Since the late 1800's, the Bradford Club has been a place of gathering for its members,providing a variety of services. In its earlier years, the club was known as a “quiet gentlemen’s club,” which embodied a membership of local business men, oil men, professionals and bankers. The Bradford Club was officially chartered on February 13, 1891. The Charter states that the purpose of the Bradford Club
is to “ further social in*******se and the enjoyment of innocent games.” Originally, the club was located at 75 Main Street in a building that once was described as “ representative of Pennsylvania Railroad Gothic.” The original “red brick” building was home to the Bradford Club for about 50 years. Members enjoyed a recreation room, billiard room, grillroom, large fireplaces and many other accommodations. Throughout the years, the Bradford Club has gone through many changes, yet has remained an integral part of the community; now located at 32 - 40 Boylston Street, the membership is comprised of both men and women. Although change and adaption was inevitable, the club has been able to preserve many of its traditions. Where else could you find the daily posted price of Pennsylvania crude oil? Originally an important pulse reading for its business members , now a familiar reminder of where we came from. Additionally, tradition is deeply engraved as is demonstrated by the fact the current President of the Bradford Club, Frederick W. Fesenmyer, is a fourth generation member dating back to 1911 when his great grandfather Senator Lewis Emery held a membership as well. The present Board of Directors of the Bradford Club are Frederick W. Fesenmyer president, Robert L. Saunders vice-president, Thomas E. Arrowsmith treasurer, Carlyle C. Conn secretary, Preston R. Abbey director, Gregory W. Booth director, and Dr. K. Lester Rice director emeritus. Paul Nunn is the current manager taking over in 2018, he is a 215 graduate of Pitt-Bradford’s hospitality program. Daniel J. Reiley was the manager from 1984-2018 and was the third man in the club’s history to hold that position. James J. Montecalvo was the second, who was very charismatic and highly respected by all. The first was John Shortell. Today, the Bradford Club provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner accommodating its members, their families, and guests with both casual and fine dinning in a quiet setting that is unmatched in the Bradford area. Many business’s in the area utilize the Club for meetings, as well as, a place to host business associates. In addition, the Club is host to a variety of parties and gatherings for all occasions, and to all social needs. The Bradford Club is a reflection of the history, loyalty, perseverance, and dedication of its members and the surrounding community. The furnishings of the Bradford Club are a chronological record of the historical events of the Bradford community.
