Bradford Era – by Mandy Colosimo The McKean County Historical Society fall bus trip takes to the road 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 14 and seats are filling fast. The trip will leave Olean, N.Y. and head to its first location in Lockport, N.Y. Once there, it’s anchors away, as the group sets out for a two-hour cruise along the Erie Canal for a historical tour of the…
Bradford Era – by Mandy Colosimo The Smethport Diner, former home of the “Hubber-Burger,” on West Main Street, U.S. Route 6, in Smethport, was demolished earlier this month as part of the American Legion Post 108 expansion. Post Commander Courtney Cole knew this phase would be the most challenging one, and the phase that would involve the most community support. To remove the whole front of the diner, was…
Bradford Era – by Daniella Langianese The 2023 Smethport Area High School held an awards assembly to announce students who won scholarships on Wednesday, as well as their valedictorian Faith Miller and salutatorian Kaylee Swanson. “These two girls were neck and neck all four years, it came down to Mr. Emerson tallying up the final marking period grades before we knew the winner — and even then it was…
Bradford Era – by Mandy Colosimo Across the country, the fallen were honored with military salutes, flyovers, and parades, over the weekend. Smethport held their annual Memorial Day exercises with memorial salutes in East Smethport and Rosehill Cemetery, a parade, and an honored speaker, Rev. Frank Eppley. Decorated Vietnam veteran, who served during the Tet Offensive, Purple Heart recipient and Bronze Star with V for Valor awardee, Eppley delivered…
Bradford Era – by Mandy Colosimo Way out on East Valley Road in East Smethport, past several pastures of cattle and a few goats, you will find a driveway on the right with a bright red-roofed barn. On the second floor of the barn is where you will find Kent W. Smith of Kent W. Smith Studio working on his next piece of art or artful furniture. Smith has…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Bradford Era – by Savannah Barr For 50 years, the Pink Elephant Resale Shop at 420 W. Main St….
Bradford Era – SAHS Smethport Area High School returned from the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) District 1…
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