of: McKean County Historical Society Circa 1940 Gordon Leroy Comes’ cow at the county fair.

Photo courtesy of: McKean County Historical Society Circa 1940 Haystack on farm up Christian Hollow

THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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AGRICULTURE Overall though, during World War II - between 1940-45 -the net cash income for farmers increased from $4.4 billion to $12,3 billion; the average farmer’s income went from just more than $700 to $2,063, yet farmers earned only 57 percent of what urban workers made.

The McKean County Conservation District was created in 1959. CDs were created to promote the protection, maintenance, improvement and wise use of the land, water and other related resources within the state.

During the early years of the McKean County CD, the agency signed cooperative agreements with farmers for conservation services in support of conservation practices on farms, such as diversions to control erosion in farm fields.

As defined by the USDA, a “farm” is defined as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the year. The current definition of a “family farm,” since 2005, and based on the Agricultural Resource Management Survey, is one in which the majority of the business is owned by the operator and individuals related to the operator by blood, marriage or adoption, including relatives who do not live in the operator’s household.

With these definitions, the McKean County Profile as published in the 2012 Census of Agriculture by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, showed there were 290 farms in McKean County. During that same period, $51 percent, or $2,512,000 the county’s market value of products sold came from livestock sales, while the remaining 49 percent, or $2,440,000 was generated from crop sales.

Dairying is the largest sector of Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry. In McKean County, many dairy farmers are members of the Dairy Farmers of America, a dairy marketing cooperative owned by its 14,000 members. DFA collects milk from its county member farms and it is shipped to a Friendship, NY, facility owned by Saputo, Inc., Canada’s largest cheese manufacturer and leading fluid milk and cream processor.

Today’s farm is much larger and the farmer depends heavily on machinery. He plants improved varieties of seeds for better crops. He practices better methods in controlling diseases and insects.

He understands soil management and the use of fertilizer better than his father and grandfather.

The modern farmer constantly uses knowledge gained from scientific research. He also makes use of the latest improvements in machinery to help him manage the farm.

Yet, while this modern machinery makes may of the farmer’s jobs quicker and easier, it is quite expensive, forcing the farmer to raise larger quantities of product to sell. That is one reason many of today’s farms are becoming larger.

In conclusion, modern agriculture is no longer a way of life in rural America. Instead, it is a business enterprise. ✦

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Photo by: Fran De Lancey Circa 2016 Kerry Fetter of Fetter’s Evergreen Trees on Route 46 north, Smethport. In business since 1978, Fetter grows Fraser, Douglas, Balsam and Canaan firs on approximately 38 acres has produced award-winging trees.

Photo courtesy of: McKean County Historical Society Circa 1907 Farm equipment on a farm in Port Allegheny

Photo by: Fran De Lancey Circa 2016 Donald Comes stands by the sign marking the location of the 41 acres of his property along Route 46 near Crosby that he has donated to Penn State Extension to provide 4-H.

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

RECREATION

By WADE ROBERTSON

ERA Archive photo Circa 1965 Dewey Olmstead and Jim Kemp holding a stringer of bass on the “singing” bridge on Horse Run Road near Shinglehouse.

n the early 1800s the Bradford area was a vast expanse of forest. Settlers moving into this area around 1820 seldom lasted long — the junction of the East and West Branches of Tunungwant Creek being swampy and unhealthy.

Hunting and fishing in those earliest days wasn’t fun or a hobby. In many cases it avoided hunger or starvation for desperate families often in need of fat and protein in their meager diets. Clothes wore out, factory- or cobbler-made boots and shoes were unobtainable, skins or rags often used to cover feet in winter. Bad winters, late frosts in May or June made crops unpredictable; it was tough, tough living, people died.

Flintlocks were standard firearms up and until the mid-1800s, when the invention of percussion caps finally allowed more reliable ignition of firearms. However, not everyone could afford a new rifle and flintlocks were widely used for years.

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Nov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

Deer were hunted at night, with dogs and bag limits consisted of how many you could shoot. Any extra meat beyond a family or neighbors’ needs were taken to town and sold or smoked. In colder weather rafts floated deer and elk for long distances to larger cities where prices were higher.

Many hunters were ethical even back then, realizing game wasn’t unlimited, but the greedier could only see the money and shot everything they could at all times of the year.

Elk, deer and squirrels especially were numerous, both the native deer and elk having a bluish colored coat in summer. The eastern deer and elk were taller and heavier than the animals today. Sadly, every one of these Eastern species were eventually wiped out, the elk in Pennsylvania today coming from our Western states and our current deer from Michigan.

The hills were eventually stripped of

timber and hunting and fishing virtually ceased to exist. However, the forests began regenerating, the streams ran clear once again and deer and elk were reintroduced.

Things began looking up.

The hillsides of the early 20th century were covered with thick masses of saplings as the forest regenerated — essentially a mass clearcut — perfect food and cover for the reintroduced deer. As the herd continued to grow and spread, the Pennsylvania Game Commission was created and licenses were issued and the hunting culture began again in Pennsylvania.

My grandfather remembers the excitement he felt just seeing deer tracks in those early days and he was so proud of his first buck, a 4-point, he had it mounted. People came some distance to see his deer and he was hailed for his hunting skills.

