Record of Local Events.

Principal Happenings in Luzerne County for the Year Beginning December 1, 1930, and Ending 
November 30, 1931.

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                    DECEMBER, 1930
1. Chamber of Commerce refers handling of Susquehanna river flood control to a committee of 70….Hunters kill 
400 bucks in Luzerne county on first day of deer season….School boards of county hold annual elections of 
officers….Three coal companies and a former coal producing company owe Wilkes-Barre city more than $150,000 
in taxes according to report of Councilman Schuler….Temperature drops to 14 degrees in city.
2. City council authorized new parking regulations prohibiting parking on central city streets for two hours 
in the morning….Plains township men acquitted by local court of charges of interfering with election officers…
City council makes settlements for collection of $156,000 in taxes owed by Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. 
and Glen Alden Coal Co. from 1925 to 1930….John C. Haddock is elected chairman of the 1931 Community Welfare 
federation drive.
3. Plans approved for opening of a labor bureau in Wilkes-Barre….Council sets aside $6,000 to help finance the 
Airport provided county officials do like-wise.
4. Anthracite mine workers protest pipe line invasion of anthracite region by a natural gas company….Extension 
of time for payment of personal, county and State tax in Wilkes-Barre to January 15 is announced by Fred 
Goeringer, tax, collector….Luzerne county court appoints receivers for trolley line at Hazleton. 
5. County treasurer reports that $250,000 in fees for various licenses was collected and turned over to the State 
during the twelve months ending December 1….Piece of land in Plymouth township, part of the last tract of 
land in Pennsylvania owned by the family of William Penn, is sold to Scranton-Spring Brook Water Service Co. 
by Penn’s lineal descendant.
6. City police search for three bandits who obtained $900 in two holdups…Death of Frank S. Crane of Kingston, 
prominent silk manufacturer.
7. Korn Krest youth severely wounded by State trooper, and three other young men and a young woman are arrested
on a holdup charge after a chase through Columbia and Luzerne counties….Business center of Wilkes-Barre takes 
on holiday appearance with Christmas decorations.  Thousands of shoppers throng the stores….Wilkes-Barre 
policemen subscribe $500 to help feed needy families of the city….Glen Alden Coal Co. acquires a third 
interest in George F. Lee Coal Co.
8. Bronze bust of Dr. L. L. Sprague is presented Wyoming Seminary by members of class of 1923….U. S. Senator 
Daniel O. Hastings of Delaware speaks at dinner at Central M. E. church….109th Field Artillery band under l
eadership of John MacLuskie, gives its annual concert.
9.Public Service Commission gives its long-awaited decision in the water rate case and orders Scranton-Spring 
Brook Water Service Co. to file new tariff to produce a gross annual revenue from domestic consumers of not 
more than $4,219,000.  This is said to reduce the rates approximately 11 per cent.  from the rates demanded 
by the company on July 1, 1928 and 6 per cent. from the temporary rates filed two years ago….Members of 
council silent on reports of new faction being formed at city hall.
10. Water rate opponents characterize Public Service Commission decision a great disappointment and start 
planning campaign to resist the rates….C. A. Gibbons of Morgantown, W. Va., is appointed general manager of 
Susquehanna Collieries Co. to succeed late David V. Randall….Central Poor board orders plans drawn for 
$250,000 building at Retreat.
11. Annual convention of Pennsylvania Physical Educational association opens in Meyers high school….Two robbers
hold up two Nanticoke men and obtain $90.
12. Light snowfall causes several automobile collisions on city streets….County Coroner Luther M. Kniffen is 
seriously injured and his companion, Ray Henderson, is fatally injured, when hit by an automobile.
13. Increase in taxes in Wilkes-Barre seen as 1931 budget is prepared….Two Nanticoke youths convicted of 
holding up and robbing tow men on Friday night are sentenced to penitentiary….Fire destroys building at 
Nanticoke, causing $20,000 loss….Robber fires on Mountain Top merchant when latter ignores command to throw 
up his hands….900 persons attend dinner in city to members of Hanover high school football team….Mercury drops
to 14 above in city, 2 above in mountains.
14. Death of W. E. Dow, prominent insurance man….Harvey Weiss, employee of city 30 years, is appointed city 
clerk….Thousands of Christmas trees being brought into the valley for the holiday; expected that 60,000 will 
be needed in Wyoming valley….State employment office opens here with scores of persons applying for work….
Wilkes-Barre Symphony orchestra gives last of its series of concerts for 1930….Electrocution of Wilfred Flood 
is delayed to February 23 by Governor Fisher.
15. Detroit police arrest Wallace Lapinsky, fugitive from local authorities for almost a year in connection 
with the fatal shooting of Joseph Pollard in December, 1929….City council drafts new ordinance for creation 
of city health board to be made up of directors of Kirby Health Centre, assuring city health department 
employees they will keep their positions and city council will retain control of health department….Little 
Theatre presents, The Younger Generation, before large audience.
16. John Breckenridge of Kingston ordained into Episcopal priesthood by Bishop Frank W. Sterrett….Judge Jones 
orders members of two Plains township election boards to resign or be punished according to law….1,500 attend 
rodeo at West Side Armory….More than $200,000 in delinquent taxes is collected by the county.
19. City firemen repair hundreds of broken and cast-off toys to be given to poor children at Christmastime….
District attorney’s office and State police begin investigating charges that a white slave ring is being 
operated in Luzerne County.
21. State policeman, passing a Mocanauqua store, hears shots, rushes in and arrests man as he reloads revolver 
after shooting at another man….Hazleton business man shoots and seriously wounds girl and then commits suicide
after she is believed to have refused to marry him….Thief discards $1,200 he had stolen in central city when 
he is chased by a passerby.
22. Dr. L. L. Sprague celebrates his eightieth birthday anniversary….City police distribute 148 baskets of food
to poor families….Judge Coughlin releases several men from county prison so that they may spend Christmas at 
home on their word to return to prison after the holiday….Wilkes-Barre councilmen decide on 16-mill levy for 
1931, an increase of 2 mills over 1930….300,000 Christmas greeting cards are handled by the local post office 
in one day….2,200 children attend Christmas party held at Capitol theatre by Capitol-Record Boosters club….
Frank Aurand, prison keeper, dies in street car on way home from his duties.
23. Wyoming valley is assured a white Christmas by heavy snowfall; many jobless men obtain employment 
shoveling snow from the streets and sidewalks….New lighting system is put into use on part of Wyoming avenue, 
Kingston.
24. Dorothy J. Hick, aged 12, of Wilkes-Barre is named winner of first prize in cartoon contest conducted by 
the Record….Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. files new tariff with Public Service Commission to lower its 
electric rates, bringing a large annual saving to thousands of local consumers.
25. Ideal weather helps cheer Christmas observance.  Food is provided to hundreds of needy families in the 
valley by various welfare and civic organizations.
26. Fire destroys Harvey’s lake roadhouse with loss of $20,000….Death of Jonah A. Davies, Edwardsville 
attorney….Many Wyoming valley banks declare regular dividends.
27.  State department of forestry report shows that 172,000 forest tree seedlings were furnished to private 
tree planters in Luzerne county during the year….Decision of Superior court sustaining the conviction of the 
county commissioners on a charge of misdemeanor in office will automatically remove them from office and 
subject them to early commitment in jail according to lawyers….State employment survey finds conditions here 
virtually normal.
29. Water company refiles its present rates with the Public Service Commission and protests that recent ruling
by the commission deprives the water company of property without due recourse to law….New trial is denied to 
W. W. Davis, convicted of false pretense and obtaining falsely sums of money from the county, and he is 
ordered to report for sentence….Catherine Miller, Mountain Top girl scout, receives award of medal for saving 
a boy’s life….Mayor Daniel L. Hart celebrates his 64th birthday anniversary.
30. David W. Thomas, Wilkes-Barre Republican leader, is boomed by friends for office of resident clerk of the 
State Legislature….Dr. Leo C. Mundy, city physician, promises to appeal to the courts if city council approves
tow ordinances pertaining to Kirby Health Centre.
31. Two hundred and three persons killed in accidents in Luzerne County during 1930….Death of Michael H. 
Quinnan, secretary of Pittston school board and member of miners certificate examining board for Luzerne 
county….Marriage licenses for year total 3,264, an increase of 136 over 1929.

____________________________________
JANUARY 1931
1. Census bureau analysis shows that Luzerne county has 498 persons per square mile ….. Y. M. C. A. holds 
annual minstrels and mock trial, both of which are largely attended …. More than 100 motorists lacking 1931 
license tags on their automobiles arrested by State highway patrol.
2. Former County Commissioners Rosser, Harrison and Conway taken before court and ordered committed to Luzerne
county prison and then are sentenced, with former County Controller Harry T. Butts, to serve one to two years 
in Eastern penitentiary. The convicted men enter the county jail in the day and start serving their first 
sentence …. W. W. Davis, also convicted in a county audit case, was sentenced to serve six months in the 
county jail …. St. Mary’s Polish Catholic church obtains permit to build new rectory on Park avenue to cost 
$40,000 …. County Commissioners MacGuffie and Carroll defer assuming duties until George Wall resigns as the 
county treasurer and qualifies as the third commissioner.
4. Stackhouse coal mine at Shickshinny, abandoned several weeks ago, is to be reopened at once under new 
management, giving work to 150 men, according to announcement …. George Tomascik, Wilkes Barre, takes office 
as president of National Slovak society at ceremony in Pittsburgh …. Temperature goes to 50, a climb of 11 
degrees.
5. January grand jury goes into session to consider 300 transcripts …. Pennsylvania State Association of 
Township Commissioners opens sixth annual convention in city …. Wilkes Barre city school board lets more than 
$2,300,000 insurance on various buildings …. Illuminating gas leaking into four homes in Plymouth overcomes 
eight women.
6. Dupont borough schools closed because of epidemic of measles …. City and State police arrest two men and 
two women on suspicion of being members of bandit gang; arrests believed to clear up robberies in four 
surrounding counties …. Public Service Commission dismisses petition of complaints to reopen the water rate 
case …. Monsignor J. J. Curran goes to Oyster Bay, N. Y., and takes part in memorial services at grave of 
Theodore Roosevelt.
7. Governor Fisher appoints Arthur E. Nicholson county treasurer to succeed George M. Wall …. Township 
supervisors and auditors of Luzerne county hold annual meeting at court house and elect C. M. Harter of 
Conyngham township president …. Representatives of United Mine Workers, Chambers of Commerce of Luzerne and 
Lackawnna county cities, Scranton city officials and others go to Harrisburg where they protest vigorously to 
the Public Service Commission against invasion of the anthracite field by natural gas company’s pipe line 
system.
8. Wilkes-Barre police arrest two young men and announce that arrest clears up four holdups and a number of 
automobile thefts.
9. Much interest manifested here in announcement that two representatives of Lehigh Valley Coal Corp., were 
elected to directorate of Burns Brothers Coal Co., world’s largest distributors of coal. Two Wilkes-Barre men,
both directors of Lehigh Valley Coal Corp. also are on board of Burns Brothers Co. …. Pennsylvania Newspaper 
Publishers association votes to hold 1932 meeting in Wilkes-Barre …. George M. Wall qualifies as county 
commissioner and assumes new duties …. Henry Lees, Plymouth banker, observes 90th birthday anniversary.
11. Death of Harry H. Kemmerer of Kingston, merchant …. County commissioners report $28,000 in 1927 taxes unpaid 
by county residents and starts steps to collect it …. Col. E. G. Smith elected president of Pennsylvania 
Newspaper Publishers association.
