OLD HOME POEM: With today’s column, we conclude a poem printed
initially about 100 years ago in The Era to celebrate Old Home
Days in August of 1909. We began this ditty yesterday.

“We shall not criticize this famous little town,

But just to show its ‘up’ in life together with its ‘down.’

When people began to realize that the earth was full of
grease,

They made a rush for Bradford and hustled for a lease.

And oh, my, how she spilled it out, from valley and from
hill,

The Standard’s tanks were scarcely built when each quickly they
would fill.

Until the Standard cried aloud, ‘Stop the drill or surely we’ll
be bound

To give you notice that we’re full and let your oil run on the
ground.’

Notwithstanding all these obstacles, the town began to grow.

The population did increase 20,000 souls or so.

When her citizens with one accord proclaimed it was a pity

To keep the town in swaddling clothes, she must become a
city.

No sooner was this said than done, and then did they begin

To pave her streets and build her blocks by filling gaps
within.

Industries springing into life, like magic in a night.

Her fame now began to grow, her future looking bright.

Hotels and banks, exchanges and opera house as well,

Would grace a city twice her size, they really look so
swell.

Her clean paved streets are models, none with them do
compare,

While electric cars and three trunk lines her patronage do
share.

Her officials and her businessmen, all citizens likewise,

Have put they shoulders to the wheel, her fame to emphasize.

Inviting back the friends of yore, and shout with one
refrain,

Bradford raises high her beacon light, invites old friends to
seek

Hospitality within her realms, at the coming Old Home Week

She promises to all who come, her welcome shall not wane,

From the time they step into the town ’til they leave for home
again.

Her gates will soon begin to swing inward, if you please,

The latch will be outside the gate, the banners to the
breeze.

Let nothing prevent your coming, whether living far or near,

For ‘Welcome, Welcome, Welcome’ will be the slogan while you’re
here.”