First Posted: 4/8/2014
1955 – 59 YEARS AGO
Michael Quinn, Charles Alba, John Coyne, John Donahue, Michael Drozdyinski, James Gilroy, Clinton Memory, Donald McNulty and Ronald Naparsteck, all from the Pittston area, were on their way to start basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. Construction of Fort Dix began in June 1917. In 1947, Fort Dix became a Basic Training Center and the home of the 9th Infantry Division. In 1954, the 9th moved out and the 69th Infantry Division made the fort home until it was deactivated on March of the following year.
More than 300 guests attended the 10th annual St. Rocco’s Church, Holy Name Society Smoker. Officers of the society in 1955 were Michael Fiume, president; Andrew Calabrese, first vice president; Joseph Sagliocolo, recording secretary; William DeAlba, financial secretary; Angelo DeSanto, treasurer; Louis DeGrose, second vice president; and Jasper Butera, president of the Junior HNS.
At Radio City, Broad Street, Pittston, a 21-inch black and white Emerson Television could be purchased for $219. Easy terms included $10 down with a $10 monthly payment.
Pvt. Doris Mae Keeler, of Hughestown, received her first stripe promoting her to Pvt. First Class. U.S. Women’s Marine Corp.
1965 – 49 YEARS AGO
The Exeter PTA, was given special recognition by the PTA Regional Council primarily for its total 450 registered membership. The council named the Exeter PTA as a model for others in its ability to generate interest of parents. However, It was reported that meeting attendance had dropped since the honor was bestowed. In an effort to stay curren,t Judge Richard Bigelow and Charles Adonizio of the juvenile probation office were invited to speak on the juvenile court system at the next meeting.
Pocket watches have a long history that traces their use by the upper classes to their transition to a necessary item for the working class. Charles Ferrara, of Pittston, was in possession of a rare pocket watch said to be handcrafted during the reign of Henry VIII in England. Along with the date, the name J. Worke was inscribed on the silver timepiece. Described as “key winding” the intricately-designed watch had an unusual link-chain operation. Pocket watches were first referred to in correspondence between craftsmen and members of the upper class in the 15th century. In the early 1500s, German inventor Peter Henlein was able to create watches that did not require falling weights as the source of their power, making them portable and was generally worn as a pendant on a chain around the neck.
1975 – 39 YEARS AGO
Long before security cameras were a consideration to law breakers, several burglars broke into Suburban Propane Gas Company on North Main Street in Pittston. During the night, a half ton safe was removed from the premises through the front door and into a waiting vehicle. The next morning, an employee notified the police. The safe with the lock “punched open” was found in a vacant lot on Green Street a mile from the scene of the robbery. The perpetrators probably thought they’d end up with thousands, however Kenneth Kern, district manager for the company estimated the thieves only got $50 to $100 dollars in the heist.
The Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked, “What is your opinion of the ruling allowing girls to participate on the same sports teams as boys in high school.” Sandy Morgan, of Pittston, answered, “In certain sports it could work, but not in football.” Gloria Macario, of Harding, said, “Yes, as long as the girl feels she is physically capable.” Carmella Burns, of Pittston, added, “I completely disagree with this rule.” Mrs. Veronica Donovan, of Stauffer Heights, said, “I believe this ruling is wrong’ it will mean the destruction of girls’ sports.
Barber Ford in Exeter advertised the 1975 Mustang II for $3,950, Maverick for $3,575 and Pinto for $2,825. The Fireside Inn on Old Forge offered these dinner prices: Lobster $4.95, Alaskan King Crab $4.50, Surf and Turf $5.95 and Fried Shrimp for $2.95.
1985 – 29 YEARS AGO
Six buses of garment workers left Greater Pittston to rally on the steps of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. They joined more than 5,000 others who urged the government to place limits on imports. Boxes of imported clothing were thrown into the Susquehanna River in protest. At the time, the garment industry employed two million workers in the U.S., ncluding over 100,000 in Pennsylvania. Those representing Greater Pittston were ILGWU workers and retirees, workers from J.L. Inc Port Blanchard and Corner Fashions, West Wyoming. To read more about the ILGWU and follow the path of the garment industry, read “Fighting for the Union Label” by Kenneth C. Wolensky, Nicole H. Wolensky, and Robert P. Wolensky. According to PSUpress.org, the book tells the story of how Wyoming Valley garment workers, led by Min Lurye Matheson and her husband, Bill, led one of the largest and most influential movements of garment workers in the union. Despite their valiant efforts, the apparel industry faded in the 1970s and 1980s.
“If the light in your life has changed to yellow, I recommend you floor it. It’s safer than the alternative.” – Jeb Dickerson
