GAS NOTE: Joe Wichensky of Bradford phoned us from Erie on
Wednesday to report gas prices of $2.19 a gallon. Our prices? $2.45
in Bradford.

GALCO PARK: We have had the name wrong all this time – It’s not
Galico Park but Galco Park.

That’s the word from Donald Comes, a descendent of the Comes and
Marvin and Gallup families of Norwich Township, and he had the
paperwork to prove it.

He dropped by with a clipping from a Smethport newspaper dated
Sept. 26, 1940, with a headline, “Fire Department Will Have Control
of Galco Park: Members of the Gallup and Comes Families Assign
Interest to SFD.”

The story says, “It was announced this week that representatives
of the pioneer Gallup and Comes families have assigned their
interest in Galco Park at Burbank’s Crossing, midway between this
town and Crosby, to the Smethport Fire Department.”

“The transfer was made in articles of agreement dated Sept. 11.
Generosity of the Gallup and Comes families, who are relinquishing
a highly desirable property, is greatly appreciated by members of
the Fire Department.

“Only reservation on the part of the Gallup and Comes reunion
associations is the right to use the park a total of four days each
year, at least 30 days’ notice to be given the Fire Department. SFD
agrees, through its trustees, to assume existing indebtedness not
to exceed $100.

“The Fire Department plans to make numerous improvements at
Galco. Potato Creek, which passes through the park, will be
deepened. Outdoor fireplaces will be built and other picnic and
recreation facilities will be provided. A fine pavilion was erected
at the park a number of years ago.

“SFD will rent the park for family reunions and outings of all
kinds at nominal rates.

“The Fire Department leased a farmhouse at the head of Irish
Hollow for several years. Firemen’s picnics were held there until
the lease was relinquished.

“In the future, the local firemen will have splendid facilities
for their own outings, in addition to making the park available to
the general public.

“Galco Park, located in a beautiful sylvan setting, has long
been a popular spot. The improvements planned by the Fire
Department will make it even more attractive.

“It is planned to utilize volunteer labor as much as
possible.

“The park is located on land leased from Frank Newcombe and
covers five acres.”