1920 WB Record Almanac, Record of Local Events for 1919 Happenings in Luzerne County for the Twelve Months from December 1, 1918 to December 1 1919. The following information is posted for the sole purpose of family research within the Yahoo Group, The Court House Gang. It is not to be published to any other web site, mailing list, group, etc. without prior written permission and guidelines from the group owner, to ensure that proper credit is given to the group and all of our volunteers that helped with this project. DECEMBER 1918 1. Welsh Congregational Church of Edwardsville commemorates its 50th anniversary. St. Leo's Church Congregation of Ashley petitions President Wilson to champion the cause of Ireland in the international court of justice 3. Epidemic of influenza in Wilkes-Barre evidently on the decline, 18 cases reported for the day. Situation improving in other parts of the valley. 4. Wilkes-Barre Schools reopen after having been closed for 2 months on account of the flu. 6. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Myers of Luzerne Borough celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Another heavy increase of flu cases in Wilkes-Barre alarms the authorities. 8. Mr. and Mrs. N. Springer of Wilkes-Barre celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. 10. City Council Appoints A.F. Hitchler and James H. Campbell as custodians of the squirrels in Public Square Park - to serve without compensation. 11. Court decides to count the soldiers vote from all camps where ten or more votes were cast. which gives the congressional election to John J Casey over E.N. Carpenter by a majority of 42. 12. Hess-Goldsmith Co. at Kingston, shows enterprise by devoting an entire home as a rest and recreation resort for the silk mill employees. 13. Word received that the Distinguished Service Cross had been awarded to Col. Asher Miner for heroism at Apremont, France, Oct4, 1918. 14. Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Dupont destroyed by fire. 15. Death of Rev. P.J. McHale, rector of Holy Name Church at Swoyersville. 16. Wilkes-Barre branch of Red Cross plans to provide temporarily for the orphans and widows of the flu epidemic, nearly 2000 of the latter. 17. 104 new flu cases reported in Wilkes-Barre for the day. Kings bakery gutted by fire. 18. Death of Rev. P.J. McManus, rector of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wilkes-Barre. Mr. and Mrs. Robert I. Westover of Town Hill observe their 60th wedding anniversary. 22. Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Hughes of Wilkes-Barre observe their 50th wedding anniversary. Francis A. Mcginley of Wilkes-Barre, Leo V. Gilroy of Pittston, and John P. Kelly of Exeter ordained as priests at Scranton, and William G. King of Inkerman at St. Vincents Seminary, Beatty, Pa. Capt Dorrance Reynolds of Wilkes-Barre, formerly colonel of the old 9th Regiment, promoted to major for gallantry in action. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew H. Brown of Wilkes-Barre observe their 50th wedding anniversary. 24. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Wagner of Wilkes-Barre observe their 50th wedding anniversary. Death of James Poland, one of Wilkes-Barre prominent hotel men. Col Miner of the 109th Regt. arrives in the US, Col. Olin F. Harvey and Francis Ward, of Miners Mills, who lost a leg, given a rousing reception at Rotary club meeting. 26. Death of John B. Graham, one of Ashleys most prominent citizens. Dr. J.I. Roe appointed head of the medical advisory board for the new contagious disease hospital. 29. Bethel A.M.E. Church dedicates its new place of worship, formerly Zion Reformed Church, on South Washington street. 30. Many soldiers and sailors returning home from France and from home camps. 31. 13 murders in Luzerne County in 1918. Michael Lonski of Nanticoke appointed mercantile appraiser for the county for 1919. JANUARY, 1919 1. George Kruze appointed to manage the Liberty Market soon to opened on East Market Street. 4. Mr. and Mrs Nathan Yohey of Nescopeck celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary 5. The new rector of Calvary Church, Rev Robert F. Kline, occupies his new pulpit for the first time. 8. Judge Woodward declares he will not naturalize aliens who cannot read English 9. Death of James Goldsworthy Sr., division Superintendent of the L&W-B Coal Co., Death of L.O. Hoover of Wilkes-Barre, prominent lumber dealer. Death of James O'Brien of Madison Street, Wilkes-Barre, who was born in Wilkes-Barre in 1832 and was a canal boatman. 10. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Fetzer of Wilkes-Barre observe their 50th wedding anniversary 14. Rev. J.J. Curran, rector of Holy Savior Church, appointed as rector of St. Marys Church. 