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1963 – 52 years ago
Over 800 children were treated to cartoons and candy at the American Theater in Pittston. Manager of The International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, Greater Pittston Local 295, Sam Bianco and staff members Rose Bianco, Judy Brown, Bill Gable and Clem Lyons arranged for the kids to be treated to the Easter party.
Michael Cebula Jr,. of Dupont, received a perfect score in all aptitude areas in the U.S. Air Force enlistment test. His score qualified him to attend any Air Force service school he chose.
The Sunday Dispatch Inquiring Photographer asked, “The Major League Baseball season began last week. Which teams do you pick to win the pennants in each league and who do you think will win the World Series?” Thomas Langan, of Pittston, answered, “In the American League, if Mantle can play 120 games it will be the Yanks by nine games. In the National, Los Angeles will win by five games. The Yankees will be in the series.” Gregory Stella, of Plains, added, “I think the Yanks in the American and will win the series. Pittsburgh in the National League has a good chance.” The 1963 World Series matched the two-time defending champion New York Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers swept the series in four games. capturing their third title in franchise history. This was the first time that the Yankees were swept in a World Series.
At a total cost of $100,000, construction of the Pittston City pool was underway. Work was scheduled to be completed in 45 days, setting the opening date at the end of May or early June.
1973 – 42 years ago
Joe Cosgrove, of Pittston, was determined to witness a space launch from Cape Kennedy. He’d requested a pass from then President Nixon and Congressman Dan Flood to be present at the Apollo 17 final moon voyage in 1972, but missed out because his request came too late. In May 1973, Skylab, the first space station, was scheduled to be launched and Cosgrove made sure his request went in early. In April, he received the call he was waiting for. Congressman Flood informed Cosgrove he and a guest would attend the Skylab launch. Cosgrove wasn’t sure of all the details, but commented he was going to get to Florida, even if he had to walk. Skylab was launched on May 14, 1973. However, a meteoroid shield accidentally opened about 63 seconds into the launch. The first crew to inhabit the station performed a spacewalk to repair the damaged shield.
A large class of freshmen was “capped” at a ceremony at Tinsley Hall at the Pittston Hospital School of Nursing. Among those initiated were John Kundrat, James Richards, Jane Howell, Sally Lulewicz, Barbara DelSerra, Monica Harkins, Patricia Mattie, Alma Murphy, Audrey Slatky, Jill Perialas, Jacqueline Naugle, Helen Jones, Denise Guarnieri, Jan Allford, Mary Ellen Delaney, Sally Jean Golembeski, Patricia McCole, Joan Fino, Peter Mattioli and Louis LaNunziata. Originally capping ceremonies were conducted after several months of training or whatever constituted a probationary period for a school. Being capped symbolized the knowledge needed to truly serve as a nurse. In the 1980s, health care facilities no longer required nurses to wear their caps. To see a photo of this class, log on to psdispatch.com and search Peeking into the Past.
1983 – 32 years ago
WVIA 90FM celebrated its 10th birthday. The radio station first went on the air from 2 to 5 p.m. in 1973 at the Public Broadcasting Center in Pittston.
Charles Cometa, of Exeter, was honored by the Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services Inc. for his eight years of counseling service, elderly counseling initiative and educational programs. The agency’s board president Frank Parkhurst stated that Cometa’s contributions to the patient and their families were immeasurable.
On Local Government Day, celebrated in 1983, borough council salaries were published.
Population/maximum amount per month:
Less than 1,500 – $35
1,500 to 2,999 – $50
3,000 to 4,999 – $75
5,000 to 9,999 – $125
10,000 to 14,999 – $200
15,000 or more – $250
1993 – 22 years ago
Avoca baseball fans Dan Llewelyn, Ned Jones and Brian McCarthy made some connections and found themselves being treated royally before a Yankee exhibition game in Florida. The three men were able to meet and talk with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, pitcher Jim Abbott, first baseman Don Mattingly, and Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, coach of the Columbus Clippers. At the meeting, Steinbrenner told Jones he expected the Yankees to win the American League East, but the Yanks came in second to the Toronto Blue Jays later that year.
This Date in History:
1961 – Third Grammy Awards: “Theme From a Summer Place,” by Percy Faith wins Record of the Year; Ray Charles wins four awards.
1987 – Texaco files for bankruptcy.
1998 – An earthquake in Slovenia, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, occurs near the town of Bovec.