1913 Wilkes-Barre Record Almanac, Record of Local Events for 1912 Pupils enrolled October, 1912 Carey Avenue 325 Centennial 342 Central 474 Conyngham 291 Courtright Avenue 722 Custer 497 Dana 473 East End 574 Franklin 617 Grant 384 Hancock 505 Hazle 278 Hill 421 Hillard Grove 393 Henry m Hoyt 503 Meade 465 North 455 North Main 305 Parrish 434 South Main 559 Union 568 High 1448 ______ Total enrollment 11,033 Total average attendance 9,916 Salaries of male teachers, from $500 to $3,000 Salaries of female teachers, from $400 to $1,100 Regular meeting of the board, first and third Mondays of each month at 4:30 o’clock p.m. at the high school building. Office of secretary and city superintendent on first floor of the high school building. Office hours of superintendent: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. of each school day. MARRIAGE LICENSES AND DIVORCES Divorces are increasing in this country proportionately faster than marriages according to figures compiled by the Record from the official records at the courthouse. There were over five times as many divorces granted for the twelve months ending Dec 1, 1912, than there were 27 years ago. In 1866 the total number of divorces granted numbered nineteen. For the twelve months ending December 1, 1912, the total was 106. This was also a banner year for the number of marriage licenses issued in the county, the total for the past twelve months being 3.523, which is over 400 more than in the previous year, and 700 more than were issued twen years ago. MARRIAGE LICENSE STATISTICS The large number of marriage licenses issued in 1912 indicates in a measure the prosperity of the county. The following tables shows the number of marriage licenses issued each year since 1904 and including eleven months of 1912: Mo. 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 Jan 272 322 260 204 300 315 368 267 339 Feb 160 162 171 294 275 261 151 221 292 Mar 99 107 108 88 90 93 105 116 168 Apr 254 203 202 262 208 215 327 203 291 May 267 283 163 245 284 244 252 262 156 June 328 358 201 370 337 345 383 441 334 July 206 312 204 235 220 223 256 247 287 Aug 245 377 202 288 280 240 258 247 349 Sep 255 263 334 281 335 254 260 300 333 Oct 279 272 396 265 178 298 287 399 364 Nov 227 207 225 188 314 267 266 256 329 Dec 155 127 251 139 166 102 247 208 --- ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Total 2744 3003 2436 2859 2993 2857 3180 3523 --- LUZERNE’S DIVORCE RECORD According to the figures compiled by the Record there have nbeen a total of 1,485 divorces granted by the Luzerne County Courts during the past twenty years. The number granted yearly since 1886: 1886 19 1899 61 1887 23 1900 68 1888 23 1901 50 1889 39 1902 54 1890 40 1903 62 1891 36 1904 72 1892 39 1905 75 1893 44 1906 55 1894 49 1907 61 1895 53 1908 63 1896 53 1909 75 1897 51 1910 49 1898 54 1911 79 1912 106 MINE FATALITIES The following is the number of mine fatalities occurring in Luzerne County for the year beginning December 1, 1911 ands ending November 30, 1912: December 1911 17 January 1912 22 February 14 March 17 April 8 May 10 June 10 July 18 August 12 September 11 October 10 November 16 Total 160 RECORD OF LOCAL EVENTS Principal Happenings in Luzerne County, Unless Noted Under Special Headings Elsewhere, for the Year Beginning December 1, 1911, and Ending November 30, 1912. December, 1911 1. Local automobile dealers organize. Luzerne County Bar Association meets to pay tribute to the memory of P. H. Campbell. First board of assessors appointed by the court organizes. Concert for the benefit of the sisters of Mercy of Saint Mary’s Convent by Mrs. Joseph Dunfee and Miss Eleanor Payez. 2. Hugh Jennings, the well known baseball manager, seriously injured in an automobile accident. 4. Mayor Kosek takes office and makes a number of changes in the official force. Concordia Society gives its second annual minstrel performance. New board of mine school directors replaces old board of six in Wilkes-Barre. 5. Judge-elect S. J. Strauss gives a dinner for his former law students and associates. Keystone building at Nanticoke destroyed by fire. 6. Garfield Lodge, Sons of Saint George, celebrates its 13th anniversary. 7. County commissioners award contracts for $239,978.44 for the construction of the proposed road from Wilkes-Barre to Freeland by way of White Haven. Death of Asa R. Brundage, the oldest living member of the Luzerne County Bar. Luzerne County Bar Association meets to pay tribute to the memory of C. Frank Bohan or Pittston. St Cecilia Chorus gives concert with olive Mead Quartet in Irem Temple. 8. Death of alderman Donohue of Wilkes-Barre, one of the best known magistrates in northeastern Pennsylvania. Nine nurses graduate from Mercy Hospital training school. 10. Roger F. Williams chosen cashier of the South Side Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Kearney of Kingston celebrate golden wedding anniversary. 12. M.E. Church of Luzerne Borough celebrating Jubilee week. Joseph Kraft of Wilkes-Barre drops dead at a meeting of Hoffnung Lodge after announcing the death of a fellow member. County Commissioner Walter McAvoy, whose term expires January 1, named as mercantile appraiser. 13. Welsh night inaugurated at meeting of the Y.M.C.A. at Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne county Bar Association pays tribute to the memory of Asa R. Brundage. 14. People interested in the new homeopathic hospital in Wilkes-Barre start a campaign for money to put the institution on a good financial basis. 15. Independent Society of Wyoming Valley celebrates its fifty-fourth anniversary with a banquet. Measles epidemic in Wilkes-Barre and vicinity. 17. Rev. T. R. Dietz installed as pastor of Saint lukes Reformed Church. 18. Wilkes-Barre Teachers League presents petition to school board asking that salaries be raised at stated intervals so that the maximum, to be $800 shall be reached at the end of ten years, also that there be equal pay for equal work in the high school. Thomas Davis of Edwardsville finds mine tools that were buried in a cave-in twenty four years ago. 19. P.W. McKeown again awarded the contract to attend to the roads of Hanover Township during the coming year, as a representative of the coal companies. 20. Photograph taken of the old Neptune fire engine, used in Wilkes-Barre from 1865 to 1872, with some of the old members of the company, by the side of some of the city’s modern equipment. Traction company men decide to accept the company’s offer of a three-year agreement and an advance of one and two-thirds cents an hour. 21. John W. Smith farm in Butler township purchased for the home for boys committed by the Juvenile Court, at a cost of $19,000. 22. County Commissioner and Mrs. George Smith celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Six hundred children given presents and entertainment by the Wilkes-Barre United Charities. Father Ruddy of parsons receives a call to Dunmore. 23. Court grants the appeal of the new board of assessors from the action of the salary board in refusing to allow for appointment of all the clerks asked for until the new salary board takes office, the court directing that the old salary board shall allow fourteen appointments at salaries aggregating $13,200. 