Restoring History and Giving Back

McCandless Mansion - Smethport, PA

Bradford Era – by Mandy Colosimo In early February, TravelAwaits.com released a list of 13 Cozy Pennsylvania Towns to Snuggle Up In This Winter, Smethport ranked number one. The author, Robin O’Neal Smith, described it as, “a picture-perfect small town that provides peace and tranquility.” She invited her readers to “explore the history-soaked streets on a walking tour…those seeking a glimpse into history will love visiting.” And, Smith, of…

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Old Jail Museum Haunting – More than a Halloween Tale

Bradford Era – by Suzan Todd There are many who believe that the Old Jail Museum located in Smethport is truly haunted – not just at Halloween. One can even find resources that state that the museum is either the second or fourth most haunted place in Pennsylvania. Those of us who work and help out at the museum don’t dispute the possibility and even kid about Ralph hiding…

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United Methodist Church of Smethport Celebrates 202nd Anniversary

Bradford Era – The United Methodist Church (UMC) of Smethport, the oldest continuous congregation in McKean County, has been celebrating 202 years of ministry for several months this year. Throughout the summer they held a festival in Hamlin Park with food, music by local favorite Bobby Spaeth, and games; a free community swim party was held at the local pool, and a picnic was hosted by a parishioner. In…

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McKean County Courthouse Participates in the Building and Clock Tower Ceremony

Bradford Era – by Daniella Langianese When the Honorable Judge Glenn E. Mencer served as the district attorney of McKean County from 1956 until 1964, the chimes of the clock tower which sits atop the McKean County Courthouse would ring out each hour — “it is such a tragedy that the recent generation has never heard the beauty of the clock’s hourly chime,” said Commissioner Cliff Lane. Wednesday morning…

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5th Year of Arts on the Island in Smethport, October 1st

Bradford Era – by Mandy Colosimo Summer’s waning but the fall fun is just beginning around the region. The 5th annual Arts on the Island at Hamlin Lake Park in Smethport will be happening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. The art festival is held in conjunction with the Street Dreams Car Club of Bradford car show. The festival has grown every year, said organizer Bart…

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Stout Defense, Second-Half Scoring Power Smethport to 1st Victory

Bradford Era – by Jeff Uveino The Smethport football team needed to get back on track. In front of a home crowd Friday night, the Hubbers did just that. After falling to Redbank Valley in Week 1, first-year head coach Joel Lent’s group rallied back to defeat Cameron County. Two fourth-quarter scores provided ample breathing room for Smethport, which ran away with a 22-6 victory in its home opener….

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Hubbers Seek Similar Results with New Head Coach, New QB

Bradford Era – by Jeff Uveino Much will look different for Smethport in 2022. The school district will have a new athletic director. The football team will have a new head coach. And, after four consecutive playoff appearances, the Hubbers will be tasked with replacing two glaring holes on the gridiron — one on each side of the ball. The good news, however, is that first-year head coach Joel…

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McKean County Fair to Kickoff Next Week

Bradford Era – by Marcie Schellhammer The 116th McKean County Fair kicks off Sunday in East Smethport, with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m., followed by a vesper service at 6:30 p.m. The reigning McKean County Fair Queen Jenny Crowley poses with this year’s hopefuls, from left, Miss Bradford Kailee Peterson, Miss Smethport Faith Miller, Miss Port Allegany Chloe Cramer, Miss Kane Brooklyn Ribble and Miss Otto-Eldred Sarah Beaver….

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Smethport Class of 1962 Celebrates Reunion

Bradford Era – The 1962 graduating class of the Smethport Area High School celebrated their 60th class reunion on July 29 at the Smethport American Legion. In the first row, from left, are Charlotte Clutter, Jennie Young, Nancy Lathbury, Greer Barr; second row, Harry Fischer, Terry Smith, Sandy Hallock, Judy Snyder, Karen McKean, Joanne Ritz, Jerry Shelander, John Berne; and third row, Sherman Keller, Tom Mays, Bob Onuffer, Judy…

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Smethport Officer Receives State American Legion Award

Bradford Era – by Mandy Colosimo No other police officer from McKean County has ever been awarded this honor. Kevin Seipp, a Smethport police officer, was awarded Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2021 by the local American Legion Post #138. On Saturday, July 16, Seipp was presented with the state award. After earning the local award in 2021, Seipp advanced to the state award, through the American…

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