FINAL WORDS: Today we finish the final comments from Ann DeLucia
of Bradford in the “Florida vs. Bradford” rivalry.

Ann writes, “3. Florida: Highways in super shape, no hills (just
flatland, how boring). 70-mile speed limit, giving better mileage
in gas. Supposedly, over 60 mph cuts gas mileage. When we were in
Florida, the usual joke about following snowbird drivers: Prepare
to ‘travel at a crawl.’ 70 mph? Pennsylvania: Admit that speed has
increased. However, we aren’t on flat land. We climb hills.

2. Florida: Strawberries in February and watermelon in March.
Buy one, get one. Pennsylvania: To bring you up to date, it can be
matched.

1. Many fled Bradford for economic reasons, only after the
Northeast of United States began losing industries. We had Kendall
refinery (now ARG) – recently celebrated 125th year of refining
history. Dresser Industries, Airco Speer (now KOA), Corning Glass
(now gone), Zippo Manufacturing Co. (expanded – Case Cutlery).

“There was no lack of employment. Even college students were
hired for summertime if they so wished. They raised their families
here. Those with higher education had careers where the technology
existed. Some retirees went to Florida, some only for winter
months. Many returned to Pennsylvania sooner or later. Home is
where the heart is … to each his own”

STAY THERE: Howard Heysham writes, “I was born and raised in
Bradford then I moved to California. I miss the four season. I miss
the snow, the rain, the hunting, and I miss the summer days. We
have been in California for about 40 years and all we get is hot,
cold and windy and that is all. So if you are in Bradford, stay
there.”

BEST BREAD: Judi Robinson writes after reading an RTS item about
Collela’s bread: “It was the best that I have ever had. My father
would go to the bakery every day to get their hard rolls for
breakfast. It was standard fare with olive oil and then toasted
under the broiler. Yummy.”

“We always had both at our house. We have lots of ‘authentic’
Italian delis in Arizona, but there is nothing authentic with the
breads they sell. I have not lived in Bradford for 35 years, but
there are things that never can be replaced. I wouldn’t be
surprised if a lot of the foods from back then are no longer
available even in Bradford. Aren’t memories wonderful?”