24. Ten sticks of dynamite placed on the porch of a house in Swoyersville and exploded ---the lives of 16 inmates endangered. Salvation Army in Wilkes-Barre distributes enough food for 590 people. 25. Nearly 700 children given wearing apparel and other presents by the Wilkes-Barre Lodge Elks. Gloomy Christmas weather. 26. Mayor Kosek vetoes resolution looking for the sale ofr leasing of the river common coal, on the grounds that the city does not need the money for park purposes and that surface property should not be imperiled by the removal of the support. Commission of sheriff-elect Kniffen arrives and it is announced that no effort will be made to prevent him from assuming the duties of the office pending the disposition of the case brought against him for alleged illegal registering and voting. Ninety-two cases of measles reported in Wilkes-Barre in two days. New Hayes Creek cutoff branch of the Lehigh Valley R.R. opened. Large reception for Rev. Father Brehl of Pitston after his return from Europe. 27. Weather station, equipped with all the latest apparatus, being established by the Spring Brook Water Supply Co. at its building in Wilkes-Barre. Most of Wyoming Valley in the grip of the measles epidemic. Injunction applied for to restrain the parties to whom the contracts for the Wilkes-Barre to Hazelton road were awarded from proceeding with the work, it being alleged that the prices for certain materials were exorbitant and that competition was excluded; one witness states that he was informed that it would cost him $4,000 to have his product specified. First annual banquet of Saint Mary’s alumni. 28. Dinner given by local attorneys in honor of executive committee of the State Bar Association. Herbert A. Bound, formerly of Kingston, killed on a railroad in New York State. 29. County commissioners approve the report of viewers for the erection of bridges over the river at Nanticoke and Wapwallopen, the two to cost about $400,000. Reese A. Phillips of Scranton appointed general manager of the coal department of the D.L. & W. 31. Parrish Street M.E. congregation takes the first steps toward the erection of a new church building. Noisy departure of the old year. Mr. and Mrs. Morris B. Freas of Wilkes-Barre celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. January 1912 1. Nanticoke Choral Society wins chief competition at the Moriah eisteddfod at that place. New county official take their places. Open house by the clubs help to make New year’s a lively day. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Lewis of Sutton Creek celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. 2. Retiring County Controller Norris files a report in which he casts reflections upon the conduct of the tax collection office in Wilkes-Barre, and Mr. Hart comes out with a denial of the charges. County commissioners lock the doors against the appointees named by the new board of assessors and prevent them from going to work, the commissioners claiming the right to make the appointments for the transcribing department. Judge Strauss begins his duties by presiding in equity court and Judge O’Boyle by charging the grand jury. Eighty-five cases of measles reported in Wilkes-Barre in one day. 3. Assessors and county commissioners reach a decision to refer their contention over appointment to the court. 6. Judges, ministers, editors and others meet in conference on invitation of Mayor Kosek to consider the social evil problem and pass a resolution urging the mayor to proceed with the enforcement of the law ; in complying with the resolution he orders every house in tenderloin closed. Twenty-four young women take the final vows at Mallinckrodt Convent. Grand Jury recommends the construction by the county of a road to extend from the Pittston City line, through Duryea, to the Lackawanna County line; also recommends that the commissioners make plans for the erection of a bridge across the river at Port Griffith. Cold spell ---thermometer in Wilkes-Barre three above zero. River froze over for the first time this season. 7. Thirty-fifth anniversary of the pastorate of Rev. Dr. T.C. Edwards at the Welsh Congregational Church in Edwardsville. 8. Seven staff physicians , including the medical director and two trustees, resign from Mercy Hospital. Prof. Powys begins another series of university Extension lectures in Wilkes-Barre. 9. Explosion in Parrish Colliery at Plymouth kills six men and injures two. Educational and social services committee of Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce recommends that the school buildings be used as social centers fro their respective communities. 10. Eight hundred men assemble in Irem temple at the banquet of the Men and Religion Forward Movement. Architect F.L. Olds drops dead of heart disease. 12. John Jay McDevitt of Wilkes-Barre, who receive $2,500 for retiring from the contest after having secured the Democratic nomination for county treasurer in September, resolves to feel like a millionaire for a day, travels to New York city on a special train after a send off from a great crowd of people, dines at the Waldorf – Astoria in New York and occupies a box at a theatre, meantime paying liberal tips and spending money freely; metropolitan newspapers feature the extraordinary undertaking. 13. Local people meet at the Y.M.C.A. to lay plans for wiping out the remaining indebtness on the Salvation Army citadel. Sherriff Kniffen acquitted on the charge of knowingly attempting to register illegally. 14. After a prolonged cold spell the mercury falls to 11 below zero in Wilkes-Barre. Service held at the Buttonwood Church tp commemorate change in denomination from Union Protestant to Congregational. 15. Good sleighing in Wilkes-Barre and vicinity. Applications for liquor licensing number 2,035, 90 less than last year. 16. City authorities notify the school board to close the schools, also those in charge of the private schools; pastors notified to discontinue Sunday school and children prohibited from attending moving picture shows, - --on account of the measles epidemic. J.C. Bell commemorates the twenty-fifth anniversary of his connection with the Wilkes-Barre Deposit and Savings bank by giving a dinner. 18. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Neuer of Wilkes-Barre celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Ignatz Rosemovicz found guilty of murder in the first degree on circumstantial evidence for killing motorman Daniel Griffith at Edwardsville three years ago. Dr. N.H. Neale of White Haven named as one of ten medical delegates to represent the United States at the internation convention on tuberculosis in Italy in April. 20. Coroner’s jury in passing on the accident at the Parrish mine, in which six men were killed, censures the official s for sending the men into the gangway knowing that the roof was working and likely to generate gas, without first sending the fire boss. Commission appointed by Governor Tener to revise and codify the anthracite mine laws and make recommendations meets in Wilkes-Barre for organization. 21. third district C.T.A.U. convention goes on record as being opposed the granting of new liquor licenses. 