Wilkes-Barre Record Almanac
Record of Local Events
Principal Happenings in Luzerne County for the Year Which Began December 1, 1947, and Ended November 30, 1948

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December 1947

1.  Capt. B. L. Rutt named instructor-inspector of U. S. Naval Reserve units in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton,
Hazleton and Williamsport.
    Holland Street residence damaged by fire.
2.  Martin McCloskey reelected president of Luzerne County Retail Liquor Dealers Association.
    Seven miners burned when gas ignites in Abbott Vein of Lance Colliery, Glen Alden Coal Company.
3.  County Commissioners buy 101 acres of land from Searle and Heidleberg Coal Companies for Wilkes-Barre-
Scranton Airport.
4.  Approximately 100 Laurel Line employees receive 15 1/2 cents an hour wage increase.
    Robert S. Mercur, Jr., chosen chairman for 1948 Red Cross campaign.
5.  Improvement of Retreat State Hospital and erection of a bridge over the Susquehanna River at Retreat 
approved by Governor Duff.
6.  Wilkes-Barre Lace Manufacturing Company employes, serving 40 or more years, honored at dinner in Hotel 
Sterling.
7.  Annual Methodist Youth Choir Festival presented at Irem Temple.
    Junior Chamber of Commerce wins second place award and honorable mention for two projects.
8.  Unemployment ranks cut by 1,000, Joseph E. Fay, manager of Wilkes-Barre PSES office announces.
    Stanley Galazin, former Nanticoke High School football coach, presented with $3,000 by Nanticoke Lions 
Club to help pay for medical treatment.
9.  Chamber of Commerce plans $3,000,000 fund for new industries.
    R. S. Nickelsburg, civil engineer for Civil Aeronautics Authority, surveys Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport 
for mountainous obstructions.
10.  State highway employes keep valley roads free of ice and safe for travel as snow falls.
     Decline of 8,703 pupils in 63 county school districts since 1943 reported by E. S. Teter, superintendent 
of county schools.
11.  Five mine workers killed, two seriously injured and one missing in gas explosion in Ross Vein, No. 9 
Slope of Franklin Colliery, Lehigh Valley Coal Company.
     Births in Wilkes-Barre area increase 76 percent during last 10 years, officials report.
12.  Hugh Gallagher, East South Street, completes last run as engineer for Delaware and Hudson Railroad and 
retires after 55 years of service.
13.  King's College gymnasium, Wyoming Avenue and Bennett Street, Kingston, dedicated.
     Sordoni Social Society holds third annual Christmas party in Hotel Sterling.
14.  Athletic Association of St. John's Church, North Main Street, presents minstrel.
15.  Newly-constructed Greyhound bus terminal, North Main Street, dedicated.
     Bids solicited for construction of Veterans Hospital at East End.
     Enoch H. Thomas, Jr., admitted to bar.
16.  Duplan Corporation employes to receive $1,000,000 in additional wages through 10 per cent increase, 
effective January 1, TWUA officials announce.
17.  Leon Silkowski, army veteran of Swoyerville, and wife, picket Veterans Administration building to receive
benefits he claims are due . . .Councilman-elect Frank A. Goeckel honored by American Legion Post 132.
19.  Louis Leger, Kingston, elected president of Shrine Club.
     Cecil T. Dugan, supervising principal of Dupont Schools, who was demoted, reinstated by court decision.
20.  Henry A. Dierks, Kingston, appointed vice president and general manager of Glen Alden Coal Company.
     New Naval Armory, Kingston, formally dedicated. 
21.  Rev. Dr. Stephen C. Gulovich, chancellor of Pittsburgh Diocese of Greek Rite Catholic Church, speaks at 
annual St. Nicholas Day dinner at Hotel Sterling.
22.  Wilkes-Barre Lodge 128, Loyal Order of Moose, takes option on North Washington Street buildings.
     Members of the 40-plus club of Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company entertained at party.
     Salvation Army Citadel, Salem Street, West Pittston, destroyed by fire.
23.  Christmas mail at Wilkes-Barre Post Office handled by 750 temporary employes plus regular force of 300.
     Edward Griffith, president of Glen Alden Coal Company, elected president of Delaware, Lackawanna and 
Western Coal Company.
24.  Holiday travel reported heavy by railroads, bus lines and airlines.
     Postal receipts at Wilkes-Barre Post Office supass previous records.
25.  Six occupants escape uninjured in cellar explosion of a gasoline station on Alden Road, Nanticoke.
     Valley's four hospitals serve Christmas turkey dinners to patients.
26.  Kingston Borough awarded $50,000 for damage to its streets, sewers, water mains and gas pipes by alleged 
illegal mining by Luzerne Anthracite, Inc., with further alleged illegal mining restrained by a court decision.
     Five inch snowfall blankets valley.
27.  Lehigh Valley Railroad Company recruits 1,000 men from this area to clear tracks of snow at New Jersy 
points.
     Martz bus arrives 28 hours late from New York after being marooned in snow storm.
28.  Dinner to raise funds for St. Michael's Industrial and Agricultural School, Hoban Heights, held in Hotel 
Sterling.
29.  Commonwealth Telephone Company plans $2,000,000 expansion program.
     Edwardsville Borough Council adopts ordinance to tax pinball machines and coin-operated music boxes.
30.  Wyoming Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, boasts 2,500 membership, Matt Shaw, scout executive, 
announces.
     Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties receive third dividend from Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
31.  Sixty per cent of amount pledged for improvements in Scranton Diocese paid, Bishop's House of Charity 
reports.

