SKATING SPOTS: Sandy Fox of Cyclone writes about skating ponds:
“The one on Droney Road in Gifford was a great place. The pond was
on oil company property and was kept up by my dad Herman Keister.
We lived across the road, and on cold nights, he would flood the
pond with water from a water box that was also there. We didn’t
mind the cattails or rough spots — we made them part of our
games.”

“In the ’50s, most families only had one car, so the parents
didn’t run their kids to do things like they do now. Most kids on
the hill didn’t do sports or after-school activities because there
was no late bus. Thanks to my dad, we had the ice pond. Sometimes
we had a fire from an old tire and would come home blackened — that
usually got us in trouble.

“The hill was, and still is, a great place to grow up. The pond
is now grown up with trees and just a fond memory. My dad still
lives in the same house and will be 86 on Feb. 10. Thanks, Dad, and
happy birthday!”

CONNIE SMITH: John Roynan of Ridgway writes, “With all the talk
of concerts, I would like to add one to the list. We have been to
many concerts over the years, the strangest one was in
Bradford.”

“A number of years ago we were in a restaurant in Bradford.
There was a sign there that said Connie Smith, the country music
star, was going to be in Bradford the following summer as part of
the Zippo affair. She has had many hits songs and been on the Grand
Olde Opry often. She is now married to Marty Stuart and is on his
TV show each week.

“I sent for tickets and they came in a few days. Then something
odd happened. In the time leading up to the concert, it was never
mentioned again. We get The Era each day.

“The day of the concert we came to Bradford and went to the
concert. She put on a wonderful show. The strange thing was, only
20 people showed up. I say, again, 20 people. I was embarrassed by
the whole thing. I think no one knew.”

We don’t remember this concert. It does go to show, however, the
power of advertising.