Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

One of the Zippo/Case Museum’s most historically significant pieces– a lighter that was hand engraved on a landing craft en route to the D-Day invasion – is currently on loan, along with several other WWII-era artifacts from the Zippo and Case archives, to the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh for a special exhibit opening Saturday, April 25, 2015. The Zippo/Case Museum pieces will be featured in the upcoming “We Can Do It! WWII” exhibit, which explores how Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania affected the home front and battlefield during WWII. “We’re honored to be able to share so many of our important historical pieces with the Heinz History Center,” said Pat Grandy, Zippo Corporate Media and Communications Manager. “Zippo and Case’s reputation for dependable products was cemented by our performance during WWII. We have so many letters, images and artifacts from WWII in the Zippo/Case Museum, it was hard to choose only a few, but we feel they make an important contri...

Francis E. "Nut" Gleason Sr., a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, 85, of 36 Rockland Ave., passed away, Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 4, 1930, in Olean he was a son of the late Stanley M. and Ellen (Durnein) Gleason, Sr. On December 26, 1953 in St. Francis Church he married Nancy (Young) Gleason who survives. Mr. Gleason was a 1948 graduate of St. Bernard High School. After high school he worked for Denning Construction. On April 4, 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War. On January 11, 1953 he was honorably discharged as a Corporal. He returned to Bradford and worked for Denning construction again until he and his brother, Stanley purchased the company and renamed it S.M. Gleason & Company. Fran served as vice president for several years. The company built many projects in the surrounding Bradford area. Fran was well known for his bricklayi...

Medal of Honor recipients Lt. Col. Hal Fritz and Sgt. Sammy Davis were at the Zippo/Case Museum this afternoon to install a prototype of the commemorative Medal of Honor Zippo lighter Case knife set. And, in case you were wondering Davis -- who is known as "the real Forrest Gump" -- was wounded in the same place the fictional character was -- "In the buttocks, sir." In his speech, Fritz said after meeting Zippo and Case employees, as well as many people from the Bradford area, he believes the companies and the community represent "the spirit and core of America." You can see more pictures on our Facebook page facebook.com/1490wesb . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Medal of Honor recipients Sgt. Sammy Davis and Lt. Col. Harold Fritz took part in Veterans Day ceremonies this morning in Veterans Square in Bradford. At 3:30 this afternoon they will be at the Zippo/Case Museum, where they will install a commemorative Medal of Honor Zippo lighter/Case knife set. The public is invited. You can see more pictures of today's Veterans Square event on our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/1490wesb . WESB photos The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two Medal of Honor recipients – a man whose life was saved by a Zippo lighter, and the man known as the “real” Forrest Gump – will be honored at the Zippo/Case Museum on Veterans Day. The two American heroes will install special Medal of Honor commemorative lighter and knife sets at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the museum. Harold Fritz was leading a column of heavily armored vehicles through Quan Loi in 1969 when they were ambushed by North Vietnamese fighters. Thrown from his vehicle, Fritz led a point-blank charge on the enemy and was hit several times by shrapnel and small-arm rounds. One particular blow on the left side of his chest knocked him down. He was evacuated by helicopter, but when he returned to the battlefield later that day, he found a Zippo lighter that had been given to him as a going away present by his wife. It had been in his left breast pocket, where it stopped the bullet that would otherwise have killed him. Fritz received his Medal of Honor from President Nixon in ...

By SANDY RHODES When Micah Irwin crossed the finish line of Saturday's Willow Creek Triathlon, he was not alone. Actually far from it. There was the announcement over the PA system, "Welcome to Willow Creek." There were the two lines of veterans clapping and eagerly waiting to shake his hand. And then there was the image of Irwin's grandfather on the front of the 24-year-old's T-shirt. "I did this in memory of my grandfather (Ralph French) who was a World War II veteran," the Bradford man said. "He passed away a few years ago. Irwin was one of 290 who participated in the ninth annual triathlon that this year raised $40,139 for the transportation funds of the Disabled American Veterans of Mckean and Warren counties. This year's event surpassed last year's donation by more than $10,000. The nine-year total is more than $151,000. All of the proceeds help local veterans. The funds are earmarked to help with transportation - making su...

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery continued its 125th anniversary celebration today by holding a picnic lunch for its employees and unveiling a custom made knife that is now on display in the Zippo/Case Museum on a pedestal that carries the names of all the current Case employees. Zippo/Case President CEO Greg Booth joked about how happy he was to find his name on the display. "I made the cut," he said. As for the knife itself, Zippo/Case owner George Duke simply said, "That is great. Fantastic." Artisan Mike DuBois crafted the special knife. Case Director of Marketing John Sullivan said today’s events were designed as a thank you to the company’s dedicated employees. Sullivan also noted that the community is a big part of Case’s success, which is why the “Thank you, Bradford” message is on the sign at the Davis and Main Street intersection. The Case factory on Owens Way is currently going through a $10 million renovation which, Sullivan says, will keep the com...