12. Forty Fort borough council passes new zoning ordinance …. Counsel for John Nafus and “Big Joe” Szachewicz,
condemned to death for part in Glen Alden pay car dynamiting, plead for their lives before Supreme Court. …. 
Local court in banc refuses petition of Harry Butts that he be allowed to serve his sentence here instead of 
Eastern penitentiary.
13. Stockholders of Wyoming valley banks hold their annual elections of officers and directors; several 
changes in personnel of various boards being made …. Dr. William L. Hartman, Pittston, oldest member of 
Luzerne County Medical society dies …. Two men perpetrate daring daylight robbery in Public Square jewelry 
store, escaping with tray of diamonds worth $15,000 …. District Attorney Thomas M. Lewis and John Curtis 
named receivers for Mallow Hotel Corp., lessors of Hotel Mallow Sterling …. American Bank & Trust Co. and 
City Bank & Trust Co. of Hazleton vote to merge; new bank will have capital of $7,000,000.
14. Public Service Commission takes testimony in several cases here …. Two mine workers killed and one 
seriously injured in gas explosion in Hillman colliery on North Pennsylvania avenue …. Temperature falls 20 
degrees from 32 in nine hours.
15. Judge Henry A. Fuller celebrates his seventy-sixth birthday anniversary …. Death of John L. Picton of 
Plymouth, State mine inspector …. Welfare Federation sets goal of 1931 campaign at $530,000 …. 10,000 gallons 
still seized at Hazleton by prohibition agents …. Army engineers survey Solomon’s Creek to map out means of 
controlling it.
16. Death of George Bristol, oldest employee at Court House …. New county commissioners deny reports that all 
employees will be asked to turn in their resignations …. L. L. Newhart is elected president of Hanover 
township school board …. 141 students are graduated from Wilkes-Barre Business college.
18. John T. Moore, well known resident of the city until three months ago, is slain by bandits in holdup of 
office of taxicab company in New York City where he was employed …. Mine workers decide to seek advice of 
John L. Lewis in effort to have Glen Alden Coal Co. reopen six operations recently closed in Luzerne and 
Lackawanna counties.
19. Dr. A. M. Northrup, Wilkes-Barre, is named secretary of labor and industry by Governor-elect Gifford 
Pinchot …. Wilkes-Barre city school district’s bonded indebtedness is $886,000, according to tabulation 
presented to board members …. Public Service Commission orders abolition of two grade crossings on new Wilkes-
Barre – Dupont State highway …. Strike of 1,800 silk mill workers in Hazleton is officially ended when the 
articles of agreement drawn up by Judge Coughlin are signed by representatives of both sides …. Luzerne county
members of State Legislature win many committee assignments at reorganization of House; William P. Roan of 
Larksville is named chairman of township committee; Arthur H. James, retiring lieutenant governor, receives 
beautiful silver service from members of the State Senate …. Mrs. Delia Akeley, famous explorer, speaks here ….
Workers in Pittston Community Chest Campaign raise $56,000 in first day.
20. Luzerne county is represented at inauguration of Governor Pinchot by a delegation of 2,000 persons who 
make trip from different parts of the county in buses and automobiles; delegation was the largest in the 
inaugural parade….Reapportionment of Pennsylvania’s representation in Congress may give two congressmen to 
Luzerne county….Senator A. J. Sordoni retains chairmanship of senate committee on aeronautics….$20,000 loss 
in fire which damages clothing store and ice cream parlor in Ashley.
21. Pittston Company acquires controlling interest in the Thomas Ward Coal Co. New York retail coal distribut
ing concern….Benjamin F. Williams elected potentate of Irem Temple….G. L. C. Frantz, retired merchant, dies 
of heart attack induced by fall on ice.
22. Many local business men, mine workers and officials of coal companies attend annual dinner of Anthracite 
Club in New York City….Arthur E. Nicholson assumes his duties as county treasurer….$30,000 damage in fire at 
Miner-Hillard Co. mill at Miners Mills….P. G. Rimmer elected to head Wyoming Valley Motor club seventeenth 
consecutive year…..Pittston’s first Community Chest Campaign goes over top, workers securing $141,742.
23. Mine union officials have three hour conference in New York with John L. Lewis in effort to have six Glen 
Alden collieries reopened; they discard suggestion to put the question to the Permanent Committee of 12 and 
announce that they will appeal directly to Glen Alden officials ….Chain store concern leases South Main street
property for 15 years at reported price of $500,000 …. Walter S. Rae, contractor on Market street bridge, 
files suit against the county for $263,000 for extra work done …. Isaac S. Long celebrates his seventy-fourth 
birthday anniversary …. Army engineer, addressing Flood Control Committee, tells members that in event of 
repetition of either the 1865 or 1902 floods damage to amount of $5,500,000 would be caused; he estimated 
that it will cost $1,750,000 to relieve this situation.
24. Death of James Lee Pardee, 39, president of Hazleton National bank….Judson W. Genung, director of Little 
Theatre, dies….Glen Alden Coal Co. reassigns twenty colliery officials in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties….
Police find five little children alone in house at Harvey’s lake, suffering from exposure an lack of 
nourishment, after parents had been missing for several days.
26. Seventy-five local coal and iron policemen are affected by order of Governor Pinchot terminating 
commissions of all coal and iron police in the State….Directors of Chamber of Commerce approve planned for 
$1,000,000 industrial fund to be used to assist new industries in starting up here….Ferd. C. Wintermute, 47, 
county engineer, dies suddenly at his home in city.
27. Attorney Herman J. Goldberg is named deputy attorney general….Monsignor J. J. Curran resigns post as 
president of Wyoming Valley Municipal Water Ownership league….500 representatives of 55 churches in Luzerne 
and Lackawanna counties attend dinner here preparatory to start of Church Loyalty Crusade.
28. Public Service Commission issues order directing Scranton-Spring Brook Water Co. to file a new rate 
schedule and canceling the tariff filed on December 29.  The commission’s order also ordered that the new 
tarriff’s domestic rates should not exceed certain amounts fixed by the Commission for a yearly charge….An 
autogiro pays its first visit to Wyoming valley….County controller submits budget for 1931 to the 
commissioners and suggests a cut in the county millage….G. Fred Parrish, coal operator and banker, dies at 
New York City home….Death of Guy B. Flyte of Forty Fort, prominent business man.
29. County commissioners dismiss 73 employes in county commissioners’ office, road and bridge department and 
county warehouse….Death of Mrs. Anna Bertels, 81, matron of United Charities for 25 years….Educational concert
given in Elmer L. Meyers high school by Wilkes-Barre Symphony Orchestra, sponsored by the Record, is great 
success, capacity audience attending.
30. Prediction made at miners’ meeting at Taylor that Glen Alden Coal Co. will shortly reopen several or all 
of its recently closed operations in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties….Mrs. John D. Davenport is appointed a 
member of the State Board of Motion Picture Censors by Governor Pinchot….Miss S. M. R. O’Hara retains her 
post as deputy State attorney general….Mrs. Mary Oleyar, aged 103, dies at her home in West Wyoming.

                     _________________________________
FEBRUARY
1. Ninth annual Welfare federation five opens with announcement of $20,000 gift by Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Kirby…
State police here receive word of arrest in Arbi, La., of Vincenzo Damini, sought in connection with the 
slayings of Alex. Campbell and Peter Reilly in 1928….John B. Quick, former city assessor, died at home in 
Unionville, N. J.
2. Thomas H. Gorman, Inkerman, court house attaché, died on Laurel Line car on way to Wilkes-Barre….Ground 
hog sees his shadow at 12:40 p. m…..Fire causes $3,000 damage to South Main street restaurant….Rinaldo 
Cappellini,former miners’ leader, is sentenced to serve 2 to 4 years in the penitentiary after pleading guilty 
to charge of arson.
3. Thirteen people made homeless when fire destroys double and single dwelling in Wilkes-Barre township, with 
loss of $20,000Joseph Morris, Wilkes-Barre, is elected grand treasurer of Greek Catholic Union of America….
Majority of trustees of Municipal Water Owenrship league meet and suspend two officers; meeting is followed 
by session of the opposing faction which expels eight members….Workers in Community Welfare drive report 
$130,300 pledged on first day….Senator Harvey asks for $70,000 appropriation for Pittston hospital….City 
Controller Kirkendall announces that he will not approve payment of salaries to nine employees of city hall; 
two because of illegal increase in salary; six because of improper appointment, and one because of alleged 
non-performance of duties.
4. 2,000 Boy Scouts participate in review at West Side armory….Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co. buys thousands 
of acres of land along the Lehigh River in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe and Carbon counties.
5. Chamber of Commerce invites war department to use local airport in aerial defense maneuvers to be held in 
May….Mrs. G. L. C. Frantz, founder of Wyoming Valley Woman’s club, dies a few weeks after her husband….Mrs. 
Louise Goerlinger, mother of prominent family, dies, leaving 88 survivors….Wallace Lapinsky is found guilty 
of murder in the first degree, with life penalty fixed for his part in the killing of Joseph Pollard in 
December, 1929….Wilkes-Barre Contagious Disease hospital filled to capacity….Death of R. S. Williams of 
Kingston, prominent business man….Andrew Lenahan, former principal of Sugar Notch high school, enters office 
of New York city firm where he was employed as office manager, shoots and kills William H. Savage, vice 
president of the firm, and then commits suicide.
6. Benjamin F..Evans, named for West Point cadetship by Congressman Turpin.
8. Lehigh Valley railroad announces changes: Frank S. Mitten returns to this city as superintendent of Wyoming
division succeeding R. L. Gebhardt, who becomes superintendent of Lehigh division….Councilman Schuler urges 
reinstatement of the municipal woodpile to curb activities of vagrants….Lehigh Valley Coal Co. files formal 
appeal from assessment of the company’s coal lands in several wards of the city.
9. County Commissioners D. M. Rosser, L. J. Harrison, and P. J. Conway, County Controller H. T. Butts, County 
Engineer Merle Breese and D. W. George and W. W. Davis, members of contracting firm, go on trial charged with 
conspiracy to defraud, in connection with construction of the Luzerne-Trucksville road….State House passes on 
first reading a bill presented by Representative Hefferon to rip out of office the present Pittston-Jenkins 
poor board….Israel H. Wagner of Hazleton, chief clerk to the county commissioners, dies at home in Hazleton….
Col. Dorrance Reynolds reelected president of Wyoming Historical and Geological society….Snowfall of more than
four inches hampers traffic in city.
10. Members of Pennsylvania State Dental society holds mid-winter meeting in city….City council reappoints 
six of the nine city hall employees, whose pay checks were held up by the controller….Record cooking school 
opens with 800 women present….Late Fred M. Parrish by his will probated here makes many bequests and leaves 
bulk of $1,000,000 estate to his widow….Present Workmen’s Compensation Board holds its last meeting here….
Announcement made that Loree colliery would be reopened at once after being closed since December 27.
11. Welfare campaign for $530,000 goes over the top by $2,005; Red Cross collections totaling $17,000….County 
commissioners fill 23 positions at court house and abolish several posts…. Dr A. M. Northrup, new secretary 
of Labor and Industry, is honored at dinner by residents of Ashley.
