LOOK INSIDE: “Work on the Option House metamorphosis is in
progress and will be hurried forward with all possible celerity.” –
The Bradford Era, July 15, 1902.

Not much as changed in 106 years!

As Sam Sylvester pursues his goal of restoring The Option House
to its “glory days,” he is anxious to see more of what this Main
Street landmark looked like back then, especially on the
inside.

Reports document 1,000 meals a day being served, nightly
dancing, lavish parties being held in the upstairs banquet room and
even a human fly ascending the building, but few pictures of these
events have surfaced so far.

If anyone has photos of past gatherings in The Option House that
would show the interior of the building in bygone days, Sam would
greatly appreciate being contacted. In addition, any artifacts such
as glasses, cocktail napkins, matchbox covers, postcards, etc.,
would be welcomed.

ON PATROL: Dave Petruzzi of Smethport was a patrol boy in
Smethport in the late ’40s.

He writes, “At that time, we had four patrol boys and two subs.
We stood at the corners of Fulton and Main and King streets, across
from the Hamlin Bank on Franklin and Main and King streets, across
from the Catholic church.”

“We were appointed by our 5th- and 6th-grade teachers for two
years. A lot of kids didn’t want it because it meant getting to
school early and standing in all kinds of weather. Grade school
kids were instructed to cross only where there were patrols.

“At that time, all grade-school students were from Smethport
because Clermont, Farmers Valley, East Smethport, Cyclone and
Crosby still had their own schools. Students from those schools
didn’t come to Smethport until 7th or 9th grade.

“Anyone familiar with Smethport would realize how far some kids
walked.

“From Rosehill Cemetery area and Long Street (then called Dog
Town) and all parts of the borough. These students were from 1st
grade on up. After the war, most people had only one car. The old
joke about walking through 2 feet of snow to get to school was
really no joke.

“I am quite sure the safety patrol was countywide sponsored by
AAA. When I went to Washington, D.C., there were kids from around
the surrounding area. Mr. Van Nette’s name sounds familiar.

“Thanks for bringing back old memories.”