Pitt-Bradford Plans
'Bits of Bygone Bradford' Lecture Series

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will present a “Bits of Bygone Bradford” lecture series in February and March.

The series of historical lectures was developed by the Bradford Landmark Society for the Pitt-Bradford Division of Continuing Education and Regional Development. Sessions are from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays Feb. 16 through March 22. The cost for the lectures is $15 per class or $75 for all six.

Classes take place in Room 200 of the Seneca Building at 2 Main St. in Bradford.

The first week’s topic is “Bootleggers, Bullets and Blood” about the 1920s moonshine feud between Olean, N.Y., and Bradford.

On Feb. 23, the subject is “Build a Better Bradford with Bricks.” At one time, Bradford had five brick plants manufacturing bricks that were used all over the east coast. Participants will learn the story of the brick works, the significance of the Italian immigration to the area and the history behind the “Bradford Reds.”

The topic for March 1 will be “Lewis Emery – The Most Interesting Man in the World.” Emery was a businessman, oil producer, Pennsylvania state senator, founder of the Emery oil refinery and organizer of the United States Pipe Line Co. He owned businesses throughout the United States and South America and was one of the richest men in Bradford.

Dr. Richard G. Frederick, professor of history at Pitt-Bradford, has researched Emery and promises an entertaining look at this unique individual.

“Lights, Camera, Action!” will take place March 8. In the late 1920s, independent film companies came to Bradford and filmed the city for promotional reasons. Several of these films have survived and provide a true glimpse of the city as it was “way back when.” The movies will be shown and popcorn served. This lecture was originally scheduled for March 22.

Mansions will be the topic on March 15, when local historian Dick Robertson will discuss “Millionaire’s Row: Congress Street and Jackson Avenue.” Flush with oil-boom money in the 1890s, Bradford was home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. Robertson will explore the mansions built in Bradford’s heyday.

On March 22, two topics will be addressed, “Bottles of Bradford” and “The Magnificent Mansion – Solomon Dresser’s Home.”

In “Bottles of Bradford,” Bradford Mayor Tom Riel, an avid Bradford bottle collector, will share his knowledge of the history behind the bottles made in Bradford, from medicine to milk. Then, Diann Hatch, a local historian and researcher will talk about the Dresser mansion, built in 1903 by Solomon Dresser, the founder of Dresser Industries.

These lectures were originally scheduled for March 8.

For more information or to register for any of the classes, contact Continuing Education at (814)362-5078 or contined@pitt.edu.

For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources at (814)362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu.

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