First Posted: 9/9/2014
Question:
In 1956, a real “messy” job was eliminated in the Pittston Post Office with the use of what new instrument?
This week’s photos from the past:
See a photo of members of the Pittston High School Class of 1966 celebrating their 20th anniversary reunion by logging onto www.psdispatch.com and clicking on Peeking into the Past. While there, help us identify the “Mountain Men” of Duryea, Avoca and Moosic.
1956 – 58 Years Ago
In preparation for the observation of Fire Prevention Week, fire chiefs and committee members from surrounding communities met to discuss various event arrangements. Those in attendance were Joseph Quinn, chairman, and Frank Serudato, both of Pittston; John Casey and Harold Shannon, both of West Pittston; James Houston and John Golden, both of Port Griffith; R.J. Pembridge, Wyoming; Albert Bott Jr, West Wyoming; Charles Domoracki, Exeter; William Campbell, Wyoming; Carl Witkowski and P.J. McNulty, both of Duryea; and Howard L. Sanders, Avoca. Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked Pittston residents, “West Wyoming school officials have barred students from driving cars to school. Do you think other schools should take similar action?” Mary Claire Quinnan answered, “Those who live quite a distance should be given the opportunity to drive.” Ed Devlin added, “If youngsters can walk to school, they should. There are enough cars and traffic problems.” Marty Roche stated, “I feel that is up to the parents to decide.”
Following the Diane Flood of 1955, the Duryea Civic Club was organized. Some local politicians doubted the club would succeed, but in September of 1956 the club and its officers Jess Rutkoski, Charles Sealy, Leo Wasilewski, William Traigis, Joseph Shedlock, Tom Grabosky, Mary Receski and Joseph Swenton celebrated their first year anniversary. The club, with assistance of residents, hoped to acquire a plot of ground on which a Community House could be erected. The arrival of Hurricane Connie five days prior to Hurricane Diane set the stage for Diane to create some of the most destructive floods the river valleys of eastern Pennsylvania, northwest New Jersey, southeast New York and southern New England had ever seen.
1966 – 48 Years Ago
Eleven area men entered the military service through the Selective Service Board. Those reporting to basic for training were John Lacomis, Avoca; Carmen Oliver, Pittston; Raymond Smitko, Duryea; Al McHale, Exeter; Robert Hamlin, Pittston; Lenny DiBiasi, Dupont; Charles Podejka, Avoca; Leonard Quinn, Pittston; Fred Maiasano, Pittston; Daniel Trotta, Pittston; and John Bushinski, Dupont. President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, creating the country’s first peacetime draft and establishing the Selective Service System. In 1973, the U.S. converted to an all-volunteer military. The registration requirement was suspended in April 1975. in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, it was resumed in 1980 by President Carter.
Drummer Santo Sperazza, Grace Golden, Janet Malkemes, Nardia Sperazza, pianist, Eileen Golden and Robert Malkemes formed the West Pittston neighborhood singing group the 4 G’s. Selections from Mary Poppins and Rogers and Hammerstein were performed by the group at local events.
1986 – 28 Years Ago
Bob Cappelloni never shot a muzzle loader in his life, but that didn’t stop him from challenging the division champ at the famed 7th Annual Mountain Men Rendezvous, an event which pitted sharpshooters from Avoca, Duryea and Moosic. Defending champ Wally Chrobak faced competition from several experienced shooters but fellow contestants attributed rookie Cappelloni’s physical strength as an iron worker for his exceptional shooting accuracy during the day-long event. Chrobak rose victorious, though, in a tie-breaking shoot-off. At the end of the day, competitors sat around a campfire, enjoying turtle soup, rattlesnake patties and possum pie prepared by Joe Pucilowski, Joe Romanecz and Mike George. Guitar music and vocals were provided by Tommy George. To see a photo of the more than 40 “Mountain Men” and to read more about the event, visit www.psdispatch.com and click on Peeking into the Past.
Answer:
In 1956, after “conducting experiments for months” The Post Office Department issued ballpoint pens to offices across the country, eliminating the use of fountain pens. “We are certain,” Frank T. Tracy, Pittston Postmaster said, “that the public, which will benefit the most, will recommend these pens as a further improvement in the postal service.” Customer Stella Savitsky, of Wyoming, while filling out a money order, stated, “It was no trouble at all with the new pen.” The new pens eliminated the “messy job” of filling ink wells. The Post Office Department was the name of the United States Postal Service prior to it being made a Cabinet department in 1971. The first patent for a ballpoint pen was issued on Oct. 30, 1888 to John J. Loud. Marcel Bich introduced a consistently reliable ballpoint pen to the Americans in the 1950s. He changed his name to Bic in 1953.
“The one charm of the past is that it is the past.” – Oscar Wilde, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
