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Marker honoring garment workers to be dedicated

The Greater Pittston Historical Society in cooperation with the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce will unveil a marker dedicated to the women in the garment industry on Thursday, November 12, at noon at the Pittston Tomato Festival lot on South Main Street.

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This marker, honoring the garment workers of Pittston, will be dedicated Thursday.

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The black granite marker features a woman sitting at a sewing machine, a duplication from the terracotta tiles that were attached to the former Union Building in Wilkes-Barre.

The figure may represent a grandmother, mother, sister aunt or possibly an individual of that era who worked in the industry to provide a better life for their families during an economic crisis in the valley.

To the left of the worker enclosed in a hand-stitched union label the dedication inscription appears. A long stitching needle pierces the ILGWU logo. A pair of scissors cutting the thread is also seen. To the right, a threaded needle extending from a spool of thread highlights the year of dedication, 2009.

John Marino, of Dupont Monument Shop, designed the marker.

A short program will be held at the marker followed by a reception featuring a light lunch at Rooney’s Irish Pub on South Main Street.

The public is invited to attend but must make a reservation by calling the Chamber of Commerce office at 655-1424 by Monday, November 9.

Maria Capolarella Montante, vice president of the Historical Society, is the chairperson. She also chaired the dedication of the Pennsylvania Historical Marker that was commissioned and erected in 2006 by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.