12. Group III, Pennsylvania Bankers association opens meeting here.  E. B. Mulligan is elected president….
Congressman Louis T. McFadden, chairman of House Banking Committee, addresses annual dinner….New faction of 
Hanover township commissioners reduces tax levy, grants increase in salary to many employes and makes several 
changes….Abraham Lincoln Storms, 63, dies on birthday of the Great Emancipator.
13. Ground broken for extensive alterations to Fox Hill Country club….Thirteen couples obtain marriage 
licenses on Friday the 13th….Attorney John H. Dando in address predicts that county tax will be reduced to 8 
mills in few years….Six county young men pass State bar examinations.
14. Large squad of State police and prohibition agents under direction of John D. Pennington, prohibition 
administrator in Pennsylvania, strikes hard blow to liquor interests here, raiding 68 places in Luzerne County.
15. Death of Harry A. Thalheimer, prominent business man….County commissioners reduce tax levy 1 mill….Twelve 
cases of spinal meningitis reported in Wyoming valley in month, in which seven of the patients have died….
County commissioners, with County Controller Butts, county engineer Breese and D. W. George and W. W. Williams
are acquitted of charges of conspiracy to defraud….Rev. Vincent J. Jakubowski, prominent Polish priest, dies 
of spinal meningitis….Welfare fund is increased by $5,000 gift from George MacDonald, New York businessman, 
formerly of Sugar Notch.
16. Statement made to Senate committee investigating the Public Service Commission that the water rate case 
decision could have been handed down five months earlier….Margaret Hamilton, pianist, gives delightful recital
here….Thousands attend 11th annual ball of city police….The Record starts publication of a series of articles 
dealing with various local bankruptcy cases.
17. Ex-county Commissioners Rosser, Conway and Harrison, and ex-county Controller Butts file appeals from 
their convictions and sentence on charge of conspiracy in the Hollenback road case….City council transfers 
superintendency of fire department to Councilman Mundy….Mayor Ambrose Langan of Pittston named head of 
industrial relations board of the department of labor and industry.
18. Young Russian emigrant in city tells to police story of his escape from Russia by hiking over the Bering 
Straits ice floes from Siberia to Alaska. Governor Pinchot grants five weeks’ respite to Wilfred Flood….
Attorney Frank. Pinola receives pen used by President Hoover in signing bill for the appropriating of money 
to erect a new Naval hospital at Philadelphia….Court grants rule on Krick-Knobel faction of Municipal Water 
Ownership league to show cause why its recently granted charter should not be revoked….Many persons from city 
attend funeral in Philadelphia of Albert Jannetti, slain by bandits in Lee Park.
19. Record begins publication of names of persons to whom witness fees are owed by the county, it being 
estimated that thousands of dollars are owed….Jury commissioners select two panels of criminal court jurors 
to serve during March….Kingston borough engineer offers plan for widening Market street, Kingston, into a 106 
foot wide boulevard….New York Grand Opera Co. presents Il Travatore at Irem Temple.
20. Judge McLean paroles George W. VanKirk, J. H. Bice and Carl Knelly, former election board members….Henry 
W. Merritt is nominated by President Hoover as postmaster of Wilkes-Barre….Scores of persons appear at 
courthouse and claim their forgotten witness fees.  La Traviata is presented at Irem Temple by New York Grand 
Opera Co.
22. Church Loyalty Crusade opens in local churches….Death of William A. Rogers, Sr., physical director of 
Y. M. C. A. and prominent in civic affairs….Several thousand persons attend reception on golden wedding 
anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Fierman….Attorney Frank. Brown observes his thirtieth year as an alderman.
23. Frank A. Gleason of Scranton is appointed mine inspector to succeed the late John L. Picton of Plymouth….
Order of Eastern Star holds district meeting here, concluding with dinner dance.
24. Members of Roman and Greek Catholic Slovak Women’s Union convene here in special session ordered by 
Luzerne County court….Wilkes-Barre Symphony Orchestra gives concert at Irem temple with Arthur Kraft, tenor, 
guest artist.
25. Officers of Slovak Women’s league quit convention hall as climax to debate over investigation of insurance
rates….Insufficient rainfall prompts officials of water company to prepare to pump water from the river.
26. Monsignor J. J. Curran tells Senate investigating committee that the Water Co. would never be able to 
collect the rates ordered by the Public Service Commission and that federal troops could not force payment….
Burns Brothers Coal Co. files suit in New York Supreme court against Lehigh and Wyoming Coal Co. for breach of
contract and asks court to appoint receivers for latter company.
27. County officials obtain loan of $1,000,000 in New York City….Arrival of special federal attorney in 
Scranton gives rise to reports of government preparations to launch padlock proceedings against many of the 
68 places recently raided here.

                    _________________________________________
March
1. John R. Geyer, chief counsel for municipalities in water rate fight, dies at home in Harrisburg….Bills 
placed before the State Legislature will, if passed, put an end to munificent fees to tax collectors….Ninth 
de4ath of spinal meningitis occurs here….Slovak Women’s Union elects Mrs. G. E. Vavrek of Wilkes-Barre, 
president, at concluding convention session.
2. Water Company officials urge careful use of water, stating the supply is 79 per cent . deficient….Rev. 
C. N. Wolf appointed pastor of Salem Evangelical church to succeed Rev. A. B. Saylor….County prepares to 
collect unpaid fines and costs to pay witness fees.
3. Simon Lieb, Heights meat dealer, appears before city council and accuses Dr. Emory Lutes, city food 
inspector, and Dr. Thomas Easen, city meat inspector, of passing diseased cattle….About 3,000 Luzerne county 
ex-servicemen apply to Veterans’ Bureau for loans on adjusted compensation certificates, totaling $1,500,000….
U. S. Senate confirms nomination of Henry W. Merritt as postmaster of Wilkes-Barre.
4. Famous house in the middle of the road at Moosic on Scranton-Wilkes-Barre highway is moved after several 
years litigation….Alleged representative of Communists assails police for their failure to arrest killer at 
funeral of Frank Licata, slain mine worker….City officials announce intention to probe meat inspection charges.
5. City officials and special investigators visit slaughter house and after investigation announce they were 
unable to find any diseased meat….County commissioners decide to purchase 275 additional voting machines….
2,000 Wyoming valley residents go to Harrisburg and place their water rate grievances before the House; ….
Six persons are injured when a bus skids and leaves the road on the way to Harrisburg….Five men injured in 
gas explosion at Dorrance colliery; three injured in gas explosion at Woodward colliery….Report that Hudson 
Coal Co. will build $400,000 colliery at Pine Run mine, Miners Mills, lacks official confirmation.
6. Ralph Chiscon, Kingston, commits suicide in a hotel in this city after his automobile figures in an 
accident….Fire destroys Swoyersville store with loss of $25,000….City councilmen decide to enforce ordinance 
compelling transient merchants to pay monthly license fee of $200.
8. Lawyers’ club takes up question of nepotism and favoritism in the bankruptcy courts of the Middle District 
at meeting here….Attorney John H. Dando, representing Simon Lieb and William Pezzner, announces they will 
testify when council holds hearing on city meat inspection department laxity charge….Sixty mile-an-hour gale 
does considerable damage throughout the county, breaking windows, uprooting trees, etc.
9. Summonses served on sixty local persons who subscribed to second mortgage bonds of Wilkes-Barre Hotel Corp…
Dr. D. S. Church, State inspector, visits slaughterhouses and orders many improvements.
10. U. S. District Attorney Dunsmore announces padlock proceedings will be instituted against buildings raided
here February 14….Fire destroys Hazle hall, Hazleton, with loss of $175,000….Pittston men buy Racketbrook 
Coal Co., Carbondale, for $175,000….Death of Jacob W. Fine, father of Judge John S. Fine….The Record publishes
a plan to give justice to Wyoming valley water consumers, urging that the Scranton division of the water 
company be operated independently of the local division.  And demands that the Chamber of Commerce assume 
responsibility for bringing the case to a close.
11. Former Sheriff George Buss and members of his family bring suit against Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. 
for $150,000 damages for injuries suffered in a collision of their car with a truck of that company….Three 
councilman favor abandoning the privately owned slaughterhouse and substituting a municipally-owned and 
operated abattoir.
12. Earl Maurer, deputy city clerk, sues city treasurer and city assessor to collect an increase in salary he 
claims was promised him….Several hundred persons attend testimonial dinner to Herman J. Goldberg, deputy 
attorney general.
13. U. S. immigration officer arrests six young men here in drive to roundup aliens who entered country 
illegally.
15. Mrs. Gifford Pinchot attends dinner given by Luzerne County Federation of Teachers….Jury awards $99,000 
damages to George Buss and members of his family….Merle Breese and W. W. Williams, convicted in connection 
with county audit case, are paroled after serving parts of their sentences.
16. Famous Frieburg Passion Play presented at Kingston….Senator Royal S. Copeland of New York speaks at 
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick dinner at Pittston….Rev. and Mrs. Anthony Iveson celebrate fiftieth wedding 
anniversary….Three young men and a girl attempt to hold up a White Haven Savings bank but are frightened away.
Two brothers in an automobile giving a ride to one of the men and the girl are shot.  Thomas Gibbons McGill, 
one of the brothers, being killed instantly and the other seriously wounded; in a scuffle for the guns the 
bandit, Michael Vladyka of McAdoo, was seriously wounded.
17. Death of Rev. A. J. Dudkiewicz, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul’s church, Plains….Anthracite Male Chorus of 
West Side wins chief event at annual eisteddfod at Edwardsville.
18. Alvin Markle, Sr., coal operator and banker, dies at home near Hazleton….Hudson Coal Co. prepares to flush
silt into workings under Parsons….Members of Irem Temple approve plans for extensive alterations and additions
to temple.
19. Several coal companies announce cuts in coal prices effective April 1….Michael MacWhite, Irish Free State 
Minister to United States, speaks at Kiwanis dinner….Gov. Pinchot grants stay of execution to Wilfred Flood, 
John Nafus and Sigismund Szachewicz….Police arrest John Marchinski and Michael Capawan, both of McAdoo, 
charged with being in the White Haven bank holdup.
20. Simon Lieb and William Pezzner, who instituted charges of meat inspection laxity against the city food 
and meat inspectors, together with Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lieb, are arrested on charges of violating State pure 
food laws….Second annual horse show of 109th Field Artillery opens with more than 150 horses entered.
22. Public Service Commission refuses to permit Allegheny Gas Co. to pipe natural gas into Luzerne and 
Lackawanna counties….Miners at Lance and Maxwell collieries, Glen Alden Coal Co., strike and movement is 
started for a general strike….Roy C. Haines resigns as executive secretary of Anthracite Cooperative 
association….Three members of bandit gang are taken before Luzerne court and admit attempt to hold up White 
Haven bank.  The fourth member of the gang is in Hazleton hospital….Driest winter in thirty years ends.
23. Body found in river at Berwick is identified as that of Alex. Redmerski, 10, of Swoyerville, who 
disappeared in January with two other boys….Employees of seven Glen Alden collieries vote to ignore strike 
order….1,200 attend annual concert of the Alexander Band.
24. Testimonial dinner to John A. Riley, Democratic leader, is attended by 600 persons…More than 5,000 attend 
funeral of Rev. A. J. Dudkiewicz….Students from Dupont borough and Pittston township face ejection from 
Pittston city schools because the districts have not paid tuition.
25. General Hospital directors award contract for nurses’ home to cost $254,000….Scores of prominent railroad 
men visit city to inspect giant new Lehigh Valley engine….Miners and union officials hold nine-hour session 
in effort to end Glen Alden strike.
