Hamlin Memorial Library Holds Groundbreaking for Expansion Wing
June 26, 2008
The Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off construction of its long-awaited expansion wing, which will double the size of the current building and provide meeting space for community activities. The architect and contractor; Borough, county and state officials — as well as library staff and volunteers — were in attendance before a crowd of about 40 Smethport residents.
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Officials Gather at Groundbreaking for Expansion Project at Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport
June 26, 2008
The Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey
“With this turn of the shovels we remember the past and begin to build for the future,” said Deborah Babcox Wednesday afternoon at the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion project for the Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport.
Participating in that ceremony were Harriett Rockefeller, a longtime volunteer; Bryant Robey, Smethport native and architect of WTW Architects; Budd Mracna, WTW architect; Larry Pershing, representing Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, Mayor Ross Porter, Joe Orr of J.C. Orr and Son Inc., builder, David Seipp, trust officer at Hamlin Bank and Trust Co., and Marty Digel, president of Hamlin Bank and Trust. Read more>>
Long Branch Saloon Open Through Saturday
June 25, 2008
The Long Branch Saloon is now open at the American Legion hall on Main Street. The annual 4-day event — Wednesday through Saturday — features food, beverages and entertainment against a Wild West motif. Just come on in… Membership in the Legion is not required. The Saloon opens at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and at 9:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Read more
‘Walk With Doc’ PCTA Event Big Success
June 17, 2008
On Saturday, June 14 Dr. Douglas Bowman led the 7th Annual “Walk with Doc” in conjunction with Smethport’s newly formed Potato Creek Trail Association. This was the inaugural event of the trail group. Following a discussion about the health benefits of walking and hiking by Dr. Bowman, Smethport’s iconic James Herzog presented the history of the McKean County Poor Farm, the location of the start of the walk. The two mike walk began with walkers crossing the historic Marvin Creek bridge, then followed the Shawmut railroad grade at the rear of the county property, to US Route 6 and on to Hamlin Lake Park and the Goose Chaser Trail, and returning back to the Shawmut Grade and the Poor Farm. Read more
Smethport Turns Out for Flag Day
June 15, 2008
June 14th was Flag Day and Smethport celebrated with a parade down Main Street. After the parade there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the 1950s style soda fountain at the Elderberry Sweet Shop at 119 W. Main Street. The event was hosted by Phillis Barnhart. Featured speakers were Chamber of Commerce President Wayne Pearson and Mayor Ross Porter. Photos capture highlights from both events. Read more
Local Authors Back with New Adventure Book
June 9, 2008
The Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey
William P. Robertson and David Rimer spent 15 years creating their critically acclaimed seven-novel series about the famous Civil War rifle regiment the Bucktails. Now the authors are back with a new adventure set in the primordial wilderness of colonial Pennsylvania. “Ambush in the Alleghenies” details the exploits of “Lightnin” Jack Hawkins, “Bearbite” Bob Winslow, Will “Big Cat” Cutler and Alexander Macdonald, four freewheeling mountain men struggling to survive their savage environment and even fiercer enemies. Read more>>
Area Residents Can Support American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life by Attending “Remember Those Who Have Battled Cancer” Event in Smethport
June 5, 2008
The Bradford Era – by Fran De Lancey
Area residents can support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life by attending “Remember Those Who Have Battled Cancer” from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Smethport Firehall. “This will be a scrapbooking event, a fundraiser for the Relay for Life,” said Kim Miller of Smethport, a team leader for the Relay. An admission fee will be charged, and all proceeds will benefit the ACS. In this area, that agency has several vehicles that are used to transport cancer patients to appointments and therapy, just one of the many services provided. Read more >>
Smethport’s Hahn Goes ‘no-no’ to Avonworth
June 4, 2008
Olean Times Herald – by Vinny Pezzimenti
Smethport started the PIAA tournament in dominant fashion Monday afternoon, rolling to a 12-0, five-inning mercy rule victory over District 7’s third-seed Avonworth in a first-round game.
Emma Hahn pitched a no-hitter while the District 9 champion Hubbers pounded out 10 hits and took advantage of plenty of walks and errors in collecting their 12th straight victory and first state playoff win since 2006’s PIAA final four run. Read more >>
Update — Altoona Mirror — June 7, 2008
After Smethport pitcher Diana Phalon struck out Dick with the bases loaded in the third inning, Kuny stroked a two-run single to right field. That hit, as well as Miranda Merilli’s clutch pitching and Bishop Guilfoyle’s tough defense, carried the Lady Marauders to a pulse-pounding 2-1 win on a hot Friday afternoon at Brockway High School’s softball field. Read more>>
Honor Ride of Pride Roars in Smethport
June 3, 2008

The Sons of the American Legion, Bucktail Post #138 sponsored the 2nd Annual Vietnam Veteran’s Honor Ride of Pride Saturday, May 31. Nearly 70 bikers participated on the ride and then a ceremony in Hamlin Lake Park. Vietnam veteran, Marine George Tufts, conducted the ceremony and read three essays about Vietnam by three Smethport Area High School students. Following the ceremony, a pig roast for veterans and the general public was hosted at the Smethport VFW. Read more
Saturday Marks Second Anniversary of “Ride of Pride” Event in Smethport
June 1, 2008
The Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey
Saturday marked the second anniversary of the “Ride of Pride” that accompanied the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall’s arrival in Smethport for five days. Approximately 50 motorcycles, some carrying two riders and representing various veterans’ groups, and other vehicles, retraced the route of the original ride from Forest County in 2006, when more than 3,800 motorcyclists escorted the Wall to Hamlin Lake Park, where it attracted thousands of visitors from June 1-5. Stops were made Saturday at various veterans’ posts along the route. Read more >>


