WILKES-BARRE RECORD ALMANAC 

The following information is posted for the sole purpose of family research within the 
Yahoo Group, The Court House Gang. It is not to be published to any other web site, 
mailing list, group, etc. without prior written permission and guidelines from the group 
owner, to ensure that proper credit is given to the group and all of our volunteers that 
helped with this project.

RECORD OF LOCAL EVENTS
Principal Happenings in Luzerne County for the Year Which Began
December 1, 1944, and Ended November 30, 1945

DECEMBER, 1944

1.Dr. J. Franklin ROBINSON, director of Children’s Service Center, elected to Council of Community Clinics of 
the National Committee for Mental Hygiene…Travel conditions on highways in valley are made hazardous by early 
morning snowfall…New mine cave 30 feet deep occurs in Pittston…Fifteen deer are shot on first day of hunting 
season.
2.Hanover Township High School football team takes Eastern Conference crown by defeating Lansford …Navy begins
drive to recruit chaplains in local area….Wayside Mission damaged by fire with estimated loss set at $1,000.
3.Luzerne County Finance Committee announces 45 per cent of Sixth War Loan is reached…Joseph DOMBROSKY, former
commissioner in Dupont Borough, found dead in Town Hall building.
4.Thomas H. SMAILES elected president of Wilkes-Barre City School Board…Surcharge of $10,963 made against 
former Dupont Council Officers.
6.Flying Fortress is downed in Exeter…War casualties continue to mount as five are reported killed and 14 
wounded in action….Four WHITENIGHT brothers are among 176 novices inducted into Shrine.
7.New Century Club of Wilkes-Barre celebrates its 50th anniversary.
8.Attorney Frank PINOLA named head of newly organized Catholic War Veterans…One building destroyed and another
partly ruined as fire sweeps Carr Biscuit Company storehouses…Mrs. Anna STEVE replaces husband, in service in 
the Navy, as commissioner in Hanover Township.
9.Capt. George MITCHELL of Luzerne awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, in Belgium where he is stationed 
with the Fifth Army.
10.Gymanfa Ganu sessions attended by 1,500 at Irem Temple.
11.Maj. William F. LOGAN, Jr., Kingston, returns after 35-months’ service as a chaplain in the south Pacific…
Roads in vicinity are glazed with ice as mercury drops.
12.C.H. HUMPHREYS, city, becomes executive secretary of North Branch of YMCA, in Plains…Miners Mills hunter 
fatally wounded in Pocono Mountains…Nurse’s Aides celebrate first anniversary of organization…Nino MARTINI, 
famous tenor, delights audience of 1,400 at Irem Temple concert sponsored by Concordia Singing Society.
13.Five school directors of Jenkins Township have jail terms imposed after convictions on criminal charges 
are upheld by State Supreme Court.
14.Wyoming Valley Motor Club adds 858 new members.
15.Miss Mary BOYD, city, completes 25 years of perfect attendance at Plains Presbyterian Church.
16.Robert BURNSIDE named chairman of 1945 Red Cross Campaign.
17.First Welsh Presbyterian Church of Sugar Notch destroyed by Sunday fire.
18.Walter GRYSKEWICZ, Ashley burgess, is reported killed in action…Wyoming Valley experiences first snowfall, 
three inches deep.
19.North Branch of YMCA at Plains officially opened…West Side Lions Club entertains 100 blind guests at 
Christmas party… New city budget passed by councilmen on first reading…R.R. VanHORN retires as president of 
Luzerne County Gas and Electric Company and is succeeded by Charles WARSAW, former vice-president…Don Cossack 
Chorus presents concert at Irem Temple before audience of 1,200.
20.Five families made homeless and two buildings damaged in general alarm fire at the Zoeller Paper Company 
in East End.
21.Record breaking volume of mail, delayed because of manpower shortage, distributed by 600 high school boys…
Swoyerville youth is fatally injured in coasting accident…Due to increase in number of patients, Nesbitt 
Memorial Hospital applies for priority to open its southern wing.
22.First day of winter and the coldest period of the season arrive together as mercury drops to five and 10 
below zero in local areas…Children urged to use coasting areas protected by police as accidents increase.
23.Local postal figures show yield to be beyond million.
24.
Triangle Shoe Company purchases Continental Can property on North Pennsylvania Avenue.
25.
Mr. & Mrs. Edgar L. WILLIAMS of Irem Temple celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary…Two Persons killed by 
automobiles in holiday accidents…Local railway and bus accommodations taxes.
26.
Robert J. DORAN and Earl MacCALLUM  elected trustees of Wyoming Valley Homeopathic Hospital….Mercury topples 
for second cold spell in week.
27.Five inch snowfall blankets Wyoming Valley.
28.
Louis LEGER seated as president of Kiwanis Club.
29.
State coal output higher than in 1943…Glen Alden coal assessments cut…Assets of closed Heights Bank sold at 
auction…Building permits in Wilkes-Barre city show increase over total in 1943.
30.Twenty Names appear on weekend casualty list for Luzerne County.
31.
Assistant Postmaster W. E. NEWHART commences 41st year at post office…Valley ushers in New Year quietly due 
to Sabbath laws…Ousterhout Library starts series of forums.