January, 1948

1.  Building activity in city during 1947 greater than in previous year.
    Wilkes-Barre Transit Corporation reports fewer passengers carried in 1947 than in 1946 with increased 
operating expenses.
2.  Senator A. J. Sordoni sells Mason Can Company, Providence, R. I..
    William D. Jones, Blackman Street selected to succeed treasurer-elect Tom A. Evans as member of City 
Council.
3.  Thomas A. Gavin named president of Northeastern Pennsylvania Association of Manufacturers Representatives.
4.  Naval Reserve Armory, Kingston, officially designated as U. S. Naval Reserve Training Center.
    Finger painting exhibit opens at YMCA.
5.  Luther M. Kniffen sworn into office as Mayor of Wilkes-Barre.
    Four county judges take oaths of office.
    Sheridan Street double frame dwelling damaged by fire.
6.  Attorney Albert H. Aston names school director to fill vacancy caused by resignation of newly-appointed 
city assessor, C. E. Tite.
    County Commissioners approve payment of $15,574 to Hazleton City officials as first installment of $40,000
 for construction of Hazleton Airport.
7.  Approximately 40,000 county residents who follow the Julian Calendar celebrate Russian Christmas.
8.  Vandals damage 25-foot Christmas tree on Public Square.
    Gas leak occurs in front of the Times-Leader, Evening News plant, West Market Street.
9.  Two-day State Bar Association session opens at Hotel Sterling.
    Scranton-Spring Brook Water Service Company buys Scranton and Spring Brook Railroad.
10.  U. S. Attorney George Morris Fay of the District of Columbia, former resident of West Pittston, speaks at
 closing meeting of Pennsylvania Bar Association.
11.  King's College freshmen rank fourth in 1947 Barrett-Ryan English testing program, sponsored by Kansas 
State Teachers College.
12.  Kingston School Board votes to sell Cuba Street building, plot of ground on East Dorrance Street and a 
plot on Second Avenue.
     Mary Ann Dress Manufacturing Company plant, Hazle Street, robbed and damaged by vandals.  
13.  Twenty-eight Wyoming Valley Banks reorganize.
14.  Mayor Kniffen displays artist's drawing of his new plan to eliminate traffic congestion on Public Square.
     Joseph D. Kane honored for work with Playground and Recreation Association.
15.  St. Paul's Lutheran Church drops use of German language during services after 100 years.
     Joseph E. Fay, commanding officer of U. S. Naval Battalion 18, and manager of Wilkes-Barre Unemployment 
Service office, chosen "Young Man of the Year" for 1947.
16.  First annual conference of Scranton diocesan unit of National Catholic Music Educators Association held 
at St. Nicholas Auditorium.
     Richard Thomas, 3, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas, Kingston, killed when he falls under rear wheel of 
ash truck.
17.  Army engineers complete resurvey of flood control needs on east and west sides of Susquehanna River.
18.  Class of more than 100, honoring City Treasurer Tom A. Evans, initiated into Wilkes-Barre lodge 128, 
Loyal Order of Moose.
     Rev. Burke Rivers, rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, conducts first services in local church.
19.  Benjamin R. Jones, Jr., elected president of County Bar Association.
     Anna Cray, 80, retired school teacher, overcome by escaping gas.
20.  Two police sergeants and seven patrolmen retired on pension, 12 new patrolmen appointed and two policemen
 promoted in Bureau of Police shakeup.
     Wilkes College students awakened by fire in boys' dormitory.
     John T. Kmetz, assistant U. S. Secretary of Labor, honored at testimonial dinner.
     Vulcan Iron Works receives order from Manila Railway system. 
22.  General Aviation Equipment Company machinery and tools sold.
     Opening of bids for proposed Veterans Administration building on East End Boulevard delayed until 
February 17.
23.  Unidentified man jumps off North Street Bridge.
     Wyoming Valley Red Cross Chapter sets goal at $87,740.
     Cold wave pushes temperatures in valley below zero.
24.  Ten-inch snowfall causes traffic hazards.
     Fifty-two students enroll at King's College to push total to 572 for next semester.
25.  Mrs. Mary O'Neill of Stone Crusher Hill, Wapwallopen RD 1, receives Pennsylvania State Medical Society's 
plaque on obervanceof her 110th birthday anniversary.
     St. Mary's Greek Rite Catholic Church, North Main Street, adopts Gregorian calendar.
26.  Seventeen cars of a Lehigh Valley freight train derailed at White Haven.
     Thomas H. Smailes installed as first president of newly formed Parsons-Miners Mills-Plains Kiwanis Club.
27.  Osterhout Library suspends lending and reference operations after boiler of heating plant bursts.
     County Commissioners receive 1948 proposed budget. 
28.  Ice-choked condition of Susquehanna River causes discontinuance of ferry at Retreat Hospital.
30.  Eleven recruits and two sergeants take oaths as policemen in City Hall.
     Playground Association announces plans to construct a wading pool at North River Common Playground with 
funds furnished by Charles Weissman.
31.  Traffic violation fines total $1,547.50, better than four times the amount for January, 1947, City 
Treasurer Tom A. Evans reports.

February 1948

1.  Knights of Columbus initiate 130 members into third degree.
    Lackawanna Presbytery reports 23,607 members as of December 31, 1947.
2.  Harter High School and annex at West Nanticoke damaged by fire.
    Edwardsville Borough Council votes to use Kingston's proposed sewage plant for rental fee.
3.  Mine subsidence creates gaping hole on Main Street, Swoyerville.
    Dr. Charles H. Miner declines reelection as president of Wyoming Valley Tuberculosis Society after serving
 in that capacity for 42 years.
4.  Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company plans $10,000 expenditure on new store.
5.  William B. Healey reelected president of Wyoming Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America.
    Mayor Kniffen proclaims week of February 8 as Boy Scout Week.
6.  Bloomsburg Mills, Incorporated, purchases Fernbrook Park from Wilkes-Barre Transit Corportation.
    Rex Shoe Corporation, takes over plant formerly operated by Mercury Footwear, Incorporated, Exeter.
    PUC suspends Posten Taxi Company service to Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
7.  Cold wave hinders movement of coal cars, mining officials announce.
8.  Three overcome by gas in North Welles Street residence.
    National Heart Week inaugurated by County Medical Association.
9.  Plymouth School Board reinstates Thomas Andrew, teacher who was tried and acquitted for assault and 
battery against two students.
10.  Woodlawn Farm Dairy Company replaces last of horse-drawn wagons with automotive power.
     Attorney James P. Harris appointed to investigate alleged election frauds in Hazleton primary election.
11.  Insufficient removal of snow at Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport hampers service.
12.  Cleveland Orchestra concert, sponsored by Junior League, attended by 1,450 students at Irem Temple.
     Earl Conrad, Kingston, receives distinguished Junior Citizens Award for heroism.
13.  Charles H. Davis named director of Concordia Singing Society.
14.  Fire loss during January totals $26,596, fire chief reports.
     George Abrahams, retired fireman, honored at dinner.
15.  City police headquarters without heat when coal fails to arrive.
     Stanislaw Mikolaczyk, exiled Polish statesman, addresses overflow audience at Irem Temple.
16.  Tax levy for County Institution District upped from 1.7 to 3 mills by county commissioners.
     Eighty persons donate blood as Red Cross blood donor service campaign starts.
17.  Bids for construction of Veterans Hospital, East End Boulevard, opened.
18.  William Fox Logan elected 25th president of Central YMCA.
     Patrolman Louis J. Ryman honored by Loyal Order of Moose.
19.  Mine settlement on South Main Street, Pittston.
     National VFW Commander, Ray H. Brannaman, addresses testimonial dinner for George J. Stegmaier at Hotel 
Sterling.
20.  Trans-World Airlines receives okay to service Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
21.  Twenty-seven memebers of Liberty Lodge 1103, IOOF, enrolled for 50 years, honored at golden jubilee 
dinner at Hotel Redington.
22.  Nescopeck fire house damaged by fire.
     Back Mountain Consumers League accepts Harvey's Lake Light Company's lower rate offer.
23.  Joseph C. Doud, past master, Lodge 61, Free and Accepted Masons, honored at dinner in Irem Temple.
24.  Hal Boyle, Associated Press columnist, addresses Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club.
     St. Ann's Alumnae launch $6,000 campaign for new library.
25.  Two hundred and fifty Baptist Church leaders attend convention in Bethel Baptist Church, Parrish Street.
     Roscoe B. Smith, past potentate of Irem Temple, honored at testimonial dinner.
26.  Anthracosilicosis, or miner's asthma, being eliminated in program instituted by Anthracite Institude and 
Hudson and Glen Alden Coal companies, it is announced.
27.  Parking meters show record return for month of February.
     Ten instructors furloughed by directors of Pittston Vocational School due to 60 per cent drop in 
enrollment.
28.  Miner-Hillard Milling Company marks 153rd anniversary with dinner at Hotel Sterling.
     Lt. Col. Corey Patton told to organize 967th Field Artillery Battalion of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
29.  Donald F. Carpenter, Wilkes-Barre native, named deputy to Secretary of Defense James Forrestal in atomic 
energy matters.
     Dr. William Pearlman, past commander of Jewish War Veterans, receives past commander's medallion.
     Six-family brick apartment building on South Franklin Street damaged by fire.

