Local sought toys for Vietnamese kids in ‘66

In 1790, Necho Allen, a hunter whose campfire accidentally ignited a nearby outcropping of the coal, discovered anthracite in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. What local resident proved with his invention that anthracite had a use not previously thought possible?

1956 – 53 Years Ago

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia lauded Pittston for its recovery from the loss of the Anthracite Coal Industry in November of 1956. In a book titled “A study of Problems and Prospects of the Hard Coal Region,” Pittston was praised for new plant construction even though bond issues did not return the totals of other communities. Credit was given to Attorney Thomas Burke, Roy Stauffer, William P. Bonner, Dr. Michael Murphy, R. Nelson Myers and William T. Medico, for their spirit and their active role in the region’s economic recovery.

Liquor Control Agents and the State Police raided a Pittston area caf� in the early morning hours after receiving several complaints of a “girlie show” taking place after hours. Police Chief Patrick O’Brien was disturbed over the raid as it happened without his knowledge. Even more disturbing was finding out that one of his patrolmen was netted in the raid.

Marie Butera of Pittston submitted the Inquiring Photographer Question of the Week. What are your opinions of Elvis Presley and the songs he sings?

John Fagotti, Pittston, responded, “The music doesn’t sound bad to me but rock and roll has had a lot of bad publicity. Sort of turns people against the songs.

Charlotte Jacobosky, Wyoming, said “He’s the most. My Elvis favorites are Don’t Be Cruel and Blue Moon. Elvis can sing any song as good as anybody.”

John McHale, of Pittston, answered, “I do not go in for music too much so I wouldn’t be able to say.”

1966 – 43 Years Ago

Major Thomas Golden of Pittston, stationed with the 523rd Division Hospital, in South Vietnam, asked local residents to send toys to the children of South Vietnam. He reported that many Vietnamese children had never seen a toy, such as a rubber ball or doll. “They are like lost souls, my heart goes out to them,” said Major Golden who had been in the service 12 years, and had previously served in Korea before being stationed in Vietnam.

Sam Guarnieri of Pittston celebrated his 40th year in the produce business in 1966. Employed by age 11 he learned the produce trade at the Philip Russo store on South Main Street. From there he moved to the A & P Food Store in West Pittston. He and his wife, the former Marie Chairge, raised three daughters, Marianne, Johanna and Marie, who in 1965 was chosen as Miss Teenager of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Basketball was on the minds of the St. John’s Johnnies and Pittston Area High School. The city basketball series between the two schools was disbanded in the early 50s due to the Johnnies not having a PIAA approved coach and a 22 game limit rule. A return of the cage series was expected to bring a full house to both gyms.

Mrs. O.E. Kenworth, Mrs. E.S. Vose and Mrs. Ralph Thomas past regents of the Dial Rock Pittston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, hosted Mrs. Ralph Thomas, who offered a presentation on the history of the chapter and Rev. Stark Jones, a descendant of early Wyoming Valley settlers.

Duck hunting season was in full swing and Elio Denardi and Charles Calbrese of Exeter hunted at Wyalusing, bagging two woodies, one teal, one mallard and two geese. Len Arch and Bill and Vince O’Boyle also had a good day. Utilizing the “bewitching hours”, times when animals are on the move at first light and last light enabled hunters to bag their limit, but also as one hunter put it “left mid-day hours for chores at home to pacify the little woman.”

1976 – 33 Years Ago

In November of 1976, Swine Flu shots were administered in the Wyoming Area and Pittston Area School District to any person 18 years of age or older. On February 6, 1976, 19-year-old Pvt. David Lewis of Massachusetts died two weeks after falling ill with the strain of influenza leading the government and the Center for Disease Control to initiate a mass inoculation of 220 million Americans.

American Legion Post 657 Commander Louis Ritzie, VFW Post Commander 4909 Peter Lozowski and Earl Detweiler Commander of the AmVets joined in placing wreaths at the Veterans Memorial Building. Each also asked the public to display “Old Glory” as a tribute to all veterans living and deceased.

Sandy Chiampi graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences and wanted to teach History, but she ended up being a full time physical education and health teacher in the Wyoming Area School District along with coaching the girl’s basketball team. This was quite a change from her original goal. Sandy started as a substitute at Wyoming Area but there were no openings in the history department. When offered the physical education and coaching position, she took it and started studying the subjects. Sandy admitted her initial knowledge of basketball was strictly backyard. Her first outing as coach resulted in an undefeated season, which lead to an additional five of six winning seasons.

Question #2

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States originally began in 1899 after the Spanish American War and the Philippine Insurrection. The VFW helped establish a benefit that was recently renewed to include active duty service members now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. What is that benefit?

1986 – 23 Years Ago

Sunday Dispatch editor John Watson inspired by the book “A Day in the Life of America” joined Bell of Pennsylvania in co-sponsoring “A Day in the Life of Greater Pittston” photo contest. The photos that best represented a cross-section of community life in the Greater Pittston Area were published in a special section of the paper. Chosen from over 200 entries, the first place winner was Mary Ann Jadus, second place Leona Graboski of Harding, and third place Ronald Voveris of Yatesville.

Patrick Esposito of Pittston was nominated by his co-workers received the first Peer Recognition Award presented at the Tobyhanna Army Depot. The award was in recognition job performance in the categories of neatness, accuracy, skill and courtesy.

Commander Jerome Fedorsha and Quartermaster Andrew Vasil of the Exeter Memorial Post V.F.W. 6518 were recognized as All- State V.F.W. Commander and Quartermaster for 1986. Both veterans received plaques for their recruiting of new and reinstated members to the post. They also received National Appointments as National Aid-De-Camp from the National Commander.

Answer #1

On February 11, 1808, Judge Jessie Fell of Wilkes-Barre burned anthracite on a fireplace grate he invented. With his unique grate design, Fell was the first to prove that along with its industrial uses, anthracite could be burned to heat homes.

Answer #2

In its mission to “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living” the VFW helped to establish the GI Bill for the 20th Century, which was recently renewed to the GI Bill for the 21st. Century. It offers members of the armed services educational benefits upon their return to America.

Next Week: What is special about the intersections of Exeter Avenue, Route 92 and Slocum Avenue in Exeter?