JANUARY, 1945

1.Mercury drops to 17 degrees and puts icy coat on streets…Mill Memorial Library dedicated by Rev. Joseph G. 
KANE at Nanticoke…Mine workers fail to heed holiday work call.
2.Wilkes-Barre city employees receive wage increase…Dr. Edward E. MARSH appointed chief medical inspector of 
the Wilkes-Barre school system…Luzerne County commissioners check site for airport at Avoca.
3.Retreat Ferry disabled by ice in Susquehanna river…Hazard Wire Rope Company receives second Army-Navy award.
4.Dupont site declared unsuitable for Wilkes-Barre-Scranton airport…State Equipment Company of Harrisburg 
announces plans to open business at Kingston Corners…Inman shaft employees of Glen Alden Coal Company return 
to work after two-day strike.
5.Wilkes-Barre city loses taxes in new valuation of coal of the Glen Alden Coal Company…Maj. Frank E. MAREK 
of Plains awarded Legion of Merit medal in Italy.
6.Frank J. BRISLIN elected president of Northeastern Pennsylvania Association of Manufacturers’Representatives
 …   Nineteen servicemen visit homes under Army Rotation plan.
7.  Wyoming Valley experiences third snowfall within three-week period.
8.Honor student, 13, of Vandling, held for murder of nine-year-old Mae BARRETT … Jean WATSON, Canadian 
contralto, sings before audience at Irem Temple … Thirty-six students of Meyers High School lose clothing as 
fire of undetermined origin damages two classrooms.
9.Wyoming Valley banks fill all vacancies at yearly meetings … Sumner KIRBY, Wilkes-Barre native, reported 
civilian prisoner of Nazis … Another cold wave hits valley as temperature drops to 18 degrees.
10.Dupont site for airport rejected by Civil Aeronautics Administration … Judge T. Linus HOBAN, Lackawanna 
jurist, reported missing in Luxembourg … R. Guy McHENRY is elected president of Wilkes-Barre Real Estate 
Board.
11.Angelo SERGI, veteran of 50 combat missions in Italy, is killed in plane crash in Georgia.
12.Thomas DALEY, 17, fatally hurt in skiing accident at Swoyerville.
13.Local Red Cross goal is set at $279,800 … Fourteen soldiers reported missing in action in weekend casualty 
list … James T. DAVIS, Lehigh Valley Railroad conductor, is killed by Pennsylvania Train at Hazle Street 
crossing … Susquehanna River is jammed with ice as weather remains cold.
14.Two hundred members are installed into Eagles at class in honor of John T. CORRIGAN … Miner-Hillard 
Milling Company celebrates its 150th anniversary.
15.Luzerne County commissioners are authorized to repair Breslau bridge … Owners of homes on Washington 
Street near Hazard Wire Rope Company, reported to have been asked to sell their properties, presumably for 
expansion of the Wire Rope Company.
16.West side Lions Club to equip room in new wing of Nesbitt Memorial Hospital … Ten-inch snowfall blankets 
Valley and traffic is disrupted – schools are closed and mines and defense plants are affected … Samuel 
RHOADS elected director of Second National Bank
17.Valley begins to shovel way out of 10-inch snowfall … Flood systems examined for readiness … Rulison EVANS 
elected potentate of Irem Temple for third term.
18.Lt. Col. Herbert T. HUGHES, city, honorably discharged from Army, returns to dental practice … Lehigh 
Valley Railroad receives diesel locomotive with 5,400 horsepower and measuring 193 feet in length.
19.Mile-O-Dimes campaign opens to fight infantile paralysis … Rabbi Samuel WOLK resigns at Temple B’nai 
B’rith to accept charge at Albany, N.Y. … Flames rout three families from Scott Street home.
20.Rev. Michael OLEKSIW begins pastorate at SS. Peter and Paul Ukranian Catholic Church … Attorney R. Lawrence 
COUGHLIN elected president of Crippled Childrens’ Association.
21.Bennett Memorial Methodist Church observes its 50th anniversary . . . January draft calls register 10 
percent increase . . . Tri-County Association prepares mine cave bill to be sent to State Legislature.
22.Laux Manufacturing Company obtains permission from City School Board to House shell making plant in former 
NYA building, Scott Street … Cornerstone is removed from B’nai B’rith Temple to obtain information for 
centennial celebration to be held in March.
23.Dwight L. RAMSEY, New York, assistant National Scout Director, addresses Rotary Club … YWCA elects 10 
directors.
24.Ryman Estate at Dallas is purchased for library for Dallas Borough … J. Forester LABAGH and Frank ANDERSON 
re elected directors of YMCA … Frigid winds drop mercury to near zero and snow is drifted to block highways 
and railroads … R.L. Polk Company starts compiling city directory date … Elmer E. MATTHEWS elected General 
Hospital administrator for 29th consecutive year.
25.Coal shortage looms in valley as frigid weather continues … Citizens apply at mayor’s office for permission 
to obtain coal … Dr. J. Fowler RICHARDSON, organist at St. Stephen’s Church, city, announces intention to 
retire … Fourteen automobiles lost in Blaze at Clarks Summit Theater … Joseph T. MURPHY, managing editor of 
Times-Leader, The Evenings News, addresses local Kiwanis Club on News Review of 1944.
26.S/Sgt. Nicholas M. TINKO of Wilkes-Barre is awarded Legion of Merit in Germany … Freight embargo hits 
mines--local dealers allowed as much coal as they desire.
27.Two Duryea men are killed in rock fall at Kehoe-Berge Coal Company.
28.Thirty-five homes in West Pittston damaged by mine cave … Fire destroys West Nanticoke Lodge building with 
estimated loss of $12,000 … Further fall of snow promises trouble for travelers.
29.Lehigh Valley and Franklin Collieries idle due to shortage of coal cars caused by imposed freight embargo… 
ODT bans cars to mines—several collieries fail to work—others operate regardless … Big Chief Market building 
on Carey Avenue converted into dress plant to employ approximately 150 women.
30.Casualties mount as 16 are reported for day … Dr. Cyrus JACOBOSKY succeeds late Dr. Edward MARSH as 
medical inspector for the Wilkes-Barre City Schools … Hugh H. JONES named president of Economy Stores.
31.Wyoming Valley Motor Club provided towing assistance for 516 members during snowfall.

FEBRUARY, 1945

1.City wide “brownout” put into effect … Mrs. Thomas MEBANE renamed president of YMCA Board … Post office 
begins sale of new postal notes and stamps.
2.State Bureau of Mines discloses 169 fatal accidents in anthracite industry for past year … Andrew J. 
SORDONI elected head of Pennsylvania Motor Club … Luzerne County court hands down decision that mayor must 
sign bill regulating city police department, which heretofore the mayor refused to sign … Well known ground 
hog dug his way out of hibernation only to see shadow and return for six weeks.
3.Two-year-old child playing with matches causes her own death and severe burns to two brothers … Sleet and 
freezing rain continue to make transportation to and from valley hazardous … Two local men die of exposure 
within two days.
4.Louis SMITH honored after having completed 20 years service as executive secretary of the local YMHA.
5.Sgt. Walter RING, Japanese prisoner of three years, liberated by Gen. MacArthur’s forces in the Philippine 
Islands … Luzerne County commissioners supervise the opening of highways snowbound by five-foot drifts.
6.Dr. Charles H. MINER reelected president of local Tuberculosis Society … Wilkes-Barre City Council disposes 
of three plots, realizing $12,100 … Seventy employees of Hazard Wire Rope Company laid off due to lack of 
material held up by recent freight embargo.
7.Mrs. Mary ULOZAS, wife of Plymouth Navy man, found murdered near Bull Run crossing at Plymouth … Wyoming 
Valley Homeopathic Hospital frees building of debt as mortgage is burned at dinner.
8.Raymond MEHOLCHICK, 20 year-old timber-cutter, confesses killing of Plymouth woman … Roscoe B. SMITH 
addresses Kiwanis Club at Lincoln Day program.
9.Snow, accumulated for several weeks, starts to disappear as temperature hovers above normal.
10.Eight men are killed,six reported missing and 16 are wounded in weekend reports of War and Navy Departments.
11. Fear of a flood warded off by official report that river is 30 feet below crest reached in flood of 1936.
12.Kingston couple, Mr. And Mrs. Alan B. CUTTING, reported liberated from Japanese prison camp after being 
held three years on Philippine Islands … Attorney Charles BUFALINO nominated as workmen’s compensation 
referee.
13.Wyoming Valley gets two-inch snow but appearance fails to affect the river conditions.
14.Dr. Charles H. MINER reelected president of Kirby Health Center … Lenten season begins with appropriate 
services in various churches.
15.Localized thundershower hits Valley as rain rids city of hard packed snow … Eleventh day class of nurses 
graduated at Red Cross Chapter House.
16.Luzerne County tax levy cut from 7.2 to 7 mills.
17.Fifteen hundred employees of Susquehanna Collieries Company, Colliery 7, out on strike.
18.Slight river rise is recorded … Casualties recorded over weekend show six men killed, two missing and four 
wounded.
19.War Mobilization Director announces plans to declare midnight curfew on all entertainment places – primary 
reason to conserve fuel … Mrs. Anna Waters reported released from Jap Prison camp. 
20.Wyoming couple, Mr. And Mrs. J. Franklin SMITH, and M/Sgt. Edward J. DAVIS, veteran of World Wars I and II, 
released from prison camp in Philippine Islands … New snowfall blankets valley.
21.Susquehanna River recedes despite sleet and rain … Alexander DICK elected vice president and James 
BUCHANNAN elected a director of Boston Store.
22.Wilkes-Barre city schools close for two days to conserve fuel … J.J. KENDER elected head of Military Order 
of the Purple Heart, Wilkes-Barre Chapter 178 … Two burned cables of Pennsylvania Power and Light Company 
disrupt power in southern section of city.
23.Rev. John O. LINQUIST, retired Army Colonel, becomes pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church … H.R.KNICKERBOCKER,
foreign correspondent, addresses capacity audience at Irem Temple.
24.Eight young men ordained to Catholic priesthood in first ordination ceremony in Wilkes-Barre in 45 years.
25.Laurel Run Primitive Methodist Church burns mortgage at special service … Swoyerville man crushed to death 
as five-ton truck  body descends and pins him to lower part of truck … West Side Armory leased to Sylvania 
Corporation to manufacture radio equipment.
26. Wyoming Valley taverns obey midnight curfew as patrons clear establishments shortly before midnight … 
Striking workers of General Aviation Company return to jobs after two-day law-off.
27.Susquehanna River rises three feet with crest of 16 or 17 feet predicted … Pavilion at Croop’s Glen, 
valued at $12,000, destroyed by fire.
28.Bernard F. BURGUNDER reelected president of Community Welfare Federation of Wyoming Valley … Five Pittston 
residents are overcome by coal gas fumes from defective chimney.