March 1948

1.  Wyoming Valley Chapter, American Red Cross, launches 1948 campaign for $87,460.
    Kingston Borough Council refuses to increase firemen's and policemen's pays.
2.  Army Engineers award six contracts for construction of Veteran's Hospital, East End Boulevard, work to 
start within 30 days.
    City Coucil accepts offer of Charles Weissman to finance a playground on North River Common.
3.  Congressman Mitchell Jenkins announces he will not run for reelection.
    Certificates awarded to 31 Coughlin High School students at completion of safe driving course.
4.  Nanticoke School Board permits inspection of the school district's records for the last six years.
    Three local men, who attempted a stickup at Colitz Coal Company, Pottsville, arrested by State Police.
5.  City and Hanover Township officials take over operation and maintenance of flood control systems in their 
communities.
    Maj. Leon W. Beisel, Trucksville, named commander of proposed 967th Field Artillery Battalion.
6.  Dr. Cyrus Jacobosky reports poor health conditions of city school pupils.
    Mine workers give $35,000 to Red Cross campaign.
7.  William Davis, 26-year-old navy veteran, kills mother with hatchet.
    St. Ann's Academy presents annual concert in Regina Hall.
    Dr. Eugene S. Farley, president of Wilkes College, announces plans to erect a new gymnasium.
8.  William E. Burkert appointed to County Prison Board replacing William A. Gallagher.
    Rev. Burke Rivers officially installed as rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
9.  One killed, two injured in rock fall in Empire Shaft of Glen Alden Coal Company.
    Arline Phillips, teacher for the Association of the Blind is presented with Red Feather Award for 
distinguished community service.
10.  Three mine officials of Franklin Colliery, Lehigh Valley Coal Company, fined $500 each for violating 
mine law.
     Mayor Kniffen issues proclamation placing city on Daylight Saving Time, effective April 25.
12.  Mine subsidence threatens triple block in Wilkes-Barre Township.
     Thirteen young women receive the habit of the Sisters of Mercy at College Misericordia.
13.  Kingston Cake Company's 23rd annual dinner held in Irem Temple.
     Boy Scouts paste warning signs on firm alarm boxes as campaign to end false alarms begins.
14.  Local 140, American Federation of Musicians, honor Peter J. Kleinkauf, secretary, and Charles E. Tite, 
treasurer, at testimonial dinner.
     Body of Paul Sites, coal inspector for Kehoe-Berge Coal Company, found in Susquehanna River near York.
15.  David H. Jones, 50-year employe of Hazard Insulated Wire Rope Company, honored at dinner.
     Judge Thomas M. Lewis reconvenes March grand jury to investigate charges of irregularities in the 1947 
primary election in Hazleton.
16.  City School Board adopts Daylight Saving Time.
     County Commissioners award three contracts for construction of steel pre-fabricated hangars at Wilkes-
Barre-Wyoming Valley Airport.
17.  Seventy novices inducted into Shrine in Irem Temple.
     Plymouth Borough officials claim violation of borough ordinance in stopping Wilkes-Barre Transit 
Corporation crew from stringing trackless trolley wires.
18.  Fifteen Hazleton City election officers indicted on charges of preventing a free and fair primary 
election.
     Maj. Frank Townend appointed commander of 109th Field Artillery Battalion replacing Lt. Col. Corey E. 
Patton, who takes over command of the 109th Field Artillery group at Sunbury.
19.  Dr. Robert S. Stricker appointed deputy coroner.
20.  Nomination petition of William J. Hughes, Jr., for Republican nomination as State Representative in the 
Seventh Legislative District voided by Dauphin County Court.
21.  Palm Sunday observance held.
     Susquehanna river continues rise as rain falls in upstate New York.
22.  Contract awarded for general construction of State Police Barracks at Wyoming.
     American Red Cross drive goes over the top.
23.  Susquehanna river crests at 28.75 feet after brief flood scare.
     Third pier on west side approach to Wyoming Bridge buckles under strain of Susquehanna flood waters.
24.  Two mine workers killed in rock fall in Schooley Shaft of Knox Coal Company, Exeter.
     YWCA directors to sell Blue Triangle Lodge, YWCA camp at Harvey's Lake.
25.  Housing conditions in valley deplorable, Family Service Association asserts.
     Maj. Fletcher Booker assigned to 967th Field Artillery Batallion as plans and training officer.
26.  Thirty-inch sewer line in Hollenback Park, serving Miners Mills section, settles nine feet.
     Holiday vacationers tax valley transportation facilities.
27.  Sandy Beach, recreation center at West Corner, Harvey's Lake, purchased by Sam Slomowitz, city grocer.
     Purchase of Kline's China Store stock marks end of well-known establishment.
28.  Weatherman frowns upons Easter with 30-degree temperatures.
     Four persons injured in Easter Sunday automobile accidents.
29.  Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company treats 200 carrier boys to party in Capitol Theater.
     St. Rocco's Church, Pittston, sends 1,000 air mail letters to Italy to aid in checking the spread of 
communist ideology.
31.  Two single homes and two double blocks in Ashley destroyed by fire.
     Eighty-nine Veterans Administration employes dropped from federal payroll.
     Fifty-five-mile-an-hour winds usher out windy month of March.