22. Judge Lindsey lectures in Irem Temple under the auspices of the Florence Crittendon Mission on “The Misfortunes of Micky.” Another attempt to exterminate the sparrows on Public Square by shooting them. 23. Big euchre and dance given in the armory under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus for the benefit of the Lady of Victory house. Mrs. Ida Porter Boyer of Philadelphia addresses Civic Club in equal suffrage. 24. Charles F. Johnson secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Y.M.C.A., accepts the position of superintendent tendered him by the board of management of the proposed county home and school for delinquent and dependent boys. “Dolly Dimple” in the Grand Opera House for benefit of the Florence Crittendon Mission, by local talent. 25. County commissioners announce the appointment of Joseph F. Gillis as collector of county taxes in Wilkes-Barre. S.J. Jennings or Pittston appointed mine inspector for the Seventh district , to take the place of Thomas H. Price, resigned. Pittston Hospital annex opened. 26. Penn Tobacco Co. increases its capital stock from $200,000 to $1,000,000. Announcement made that D. L. & W. shops at Kingston are to be removed to Dover, N.J29 Chamber of Commerce endorses the Guaranty Fund plan and appoints a committee to arrange details. George L. Seybold of Baltimore appointed superintendent of parks for Wilkes-Barre. High school and grammar A and B grades opened with the permission of the sanitary authorities, and pupils above 13 years permitted top attend private schools. 30. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Yeakel of Alden celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. 31. Recital in Irem temple by organist Wolle of Bethlehem. February 1912 1. Sheldon Axle Co. making preparations to manufacture motor truck chassis. Hardware firms of Phelps, Lewis & Bennett reorganized, the interest of the estate of F.A. Phelps having been acquired by George W. Lewis and Z. Platt Bennett hardware Co. 2. Sanitary committee decides to permit all children of 12 years and older to attend schools and places of amusement. Explained at a meeting at East End that the city is to pay one-fourth of the cost of grade crossing elimination; thought that a loan for about $900,000 would have to be authorized to provide for the elimination of the Scott Street crossing also, a bridge from butler Street to East End and part of the cost of doing away with the Solomon’s Creek nuisance. 5. Second annual automobile show opens in the Armory. 6. Tracks of a number of foxes said to have been seen in the snow on the hills close to Wilkes-Barre. 7. Men and Religion Forward Movement, for which extensive preparations have been made, begun in Wilkes-Barre and vicinity. Death of William P. Morgan, one of Wilkes-Barre’s best known business men. 8. Both Wilkes-Barre and East End citizens demand the elimination of the Scott Street crossing and a bridge between East End and North Wilkes-Barre as a part of the improvement plans. 9. Abram Nesbitt purchases a site for the proposed West Side hospital. 10. Col. Miner entertains at a dinner the officers of the 9th Regt. With other guests. John McGeehan escapes from the Luzerne County Jail, sentenced a month ago for a year on the charge of robbery. Another frigid wave ---8 degrees below zero in Wilkes-Barre. 11. Close of Men and Religion Forward movement after a most successful campaign. 12. Dedication of Wilkes-Barre’s handsome new High School building. Mr. and Mrs. John P. Witheridge of Nanticoke celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. All grades of the public and private schools reopen after the suspension due to the measles epidemic. Col. Miner announces his retirement as commanding officer of the 9th Regt. Concert by Alexander’s Band, with Mrs. Joseph Dunfee as soloist. Banquet tendered to postmaster Thomas Hoffernan by the employees in honor of his reappointment. Eagle hose Co. of Pittston celebrates the fifty-fifth anniversary of its organization. 13. Ordinance providing for a $925,000 bond issue to pay the city’s share of the elimination of the Scott, Market, Northampton and Hazle Street grade crossings, the city’s share for a bridge to take the place of the South Street structure, the city’s share of the elimination of the Solomon’s Creek nuisance, a bridge to connect North Wilkes-Barre with East End, and a public comfort station, introduced in councils. Northeastern Association of Sons of Veterans holds its first annual banquet in Memorial Hall. Rev. E.D. Johnson, rector of West Pittston Trinity Church, resigns to go to Brunswick, ME. 14. Valuation of Wilkes-Barre property increases $1,1115,092 in a year. Water famine in Hazleton region owing to unusual thickness of the ice on streams. First shipment of coal from the Loomis Colliery of the D.L. & W. at Dundee. 15. County commissioners vote an increase of one and eight-tenths mills in the county tax rate and also a bond issue for $600,000. First board of trustees of the West Side hospital elected ---composed of Abram Nesbitt, Abram G, Nesbitt, W.T. Payne, L.C. Darte, Dr. B.J. Cobleigh, T.L. Newell, Sterling R. Catlin, E.M. Rosser, R.A. Phillips, Thomas Thomas, Dr. S.M. Wolfe, Dr. D.H. Lake. 17. House in Warrior Run blown up by gas which had worked its way into the cellar from mine crevices, two people injured. 19. St Mary’s Alumni Association builds its first reception and euchre in Irem Temple. David A. George, a member of the Wilkes-Barre police force, ordained as priest in the Syrian Church. Midwinter concert of the Concordia Society, with Mrs. Willson as soloist. Rev. T.A. Brown, rector of the Episcopal Church in Pittston, resigns to go to Maryland. 20. Seventeenth anniversary of the founding of the Sunday school of Douglass Chapel observed. Operetta “Snow White” given by young people of holy Savoir parish. First annual banquet of Woman’s Club of Wilkes-Barre given at Hotel Sterling. 21. Nanticoke dam wearing away by the action of water and ice. Two men suffocated to death by smoke in a burning building in Nanticoke. Walter H. Hibbs, one of the oldest printers and publishers in the county, drops dead. B.W. Bevans resigns as cashier of the Luzerne County National Bank. 22. Jr. O.U.A.M. councils of Wilkes-Barre present a large flag for the new High School building, and the Woman’s Relief Corps a smaller silk flag. One of the fiercest wind storms in years sweeps over the county. 23. D.L. & W. doubling the capacity of its large central power station in Nanticoke. 24. Coal companies ready to comply with the act of the legislature granting hoisting engineers an eight hour day, the decree to be put in effect without a decrease in pay. Court makes new appointment for the board to examine candidates for eligibility to election as mine inspectors. 25. Chaplain Farr of the 9th Regt. preaches a sermon for the members of the First Presbyterian Church. 26. Mrs. Alexander Kezjivicki and two sons burned to death in the destruction of their home in Luzerne Borough, while the mother was trying to rescue the boys. 27. Ice moves out of the river with little indication of a serious flood. Rev. C.N. Dewey ordained as pastor in the Church of Christ. Clarence A. Perry lectures in the high school auditorium on the wider use of the school buildings. 