17. Many returning soldiers and sailors unable to get their old jobs back and some have difficulty finding any jobs at all. 20. General Manager Huber of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. denies that the company is not giving back former positions to returned soldiers and sailors. 22. Fire destroys No.5 breaker of the D&H Coal Co. at Larksville. 25. Rev. J.J. McCabe, pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Georgetown, appointed rector of Holy Savior Church, East End. 28. Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Whiteman of Wilkes-Barre celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. February 1919 1. Two Kingston boys (brothers) drown in one of the Kingston pond holes by breaking thru the ice and two others came close to sharing the same fate. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Lance, the former general manager of the Spring Brook Water Supply Co. die on the same day at their home in Kingston of pneumonia. Mr. Lance aged 70 and his wife 68. 2. Oneonta Hotel at Harveys Lake burned to the ground. Death of John Todd Walsh, county commissioner, at his home in Nanticoke. 5. Paul Bedford appointed by the federal railroad administration as assistant general counsel for the D&H RR Co. Mrs Katazyna Buyonowski of Avoca dies at the age of 100 years. 6. Cornelius J. Gallagher, formerly register of wills, appointed county commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John Todd Walsh. 7. Angelo Corsino of Pittston, twice convicted of murder in the first degree is convicted of manslaughter on the third trial. L.W. Healey, vice president of the Spring Brook Water Supply Co. is named as general manager also. 11. Rev. James Lawrence Ware, curate at St Stephens Church, ordained a minister. 14. Police break up a Bolshevist meeting at Brookside. 20. A service flag containing 205 stars, 12 of them gold, representing the boys of the East End who entered the service of the govt. unfurled at No. 8 hose house 22. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Anderson of Shickshinny celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 25. Assistant District Attorney John S Lapatto appointed by the Lithuanian National Council to act as the sole representative of the Lithuanian people of the United States at Paris during the session of the Peace Conference. 26. Fire destroys St. Mary's Nativity Polish Catholic Church in Plymouth, causing a loss of about $100,000 partly covered by insurance. 27. A. Mitchell Palmer, a native of Luzerne County, appointed Attorney General in President Wilson's Cabinet. Bernard Boyle of Wilkes-Barre, who was a seaman, returns home after having been confined for 21 months in German prison camps. MARCH 1919 2. A week of re-dedication services begun at St. Hedwig's Church of Plymouth 4. Rev. James M. Farr, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Wilkes-Barre, who was chaplain of the 109th Regt. and of other units returns home 7. Death of Jeremiah S. Sanders, 85 years, one of the oldest retired newsmen in the county. 9. Death in Wilkes-Barre of Henry F. Oman, father of Rear Admiral J. Wallace Oman, newly appointed governor of the Virgin Islands, and of Commander Charles M. Oman, commandant of Base Hospital No. 1 at Brest, France. Fire destroys the bridge between Shickshinny and Mocanaqua and inconveniences hundreds of Shickshinny residents who worked in the mine at Mocanaqua. 11. Death of Isador R. Blatner, one of Wilkes-Barre's well known merchants. 12. Former B.I.A. members and prominent citizens meet and discuss the advisability of reviving the B.I.A. work as a monument to the memory of the founder, Mrs. W.H. Palmer. 15. Some breweries start the brewing of near beer, made of grains but said to contain only 0ne-half of one percent alcohol in anticipation of prohibition becoming effective July 1. 19. County Commissioners decide to employ the Quantity Survey Co. of New York to determine whether the county owes contractor Wilson J. Smith $50,000 for work on the new court house as he claims in a suit filed. 21. Dorranceton high school building, costing $62,000. finished. 23. James W. Swail becomes manager of Hotel Sterling. Death of Sterling R. Catlin of Wilkes-Barre, member of the State Senate elected 4 times. 25. Countess De Silva, whose husband was killed in the Italian Army during the war and who served as a nurse in Italian Hospitals makes an address to the Civic Club. Property purchased from the Reap heirs on Dock Street, Pittston, for $20,000, as the site for the proposed post office building. 26. Word received from Capt. Elmer Croop of Nanticoke that he was decorated with the British Military Medal by King George for rescuing a number of British wounded. 30. Fire burns out part of the interior of St. John's Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre. APRIL 1919 2. Matson Avenue grammar school of Parsons destroyed by fire 4. