TWO GARAGES: “Why did Bradford have two very large multi-level
downtown automobile garages, the Star Garage and the General
Garage?”

That’s today’s question from William Burdick of The Plains, Va.,
and he answers, “Because when they were built, automobiles had
wooden spoked wheels. These would deteriorate and expand/contract
when in contact with the snow.”

“People put their cars up on blocks for the winter or in the
Star and General if they had no sheltered space of their own. If
you wanted your auto you could call and it would be delivered to
your door. If you had no other need, the lad would return the auto
to the Star or General Garage.”

FLOOD CONTROL: Bradford’s flood control project, that concrete
channel that keeps the Tuna Creek from destroying the city, has
been around since the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Joseph M. Zias of Shinglehouse writes, “I remember the changing
of the landscape with the removal of an oil lease on South Center
Street and watching earthmovers, bulldozers, and pile drivers
running for almost four years.”

He suggest the Era do an article on the history of the flood
control project, an achievement ignored as long as it does its
job.

“I am sure some readers have photos that would be a valuable
asset. For example, I have one showing the west branch of the Tuna
lined with crushed stones that have now been overgrown. Also, it
might be interesting to ask readers, perhaps in RTS, if they
remember Water Street, Railroad Street, and Seneca Avenue. You’ll
need an old map to find them.”

Interestingly, the flood control project has also been the
subject of a process which is looking to the future of Bradford.
Consultants overseeing the master plan process believe our
much-maligned Tuna Creek could be groomed to become a place where
people live, work and enjoy.

Hold your cynical response, please. We think it’s an idea well
worth exploring.

ONE MORE: Patrick Johnston of Bunn, N.C., writes: “Though some
probably would not consider this place to be on your old store
list, I just can’t pass it by. Spetz Pool Hall on West Washington
was always and will always be a place to remember. I am not even
sure if ol’ Charlie is still with us but, just in case, ‘What’s up,
Charlie?'”