28. High school students present a silk flag to the school board. 29. Dr Louis Grossman of Cincinnati lectures in the South Street Synagogue on “Education among the Jews”. March 1912 1 Commission appointed to codify the anthracite mine laws begins its duties. 2 Thomas R. Evans of Plymouth resumes the position of general manager of the Parrish Coal Co. 4 Dorrance Reynolds elected colonel of the 9th Regt. In place of Col. Asher miner, resigned. 5 Architect Osterling brings suits against the county for $156,250, which he alleges is due to him for fees and interest on the court house contract. Thomas L. Lake ordained to the ministry in the English Baptist Church at Plymouth. Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Bliss celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. 6 William R. Shaeffer of Bethlehem elected treasurer of the Wyoming Valley trust co. Attorney James Brennan purchases Hotel Hart. 8 Deutscher-Verein of Hillman Academy gives three plays in Saint Mary’s auditorium. Wilkes-Barre high school boys give a clever minstrel entertainment. Walter, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Flynn of Wilkes-Barre, killed on New Jersey Railroad. 9 A number of sea gulls, driven from the coast by a storm, seen flying over the Susquehanna. 12 “The Messiah” rendered at the armory by 300 voices under the direction of Dr. D.J. J. Mason. 17 Building of the First Church of Christ in Wilkes-Barre dedicated. River reaches a height of 17 feet with little danger of flood. 18 Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick give their first annual banquet at the Redington. Edwardsville mixed chorus wins the chief prize at the twentieth annual eisteddfod of the Cynonfardd Society in Edwardsville. 19 County board of assessors names 110 sub-assessors to value the property of the county. White haven voters sanction a loan for $30,000 for a new school building. Methodist ministers off for annual conference in Scranton. 20 Contract for four squad buildings for the new Luzerne County Industrial School for boys, and for the superintendents home, awarded to H.L. Campbell of Hazleton for $56,518. Charles C. Schiber, Sr., who was born in Wilkes-Barre, celebrates his ninetieth birthday anniversary. 21 Controller Hendershot issues an order that justices bills for fees on account of discharged cases must be submitted within thirty days of the date of discharge and have attached the original information. Lehigh and Wilkes-Barr Coal Co. pays to the city $32,000 in back taxes under protest, pending a decision of the question whether the reduction of the county coal assessment in the city applies to city taxes also. 22 Twenty-first anniversary of the organization of the B.I.A. observed. 24 Fred Becker, aged 22 years, jumps from the topmost point of the West market Street Bridge into the swollen and icy water and swims to appoint opposite Northampton Street, where he lands on the west side, all to win a $10 wager. 25 Two mills in Avoca Silk Mill Co. destroyed by fire causing a loss of about $100,000. Mayor Kosek issues an invitation to mayors and burgesses of municipalities in this part of the anthracite region to discuss ways and means of averting a strike. 26 Court appoints Col. W.C. Price and L.B. Hillard as prison commissioners. Francis Woodward, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, killed in a mine accident in Oklahoma. Nearly 200 athletes take part in the big booster athletic carnival in the armory, under the auspices of the Wilkes-Barre Y.M.C.A. 28 Recreation Congress of the Middle Atlantic States meets in Wilkes-Barre. An entire family ---husband, wife and three children ---burned to death in their home in Warrior Run. Mayor Kosek’s advisory committee issues a formal statement telling of the success of his crusade against the social evil. Court grants eighty-five new liquor licenses. 29 New Glen Lyon bank ready for business. 30 River reaches 22 feet. 31 John Mitchell speaks at the Poll Theater under the auspices of the Carpenter’s Union. Suspension at the mines goes into effect at midnight pending another conference to be held April 10. April 1912 1 Indignation meeting of Fifteenth Ward citizens held in Westminster Church to protest against the action of the court in granting liquor licenses against the remonstrance of hundreds of citizens of the ward and also in adding eighty-five new places to the number of saloons in the county, the meeting also favors the recall of judges. 2 Great testimonial dinner tendered Charles F. Johnson, retiring secretary of the Y.M.C.A., who has been chosen as superintendent of the Luzerne County Industrial Institute for Boys. John Judge of Wilkes-Barre killed on a railroad near Danville. What is said to be a new worlds record for the production of anthracite coal at a single colliery established at the Prospect colliery of the Lehigh Valley Coal Co. in March, when 104,600 tons were prepared for market at the breaker. 3 Committee representing the Chamber of Commerce, the school board and the medical societies calls upon the mayor to interest him in the establishment of a Board of Health. Mass meetings held in Memorial Church to protest against the action of the court in granting so many new liquor licenses. River reaches 22.5 feet. 4 Miss Sara Stites and Miss Helen Hodge retire as principals of the Wilkes-Barre Institute and are succeeded by Miss Anna M Olcott. Mrs. E.L. Church dies at the Old Ladies Home at the age of 98 years. 6 Judge Fuller decides that the new Plymouth bridge must be erected above the railroad grade. 7 New Primitive Methodist Church at Parsons dedicated. 8 Councils deny the use of room in the city hall to the official appointed by the county commissioners for the separate collection of county taxes. 9 Most successful banquet ever given by the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce ---addressed by Governor Tener and ex-Mayor Guthrie of Pittsburg, among others. 11 Linonia Society of Hillman Academy produces “London Assurance” in the Grand Opera House. Death of W.A. Lathrop of Dorranceton, president of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co. Alumnae Association of the Wilkes-Barre Institute organized. 12 Local committees appointed to take charge of the regulation of moving pictures in Wilkes-Barre. John Knox Commandery, Knights of Pythias, observes its twenty-fifth anniversary with a banquet. Heights residents hold an indignation meeting over the granting of many new liquor licenses by the court. 13 Spirited contests in the primary election, Luzerne County swept by the Roosevelt forces. Proposed loan for $925,000 for the elimination of grade crossings, a new South Street bridge, a bridge to connect North Wilkes-Barre with East End, a public comfort station, and the elimination of Solomon’s Creek defeated by a decisive majority. 15 Spring session of Presbytery opens in Plymouth. Heavy thunder shower, first of the season. Much local interest caused by news of the sinking of the steamer Titanic with 1,500 pf her passengers. 