The primary and most affordable firearm of the time was the venerable .30-30 THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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RECREATION Winchester. The .30-30 was born in 1895 and came out in the Winchester Model 1895 lever action. It was an instant success.

The first smokeless-powder cartridge, its 160-grain bullet at 2,200 feet per second and seven-shot capacity made it the perfect rifle for the brushy cover of the day.

Handy, light and straight shooting, the .30-30 was and is a first-rate deer caliber.

Pumps in .30 Remington and .35 Remington were popular, as well. Used military rifles such as the .30-40 Krag were inexpensive, and used Army Springfield .30-06s appeared later on as they became available — but the .30-30 was by far the most popular rifle.

The accepted method of those days was to organize a drive, post watchers and send the drivers to wade through the thick stuff, chasing out the deer. Grandad said it was like hunting rabbits in many cases, with quick, running shots.

Watchers were placed on old skid trails, streams or log landings and waited. They preferred dry days since you could hear the deer coming through the leaves and be ready for a lightning shot as they ran by, though many times the deer stopped to look around any clearings if the drivers weren’t too close behind them.

Tree stands were unheard of, though some hunters would watch field edges leaning or sitting against a tree stump. Deer hunting was a social event and deer camp

ERA Archive photo Circa 1908 Camping at the Honeoye Valley Temperance Assembly in the Shinglehouse Park

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1900 Ladies playing croquet

Photo submitted by: Cattaraugus County Museum, Machias Circa 1920s Bathing beauty

ERA Archive photo Circa 1980 Two ladies in long skirts preparing to ride bicycles

TOGI’S Eat in Carry Out or Delivery

SUB STATION

402 E. Main St. • Bradford

814-368-6252

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412 E. Main St, Bradford, PA 36-TOGIS - 368-6447

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016

RECREATION

meant loading up a wagon with a tent and all other necessary equipment and traveling to a good location, staying there one or two weeks’ hunting. It wasn’t as much about sport as putting meat on the table, serious work. With large, hungry families and the Great Depression on, no one even considered an anti-hunting sentiment.

Clothing was whatever you owned in many cases. Woolrich jackets and pants in the traditional red and black square pattern was the accepted gold standard for those who could afford it, wool staying warm even when wet, and drying well when worn.

In addition to deer, the thick, regenerating woods held numerous snowshoe hares y — often called “jackrabbits” by the old-timers. Ducks and geese were common table fare and widely sold. An accepted method of hunting was to throw corn or grain in the water and wait until a large number of waterfowl were feeding. The more and closer together the ducks or geese were the better. Then the hidden, market hunters would fire their 8- or 10-gauge shotguns off while the birds were still on the water, killing as many as possible.

Large flocks of waterfowl on lakes or ocean bays were approached in very low profile boats, very like a long kayak, called punt boats. They had small cannon in the bows loaded with shot and when they were in range fired the cannon killing a great

ERA Archive photo Circa 1958 Auto racing at the Roulette, PA raceway

ERA Archive photo Circa 1909 Horse racing at a track in Shinglehouse, PA

Photo submitted by: Wilber Barber, Scotrun Circa 1997 The Snow King Ramblers performed at the Cyclone 4th of July reuinion

ERA Archive photo Circa 1910 A father and young daughter enjoy the winter snow.

ERA Archive photo Circa 1930 Allegany State Park Administration Building

Photo submitted by: Kay Larson, Duke Center Circa 1978 Kay’s father picking wild ginseng behind Rixford cemetary

HONESTY AND INTEGRITY GO HAND IN HAND

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1986

DEXTER’S

SERVICE & COLLISION

Complete Automotive Service & Repair

156 W. WASHINGTON ST. BRADFORD, PA

362.3888

• A/C Repair • 4-Wheel Alignment • Frame Straightening • Collision Work • Engine Repair • • General Maintenance • Brakes & Rotors • State Inspections • State Emissions Inspections • Nov. 10, 2016 • THE BRADFORD ERA

THEN AND NOW • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

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RECREATION many birds. There was no such thing as sport among the market hunters; it was about killing as much as possible with the least effort.

Bears were hunted with dogs, baited or shot at the farm, being very destructive creatures to crops, livestock and domestic fowl.

However, sportsman such as Theodore Roosevelt and other concerned conservationists began energetically addressing these issues, setting aside federal and state lands, instituting game laws and hunting seasons as well as establishing the national park system. The funds raised by hunting and fishing licenses soon generated the revenues necessary to hire wardens and enforce the new regulations protecting the game on the many different levels necessary for its return. Game and fish flourished across this nation due almost solely to hunters and fishermen.

Today, due to numerous studies, more is known about game and their habits than ever before. Modern technology has increased the effectiveness of firearms, magnum calibers came about, today’s optics are amazing and clothing is lighter and warmer than ever before. Hunting can even be called comfortable now.

Times have changed, largely for the better thanks to the modern hunters who make all good things happen in game management.✦

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Photo submitted by: Mary Getchel, Bradford Circa 1950 Ted Fio Rito and his band toured the area.

Photo submitted by: Marion Pockalny, Olean, NY Circa 1955 Frankie Yankovic Polka Band

Photo submitted by: Wilber Barber, Scotrun Circa 1935 Happy, Ed and Jack, and the Gang

Photo courtesy of: Bradford Landmark Society Circa 1970 Callahan Park pool

THE BRADFORD ERA • Nov. 10, 2016