26. Elmer J. Banta of Pringle is found guilty of manslaughter in connection with fatal shooting of his wife 
on Christmas morning….Effort to end mine strike gains momentum as complete tieup of all Glen Alden workings 
looms.
27. Meat inquiry ends after long session; council will announce findings later….Sergt. Faustin Wirkus, former 
Marine who gained fame as king of a small island, arrives in New York and is expected to visit former home in 
Dupont.
29. Attorney James P. Harris of Kingston is appointed assistant district attorney.
30. Stationers from several States open annual convention here….River begins to recede after reaching height 
of 17.7 feet, highest in a year….General grievance committee of Glen Alden Coal CO. forced to adjourn meeting 
after non-delegates repeatedly interrupt session….State Revenue Department closes eleven gasoline stations 
here because of alleged delinquency in payment of gasoline tax.
31. Henry Merritt takes oath as postmaster of Wilkes-Barre.

                    ____________________________
APRIL
1. John L. Lewis, in telegram to Glen Alden grievance committee, denounces strike and urges men to return to 
work …. Rev. John Dunne, pastor of St. Mark’s church, Inkerman, dies …. Women’s Missionary Society of First 
Presbyterian church celebrates sixtieth anniversary.
2. W. C. Boyer, Hazleton, is appointed chief clerk to county commissioners …. Luzerne county to have 330 miles
of township roads improved under terms of omnibus road bill introduced in State legislature.
3. Joseph J. Brozena, Thomas T. Quinn and William R. Lewis, election officers of Sixth West district, Plymouth
township, are found guilty and John D. Dower and Thomas J. Dobson, other members of the same board are 
acquitted of charges of conspiracy to violate the election laws.
4. Miss Minnie E. Dilley, wealthy spinster, is found murdered in Forty fort home.
5. Throngs attend Easter services in churches as ideal weather prevails …. Announcement made that Rev. J. V.
Miliauskas of Duryea will be elevated to monsignor.
6. Rev. Carl J. Streich, former local pastor, dies in Philadelphia …. Maud Buckingham Hoyt, daughter of late
Gov. Henry M. Hoyt of Kingston, dies in Paris …. Andrew B. Jones, West Pittston councilman, elected burgess 
to succeed County Commissioner John MacGuffie.
7. Dr. Emory Lutes and Dr. Thomas Easen are exonerated by city council of charges of laxity in meat 
inspections …. State police announce the arrest of Phillip Cavan, Raymond S. Shutt and Clement Savage, all of 
Wilkes-Barre, and Frank Leonard of Hazleton in connection with the slaying of Al Jannetti. …. Frank P. Kelly, 
city treasurer, agrees to accept only half of legal commission for collecting back coal taxes, effecting a 
saving for the city.
8. Mrs. Frances Thomsen, 29, Pittsburgh, is arrested in that city in connection with the slaying of Miss 
Minnie E. Dilley …. Eightieth session of Wyoming Conference of M. E. church opens at first M. E. church with 
Bishop Charles E. Locke of St. Paul presiding …. Rev. W. A. “Billy” Sunday and Dr. Clarence True Wilson speak 
to large audiences here on prohibition …. Death of Rev. E. L. Mathis, pastor of Glen Lyon M. E. church …. 
Water company hastening construction and repair projects on nearby watersheds to meet possible drought late 
in summer….Idle two weeks, Glen Alden miners vote to resume work.
9. Methodist ministers select Binghamton as place for 1932 conference….John L. Lewis and other mine union
officials arrive for conference on Glen Alden situation….Clergymen meet here and decide to circulate petition
asking for a federal grand jury to investigate conditions in Luzerne county.
10. B’nai B’rith congregation celebrates fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of the temple….County 
Treasurer Nicholson, in report to sinking fund commission, recommends $2,000,000 bond issue to pay notes….
Bishop O’Reilly appoints Rev. Joseph J. Pilny pastor of SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, Plains, to succeed the 
late Rev. A. J. Dudkiewicz.
12. James H. Long, city policeman, dies while on duty….Early morning fire destroys seven dwellings and an 
apartment house at Inkerman with loss of $65,000….Many people sign petition asking for special Federal grand 
jury….Nine hundred people take sightseeing rides from local airport in one day. 27,456,102 tons of coal mined 
in Luzerne county in 1930.
13. Wyoming Conference makes 50 ministerial changes in Methodist churches….Rev. Clarence R. Hickok of 
Dorranceton M. E. church is appointed superintendent of Scranton district….Forest fire fighters battle in 
effort to check many fires in nearby mountains.
14. Central poor board awards contract for new building at Retreat to cost $195,000….Dr. Bernard Glankopf is 
appointed head of dental dispensary at Health Centre….Employees of No. 6 colliery, Pittston Coal Co., who have
worked only 19 days since January, reject offer of company for reopening the mine, contending the offer is 
nothing more than a reduction in wages….Fire fighters experience difficulty in conquering several large 
forest fires.
15. Thousands sign petition calling for special federal grand jury….City purchases Japanese cherry blossom 
trees to be planted along river common.
16. Democratic women ask City Controller Kirkendall to be candidate for mayor …. Miss Mary N. Baker of New 
York City is appointed librarian at Osterhoust Free library.
17. Women’s Missionary society of Wyoming Baptist association holds fifty-first annual meeting at West 
Pittston ….Traction co. announces reduction in fares on several lines.
18. Mike Vladyka is found guilty in Carbon county court of killing a man at Weatherly while fleeing after an 
attempted bank robbery at White Haven and receives life imprisonment penalty …. Faustun Wirkus ,Dupont native,
who as a marine became King of the Island of Gonave, is welcomed home and is guest at dinner in Wilkes-Barre …
County Solicitor John Hibbard announces that he will resign his post.
20. Forest fires cause much concern here; 125 cottages at Patterson Grove camp ground menaced …. Senate passes
Hefferon bill for removal of Ransom poor board.
21. Chamber of Commerce elects nine directors …. Robert L. Coughlin is appointed county solicitor to succeed 
John J. Hibbard …. Forest fire endangers many homes between Rita and Glen Summit …. Council appoints Dr. H. M. 
Beck, first city ornithologist to care for valuable collection of mounted birds bequeathed to city.
22. Many notables, including U. S. Senator James J. Davis, attend formal dedication of Angeline Elizabeth 
Kirby Memorial Health centre …. Heavy rains aid fighters in extinguishing many forest fires in region.
23. Four hundred persons, including Gov. Pinchot and the Polish Consul General, attend dinner at which Senato
Laning Harvey and Rev. Francis Kasazcun are decorated by the Polish government for their services on behalf 
of that country …. Court appoints sanity commission to examine Mrs. Frances Thomsen …. No. 6 Colliery of 
Pittston Co. is ordered reopened after being idle several weeks …. City council defers action on awarding 
street cleaning contract while it discusses feasibility of having the city do the work …. Federal Judges 
Watson and Johnson demand trials of all padlock cases and order five places in Luzerne county closed.
24. Federal court slaps padlocks on 28 Luzerne county places in which beer and whisky was alleged to have been
found in raids …. Council directs that bids for street cleaning equipment be advertised for …. Col. Dorrance 
Reynolds is elected president of Chamber of Commerce.
26. Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus honor T. M. Conniff, Monsignor Charles J. Goeckel and Martin F. Murray, 
surviving members of the Wilkes-Barre Assembly, at dinner here …. Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of Gymanfa 
of Welsh Congregational churches at meeting here, approves merger with Wyoming conference of Congregational 
church …. According to the 1930 report of State Secretary of Mines 27,456,102 tons of coal were mined in 
county at a cost of 153 lives and 768 men injured.
27. Sanity board declares Mrs. Thomsen to be a paranoiac …. School board decides that the three city high 
schools shall have their commencements on the same night …. Sixteen more county places are padlocked by 
Federal judges.
28. Mrs. Alice Pratt is named collector of State and county taxes in Nanticoke to succeed her late husband …. 
City council rejects all bids for cleaning streets …. Pickering homestead on South Main street, recently 
granted to the city, will be moved to Kirby park …. Harry D. Adamy named senior vice president of Chamber of 
Commerce …. Symphony orchestra concert and Homer Rodehever concert attract large crowds here.
29. County commissioners again defer erection of Soldier’s monument; County Controller Morgan files answer in 
which he says that the money is ready for the project …. Rebuilding of Y. W. C. A. camp at Harveys lake, 
destroyed by fire, starts.
30. Building permits for April nearly $200,000 more than same month year ago …. Luzerne county court grants
water company’s petition for mandamus on county controller commanding him to approve payment two bills, 
totaling $25,826.
                 ___________________________________
MAY
1. Luzerne county valuations reduced more than $63,000,000 according to bi-ennial assessment just completed; 
Hanover township gets cut of $23,000,000 …. Farmers State Bank of Shickshinny is merged with First National 
Bank of same place….. Governor Pinchot signs Pittston poor board ripper bill, removing the present board and 
calling for appointment of new board by Luzerne county court en banc, with two directors and one auditor to be
designated by Lackawanna county court.
3. Holy Savior parish announces plans for 12-room parochial school building in East End to cost $150,000 …. 
Swift & Co. selects site on North Pennsylvania avenue for distribution plant to cost $250,000 …. First Baptist
congregation breaks ground for new church on South River street …. Many Catholic clergymen attend services at 
Duryea when Rev. J. V. Miliauskas is elevated to monsignor.
5. Grand jury indicts six men and two women on murder charges in three separate cases …. County commissioners 
award contract for 275 voting machines, bringing total to 430 …. Commissioners authorize floating of 
$2,000,000 bond issue to pay debts …. Pittston school directors direct ejection of Dupont students from 
Pittston high school unless tuition bill is paid.
6. Boards of directors of Miners Bank and Wyoming Valley Trust Co. vote to merge, the institution to be known 
as Miners Bank.
7. Death of Harry Yeager, 83, Forty Fort resident …. Charles F. Johnson, Kis-Lyn superintendent, declares that
percentage of boys from Wilkes-Barre who go to Kis-Lyn is lower than any other part of Luzerne county.
8. Louis H. O’Connell, 43, music teacher, dies.
9. Judge McLean in accepting final report of grand jury, tells members that they probably will be called back 
to investigate charges of vice conditions in county….. Luzerne Orphan’s court disposes of $120,000,000 in 
proceedings in county in nine years, with total of 17,907 cases …. Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, noted Jewish 
clergyman, speaks to large audience here …. Body of Anthony Savitski, Swoyerville boy, is found in river at 
Danville, being last of three Swoyerville youths who disappeared on January 10.
11. Miss Minnie E. Dilley, slain Forty Fort spinster, leaves estate of $22,000, the bulk to churches and 
charities …. Pittston school board refuses to let 104 Dupont students attend school at Pittston because 
tuition bill is unpaid …. Camilo Osias, resident commissioner from Phillipines to the United States, pleads 
cause of Filipino independence at dinner here.
12. Three Wyoming valley hospitals receive increases in state aid …. Two men hold up Ludwig Kuhl, South Main 
street jeweler, and take articles worth $2,000 …. Water supply here still about 30 per cent. below normal 
despite several rainy days.
13. Dupont school directors and Pittston school board reach agreement on tuition bill owed by Dupont and 104 
Dupont students return to Pittston high school …. County commissioners dismiss eight employees and make 
twenty-six appointments.