17 Demolition of the old house which stood at the west end of the Market Street bridge to make way for traction company improvements, the house considerably over a century old, having withstood the full force of many floods. Royal Welsh Ladies Choir sings in Central ME Church. 18. Survivors of the Wyoming Artillerists celebrate their fifty-first anniversary of their enlistment for the preservation of the Union. 20. “Miss Helen of Troy” given in Wilkes-Barre by the University of Pennsylvania Mask and Wig Club. 21. Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church in Edwardsville dedicated. Three of the survivors of the titanic come to Wilkes-Barre, twelve of their relatives drowned. Many of the ministers draw lessons from the Titanic disaster. 22. Rowley’s Band concert in Irem Temple, with Herbert Clarke as cornet soloist. Rev. Ernest A. Bell, founder of the Midnight Mission in Chicago, lectures in the Y.M.C.A. on the commercialized social evil. 24. Citizens of north Wilkes-Barre hold a mass meeting to take action in relation to protection against mine caves in the future. 26. Nelson H. Darton of the United States geological Survey speaks before the Historical Society on the formation of the Wyoming Valley. 27. Lehigh valley roundhouse at Coxton burned causing a loss of about $10,000 and the death of one man. 28. New board of prison commissioners makes its appointments. 30. William Aston of new York elected superintendent of the B.I.A. Boys of Calvary Club organize a club to make war on the house fly. May 1912 1. Woman’s Auxiliary for Mercy Hospital organized J. Horace McFarland lectures in Wilkes-Barre on municipal beauty and ugly spots. 3. High school minstrels give entertainment for benefit of Homeopathic Hospital. 5. Rev. H. C. Broening of Ashley Presbyterian Church preaches his tenth anniversary sermon. St Paul’s Lutheran Church of White haven dedicated. 6. Incipient riots and other trouble in various parts of the anthracite region over the long continued suspension, local members of the State Constabulary called to Mount Caramel. Concordia concert in Irem Temple, with Maud Powell, violinist, as soloist. By decision of the Supreme Court the trustees for the proprietors of Kingston Township win their important suit against the Lehigh Valley Coal Company for possession of a large tract of land in Forty Fort which was set apart by the original proprietors for public use in 1768. 7. Death of William T Dickover, 92 years, who lived in Wilkes-Barre all his life. 8. Fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the Home for Friendless Children in Wilkes-Barre observed. Attorney general Bell refuses to begin proceedings against Judge Fuller to compel him to show cause why he holds an office, on the ground that it was the intent of the legislature to create an additional judge in Luzerne. 10. Trouble at various collieries in the region, caused by crowds of miners and sympathizers attacking repair men who remained at work, State Constabulary remained busy dispersing the crowds. Young people give living representation of notable paintings and tableau in the high school auditorium for the benefit of the Settlement Association. Eleven nurses graduate from the City Hospital training school. Alderman Ricketts discharges Joseph Dunn, charged with attempting to bribe ex-mayor Kniffon in connection with new light company. 13. Kubelik appears in Irem Temple. 14. Sixty-second annual convention of the Supreme Circle, brotherhood of America, meets in Wilkes-Barre. 16. Young Mens Hebrew Association and Ladies Auxiliary give their first dance at Irem Temple. 17. Sudden death of Gen. Paul A. Oliver at his home in Laurel Run. High school girls give a pretty May Day festival in the auditorium. Parent-teacher Association movement organized in Pittston. 18. Miners in convention in Wilkes-Barre ratify the agreement by a vote of 323 to 64 and orders issued to resume work on the 22nd. 19. Cornerstone of the new Lutheran Church at Albert laid. 21. Burial of Gen. Paul A. Oliver with military honors. Nine county Funeral Directors’ Association meets in Wilkes-Barre. Susquehanna Dental Association opens its convention in Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes-Barre Lodge of Elks holds its farewell meeting in its old quarters prior to moving into the handsome new home on North River Street. Twenty-sixth annual meeting of the Congregational Conference of Pennsylvania Church of Edwardsville. County board of assessors wins its dispute with the commissioners over the appointment of clerks, by decision of the superior court. Street committee of councils begins the experiment of flushing the streets. 23. September 3 fixed by the court as date for voting on the annexation of Dorranceton. County commissioners decide to refer to a competent engineer the feasibility of building a dyke along the river. 24. Press club gives a farewell “stunt” in its old quarters on South Franklin Street, owing to the demolition of the building. “The Butterflies” a comedy, given by the Cliosophic and Sorosis societies of the Wilkes-Barre High School. Trouble in various parts of the Anthracite region after the resumption of work, owing to disputes and misunderstanding. 25. Robert C. Lewis of Pittston drowned in the river near Ransom. 28. Nineteen new graves for G.A. R. Post of Wilkes-Barre to decorate. Sermon to veterans preached by Rev. Dr. Guthrie of the First M.E. Church. 27. Four drivers badly injured by an explosion in the Pettebone Colliery. 28. Fifty-seven pupils graduate from Saint Mary’s commercial and academic courses. Fortieth anniversary of Mahoney & Co.’s business in Wilkes-Barre observed. Nineteen nurses graduate from Mercy Hospital training school. 29. Saint Cecilia Society concert, with Robert D. Armour, tenor, as soloist. Free dental clinic established at the City Hospital. Wilkes-Barre Council, 11 Jr. O.U.A.M., celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary. Court appoints first set of school auditors under the new school code for second and third class districts. County commissioners and controller come to an agreement which will permit construction of the proposed county road between Fairview and Freeland. 31. Company formed to dredge the river for coal near Plymouth. Miss Marie Gertrude McKernan gives a recital at Irem temple. Ringling’s circus. June 1912 1. Grand jury recommends the construction of a new river bridge at market Street. Dedication and flag raising at the Sheatown School in Newport Township. Work begin tearing down structures on the site of the proposed new miners’ Bank building at the corner of Market and Franklin Streets. Twelve nurses graduate from training school of the White Haven Sanitarium. 2. Several places struck by lightening in Wilkes-Barre vicinity. 3. Wilkes-Barre Automobile Club appoints a committee to get after reckless drivers. Child with two heads born in Duryea, though dead. 4. First patients treated at the free dental clinic at the City Hospital. Berton Aten, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, drowned in Illinois. 5. The Record publishes the names of hundreds of persons to whom the county owes witness fees and who failed to collect. Frank M. Davendorf, new Secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Y.M.C.A., takes up his duties. First class graduates from the Jenkins Township high School. 