100 DEGREES: Before summer ends, we need to wrap up our
discussion about Bradford’s record high temperature. Specifically,
did it ever hit 100 or more? We would have to say yes.

Wayne Kingsley of Emporium sent along pages from a U.S.
Department of Agriculture 1941 yearbook called “Climate and Man”
which shows unequivocally that the temperature in our region has
experienced 100 temperatures days – and even hotter.

Wayne underlines the significant page and writes, “You will note
the temperature in Bradford has reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It
looks like sometime during a 14-year period between 1924-1938.”

Bradford’s was an even 100; The yearbook also showed a record
high in Emporium of 103 and Ridgway, 101.

Thankfully, Wayne send along only the pertinent pages since the
volume runs 1,248 pages and covers weather information on all 50
states. “There is great information in the book for those
interested in global warming,” he writes.

When printed it sold for ,1.75 – “Back then I used to buy a nice
Sunday dinner for ,1.10.”

On a personal note, Wayne adds, “On Aug. 5, 2003, I was at the
Phantom Ranch in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Temperature 121
degrees F. That’s what you call HOT.” He sent along a thermometer
photo to confirm the temperature.

Meanwhile, we also had a report – credible if unofficial – that
the mercury exceeded 100 in Bradford in more recent years.

Charlie Sprague of Bradford dropped by with his 1988 journal, a
logbook in which he kept track of daily facts such as temperature,
barometric pressure etc. On July 16, 1988, he had logged a
temperature of 105 degrees – “highest temperatures this year.”

Oh, and in case you were wondering: “I started putting up the
rafter and plywood on porch roof. Too hot. Had to quit because of
showers and etc.” His wife? In the context of a woman’s work is
never done: “Donna house cleaning and washing.”

His notations show three other days when it hit 100 degrees –
July 7, July 8 and July 9.

Interestingly, Charlie recorded a pretty late frost that same
year – June 10. The next day, though, the mercury had climbed to
78; and by June 12, it was up to 85 degrees.

This is an interesting subject but, alas, our other files are
becoming backlogged and we must move on.