All it took was one Case knife given to him by his mother for Terry Leonard of Franklinville, NY, to get the Case collecting fever. Leonard read about the Case 125th Anniversary Celebration at the Zippo/Case Museum in his newspaper and decided to make the trip down to talk to the Case experts about Case treasures in his collection. “After my mother gave me my Grandfather’s Case knife, I decided to collect Case knives since they are the most collectible knives in the country,” Leonard told Saar. During his discussion, Katie Shonts Saar, Case historian, identified a couple of his knives that were made as early as 1905 and valued at more than $700 much to Leonard’s surprise. Many bikers stopped by before the Kids & Cancer Benefit Run to pick up their Harley-Davidson knives, lighters, and even Zippo Hand Warmers for the Run. “It was like old home days where people gathered at the museum to visit with each other,” said Kyle Kleiderlein, museum assistant manager. “Many Bradfordia...

Walleye, be warned – the award-winning walleye fishing team from Bradford, PA, is coming to a lake near you. Zippo® Outdoor has signed Doug Yohe and Charlie Brant to their 9th consecutive sponsorship agreement for the 2014 Cabela’s Master Walleye Circuit (MWC) Tournament Series. “It all started back in 2006 when I still owned my restaurant,” Yohe said in a news release sent to WESB. “I had fished a tournament in Henderson Harbor, NY, and it was being televised in my restaurant in Bradford. I had asked some of the small local businesses if they would be willing to sponsor me. George Duke, the owner of Zippo, just happened to be in the house that night and offered to sponsor me in a big way.” “Zippo has continued to support Doug Yohe and teammate, Charlie Brant, since then because they are gutsy guys in a sport fishing category known for extreme conditions. This kind of adventurous lifestyle is a great fit for our Outdoor product line,” said Chris Funk, Zippo Outdoor Brand Manager. ...

(News Release) SMETHPORT – The McKean County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) met on December 6, 2013 at the County EMA facility. Representatives from McKean County Emergency Management, Pennsylvania DEP, Zippo, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery, American Red Cross, American Refining Group, FCI Mckean and Allegheny Bradford Corporation were in attendance. The LEPC was formed in accordance with PA Act 165 of 1990 and the Federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III. The primary roles of the LEPC are preparing plans dealing with the release of Extremely Hazardous Substances from facilities utilize these chemicals, the collection and use of chemical fees from industries to support Hazardous Materials Response needs in the county. Updated plans for Universal Well Services and The McKean Landfill were reviewed and approved. Also, new plans for Baker Petrolite and the CARES-McKean were reviewed and approved. The LEPC was also notified that Superior Well Serv...

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., America's foremost manufacturer of premium, handcrafted pocket knives, and Carhartt, America's premium work wear brand since 1889, has unveiled the Carhartt Knives by Case collection. Rugged, reliable, and boasting the unmistakable durability that has become synonymous with these two storied brands, the Carhartt Knives by Case collection will include 22 individual models, all of which are made in the U.S.A. The collection will be on display at the Case booth, #13905, at the 2013 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. "Carhartt and Case share an unparalleled and rich history," said Ed Jessup , vice president, sales, W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. "The quality craftsmanship that has defined each of the brands since 1889 is at the heart of each knife and is encompassed by a style that will sincerely resonate with the Case and Carhartt consumer. We could not be more proud or excited to have this opportunity to manufacture and deliver these e...

The Olean-Bradford Area YMCA held its Community Appreciation Luncheon today at the Premier Banquet Center. Keynote speakers were Greg Booth, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Co. and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery, and Sister Margaret Carney, president of St. Bonaventure University. Pictured, from left, are Anita Schmidt, Olean Branch Board Member, Sister Margaret, Booth, and Bill Leven, Olean-Bradford Area YMCA Board Chair. YMCA photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Case Collectors Reunion continues today on Owens Way, and several other events are also planned. The FOP craft & vendor fair starts at 10 a.m. at the Bradford Township Lions Club. It also includes demonstrations by area police and fire departments, a fly-in by a Stat MedEvac helicopter and the world famous Bradford Township Lions Club chicken barbecue. For more information and a schedule of events go to www.Facebook.com/1490wesb . The 15th annual Kids and Cancer Benefit Motorcycle Run starts at noon. Registration starts at 9:45 in the Zippo parking lot on Congress Street. One of the stops will be the Kinzua Sky Walk. This is the anniversary of the day a tornado knocked down the Kinzua Viaduct. After the run, a block party will be held on Mechanic Street, where the winner of the Harley of Hope will be announced. You don’t have to participate in the motorcycle run to attend the block party. Also today, Habitat for Humanity is hosting a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Fi...

