PD Peeking into the Past

Peeking into the past

June 7, 2009

‘Digger’ Phelps spoke at St. John’s fete in 1972

With Judy Minsavage

Question 1.

John Reilly, the Pittston City Engineer in 1962, told the Sunday Dispatch City Hall reporter, that a Pittston City Street’s name was based on the fact that it described the street perfectly. What is the street?

47 Years Ago – 1962

Members of the 1962 Pittston Area High School Senior Class re-visited their very first classroom at the Lincoln Grade School Kindergarten where their school life began, 13 years earlier. Eleven members of the senior class were pupils of the very first Pittston Area Kindergarten class sponsored by the city schools. The graduates pictured were Joseph Wachs, David Fox, Thomas Delaney, Barbara Kashuba, Anita Massara, George Dobilas, Catherine Fedden, Nancy Klush, Sandra Tribbet, Joann Goham and Marlene Hodakowski.

The construction of the Pittston City swimming pool hit a snag in June of 1962. Upon discovering the swimming pool site was located in a residential zone, a request had to be submitted to the Board of Adjusters of the Zoning Commission for a variance.

Mrs. Sadie Cosgrove, chairperson of the pool association, stated Sylvan Pool Company estimated the construction would take 30 working days and cost would run about $60,000.

In crisp white uniforms and caps, seven young women from Greater Pittston were members of the 58th graduating class of Sayre’s Robert Packer Hospital School of Nursing. Judith Ann Buxton, Arlene McNulty, Barbara Ann Balconis, Betty Harris, Nancy Jane Weimer, Heather R. Elliott and Marie Elizabeth Rabel were part of a class of 34 nurses who received diplomas.

In the days when half hour television programs were in abundance, the listing of the Sunday evening line up shows 6:30 Maverick; 7:00 Lassie; 7:30 Dennis the Menace; 8:30 Car 54 Where are You; 9:00 Bonanza; 9:30 Jack Benny; 10:30 Candid Camera.

A pool match between Sam Marranca of Pittston and Barry Pizzano of West Pittston was to take place at Latorre’s Rec. The match was to decide the champion of the Wyoming Valley. Both young men participated in several elimination matches. If anyone knows, who won this match call the Dispatch office at 602-0168.

Several area men answered the Inquiring Photographer Question: The latest female fashion fad is wearing wigs what is your opinion?

Michael Serino, a baker from Pittston, said, “A woman shouldn’t be allowed to wear one because they look so silly.”

George Balanchik, subcontractor, said, “It’s plain foolishness to think any sort of artificial gimmicks would improve a woman’s looks.”

Andrew Shubilla, contractor’s helper said, “It will certainly save a lot of time for fellows who have to wait for them to fix up their hair.”

37 Years ago – 1972

Jimmy Cefalo won two events, at the Junior Olympics held at Kirby Park in Kingston. Cefalo, a Pittston Area sophomore at the time, was first in the 100 and 200-yard dash. Cefalo went on to be a 3rd round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins in the 1978 NFL Draft with whom he played six seasons as a receiver performing in Super Bowls XVII and XIX.

A pamphlet entitled “The Gravity” written by Mary Theresa “T.C.” Connolly was available at Llewellyn’s Pharmacy, Avoca. The book chronicles the history of the Pennsylvania Coal Co. Railroad, 1850-1885 also included are maps, illustrations and photos as well as listings of local men employed by the railroad.

The Gravity began in Port Griffith, and ran through Pittston, Dupont, Avoca and Moosic. For railroad buffs, a copy is still available online.

The Pittston Little League began its 21st season and held a ceremony to commemorate the event, during which, a welcome address was given by Wilbert Leppert, President of the Little League, and remarks by Pittston Mayor Robert A. Loftus. Judge Arthur Dalessandro was the principal speaker.

A photo in the June 4 issue shows the “Pocono Downs Cuties”, popular Golden Girls or clubhouse runners showing off their new uniforms. Greater Pittston area girls were Millie Milazzo, Linda Bruckler, Katie Quinn and Connie Dominick.