14. One hundred and forty-two delegates attend one-day convention of State Magistrates association at 
Redington …. Head of Philadelphia private detective bureau, which has been investigating conditions here, 
states in interview that Wilkes-Barre is packed with dives, speakeasies, etc.; Mayor Hart challenges his 
statements …. Rev. E. J. Morris, pastor of Puritan Congregational church forty-two years, is honored at dinner
by congregation.
15. Thirty-second annual convention of Pennsylvania Osteopathic association opens here with 200 delegates 
present ; fifteen churches represented at annual conference of Welsh Baptist Association of Northeastern 
16. Pennsylvania held at Meade Street Baptist church.
Osteopaths select Pittsburgh as place for 1932 convention …. Rev. T. T. Richards, Scranton, elected moderator 
of Welsh Baptists …. Defense counsel starts final effort to save lives of Sigismund Szachewicz and John Nafus. 
Eagles initiate class of 600 in honor of P. J. O’Hara …. Glen Alden grievance committee in session here, 
forms plans for calling rump tri-district convention unless special convention is called …. Henry H. Beers, 
59, grocer, dies.
18. Thousands of dollars worth of jewelry exhibited at convention of Pennsylvania Retail Jewelers’ association
here …. L. P. Damon resigns as headmaster of Wilkes-Barre academy and is succeed by Miss Bessie Atwood …. 
Wilkes-Barre school board cuts tax by 7 percent …. Gicking bill, creating board of assessment in Luzerne 
county to be appointed by county commissioners, passes senate.
19. Nuangola citizens vote to authorize $12,000 bond issue to enlarge school …. Mayor Hart and Councilman 
Schuler assign their stock in the Airport to Children’s Home in order to legalize their votes on city’s 
contribution to airport.
20. Frank L. Pinola, former State commander of American Legion, honored at dinner at Pittston …. Council buys 
two trucks to be used in street cleaning.
21. Isaac P. Hand, dean of Luzerne county bar. Dies …. Women advocates of prohibition reform meet here with 
Congressman Boland of Scranton and Mrs. Graham Dougherty of Philadelphia, chief speakers …. Plane from local 
air port is used to guide fisherman lost in woods near Lopez.
22. Anthracite section, American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, hold 60th anniversary in 
Wilkes-Barre, where the institute was formed.
24. Three months’ building total here shows substantial gain over year ago …. Weather takes queer twist here 
with plenty of rain and cold weather ; four inches of snow reported on nearby mountains ,,,, Death of W. J. 
Trembath of Kingston, lawyer and banker …. Hudreds attend annual Serve-Your-City club memorial services on 
Public Square.
25. Sigismund, “Big Joe” Szachewicz and John “Tex” Nafus are electrocuted at Rockview penitentiary, Bellefont,
for killing four men in Glen Alden pay car dynamiting in January, 1930 …. Edward H. Bryant, head of a 
Philadelphia detective bureau, speaking at Scranton, says his operatives found 500 booze joints in Wilkes-
Barre ; Mayor Hart challenges him to clean up the city …. Concordia Singing society gives its annual concert.
26. Tri-district executive board of United Mine Workers refuses to call special tri-district convention because it
feels it will play into the hands of the operators …. Congressman Turpin advised that plans will be started 
shortly on addition to local post office …. Legion posts of county hold convention and parade here.
27. Several local men, alleged violators of dry law, receive jail sentences in Federal court …. Local Law 
association moves to have federal court room included in new post office addition …. Twenty-two local school 
districts lose fight in Senate for $250,000 additional State appropriation ….Unofficial leaders of District 9,
U. M. W. of A., issue call for rump convention on July 20.
28. Federal judges deny plea of 2,500 Luzerne county citizens for a special grand jury to probe conditions 
here …. Death of Patrick R. Brown, former mayor of Pittston …. Executive board of District No. 1 denies Martin
Maloney a place on ballot for office of district president …. Big crew of workers dig at huge pile of debris 
to rescue two miners caught in slide in Delaware colliery.
29. Retail trade in Wilkes-Barre in 1929 totaled $58,000,000, according to detailed report released by Census 
bureau ….Record publishes resume of Memorial day celebrations here from 1868 to present …. Workers recover 
bodies of Tarsilio Amoni and Thomas Rossi, Hudson miners, caught in slide in Delaware colliery.
30. Memorial day celebrated through-out valley with parades and exercises …. Rev. Fred E. Lott of Kingston, 
receives honorary degree of doctor of divinity from Syracuse university …. Rev. Joseph M. Sullivan, formerly 
of Wilkes-Barre, Rev. Francis A. Schmidt of Forty Fort and Rev. Andrew J. Frohman of Swoyerville ordained 
into Roman Catholic priesthood.
                 _______________________________
JUNE
1. Frank Leonard, one of four men charged with murder in shooting Al Jannetti, goes on trial here …. Total 
rainfall of May heaviest since October, 1929.
2. Mrs. Mary Broody, claimed to be 110 years of age, dies at her home …. U. S. Senator Davis speaks at annual 
meeting of State Federation of American Cymric Clubs here.
3. Ruth Loughnan of Wilkes-Barre chosen Miss Wyoming Valley to represent valley at beauty pageant at 
Galveston, Tex.
4. Trial of Clement Savage for complicity in shooting of Al Jannetti starts as jurors in Leonard case 
deliberate …. Central Poor district’s tax and loan policy is criticized by auditors in their annual report ; 
for each $3 expended in outdoor relief $2 was paid out in salaries …. Evangeline Booth, commander of Salvation
Army, speaks to large crowd in Public Square …. Kingston faces removal of all locomotives and workmen from D.,
L. & W. roundhouse because of contemplated action by council on problem of heavy smoke emanating from 
roundhouse …. Thousands attend Kirby Day celebration at Kirby Park.
5. Frank Leonard receives life imprisonment for his part in slaying Al Jannetti …. Republic of Lithuania 
confers Order of Gediminas on late Congressman Casey, not knowing that he is dead ; widow will receive the 
award … Wyoming seminary honors Prof. W. L. Dean, veteran head of college of business, by changing name to 
Dean School of Business.
7. Thusands of dollars worth of damage caused by big wind and rain storm which sweeps valley unroofing or 
blowing down buildings and flooding streets …. Death of Dr. W. E. Hughes, veteran physician …. Clement Savage 
found guilty of first degree murder for part in slaying of Al Jannetti and penalty fixed at life imprisonment.
8. Attorney Charles B. Walker elected chairman of Wyoming Valley Welfare council …. Proponents of plan to have 
communities take over the Water Company’s property and operate it under terms of Harvey bill petition court 
for creation and incorporation of a water supply district.
9. 117 graduated from Wyoming seminary at 86th commencement …. Officials of District 1, U. M. W. A. voice 
fears that election of district officials will have to be postponed as court delays decision on whether 
Thomas Maloney shall have place on the ballot for office of district president.
10. Court in banc decides that Thomas Maloney’s name shall appear on ballot as candidate for president of 
District 1. United Mine Workers …. George Eddy acquitted by jury on charge of killing George Bellas.
11. Raymond Schutt acquitted on charge of murder in Jannetti and is jailed to answer charges of robbery, 
felonious wounding and aggravated assault …. Thousands attend annual showing of Ringling circus here …. Both 
factions claim victory in District 1 election …. Mrs. Cora Davenport, West Pittston,  elected worthy grand 
matron of State Order of Eastern Star.
12. Judge E. Foster Heller announces candidacy for reelection to orphans’ court bench.
13. Sam Boccolini acquitted on charge of manslaughter for killing his wife …. Members of Service Men’s club 
and county commissioners hold stormy session over delay in erecting soldiers’ monument.
14. John Matlack, Swoyerville, sought in connection with slaying of Joseph Pollard at Kingston in 1930, 
arrested in New York City …. Phillip Cavan  receives life penalty for his part in Jannetti murder.
15. Heights citizens oppose city’s plan to resurface East Market street and ask for a new pave with concrete 
base …. 451 retail stores in Pittston did business of $9,611,358 in 1929.
16. City council discusses establishment of union bus terminal ; told that site on North Main street, occupied
by Loomis building, is available …. County commissioners and controller engage in controversy over collection 
of State 4-mill tax on personal property, including stocks and bonds, the former contending that the tax 
collection has not been properly enforced. 
17. Commissioners and controller continue argument over collection of 4-mill tax in rapid exchange of letters.
Steve Mendola, convicted of manslaughter for killing Frank Agati, asks pardon board for release.
18. Frank Leonard, Clement Savage and Phillip Cavan are sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Al 
Jannetti …. Taxpayers of North End organize and appoint Attorney Daniel J. Flood solicitor.
19. Dr. A. W. O’Malley, this city, is elected president of Pennsylvania Affiliated Exchange Clubs at seventh 
annual convention here ; Paul Siple, boy scout on Byrd Expedition to the Antarctic, among speakers ….Coughlin,
G. A. R.  and Meyers high schools graduate 431 students at separate exercises held at the three institutions.
21. Heat wave heralds arrival of summer, temperature reaching 92 …. Delegates arrive for opening of the 
eleventh annual convention of Disabled American Veterans of World War and it’s auxiliary …. Walter Hinton, 
noted aviator, gives aerial exhibition as part of Exchange Clubs convention ….New county code bill, regulating
the number of third class county officials’ assistants will reduce salaries in district attorney’s office 
here
22. Mme. Ernestine Schumann-Heink sings at opening of D. A. V. convention. Seth W. Richardson, assistant U. S.
Attorney General, reads letter from president Hoover in which latter calls upon veterans for leadership and 
devotion ; Congressman Rankin of Mississippi also speaks …. Rev. J. J. O’Leary, wounded and gassed priest of 
Shavertown, tells Auxiliary that pacifists are selfish …. Thousands of children visit playgrounds on opening 
day …. Margaret McGinty and Mary A. Mulhall, city school teachers with almost half century each of service, 
are pensioned …. Hundreds crowd Meyers high school to hear Mme. Schumann-Heink in special concert …. Squadrons
of Army and Marine Corps planes entertain visitors with thrilling exhibitions.
23. Thousands line Kingston and Wilkes-Barre streets to witness D. A. V. convention parade …. Congressman 
Wright Patman of Texas tells veterans that he proposes to impeach Secretary of the Treasury Mellon ; James A. 
Flaherty, Supreme Knight of Knights of Columbus, praises Hoover’s war debt suspension plan …. Many State 
Police from Wyoming Barracks reported sent to Pittsburgh strike area …. State highway department takes over 
six and one-half miles of Wilkes-Barre city streets.
24. Brig. Gen. Frank T. Hines, director of U. S. Veterans Bureau and U. S. Senator James J. Davis address 
delegates to D.A. V. convention …. Judge W. S. McLean, Jr. and Eugene T. Giering elected president and vice 
president of Community Welfare federation …. Decrease of 580 farms in county in ten years noted in census 
report.
25. U. S. Dirigible Los Angeles pays visit to D. A. V. convention spending an hour circling over the valley ….
Rev. William Brehl, 71, prominent priest of Scranton diocese, dies in Chicago.
26. E. Claude Babcock of Washington, elected national commander of D. A. V. ;F. Trubee  Davison , assistant 
secretary of war, comes here by airplane to speak …. Mrs. Freida Mooney of Los Angeles elected national 
president of D. A. V. auxiliary ; Mrs. Laura Boyce Mandeville, Wilkes-Barre nurse wounded in the world war, 
chosen junior vice commander …. Severe thunderstorm does severe damage here …. James D. Bachman, Hazleton 
county detective, elected State commander of United Spanish War Veterans …. Gov. Pinchot signs Gicking ripper 
bill.