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Durland of West Wyoming celebrate their 50th anniversary. 8. Fire destroys the washery of the Red Ash Coal Co. at Laurel Run Borough. 9. Rev. H.G. Russell, aged 77, pioneer minister of the Pennsylvania Conference of Primitive Methodist Church, dies at home of Mrs. Thomas Clark in Avoca. Was formerly pastor in Wilkes-Barre. 10. Mr. and Mrs. William Lane of Sugar Hollow celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 14. Miss Lazzari, contralto, and Rudolph Ganz, pianist, in Temple course. 16. Word received that the Distinguished Service Medal had been awarded to Lt. Col. Ernest G. Smith, general manager of the Times-Leader. 18. Jury returns a verdict of murder in the first degree against Tony Palmo for the murder of Benny Myskowski at Plains on Jan 27 22. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Fear of West Pittston observe their 50th wedding anniversary. 23. In memory of Col. Roosevelt, ex-President of the United States, who was honorary vice president of the Boy Scouts of America, the Wilkes-Barre Boy Scouts plant an oak tree on the river common near South Street. 24. Kingston Presbyterian Church observes 100th anniversary, the first church to be organized as a Presbyterian church in Wyoming Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis S. Shales observe their 50th wedding anniversary. 29. Three men killed and two injured by an explosion of gas in the Pettebone mine of the D.,L&W. George Nicholson of Wilkes-Barre appointed as a member of the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. MAY 1919 1. Eugene W. Mulligan appointed to the position of vice president of the Second National Bank and W.E. Lewis, assistant cashier, promoted to the position of cashier. 2. Mr. and Mrs. James Ramsey of Wilkes-Barre celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 11. Death of Isaac Stauffer at Pocono Lake, 85 years, said to have been the last stage coach driver on the line between Wilkes-Barre and Easton. Two men killed and two seriously injured at Parsons by a train striking an automobile. 13. Death of Miner Naugle of Wyoming, born near Wilkes-Barre ninety-three years ago. 14. Death at his home in Tunkhannock of Alva Tompkins, one of the earliest settlers of Pittston and pioneer of the anthracite coal industry, aged 92 years. Death of Eugene W. Mulligan of Wilkes-Barre, for more than 40 years connected with the Second National Bank, most of the time as cashier. 15. Death in Harrisburg of John McKay of Luzerne Borough, member of the legislature for 3 terms from the Sixth District. 16. Death of Judge Charles E. Rice, for 16 years president judge of the courts of Luzerne County, and for nearly 21 years president judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, from the time of the courts organization. Death of Walter S. Biddle of Wilkes-Barre, member of the well known insurance firm of Biddle & Eno. 19. An Edwardsville carpenter dies of sunstroke. Death at Wyoming of Dr. Charles P. Knapp, one of the best known physicians of Wyoming Valley. 20. Great reception to the 109th Field Artillery on its return from the battlefields of France. Wilkes-Barre gaily decorated, including pylons on East Market Street near the station and a great arch at the corner of East Market and Public Square, with statues of soldiers and sailors around the square. As the train approaches the city from Camp Dix most of the whistles in town herald its coming. Train arrives at 11 o’clock in the morning and parade starts immediately. Great throngs of people along its route. Col. Asher Miner commander of the regiment, who lost a leg in action, rides in a carriage, accompanied by Col. Olin F. Harvey, who was also wounded, followed by the regimental band, by Lt. Col. William H. Zierdt, who was in command of the regiment after Col. Miner was wounded, by his staff and then by the regiment, the latter followed by wounded members in automobiles, by nurses, and then by other local soldiers and sailors. Catafalque, draped in black and drawn by 4 horses, in memory of the dead. Salvation Army women drop roses in the path of the regiment from the arch on East Market Street. Great ovation all along the line of march. A grandstand erected on South River Street between Northampton and South accommodating several thousand people, including Red Cross members and families of the boys. The regiment reviewed from the grandstand by officers and by Brig. Gen W.G. Price, commander of the 53d Artillery Brigade of the 28th Division, by Civil War veterans and Spanish-American War veterans, and by members of the homecoming committee. The regiment goes to the armory, where it is finally disbanded. The boys then hasten to meet their loved ones and many affecting scenes are witnessed. Enthusiastic celebrations in Pittston, Plymouth, Nanticoke and other towns for their boys. Forty-four of the boys met with death abroad and other casualties numbered 256. 