Frank williams has been at the Case Collectors Reunion on Owens Way all morning and, while he was busy interviewing people most of the time, he did get a chance to check out Doug & Charlie's fishing boat. You can listen to some of Frank's conversations with people by clicking on the links below: Doug & Charlie Maury Ford Bloodline (Alex Rutledge) Michele McCann Shirley Evers Also pictured, Frank with event organizer Lisa Boser-Miller. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The one and only Frank Williams talks with the one and only Grizzly Gary during 100.1 The Hero's live broadcast at the Case Collectors Reunion on Owens Way. The event goes on until 4:30 this afternoon and continues tomorrow. Listen to "Grizzly Gary's Goin' Huntin' & Fishin'" Sunday mornings starting at 7 a.m.m on 100.1 The Hero. More from the Case Collectors Reunion coming soon. Photo by Don Fredeen The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

No need to worry about a little rain washing out all the events scheduled for this weekend. They’re all going on rain or shine. Frank Williams is at the Case Collectors Reunion and will give us live updates all morning. Later, he’ll be at the CARE for Children Motorcycle Show in downtown Bradford. Tomorrow is the annual Kids and Cancer Benefit Motorcycle Run, which is also going on rain or shine. You can hear more about that on a special Friday edition of 1490 WESB’s LiveLine at 12:35 p.m. Tomorrow is also the F-O-P craft and vendor fair, which includes the world famous Bradford Township Lions Club chicken barbecue. That’s also going on rain or shine. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The tents are up and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. is ready for this year's Case Collectors Reunion. Frank Williams will be broadcasting live from Case on The Morning Buzz on Friday, and later on 100.1 The Hero. The Collectors Reunion is just one of many events in Bradford this weekend. Others include the CARE for Children Motorcycle Show, Kids and Cancer Benefit Motorcycle Run, William Hanley Sr. Lodge 67 FOP Vendor & Craft Fair, Habitat for Humanity Spaghetti Dinner and Lewis Run Fire Department Chicken Barbecue. For details: http://www.wesb.com/news/comcal/ The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City Council hopes to appoint a new council member at its next meeting on July 10. The new member would serve out the term of Rick Benton, who died June 16. Council will be accepting applications until 3 p.m. Friday. As Tuesday's council meeting starated, Mayor Tom Riel asked for a moment of silence in honor of Benton but, before that, he talked about Benton coming to him about filling the council seat Riel was vacating to become mayor. “I asked him to be able to agree to disagree and move onto the next issue without holding a grudge; and if he had something to say to me to say it to my face and then he could tell the whole world. He honored both of those very well,” Riel said, then added with a chuckle, “And he very often did not agree with me.” “He was a great councilman,” Riel said, adding that Benton would arrive for most council meetings half an hour early in case he had any questions he could ask city clerk John Peterson and get them cleared up. “He was definitely a ...

Tina Wood shows off the one-of-a-kind Case knife she won in WESB's 65th Anniversary Celebration Contest. Pictured with Tina is WESB General Manager Don Fredeen. The knife -- the 47 Model -- is engraved with the current WESB logo on one blade, the original logo on another blade, and "65" on the third. Congratulations to Tina and thank you to W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. for the beautiful knife! The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Designed Original Case Bowie Knife Plaque Luella M. Price, 86 of 23 Totten Lane, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, April 16th, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born August 26, 1925 in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late William Herbert and Pearl Malvina (Storms) Kenneson. On July 10, 1947, in Bradford, she married Phillip F. Price who died on January 11, 2009. She owned and operated Luella's Plaque and Trophy Shop for many years. She designed and built the original Case Bowie Knife Plaque. She enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens, bird watching, solitaire, reading, and crocheting. Surviving are five daughters, Christy (Tony) Danias of Bradford, Beverly (David) Cramer of Cleveland, TN, Nancy Price of Bradford, Becky (Dan) Atkins of Oil City, and Judy Bennett, of Bradford, one brother, Jack (Helena) Kenneson of Lafayette, one sister-in-law Dorothy Kenneson of Smethport, a brother-in-law, James Yonker of Morris AL, six grandchildren; Stacie...