PD Peeking into the Past

Peeking into the past

May 24, 2009

1960: spaghetti & meatballs 50� at Gramercy

With Judy Minsavage

Water filled pits at two former mine stripping operations, one in Pittston and the other in Duryea, were the focus of a meeting between State Secretary of Mines, Lewis Evans and local officials. Mr. Evans visited the area and toured the sites with State Rep. James Musto, State Senator Martin Murray and Deputy Mines Secretary Daniel Connelly. All pledged to remove hazardous conditions existing in the rear of the Jefferson School building on North Main Street near the Lehigh Valley Railroad viaduct in Duryea. A photo in the May 22 issue of the Sunday Dispatch shows the four men sealing the agreement with handshakes.

Mickey Walker, considered one of the most famous welterweight and middleweight boxing champions of the time, flew into the Wilkes-Barre Scranton airport and was greeted by Pittston Mayor, Patrick J. O’Brien and Burgess James McLane of Avoca. Scores of people were on hand to welcome him. Mr. Walker was to be the principal speaker at the Wyoming Valley Old Time Boxer’s Association banquet being held at the American Legion Home in Wilkes-Barre.

Before and after photos of the Water Street project, initiated by Liberty National Bank two years earlier, were shown in May 22 issue of this year. A brick building with storefronts located behind the bank building was torn down to make room for a parking lot.

Playing at the local theaters: Marlon Brando and Joanne Woodward starred in Tennessee Williams, “The Fugitive Kind” at the American Theater in Pittston, “Career” a movie staring Dean Martin was playing the Oak Hill Drive-In in Moosic and “The FBI Story” starring Jimmy Stewart was playing at the Moonlite Drive-In in West Wyoming.

Sans Souci Park was advertised as open and booking for schools, businesses and church groups. All kiddie rides were 5 cents.

Tuesdays were family days at the Gramercy Restaurant, advertising spaghetti and meatballs for 50 cents 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Corvair, known for delivering 27 miles per gallon, attempted to climb Pikes Peak earlier in the spring than any car had ever tried. With United States Auto Club officials onboard to certify no special equipment was used the Corvair streamed right to the top without chains or snow tires. Roy Stauffer Inc. offered a test drive of the new Corvair, at his West Pittston Dealership.

39 years ago - 1970

Dedication of a new electric scoreboard was held at the Pittston Little League field in memory of the late Joseph M. Rosentel, founder of American Party Favor Company. It was sponsored by the five sons of Mr. Rosentel.

Geraldine Gustitus of Wyoming received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Kings College. Remarkably Miss Gustitus earned the distinction of being the first female in the history of the all male college to achieve this milestone. Upon graduation from Wyoming Memorial High School in 1964 she entered Kings in the evening session and completed her education as a day student. Her plan for the future included returning to Kings to obtain a second degree in theology.

Joseph Nocera of Dupont proved beyond a doubt that he was the area’s top notch trap shooter. His shooting results at the Elm Street Sportsmen’s Trapshooting Range showed that he connected for 25 straight hits, going on to 50 consecutive hits and winding up the day with two additional 24 scores.

Duryea Borough Councilman William “Billy” Williams declared the May 1970 Primary as the most quiet one in his memory.

Voter turnout was light and there wasn’t Democratic representation to get the vote out for either candidates Shapp or Casey. For the first time in history there were two Duryea men who were candidates for major offices: Eddie Joseph seeking a senatorial post in the 14th District and John B. Salek a candidate for representative in the 3rd Legislative District.

Specialist 4 Michael S. Orth of Pittston was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism. Specialist Orth stationed in Pleiku, Vietnam was notified of the award by the Department of the Army. On October 30, 1969, Fire Support Base Delta came under mortar attack, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Orth remained at his station providing support for the infantry unit. Orth was expected to return to the states in July of 1970.

Twenty-one businesses along Pittston’s Main Street held Monday Money Pinching Miracles savings and specials for Main Street Shoppers. Among the many coupons offered were Cohen Brothers, 51 N. Main, advertising Wrangler Jeans for $4.39. Rosedell Fashions, 36 N. Main offered micro mesh support hose for $2.00, Levins Furniture, 81 S. Main, offered a pocket size transistor radio with battery and case for $2.88. The Arden Villager of West Pittston offered vacation sportswear such as culottes and pant dresses in solids and plaids, and slack suits of 100% Dacron.

29 years ago - 1980

The Greater Pittston YMCA’s general fund rose to $70,000 after at $10,000 donation by Insalaco’s Market and a $20,000 donation made by The Board of Directors and Trustees. Monies were being raised to fund a new home for the YMCA after it lost its location in downtown Pittston to fire in December of 1979. Insalaco’s Market donated their warehouse on North Main Street as a temporary site.

Campaign Chairman, Bob Shaw predicted to reach $100,000 by the week’s end. The general fund was designated for donations from local families, individuals and businesses with the goal being $250,000.

A Junior Olympics was planned for Wyoming Area sponsored by the West Pittston Recreation Board. The event was held at the Wyoming Area Stadium in West Pittston with assistance from the track team and coaches. Planners of the event were Angelo Montante, Mrs George Menn, Mayor Merle Bainbridge, Anthony Popple, Nick Anzelmi, Bob Black, John Swirek, Frank Parra and William Rowe.

Wyoming Area Girls Softball Team rose to Western Division Champs with an 18-1 Record. The girls looked forward to entering the playoffs. Pitcher Ann Holland a junior recorded her 100th career strike-out. Members of the championship team were Ann Holland, Sherie Carbino, Michele Porasky, Sharon Manganiello, Anne DeGraba. Kenley Hoats, Jackie James, Carol Lepore, Annie Taddei, Chris Evans, Judy Smith, Donna Angeli, Cindy Weiskerger, Judy Pelligrini, Lynn Kickilinski, manager Suzanne Christian and Coach Sandra Champi.

Ghost Town Amusement Park in Moosic offered a fantastic holiday weekend of fun with a Memorial Road Race, gigantic fireworks and Free Shows like “The Ghost Town Shootout” with blazing guns and action fights and The Dixieland Stompers.

Boulevard Beverage on Kennedy Avenue in Pittston advertised hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Memorial Day. Also announced, “Coming Soon” the Daily Number.

19 years ago - 1990

Jack Donahue, two time commander of VFW Post 635, Pittston is pictured on the front page of the May 27 issue. Donahue a World War II veteran was part of the Veterans Council of Greater Pittston that placed over two thousand American flags on the graves of area veterans.

The Wyoming Area School Board called for a 14 mill tax hike, stating the hike was inevitable. Board member Matt Colangelo said that the board was trying to reduce the increase, but a decrease in state funding hurt all area school districts. Also being considered was a two year old five year teachers contract issuing teachers an annual 7.8 percent raise. Targeted for elimination was the district’s driver education program, and layoffs were being considered.

A landmark building, the Broad Street Garage, was razed. Situated between Pittston City Hall and the former Pittston Gazette Building, the structure had a colorful history. Originally the building held the Broad Street Theatre, then was a parking garage and repair shop and once housed the ambulance during the early years of the Association.

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