Peeking into the past
First Posted:
After a Sunday Dispatch opinion article was published, it was suggested by local retailers of the Reader’s Digest that the magazine should send a commission check to the paper due to record sales. The item of concern for the Dispatch and local residents was an article published in the Digest entitled “The Lady and the Gangsters.” Major players in the story were the Needle Workers Union of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Min Lurye Matheson of The International Ladies Garment Workers Union. In 1953, the labor dispute between the two factions came to a standstill. The Dispatch took issue with the article, which painted an unfavorable picture by implying Pittston residents were gangsters or subject to gangsters. One newsstand operator told the Dispatch he was sold out of the magazine within an hour after delivery. He ordered 700 more.
Duryea announced an Arbor Day celebration with plans to purchase and plant 1,000 white pine trees within the borough. Manny Gordon, District Forester and local personality, managed the project that reclaimed lands eroded by the river and destroyed by strip mines. Arbor Day 2015 will be observed on April 24.
Pittston Area’s possible affiliation with the Wyoming Valley Football Conference was held in abeyance, as Leonard Wendoloski, chairman of the Athletic Committee of Pittston Area Board of Education, called for a meeting to answer any questions regarding the move. After the state-mandated consolidation of school districts, the school tentatively became a member of the Lackawanna County’s “Big 11” Conference. Pittston Area was already a big name and competition in the league would offer a chance for championship honors. However, some felt since Pittston Area was in Luzerne County it should join the Wyoming Valley Conference.
Patty Talipan’s TV on Main Street, Sebastopol, advertised the Admiral 25” color television with swivel base and tilt out control center. A quick call to OL 4-4635 would connect a thirsty customer to Grablick’s Dairy to order their creamy eggnog. Penney’s in Pittston offered mens suits for $42 and womens coats for $37.
Pittston Area High School established a National Honor Society for the first time in 1976. New members were inducted at a candlelight ceremony. The first senior members inducted were Karen Cocco, Carol Appnel, Mildred Doherty, Donna Kudey, Adrianna Renfer, Janet Konicki, Linda Campenella, Melinda Boone, Donner Delaney. Joan Kaczenski, Ann Marie Dvorscak, Cathy Shatinsky, Teresa Guide, Terry Tetlak, Donna JustickKaren Marsh. The first junior members were Donna Starinski, Karen Mlodzienski, Donna Sweeney, Debbie Dempsey, Debbie Kase, Jackie Musto, Theresa Geneczko, Joyce Burnside, Jane Chropowicki, Annette Jacek, Donna Krappa, Caroline Kilyanek, Cathy Detzler, Denise Piezynski, Colleen Hafferty, Stephanie Bednash, Mark BryzienskiDaniel McGuire. The first sophomore members were Jean Gerboc, Barbara Karkut, Joanne Kowalcik, Leigh Ann Berlew, Denise Vrabel. John Donovan, Annette Zurewski, Barbara Szumski, David Lacomis, Michael Allardyce, Kevin O’Dell, Joseph Tuncavage. The National Honor Society of Secondary Schools was established in 1921 to recognize students who excel in their studies.
The Sunday Dispatch published – The Year in Review, 1986 – Some of the items highlighted were:
January – Pittston Twp. Little League announced it would host the State Championship Tournament.
February – In the midst of a nor’easter, the Greater Pittston Chamber opened its new headquarters on Kennedy Blvd.
March – The price of regular gas was 89 cents.
April – Sarah Dymond, a teacher for 54 years, announced her retirement.
May – Julie Janczewski, widow of Avoca Patrolman, Richard Janczewski, received the Medal of Honor Award honoring her husband who was killed in the line of duty.
June – The Farmers Market opened in downtown Pittston.
July – Musicians Mary McCracken, of Pittston, and Andy Griglock, of West Pittston, were invited to perform with the Liberty Chorus at the Statue of Liberty re-dedication celebration at Giants Stadium.
August – The Jack and Janet Smurl family, of West Pittston,gained media attention for its announcement of demons in their Chase Street home.
September- The American Theatre was to be transformed into a professional center and bus terminal.
Octobe- Joey “I” Infantino was honored as Man of the Year by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County.
Novembe – Pittston City made available a skunk trap program to residents.
December- The Duryea Plectrumeers of St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church entertained at various nursing homes in the Pittston area.
“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.” ~ John Burroughs
