Editor’s note: This Peeking into the Past column originally ran in the Nov. 14, 2010 edition of the Sunday Dispatch.
Question:
On Nov. 15, 1953, City Electric Center located in the American Theater Building in Pittston advertised the Executive, a Crosley brand television that offered five years of free service and a one-year guarantee on the picture tube. Although the sets were not as well known as the Admiral and Philco brand of the time, they were of high quality and sold for $349.95 at City Electric. Powell Crosley Jr., owner of Crosley Corporation in Cincinnati, was a colorful figure whose name is better known for something else — what is it?
1953 – 63 Years Ago
Arnold Gordon of the Dupont Lions Club and Sgt. Edward Kopcza of the Dupont Police Department decided to take matters into their own hands. Both men set about constructing 220 street markers to replace the weathered or destroyed ones in the town. Albert Strucke, Anthony Kalmanowicz and Burgess Joseph X. Lokuta assisted the men. The Lions Club donated all materials.
Limongelli Brothers, located on South Street in Pittston, advertised the Aero Willys, an aerodynamic passenger car priced at $1,499. Kaiser Willys, producer of Jeeps for the consumer, branched into a classic style for the more discriminating tastes. The Aero was manufactured between 1952 and 1955, with approximately 7,000 produced.
Pittston Mayor Joseph Saporito and police chief Francis Linnen advised city officers they would be expected to strongly enforce traffic rules. Prior to the ruling, parking meter men only issued traffic tickets, the new ruling was designed to catch more violators and ease parking problems in the city. It was also noted that fixing tickets for violations would be taboo.
The Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked area gentlemen, “Do you think it is good practice to turn the other cheek?” Tony Attardo of Pittston answered, “The days of turning the other cheek are gone forever, you don’t find anyone willing to take abuse anymore.” Dominick Disanferdinand said, “You have to forgive a person, consider the source, there’s times when no matter what you do even turning the other cheek will lead to trouble.” Attorney Ettore Agolino said, “It is a good practice, but you must be on your guard.”
Patsy Salvo and Martin McGarry, candidates for Pittston Area School Director, were tied with 646 votes each in the November elections of 1953. After counting the “soldier vote,” it was noted that two voted Republican, one Democratic; the election went to McGarry.
1973 – 43 Years Ago
Frank Ramiza, Alfred Rava, Robert Yaple, Charles Emma, Robert Zielinski, Rosetta Chiavacci, Elaine Delevan, Mary Ann Morgan, Suzanne Fischer, Cheryl Spudis, Donna Thornton, Joan Schifano, Larry Gilboy, Joseph Maykoff, Daniel Fedorchak, John Yesnowski and Ray Musto, members of the Pittston Area Ecology Club, participated in the second annual fish watch on the Lackawanna River. White suckers and rainbow trout were lowered in cages and tested over a five-day period for the effect of river pollution on the fish. One sucker died of enlarged gall bladder and four trout died of lack of oxygen attributed to mill waste and sewage in the river.
West Wyoming resident Rita Weiss, a senior at Wyoming Area, received the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Award in writing. The national competition accepts nominees from their respective school district and, according to the NCTE website, must compete in two categories: a best writing sample and an impromptu writing essay. Weiss planned to pursue a career in medicine or writing.
The Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked area residents, “Who is going to win the annual big game between Wyoming Area and Pittston Area?” John Chiampi predicted, “WA 24-20;” Jim Cortegerone, “WA 25-18;” Lori Dominick, “PA 25-15;” Mike Ristagno, “PA 20-13;” Matt LoPresto, “PA 28-14.” Joey Ames came the closest predicting the final score “PA 40-WA 20.” With 15,000 fans in attendance, the Pittston Area Patriots took the Thanksgiving Day contest, 41-0.
1983 – 33 Years Ago
Leo Tierney served with Battery B during World War I in the battle of Argonne Forest, one of the bloodiest battles of the war. His battalion later rescued Russian prisoners of war in Mater Belgium. In November 1983, a group of eight survivors of Battery B including Jacob Brese, Wyoming; Charles Sieglin, Hughestown; and Charles Evans, West Pittston, gathered in remembrance of Pittston men Thomas Gilmartin, Joseph Houston, Patrick McGarry, Peter Stukes, Sylvester Sullivan and Jesse Thomas, who were fatally wounded while serving with Battery B in France.
2003 – 13 Years Ago
Maria Capolarella-Montante was on a mission to gather wedding photographs of couples married in the ’40s and ’50s for a display at the Pittston Memorial Library. After enlisting help from friends, classmates, and neighbors, a collection of 13 photographs were accumulated and arranged for the enjoyment of library visitors. An added benefit of displaying the photographs came when the brides shared stories of how they met their husbands and told of family values and traditions that were strictly followed during courtship. Some of the couples participating were Ruth and Carmen Colarusso, Mary and Dominick Policare, Florence and Leonard Cumbo, Mary and Frank Pavlico, Ann Marie and Bob Conroy, Victoria and Michael Moore, Rose and Tony Matarano, and Gertrude and James Manganaro.
Answer:
Powell Crosley Jr. became owner of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team in 1934. Redland Field was renamed Crosley Field at that time. The Reds played their last game at the field on June 24, 1970 against the San Francisco Giants. Home plate was moved to the Reds’ new home Riverfront Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. Crosley Field stood for two more years after the move, serving as an auto impound lot until it was demolished in 1972.
This Date in History:
1860 – South Carolina’s legislature calls a special convention to discuss secession from the Union.
1942 – Lt. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower flies to Algeria to conclude an agreement with French Admiral Jean Darlan.
1982 – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedicated in Washington, D.C.
2001 – US.. President George W. Bush signs an executive order allowing military tribunals against foreigners suspected of connections to planned or actual terrorist acts against the U.S.
