Dive into oil field history at Derrick Day
Hometown heritage and history will come alive during the 54th Annual Derrick Day set 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Penn Brad Oil Museum.
The Penn Brad Oil Museum, at 901 South Ave., is dedicated to preserving the history of the Bradford Oil Field, the nation’s first billion dollar oil field. Even today, it still produces one of the finest natural lubricants in the world, noted Isabelle Champlin, board of directors.
Champlin said the free event is “perfect … for families, especially those who have an interest in history. The more the merrier.”
This year’s Derrick Day includes a family trail activity. This is not a race, Champlin noted, and there is no start time, finish line or entrance fee.
“Everyone can go at their own pace,” said Champlin.
The parking lot at the south end of the museum will offer mid-trail access to the Blaisdell-Emery Trail of the Tuna Valley Trail Association. Starting at the museum, guests can choose to travel north or south. Those heading north will travel down the B-E Trail toward Bradford to the trailhead on Owens Way. Those choosing to go south, which is a longer route, will head to the Lewis Run Trailhead. Total mileage from Owens Way to Lewis Run is about 3.8 miles. Bikers, hikers and walkers can choose which sections to follow and how far they would like to travel.
There will be a pop-up canopy tent decorated with balloons by the trailhead. There, guests can find free gifts for participants.
At the museum, guests can watch riveting documentary films in the Doghouse Theater or admire the driver of the horse-drawn nitroglycerin wagon in the Tool Barn. The entire family will be entertained, listening to the sounds of a powerful antique Buffalo engine or visiting the old-fashioned Lease House with its hand-crank telephone. Guests are invited to walk onto the floor of the 72-foot tall 1890s style wooden Standard Rig and step into history.
There will be informative displays of antique engines as well as heritage craft demonstrations. Nancy Dryden will give a tree weaving exhibition. There will also be basket weaving and candle dipping presentations.
Phatt Grady’s Food Truck and the Rock City Apple Cider Press will offer refreshments and live music will be provided by Ms. Hoshi’s Trio.
The museum began with a desire to preserve the stories and heritage surrounding the Bradford Oil Field. Its opening in 1971 was timed accordingly to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Bradford Oil Field. It continues to offer a vibrant look at the lives of those who helped build the Bradford Oil Field.
“This is a wonderful community event that is perfect for those who haven’t been to the museum before,” said Champlin. “It’s a perfect opportunity to come take a free tour and see what we do and who we are.”