A PA Wilds Community Success Story:
The city of Bradford
by Sara Andrews
At the northern gateway of the Pennsylvania Wilds is the City of Bradford - a small urban community rich in natural resources, most notably the surrounding hardwoods and oil and gas reserves. It has a diverse economy which includes internationally-renowned companies such as Dresser, Zippo Manufacturing, Case Cutlery, Georgia-Pacific and the world’s oldest operating refinery, owned by the American Refining Group. Just to the west of downtown, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is a four-year liberal arts campus with over 30 four-year programs.
Throughout the seasons, the Bradford area is a scenic year-round playground for all types of outdoor pursuits. Allegheny National Forest, Allegany State Park, and Kinzua State Park are just a short drive away. These beautiful places offer myriad recreational opportunities including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, ATV riding, and snowmobiling, plus a smorgasbord of sights to see.
The City of Bradford’s central business district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in August 2000. The historic district features many buildings still intact, including the recently restored Old City Hall (also on the National Register), the Main Street Mercantile, and many other shops and attractions.
To the south of the historic district are the Zippo-Case Museum and the Penn-Brad Oil Museum. Historic downtown Bradford is also the hub for the Tuna Valley Trail Association trail system and the center for the “Trail Central” concept.
Over the past seven years, the association has constructed over 17 miles of new recreational trails in the Bradford area, with plans to construct over 50 miles of trail to connect with Allegheny National Forest, the two state parks, and new and existing trails from other nearby communities.
A 1.4 mile connecting trail is currently under construction near the historic Crook Farm. When completed, this trail will create a three-mile loop trail located on both sides of the picturesque Tunungwant Creek.
On the horizon for the association and the City of Bradford is the creation of a 2.4 mile urban trail, known as the Community Parks Trail. This new trail will connect three local parks to the existing McDowell Community Trail and follow several city streets into downtown Bradford. A good portion of the trail will be located in the City’s state-designated “Elm Street” neighborhood, where a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization project is now underway.
Bradford and its surrounding hills provide an attractive northern gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds with many things to see and do. Come see us this fall!
Sara Andrews is the executive director of the city of Bradford's Office of Economic and Communicty Development.
Among the octogenarians attending Saturday's banquet 
Bill Erway (right) has remained in Coudersport for his
Greeting attendees at Saturday's banquet were 
Any news on where the fire was at this location?