BOOK: We’ve been sharing information from Sally Costik, curator of the Bradford Landmark Society, about local volunteer fire companies throughout the city’s early history.
Now we want to share some information about The Landmark Society.
Sally tells us, “The Landmark is currently writing a book, called ‘Something’s Burning’ detailing over sixty of the terrible, and memorable fires. We’ll have this published by Christmas and in local stores. It’s an interesting and historical look at local fires. So many of them!
We’re sure RTS readers will remember some of them.
“The Onofrio fire, 1983; Singer’s Country Store, 1985; Taylor Aircraft fire, 1937; Finer Floors fire, 1972; the Moose Club fire, 1957; and of course, those huge fires of the past: the town of Rew burned to the ground 1880; Tarport (now East Bradford) burned several times; Red Rock was completely destroyed by fire in 1879; the ‘Great Fire’ which burned 40 buildings on lower Main Street; burning oil tanks; Beacon Light Children’s Home at Custer City, burned in 1915,” Sally described, adding “even the Toothpick factory fire!”
“We’ve had a great time compiling the book, and honor and respect all those brave firefighters who answered the call and fought those fires,” she said.
Again, we agree. It sounds like this book will be a must for local history buffs — and right in time for the holidays.
MORE: For a change of pace, we wanted to share with our readers an interesting story from 1918. But for the grace of God, an advertisement might have been the death of a man.
“John M. Dunn, the cigar dealer of No. 93 Main street, became mixed in an accident last evening in his store which might easily have produced serious consequences but from which he fortunately escaped unscathed.
“A heavily framed advertising picture about 20 x 36 inches fell from its position on the wall and striking Mr. Dunn’s head, shattered the glass, picture and backboard, the frame finally coming to rest on his shoulders. His escape from injury is considered little short of miraculous.”