7. Two graduates from the Wilkes-Barre Institute. 8. County commissioners receive formal notice that the state will take over and maintain the highways included in the Sproul routes. 9. Sixteen persons injured, one of them fatally, by the derailing of a Harvey’s Lake car of the traction company. 10. Senior priests of the diocese begin their retreat at Harvey’s Lake Convention in Wilkes-Barre of the Roman and Greek Catholic Slovak Gymnasium union Sokol. Court decides that the contract made by the former commissioners for a county road from Fairview to Freeland is valid. 11. David Pleassett captures the first prize in the oratorical contest at Harry Hillman Academy. Effort is made to raise $200,000 endowment for Wyoming Seminary. 12. Class of forty-eight graduates from Wyoming Seminary. Justina Williams and Bernard Hoffenstein win the Wilkes-Barre school gold medal contests. Class of fourteen graduates from Henry Hillman Academy. 13. Trustees for the proprietors of Kingston Township awarded a verdict of $83.240 against the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, which may be increased to $101,864 should their claim for eight additional acres hold good, following a decision by the supreme court that the company took out the coal illegally, that the agreement for the mining should have been made with the proprietors of the township instead of with private parties who had no valid title to the coal. Franklin Street school building ready for occupancy. Lewis H. Morgan, formerly of Pittston, killed in an automobile accident in Binghamton. 14. First graduation exercises held in the auditorium of the new high school in Wilkes-Barre. Miss Frances J. Overton of Wilkes-Barre a school teacher for fifty years. F.M. Chase appointed vice president and general manager of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. 16. Memorial window to the memory of Mrs Elizabeth Welles Gregory unveiled aaat Memorial Presbyterian Church. 17. School board of Wilkes-Barre decides to raise the salaries of teachers for the coming year to the extent of $7000. 18. Rev. Frank W. Sterrett, vicar of grace Chapel, Dorranceton, and Rev. Frederick O. Musser, curate at Saint Stephens, advanced to the priesthood in Saint Stephens Episcopal Church. 19. Fifteen girls graduate from Mallinckrodt Convent Academy. 22. Case of small pox in Wilkes-Barre, a young Syrian woman. 23. Thirty-nine young men and women graduate from Saint john’s school in Pittston. 25. Forty-eight boys and girls graduate from Saint Mary’s Academy in Wilkes-Barre. Frst Nation Bank of Wyoming enters its new quarters. 26. Joseph M. Stark coal tract in Plains, about seventy-six acres, sold to Madeira Hill & Co. of Philadelphia for price said to have been upwards of $100,000. 27. John H. Kelson of Wilkes-Barre, ordained to the ministry in Ebenezer Baptist Church at Plymouth. First benefit given for the ladies auxiliary of Mercy Hospital in the form of a lawn fete. A son of Chief of Police Killeen of Luzerne Borough shoots and kills a burglar. 28. Affairs of the Matheson Motor Car Co. taken out of the hands of receivers. Ray W. Wallace of Dorrancton murdered in Oregon. 29. Ninth Regiment field day at West Side Park. Marker dedicated on the Harding farm near Pittston, to the memory of Benjamin and Stukeley Harding, who were killed in conflict with the Indians June 30, 1778 30. Mass meeting of Lehigh Valley R.R. employees held at Pittston for the organization of general and division associates for reducing accidents wherever possible. July 1912 1. Wilkes-Barre board of school government raises teacher’s salaries to the extent of $12,375. 3. Dr. Charles Francis Richardson delivers the principal address at the annual celebration at Wyoming Monument. 4. Less than the usual number of fires and accidents in Wilkes-Barre due to fireworks. Very hot and oppressive. 5. Miners certificate board for the First inspection district reappointed by the court. Court again orders that Wilkes-Barre councils put the South Street Bridge in condition for traffic or be punished for contempt. 9. State Christian Endeavor convention meets in Wilkes-Barre. Girls in large number patronize the bathing place at the west end of the Market Street Bridge on the days set apart for them. Torrid wave continues, thermometer registering between 95 and 100. 10. City applies for the appointment of viewers to condemn the land intended for a public athletic field at the west end of the Market Street Bridge. Annual outing of city councils and officials at Bear Creek. 11. Citizens of Hanover Township petition for a new borough and make charges of extravagance against the township officials. 18. One of the most severe electrical storms in years sweeps over the Wyoming Valley. 15. District No. 1 of the united mine Workers meets in Scranton. Judges requested to approve the project for a new bridge at Market Street. 16. Irma May of Plainsville, born July 11, has the distinction of having five grandmothers – one great-great grandmother, two great-grandmothers and two grandmothers. Father Clement Draplewski of Nanticoke celebrates his first mass in that place. County commissioners decide to bring another suit to establish a higher rate for coal assessments. 18. Superior court sustains the legality of the contract entered into by the officials of Hanover Township with the agent of the coal companies for doing the road work in the township. 19. Harry Feinberg of Plymouth killed in an automobile accident near Moosic. 20. Announcement made that West Side Park is to be cut up into building lots. Ninth Regiment in camp at Gettysburg. 21. Baby saving show under the auspices of the State Department of Health, opens in Wilkes-Barre. Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church at Albert dedicated. 22. Record publishes the mysterious hose letters in which a local agent requested money from a hose company for distribution among councilmen for securing a contract. F.S. McGuigan elected supervising principal of the schools of Pittston. 23. Councils approve a loan ordnance for $350,000 for a public comfort station and other improvement. 28. Blackman School in Wilkes-Barre Township, destroyed by fire. August 1912 4. J.P. Williams dies of heart trouble while leading the singing in the Kingston Presbyterian Church. 5. C.T.A.U. Regiment in annual encampment at Erie beach, Canada. Luzerne Manufacturing Co. at Dorranceton damaged by fire to the extent of $30,000. Cutoff ogf the Harvey’s Lake branch of the traction company opened. 7. Prof. Ruttin, a noted ear specialist from Vienna, entertained at a dinner at Mercy Hospital by the mother superior. 8. Farewell dinner given in honor of Adjt. and Mrs. Trembath of the Wilkes-Barre Salvation Army, who leave for Oil City. 10. John J. Lee takes charge of Hotel Hart. Jr. O.U.A.M. Regiment goes to Cooperstown for encampment. 11. Twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Swedish Lutheran Sunday School in Wilkes-Barre. 