28. Fire causes $5,000 damage to three East Market street stores …. San Diego, Cal., selected as place for 
1932 convention …. More than 1,000 delegates and visitors to D. A. V. convention visit local mines during week.
Supreme court affirms ruling of Luzerne county court and dismisses appeal of Valmont Development Co., enabling
county to condemn land needed for entrance to Nesbitt park, north of Market street bridge …. Death of Mrs. 
Mary Strojny  prominent in Polish women’s activities …. Enforcement agents and city police raid eleven 
speakeasies.
29. S. Oliver Bell, Nanticoke businessman. dies suddenly …. Charles W. Freeby, city, named State adjutant of 
United Spanish War Veterans….Wilkes-Barre city school board settles Lehigh Valley Coal Co. taxes in former 
Parsons borough for 1925-26 for $7,045….James Cerbata, 30, former Nanticoke merchant, murdered in New York 
City.
30. Two persons prostrated here when mercury soars to 96….Coal companies prepare to ask for deputy sheriff 
badges for their police whose commissiones have expired under ruling of Gov. Pinchot….New Parsons hose house 
is dedicated by city officials and Parsons Post, American Legion.
                         _______________________________
JULY
1. Temperature continues to climb with reading of 99 in Wilkes-Barre and 100 in Kingston; three mad dogs 
killed….Hundreds of local anglers visit nearby streams on opening of bass season….Prospective candidates slow 
to take out petitions on first day for obtaining signatures for local offices.
2. Councilman Mundy confers with Water Company officials to obtain use of old Laurel Run reservoir as city 
swimming pool….Record announces plans for an intelligence test for local high school boys….County tax 
collectors names: Fred Goeringer, Wilkes-Barre; Thomas Kehoe, Pittston; John P. Burns, Hazleton; and William 
Jones, Nanticoke….16 degree drop in temperature follows storm.
3. Emil Malinowski, Hanover township; Attorney Joseph E. Fleitz of Wilkes-Barre and Attorney Adrian H. Jones 
of West Hazleton named new county assessors….Arthur C. Parker, director of Rochester Museum of Arts and 
Science, speaks at annual commemorative service at Wyoming Monument….35 petitions signed by more than 2,000 
taxpayers and protesting against proposed creation and incorporation of Wyoming Valley Water Supply district 
are presented to court; question of constitutionality of Harvey Water act is raised….Harry T. Farrell named 
chairman of State Athletic Commission.
4. Ninety-three casualties reported in Wyoming valley on holiday; 300,000 units of toxin anti-toxin 
administered here….Cottagers at Wyoming campground dedicate new swimming pool.
5. First Baptist congregation awards contract for new church to cost $139,531….$35,000 damage caused by fire 
which sweeps three Miners Mills stores….Death of Mrs. Carl H. Schooch of Kingston, descendant of early 
settlers of Wyoming Valley.
6. City school board retains all employees at meeting….Burgess Roat of Kingston vetoes ordinance calling for 
$120,000 paving program….Dupont school board authorized taking of special census to see if population is less 
than 5,000 in order to keep its old rating with State department of education.
7. Committee of local business men and lawyers goes to Washington in attempt to have Federal courtroom 
included in new post office; has audience with President Hoover….Elias Cohen, 61, secretary to the judges, 
employed at court house 42 years and Record dramatic critic for may years, dies following operation.
9. Stockholders approve proposed merger of Wyoming Valley Trust Co. and Miners bank….City councilmen vote to 
lease old Laurel Run reservoir in Plains township as municipal swimming pool….270 high school boys gather in 
Coughlin high school to participate in intelligence test conducted by the Record….Death of M. J. Griffith, 58,
well known electrical engineer.
10. Marvin Williams, senior at G. A. R. high school, adjudged winner of intelligence test….Hundreds attend 
funeral of Elias Cohen; Luzerne county judges act as honorary pallbearers….St. Mark’s Lutheran church 
celebrates 40th anniversary.
12. Former county commissioners file petitions with court asking for pardons….Attorney William P. Walsh, 55, 
stricken ill while attending mass, dies shortly afterward….St. Nicholas’ German Catholic church celebrated 
75th anniversary in conjunction with opening of 38th annual convention of Pennsylvania Branch of Catholic 
Central Verein of America and Catholic Women’s Union; new high school auditorium also dedicated.
14. Court in banc refuses petition of ex-county commissioners asking for parole from county jail….Robert 
Cohen appointed to succeed his father as secretary to the judges….Major Lynn Adams, superintendent of State 
police, speaking here, declares crime costs Pennsylvania $30,000,000 a year.
15. Court in banc, in second formal order refuses plea of ex-commissioners for parole from serving 
penitentiary sentence….County commissioners appoint 240 registrars for the four cities in the county….Death 
of John B. Richard, 63, prominent business man.
17. Pittston Co. locals summoned to meeting to discuss advisability of striking because of alleged refusal of 
company to reopen Butler and NO. 14 collieries.
18. Negotiations for visit to Wiley Post and Harold Gatty, around the world flyers, is dropped when they ask 
fee of $1,200….Executive committee of Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers’ association meets at Irem Temple 
Country club to plan for convention to be held here in January.
19. Death of William S. Norton, superintendent of Alden Coal Co.
20. District No. 1, United Mine Workers, convention opens at Scranton with first session ending in a riot; 
delegates attempt to beat union officials….Local delegation meets with highway department officials at 
Harrisburg at which State agrees to build new link on Harvey’s lake road eliminating traffic through Luzerne….
School board sells North Main street school building to St. Stanislaus’ church.
21. Second session of miners’ convention ends in riot; District officials say that convention will continue…
Hazard Wire Rope Company to assist in making cables for world's largest suspension bridge over Golden Gate in 
California...101 Ranch Wild West Show show plays here and evening performance is curtailed because of heavy 
rain….About 25,000 people, including Gov. Pinchot, attend Wyoming Valley Municipal Water Ownership league’s 
picnic at Sans Souci park.
22.Joseph Fuerth, 72, restaurant man, dies….499 bankruptcy cases in Middle district in 1930, report for fiscal
year shows….City notified it is to receive a German gun from the government, trophy to be placed in Kirby park.
Government puts approval on plan to have Federal courtrooms included in new post office.
23. New county assessors announce dismissal of fourteen employees effective July 31….Freak thunderstorm visits
county; extra large size hailstones fall at White Haven.
24. Mrs. Joseph Payvis, Nanticoke, unable to talk for two years, suddenly regains voice when she suffers 
electric shock….D. & H. train wreck in Parsons yard, in which man is killed, leads to discovery of two cars 
of ale.
25. County sells $2,000,000 bond issue bearing interest at 3 ¾ per cent….Playground directors order Casey park
playground closed because, they allege, city failed to provide funds for instructors’ salaries….John Raub made
superintendent of Alden Coal Co.
27. Death of Mrs. Mary Gomers Klein, 92, Kingston, one of the oldest residents of Wyoming valley….Wilkes-Barre
post, 132, American Legion, leads in State in membership for third year….Controversy over closing of Casey 
Playground starts with Councilman Nobel declaring that the park will not be closed….Last day for filing 
petitions for judge finds only Judges McLean and Jones and Attorney W. L. Pace in field for common pleas 
bench; Judge Heller unopposed for orphans’ court.
28. Administration forces of District 1 present united front at convention and vote down six amendments to 
clauses of district constitution….Several score children from Casey playground invade City Hall; Mayor Hart 
assumes responsibility for financing Casey playground….Dupont retains its status as fourth-class school 
district when special census shows population of 4,902….High temperature of 92 reported in city.
29. Miners break tension at convention by suddenly turning it into a songfest….Court in banc oust Eugene 
Miller, George Matthews, Stephen Podskoc, William Miles and John McDonald, Swoyerville school directors 
charged with violating the school code….Heat wave broken by storm; several trees blown down.
30. District 1 convention certifies election returns from three districts, assuring John Boylan of his 
re-election as district president….New assessors name seven deputies….Court orders liquor found in train 
wreck be given to seven county hospitals….Dr. Homero Viteri, minister from Ecudar to the United States 
summering at Harvey’s lake, makes trip through Dorrance colliery and mines….Dr. Arthur W. S. Loewen, 63, 
Ashley dentist, dies suddenly.
31. Glen Alden Coal CO. and Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. files twenty-five appeals from the valuation of 
their coal properties in twenty municipalities of the county.
                      ___________________________________
AUGUST
1. Six million dollars in money and securities moved from Wyoming Valley Trust Co. to Miners Bank under heavy 
guard as two institutions merge….109th Field Artillery leaves for annual encampment with full peace-time 
strength of 600 men and 55 officers for first time in years….State auditor general approves payment of 
$147,598.01 to 58 school districts of the county….Death of Thomas J. Golightly, 66, senior court officer.
3. Storm does considerable damage at 109th field artillery regiment’s camp at Tobyhanna….Only one coal 
company enters bid for contract for furnishing 7,000 tons of coal to Wilkes-Barre city schools.
4. Judge W. S. McLean orders that boundary lines of Fourth, Fifth and Seventh wards of Hanover township be 
not disturbed so as to affect the coming elections….Kingston Baking Co. acquires big Remington-Rand plant in 
Kingston; largest real estate transaction locally in some time….Rev. M. S. Blair, 80, former pastor of Firwood
Church of Christ, dies at Wellsboro home….8,000 fans see Barons defeat world’s champion Philadelphia Athletics,
10-1, in exhibition game here.
5. Announcement made of consolidation of Lincoln Bank & Trust Co. with Hanover Bank & Trust Co….Temperature 
goes to 93, high for month.
6. Personal property valuation of $55,000,000, in county for 1931 is decrease of $1,900,000; will yield 
$219,600 in taxes….Government notification to owner of property selected for new post office that only 
$49,000 instead of $54,000 would be paid brings reply that owners will accept no compromise.
7. Mother and son burned when lightning strikes home at Huntsville….St. Joseph’s Slovak parish, Nanticoke, 
breaks ground for new school to cost $50,000.
9. General grievance committee of Glen Alden Coal Co. votes in favor of tri-district, instead of district, 
rump convention….60th anniversary celebrated at Wyoming camp ground….Rev. and Mrs. B. F. G. McGee, formerly 
of Wilkes-Barre, killed in automobile accident near Winchester, Va.
11. Upward of 2,000 nomination petitions filed by candidates for county  and municipal offices….Continued rain
halts work of 109th at annual encampment.
13. Employees of county commissioners’ office work to list more than 4,000 nomination petitions; five file 
for mayor of Wilkes-Barre including Daniel L. Hart, John Nobel and Frederick C. Kirkendall….2,000 children 
attend first picnic of Record Capitol Theatre Booster Club at Fernbrook park….Justice James B. Drew of 
Superior court pays surprise visit here and addresses Republican workers.
14. Heirs of Albert Lewis sell Bear Creek Ice Co. to Kingston and Wilkes-Barre men for $100,000….City 
candidates asked to seek only major party nominations in order to clarify ballot situation.
16. State banks and trust companies in county have combined resources of $126,000,000 at last quarterly call….
Glen Alden grievance committee designates committee of 12 to determine whether rump convention will be called….
27 injured in accidents here over week-end.
17. August grand jury begins work on 500 transcripts….Possibility of necessity of using paper ballots in city 
greatly lessened after candidates voluntarily withdraw minor party petitions….Contract is let for eight-room 
school in Hanover township.
