MOM & POP: Tony Falconi of Lewis Run remembers a lot of
Bradford’s mom and pop stores from years ago. Here’s only some of
his recollections:

“Most were located in neighborhoods close to residential areas.
Most people did not have automobiles so you did not have to carry
the groceries very far to get them home. Decasper’s on High street
next to where the Bisett storage building is today. On the other
side of the building was Helenbrook’s grocery which later became
Munday’s delivery service and grocery.”

“Down the street to Main Street was Desantis meat market and
grocery. A few doors up the street was Reading’s grocery. Going
north on East Main Street was Pessia’s grocery. A little further up
East Main was another little grocery. The name I can’t remember. I
believe Romano’s shoe repair was next door.”

“Also there was a bar about where the parking lot for the Riddel
house is. It was known as The Bucket of Blood due to the many
fights between patrons. It finally burned and that was the end.
Erie depot used to be where the rails still run today. Next door
was Jock Holleran’s cigar and news store. Up the street a couple
doors was the Coney Island bar and Restaurant.

“Remember when the City Creamery was where the Bradford club is
today? Patent Alley would take you to the creamery and on the way
you would go by the print shop in the covered part of the
alley.

“Do you remember the Star Record printed in the building at the
alley between the Emery Hotel and the B&O store. I sold the
papers on the street for 2 cents a copy 75 years ago!

“Sal’s Grocery, corner of Mechanic and West Washington street,
Johnnie’s hot dogs, Ma Pete’s, Whitford’s, and a couple more that
the names will not come to me.

“Back to Mechanic street. Delgianis Italian and Greek importer –
anything you purchased was wrapped in old newspapers. Next door was
Algretta’s candy and soda fountain. They had lemon blend drink. Joe
kept it in a jug in the ice cream cooler and when he poured you a
glass it was like a slush.”

“We did not have credit cards only charge accounts at many of
the places but you paid off your bill on pay day. Good old
days?”