-By Carolann Fisher-Linn-
A routine mission to Bradford led to the discovery of the Marilyn Horne Museum, in the heart of downtown. Marilyn Horne (born 1/16/1934), one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of all time, is a Bradford native who became a world class opera star. Who knew? The Horne family lived modestly on Elm Street sharing the building with a grocery store in front. Money was scarce in those days, but they managed to get by. Then came the big move to Long Beach, California, when Marilyn was 11. The plan was for her to have better performing opportunities than the school Christmas pageant and service organization events. Her opera career took her to venues all over the globe, but she always remembered her modest beginnings in Bradford. Imagine this: The shining star of the Metropolitan Opera House returned in June 1979 for the city’s centennial, singing before 1400 people at Bradford High School Auditorium. Marilyn donated her personal archives to the University of Pittsburgh in 2013. In May 2017, the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center was dedicated, with Marilyn and her family in attendance. Although you may not fancy opera, you may remember Ms. Horne singing the National Anthem, along with the lovely song written for her twenty-five years ago, “Make a Rainbow,” and the Shaker hymn, “Simple Gifts,” in January 1993 at President Clinton’s Inauguration. (She performed for 4 presidents.) The museum display is interactive with many options to hear her magical voice and see some of her opulent gowns and impressive awards. As you tour, you will eventually be drawn to the Starbucks coffee bar next to the museum, and your eye will also be caught by the unique, humorous items in the interesting gift shop. The free museum is open daily, Monday through Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm, located at 2 Marilyn Horne Way. Hang a left at the end of Main Street (at the gazebo) and circle around in front of the museum. (814) 362-7990.
One does not spend time in Bradford without visiting the Zippo/Case Museum. First opened in late 1993, it featured products from the Zippo family of companies at the time: Zippo, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company and Holgate Toys (26 miles from Zippo in Kane Pa. – think classic wooden toys). It was too small to accommodate the visitors and collectors who made the trip so a new Zippo/Case Visitors Center opened in July 1997. Today, 100,000 people from around the globe pass through the doors. The lighters are what legends are made of. An ad in 1942 wrote, “Zippo Windproof LIGHTERS have acted as rescue beacons for men in open boats, as a guide through dense dark jungles and as a means for lighting fires for food and warmth.” Have a beat-up Zippo that needs some TLC? Take it along. The Zippo Repair Clinic is onsite. Located at 1932 Zippo Drive (814-368-1932) you can’t miss the 14 Zippo-street lighters lining the drive or the 40-foot Zippo lighter (lit) over the entrance. Add to that a massive Case three-blade pocket-knife and you’ll know you have arrived. Of course, it’s handicap accessible, and did I say it’s free?
Visit the Penn-Brad Oil Museum – a non-profit museum dedicated to the memories of the men (and women), their stories, and preserving the equipment relating to the history of the Bradford Oil fields. Admission is $5 Adults, kids under 12 free as well as active military and their families. Located at 901 South Avenue, they are open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-2pm and can be reached at (814) 362-1955. BTW: The first successful oil well ever drilled in America (8/27/1859) was ninety minutes away at Titusville, which began our petroleum industry.
The Kinzua Sky Walk (“One of the top ten scenic skywalks in the world.” The Culture Trip, UK) would be an exciting addition to any fall leaf-watching itinerary and gives visitors a panoramic view of Kinzua Valley as they walk out 225 feet (on glass) above the valley floor. The Viaduct, built in May 1882, was once the longest and tallest railroad structure at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high. It was partially destroyed by a tornado during 2003. It’s 29 min from Zippo (20.1 mi) via PA-646 S. Open daily 8am to 6pm. (814) 778-5467. Happy leaf-watching, folks!