First Posted: 11/25/2014
Question:
On Thanksgiving Day, 1996, reporters from USA Today and a television crew from Good Morning America were in Pittston. There was buzz that local and state legislators, Governor Tom Ridge and even Hillary Rodham Clinton may appear. What was going on?
1956 – 58 Years Ago
The Duryea Councilmen and volunteer firemen of the Germania and Excelsior Hose Companies were at a stalemate. Early in the year the councilmen voted to make funds of $1000 each available to the companies for carrying on their fire fighting duties in the borough. As the year progressed each company had only been paid $250. With the purchase new fire equipment a necessity the fire companies demanded the council pay the additional $750 owed each organization. With continued public pressure regarding failing equipment, the firemen stated they could not sufficiently respond to fires without purchasing needed items. Through negotiations and a number of proposals suggested and rejected, both sides agreed that a payment of the additional monies would be made before the end of the the year.
Sam Montagna, Joseph Castellino and Leo Scoda of Pittston joined 38 other Boy Scouts from Luzerne County on a trip to New Castle Air Force Base in Delaware. After touring the base, they learned about the Ground Observer Corp Defense program, and received a demonstration of the Link Pilot Trainer System. The Wilmington Airport was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. In 1950 the airport was renamed New Castle Army Air Base.
At a Saturday night dance at the YMCA kids gathered around Patricia Mulcahy and John Gaughan, as they were presented first place trophies for the best jitterbug couple. To see a photo of the received the top prize from Mrs. Jack Evans and Mrs. John Scrimgeour, while their friends look on, log on to www.psdispatch.com and click Peeking into the Past.
1966 – 48 Years ago
As preparations were being made for the first Marine Corp women to be sent to the Far East, Lt. Doris M. Keeler of Pittston learned she would be heading to Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan. Marine Corps Base Camp Butler’s history began in 1955. According to “We Are Marines! World War I to the Present” by Linda Cates Lacy, in 1966 Major Jane Wallis was the first woman Marine officer set to Camp Butler she was followed by Second Lieutenant Keeler. According to Volume 1 of the Women Marines Association only 60 women Marines were chosen to serve overseas.
Mrs. Ann Noone addressed the members of the Junior Women’s Club of West Pittston speaking on the pleasure of entertaining guests. During her presentation Noone offered hints for the hostess, including, what to wear, how to decorate and what to serve.
1976 – 38 Years Ago
After three and a half years of demolition work all that was left of the former Stanton Power Plant in Harding were a few out buildings and a short stretch of railroad track. The plant began operation in 1927 and generated electricity for the region until Hurricane Agnes devastated the area in 1972. Located along the westerly bank of the Susquehanna River the plant was operated by Pennsylvania Power and Light Company.
Due to the overwhelming number of requests to perform at various events, the Wyoming Area School Board adopted a new policy concerning the marching band’s public performances. Board directors Walter Placek, Dan Fetch, Anthony Sobeski, Charles Adonizio, Tim Pribula and Joseph Oleski, superintendent, stated that, “While we are mindful of the obligation of our school system to be responsible to the needs of the community, the main purpose of musical performing groups is to provide extended opportunities for skill development and creative expression rather than public entertainment.” The new schedule limited the band to 18 public performances with rotating schedules for community parades.
1986 – 28 Years Ago
The Convenient Food Mart operated by Mario Taffera opened on Columbus Avenue and South Main Street, a corner well known to Sam Alaimo whose family owned and operated a store at the same site From 1914 to 1954. Alaimo was the son of John and Frances Cortegerone Alaimo. John was one of five brothers. Alaimo remembered that his family were traditional “grocery men” who started out traveling door to door to delivery goods. To see a photo of the Alaimo’s store in 1948 log on to www.psdispatch.com and click on Peeking into the Past.
Answer:
Due to a long teacher’s strike, Pittston Area School District students were scheduled to attend class on Thanksgiving Day in 1996 making national headlines. Pennsylvania Act 88, mandates students receive 180 days of education even if school days falls on holidays, and Pennsylvanian’s for School Legislation Reform sent invitations to national media, local and national politicians to witness the event, which was the first in Pennsylvania history. The six-week strike ended by court order from the Department of Education. Pittston Area students were only given two holidays, Memorial Day and Christmas Day.
1935 – Non-belief in Nazism is proclaimed grounds for divorce in Germany.
1982 – “Thriller,” Michael Jackson’s second solo album, released; the album, produced by Quincy Jones, became the best-selling album in history.
1993 – U.S. President Bill Clinton signs the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.