MARCH, 1945

1.Red Cross campaign for $279,000 begins … Bishop Robert WILNER, Wyoming Valley native, liberated in 
Philippines . . . Wilkes-Barre Lions Club reformed with William H. DAVIS as president.
2.Hazard workers, totaling 1,100, declare work stoppage due to failure of company to settle grievances … 
Joseph A. CORGAN, former Kingston resident, named section chief of Bureau of Mines.
3.Susquehanna River begins to rise to expected crest of 21 feet … Retreat Infirmary to be abandoned.
4.Five Pittston district men placed under arrest for series of local holdups … Wilkes-Barre Fire Department 
has seven calls over weekend … Dr. Walter B. FOLEY, Laceyville, released Jap prisoner, killed by exploding 
shell at Santo Tomas Camp in Philippines.
5.Hazard workers return after work stoppage … Three Luzerne Borough councilmen are ousted by court … Mayor 
McCOLE administers oath of office to Carl KRATZ as plumbing inspector … Susquehanna River starts to recede 
after passing 21-foot mark.
6.Susquehanna again begins to rise … Contract for rebuilding of Breslau-Plymouth bridge awarded to C.F. 
GOERINGER by county commissioners.
7.Wilkes-Barre city school board makes plan to sell Pine Street building … Red Cross contributions near goal.
8.Capt. Melvin J. ASTON, former Kingston resident, is named officer in command of Philadelphia Naval Base 
Hospital … Blue Ribbon Cake Company Honors Employees with 20 years of continuous service.
9.Wilkes-Barre city street department begins cleaning and repairing of city streets.
10.Woman killed when run over by freight car in Pennsylvania Railroad yards.
11.Thirteen local men are reported killed in action on day’s casualty lists.
12.Community Concert Association plans two sets of concerts to accommodate demands … Edward K. CONRAD elected 
to Kingston School Board to replace Col. J. Henry POOL, serving overseas with the Air Corps.
13.Two additional county men arrested as members of gang suspected of committing many holdups.
14.Col Jack MAJOR addresses local branch of Dinner Club … Federal grand jury returns 13 true bills for month 
of March.
15.Alex MacLUSKIE, former Plains resident, killed in highway crash near Bloomsburg … Cleveland Symphony 
Orchestra presents concert at Irem Temple … Mercury climbs to 74 degrees as valley has first touch of spring.
16.Employees of Department of Public Safety go payless until plumbing inspector appointment dispute is settled 
… Part of 1,200 employees of Duplan Silk Corporation at Kingston stop work.
17.Wilkes-Barre Lions Club awarded charter under sponsorship of Kingston club … Comerford Corporation 
announces return of legitimate stage plays to Wilkes-Barre.
18. Dr. George PHILLIPS, pastor of First Methodist Church, city, resigns to accept charge at Binghamton … War 
Department announces plans to erect $500,000 building on North Pennsylvania Avenue.
19.Wirth’s Victory circus opens at Kingston Armory … Milton D. COHN, national commander of DAV, visits local 
branch.
20.City Treasurer and Mrs. Fred GOERINGER, Sr., celebrate 55th wedding anniversary.	
21.Annual Red Cross Campaign reaches 88 per cent of its goal … Fred PISSOTT, city policeman, elected 
commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 50. 
22.Colder weather checks river rise . . . Idle government building in Hanover Township suggested for 
manufacturing batteries.
23.Temple B’Nai B’rith starts 100th anniversary celebration … Carl KRATZ, newly appointed plumbing inspector, 
sues city for pay which was held up due to failure of council to confirm his appointment.
24.Samuel McCRACKEN elected director of Pennsylvania State Chamber of Commerce … Weekend casualty lists show 
five local residents killed in action … General alarm fire at Pennsylvania Avenue junk yard causes $30,000 
loss.
25.Wilkes-Barre Aerie of Eagles initiates class of 75 in honor of members serving in armed forces.
26.Five thousand friends and relatives welcome Margaret NASH, released Jap prisoner, at Lehigh Valley station 
and Lee Park home … Sylvania Electric Products, Inc. starts remodeling Kingston Armory for Factory site.
27.Servicemen are given preference in ordering flowers for Easter holiday.
28.Youth is sentenced after confessing 19 robberies in the city … Central Railroad of New Jersey reports 
profit for month of February.
29.State grants West Pittston Schools $16,500 for repairs … Red Cross War Fund campaign goes over the top by 
$8,700 … Food black market gains as Easter rush reaches peak … Rev. Peter A. NOLAN becomes pastor of Holy 
Savior Church at East End.
30.Lt. Jack McNELIS, Luzerne, chosen as personal pilot for Admiral Halsey … Richard Johnson, 6, son of Coach 
Edward JOHNSON, is seriously burned when clothing catches fire while at play … Capt. John J. WHITE, Pittston, 
Army chaplain, awarded Bronze Star for bravery.
31.Wilkes-Barre board of Health meets to act on curbing of rabies … Five local men are reported killed on 
Iwo Jima.

