First Posted: 3/25/2015
1953 – 62 Years Ago
Santo Giambra of Pittston was known to family and friends as quite a handy fellow. After all he’d invented several useful gadgets, but didn’t have the necessary funds to obtain the patents. Some of his inventions, therefore, didn’t make it past the drawing board. However, one drew the attention of two Pittston brothers, a curtain rod that had a unique twisted post that was guaranteed not to snag lacy or delicate curtains when inserted into the rod pocket. John and Fiore Cremard loaned Giambra the money to secure the patent which was granted by the U.S. Patent Office on March 1, 1955. Giambra also applied for a patent for an adjustable safety razor which was granted on March 20, 1956.
Ciampi Motors in West Pittston advertised a “New Kind of Car,” the Hudson Jet, with the lowest center of gravity among American cars. The Hudson Motor Car Company merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors (AMC). The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after which, it was discontinued. Roginsky Brothers on Main Street, Pittston offered the Arvin “all channel super 28 television for $399.” The Arvin claimed to be the first with built-in all-channel turning to receive 12 VHF channels and 70 UHF Channels. The terms Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency describe distinct parts of the electromagnetic waveband used for radio and television broadcasts.
The 1943 graduating class of Pittston High School was known as the “Mine Cave Class” because during the early part of 1943 the school building caved in due to mine subsidence. The class held commencement exercises in the West Pittston High School. In 1953, they held their 10-year class reunion. Members of the planning committee were Sam Maira, William DeAlba, Anthony Mantione, Gene Starna, Patrick Trischitta, Catherine Leonardi, Rose Sarago DeAlba, Mary Alba Scarantino, Sarah Giamusso Alfano, Mary Crane Bender, Sue Tuminelli Burke, Sarah Ferrara Mukey and William Kridlo.
1963 – 52 Years Ago
The Pittston Junior Chamber of Commerce began preparations for their 14th annual Miss Wyoming Valley Pageant. Greater Pittston girls aged 18 to 26 were invited to enter the competition. Anthony Recupero and Leonard Falcone served a entry chairmen and Joseph Ristagno served as stage chairman. The winner of the contest would go on to compete in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant.
“The Robe” starring Richard Burton and Jean Simmons was screened at the Comerford Drive-In. “To Kill A Mockingbird” starring Gregory Peck was featured at the American Theater.
Captain and Mrs. John Flanagan and their children Kathleen, John and Nora were given a going away party prior to their departure to Teheran, Iran. Flanagan was to be stationed in Teheran with the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group, Army.
Dan Occhiato, Carl DeLorenzo, Sam Montagna, Fred Licata, Dave Panuti, Steve Romanze and Charles Infantino made up the Pittston Orioles Junior Orchestra. The group was scheduled to perform at the annual Palm Sunday Smoker at St. Rocco’s Church.
1973 – 42 Years Ago
With the realization that students needed more information to determine interest in career possibilities, Wyoming Area High School developed the Career Guidance Resource Center. The program provided an area for students to receive occupational vocational and educational information using audio-visual aids. Some students watched videos on a DuKane Sound Filmstrip Cassette projector, others listened to cassette tapes played to corresponding filmstrips shown on Viewlex machines. Others perused microfilm. Counselors were on hand to discuss specific careers. Some students who took advantage of the technology were George Mazur, Rita Weiss, Ricky Melvin, Karen Puza, Patricia Seilhamer, Rose Grabosky, Diane Dowse, Karen Tamalenus and Mary Matani.
Mrs. Jean Casterline, librarian of the Pittston Memorial Library, presided over the first meeting of the Inter-Library Task Force. The meeting afforded the opportunity for representatives of areas without libraries to meet with members of the District Libraries of Luzerne County in an effort to achieve county-wide service.
1983 – 32 Years Ago
Music on Parade was the title of the music festival performed at the Pittston Area High School. Over 600 participants performed for over 2,000 attendees on each of the two-night performances. One hundred fourth graders directed by Joseph Cigan began the program. The elementary chorus was conducted by Marianna Smith. Curtis Roberts “inspired the Junior High Band with his dynamic conducting style.” Robert Boyle led the Junior High Community Chorus. Directing the Senior High Band was Wayne Szakal. The evening was rounded out with performances by The Wyoming Valley Barbershop Quartet and Pittston Area Parent Vocal Ensemble. To see photos of the event that was deemed a model of the importance of teaching music in schools, log on to psdispatch.com and click on Peeking into the Past.