April 1948

1.  Ground broken for Veterans Administration Hospital along East End Boulevard . . .16,500 persons unemployed
 in area, USES officials report.
2.  Mrs. Mary Yatko, North Hancock Street, receives word of the death of her son, AAM 1/c Cyril Yatko, in 
airplane crash.
3.  Charles Carver, 14, Plymouth accidentally shot in stomach by playmate.
    Bishop's House of Charity campaign for $500,000 launched.
4.  King's College Band presents first concert in St. Nicholas Auditorium.
    Record-sponsored poll on Public Square Bus Terminal plan shows five to one favorable vote.
5.  Lee Weir appointed Kingston Borough fire chief and building inspector.
    Wyoming Valley United Jewish Appeal campaign opens.
6.  Wyoming Conference of Methodist Church gained 1,613 members in 1947, report reveals.
    Twenty-four former commanders of Wilkes-Barre Post 132, American Legion, receive certificates of award at 
Post Commanders' Night celebration.
7.  Two crew members of a Lehigh valley freight train fined $5 and costs each for blocking Northampton Street 
crossing for 11 minutes.
    Opening session of Wyoming Conference of Methodist Church held in First Methodist Church.
8.  Nanticoke city officials, businessmen and mineworkers adopt Daylight Saving Time.
    All County Prison workers reappointed with exception of Dr. Stanley L. Freeman, who resigned.
9.  Wyoming Seminary awards contract for construction of boys' dormitory to A. J. Sordoni Construction Company.
    Mrs. Gertrude Hanson of Wyoming Valley Crippled Children's Association receives award.
10.  Otto C. Westfield, co-partner of Housing Foundation of America, Incorporated, Dallas, sentenced to 12 
years in prison.
11.  Two new superintendents named and 47 changes in pastoral assignments announced at final session of 
Wyoming Conference of Methodist Church.
     Disabled American Veterans to develop fund for service work among hospitalized veterans.
12.  Alexander Band, valley's oldest, presents its 61st concert in Meyers High School Auditorium.
     Representatives of Fourth Naval District inspect the Naval Reserve Center and equipment.
13.  Congregational and Christian Churches Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania opens spring conference 
at First Congregational Church, West Pittston.
     Army Air Force to provide fighter plane protection for the anthracite region, Col. T. Linus Hoban, 
Scranton, commander of 109th Infantry Regiment, announces.
14.  Bishop Willima J. Hafey of Scranton Diocese acquires land in Kingston for a high school and recreation 
center.
15.  Lt. Col. Daniel D. Allabaugh appointed battalion executive of 967th Armored Field Artillery Battalion.
16.  Lake Township School Board approves taxation of amusements and amusements devices.
17.  Family Service Association purchases three-story brick building on West Union Street as site for new 
headquarters.
18.  Memorial Branch YMCA, George Avenue, Parsons, formally dedicated.
     Fourteen county residents killed in highway traffic accidents in the first three and a half months of 
the year, report shows.
19.  Lackawanna Presbytery meets in Kingston Presbyterian Church.
     Six trees planted on Public Square.
20.  United States and Pennsylvania Agriculture Departments spray local area to eradicate the gypsy moth.
     George Bell named station manager for TWA at Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
21.  Champ Brewery, Pittston, formerly Glennon's Brewery, sold at receivers sale to Ted Smulowitz.
     Wilkes College names institution's building on South Franklin Street, Gies Hall in memory of Prof. Paul 
Gies.
22.  More than 500 delegates attend Catholic War Veterans convention at Hotel Sterling.
23.  Robert Boyle apprehended in fourth attempt to rob Tuck's Drug Store.
25.  Trans-World Airlines inaugurates two daily flights from Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
     Dayligh Saving Time becomes effective in most valley communities.
26.  Local YMCA-World Youth Fund Campaign for $61,000 opens with dinner at central YMCA.
27.  County Republicans favor Edward Martin as Presidential candidate at primary election.
     Construction of Col. Ernest G. Smith Memorial Playground on North River Common starts.
28.  Four miners burned in gas ignition at No. 9 Shaft, Pagnotti Coal Company.
     Eastern and Pennsylvania Conferences of Primitive Methodist Church merged at opening meeting of annual 
conference in the First Primitive Methodist Church.
     Barons open season at home by losing to Scranton, 6-2.
29.  Fines totaling $10,300 imposed on 14 Hazleton election officers.
30.  Hlen C. Major, superintendent of postal finance at Wilkes-Barre Post Office retires after 40 years of 
service.
     State Highway Department approves installation of traffic lights near Nesbitt Hospital, Kingston.

