First Posted: 12/3/2014
Question:
In 1989, why were devoted readers of the Sunday Dispatch worried about the future of their beloved newspaper?
1949 – 65 Years Ago
In 1949, shortly after Robert Morgan of West Pittston was chosen by the Junior Chamber of Commerce as Man of the Year for his outstanding community service, the Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked this question, “Do you think there should be a Woman of the Year? If so, on what basis should she be chosen?” The responses as you might guess were mixed. Paul Duda of Port Griffith answered, “Yes, she should be chosen on her merits as a business or professional woman and her work in the community. If she is married her domestic life should be considered.” Gabby Rizzo of Pittston added, “No, I can’t think of any woman who did any great deed to command the title of woman of the year.” Edward Burke added, “Yes, a good prospect would be a teacher in the fourth or fifth grades.” John DeRosa of Pittston said, “No, There is no woman who has done anything sufficient to warrant such an honor. If a woman was picked there would be too much dissension among other women who failed to gain recognition.”
1959 – 55 Years Ago
St Rocco’s Parish held a ceremony to burn the $135,000 mortgage for their school. Erected in 1950, the school was staffed by the Sisters of St. Lucy Filippini. Those participating in the event Elizabeth Insalaco, choir director; Dr. Sam Valenti, principal speaker; Dr. S.C. Andaloro, master of ceremonies; Rev. Louis Morse, assistant pastor; Daniel Limongelli and Nancy Giannone, Les Insalaco and Mrs. James G. Cosgrove, chairman and co chairman of the program. Mrs. Anthony Giarratano, chairman for the program; Mrs. Anthony Giarrantano, treasurer and Mrs. Gerard Walsh, publicity director. To see a photo of the event log onto our web site www.psdispatch.com and click on Peeking into the Past.
The “Social Event of the Season” was being planned by the Pittston Hospital Auxiliary. The annual gala held at Fox Hill Country Club was the group’s premier charity event. Committee members were Mrs. Edward A. Spohrer, Mrs. Sidney Fischer, Mrs. Thomas Davis Jr., Mrs. Donald Allan, Mrs. Stanley Mazaleski, Mrs. Michael Aita, Angela Narvid, Mrs. Santo Tabone, Mrs. Edward J. Spohrer, Mrs. Aloysius McNulty, Mrs. Joseph Quinn, Mrs. M.J. Walsh, Mrs. Harry Flegelman, Mrs. S. Thomas Bianco and Mrs. Sidney Darby. To see a photo of the auxiliary committee log on to our web site www.psdispatch.com and click on Peeking into the Past.
1979 – 35 Years Ago
Real Christmas trees were making a come back in 1979, that is, according to Dr. Robert Bishop, owner of Bishop and Son Christmas Tree farm on Sutton Creek Road in Harding. He had his son Dan continue the tree farm started by his father D.C. Bishop in 1938. With over 800 trees available and 5,000 seedlings planted for future holidays, the Bishops provided four types of trees, Norway Spruce, Frasier Fir, Scotch Pine and Con-color Fir.
Ed Gayz of Pittston finished first in his class at Data Processing A School in San Diego, Calif. Prior to entering the Navy after graduation from Pittston Area High School, he represented the local Vo-Tech School in state competitions, finishing second by three points. Gayz was expected to stay in San Diego for specialized training.
1989 – 25 Years Ago
It wasn’t only for their singing ability the group the Golden Voices was named, but for their ages. Members of the Cosmopolitan Senior Citizens Club of Wyoming and Exeter formed the vocal group after members realized they wanted to do more than charity work. Their aim was to entertain residents of nursing homes, elderly housing and rehabilitation centers and those who would most enjoy the “old songs.” Members of the group were Jean Yurek, director; Helen Harmonas, Doris Zanta, Josephine Demidio, Monica Skolick, Fran Marfisi, Mary Michaels Emma Ziobro, Anna Duzen, Florence Nametko, Julie Gregus, Mary Dirhan, Agnes Podwika, Agnes Endrusick, Kay Haddock Marge Zinkazich, Marion Yonki, Louis Workoski, Agnes Konopka, Mary Ann Jakubca, George Harmonas, John Yurek and Jake Knopka.
Answer:
In 1989, owners of the Sunday Dispatch, William Watson Jr and sons John and Bill III announced the planned sale of the newspaper to Capital Cities/ABC Inc. and some Pittston residents were “critical of the decision.” In a letter to readers, the Watsons cited a need to cut back services to remain viable. The Watsons were determined that the Dispatch exist far into the future and called upon their readers to consider their 43 years of loyalty to the community. Although the size of the paper had diminished the Watsons were determined to continue providing the news and stories the communities of Greater Pittston had come to reply upon.
This Date in History:
Dec. 7, 1941 – Japanese attack on the U.S. at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii, 2,000 Americans died in the attack and another 1,000 wounded. The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. The resolution passed with one dissenting vote. The single vote against Congress’s declaration of war against Japan came from Rep. Jeannette Rankin of Montana. Rankin, a pacifist who had also voted against the American entrance into World War I. “As a woman,” she said, “I can’t go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else.”