APRIL, 1945

1.Easter Sunday –ideal weather assists annual Easter Parade … Many local churches hold sunrise services.
2.Coal rationing begins in local area … City police force holds annual ball at Granada Ballroom … Rev. 
Montreville SEELEY resigns pastorate at Kingston Baptist Church … City police ordered to shoot stray dogs for 
period of 90 days to curb spread of rabies … Second leukemia victim dies within week.
3. Horace BOWERS, slayer of State Trooper John J. BROSKI, shot after attempted prison break … Wilkes-Barre 
American Legion Post 132, largest in state with 1,102 members.
4.Little Theatre presents comedy entitled “Over Twenty-one” … Central Railroad shops at Ashley receive new 
equipment to facilitate car repairs … John R. HUGHES, prisoner at Luzerne County prison, escapes … Dallas 
Community Center Association completes plans for building to be started immediately following the war.
5.West Wyoming boy, aged 3, drowns in Abram’s Creek … Two city men overcome by illuminating gas in Scot Street 
apartment … War Labor Board approves Duplan Silk Corporation wage increases … Silver Star Medal awarded to Lt.
Robert FLEMING, Dallas, for daring rescue of two airmen in South Pacific.
6.Sgt. William THOMAS, freed by Yanks on Luzon, arrives in Wilkes-Barre for leave … Maj. Frank GLEASON, 
Dallas, returns after four years in China.
7.Thirty-one city teachers and school workers pensioned; jobs to be filled by teachers who had been suspended 
due to drop in attendance.
8.Donald F. CARPENTER, former city resident, elected vice president and assistant general manager of Remington
Arms Company, Bridgeport, Conn.
9.Candidates for June primaries are announced … Three Jenkins Township school heads, serving sentences for 
misdemeanor in office, receive paroles.
11.Robert A. EYERMAN selected as chairman of 1945 Community War Chest campaign … Annual Conference of 
Methodist Church convenes at Scranton … Five Dupont Borough officials held on conspiracy charges.
12.Death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt shocks Wyoming Valley.
13.Wyoming Conference holds memorial service for late President Roosevelt … General Cigar Company workers 
receive pay increase … Proposed opening of Laux Manufacturing Company plant in Wilkes-Barre cancelled by 
government.
14.All valley merchants close stores at 3 p.m. in memory of President Roosevelt.
15.Rev. Charles W. PHILLIPS, Binghamton, becomes pastor of Kingston Methodist Church and Rev. Edgar D. SINGER,
Honesdale, begins duties at Forty Fort … Knights of Columbus initiate 125 into organization.
16.Rev. George C. WESTBERT named moderator of Lackawanna Presbytery … New building shows increase with 
building permits totaling $7,956 for one day.
17.Lackawanna Presbytery meets at West Pittston … Four valley servicemen liberated from German prison comps … 
Robert MINER reelected president of Miner-Hillard Milling Company.
18.Commonwealth offers $100,000 for Retreat property … Swoyersville High School students strike due to 
possible loss of football and basketball coach, Louis PALERMO. 
19.Four Wyoming Valley men are liberated from German prison camp, including former radio announcer, Franklin 
D. COSLETT.
20.Drawings for positions on election ballots completed … Wilkes-Barre city council to award insurance 
contracts totaling $151,500.
21.War Manpower Commission plans to open office in Wyoming Valley.
22.Rev. C. W. PHILLIPS assumes duties at Kingston Methodist Church … Kingston residents donate 30 tons of 
clothing to United Nations Clothing Drive.
23.Lt. Edward NOVITSKI, Wilkes-Barre, receives Guggenheim Fellowship award … Swoyerville High School closed 
indefinitely due to strike of students.
24.Rev. J. Rolland CROMPTON addresses Luzerne County Forum for Peach and Security.
25.Army Nurse Corps opens drive locally … 25,000 Wilkes-Barre miners take strike vote … Fire destroys chutes 
at Bliss Colliery of the Glen Alden Coal Company … Mrs. Henry WATERS, released Jap Prisoner, arrives in city.
26.United Mine Workers vote six to one to strike to get wage increases … Attorney Martin J. MULHALL feted by 
Luzerne County Bar Association after 52 years of practice … War Production Board grants priorities to Nesbitt 
Memorial Hospital to begin work on additional wing.
27.Mr. And Mrs. Alan B. CUTTING and son arrive home after three years internment in Japanese prison camp … 
Army engineers commence work at Wilkes-Barre –Scranton Airport at Avoca.
28.Weekend casualty lists show eight men killed in action and nine wounded … Three servicemen liberated from 
German prison camps.
29.Clothing weighing 269 tons collected for United Nations Clothing drive … Junior Sokol parley attended by 
200 … Moose Lodge initiates 230 members.
30.Miners-operators’ agreement expires – War Labor Board orders mines to operate until contract is renewed.

MAY, 1945

1.Snow and low temperatures usher in month of May … Government plans to seize mines after work stoppage … 
Five additional servicemen freed from Nazi prisons.
2.A Pittston woman drops into mine cave when walk in rear of home collapses … Blue Cross Hospitalization Plan 
grants increased benefits for members … Cold weather damages fruits and crops in local area.
3.Government seizes mines and orders workers to return to jobs … Jan KARSKI, member of Polish underground, 
addresses capacity audience at Irem Temple … Dorranceton Methodist Church liquidates mortgage.
4.Anthracite miners await instructions from leader, John L. LEWIS … Scranton Diocese to ordain seven priests.
5.Glen Alden locals with total of 10,000 members vote to remain idle … Eight additional men are liberated 
from Nazi prison camps.
6.Grace Episcopal Church at Kingston has consecration service … Census of church membership in Lackawanna 
Presbytery shows total of 21,821.
7.Valley takes V-E Day in stride and awaits official declarations … Mayor McCOLE asks for quiet V-E Day … 
Three officers among four men liberated from German prisons.
8.V-E Day celebrated quietly as business pauses for prayer and thanksgiving … Concordia presents concert with 
Vivian Della Chiesa as guest artist … C. E.  OAKES named president of the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company.
9.Midnight curfew lifted as city taprooms resume 2 a. m. closing hour.
10.Charles and Joseph MALARKY, brothers, released from German prison camps … Mayor McCOLE issues Mother’s Day 
proclamation … Various sections of county report snow and freezing rain for second time in month of May.
11.Women’s committees hold War Bond rally in preparation for opening of Seventh War Loan Drive … Anthracite 
coal strike creates acute coal situations as business places and hotels hit bottom of coal bins.
12.Slight mine subsidence reported on Ashley By-Pass … Warm weather brings coal shortage relief … Ten-year-old
South Wilkes-Barre girl loses life in fire.
13.A. L. MITKE, superintendent of Sunbury Community Hospital, becomes head of Nanticoke State Hospital.
14.Army officers inspect possible Veterans’ Hospital sites in valley … Waves open recruiting drive in city … 
Seventh War Loan Drive begins.
15.Shrine inducts 150 novices at ceremonial … Unidentified navy plane crashes on Bald Mountain near Bear 
Creek, killing pilot, the only passenger … Floyd SIEGREIED reelected secretary of Wilkes-Barre School Board.
16.Women of Moose observe 27th anniversary of lodge with program at Hotel Sterling … Herman C. KERSTEEN 
completes four years as commissioner of Luzerne County.
17.Wilkes-Barre General Hospital graduates class of 56 at 56th commencement … Mines vote on pay boost to work 
for quick settlement of two-weeks’ strike … Lt. C.R. HARTLEY, Navy, head of recruiting in local area, retires.
18.Welsh Baptist Association holds three-day convention at Bethel Baptist Church … Murray Corporation workers 
call work stoppage in dispute over V-E Day pay … Mayor McCOLE signs police law after long controversy.
19.Bishop William J. HAFEY, head of Scranton Diocese, honored by Pope … Nine men reported liberated from 
German prisons.
20.Franklin Township dedicates honor roll containing names of 72 men and women in service.
21.J. B. Carr Biscuit Company announces plans to build bakery in St. Louis … Raymond MEHOLCHICK, 20-year-old 
lumberman, admits slaying of Mrs. Mary ULOZAS, found murdered February 7, 1945.
22.Wilkes-Barre School Board cuts $35,000 from budget … Arthur L. STRAYER, West Side automobile dealer, 
elected president of Rotary Club.
23.State law strips City Council of appointments in treasurer’s office … Property value in Luzerne County 
shows decrease of $11,054,009 … Five valley men are ordained into priesthood … State takes over care of six 
bridges including South Street Bridge.
24.Water Company hearings begin at forum in Court House … Number of valley men liberated from German prison 
camps continue to grow as eight additional are reported.
25.Sterling WANDELL elected president of Wyoming Valley Council of Churches … Crusade on stray dogs continues… 
Rev. Francis STRAUB retires after 20-year pastorate at St. Boniface, city.
26.V-E Thanksgiving service held in Irem Temple with churches and organizations of the valley taking part … 
Scranton Street Car Union calls general strike.
27.Wyoming Valley Red Cross notifies families of 61 serviceman who are liberated from German prison camp – 
government lists 25 additional men liberated.
28.Ashley honors Miss Anna BELL, retiring schoolteacher, at Hotel Sterling with 300 in attendance … Two 
storms and powerful wind slash valley … Memorial Day flowers sell for highest prices known to florists .. 
Oliver PRICE seeks council post.
29.Rev. Louis G. FALK begins pastorate at First Baptist church, Kingston … Bond buyers see thrill-packed show 
by returned Pacific vets at artillery Park.
30.Few miners report for holiday work … Parks of valley visited by record crowds on first holiday of summer 
season … Fire levels two blocks of Mahanoy City.
31.Harvey’s Lake boat operator found slain on rural road near Tunkhannock … Mercy Hospital School of Nursing 
graduates class of 34.