12. William Dougher, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, killed in an automobile accident in New York. 15. Ensign John Pringle and Capt. Holz arrive in Wilkes-Barre to take charge of Salvation Army work. 16. John B. Osborne, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, appointed consul at Havre by President Taft. 17. About 1,500 children take part in Wilkes-Barre playgrounds annual outing at Hollenback Park. 18. Henry Broderick of Alden drowns at Atlantic City. 19. D & H Coal Co. decides to abandon No. 2 coal breaker, near Plymouth, and run the coal to breaker No. 5. 21. Col. Roosevelt greeted by a great throng of people as he arrives in Wilkes-Barre to participate in Father Curran’s jubilee. 22. Father Curran celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination with a solemn high mass in Holy Savior Church, Col. Roosevelt and other distinguished guests being in attendance; the Colonel speaks from the steps of the parish residence, goes to Harvey’s Lake for dinner, drops in at baseball game and makes a short speech and in the evening addresses a monster meeting in the armory, presided over by Rev. Dr. T. C. Edwards. Annual convention of the Pennsylvania Society for the advancement of the Deaf opens in Wilkes-Barre. 24. Many people attend the annual Welsh day at Sans Souci Park. 26. J. Frank McGuire of Wilkes-Barre promoted to be inspector of transportation for the Lehigh Valley R. R. system. 27. Third class city convention opens in Wilkes-Barre. 28. Members of the old volunteer fire department of Wilkes-Barre participate in a parade incident to the Third Class City convention. Judge Fuller upholds the ordnance passed by Wilkes-Barre councils restricting the sale of fireworks to colored and firecrackers of not more than six inches in length. 29. Commercial Club of Wilkes-Barre gives a farewell dinner in honor of Felix Ansart, Esq., who retires from the practice of law and goes to Washington DC to live. 30. Leaders of the Roosevelt party in Luzerne County endorse Clarence Coughlin as a candidate for congress and William L. Pace as a candidate for state senator, and also make legislative endorsements. Announcement made that the Globe Store has been purchased by James R. Duncan of Evansville, Ind., and J. Robert Homer of the Boston Store, Wilkes-Barre. 31. The Arion Society of Brooklyn and the Arion Society of Newark come to Wilkes-Barre and vicinity for their annual outing. Eighteen new mail carriers added to the local service by reason of free delivery extensions. September 1912 3. Dorranceton Borough votes against annexation to Wilkes-Barre – 538 to 129. Angelo Lamais of Hilldale shot and killed in Lackawanna County. In their first report the county inspector of weights and measures state that so far as their examination went they found that about 50 percent of the scales, 40 per cent of the dry measures and 25 per cent of the liquid measures were short. 4. Globe Store opens under new proprietorship. 5. Local branch of druggists tenders a banquet in honor of Henry Merritt of Plains, elected president of the national Retail Druggists Association. 8. Central Scheutzen Corps of New York City having an outing at Harvey’s Lake. 9. Little Russian National Benevolent Union opens its convention in Wilkes-Barre. 10. Councils vote for $1.20 hose by a majority of one. 12. Knights of the Mystic Chain of Wilkes-Barre win the first prize in a competitive drill in Pittsburg. 20. Charles S. Miles, road engineer of Wilkes-Barre, appointed by the county commissioners, brings suit for his salary, he having been appointed by the new board of commissioners to supervise the construction of the new road to the Hazleton region, the old commissioners having previously appointed Moore & Myers. 17. Pennsylvania State Veterinary Association holds its semi-annual meeting at Harvey’s lake. 18. Wyoming Seminary opens with its largest enrollment of students in its history. Sentence of death passed upon William Bishie of Edwardsville commuted to life imprisonment. 20. Byron G. Hahn, former postmaster of Wilkes-Barre, dies in Syracuse. 23. Edwin F. Smith, an expert on waterways, submits a report on the control of the Susquehanna flood waters in this locality, giving data as to the proposed dike ans suggesting that more detailed surveys be made if the plan is to be carried out. Large delegation goes to Scranton to hear Governor Wilson, Democratic candidate for President, who was present at the notification of state candidates. 24. Priests of the Scranton Diocese hold their third annual Eucharistic conference in Hazleton. Utica club declared the winner of the pennant in the dispute over playing of postponed games, -the Wilkes- Barre club losing by one game. 26. Mayor Kosek signs the resolution which had a stormy time in councils providing for the purchase of $1,500 worth of Eureka hose at $1.20 a foot. Poultry fanciers of Wilkes-Barre and vicinity win many prizes at Allentown Fair. 27. Celebration of the unveiling of a new fountain at Fort Fort. Reception tendered F.M. Devendorf, new general secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Y.M.C.A. 28. Coal companies issue orders that miners who absent themselves the day after a pay day will be discharged unless they present a good excuse beforehand. 30. Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce lays plans to push the commission government movement. Announcement made of the abolition of the twelfth Internal Revenue district headquarter in Scranton, and its consolidation with the Ninth District. Prof. Earle Barnes begins a series of lectures in Wilkes- Barre under the auspices of the Woman’s College Club. October 1912 1. City Hospital free dental clinic so successful that an enlargement of staff is necessary. Majority of the local court overrules Judge Fuller’s decision against permitting the construction of the Plymouth Bridge so that the approach will cross the D. L. & W. R. R. at grade. After forty years of service Dr. G. W. Guthrie resigns as an active member of the City Hospital staff and becomes consulting surgeon. 2. First donation for the new homeopathic Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. 3. William Bodmer of Wilkes-Barre appointed superintendent of highways for Luzerne County by the state department, in place of James E. McDonald of West Pittston, resigned. Formal opening of the Hazleton free library, a $100,000 gift from John Markle. Announcement made of the appointment of medical inspectors for the schools of the fourth class districts in the county by the state, as required by the new school code. New breaker at East Boston mine, taking the place of the one destroyed by fire, near completion. 4. Court decides that county commissioners shall not count the primary vote of the fifth ward of Pittston, in which the ballot box was stolen, thus giving the legislative nomination to Augustine P. Conniff. 5. Nearly 600 miners attend the banquet of the Nanticoke mining institute. 7. Opening of the new West Side hospital. 8. Women’s Civic Club endorses Board of Health project. 10. Annual Father Matthew Day parade at Hazleton. Governor Johnson of California, candidate for Vice President of the Progressive party, speaks in Wilkes-Barre. 