21. Lt. Col. Zierdt, who was in command of the 109th Regt part of the time during the campaign in France begins his duties as manager of the State Employment Bureau in Wilkes-Barre 26. Death of Henry W. Evans of Plainsville, who had one of the largest truck gardens in the county and who was noted as a local phrenologist JUNE 1919 1. Memorial Service held in Parsons in memory of the fallen heroes from that town. Death of Charles H. Price, mayor of Wilkes-Barre from 1902 to 1905. 2. Reception in Westminister Presbyterian Church in honor of the 46th anniversary of Rev. R.B. Webster as pastor of the church and his 73rd birthday. 3. Death of Dr. J.H. Timberman, one of Wilkes-Barre's best known veterinarians. John H. Gorman of Wilkes-Barre has his Christmas tree standing in his home awaiing the arrival of his son, Corp. J.P.Gorman from service overseas. 5. Greatest mine disaster since the Avondale disaster in 1869, when 110 men were killed Ninety-two men killed and 40 injured in Baltimore tunnel No.5 of the D&H workings East End, Wilkes-Barre Over 100 men were being taken into the tunnel in the morning on a train of cars that also contained a number of kegs of powder. The powder ignited in some manner not determined. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Cherrett of Wilkes-Barre celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 7. Nine Baltimore Tunnel victims buried from East End church and five of the victims from St. Mary's Greek Catholic Church. 8. Bodies of 24 of the Baltimore Tunnel victims taken to St. Mary's Polish Catholic Church on Park avenue. The bodies buried in a long trench in St. Mary's Polish Cemetery. 9. Death of Prof. George E. Mason, one of Wilkes-Barre best known instructors and leader of church music. 14. Joseph P., son of Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Connor of Kingston, ordained to the priesthood. 20. United Nut & Chocolate Co. organized in Wilkes-Barre. 24. Former Congressman Thomas W. Templeton of Plymouth appointed superintendent of public grounds and buildings by Governor Sproul. 25. Samuel W. Baird, principal of the Franklin street school, a teacher and principal in the city's schools for 43 years, goes on the retired list at his request. 30. Great hilarity and celebrations in saloons, hotels and cabarets on the last day of liquor At midnight all places discontinue the sale of liquor. JULY 1919 1. Many of the county’s saloons remain open ostensibly for the sale of 2.75 beer, but in a number of them wine and even whisky are sold to known patrons, though it is announced from Washington that those who sell 2.75 beer are liable to prosecution. 5. Death of Even Greenough Scott of Wilkes-Barre. soldier, lawyer, and author. 6. Five Freeland persons in an automobile killed when the machine collided with a Lehigh Valley train at the Warrior Run crossing. 10. Two men of Keystone Patch, near Pittston, fined for having two bear cubs in their possession, which they found on a mountain nearby. Fred M Chase, general manager and vice president of the Lehigh Valley Coal Co., observes 40th anniversary with the company. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Burke of Pittston celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 23. Death of William E. Doron of Wilkes-Barre, prominent undertaker and member of the G.A.R. 24. First arrest of a Wilkes-Barre saloonkeeper on the charge of violating the war-time prohibition act which went into effect on July 1. AUGUST 1919 1. All but 23 of the liquor license holders in Luzerne County pay their licenses for August, though not permitted to sell anything but 2.75 beer and that in doubt. 2. Miss Natalie Beach Crary of Shickshinny named to christen a 6,000 ton freighter at the Hog Island slip to be named Shickshinny. 4. Dinner given to Gen C.B. Dougherty on the 40th anniversary of his connection with the Susquehanna Collieries Co. 5. County Assessor John J. O'Donnell, a prominent attorney of Wilkes- Barre, and Thomas Mulherin of Pittston and two other men seriously injured in a collision between an automobile and train on the Central R.R. at Cork Lane crossing. 6. Cost of milk goes up to 14 cents a quart. 11. Chamber of Commerce asks of Congressman Casey that he oppose the plan of government ownership of railroads. 12. City Council orders that all wires on South Pennsylvania avenue be placed underground. 13. Maj. William S. McLean named county assessor to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John J. O'Donnell. 14. First airplane agency in Luzerne County by Frank Martz of Plymouth in Connection with his automobile business. 15. Death of George C. Lewis, a member of one of Wilkes-Barre's oldest families. 19. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Naugle of Sweet Valley observe their 50th wedding anniversary. 22. Mr. and Mrs Horton of Westmoor celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 23. Distinguished Service Medal authorized by the American government conferred upon Col. Asher Miner, in addition to the Distinguished Service Cross, previously conferred 28. Death of G. Mortimer Lewis, lawyer and formerly a street railway promoter. 29. Fred Haefling, a Wilkes-Barre boy dies after a boxing bout in Atlantic City. 30. Rev R.V. Lancaster of Memorial Presbyterian Church, has on his own initative secured several carloads of government surplus food for sale at cost price to the people of Wilkes-Barre and the vicinity September 1919 1. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Matthews of Ashley celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 3. Rev. R.V. Lancaster puts on sale a car of government surplus bacon at 33 cents a pound, the cost plus transportation, a reduction of about 15 cents a pound. 4. Death of Theodore F. Ryman, a member of one of Wyoming Valley's oldest families and prominent in various industries. 6. L.D. Merrill, who was an aviator in the army, inaugurates an airplane service, starting and landing on what is known as the company farm between Sugar Notch and the Middle Road. 10. Much sorrow in the county because of the death of John Mitchell who organized the anthracite worker and conducted the great strike of 1902. 11. Ralph A. Patrick, physical director of the Mauch Chunk Y.M.C.A. becomes additional physical director of the Wilkes-Barre Y.M.C.A. 15. Dr. G.R. Andreas appointed head of the medical inspection department of the Wilkes-Barre schools at a salary of $1,000 per year. 16. Judge Fuller sustains a bad fracture of the leg in an automobile accident. 27. Attorney John H. Dando elected Republican county chairman. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Brong of Mountaintop observe their 50th wedding anniversary. 30. Benjamin F. Williams, cashier of the Wilkes-Barre Deposit & Savings Bank chosen chairman of the Red Cross membership and funds campaign to be held in early November. OCTOBER 1919 1. Memorial services held by employees of the Lehigh Valley Coal Co. in memory of Harold A. Warner of Kingston and Howell W Williams of Pittston, fellow emploees who died in the service of the country. 2. Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Case of Jackson Township celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 3. S.S. Kresge of the Kresge chain stores purchases from the Simon Long estate the building at 5 South Main Street for 174,000 and leases the adjoining building from tha Baur estate. . 6. Death in Hazleton of Charles S. Hill who was a county commissioner in 1872 and who while in that office was responsible for the planting of trees in Public Square, aged 85 years. 7. Death of Andrew H. McClintock, one of the most prominent lawyers and citizens of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Evans of Plymouth celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 10. Death of William H. Sturdevant of Wilkes-Barre, a member of one of the Wyoming Valley's oldest families. Mr. and Mrs. Valentin Ratayski of Duryea celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 12. Announcement made by Rev. Selden Hayes of his resignation as pastor of the Kingston Presbyterian Church to become associated with the Presbyterian New Era movement. 13. Death at Forty Fort of Harper N. Pettebone, a descendent of original settlers of Wyoming Valley. 16. Announcements made of local appointments in the reorganization of the National Guard of Pennsylvania - William S. McLean of Wilkes-Barre to be colonel of the third artillery, with headquarters in Wilkes-Barre, R.M. Vail to be colonel of the Thirteenth Infantry, headquarters in Scranton; and William H. Zierdt of Wilkes-Barre to be major and division inspector. 17. Death of Charles F. Murray, a well known Wilkes-Barre businessman. 27. Death of Edward Constine, who was born in Wilkes-Barre 72 years ago. NOVEMBER 1919 2. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schuler of Wilkes- Barre celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 4. Daniel L. Hart succeeds John V. Kosek as mayor of Wilkes-Barre 11. Death of Jacob Schappert, aged 80 years, a former county commissioner. 13. Maj. George R. McLean of Wilkes-Barre returns from Siberia. C.F. Brisbin, manager of the Wilkes-Barre district of the Bell Telephone Co., promoted to division manager. 14. Mr. and Mrs. David E. Edwards of Wilkes-Barre observe their 50th wedding anniversary. 17. Death of H.W. Saums, a member of the Wilkes-Barre School Board. 29. Mrs. Jacob Forve of Wilkes-Barre dies at the age of 97 years. Typed by John Jenkins, May 2004