JUNE, 1945

1.A 45-year temperature low is shattered as thermometer registers 36 degrees … Sumner M. KIRBY, son of the 
late F. M. KIRBY, reported to have been brutally killed by the Nazis.
2.Wyoming Seminary graduates class of 76 … Four persons miss death as automobile drops into mine hole.
3. City Commissioner Tom A. EVANS proposes building postwar fund, from Glen Alden refund of overpaid taxes.
4.Kingston maps vast program for postwar period … Misericordia College holds commencement in Irem Temple … 
Civilian Defense office changes name to Volunteer Service Bureau.
5.Pringle High School awards diplomas to 15 scholars … Wilkes-Barre Advertising Club is formed … Third person 
is sought in the Memorial Day murder of Charles RANDALL, boat concessionaire … Wilkes-Barre city school board 
approves 784f graduates of the three city high schools.
6.United Mine Workers contract approved by War Labor Board … Four Penn Tobacco Company workers honored by 
company after completing 40 years service.
7.Robert W. GLOMAN, city, elected president of Pennsylvania Hospital Association … Thomas M. BEANEY, Wyoming, 
named mine inspector by Governor Edward Martin.
8.Wilkes-Barre Junior League holds conference … H. M. VIVIAN named Red Cross head.
9.Dr. Fred B. CORSON, Methodist bishop, addresses Kingston High School graduating class.
10.Army release program gets under way as 25 servicemen return to their homes in the valley.
11.Cole Brothers circus visits Wilkes-Barre and shows at McCormack Park … Stanley FLASSER begins term as 
president of local aerie of Eagles.
12.Wilkes-Barre Health Board asks for more food for area in acute food shortage … Salvation Army Citadel 
rededicated at ceremonies … F. R. GERARD, president of Lehigh Valley Railroad, addresses Wilkes-Barre Rotary 
Club.
13.Dorrance REYNOLDS elected to board of directors of Vulcan Iron Works … Meyers and GAR High Schools graduate
411 seniors.
14.Kingston High School graduates 217 with Robert KAZMAYER, lecturer, addressing the graduating class … 
Bucknell Junior College graduat4es 41. … Bond auction nets drive $58,000.
15.Lightning damages several homes as severe electrical storm sweeps through valley … Maj. William A. CLARK 
to retire from State Police effective July 1 … Rev. James MULHOLLAND named to Scranton Pastorate from Plains 
Sacred Heart Church.
16.East Market Street gets new lease on life as City Hall is sanded and street is repaved.
17.Thirty additional local soldiers are released under the point system.
18. Twenty-nine local servicemen are released from Fort Dix.
19.Rev. Frederick M. ROBERTS, former resident of Kingston, is ordained into Baptist ministry … Primary 
election day finds few voters at polls.  Dunmore girl is electrocuted on third rail of Laurel Line near 
Dupont … Warden W.B. HEALY addresses newly organized Advertising Club.
20.City youth accidentally shot on Ashley mountain … State Guard Band prepares for camp at Indian-town Gap … 
S/Sgt. Richard WEBB completes 20 years service with Third Field Artillery Regiment … William J. TOBIN,Bermuda,
appointed new manager of Sterling Hotel.
21.Miners to collect five million dollars in vacation pays … Louis E. PALERMO, Swoyerville coach, is appointed
to teaching position at Coughlin High School.
22.Hard coal pits returned to owners by government … Adjutant W. Arthur BAMFORD, Salvation Army, promoted to 
major … Ham FISHER, former local resident and cartoonist, honored in city by Junior Chamber of Commerce.
23.Wyoming Valley leads in Catholic population of Scranton Diocese … Supervising Principal T. A. WILLIAMMEE, 
of Dallas Borough Schools, resigns… State Guard opens encampment at Indiantown Gap.
24.St. John’s Church of Pittston has most members of local Catholic Churches … Rev. J. Paul FAUST resigns 
Baptist pastorate at Wyoming … Allied Store executives award gold key to Harry D. ADAMY, managing director of 
Pomeroy’s.
25. Two severe storms cause considerable damage in valley … Army discharges 21 local veterans.
26.Army releases 36 additional servicemen … Pennsylvania State Guard presents review for Governor Edward 
MARTIN.
27.Luzerne County Court upholds Mayor McCOLE’s appointment of Carl KRATZ, discharged veteran, to post of 
plumbing inspector … Work on Ashley by-pass resumed … Army discharges 31 local men by point system … Cruiser 
Wilkes-Barre aids stricken USS Bunker Hill in battle off Okinawa.
28.Maj. William a CLARK retires from State Police after 40 years of service … Three local YWCA staff members 
resign … A. J. SORDONI reelected president of Harvey’s Lake Association.
29.Ashley by-pass work delayed due to war restrictions on bridge material.
30.A.J. KANE, Kingston, elected judge advocate of Department of Pennsylvania, Veterans of Foreign Wars … Col. 
George SENEFF, Bear Creek, named commanding officer of Indiantown Gap Reception Center … Nineteen additional 
servicemen discharge from Fort Dix.