11. Testimonial dinner given in the Plymouth Calvinistic Church in honor of the seventieth anniversary of Thomas R. Evans, superintendent of the Parrish Coal Company. Plan to refinance the Matheson Co. being proposed to the stockholders. 12. Michael J. Waters of Parsons killed on a railroad in Nicholson. Shelter and Day Nursery has a Flower Day instead of the customary Tag Day and receives $1,670. 13. Rev. Dr. G.H. Broening resigns as pastor of the Ashley Presbyterian Church to accept a call to Newark, NJ. 14. Sensation caused by the attempted assignation of Colonel Roosevelt. Court sustains the injunction ousting two of the school teachers in Plains township on the ground that, being relatives of members of the board, they were not chosen by a three fourths majority of the board. Federation of the Protestant Churches in Wilkes-Barre and vicinity for working together in moral and other uplifting movements established. 15. Bear Creek Ice Co. makes voluntary application to the court for a dissolution of the charter. Free library and reading room opened in connection with Saint Aloysius Church by father griffin. 16. First boy committed by Judge Fuller to the new Luzerne County Industrial School for Boys at Kislyn. 17. Sanitary committee of city councils hears arguments on the proposition to establish a local Board of Health, and many prominent citizens give their views. Miss Lydia Stirling Flintham gives a series of lecture-recitals in Saint Mary’s School auditorium. 18. Members of Saint Stephens Sunday school give a one act musical comedy in the Y.M.C.A. George F. McCord of Wilkes-Barre chosen supreme commander of the Knights of Malta of America. 21. West Side Hospital staff organizes for the first time. Forty-fifth annual institute of Luzerne County teachers meets in Wilkes-Barre. Spring Brook Water Supply Co. awards a contract to drive a tunnel 5,000 feet long through West Nanticoke Mountain for the purpose of conveying water from its big dam to Wilkes-Barre. 22. Wilkes-Barre branch of the united Sportsmen of America organized. 23. Reception given to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Kerr at memorial Presbyterian church. 24. Death of Monsignor J.P. O’Malley, rector of Saint John’s Catholic Church at Pittston. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Behn, Sr., of Hanover Township celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. 26. Senator John Sharps Williams speaks at Democratic rally at the armory. Court orders voting lists of three districts of Hanover Township purged. 29. State conference on Charities and Corrections opens in Wilkes-Barre. Anthracite region banks almost double deposits in eight years. 30. Death of Vice President Sherman causes much interest on the eve of the election. J.J. miller of Saint Francis Church, New York, gives a recital on the remodeled organ in Saint Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre. November 1912 2. School auditors surcharge the school directors of Newport Township with $2,500 for alleged negligence in purchase of books and for other reasons. Luncheon at Hotel Readington by representatives of organizations arranging preliminaries for a common working together in the interest of social and moral reform. 3. Rev Dr Broening preaches his farewell sermon in the Ashley Presbyterian Church 4. Voting lists in Jenkins Township purged of many illegal names, by order of the court. 5. Pleasant election weather. 6. Mr & Mrs. James McGinty of Wilkes-Barre, the former for many years mayor’s clerk, celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Y.W.C.A. of Wilkes-Barre forming extension clubs in nearby towns. 7. Committee of local Greeks makes an appeal for money for the Greek Red Cross for work in the war with Turkey. 8. Miners who quit work at South Wilkes-Barre and Ashley because non union men were employed return by order of the mine officials. 9. Citizens of Pringle Township petition the court for incorporation as a borough. 10. George R. Bedford observes the fiftieth anniversary of his admission to practice law in Luzerne County. 11. Reports confirmed that the D & H is to build a line running from its Buttonwood branch, to cross the river, go up the West Side Flats ass far as the old Wilkes-Barre & Eastern Bridge and then recross the river to join the tracks on the east side doing away with the transfer of coal and freight through the city. 14. Park commission seeks assistance from the county commissioners in the plans to build greenhouses and student facilities on the river common. Supreme court decides that the award of road contracts in Hanover Township to agents of the coal companies is valid. Volpe orchestra in Irem temple. 16. Bernard Gallagher, formerly of Parsons, accidentally killed at Glen Mills, this state. Death of Noah Pettebone, who for seventy-four years lived on the west side. 18. Members of Co. B, 9th Regt. Commemorate the thirty-fourth anniversary of the company’s organization. 19. Petition filed for a charter for the Wyoming Valley Evangelistic Association to finance Billy Sunday campaign. Trustees and committee of Chamber of Commerce planning for a Greater Wilkes-Barre Industrial Exposition. 20. First annual banquet of the Wilkes-Barre Automobile Club. 21. Rev. J.J. Coroner of Towanda appointed to become rector of Saint Johns Catholic Church at Pittston, in place of Monsignor O’Malley, deceased. Death of Rev. Jonathan O’Neill, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pittston. 22. Dr. R.P. Taylor of Wilkes-Barre seriously wounded in a hunting accident by receiving the full contents of a gun barrel in his back. Three days boys’ conference opens in the Wilkes-Barre Y.M.C.A. 23. Local citizens petition the State railroad Commission to investigate the lack of Wilkes-Barre and Eastern passenger facilities in Wilkes-Barre. 24. First real snow storm of the season. 25. Twelve men hurt by being thrown about the Barnum mine at Pittston by concussion due to a cave in. Concordia fall concert, with Mrs. Helen Newitt Evans of the West Side and Frederick McNaughton of Scranton as the soloists. Epidemic of measles in Hazleton results in closing of schools and all other places where children gather. 26. Pure food agents arrest a number of local merchants for selling colored oleo margarine and adulterated food. Miss Julia Schoenfeld, field secretary of the American Playground Association and Recreation Congress, makes a startling report to the Civic Club on dance hall conditions in Wilkes- Barre and vicinity. Two foxes killed on the Wilkes-Barre Mountain near Red Ash Colliery. 27. Suggestion made that the original portrait of Colonel Isaac Barre, painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1782, recently brought to this country from the Earl of Saint Vincent’s collection, be purchased for Wilkes-Barre. 28. Nanticoke Choir wins first prize at Primitive Methodist Church eisteddfod in Wilkes-Barre. Ideal Thanksgiving weather. Five football players badly injured in Seminary high school game. 29. Citizens committee makes a tour of moving picture houses to see what reforms are needed. 30. A young man named John McAndrews escapes from the county jail, but is captured a few hours later at Avoca. Over 800 men attend mining Institute banquet at Pittston. Transcribed by Susie Potter, 20 Jan 2009