1948 – 71 YEARS AGO
One hundred and sixty Dupont sportsmen formed the Independent Sportsmen’s Organization to secure a substantial sum of money to augment revenue that would have been raised by borough and school taxes to aid in construction of an athletic field. The Borough of Dupont, through its council, had been able to secure a quit-claim deed on land owned by C.E. Banker and purchased the plot for $1,000. However, after doing a title search, Judge Frank Pinola found the title was not clear and, at some time in the future, without clear title, the fear was that someone could lay claim to the land. It was determined more investigation was necessary.
Prior to the popularity of roller-skating rinks, most people enjoyed roller skating on sidewalks and in parks. One such rink was Pop’s Rink in Avoca where, it was reported, hundreds gathered nightly to enjoy the sport. The indoor sport was gaining popularity with young and old. Also new were the “shoe skates” which did away with side clamps, ankle straps and a key, that most lamented was easily lost. Teens liked the fact they could gather for an afternoon or evening for fun with friends and listen to their favorite music as they glided around the floor.
1949 – 70 YEARS AGO
It was a week before the body of Daniel Del Monte, a Hughestown veteran who was killed during World War II, was scheduled to arrive in Pittston and residents prepared to accompany the cortege as it passed through the borough to his final resting place. However, for the second time during the year, a war memorial standing in front of the Hughestown High School was vandalized, causing damage to the stone and to the plot of land on which it stood. The large plaque-like stone on top of the memorial was loosened as well. Street Commissioner, Edgar Moran and the high school janitor by the name of Jennings worked feverishly to repair the memorial before Del Monte’s arrival. The memorial was erected in 1947 and was inscribed as follows: “In Memory of Our Boys Who Died That We Might Live – World War II. William E. Marsh, John F. Smallcomb, Russell Brown, Patsey De Ambrose, Michael G. Kelley, Patrick D. Williams, Thomas Naysmith, Frank DeMaio, R. Anthony Di Toro, Daniel Del Monte, Joseph A. Martone, Arch F. Welter, Frank N. Biscotti.”
Truckloads of clothing were sent from St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Pittston to Wiesbaden, Germany to clothe hundreds of orphans housed in institutions after the war. Technical Sergeant Samuel Bianco petitioned his church for the help and parishioners, not only from his church but from people of all faiths in the Upper Church, Carroll and Searle Streets sections donated clothing. Pittston merchants also assisted in the collections and Bianco helped distribute the clothing upon receipt.
1952 – 67 YEARS AGO
Willis C. Barnes, of West Pittston, co-owner of Alpaugh and Barnes Butcher Shop and Grocery Store on South Main Street, Pittston, brought his butcher shop right to the door of area housewives. Willis would travel three days a week making approximately 250 stops a day, providing a unique service of home delivery of groceries, baked good and salads. Starting a 5:30 a.m., he loaded his truck but found it difficult to hit all his customers in a single day because his service was so popular. Barnes retained the home delivery service idea from his earlier days as an employee with Keystone Market. After partnering with Peter Alpaugh in 1921, Barnes started his “store at your door” delivery service.
1962 – 57 YEARS AGO
The Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked, “Would it be a good idea for the U.S. and Russia to join forces in future space exploration?” Paul Smith, of Exeter, answered, “No, definitely not. We are big enough and capable to go it alone.” Joseph Denisco, of Yatesville, stated, “No, we know what we have but are not a bit certain of what the Russians have,” Leonard Oley,of Plains, added, “I understand they have better rocket fuel and booster rockets, but our electronics are superior to theirs. If they show sincerity in pooling the equipment, then we could go along with them.”
At the Milazzo Hardware and Garden Center in Pittston, peat moss was 88 cents for a large bushel, wall paint was $1.99 a gallon, copper tubing was 16 cents a foot and a gas water heater was $59.95. Allan’s Shoe Store in Pittston advertised women’s spring dress shoes for $1. Clothesline poles could be purchased by calling Reliable Spring Service in Pittston at OL4-2721.
1977 – 42 YEARS AGO
Mockingbird bowling team members Lucy Orkwis, Angie Walker, Jean Morreale, Fran Pisano Doris Moughan and Marion Perks were honored as champs of the Lady Birds Bowling League 76-77 season.
In 1974, the West Pittston Little League girls softball organization, the first of its kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania, was organized. That season, the girls of Division I won the district championship and went on to compete in the first state tournament held in Downingtown taking the runner-up spot. In 1977, the organization was starting its fourth year with elected officers Richard Belmont, Cathy Petruncio, Jane Firestine, Jerry LaMarc, Pat Evans, Rocky Redmond and Jim Melberger.
Mike Satkowski, of Dupont, was selected Outstanding Science Student of Luzerne County. With interests in chemistry, biochemistry and immunology, he planned to attend Wilkes College. In addition, he received certificates of merit from Luzerne County Society of Engineers, NEDT and PHEAA Scholarship Program.
1979 – 40 YEARS AGO
Captain Dianna LaFratte, of Pittston Twp., received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service while assigned as platoon officer and executive officer, CO. B Women’s Army Corp (WAC) Training Battalion, Fort McClellan, Alabama. LaFratte admitted she joined the Army as a fluke but, after training, she realized it was what she wanted to do in life. After 10 years of service LaFratte admitted the Army “forced me to accept challenges. They put you in a brand-new place, give you a brand-new job and you’re in charge of it.” She went on to state that, in the case of WAC, “The Army limits its role to that of combat support as opposed to front-line fighting.” The Women’s Army Corps originally began as the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942 but, as an auxiliary organization, the women did not receive benefits comparable to men. Edith Nourse Rogers, a congresswoman from Massachusetts, introduced a bill that would allow women to obtain those benefits.
1985 – 34 YEARS AGO
The Pittston Area boys track team captured its sixth straight Wyoming Valley Conference track and field championship by beating the Hanover Hawkeyes, 118-23. But in the semi-finals, the contest between Pittston Area and Wyoming Area gained the most attention. Pittston’s team was let by Lou Harashinski, Joe Kravitz and Chris Grady. Pittston Area’s Joe Spiccioli set a new school record in the triple jump, shattering a record set by Jeff McGlynn in 1981. Wyoming Area was led by Leo Malsky and Carl Pocceschi. Malsky gained titles in the javelin throw while Pocceschi gained honors in the 400-yard dash.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
1863 — With a victory at the Battle of Raymond, Mississippi, Union General Ulysses S. Grant closes in on Vicksburg.
1865 — The last land battle of the Civil War occurs at Palmito Ranch, Texas. It is a Confederate victory.
1926 — The sirship Norge becomes the first vessel to fly over the North Pole.
1932 — The body of Charles Lindbergh’s baby is found.
1940 — The Nazi conquest of France begins with the crossing of the Musee River.
1942 — The Soviet Army launches its first major offensive of the war, taking Kharkov in the eastern Ukraine.
BORN ON THIS DAY
1915 — Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics
1921 — Farley Mowat, Canadian nature writer (“Never Cry Wolf”)
1925 — Yogi Berra (Lawrence Peter Berra), baseball player and coach
1933 — Andrei Andreyevich Voznesensky, Russian poet
1936 — Tom Snyder, newscaster and television host