May 1948

1.  George M. Leilich named trainmaster of Wyoming Division, Lehigh Valley Railroad.
2.  Thousands of valley adherents to the Julian Clandar celebrate Easter.
    Lehigh Valley Railroad receives 150 new coal cars to relieve shortage which led to temporary cessation of 
operations.
    50th anniversary of the founding of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Main Street, observed.
3.  George M. Huey replaces the late C. B. Humpleby on Kingston School Board.
4.  County Commissioners award contract for repairs to courthouse dome.
    City School Board approved establishment of additional vocational training facility.
5.  Plains Rotary Club receives charter.
    Caldwell Consistory holds annula spring reunion at Bloomsburg.
6.  Valley Community Orchestra gives spring concert in St. Stephens Church House.
    Dr. Charles H. Miner reelected director of Pennsylvania Tuberculosis Society.
7.  United Jewish Appeal campaign reaches goal of $625,000.
8.  Lehigh Valley freight train derailed near Avoca.
    ACMM John Jabara, city veteran, awarded Distinguished Flying Cross and two gold stars for heroism in 
aerial flight against the Japanese.
9.  Influx of visitors on Mother's Day taxes valley's transportation facilities.
10.  Concordia's 69th spring concert held in Irem Temple.
     Joseph Mozak, formerly of Nanticoke, killed instantly in elevator shaft fall at Retreat Mental Hospital.
11.  Annual flower show of Wyoming Valley Garden Club held in Wilkes-Barre Day School.
     Alex Agostan, 40, Ferris Avenue, Berwick sentenced to die for killing Russell Balliet, Berwick, used car 
salesman.
12.  Fire damages double dwelling on Stanton Street.
     Students from eight parochial schools sing at mass in St. Mary's Church.
13.  Crevice is discovered in river common foot path 60 deet north of West South Street.
     Annual convention of Wyoming Baptist Association at Luzerne Avenue Baptist Church, West Pittston.
14.  Hospital Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania boosts total membership in area to 256,404.
     West Side Lions Club observes 13th annual charter night.
15.  DL&W Railroad train plunges into Delaware River near Stroudsburg killing the engineer and fireman.
     Trans World Airlines inaugurates two additional flights from Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport, making a 
total of four daily.
16.  Lehigh Valley Railroad Company uses Diesel-electric locomotives on passenger trains.
     Wyoming Valley Lodge 36, Fraternal Order of Police, elects delegates to Reading convention.
17.  Luzerne American Legion, Post 525, opens home.
     Reorganization of county school districts impeded because of lack of funds for erection of new school 
buildings, superintendent says.
18.  City School Board votes for amusement tax by 8 to 1 margin.
     Charles Weissman, local merchant, honored by American Legion Post 132.
19.  St. Ann's Alumnae library fund campaign oversubscribed.
     Lehigh Valley Coal Company puts Fox Hill Country Club up for sale.
20.  Chamber of Commerce Forestry Department reports 57,000 trees planted in the anthracite region.
     Mrs. Thomas Bryant, Nanticoke, resigns as president of county WCTU after serving 25 years.
21.  Butler Colliery of Jermyn-Green Coal Company awarded a trophy for outstanding safety record.
     Moth control demonstration is given at Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
22.  Harry D. Adamy, managing director of Pomeroy's, Inc., receives promotion.
     Four local men ordained to Roman Catholic priesthood in St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton.
23.  Central Railroad Diesel-electric locomotive christened at Ashley Depot in memory of John M. Gaughan, 
killed in World War II.
24.  Luzerne and Lackawanna Commissioners split second dividend of year from Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
25.  Midget auto races inaugurated at Bone Stadium, Pittston.
     City School Board authorizes average boost of $300 yearly for teachers.
     Two city pastors among seven elevated to rank of monsignor by Pope Pius XII.
     Shickshinny Borough advertises for chief of police.
26.  Nine hundred employes of Wilkes-Barre Regional Office of Veterans Administration evacuate nine-story 
building in five minutes in first fire drill.
     Class of 42 receives diplomas at Lehman Township High School.
27.  Mae Lewis, retiring after 46 years as a Bell Telephone Company employe, honored at dinner dance.
28.  Attorney Paul Bedford elected president of board of directors of Osterhout Free Library.
     City officials receive sedan for official business.
29.  Fourteen Hazleton election official deposit fines and costs at probation office.
30.  One killed and 10 injured in three pre-holiday automobile accidents.
     Rev. Michael Wodziak reads first mass in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Mocanaqua.
31.  Local Naval Reserve Band presents concert at Franklin Field, Philadelphia.
     Bishop W. J. Hafey presents diplomas to 98 at annual College Misericordia commencement.

June 1948

1.  General Cigar Corporation to construct a $125,000 addition to Nanticoke plant, officials announce.
    Three coal companies annouce price increases from 10 to 30 cents a ton on various sizes of anthracite.
2.  Six city and five West Side banks to close on Saturdays.
    Expenditures for new construction and property improvements during May total $268,809.27.
3.  Fifty-eight police officers, students of advanced police school sponsored by PCA and FBI graduate at 
American Legion Home, Plymouth.
4.  Warrior Run Borough School Board abolishes secondary school.
    Stegmaier Post 50, VFW, purchases Walter C. Williams building, North Main Street, as site for new home.
    TWA office at Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport robbed of $59.74.
5.  International Ladies Garment Workers' Union diagnostic clinic, South Washington Street, officially opened.
    Twenty-two from County graduate at Bucknell University.
6.  Catholic Knights of St. George 14th biennial convention opens with pontifical high mass in St. Nicholas 
Church.
    Rev. Harvey R. Karaska, OFM, reads first mass in Holy Trinity Church.
7.  Plymouth Borough Council okays plan of Wilkes-Barre Transit Corporation to replace street cars with track
less trolleys.
8.  Cornerstone laid for Carpenter Hall, Wyoming Seminary's new boys' dormitory.
    Wyoming Seminary class of 154 receives diplomas.
9.  Turkish government fails to remove 45 new 200-ton locomotives, build by Vulcan Iron Works, from local 
railroad sidings.
    GAR and Meyers High School graduates receive diplomas.
10.  Local 140, American Federation of Musicians to spend $9,000 during year for free music for worthy causes 
and organizations.
     Coughlin High School graduates 441 students.
11.  Construction work on South Street and Carey Avenue bridges halted by a strike of operating engineers.
     Joint Senate-House Conference Committee earmarks $200,000 for Bear Creek reservoir.
     National Association of Postal Supervisors convention at Hotel Sterling.
12.  Diplomas presented to 130 Wilkes College graduates at first graduation exercises.
13.  St. Nicholas High School presents diplomas to 59.
14.  Warrior Run School Board to send secondary students to Meyers High School.
     Rotary clubs of District 177A hold conference at Irem Temple Country Club.
15.  County Republicans name Olin W. Evans chairman.
      Attorney Nathan Hyman named assistant district attorney.
16.  Kirby Home for Education, Wilkes College campus, to be used as institution's library.
     Wilkes-Barre's proposed $3,500,000 sewage treatment plant and interceptor plans are completed.
     Playgrounds officially open.
17.  Two-way radio telephone police and fire communications system inaugurated in city.
     Plane based at Wilkes-Barre-Wyoming Valley Airport crashlands on Franklin Field.
18.  Five priests assigned first pastorates, nine transferred to other parishes as 10 assistants receive new 
assignments in Scranton Catholic Diocese.
     Bishop's House of Charity campaign exceeds quota of $500,000 by more than $166,000.
19.  Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania plans $1,500,000 expenditure on local area improvements.
     Susquehanna Chapter, Order of DeMolay, celebrates 25th anniversary.
20.  Very Rev. John Krashkevich, pastor of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, receives tribute at testimonial 
dinner in Hotel Sterling.
21.  Rev. John Puskar, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Nanticoke, honored on silver jubilee.
     Richard C. McGuigan admitted to bar.
     City swimming pools open.
22.  Subsidence occurs on westerly side of dike 500 feet north of Pierce Street, Kingston.
     Pennsylvania National Guard selects Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport as site for air wing.
23.  Largest class of Navy enlistees in two years leaves for examinations in Philadelphia.
24.  16th annual convention of Cemetery Association of Pennsylvania at Hotel Sterling.
25.  City School Board adopts $2,297,250 budget.
     Miners start annual vacation.
     John A. Riley named Democratic county chairman.
26.  Fred Harkins elected president of Aerie 353, Fraternal Order of Eagles.
27.  Shrine inducts class of 166 at Irem Temple Country Club.
     Luzerne County Unit, American Cancer Society, fails to raise quota of $36,000.
28.  Construction work on Carey Avenue Bridge, halted by a strike since June 9, resumed.
29.  Twenty-seven locomotives constructed by Vulcan Iron Works leave for Turkey.
     Rev. Joseph Abend ordained.
     Thirty-one county residents appointed to positions at Veterans Administration regional office.
30.  Rita Leitner chosen "Miss VA" at outing of Veterans Administration employes.
     R. W. Kintzer, manager of Commonwealth, Bradford County and Luzerne Telephone Companies, resigns.

