Full of history, Bradford House rededicated
On the lawn behind the Bradford House and its garden filled with herbs and flowers, the Bradford House Historical Association held a rededication ceremony Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic landmark becoming a museum.
“This is a piece of American history that was worth keeping from the wrecking ball, so we’re here celebrating 50 years after a group of people made the very wise and thoughtful decision to step in and save it, and create a museum out of what is probably the most significant standing stone house in Western Pennsylvania in the sense of American history,” said Tripp Kline, a member of the Bradford House Historical Association board of directors.
The stone house, which stands on South Main Street, was built in 1788 by David Bradford, an attorney, businessman and deputy attorney general of Washington County who became the leader of the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. Bradford lived in the home for only six years before fleeing to escape arrest for his involvement in the Whiskey Rebellion.
Through the years, Kline said, the house was owned by a succession of families and served as a grocery store, a coffin store and a furniture store.
By the 1950s, the house fell into disrepair.
A group of citizens who did not want to see the house demolished, led by Margaretta D. Stewart, owner and publisher of The Observer and The Reporter, the city’s newspaper, fought to have the house restored as a museum.
In 1959, the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission assumed control of the house and oversaw restoration of its 18th century design.
The museum was opened to the public Sept. 18, 1965, following a six-year restoration project.
The Bradford House is still owned by the Pennsylvania Museum Commission but is operated by the Bradford House Historical Association.
“We board members, we love this house. This house is important to us,” said Rachel Gladden, president of the board. “When you think of the history that happened right here on this spot, it’s pretty amazing that we’ve been able to maintain it. The mission of the Bradford House Historical Association is to preserve and promote the history and heritage of the David Bradford House and to educate the public in the role of David Bradford and the Whiskey Rebellion in shaping America. This is what we’ve done as a board, and this is what we’ll continue to do.”
Following the rededication ceremony, those who attended walked to the front of the house to recreate the photo taken at the 1965 dedication.
“And in 50 years, we’ll take another photo to recreate the one we took tonight,” Kline said.