18. Triplets born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McAndrews; one later dies….Fourteen candidates for county office and 
ninety for municipal office withdraw their nomination petitions.
19. Five thousand attend annual outing of Irem temple….Governor Pinchot appoints Joseph J. Walsh, deputy 
secretary of mines in charge of the anthracite division….Wyoming Shovel Co. of Wyoming merges with six other 
similar companies to be known as Ames-Baldwin-Wyoming Shovel Co., with headquarters in Boston.
20. Supply of crops in Luzerne county far in excess of demand, according to farm bureau….Mrs. and Mrs. Charles
E. Hicks, and nephew Sylvester Shoemaker, all of Warrior Run, drown in Harvey’s lake when their rowboat is 
hit by motorboat….Death of Robert McWilliams, popular city traffic officer.
21. Crime prevention and prosecution costs each Wilkes-Barrean $2.99 a year according to Wickersham Commission
report….Announcement made that No. 6 colliery of Pittston Co. will resume work after long idleness hailed with
joy by people in Pittston district; 1,500 men and boys affected….Kingston borough council votes to improve 
seven streets in Westmoor section.
23. Diabolical plot to destroy large building on Carey avenue with dynamite and gasoline for insurance is 
nipped when State police and fire underwriters’ agents, together with owner of building, arrest three men….
Committee of 12 appointed by Glen Alden grievance committee discards plan to hold rump convention because of 
cost; grievance committee decides to start court proceedings to upset recent election in which John Boylan was
elected district president….Joseph F. Keller, city, elected county commander of American Legion….Record 
announces winners of Movietest; Miss Mildred Woolbert, Shavertown, winning prizes totaling $880.
24. Primary ballot for Sixteenth ward of Wilkes-Barre to require 360 spaces….Representatives of mine union ask
Newport township commissioners to suspend for year taxes of mine workers out of work.
25. George E. Gwilliam of Plymouth resigns as recorder of deeds; Gov. Pinchot immediately appoint George R. 
Stecker of Hazleton to the post and then appoints Mr. Gwilliam divisional supervisor of State Workmen’s 
compensation in eleven counties….Death of George R. Goebel, silk mill operator and former city councilman….
Miners, city officials and clergymen ask Lehigh Valley Coal Corporation to reopen Franklin Colliery….Martz 
Coach Co. announces plans for bus terminal on Public Square.
26. Federal agents seize 2,000 gallons of alcohol in railroad yards in city….Fox Hill Country club opens newly
remodeled clubhouse.
27. Representatives of various bus companies tell city councilmen that competition would not be served by 
establishment of a union bus terminal here so plan is dropped….Harry Butts, former county controller, and 
Rinaldo Cappellini, prominent in mine affairs, returned to Luzerne county prison from Eastern penitentiary….
Republican party gains many adherents on first registration day for cities.
28. William B. Kennedy, prominent local labor leader, dies….Police arrest a mother, her three sons and another
man at Nanticoke after an attempt is made to pass counterfeit bill.
29. Fred M. Kirby, receives the American Legion Distinguished Service certificate at exercises in Kirby park.
30. Wilkes-Barre school district receives $104,709 State school aid….Pittston Co. announces reopening of 
Butler colliery, idle since March.
31. Joseph A. Caffrey, Roy B. Pope and John R. Sherman are admitted to practice law in Luzerne county….Sousa’s
band thrills two large audiences in concerts here….City discards old red lights on top of fire alarm boxes in 
favor of blue ones.
                      ________________________________
SEPTEMBER
1. Second day registration in county give ratio of 3 to 1 to G. O. P….Fifty persons in county apply for 
license to carry firearms as the Witkins law goes into effect….Six cases of infantile paralysis reported in 
county….Council votes to widen and pave East Market street on Heights and install boulevard lights.
2. 174,297 acres in Luzerne county used for farm lands….Death of Dr. M. C. Russell, retired Hanover township 
dentist….West End Coal Co., Mocanaqua, lets contract for breaker to cost $175,000….Federal agents raid two 
wildcat breweries in county and seize 10,000 gallons of beer….First death reported in infantile paralysis 
epidemic.
3. Five hundred attend dinner here in honor of Emil Malinowski, new county assessor.
4. Three mine workers fatally burned in gas explosion in Dorrance colliery of Lehigh Valley Coal Co.
5. Eleventh Field Artillery Veterans association opens two-day session here; veterans lay wreath on grave of 
Sergt. Oscar Oerkvitz, member of the organization,in Oaklawn cemetery….Orpheus Glee club goes to Gov.Pinchot's 
home at Milford and sing to 6,000 persons.
6. Monsignor James J. Fagan, pastor of St. Gabriel’s church, Hazleton, and native of Wilkes-Barre, dies.
7. Ninth annual convention of Supreme Herd, Ladies Order of Reindeer, opens in city….Polish Alliance of 
America opens its eighth annual convention at Plymouth….Managers of various amusement parks of Wyoming valley 
report past season highly profitable….Post office department denies report that Sweet Valley and Broadway post
offices will be consolidated with Hunlock Creek office.
8. Rev. Francis Sasaczun, Sugar Notch, honored at dinner attended by 750 persons….127,000 voters registered 
in Luzerne county’s boroughs and townships….Louis Shaffer and Hopkin Rowlands admitted to Luzerne county bar.
9. Order of Reindeer in session here elects Linda Paskill, Philadelphia, president….Hundreds of quarts of 
fruits and vegetables canned by local women in canning bees organized to help the needy during the coming 
winter.
10. Death of S. R. Smith, 80, Kingston, artist and historian….Sugar Notch sportsmen lease 291-acre fishing and
hunting preserve from water company….September heat records for 31 years broken when mercury goes to 96.3….O. 
B. Anderson, Lincoln, Neb., appointed physical director at Y. M. C. A. to succeed late W. A. Rogers.
11. Heat wave continues with temperature of 95….County employees and voting machine company employees begin 
task of sealing machines in presence of watchers representing different organizations.
12. Overseers of election named for 30 municipalities….181,500 persons registered in Luzerne county; total for
four cities being 54,505.  Registration is largest in history of county….Bishop O’Reilly officiates at corner 
stone laying at Holy Saviour Parochial school, East End….Diocesan convention of Holy Name Society opens at 
Hazleton with exercises attended by 20,000 persons.
14. County commissioners appoint 80 additional inspectors for precincts where extra machines are necessary….
Announcement made that Jermyn colliery in Old Forge will be reopened, giving work to 700 men in Old Forge, 
Duryea and Avoca.
15. Hectic election campaign ends with entire State administration slate getting nominations.  Judge W. S. 
McLean and B. R. Jones, Mayor Daniel L. Hart win Republican nominations for re-election….Voting throughout 
the county slowed up greatly because of unfamiliarity of electors with voting machines; many votes cast long 
after closing time for polls; people in East End precinct stand in line until three next morning to vote….Dr. 
T. W. Swan, long pastor of West Pittston Presbyterian church, resigns.
16. Deaths of two prominent women, Miss Edith Brower, 84, and Mrs. George W. Guthrie, 79….Mayor Hart, 
Councilman Mundy and City Treasurer Kelly each win two nominations for re-election, late returns show….Church 
and clubwomen continue to can fruits and vegetables for needy.
17. 16,570 children enrolled in city schools, gain of 133 over previous year.
18. J. R. Homer department store sold at receivers’ sale for $55,000….Official count of primary vote starts 
with 70 persons on counting board.
20. $20,000 fire destroys one home and damages another in Pringle.
21. Pennsylvania-Liberty Bank & Trust Co. is closed by State Banking department…U. S. Marine Band presents 
concert to 3,000 in West Side armory….Loomis colliery workers vote to go on strike, ignoring please for a 
parley.
22. State banking department takes over Dime Bank Title & Trust Co….Wilkes-Barre Clearing House association 
puts 60-day withdrawal clause into effect on all member banks until hysteria subsides….Miss Emerald Harper of 
East Orange, N. J., appointed director of Wyoming Valley council, Girl Scouts …. Dr. James E. Creevey, 
prominent optometrist, dies …. Glen Alden Coal Co. reopens Halstead colliery, Duryea, after eight months 
shutdown.
23. Kingston adds five teachers to high school faculty because of unusual gain in students …. State banking 
department closes Heights Deposit bank at request of directors …. Many errors found by counting board in 
rechecking voting machines. 
25. Rev. H. W. Hodge, district elder of Free Methodit church, accepts call to pastorate of Ninth Street 
church, Philadelphia …. Three persons escape injury when street car runs away on Georgetown hill and stops 
on a front lawn.
27. Eight hundred delegates assemble here for National Conference for Catholic Charities ; hear pleas for 
relief of unemployment by prominent speakers …. Bishop T. C. O’Reilly officiates at dedication of  St. 
Stanislaus Kostka parochial school, North Main street …. Lehigh Valley Coal Co. announces reopening of 21 
collieries, giving work to 12,000 men.
28. Delegates to Catholic Charities conference plunge into bust schedule. Speakers blame spread of crime on 
prohibition …. William H. Frey, prominent merchant, dies …. City school board asks permission of court to 
postpone penalty on school taxes  two months to December 1. Many other local school boards and borough 
councils also request extensions of tax penalty period.
29. Court grants extension of time for paying school taxes to Wilkes-Barre school board and several other 
districts.
30. Local merchants report greatly increased retail sales and see brighter outlook in business …. Candidates 
for office in Luzerne county spent more than $125,000 in primary election according to expense accounts filed 
at court house.
                     __________________________________
OCTOBER
1. Death of Prof. J. Freas Smith, principal of Courtwright avenue school for 32 years …. Citizens of North 
End of city ask bus company to establish bus line in that territory.
2. Rev. Dr. H. A. F. Kern assumes duties as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran church, Nanticoke …. Paramount 
Publix Theatres announce several changes. John J. Galvin resumes management of Penn theatre and Albert Cox, 
Irving theatre, manager, is transferred to like post at Capitol theatre.
3. Rev. Method Ulichney, 35, native of Wilkes-Barre, dies at Ellsworth, Pa.
4. Rev. Joseph L. Weisley celebrates 25th anniversary as pastor of Forty Fort Presbyterian church …. Sunday 
school of Second Congregational church celebrates 50th anniversary with four of original founders present …. 
Public Square presents gailey lighted and decorated appearance in preparation for Fireman’s State convention.
Death of Charles Becker, business man …. Work orders posted in all Loree division mines of Hudson Coal Co. 
after long idleness ; 2,600 men go to work.
5. Jury awards $1,000 reward to Dennis McCauley for services in connection with arrest of Frank Tawza, who 
shot Luzerne police officer …. 600 delegates arrive in city for 52nd convention Pennsylvania State Firemen’s 
association.
6. Last day for preempting party tickets closes with total of 126 petitions filed, none for county or city 
offices …. Pennsylvania’s Women’s Synodical Missionary Society of Presbyterian church opens annual assembly 
in First Presbyterian church …. City council decides to prohibit parking of interstate buses on city streets.
7. Gov. Gifford Pinchot addresses Firemen at convention here …. Court certifies primary election vote and 
orders some corrections made …. Annual session of ministers and laymen of Eastern Conference of Methodist 
Protestant church opens in Shickshinny.
8. 4,000 firemen and many bands march in rain in gala parade ending firemen’s convention …. Court sets back 
penalty period on school taxes in 22 districts …. Property owners of valley organize Wilkes-Barre and Wyoming 
Valley Property Owners association, to seek to solve problems of taxation and public expenditures …. John L. 
