The Bradford Oil Refinery holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating petroleum refinery in the United States. Over the past 125 years, the refinery has survived changes in ownership, fires, and economic highs and lows, and it continues to be an important supplier of lubricants and refinery specialties. The company was established in 1881 in the small village of Kendall Creek (now the city of Bradford) by three independent oilmen: Robert Childs, Eli Loomis, and William Willis. They quickly recognized the financial opportunity of building a refinery in the heart of the...
The Bradford Oil Refinery holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating petroleum refinery in the United States. Over the past 125 ...
Around Bradford Volume II further looks at the history of the area as it has not been seen before. Once one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania, Bradford relied heavily on oil production in the 1880s for its success. Author Sally Ryan Costik allows us to glimpse into the "Age of Innocence" at the turn of the century before she endeavors to examine the city's own tumultuous past. In the 1920s, it was home to KKK activity, gangster slayings, and mob retaliation--events that contrast sharply with the images of Sunday school, industrial growth, and high society from "Millionaires Row" found...
Around Bradford Volume II further looks at the history of the area as it has not been seen before. Once one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania, Bra...