July 1948

1.  Sgt. Matthew Jacobs, patrolman for 41 years, goes on pension.
2.  Gliders participating in 15th National Soaring Contest at Elmira, land at Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
3.  Civil Aeronautics Administration allocates $20,000 to Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport for installation of 
lights on mountainous approaches.
    John T. Kmetz resigns as assistant Secretary of Labor, effective July 15.
4.  Three armed men rob proprietors of Valley Smoke Shop, Hotel Milner, and 25 frequenters of more than $2,000.
    One person drowned and five others injured in July 4th week end accidents.
5.  Fire destroys two-story, 14-room brick and steel Newport Township high school annex at Wanamie.
    Carl H. Fleckenstine named U. S. Marshall for Middle District of Pennsylvania.
6.  Homeopathic Hospital to build 100 room addition, directors report.
    City council names three to fill vacancies in police department.
    Family Service Association opens new building.
7.  Two escape injury when Piper Cub plane crash lands on hill overlooking Lee Park section of Hanover 
Township.
8.  State Supreme Court affirms opinion of Judge Valentine to reinstate Miss Cecil T. Dugan as supervising 
principal of Dupont Borough School District.
    College Misericordia sewage treatment plant placed in operation.
    Carr-Consolidated Biscuit Company purchases business and physical assets of J. S. Ivins' Son, Inc., 
Philadelphia.
9.  Patrick J. Finn reelected Seventh Legislative District Democratic chairman.
10.  Edmund Shemanski, West Wyoming, plunges to death from Wyoming Bridge.
     Reconstruction work on damage to dike along West South Street started.
11.  Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad places 620-car order with American Car and Foundry Company.
     Anthracite industry accident rate, 64 fatalities in first six months of year, lowest in 80 years.
12.  Luzerne School Board approves 6-3-3 plan for district.
13.  Plains School Board taxes amusements and strip mine coal.
     Ashley planes staff, laid off during Diesel engine test runs over back track, to be placed in other 
positions.
14.  Glen Alden, Pennsylvania and Hudson Coal Companies raise price of anthracite.
     McKettrick-Williams Company, dress manufacturers, purchase Mount Hunlock School, Edwardsville.
15.  Convention of Society of the 28th Division at Hotel Sterling.
     Warrior Run School Board suspends six teachers due to closing of secondary school.
16.  Two killed, four injured in two-car collision on East End Boulevard.
     Board of Viewers fixes damages at $38,000 for land needed for Hazleton Municipal Airport.
17.  Two local men injured in plane crash near Broadheadsville.
18.  Intense rainstorm and high winds, accompanied by lightning and hailstones, hits valley.
19.  Construction of a river recording shelter near city greenhouse starts.
     Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport handles 25,833 passengers with gross profit of $14,235.99 in seven-month 
period.
     Railroad lines serving valley announce higher one-way fares.
20.  Mrs. Charles B. Sloane becomes first woman to serve as a city official as she succeeds her late husband 
as controller.
     Seven draft boards set up in county under new Selective Service Act.
21.  Navy recruiting office, with quota of seven, swamped as 18-year-olds seek one-year enlistments.
22.  Two-hundred valley electricians receive a 25-cents-an-hour wage increase.
     Free Methodist Church camp meeting opens at Demunds.
23.  Attorney Gomer W. Morgan named director of Scranton-Spring Brook Water Service Company.
     Howard L. Hendricks, supervising principal of Lehman Township Schools, resigns.
25.  Back Mountain Kennel Club holds third annual dog show in Kingston Armory.
     Loyal Order of Moose inducts class of 125.
26.  City School District 4 per cent amusement tax goes into effect.
     Old Carey Avenue Bridge, being dismantled, set afire by sparks from torch.
     Mrs. Mary Oldsey honored by Pennsylvania State Medical Society on her 100th birthday anniversary.
27.  Electrically-operated vending machine, which dispenses three types of stamps, installed in city post 
office.
     Gomer Thomas appointed to Nanticoke School Board to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Dr. Edward J. 
Beckley.
     Sale of Champ Brewing Company approved by court.
28.  Rev. Robert J. Chamberlin, pastor of Miner Congregational Church, Plains, resigns.
     Two drown in mine hole in Hanover Township.
     J. Alex M'Caa, principal of Plains High School, goes on pension.
29.  Irem Temple's fourth annual horse show opens at Country Club.
     General Hospital borrows $28,750 from Community Chest to overcome financial difficulties.
30.  General Carl R. Gray, Jr., Veterans Administration head, inspects VA regional office and facilities.
31.  Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt unveils Sugar Notch Memorial dedicated to late President Roosevelt.
     Army engineers approve improvements to Toby's Creek flood control system.

