LOCAL ANGLE: Gus Gocella of Crossville, Tenn., tells us the
earthquake that recently struck Italy was in a part of the country
that holds special meaning for many Bradford area residents.
He writes, “The recent earthquake in L’Aquilla Italy, Province
of Abruzzo, is a place dear to the hearts of some Bradfordians. My
mother was born in the Province and lived in a small village,
Castle de Vechio, not to far from L’Aquilla.
“Barbara, Dolores, myself, wife Donna, brother-in-law Bob
visited there three years ago and it was one of the most
picturesque and beautiful cities on our trip to Italy. The church
that my mother was baptized and my Grandparents Mike and Teresina
Viola (founder of Viola’s Restaurant) lived and were married there
– we visited the church, and pray that it was not damaged.
“Many Italians who immigrated to America and settled in Bradford
came from this region and still have relatives living there.”
ANNIE OAKLEY: One of the biggest stars ever to appear in
Bradford – and there have been quite a few – was famed cowgirl and
sharpshooter Annie Oakley. We mentioned her appearance in Years Ago
the other day but thought it worthy of a bit more coverage.
On April 19, 1909, The Era reported:
“She Did Some Fancy Shooting at the Gun Club’s Range on
Saturday,” said the headline.
The story goes: “There was a huge crowd at the Foster Brook
grounds of the Bradford Gun Club Saturday afternoon to witness the
fancy shooting by Annie Oakley and her husband, F.E. Butler. The
weather was pleasant, but there was considerable wind. It was
estimated that fully 1,000 people visited the grounds during the
afternoon.
“Notwithstanding the spring zephyrs, the woman gave a number of
clever exhibitions which were much appreciated by the spectators.
One of her acts was the breaking of four clay pigeons using two
double-barreled shotguns, holding one and leaving the second at her
side until needed. The four targets were broken before they could
fall to the ground. Another feature was the breaking of marbles
which were thrown into the air. A rifle was used in this work.
“The most startling performance by Annie Oakley was the shooting
of a cigarette from the lips of her husband. She used a rifle.”
We have two words of commentary: brave husband.
