THE OLD TOWN: If you’re in Bradford for the holidays, we print
this poem just for you – especially if you’re here from California.
It originally appeared in the Dec. 18, 1908, edition and see if it
doesn’t “hit home” just a bit.

It’s called, “Back to the old Town” (Being the contribution of a
Returning Tourist from California):

“I’m sneaking back to Bradford,

You may jeer me if you will,

But in this role of prodigal

I think I’ve had my fill.

You may boast about your Golden Gate;

And the shimmer of the sea,

Or beauty of your orange groves –

Bradford’s the place for me.

I’m sneaking back to Bradford,

I’m tired of husks and chaff,

I wonder if some friend for me

Will kill the fatted calf?

I do not seek to shun hard work;

I care not much for ease.

But heavens defend me from the pest

of California fleas.

I’m sneaking back to Bradford;

My heart and feet are sore,

Let me but reach the favored spot

And I will roam no more.

My wisdom teeth I think I’ve cut,

I’m wiser day by day;

No more for me in ‘paradise’

Four thousand miles away!

I’m sneaking back to Bradford;

Give me your hottest roast –

I’ll stand the worst that you can say

About the vaunted coast.

I don’t like flowers with earthquakes mixed,

Nor seas that sign and moan.

When every night will bring a fog

That chills me to the bone.

I’m sneaking back to Bradford

In hope that I may find

The paradise I sought so far

But surely left behind.

O, Bradford, gem of wealth and fame,

Queen city of McKean,

Take back thy weary, erring child,

I’ll never roam again.”

OUR TOWN: Maybe it’s just that the holidays makes us a bit
sentimental but we would surely bet there are quite a few visitors
and “prodigals” who’ve come back to Bradford with a sigh of relief.
And, judging by the e-mail we receive, there’s a whole lot more who
would love to have that opportunity. Yes, we have cold weather and
high gas prices but – you know what? – we wouldn’t trade it for the
world.