BRADFORD: A reader dropped us a note with a bit of history on the recently demolished old McCourt Label building on West Washington Street.

Citing The Bradford Era and Bradford Landmark Society, the reader shared:

“With the tear-down of the former Bradford Printing building and McCourt Label there is a history to that location that may be of interest. 

“In 1896, Bradford Publishing, a printer’s trade and book binding firm owned by Standard Oil, was sold to James W. Leisure, who hired on at the business at the age of 13 and worked there for 19 years, subsequently purchased the company and operated it until 1913.

“Note: The building at 75 Main St. was constructed in 1884, demolished in 1970 and was a Standard Oil structure housing their United Pipe Line operation. In 1918, Standard Oil vacated that building and it became the Bradford Club in 1919.  

“Prior to 1909, the West Washington Street location was the Maple Grove Ice Co., formed in 1903, which included an icehouse. Beginning in 1909, McCourt Label moved to the Bennett Street location.

“In 1910, McCourt Label continued with its move from its Mechanic Street location to its new location on Bennett Street to accommodate its increasing business. 

“In 1915, Barnsdall Printing acquired the Maple Grove Ice Co. property to build a printing plant. In 1919, with continuing business expansion, additional space was required for both Barnsdall Printing and McCourt Label.

“If memory is correct, in 1963 when the University of Pittsburgh came to Bradford, student housing was available on the upper floors of the Bradford Printing building at 146 W. Washington St. Years later the space served as offices for Hounds & Hunting magazine until its move to the Derrick City location.”

Readers, is their memory correct?