BRADFORD: It’s a new year, and we thought it would be a good time to revisit a description of Bradford from a 1906 book about the development of the city.

“Bradford is remarkably free from the control of any class or clique. The rash radicalism of one class of citizens is well balanced by the intense conservatism of another class, and the whole is tempered with a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness that promises wonderful things for the future. While one political party predominates by a large majority, the management of municipal affairs is in a large degree nonpartisan. As a result, Bradford offers advantages that can be found in few cities of the size in the state.

“A delightful and healthful climate, pure water, all the modern municipal improvements, churches second to none in the country, schools that lead the list of educational institutions of the state, what more can one ask?”

What about industry?

“As a site for manufacturing enterprises, Bradford is unsurpassed.”

Natural gas is in abundance, and coal is nearby.

“Iron ore can be delivered here as cheap as at any point on the globe, and with the cheap gas fuel, there is no reason why the future should not witness the development of this great industry in Bradford.

“The facilities for the manufacture of glass are certainly equal if not indeed superior to that offered by any other city. In this, as in the iron industry, cheap fuel cuts a not inconsiderable figure in the cost of production, and with extremely low freight rates and close connections with the eastern markets, there is no reason why Bradford should be unable to successfully compete with Western factories.”