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Peeking into the past

Week-long fire at Coxton Yards in 1983

With Judy Minsavage

Question:

click image to enlarge

The Duryea Bears baseball team in 1934 in front of Andrew Komiski’s bar. In front, bat boys Mike Orenich and Bob Kelly. First row, Pecky Pesotine, Nayavich (first name unknown), Joe Slatty Orenick, Pete Shedder, Fran Monahan, T.J. Thompson, Brazz Pesotine, Andy Komensky with Joe Keeler on his lap. Second row, George Evancho, Earl Renfer, Andy Komensky, Joe Keeler, Orloski (first name unknown), Ken Dolan, Joe Beckman, Mijou Evancko, (unknown), Bill Zapelka, George Komensky. Third row, Vince Ermel, Hoppy O’Boyle, Bauman (first name unknown), Steve Zabrovian, (unknown), Dick Zabrovian, Migal (first name unknown), Jim Hadley, Joe Shedder, Joe Balonis, Al Matiko.

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What Pittston businessman and 1979 graduate of Pittston Area was named Mr. Pennsylvania of Bodybuilding in 1983?

Clue: At the time his business was located on South Main Street

26 years ago 1983

“Coxton Yard Fire May Burn All Week” was the headline in the April 17 issue in 1983. The old round house at Coxton Yards, being used as a Potlatch Paper warehouse, was expected to burn for a week according to Germania Hose Company Fire Chief Paul Komensky.

Potlach stored material used in making plastic bags in the building making the fire virtually impossible to extinguish.

Adding to the difficulty for firefighters was the Susquehanna River, swollen by rains and melting snow from a record setting April storm. It crested at 25 feet.

Construction of the 50-unit Winter Street Housing Project was on schedule, through the efforts of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittston, the Developer, and the Susquehanna Housing Partnership. The project was financed by a $165,000 grant from the PA Department of Community Affairs and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The Pittston Area School District instituted a computer literacy and programming course into their 83-84 curriculum.

A “new” phone with hundreds of features called the Freedom Phone 3500 was on sale at Markdata Inc, Kennedy Blvd. for $189. It had a 750 foot range, was pocket size, had a secure feature, re-dial and volume control electronic microphone.

Dave Fagotti, pitcher for the Pittston Area Patriots, struck out eight batters in a 15-2 win over Bishop O’Reilly.

36 years ago 1973

There were five city construction jobs progressing through the Central Pittston and Tomkins Street Urban Renewal Projects of the Pittston Redevelopment Authority: A brick and stucco building erected on William Street by Dr. Samuel Falcone, an Ambulance Building on South Main Street Kentucky Fried Chicken on South Main, a one story office building on the same site, and a Burger King on Kennedy Blvd. Curbs and walkways were being improved as well.

Professional photographer, Steven N. Lukasik of Dupont was awarded two ribbons on his photographs at the 68th annual conference of the Professional Photographers Society of New York. A bridal photograph of Mrs. James Blandina, formerly Gloria Adonizio, received a blue ribbon and Court of Honor award. A photograph of Mr. Lukasik’s niece Debra Ann was awarded a Red Ribbon award.

Grant City was selling a 14 cu. ft. frost free refrigerator in avocado, and harvest gold for $197.

Top five songs were: Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Dawn; Neither One of Us, Gladys Knight; Danny’s Song, Anne Murray; Theme from 2001, Deodato; Aubrey, Bread.

46 years ago 1963

The front page of the April 14 Sunday Dispatch showed an aerial photo of the excavation site for the new city pool. The Sylvan Pool Company was awarded the contract and excavation was to start that week. Work was expected to be completed within 45 days, with opening date set for May or early June of 1963.

Avoca Mayor James McLane was the new operator of Harvey Manufacturing Company and was the guest of his employees when they welcomed him with a party at Boyer’s Cafe, Dupont. Mr. McLane purchased the business from Mr. and Mrs. Hyman Reich and operated it under the name McLane Sportswear.

Michael Cebula Jr of Dupont received a perfect score in the USAF enlistment aptitude test.

When asked who will win the 1963 World Series, Gregory Stella, a barber in Plains, picked the Yanks, Joseph Zanta, Wyoming, also a barber picked the Yankees as well. Question: Who actually did win the 1963 World Series, the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers?

At Gerald’s Hair Fashions, N. Main Street Pittston, a Permanent Wave Special was $5.75 complete. No appointment was necessary.

56 years ago 1953

An April issue headline reads “Region Has 33,031 voters listed, 8,294 eligible in Pittston City.” There was an increase of only 257 registered over the 1952 totals for the area. Republicans gained 228 and Democrats 29. One voter was a member of the Prohibition Party, three were registered in the Socialist Party, seven were Independents, and 36were non-partisan voters.

Joseph Ardoline and Tracey O’Haire both of Pittston had been friends, grew up together, and were members of the Pittston Eagles Baseball team and Teen-age league. In 1952 and at the age of 21 they were both called into service. During that time they corresponded and planned to reunite back in Pittston, during a furlough. Unfortunately the timing did not permit that reunion. However while back on active duty O’Haire was at a PX in Japan, when he heard someone shout “Tracey”. It was his long time friend Joe Ardoline. They had their reunion before heading to separate assignments in Korea.

“Call Me Madam” with Ethel Merman and Donald O’Connor was playing the American Theatre in Pittston.

Freed’s on North Main Street, Pittston advertised a Philco TV, which would receive UHF and VHF programs and offered a One Stop tuning feature to receive any new station that would operate in the area. The price was $249.95, pay as little as $2.00 a week and up to two years to pay.

Dresses at the Globe Department Store were selling for $8.95.

ANSWER #1: Sam Parente.

ANSWER #2: The Dodgers swept the Yanks, to win the 1963 World Series.