JULY, 1945

1.Kingston youth, aged 16, drowns at Harvey’s Lake as thousands seek relief from intense heat … Powder blast 
of Dupont Powder Company, near Moosic, destroys three buildings … Discharged veteran runs down and kills 
motorist in Nuangola Borough.
2.Rabbi Newton FRIEDMAN becomes head of B’nai B’rith … Raymond MEHOLCHICK given life term for death of Mrs. 
Mary ULOZAS whose body was found at Bull Run crossing February, 1945.
3.Wilkes-Barre school board makes several changes in staff … Disabled War Veterans install officers … Rotary 
installs officers at luncheon with Arthur L. STRAYER as president.
4.Congressional Medal of Honor awarded  posthumously to Sgt. Day C. TURNER, Nescopeck … Brookside boy, aged 6,
killed by trackless trolley on North Main Street … Pittston police close gambling places located in that city.
5.Wyoming Valley Hospitals suffer nurse famine … Huber Colliery men return to work after strike.
6. General Aviation Company awarded Army-Navy “E” for high output in war material … Office of Defense 
Transportation halts Pullman sleeper service effective July 15 … Lt. Frances CROMP joins local Salvation Army 
citadel staff.
7.Scott Street paper storage building damaged by fire … Two collieries of Lehigh Valley Coal Company return 
to work.
8.Carl. J. KRATZ begins job as plumbing inspector of Wilkes-Barre City … Eight from local area return from 
overseas and are redeployed from Indiantown Gap.
9.Two prisoners use ladder to escape from Luzerne County prison … Hail storm causes much damage in rural 
areas.
10.Severe storm occurs in valley and two homes are struck by lighting … Homer PEABODY, advertising manager of 
Pomeroy’s, eelected [sic] president of Wilkes-Barre Advertising Club … Fourteen local men are discharged from 
Indiantown Gap and Fort Dix.
11.A locomotive and 18 cars derailed on Lehigh Valley Railroad.
12.Three members of Wyoming Valley Motor Club receive life memberships … Nanticoke veteran killed when truck 
upsets at Lake Silkworth … Wilkes-Barre Lions club installs officers.
14.Francis DRAKE, Dallas, aged 15, fatally hurt as Towanda doctor’s plane hits pole in fog at Rockport, Maine … 
Admiral Harold R. STARK, native of Wilkes-Barre, placed on inactive list by Navy.
15.Slashing rains cause heavy damage in local area.
16.Arthur KRAFJACK, 9, Duryea, drowns … Work begun on Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport … Veterans administration 
opens local offices.
17.Capt. John J. TOMEK named commander of Troop B of State Police … Patients at Retreat Mental Hospital 
transferred to Laurytown prior to State taking over Retreat properties.
18.Rev. Michael BERNAT, pastor of Holy Rosary Church, Ashley, celebrates silver jubilee … Local farms and 
mines affected by heavy rains … Wilkes-Barre city cited by State Sanitary Board for failure to file sewage 
disposal plans.
19.Survey shows increase in employment in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton areas … Expense accounts of local 
candidates in June primary show expenditures to be low … Hanover Township and Swoyerville Borough suffer 
tremendously from flash floods caused by heavy rains.
20.OPA announces plan to give extra ration allotments to miners … First Wac, Sgt. Grace F. KERSHAW, Hazleton, 
redeployed from Separation Center at Indiantown Gap.
21.Two women prisoners escape from Luzerne County prison … Swoyerville baby killed in fall from second floor 
window.
22.Shifting of 1,800 men to other types of work at American Car and Foundry Company caused by $40,000,000 
cutback in war contracts.
23.Congressman Daniel J. Flood leaves for Peru to speak at dinner in honor of Peruvian president … Local State 
Guard unit begins campaign for enlistments.
24.Many discrepancies reported found in primary election voting in county districts … General Aviation 
Equipment Company announces plans to begin conversion of equipment to production of civilian requirements.
25.Chambers of Commerce of various cities, boroughs, county and local officials meet at Fox Hill Country Club 
to discuss Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport and organization against the St. Lawrence Seaway project.
26.Stegmaier Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, appoints Rev. Michael HALLY as chaplain … Six local grocers 
cited for dealing in counterfeit sugar ration coupons … Kingston Borough suffers from half-hour cloudburst.
27.Anthony Shoe Firm locates at Ashley … Central Railroad of New Jersey shows profit for month of June.
28.Irem Temple Country Club is scene of induction of 100 novices into Shrine.
29.Albin ENDLER, 79, Dorrance store man, drowned in Wapwallopen Creek … Ten inches of rain reported for month 
July … Eight veterans of Pennsylvania’s 28th Division receive discharges from Army.
30.Capt. W. F. FREAS, Lehigh Valley Railroad police head, retires … Small group of patients moved from 
Retreat to Laurytown prior to State taking over Retreat.
31.Lt. Gen George C. GRUNERT, White Haven native, retires from active Army duty … Jack ALLEN, veteran Record 
printer, retires after 53 years service.

AUGUST, 1945

1.Mr. and Mrs. Albert KOCHER of Ruggles celebrate 65th wedding anniversary … Samuel K. MITCHELL named drive 
colonel for Community War Chest.
2.Six mine workers burned and gassed in explosion atn Henry Colliery … Wyoming Valley Motor Club boosts 
membership with gain of 1,727 members.
3.Safety record of 22 months shattered ay Jermyn Green Coal Company as miner and laborer are killed in fall 
of rock … Seventeen local men, liberated from German prison camps within past few months, hold reunion … Rev. 
Randall GIDDINGS named curate of St. Stephen’s Church, city.
4.County Controller Robert M. MILLER and brother-in-law, James SHERIDAN, drown in Susquehanna River at Falls… 
Thousands attend Irem Temple Horse Show at Country Club, Dallas.
5.Thomas H. DAY appointed cashier of Hanover National Bank … Men of famed 28th Division arrive in local areas.
6.William H. DAVIS sworn in as acting county controller in place of the late Robert M. MILLER.
7.Jersey Central Railroad presents gold lifetime passes to nine local men … Hanover youth badly burned by 
live wire … Rabbi Newton J. FRIEDMAN begins duties at B’nai B’rith Temple, city.
8.Assets of Plains State and Pennsylvania Liberty Banks to be sold at auction.
9.Raymond A. GAUL, Reading, governor of Kiwanis clubs of Pennsylvania, visits local club … Community Chest 
campaign sets goal at $585,893 … Miners National Bank of Nanticoke observes 25th year of business … Col. John 
C. B. ELLIOTT of Wilkes-Barre awarded Legion of Merit Medal.
10.Official V-J Day programs prepared.
11.Willard FREY, 44, found murdered along East End Boulevard … Premature celebrations occur after false 
Japanese surrender report.
12.Lee Park man killed and wife seriously injured in collision with Greyhound bus.
13.Police say Jeddie HOWELL, 14, admits guilt in FREY murder case … Valley ready for Allied victory 
celebration … Hanover Township Lions Club presented charter.
14.Valley greets end of war with incessant blaring of horns and celebrations as the long-awaited news arrives 
at 7 p.m. Easter War Time … Governor Martin Proclaims two-day holiday … Lehigh Valley Coal Company gets slash 
in assessed valuation of property.
15.Valley residents attend church services of thanksgiving for war’s end … Countless workers are without jobs 
as wartime contracts are cancelled.
16.Religious vows taken by 17 nuns at College Misericordia … Francis E. WALTER, Pennsylvania representative, 
addresses Rotary Club.
17.Pennsylvania Power and Light Company recalls its preferred stock … Michael WHALEN,  movie star and native 
of Wilkes-Barre, visits local relatives.
18.Swoyerville Holy Trinity Church celebrates its 50th anniversary.
19.Ernest ROHR and George FRIEDLANDER, Kingston and Hazleton, elective vice presidents of Duplan Corporation.
20.Sylvania Corporation closes plant at Kingston … Continental Can Company awarded Armey-Nave “E”.
21.Sheldon DAVIS appointed city milk inspector.
22.American Legion plans Admiral STARK welcome … Public Utilities Commission lifts bus and taxi restrictions.
23.Pennsylvania Power and Light Company announces $65,000,000 post-war construction plan … Army approves war 
cemetery at Tunkhannock … Mrs. Robert M. MILLER takes oath of office as County Controller to succeed her late 
husband, Robert M. Miller, who was drowned in Susquehanna river.
24.Admiral Harold R. STARK arrives at Lake Carey home after retiring from the Navy.
25.Former Wyoming Valley boy dies of polio as Glen Summit youth is stricken … Sanitary Wiping Firm plant 
destroyed by fire.
26.Jersey Central Railroad outing at Mountain Top attended by 1,800.
27.Allan M. KIRBY and group of businessmen offer 75 million dollars for Pullman service company … Construction
begun on Nesbitt Nurses Home to cost $150,000 … First Valley solder,  Pvt. Henry LOUX, freed from Jap prison 
camp.
28.Vulcan Iron works announces plans to employ more workers for re-conversion than used during peak war time… 
Second valley solder released from Japanese prison … Col. Mitchell JENKINS rejoins District Attorney’s office 
after release from Army … Arthur X. WILLIAMS, formerly of Ashley, named assistant to president of Reading 
Railroad.
29.Gas storage tanks, ignited by young boys in search of ball, sends four to hospital … Two Pittston buildings 
damaged by mine caves.
30.Rutherford JONES appointed meter clerk of Wilkes-Barre city … Lightning sets fire to barn of T. Newell 
WOOD at Harvey’s Lake with damage set at $30,000.
31.Dr. Robert STROH selected as candidate for county controller by Republican party to fill the place of 
Robert M. MILLER, drowning victim, on general election ballot … A.J. LIEB, Hazleton, appointed manager of 
Hazleton division of Luzerne County Gas and Electric Company … Hazard Wire Rope and Cable Company receives 
Army-Navy “E” for fifth time.