Lewis and other miner’s union officials confer with Glen Alden grievance committee in effort to end illegal 
strike.
9. Glen Alden general grievance committee votes to rescind strike order after conference with John L. Lewis. 
29,000 men idle since September 23, to go back to work …. Dial Rock chapter, D. A. R. celebrates 35th 
anniversary.
11. Record publishes list showing locations of all anthracite mines in the local territory …. Wyoming lodge, 
I. O. O. F., opens celebration of 100th anniversary.
12. Hearing on mandamus proceedings brought against County Controller Morgan by county road workers opens in 
court ; Morgan contending that the large number of men employed during September were hired for political 
purposes …. Anthracite operators look for big increase in business during winter months due to extensive 
advertising …. High officers of I. O. O. F. attend 100th anniversary dinner of Wyoming lodge here.
13. Residents of Parsons section of city protest to council over proposed establishment of rock dump there by 
Hudson Coal Co. …. Court orders county controller to sign checks for men employed on county roads in 
September.
15. Attorney James M. Fritz, 74, dies …. Death of Charles H. O’Brien, Pittston merchant …. Pennsylvania 
Association of Insurance  Agents assembles here for annual convention.
16. Corp. Albert Davis of State Police returning home on furlough after year’s absence, forces way into home 
and finds mother dead in bed.
17. Thomas H. Coyle, Ashley, trainmaster for Central railroad retires after 42 years’ service …. Business 
district of Duryea menaced by fire which causes $25,000 damage to three buildings …. Attorney Frank L. Pinola 
named by State to handle affairs of closed banks here …. Death of Thomas A. Edison, famous inventor, comes 
within few days of 45th anniversary of turning on of first electric light system in Wilkes-Barre.
19. Death of W. B. Cleary, Plymouth newspaperman …. New federal court house at Scranton dedicated with many 
local lawyers present …. State and municipal police arrest six boys believed to have been in series of 
robberies in Pittston region and Forty Fort …. City school board agrees to have Armistice day celebrated in 
local schools.
20. Mrs. Sarah C. Casey, widow of Congressman John J. Casey, Dies …. W. W. Inglis, president of Glen Alden 
Coal Co. declares that no increase in price of coal will result from freight schedule suggested to Interstate 
Commerce Commission …. John Malone and Peter Senkus, Cleveland, sentenced to Atlanta penitentiary for attempt-
ing to pass counterfeit bills in Nanticoke ; Mrs. Anna Malone placed on probation and two others in party 
freed.
21. State pardon board recommends that death sentence of Wilfred Flood be changed to life imprisonment.
22. A. M. Fine, vice president of Hudson Coal Co. declares trouble with anthracite is high price to consumer 
and that only way it can be reduced is through changed attitude on part of union leaders in regards to wage 
rates, etc.
23. State Association of Life Underwriters holds semi-annual convention at Irem Temple County club ; C. F. 
Armstrong, State insurance commissioner, speaks …. Mrs. Elizabeth Long Mingos dies at Huntington township 
within month of 100th birthday anniversary …. 1,800 Masons attend meeting here commemorating 200th anniversary
of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania ; Grand Lodge officials attend.
24. Six mine workers are entombed in West End Coal Co. mine at Mocanaqua when gas pocket explodes ; two others
rescued …. George E. Gwilliam elected chairman of Luzerne County Republican Committee …. Judge John S. Fine 
in accepting grand jury’s report orders jurors to return on November 9.
25. The Record celebrates 58th year as daily newspaper and enters on 100th year as a newspaper.
26. Death of Franklin P. Crotzer, city, for many years druggist and manufacturer …. George Swantkowski, 
Duryea business man, stricken ill in court house, dies on way home …. Possibility of postponement of hunting 
season seen as result of dangerous forest fires.
27. Mine rescue squads continue efforts to reach entombed men in Mocanaqua mine. Believe that they are getting
air and water …. No Hungry Children campaign here ends at meeting. Workers report thousands of jars of fruit 
and vegetables canned …. Wilkes-Barre Symphony Orchestra gives concert with Frederic Baer as guest artist.
28. County commissioners assign 85 additional voting machines in county …. Ashley shops of Jersey Central 
railroad closed since June, to reopen on November 4, 150 men to be employed …. John Boylan asserts that miners
will resist any wage cuts and blames situation on high freight rates, in answer to A. M. Fine’s statement.
29. Signals are heard from entombed miners …. Death of George Lazarus, city …. 800 persons attend silver 
jubilee dinner of Rev. J. E. Gryczka, Kingston …. Members of Third District, Pennsylvania Bankers association, 
meet here and align with National Credit Corp. proposed by President Hoover.
30. Mine rescue squads reach six entombed miners ; find two alive and four dead.
More than 20,000 hunting licenses issued in county to date …. Business suspended in  Mocanaqua while funerals 
are held for four mine workers …. Big mummers parade held in Pittston to celebrate Hallowe’en.
                         ______________________________
NOVEMBER
1. Edward L. Lewith, business man, guest of honor at dinner on fiftieth birthday anniversary.
2. Wilfred Flood and Raymond Schutt escape from county jail in early morning, steal automobile and flee from 
city …. Republican candidates make last minute appeal to voters to vote straight ticket.
3. Republican candidates win all county offices by big majorities …. Nanticoke Democrats gain control of that 
city …. Sheriff’s office receives many calls for aid …. Voters of Kingston township vote to increase 
indebtedness $85,000 to build new high school.
4. Judge W. A. Valentione, for court en banc, refuses plea of former county commissioners and former county 
controller for parole and refuses plea that second sentence be changed from penitentiary to county jail …. 
No trace found of escaped prisoners ; prison board begins inquiry …. Death of Mrs. Margaret McGinty, teacher 
in city schools for 50 years.
5. John W. Johnson, veteran Ashley railroad man, dies …. Col. Frank G.. Darte selected as chairman of 1932 
Welfare drive …. County offers $1,000 reward for capture of each of two escaped prisoners …. Bishop Frank W. 
Sterrett of Bethlehem address Episcopal laymen of Wyoming valley at St. Stephen’s church.
6. Lehigh Valley Coal Co. announces transfer of five supervising officials, all Wyoming valley men.
7. Death of Mrs. Edward Eyerman, clubwoman and wife of city assessor …. Wilson A. Smawley, retired contractor,
dies at home in Kingston.
8. Wilfred Flood is arrested in Newton, N. J. ; early next morning police arrest Raymond Schutt in hotel at 
Newark …. Wyoming valley churches hold special Armistice day services …. 1,200 attend memorial service 
conducted by Nanticoke American Legion …. Death of Samuel Hirsch, prominent merchant.
9. Many Wyoming valley people go to Harrisburg to attend opening of special session of State legislature …. 
Thomas F. Loftus, Pittston alderman and former publisher, dies.
10. Local banks prepare to pay out $1,000,000 in Christmas club funds …. Prison board holds hearing on jail 
break and recommends isolated cell tiers with saw-proof chilled steel bars for desperate criminals …. Mozart 
club celebrates 25th anniversary.
11. Legion posts of Wyoming valley celebrate Armistice day with big parade and rally at Plymouth …. Plymouth 
Community Chorus wins main event at annual eisteddfod here …. Coal company payrolls here expected to be 
largest in years because of steady operation of mines.
12. X. J. Schatzle, official of Lehigh Valley railroad, dies …. Death of J. R. Murphy, Kingston, business man
 …. Memorial Presbyterian church congregation extends call to Rev. George C. Westberg of Warren, Minn.
14. Lorrie R. Holcomb and Charles Kuschke are reappointed members of Central poor board for five years.
15. Fire causes $35,000 damage to warehouse of David Miller, Kingston …. Dr. W. S. Stewart, president of 
Kirby Health Centre and city board of health, celebrates 75th birthday anniversary.
17. Secretary of banking announces that Gilbert S. McClintock will be licensed as private banker as part of 
plan to expedite payment of cash dividends to depositors in local closed banks ; department also announces 
organization of 4th Depositors Realization Corp., made up of local men …. Council votes to meet with county 
commissioners to discuss taking over airport as a municipal landing field …. City council abolishes position
of second assistant fire chief and two positions in building inspector’s office …. Death of Bolton G. Coon, 
prominent contractor.
18. Little Theatre presents John Drinkwater’s play, Bird In Hand, before large audience ….Attorney’s for Mr. 
and Mrs. Jacob Slomowitz file answer opposing petition of government to abandon condemnation proceedings on 
Slomowitz property for new Wilkes-Barre post office.
19. Merger of People’s State Bank of Newton with First National Bank of Ashley is announced, effective 
immediately …. Central M. E. church opens 75th anniversary celebration.
20. Jersey Central abolishes seventeen positions at Ashley shops.
21. Charles M. Southwell, former manager of Grand Opera House, dies at home in Hazleton …. Mrs. Elizabeth 
White, former local newswriter, dies.
22. Large crowds attend benefit shows in local theatres for unemployment relief fund …. Rumors heard of 
drastic shakeup in City Hall after January 1 …. W. S. Carpenter, Sr., former head of B. G. Carpenter Co., 
dies in Wilmington, Del. ….Douglas Presbyterian church dedicates new pipe organ.
23. Joseph Reinhard named receiver for Dime Bank Title and Trust Co. …. As Vincenzo Daminni, alias Little 
Jimmy, is about to be arraigned for trial, District Attorney Thomas M. Lewis asks that the murder charge 
against defendant be nolle prossed, alleging that the chief witness for the commonwealth had repudiated his 
story, and petitioning for issuance of bench warrants charging conspiracy against the prisoner and a 
Washington attorney …. 500 stockholders and depositors of Heights Banj meet and begin plans to have bank 
reopened.
24. Many forest fires reported locally following scarsity of rain …. Wilkes-Barre Symphony orchestra gives 
concert with Sylvia Lent as guest artist …. Trial of election officers of Middle District of Sugar Notch opens; 
four witnesses repudiate previous testimony and declare they voted at 1930 primary election.
25. Grand jury submits report on recent prison break in which it concludes that escape was preventable and 
censures jail keepers …. Temperature begins to drop after several weeks of warm weather.
26. Many forest fires reported in nearby woods.
27. Grand jury investigations of primary election and prison escape have cost county about $200 per day so 
far…Valley experiences first snow of season; four inch fall accompanied by sharp drop in temperature….Dr. 
J. D. Husted, Kingston dentist and former teacher, dies.
28. Seven of eleven surviving members of Conyngham post 97, G. A. R., attend 65th anniversary celebration; 
post once numbered 1,147 ment….Richard Riley, Joseph Slovoski and Neil Riley, three of the five members of 
Sugar Notch election board, are found guilty of willful fraud in the conduct of the primary election in May, 
1930, the two clerks being acquitted….Glen Alden general grievance committee petitions district president of 
union that special commission be retained until all grievances responsible for recent Glen Alden strike are 
settled.
30. Nine conventions reported for Wilkes-Barre in 1932….Former Sheriff George F. Buss and family, who won 
verdicts totaling $99,000 from Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Co., settle for less than one-half that amount 
after coal company obtains retrial….Standard Anthracite Mining Co. employing 200 men at colliery in Dupont 
closes colliery and blames Dupont borough council for shutdown because council stopped the company from using 
a narrow gauge railroad on the borough streets.

                  Typed by Elaine Patterson and Robin Percy,  June 2004