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Some clouds. Low 53F. Winds light and variable..

Some clouds. Low 53F. Winds light and variable.

REMEMBERING: In a prior column, we shared some Bradford history from Sam Sylvester.

Today, we’re going back in time again with Sam as he tells us about the A.J. Olsen Company.

“August 1st, 1935, was an important day in Bradford. A new and large department store would be opening. Bradford would have its “Macy’s!” Occupying the building at 118-120 Main Street, next to Friedman’s Clothiers, the store was billed to feature ‘merchandise in Dry Goods and Wearables for men, women and children at popular prices,’” Sam wrote.

He quoted an old Era article, saying the store was owned by Andrew J. Olsen, now of Bradford and formerly of Pittsburgh.

“Mr. Olsen was characterized as a ‘man of reputed wide experience in the retail field’ having spent eight years in store management for Montgomery Ward and W.T. Grant Company. Mr. Olsen stated that his store has employed a large sales staff of Bradford ‘girls’ and ‘we hope to properly care for each and every person entering our store on opening day and thereafter.’ Mr. Frank Skurka would be the assistant manager.”

The Era story continued, “The remodeling featured a modernized front, done in black with glass Carrara trim. A new sign with a yellow background and the company name in gold letters bordered in black was erected while the windows were decorated and trimmed with new valances in monk’s cloth, black trimmed with the company’s monogram. The store’s entrance was ramped and swinging doors installed.

“The interior of the store was done in light mahogany and cream walls and ceiling. Scores of wall shelves were installed for reserve stock while special mural plaques were built for the display of merchandise.”

Please help local businesses by taking an online survey to help us navigate through these unprecedented times. None of the responses will be shared or used for any other purpose except to better serve our community. The survey is at: www.pulsepoll.com $1,000 is being awarded. Everyone completing the survey will be able to enter a contest to Win as our way of saying, "Thank You" for your time. Thank You!

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