IT’S GONE: A reader tells us East Bradford lost a historical
structure last week.
“In the Bradford Landmark Society publication, ‘Images of
America – Around Bradford,’ page 15 is an 1880 photograph of
Tarport (East Bradford). The house which sat between the two Togi
establishments is now gone. Many may have never realized that
structure’s historical past.
“How does the song go – ‘tear down America, put up a parking
lot.'”
That’s close. It’s “They paved paradise and put up a parking
lot.”
We must admit, we can be counted among the many Bradfordians who
probably didn’t realize that house had any historical
significance.
LOOK UP: What are those two very bright planets seen in the wee
hours of the morning this July?
A caller Monday wondered what she’d been seeing for several
nights at 4 or 5 a.m. and we assured her we’d find out.
Our best guess? Venus and Mars.
While searching the Internet can sometimes be easy as pie, it
can also be overly confusing because of the large amount of
unfiltered material available. Hmm. Or maybe it’s just us.
In any case, if you know for certain, could you let us know?
EDISON WELL: Ken Walter of Bridgeport, W.Va., responds to an item from a while back:
“The poem, ‘The Edison Well,’ in RTS March 27 reminds me of a
true story about the Edison boys and their first drilling rig. My
dad Ken Sr. grew up with the Edison boys and remained buddies with
John well into their 90s.
“Dad said that at first they were drilling without the aid of a
clutch. (Wouldn’t I love to have seen that).
“Keep in mind this was a standard rig. I’m sure they shut the
engine down to hitch on, but could pull out without stopping. Dad
said that the tool dresser would kick the bull rope on, then run
for the crank while the driller would unhook the rope clamps. As
soon as the rope came up tight the tool dresser would jerk the
Pitman off the crank and they would continue pulling out. Dad said
later on Granpa (J.W. Walter) gave them a clutch. I don’t remember
Pete but I remember Gill and the boys.”
We hope the oilmen in our readership have a better understanding
than we do of Mr. Walter’s note.
