SPIRIT AWARD: Susie Coffman, a Bradfordian now living in
Harborcreek, passes along a poem, “An Allegany Serenade,” her entry
in a recent Songwriting and Poetry Contest held by the Cattaraugus
County Arts Council.

The contest was “celebrating the natural beauty of Allegany
State Park,” and her entry won Honorable Mention in the adult
poetry category and the Allegany Spirit Award given to the entry
best capturing the spirit of Allegany State Park.

An Allegany Serenade

“A symphony in nature, as seasons write the song.

An Allegany serenade, your eyes will sing along.

In the mirrored waters of Red House, an eagle’s wings are
soaring.

The melody of a summer storm play thunder’s echoes roaring.

Autumn hues, a chorus; each leaf a note of praise.

The harmony of colors set the hills ablaze.

Come winter’s frozen silence, a buck and doe appear.

Their timed duet of footprints mark snowy blankets clear.

Springtime’s warming concert, as rebirth fills the air.

A wild flower’s fragrance, its beauty awaits you there.

The Canada’s song over Quaker Lake, mark a valiant return.

As they dance across the water, to begin this year’s
sojourn.

A symphony in nature,

as seasons write the song.

An Allegany serenade,

your eyes will sing along.

The maestro’s hand is calling,

to keep your spirits whole.

As nature fills your heart,

let Allegany fill your soul.”

OH, ZIPPO: Judy Schmader writes, “While visiting the town of
Tombstone, Ariz., yesterday for its Heldorado Days celebration we
passed one of the shops with a sign in the window saying ‘Zippo
Lighters’ for $22.99 with the four western guys on it like the
movie poster that advertised the movie ‘Tombstone.’ Having lived in
Bradford for many years it reminded us even if it was just a small
piece of the town.”

QUESTIONS: Donald E. Carlson writes, “Do you have any
information on the tie plant that was at the end of High
Street?”

Another reader writes, “Speaking of Daisy Welch … How about some
dialogue on the Butterfly Lady? I would love to read your readers
memories on her.”

And finally for today we pass along a question from Chuck Cutlip
who tells us that he had been told that “real” Aunt Jemima had at
one time lived on River Street in Bradford.

If you can answer any of the questions, let us know.