GOOD IDEA: We pass along a suggestion today from Tom Costello of
West Chester.

He writes, “My wife and I are originally from Bradford and
recently had a conversation about the Roman Villa restaurant
(formerly on what is now UPB property). I recall it was in a
building adjacent to what was the Piper Cub factory floor (the
cement slab for that building was there into the ’70s).”

“I recall having dinner there with my parents but not too many
details (other than I loved the food, the atmosphere was unique,
and it was a special treat reserved for special events).

“After a quick Google (images and articles) we realized there is
‘nothing’ available on the web.

“Is anyone aware of any online resources (including pictures)?
If not, has the Era ever collected anything along the way?

“There are so many treasures in Bradford, and many more that are
or have faded away. When you’re living in the environment, things
that are closed or torn down are simply news or short-term
conversation pieces … and quickly become background noise and
disappear.

“The significance is hardly spotted ‘in the moment.’ The info
(stories, pictures, history, etc) are going to quickly fade away
and be lost so anything captured now can be enjoyed and
preserved.

“While the Roman Villa is the topic that triggered our
conversation, we immediately rattled off a list of a dozen other
interesting spots in town … and we’re sure they will all suffer the
same fate of ‘information decay.

“If there is no current source for this info, perhaps BAHS and
Central Christian could combine their history classes and create
annual senior class projects to capture/store info online in
multi-media format.

“The students could work with any local sources of info
(including the Era) as well as interview citizens who wish to share
stories.

“Everyone would win, and a slice of history can be
preserved!”

WE AGREE: Tom’s idea is a good one. Although Bradford Landmark
Society and several other organizations in Bradford have excellent
websites, there’s always room for such a project. He makes a good
point – sometimes “treasures” fade away into just memories. We’d be
glad to team up with a local group.