with photo

SWEETS & SONGS: Chick Curcio of Bradford called to add to our collection of local stores that used be in the area.

Chick recalls that he and his best friend, Terry Palumbo, used to buy soda pop and penny candy from a store owned by Marguerite Wifford that was at the corner of West Washington Street and Harding Avenue. “As you walk in, there is the glass case,” he said, describing the store.

The pair would sit on the steps, drink RC Cola and eat Mallo Cups before going to play baseball games.

“We’ve been best of friends for over 35 years now,” Chick told us.

Marguerite sold packs of baseball cards for a nickel. The packs held about 10 cards, and “the gum was delicious,” Chick said. “Terry and I used to play Topsy with the cards.”

The store is now an embroidery store, he said.

Chick also remembers going to the B&O Record Shop, located on Mechanic Street where the Family Center now is. “For 98 cents, you could buy any record you wanted to.”

It was a popular hangout for youths at that time, in part because the owner “would let us play the records before we bought them.”

While his own haunts may be long gone, Chick is impressed with the turnaround Bradford’s made since the recent recession. “Bradford is very resilient,” he said, pleased.

“The town is getting bigger and better. I’m really proud of this town.”

GAS PRICES: Denny T. of Bradford shared with us the gas prices he found during a trip he is taking.

He explained, “I am visiting my daughters in Fort Mill, S.C. and this is where I filled up before I left to head back to Bradford.”

For anyone who can’t read the tiny photo, regular gas is $2.93, according to the sign.

While gas prices are lower than Bradford’s, we bet their thermometer is still higher …