Approval was passed for a traffic light to be installed at William Street and the Pittston Bypass by the PA Department of Transportation and the Pittston Twp. Board of Supervisors. A traffic survey of the intersection found that sufficient flow of traffic at peak periods warranted the installation. The rough cost estimate was approximately $10,000, with annual operation cost at $200.00

Notre Dame University basketball coach Richard “Digger” Phelps spoke at St. John’s High School Sports Awards Dinner. Some of those attending the banquet were Rev. Robert Brague, assistant pastor; John Walsh, Paul Leonard, Thomas Finnerty, Robert Linskey, Chairman; Joseph Lakowski, James Kolmansberger and Rev. P. Lawrence Homer, moderator and assistant pastor.

The Big Switch was on to oil fired hot water heat. The New CIR Series Stewart-Warner Cast iron boiler was advertised to save money with its new combination retention head burner and ceramic fiber combustion chamber. The boiler operated with zero smoke thus enhancing ecological benefits. Local residents were invited to see the new boiler at Thomas R. Davis Co, 200 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston.

27 Years Ago 1982

Seton Catholic senior class officers Ann Renee Santioni, secretary, Ross Kossuth, vice president, Jim Kosik, president and Allan Capozucca, treasurer were pictured on the front page of the June 6 edition. Sixty diplomas were to be awarded at the graduation, held at St. John the Evangelist Church,

The Greater Pittston Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, was given approval to submit an application to the Secretary of Commerce for a $700,000 loan to be used toward the construction of the new Greater Pittston YMCA building to be located on North Main Street. Wil Toole, chairman; Michael Marranca, vice chairman; Robert Luchetti, treasurer; Joseph Anzalone, secretary; Charles Naples, assistant secretary/treasurer, John F. Grimes, executive director, were officers of the authority whose primary focus was to acquire financing for the acquisition or construction of industrial and commercial development projects, were pictured.

A mother of seven and grandmother of three, Mary Ann Daley of Pittston received her B.A. Degree in Communications from King’s College.

She was the recipient of an award for overall achievement from the Bureau of Higher Education Support Service. Two of her children Mark and Michele James, attended Wilkes College also majoring in Communications. Another daughter, Brenda, received a B.A. Degree from Pennsylvania State University.

Question 2

In 1982, a family restaurant at 45 S. Main Street, Pittston offered their specialty chicken for $4.25 but also spaghetti and fish. This restaurant at the time was on the threshold of becoming one of the largest franchises in the world, and sports a recognizable face on all of its signs. What was the name of the restaurant, and what is the franchise?

17 Years Ago – 1992

Flood control was the subject of a survey being circulated through the Pittston Area, in June of 1992. The memory of the Agnes Flood of 1972 was still fresh but the loss of the beauty of the riverbank area in West Pittston was on the minds of residents as well.

Survey responses sent to the Sunday Dispatch, showed most in favor of the installation of a dike along the Susquehanna River.

Rose Chesna was concerned for her parents who lived in the flood plain in West Pittston. Dorothy Klaproth of Parke Street lost everything she and her family had in 1972 and was also in favor.

Helen and Paul Bubul of Susquehanna Avenue, who had more than two feet of water in their home during the flood, lamented losing the river commons, but felt if done properly the dikes would not detract from the area while offering the protection necessary.

The recession of the early 90s, resulted in a 9.4 unemployment rate in Pennsylvania, 7.8 nationally. Bill Howley of The Pittston Employment Office voiced concern that students would face difficult times finding summer jobs locally.

Wyoming Area’s Joe Pizano earned two medals at the District II Class AAA Track and Field Championships held at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium. He won a gold medal in the long jump and placed second in the triple jump, capturing a silver medal. He broke the school record in the long jump event with a 21-4 � showing.

U.S. Coast Guard Damage Control Officer 1 Walter A. Kuharchik Jr. was cited by his superiors for exhibiting superior performance of duty with a Letter of Commendation Ribbon Bar.

Answer #1

Center Street is located in the exact center of Pittston.

Answer #2

The Colonel’s Family Restaurant.

The Franchise - Kentucky Fried Chicken.

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