SEPTEMBER, 1945

1.Heavy storms disrupt power and flood streets … Dupont youth drowned in Dempsey’s Creek after fall from 
sidewalk weakened by storm.
2.Motor traffic heavy for first peacetime holiday … Pittston City alerted for mine caves … Col. George P. 
SENEFF, Sr., Bear Creek, awarded Legion of Merit.
3.Enraged boarder kills man and wife and then takes own life at Hazle Street home … City street department 
starts cleaning storm debris … General Hospital accepts 44 student nurses.
4.Six Glen Alden collieries strike … Oliver STECHER named commander of Wilkes-Barre Post 132 , American 
Legion … Lt. Margaret NASH receives Army Bronze Star and Navy’s Gold Star in lieu of second Bronze Star … Mr. 
and Mrs. William Price, city, celebrate 50th wedding anniversary.
5.Commodore Oscar SMITH, native of Wilkes-Barre, named staff chief of Atlantic Fleet … Mine strikers return 
to work … Veterans of Foreign Wares, Post 50, welcomes 159 new members.
6.  Wyoming Seminary starts school year with largest enrollment since 1925 … Merritt Line celebrates 55th year
as officer of POS of A. 
7.French records show Lt. Leonard KORNBLAU, city slain by enraged German civilians.
8.Mountain Kennel Club holds Dog Show at Irem Temple Country Club.
9.Ration boards in Scranton area cut from 40 to 20.
10.Wilkes-Barre Lions Club presents fireworks display and honors 11 veterans of World War 2 … Misericordia 
College leases hotel to house students as largest freshman class in history enters the Dallas college.
11.Albert W. JOHNSON, former Federal Court judge, and three sons and six other defendants indicted on 
conspiracy charges … YMCA starts membership drive … Jr. OUAM opens convention in city.
12.Colonial Airlines, Inc., announce plans to use the new Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport when completed … Five 
youths arrested for numerous burglaries committed over period of a year.
13.Five-year-old child, once saved from railroad train death, killed in auto accident … Governor Arthur H. 
JAMES addresses Jr. OUAM convention.
14.St. Mary’s Church at Swoyerville burns mortgage with appropriate ceremonies.
15.Jews observe Yom Kippur … Rev. George GOECKEL named pastor of St. Cecilia’s Church at Wyoming.
16.Charles THOMAS, 16, dies of football injuries at Plymouth … 900 Vulcan Iron Works employees vote to strike.
17.Mercury drops to 50 degrees as fall makes its debut.
18.Rev. Thomas P. MONAHAN, successor to Rev. D. W. McCARTHY at St. Aloysius Church, installed by Bishop 
William J. HAFEY.
19.Five persons injured as Strates’ Shows’ aerial car breaks loose at Hanover Township.
20.East End Boulevard site chosen as location for $2,650,000 Veterans’ Hospital … Homeopathic Hospital 
graduates class of 13 nurses.
21.Andrew J. SORDONI, president of Wyoming Valley Motor Club, elected vice president of American Automobile 
Association … Dallas area selected as location for two factories with possible employment of 1,100.
22.YMCA obtains 1,046 new members in membership drive.
23.Langcliffe Presbyterian Church observes 75th anniversary … Jeddie HOWELLS goes on trial for August murder 
of Willard FREY.
24.Ashley By-Pass opened to traffic … Plans announced for building of stoker plant on LeGrand Avenue … Jewels 
valued at $1,300 stolen from two city homes.
25.Lutheran churches hold three-day meeting at St. Peter’s Church, city … Luzerne County Sabbath School 
Association honors Attorney E. C. MARIANELLI, president.
26.Mayor McCOLE proclaims Religious Education Week … E. C. STEGMAIER and Rev. Walter LOSIENIECKI elected 
directors of American Red Cross.
27.Housing Federation of America, Inc., purchases factory site at Hay’s Corners, Dallas Township.
28.Bloomsburg Fair attendance passes 90,000 mark … Jeddie HOWELLS, 15, is convicted of second degree murder 
for death of  Willard FREY … Scranton District ration boards consolidated.
29.Rabbi Newton FRIEDMAN installed at B’nai B’rith Temple.
30.Hoyt Library inaugurates fireside talks … Attorney Leonard LANGAN appointed assistant district attorney.

