The American Refining Group refinery has been designated a state
historical site, and will soon sport the first historical marker in
the City of Bradford.

News of the designation – the first in McKean County since 1985
and only the second in the business and industry category – came on
Thursday through ARG after receiving confirmation from the
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

The facility is the oldest refinery processing crude oil in the
world, and the nation’s oldest continuously operating one. Founded
in 1881, the refinery will be celebrating its 125th anniversary
during a gala celebration in Bradford on Sept. 7-9.

Officials said the historical marker will likely be placed near
the refinery’s offices on Kendall Avenue and will be unveiled
during a special public ceremony at 11 a.m. Sept. 9.

“It’s really nice that ARG has gotten one (historical marker),”
said Sally Costik, author of the application for the designation
and curator of the Bradford Landmark Society, which is serving as
co-sponsor of the marker. “It isn’t the largest refinery in the
United States … if anything it’s one of the smallest. But it just
keeps plugging along.”

In order to receive recognition by the commission, the site
designated for commemoration had to have a meaningful impact in its
time and be of statewide or national rather than only local
significance.

The only other business and industry sign in the county was
placed in 1949 at the Tidewater Pipeline Co. in Smethport.

“I think there are a lot of things in Bradford that would also
qualify,” Costik said.

All told, there are 12 historical locations with markers across
the county, including one commemorating The Bucktails Civil War
regiment, the Kinzua Viaduct near Mount Jewett, the county
courthouse in Smethport and another recognizing Thomas L. Kane, the
commander of The Bucktails.

Joining ARG this year in obtaining a marker are three locations
in neighboring Warren County, including Little Africa, the Miller
Mansion and the Sugar Grove Anti-Slavery Convention site.

There are also seven locations in Cameron County, four in Elk
County and 11 in Potter County.

According to Costik, the actual cast aluminum marker for the
refinery will be a “street” marker, which is the largest version of
the plaques. This year, the commission had a total of 323
applications, with only 83 sites being approved for a
designation.

Nominations had to be delivered to the state by Dec. 15, 2005,
according to Costik.

In addition to processing Pennsylvania Grade Crude oil, the
refinery also produces gasoline and fuel oil, along with a complete
line of solvents and lubricants.

ARG President and Chief Operating Officer Harvey Golubock was
not immediately available for comment as of late Thursday
afternoon.