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Question:
In 1992, the West Pittston home of Thomas Jenkins, son of Judge John Jenkins, was donated to the Wyoming Valley Historical Society. To what group did Judge Jenkins belong, that had they succeeded in their efforts, would have had Pittstonians pledging allegiance to another state?
1952 – 63 years ago
Sgt. Merle Levey, of West Pittston, was chosen Airman of the Month in Washington, D.C. It was the second time Sgt. Levey was honored. A graduate of West Pittston High School, Levey was promoted to sergeant in 1952.
Four hundred men were out of work but negotiations between Local 1084 of the United Mine Workers and the Exeter Colliery Company officials caused union workers to be hopeful. On the table was a two-week back pay issue, but some encouraging signs pointed toward the reopening of the colliery.
The Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked, “Are you in favor of including Wilkes-Barre and Scranton in the annual Greater Pittston beauty pageant and naming the winner ‘Miss Anthracite?’” Walter Tetlak, of Dupont, answered, “I don’t think it should be allowed, it would lessen the chances for local beauties to come out on top.” Sam Anzalone added, “Sure, we have beautiful women all through the valley, why limit it to Pittston?” Mrs. Germaine Vidlika stated, “If the contest was spread out, it would receive more publicity.” According to the Miss Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization, the first Miss Pittston was Anita Drexinger, 1950; Ann Hakyo was chosen in 1951. In 1953, Miss Anthracite is listed as Valedia Casey with Natalie Ann Rudusky being named in 1954.
1962 – 53 years ago
A large crowd converged at Meade’s Recreation on Main Street in Avoca, as Pringle resident Al “Tatter” Coslosky, pocket billiards expert, demonstrated his skill with the cue against Leo Galli, of Exeter. After the games, Coslosky performed trick shots and proclaimed he was scheduled to travel to Johnson City, New York to compete for the nine-ball title. According to “Hustler Days,” a book written by R.A. Dyer, the nine-ball winner in 1962 was Luther Lassiter. Coslosky acquired the straight pool title in 1968 with a 14-0 win.
Fearful that an approaching school merger would cause the borough of Avoca to lose its memorial stadium, Avoca school board directors offered the property to the borough with the stipulation that “forevermore” the land be maintained as a public park. Borough council members were divided on the issue, but ultimately refused the offer due to the stipulation.
At the Comerford Drive-In, Tommy Sands and Annette Funicello starred in “Babes in Toyland.” At Julio Motors one could test drive a 1962 Comet with a purchase price of $2,010. Remember “knee knockers?” They were on sale at Kresge’s for $1.97.
Anna Ruane, president of the Ladies of the Auxiliary, presented a $100 check to John D. Stark, American Legion Post, for purchase of two wheelchairs to be available for community use. Also present were auxiliary members Shirley Scott, Mary Hudyck, Nora Moughan and Mary Swickel.
1972 – 43 years ago
The seventh annual “Showtime” presentation was planned for Pittston Area High School. To see some great photos of the performers, art club members, soloists and stage crew preparing for the big show, log on to psdispatch.com and click on Peeking into the Past.
Top 10 songs of March 1972
1. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” Robert John
2. “Sweet Seasons,” Carole King
3. “Without You,” Harry Nilsson
4. “Anticipation,” Carly Simon
5. “Don’t Say You Don’t Remember,” Beverly Bremers
6. “Joy,” Apollo 100 Ventures
7. “Precious and Few,” Climax
8. “Down by the Lazy River,” The Light of the World/Osmonds
9. “Footstompn’ Music,” Grand Funk Railroad
10. “Hurting Each Other,” Carpenters
Susan Harmonos, of Exeter, was awarded first prize in the Ability Counts Survey Contest sponsored by the Pittston Lions Club. In winning, Harmonos went on to compete in the state competition.
1992 – 23 years ago
The Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, now the Luzerne County Historical Society, acquired one of the oldest homes in the Wyoming Valley. The Newry House located on Exeter Avenue in West Pittston was donated to the society by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hourigan. The Hourigans continued the restoration work of the previous owners Jim and Nancy Heffers. The small salt-box was built circa 1790 by Thomas Jenkins. The house is an example of early Connecticut architecture. After years of research, the home was restored to its 18th century condition and placed on the Pennsylvania Register of Historic Places.
Top video rentals in 1992: “Hot Shots,” starring Charlie Sheen; “Thelma and Louise,” starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon; and “The Rocketeer,” starring Bill Campbell.
Join the conversation online at psdispatch.com click Peeking into the Past and go to our comments section. Tell us your fondest memory of springtime in Greater Pittston.
Answer:
Judge John Jenkins, along with Solomon Strong, were members of the Connecticut-based Susquehanna Company, settlers who were part of a movement to have a large portion of Northeastern PA, including the Wyoming Valley, annexed to the state of Connecticut during the Yankee-Pennamite wars. A dual ownership charter issued by King Charles II of England of 1662 was overturned in 1782 by the Continental Congress and upheld Pennsylvania’s claim to the lands.