WINTER: The anniversary passed us by last week, but in light of the current snowfall, we were reminded to take a look back at Jan. 29, 1977 — the blizzard of ‘77.

There was a lot of snow, but there were also some critical shortages that impacted the region. The snow and sub-zero temperatures across Pennsylvania affected fuel supply.

Gov. Milton Shapp called in the National Guard, around 100 guardsmen from six units, to help evacuate numerous families from their homes.

They were in Bradford to assist with snow removal, as well as fuel distribution.

“Governor Shapp asked President Carter … to declare the state a disaster area. Such a proclamation would funnel federal funds, small business and farm loans and technical assistance into the state,” read an Associated Press article printed in The Era.

Authorities prepared emergency centers for residents in case of service gas line breaks or lack of supply.

An Era story stated that even Pennsylvania Department of Transportation drivers reported that they were experiencing low visibility on the roads, and were focusing on main thoroughfares while the blizzard raged on.

Bradford City Council gathered together to discuss the weather emergency in order to deal with what was in their memory, one of the worst storms to ever hit the area.

“Council voted to urge all Bradford residents, merchants and industries to cooperate with Columbia and National Fuel Gas in their requests for the highest possible levels of conservation,” an Era article read.

The board also voted to suspend alternate side parking on city streets in the area for two weeks.

The city’s problems magnified when road crews realized there was no more than 500 tons of salt for use throughout the rest of the winter.

The area was also told to be prepared for emergencies such as major fires or natural gas explosions. More on the storm in Friday’s Era.