August 1948

1.  Hay and feed storage barn at Goodleigh Farm of Col. Dorrance Reynolds destroyed by fire.
2.  Bear Creek Township School Board to improve Oliver School, East End Boulevard.
    Branch office of State Revenue Department, transferred from Scranton, starts operation in Miners Bank 
Building.
3.  Seven probationary firemen named, captain promoted to second assistant chief and a private elevated to 
captain at meeting of city council.
    Structural steel worker on new Carey Avenue Bridge electrocuted while at work.
4.  County Republican Committee confirms Thomas E. Dewey's nomination of Bernard C. Banks as county Republican
 elector.
5.  Three valley men fatally injured in automobile accidents and fourth run down by train.
    New traffic lights, intended to reduce traffic accidents, installed at Wyoming Avenue and Division Street,
 Kingston.
6.  Luzerne, Bradford and Commonwealth Telephone Company employes receive wage increases in new contract.
7.  Dues and assessments checkoff system approved by 80,000 miners.
    High Street home gutted by fire with loss estimated at $10,000.
    Camp Acahela summer session closes.
9.  Sedambulance presented to Harvey's Lake Protective Association by group of donors.
    Approximately 2,000 attend 26th annual Welsh Day at Sans Souci Park.
10.  Wilkes-Barre Transit Corporation sells 10 street cars.
     Larksville street car line, after 48 years of service, abandoned and bus service substituted.
11.  Six-man newly chartered Firemen's Relief and Retirement Association recognized by city council.
     Mercy Hospital directors purchase 24-room building on Roosevelt Terrace for student nurses' quarters.
12.  Newport Township School Directors approve 6-3-3 plan for district.
13.  Appointments to county draft boards approved by Governor Duff and confirmed by President Truman.
     Pine Ridge Colliery first aid team wins Hudson Coal Company first aid meet.
14.  109th Field Artillery and 967th Armored Field Artillery Battalions leave for two-weeks training at 
Indiantown Gap.
15.  St. Frances X. Cabrini Church, Carverton, dedicated.
16.  Nat Meyer named chariman of Local Draft Board 98.
     Hitchner Biscuit Company purchases Masters' farm, Harding, to build modern bakery.
     City's 6 per cent amusement tax goes into effect.
17.  Col. E. G. Smith Playground dedicated.
     Joseph McVeigh named chairman of Local Draft Board 92.
18.  Office and storeroom of Sam Falzone gasoline station gutted by fire.
     Four former local residents chosen ambassadors, to be honored during Pennsylvania Week.
19.  John L. Siani and Joseph Herman, city firemen, retired by city council, start fight to remain on payroll.
     Record's baseball school at Artillery Park attended by 760 boys.
20.  Woodlawn-Glendale Company boosts price of milk one cent a quart.
     Theodore Alexander named vice president and secretary of Wyoming National Bank.
     Glen Alden Coal Company reports net income after taxes of $3,012,554 for six-month period ending June 30.
21.  Fred Wilkins, Jr., named general manager of Credit Bureau.
22.  Presidential Citation presented to 109th Field Artillery Battalion at Indiantown Gap.
     Maple Grove Methodist Church, Pike's Creek, observes 75th anniversary.
23.  Attorney Paul R. Selecky named commander of 12th District, American Legion.
     Hazard Wire Rope and Pressed Steel Companies curtail work due to lack of steel.
24.  Old Carey Avenue Bridge on fire for second time in less than month.
     Forty Fort Council prohibits erection of Kraft Cheese Company's warehouse by five to three vote.
     Louis Belleggi, Luzerne, resigns as tax collector of borough, school district, county and Institution 
District taxes.
25.  Additional members named to Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton Rent Advisory Boards.
26.  Sixteen of 31 retired city policemen receive gold plated badges at City Hall ceremony.
27.  Scranton Catholic Diocese purchases St. Nicholas Greek Catholic Orphange at Elmhurst.
     Religious Institute at College Misericordia, attended by 103 superiors and officials of 44 Religious 
Congregations of Sisters.
29.  Mercury drops 20 degrees after hitting 98 for third straight day.
     Henry Bobbin, Honey Pot farmer, offers to give 40,000 heads of cabbage to anyone for the taking.
30.  Edwardsville street cars replaced by buses.
     County 25-year-olds register for draft.
     Navy planes at Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport to escape Eastern Seaboard hurricane.
31.  Nanticoke City Council awards $33,000 bond issue.

September 1948

1.  Avoca School Board's 1 per cent wage tax goes into effect.
    Traffic fines totaling $16,139 for first eight months of year exceed budget expectations.
2.  Hundreds of flower lovers attend flower show at Trucksville Fire Hall.
3.  Gimbel Art Exhibit opens at Wilkes College.
    Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf opens three-day conference at Hotel Sterling.
4.  Comerford's Drive-In Theater on Route 315, Dupont, opens.
    Republican County annual employes' outing held at Demunds.
    Fire destroys Klisch Flying School and hangar at Wilkes-Barre-Wyoming Valley Airport with loss estimated 
at $10,000.
5.  Pension payments of $100 a month to eligible anthracite miners to start September 15, UMWA Vice-President 
Thomas Kennedy announces.
6.  Holiday travelers swamp bus, rail and airlines serving Wyoming Valley.
    Labor Day passes without serious automobile accidents.
7.  City chosen as one of 12 sites to process inductees under peacetime draft.
    County commissioners award contracts for barn at Kis-Lyn Industrial School.
8.  Wyoming Seminary opens fall semester with capacity enrollment of 930 students.
    Worker killed and another injured when scaffold breaks while workingon smokestack at Natona Mills, Dallas.
9.  Glen Alden Coal Company starts five-day-work week due to slack demand for coal.
    City schools start 1948-1949 term with approximately 10,000 enrolled.
10.  Central YMCA membership enrollment campaign starts.
     Wilkes-Barre Township School Board agrees to reopen Toll Gate School following demonstration by irate 
mothers.
11.  Valley's Good Will Ambassadors leave for four-day trip to Canadian cities.
     Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company's Locust Summit Central breaker team wins first aid 
contest in Kingston Armory.
12.  Eleven priests invested with robes of monsignori at cermeony in St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton.
13.  Ten-man school children's traffic protection squad begins functioning at 15 hazardous crossings.
     County Commissioners name Joseph Nemetz as collector of county taxes in Luzerne Borough.
14.  Rev. Martin J. Fleming, pastor of Holy Name Church, Swoyerville, observes 50th anniversary of ordination.
     Rev. John J. Lane appointed dean of King's College.
     Hill Street apartment gutted by fire.
     Greyhound Bus Lines raise fares on long trips.
15.  Wyoming Bridge opens after repairs to flood-damaged piers.
16.  Ruggles Lumber Company purchases stock and machinery of Rilco Laminated Products Co., Conyngham Avenue.
     Parents protest transfer of children from fourth and fifth grades of Grant Street School to other schools
 in Heights section.
17.  Pennsylvania Power and Light Company to spend $500,000 in modernizing North Street gas plant.
     UMWA President John L. Lewis presents first pension checks to three retired miners at ceremony in 
Hazleton.
18.  Senator Alben W. Barkley and movie actor Harold Russell speak at union rally at Artillery Park.
     Route 11, Hunlock Creek, which was covered by a land slide in August, 1947, reopens for traffic.
19.  Heights Civic Organization dedicates war memorial at South Meade and East Northampton Streets.
     Approximately 20,000 persons witness Flying Tiger Air Show at Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
20.  Ferruccio Burco, nine-year-old child prodigy, conducts symphonic orchestra in Irem Temple.
     New $1,500,000 Carey Avenue Bridge dedicated.
     Burton W. Hankey named principal of Kingston High School.
21.  City Council appoints five retired school district employes to complete 10-man school patrol roster.
     Valley's $750,000 Parade of Progress exposition opens in Kingston Armory with 2,500 attending.
22.  Local railroad firemen, enginemen and switchmen receive back pay checks.
     Dial Rock Coal Company closed since August 30, resumes operations.
23.  Nanticoke man accidently killed near Loomis crossing by Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train.
     Five retired school district special policemen sworn in.
24.  Doris Sophie Gorka chosen "Career Girl" at Parade of Progress in Kingston Armory.
     State Police present rodeo in Artillery Park.
26.  County municipalities return to Standard Time.
     Kirby Park sheep house destroyed by fire.
     Attorney Paul R. Selecky installed as Luzerne County commander of American Legion.
     American Airlines inaugurates Convair service at Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
27.  Central YMCA membership campaign closes with total enrollment of 1,175.
     City receives 3,000 tulip bulbs from Holland.
     Reduction of Dupont Borough Council from 9 to 3 members rejected by decision of local court.
28.  James J. Hennighan to succeed Willima J. Reilly as superintendent of Kingston Branch of city post office.
     Anthony F. Musto, Pittston Township building contractor, acquitted on charge of arson.
29.  American Legion Post 132 contributes $1,000 to Community Chest.
     Fifteen receive diplomas at Homeopathic Hospital School of Nursing graduation exercises.
30.  Local merchants inaugurate Thursday night shopping with success.

