Question:

In 1962, a question was raised in the Sunday Dispatch as to the origin of the names of the Niagara and Eagle hose companies of Pittston. Also included in the query were the Black Diamond, Excelsior and Germania hose companies in Duryea. Fifty-four years later we’d like to post the answer to this question. Can you tell us how these fire companies came to be given their respective names? Call us at 570-991-6403.

1952 – 64 Years Ago

The Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked, “A number of small communities throughout the country are adding female officers to their police departments. Do you think the addition of a female officer to the Pittston Police Department would help or hinder operations?” George Legezdh, of Yatesville answered, “They should have one (police woman), and I believe it would be a help to the city.” Wally Wolicki of Wyoming stated, “Personally speaking, I think the town is too small for that. We haven’t even got a detective bureau here, so what would we do with policewomen?” Mrs. Jerry Iscovitz of Pittston added, “If she had her mind on her work, she would be just as efficient as a male.” Atty. F.X. D’Iorio, Pittston, answered, “I should say that it would help operations decidedly. I know a few married men who will readily admit that women are good detectives, maybe too good.”

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1962 – 54 Years Ago

In Ramblin’ Round Our Town, a column published weekly in the Sunday Dispatch, the question was asked, “How did area fire departments get their name?” In question were the Pittston Niagara and Eagle hose companies. Also included in the query were three Duryea Borough’s hose companies, Black Diamond, Germania and Excelsior. One company stood out in the article — Goodwill Hose Company of West Pittston. It was reported that with the organization of Goodwill Hose Company, there was a dispute between it and the existing West Pittston Hose Company over the need for a second company. Therefore, after much discord it was decided that the new hose company should be named Goodwill.

Sam Cordora, senior vice commander of the John D. Stark Post 542 announced the lineup for the Memorial Day parade in West Pittston. At the front, officers and members of the American Legion band would lead World War I, World War II, Korean War and Spanish American War veterans. The West Pittston High School Band would lead the members of the West Pittston and Goodwill hose companies. Also included were Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, the Salvation Army Corp and Civil Defense Brigade.

1972 – 44 Years Ago

The Wyoming Area modern history class held a mock presidential election on the day of the Pennsylvania primary election. The purpose of the class was to introduce students with the social issues of the day and encourage them to become involved in the voting process. Students who conducted the project were Ralph Delpriore, Dominic Brasso, John Champi, Joseph Fedorchak, Jerry Wierbowski, John Bublo, Dan Fetch, Harry Lewis, Bruce Saunders, George Prywara, Ann Gildea, Steve Kulick, Helen Olm and Carol Golecki.

On the fifth anniversary of their graduation, the Wyoming Area High School, class of 1967 planned its first reunion. Committee members were Linda Evans Luongo, Agnes Stochmal, Ann Marie Pellegrini Smutko, Barbara Sickler, Tosca Chiampi Villano, Ann Marchesini, Joseph Cordora, Barry Finn, Chris Pisaneschi, Barry Hosier, Marilyn Gubbiotti, Bernie Borr and Richard Solerno.

1992 – 24 Years Ago

The Sunday Dispatch conducted a survey that indicated a majority of residents were in favor of a flood control project in West Pittston. After Hurricane Agnes, West Pittston officials were told the borough was originally not included in the Wyoming Valley Levee System because, according to the Army Corps of Engineers, it did not meet the cost-benefit ratio of 1:1 for federal funds. The levee project was constructed in 1936 to protect communities along the Susquehanna River, but in 1972, Hurricane Agnes proved the levee system inadequate. By January 2003, a levee-raising project was completed. In 2011, during Tropical Storm Lee, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated West Pittston saw water rise several feet higher than it did in 1972.

2002 – 14 Years Ago

John Barnousky of Exeter Township chose to respectfully retire over 500 American flags for his Eagle Scout project. Exeter Borough Mayor Joseph Coyne and officers of the American Legion Post 833 and Barnousky’s fellow Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 311 assisted in the retirement ceremony.

The Greater Pittston Mutual Aid, consisting of fire chiefs from towns in Greater Pittston, honored Paul Komensky for 30 years of service. Komensky was the past fire chief of the Germania Hose Company and past borough fire chief of Duryea.

Did You Know:

It’s legally required to observe a National Moment of Remembrance. In December 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen.

On the first Memorial Day, May 30, 1868, then known as Decoration Day, James A. Garfield, a Civil War General and Republican Congressman, not yet a president, gave an hour and a half speech. He addressed several thousand people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Auxiliary Police of Hughestown displayed their new uniforms on Memorial Day in 1962. From left, first row, Harry Folweiler, assistant police chief; Louis Bartoli, constable; John Hensley, auxiliary lieutenant; Frank DePhilip, auxiliary captain; Ralph Herbert, auxiliary sergeant; Leonard Blasavage, police lieutenant. Second row, Bill Mullarky, Ed Herbert, Henry Hughes, John Orlando, Sam Altiere. Third row, Dino Chiavacci, civil defense director; Alan Keeler, Anthony Giardina, Dave Brodbeck. Absent from photo, Anthony Giardina Sr., police chief; Leonard Hoover, Elmer Smith and Joseph Wachs.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_AUX-POL-HUGHESTOWN-62.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Auxiliary Police of Hughestown displayed their new uniforms on Memorial Day in 1962. From left, first row, Harry Folweiler, assistant police chief; Louis Bartoli, constable; John Hensley, auxiliary lieutenant; Frank DePhilip, auxiliary captain; Ralph Herbert, auxiliary sergeant; Leonard Blasavage, police lieutenant. Second row, Bill Mullarky, Ed Herbert, Henry Hughes, John Orlando, Sam Altiere. Third row, Dino Chiavacci, civil defense director; Alan Keeler, Anthony Giardina, Dave Brodbeck. Absent from photo, Anthony Giardina Sr., police chief; Leonard Hoover, Elmer Smith and Joseph Wachs. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Miss-Judy-2-3.jpg.optimal.jpgSunday Dispatch File Photo

Peeking into the Past

Judy Minsavage

Hose Co. History

According to ‘Pittston, 100 Years a City,’ a special supplement to the Sunday Dispatch dated Jan. 29, 1995, the Eagle Hose Company, the first in the city of Pittston, was organized in 1857. Originally called Pittston Hose Company No. 1, the name was changed to Eagle in 1866.

Niagara Hose Company was organized on July 27, 1875. A year later the company acquired its first steamer, purchased at a cost of $5,000.

According to The Luzerne Legal Register, Volume 14, the Mechanics Hose Company No. 3 of Pittston applied for a charter on Nov. 16, 1885.

Reach Judy Minsavage at 570-991-6403 or on Twitter @JudithMinsavage.