OCTOBER, 1945

1.State pays $100,000 for Retreat Mental Hospital … Rigoletto opera attracts 1,400 at Kingston High School … 
Joseph KANE named director of Playground Association … Army B-25 bomber crashes on Bald Mountain, 12 
passengers parachute to safety.
2.Kenneth FERREL goes on trial for the murder  of Charles RANDALL, Harvey’s Lake boat concessionaire.
3.Albert t. GLAHN retires from Sordoni Construction Company … Junior Chamber of Commerce admits 21 members … 
Col. J. Henry Pool awarded Legion of Merit.
4.Kiwanis Club celebrates Newspaper Week … Rev. D. W. McCARTHY observes 50 years as priest.
5.John C. O’DONNELL leaves post with Ration Board.
7.Forty Fort Presbyterian Church opens week’s observance of 50th anniversary.
8.Frank A. GOECKEL reappointed adjutant of Wilkes-Barre Post 132, American Legion.
9.State Sanitary Board grants deley [sic] to 17 communities on sewage problem … Vulcan strike continues … 
Knights of Columbus initiates 240 members … Lawrence Lynch named commander of American War Vets of World War 2.
10.Kenneth FERRELL found guilty for murder of Charles RANDALL.
11.Busch Symphony plays before capacity audience at Irem Temple … Constantin SYMONOLEWICZ and Dr. D. H. 
ORROK join Bucknell faculty.
12.Imperial potentate visits Irem Temple in celebration of golden jubilee … Forty Fort has near riot 
following football game … Nine persons injured in vehicle accident at Tunkhannock.
13 1,200 Shriners attend outdoor ceremonial and observe 50th anniversary celebration.
14.St. Paul’s Lutheran Church begins 100th anniversary observance … John FEENEY, tenor, presents program at 
Irem Temple.
15.Luzerne County defense group dissolved at dinner … Wilkes-Barre Railway Corporation starts to remove car 
tracks from two sides of Public Square.
16.Pennsylvania Baptist convention opens at Scranton … Three bosses of Henry Colliery arraigned for alleged 
violations of mine laws … American Legion Post 132, Wilkes-Barre, sponsors Navy Night.
17.Bishop George L. LEECH, Harrisburg, Ashley native, commemorates 25th year as priest … Vulcan strike ends. 
18.Nesbitt Hospital graduates class of 13 nurses.
19.Mrs. Samuel WOLFE, Jr., alderman, named as first woman to serve as city policy magistrate.
20.Skipper of Hudson River Ferry-boat Wilkes-Barre to be guest of city and meet Capt. Robert L. PORTER, 
commander of the USS Wilkes-Barre.
21.St. Mary’s Polish Church welcomes new pastor, Rev. Walter LOSIENIECKI, and observes 60th anniversary of 
inception.
22.Veterans rush to register for election … William F. LOGAN addresses Quota Club.
23.Sugar Notch group honors late President Franklin D. Roosevelt by placing wreath on grave at Hyde Park, N.Y. … 
Robert Pattison WINFREY, attaché of England’s Ministry of Information, addresses audience in St. Stephen’s 
Church House.
24.Gas explosion in Grand Union Bakery shakes Public Square stores … Thomas J. COLLINS succeeds Andrew J. 
Sordoni as Chairman of Wilkes-Barre War Price and Rationing Board.
25.Capt. Robert L. PORTER, Jr., commander of USS Wilkes-Barre, addresses Kiwanis Club at Hotel Sterling and 
is made honorary mayor of Wilkes-Barre … Women of Moose run city for day.
26.Myron SEMUNCHICK, young slayer from Lackawanna County, escapes from Allentown State Hospital … Sgt. Dorothy 
L. LUFT, Trucksville, member of Wac, awarded Bronze Star.
27.Former Matheson automobile plant at Forty Fort suffers $500,000 loss from fire … Coalville Lodge, F&AM, 
observes 75th anniversary.
28.Student pilot crashes into two Edwardsville schools … Gas station in Heights section of the city wrecked 
by ignited fumes which caused severe blast.
29.Junior Cambrian Club holds 11th annual dinner … 14-year-old slayer, Myron SEMUNCHICK, recaptured at 
Allentown.
30.Shoe rationing ends … County registration shows Republicans hold 2 to 1 lead … Building inspector issues 
permits totaling $100,000 for peacetime construction.
31.Thomas Mooney resigns position as price panel coordinator of Scranton District of OPA … Jennie ROUREL, 
Canadian soprano, presents musical program at Irem Temple … Greyhound bus drivers call strike.

NOVEMBER, 1945

1.White Haven youth fatally wounded by father in first hunting accident of season … Mrs. Samuel WOLFE, Jr., 
presides in police court, the first woman to hold that position … Dr. J. Thomas MILLINGTON, discharged from 
Army, resumes post as county medical director … John HOOPER, veteran printer of the Record, retires.
2.Wilkes-Barre City salaried employees ask $20 a month increase in wages … Acme Market, Kingston, robbed.
3.Senior Girl Scouts of Wilkes-Barre District manage City Hall.
4.Holy Savior Church observes 50th anniversary.
5.Edgar GEORGE resigns Lehigh Valley Coal Company post … Wilkes-Barre City Council approves $300 contribution 
to crew of USS Wilkes-Barre …Mercury drops to 17 degrees in mountain areas.
6.Light vote cast in general election with GOP nominees victorious in county and city tabulations … Pittston 
city, traditionally Democratic, swept by Republicans while Republicans make clean sweep in Nanticoke.
7.Howard E. KENNEDY, city solicitor, honorably discharged from US Navy, announces he will return to post.
8.Local libraries observe Book week … Berwick and Wapwallopen war veterans lose lives in hunting accidents … 
Myron SEMUNCHICK, Lackawanna County, escapee from Allentown State Hospital, transferred to State Penitentiary.
9.Courthouse records show more than 4,000 marriage licenses issued in last year … Official election count 
shows no change in county results.
10. George P. RICHARDS, native of Forty Fort, named un UNRRA post.
11.Rev. Warren E. ADAMS installed as pastor of St. Luke’s Evangelical and Reformed Church … Valley witnesses 
peacetime Armistice Day parade.
12.Attorney George L. FENNER convicted in Federal Court on charges of conspiracy to defraud in reorganization 
of Catawissa Forging Company … $100,000 roller coaster being constructed at Rocky Glen Park … Housing firm at 
Dallas announces plan to manufacture units for industrial plants as well as the manufacture of pre-fabricated 
houses.
13. Plans for $200,000 dormitory for Wyoming Seminary announced .. Matthew A. SHAW of Middletown, N. Y., 
selected as service executive of Wyoming Valley council of Boy Scouts.
14.Plymouth police, after 36-hour hunt, kill mad dog which bit seven persons in borough … John W. WILLIAMSON, 
veteran mail carrier, retires.
15.Rev. T. Ross PADEN, Minnesota, becomes executive secretary of Wyoming Valley Council of Churches … Leather 
workers at Noxen Tannery strike for wage increases … 500 Legionnaires honor John GUEST, past commander of 
Wilkes-Barre Post 132, American Legion.
16.Official tabulations of GI vote change results in several township contests … Lt. Joseph MAHAL takes charge
of Navy recruiting in Wilkes-Barre district.
17.Delegates arrive for 20th annual convention of Pennsylvania State association of Township Commissioners … 
Theodore KOMOROFSKI, Nanticoke Democrat, resigns as Representative from Fourth Legislative District.
18.Hotel Sterling announces plans for postwar repairs and construction.
19.Tuberculosis Society’s Christmas Seal sale begins … Fred P. CORSON, Methodist bishop, visits district 
meeting at Central Methodist church, city.
20.Police face wave of burglaries in nearby municipalities … South Wilkes-Barre Colliery of Glen Alden Coal 
Company cited for safety improvements … Maj. Corey E. PATTON of Kingston addresses combined meeting of Kiwanis
and Rotary Clubs.
21.Major Con McCOLE presents budget for 1946, requesting appropriations for two new posts, captain of 
detectives and director of Junior Police.
22.Valley observes peacetime Thanksgiving … Dr. Charles S. ROUSH observes 25th anniversary as pastor of First 
Baptist Church … Wyoming Valley suffers much damage from rain and wind storm.
23.Edward EYERMAN reelected president of Wyoming Valley Building and Loan Association … Wyoming Valley 
suffers first cold wave as snow flurries sprinkle air and temperature drops to 23 degrees.
24.Ernest JOHNSON, veteran of Three wars, elected commander of United Spanish War Veterans, Camp 19.
25.Wilkes-Barre Eagles initiate 200 candidates in honor of district director. J. J. MONAHAN.
26.Dallas hunter shot after being mistaken for bear … Elmer E. MATTHEWS resigns as General Hospital 
superintendent … Sanorma, noted pianist, delights audience at Irem Temple.
27.Wilkes-Barre Board of Education donates $5,000 to Osterhout Library … Vice Admiral J. H. NEWTON, formerly 
of Pittston, retires, effective December 13.
28.Valuation of city cut nearly $3,000,000.
29.Wyoming Valley has two to six inches of snow … Wilkes-Barre City to get M-5 tank as memento of World War 2 … 
David C. VAUGHAN cited by Wyoming Valley Motor Club.
30.Columbia Mills, Inc., honors 40 employees … J. Kenneth KERR resigns post at Blind Association … Record 
shows 1945 rainiest year in 25-year period … Mayor LEYMEL of Fresno, Calif., native of Wilkes-Barre, visits 
city.


Typed by Gail Elm, August 2004