Z I P P O

Ok, so it happens in all relationships. Separated by circumstance. This week I find myself traveling WITHOUT my bride-to-be. I am wandering all through the Allegheny National Forest area and what is the main focus of our day’s activity… You guessed it! Z I P P O lighters.


Now the company I am traveling with wanted to go see the Z I P P O museum. No problem. I thought it might be interesting as well. So I look up the directions about noontime from Corning, New York to Bradford, PA. Interstate 86, to Route 15, Route 6, Route 59, to US 219. It takes about three hours going this scenic way.

Off we go. It would be really worth the drive in the fall…It was simply lovely. The experience was like being the in hills of Southern Indiana and/or some places out west with a little more or less of exagerration. It all depends on if one is in a valley, hillside with falling rocks, or near the top of the hill. The towns on Route 6 we passed through were started in the late 1800’s early 1900’s. Many places would be worth the stop…though we were on a mission.

So as usual, when I am driving I expect my passengers to do some basic navigation. So we get into Bradford where the Z I P P O place is located. I ask what exit. The passenger did not know. Not their fault, the literature did not say and no signs from the south existed! Not a good sign, considering that this IS the town’s only main attraction.


So I see the Z I P P O sign from the road. I guessed the correct exit. We asked natives, where in the world is Z I P P O?

It is about 15:55 and the place closes at 17:00. We arrive and park with the five other cars parked in the visitor parking area in the grass field! Experience tells me that most museums are not worth more than 3 hours of time and ones supporting the cigarette industry should be about 1/3 that! Actually, it was OK. People like their lighters.


If your Z I P P O ever goes bad, just send it in! They will fix anything mechanically wrong for free. In fact, you can even watch them fix your lighter through the glass windows.

After debriefing with the company I was keeping, the person said something to the effect of “I had no idea now much the Z I P P O company contributed to the soldiers comfort during World War II” Now folks, that is a good marketing after effect for such a short visit.

In my debriefing, I was REALLLLLLY annoyed by the high-pitched sound that radiated throughout the showroom from the laser-engraving machine. It is amazing what people want engraved on their lighter. I think I will buy the outdoor Z I P P O lighter torch when it comes out in September. It looks really useful.

Surprisingly, I didn’t need a smoke after the experience. It is nice to see a manufacturer stand behind their product.

We ate at the Beef Eaters downtown and now find ourselves resting at the modern hotel in town.
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