October 1948

1.  Former YMHA building transferred to Scranton Diocese as site for new Catholic Youth Center.
    Nathan I. Kuss reelceted president of Hebrew Institute.
2.  Eleven city and West Side banks resume winter hours.
    Winners of Pennsylvania Week quiz contest feted at dinner.
3.  Seneca Breaker, Pittston Junction, idle for eight years, burns to ground.
    Rosh Hashana services, ushering in Jewish year 5709, held in local synagogs.
    Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of Pennsylvania hold conference in Hotel Sterling.
4.  City's postal receipts for first nine months of year show increase over last year.
    Catholic War Veterans dedicate flagpole at Marymount Parochial School.
5.  Attorney Reynold J. Kosek installed as commander of American Legion Post 132.
    Birthday party at Hotel Sterling opens Isaac Long Store's observance of 75th anniversary.
6.  Employes of 14 trucking firms strike for higher wages.
    Kingston Borough's $250,000 bond issue for municipal improvements approved.
7.  Valley Community Chest campaign for $854,000 opens.
    Robert L. Ripley addresses Kiwanis Club and guests.
    Loomis Street residence gutted by fire.
9.  Avoca officials and members of Armory Board inspect sites for proposed $500,000 Pennsylvania National 
Guard Armory.
    Hanover Township Commissioners install three-way radio service in two police cruisers.
10.  Pittston Knights of Columbus observe Columbus Day with parade.
11.  City induction center processes 11 men from Towanda, first to be processed locally.
     Law and Library Association establishes Legal Aid Bureau at Courthouse.
12.  One of Delaware and Hudson's Class J locomotives makes first trip to this area.
     Wilkes-Barre Transit Corporation inaugurates trackless trolley service to Plymouth.
     Dr. Joseph Skladany named dentist at Kirby Heath Center.
13.  District Naval Reserve officers inspect Training Center in Kingston.
     Anthracite region timber workers strike for 25 per cent increase in wages.
14.  Pittston City School Board plans two-thirds of 1 per cent wage tax and 3 per cent amusement tax effective
 January 1.
     General Hospital operating expenses up 146 per cent over 1940, officials report.
15.  Pennsylvania Progressive Party restricted to use of amplification devices in city to one hour daily by 
Federal Court decision.
     American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers hold fall session in Hotel Redington.
16.  Ashley Borough Council accepts new cruiser car.
     Forty lose lives in automobile accidents in county during first nine months of year, report shows.
17.  Rev. Fred W. Trumbore honored for 15 years' service as rector of St. Clement's Episcopal Church.
18.  First snow of season falls in valley.
     Board of directors of Catholic Youth Center elects officers.
19.  West Side Lions Club presents radios to blind residents of county.
     County Commissioners authorize payment of $6,250 toward installation of marker lights on mountainous 
approaches to Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
20.  Henry A. Wallace, Progressive Party Presidential candidate, speaks to approximately 1,000 persons in 
Kingston Armory.
     Little Theatre opens 26th season.
21.  Three gondolas damaged in collision with a free car 500 feet north of East Market Street on Central 
Railroad tracks.
22.  Contract awarded for construction of anthracite research laboratory at Schuylkill Haven.
23.  President Harry S. Truman addresses approximately 20,000 persons on Public Square.
24.  Battalion 18, U. S. Naval Reserve, holds open house at Kingston Training Center to usher in Navy Week.
     Coxton Yards' YMCA damaged by fire.
25.  Clarence Wendorf and Joseph Kusicki, former Plymouth High School students, arrested for burglaries 
throughout valley.
     Community Chest Campaign for $854,000 falls short of goal.
26.  WCTU hold 64th annual convention in Dallas Methodist Church.
     Federal Rent Control branch office opens in courthouse.
27.  Twenty-two day strike of local Teamsters' Union ends.
     Mine settlement damages General Cigar plant at Forty Fort.
28.  Joseph R. Likasavage, who escaped from the county jail in 1945, returned to prison.
29.  Dr. Mildord Barnes, Jr., and Dr. Angus Hood appointed psychiatrists at Children's Service Center.
     Anthracite region timber workers' strike ends.
30.  Wilkes-Barre Township Second Ward residents contemplate joining city if commissioners refuse to improve 
roads and install sewers.
     Pennsylvania Chapter of National Society of the Third Infantry Division holds reunion.
31.  Edwardsville Welsh Baptist Church observes 75th anniversary.
     Bishop W. J. Hafey dedicates new King's College Student Union Building on Northampton Street.

November 1948

1.  West Pittston School Board and Borough Council plan wage tax of 1 1/2 per cent.
    South Street Bridge reopened to traffic after being reconstructed.
2.  More than 130,000 county residents vote in Presidnetial election.
    Kingston Borough awards contract to reconstruct Independent Fire Company alarm system.
3.  City School Board agrees to consider land near Guthrie School as site for 15,000-seat football stadium.
4.  Ground broken for $379,000 anthracite research laboratory at Schuylkill Haven.
    Local Draft appeal agents named.
5.  New cross set in place on steeple of Kingston Methodist Church.
    Community Chest campaign fails to reach goal, officials announce.
7.  Edwardsville Main Street settles.
8.  Champ Brewing Company, formerly Glennon's Brewery, Pittston, dismantled, equipment to be shipped 
throughout the country and abroad.
9.  County Commissioners open bids for snow removal equipment for Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport.
    State Superior Court upholds LCB's refusal to transfer a beer license to liquor license for Albert 
Azarewicz, Kingston.
10.  Pay increases slated for city employes, policemen and firemen in new budget, officials announce.
11.  Approximately 40,000 view Armistace Day Parade in central city.
     Vulcan Iron Works receives $700,000 contract to manufacture sugar mill machinery.
12.  Four New York residents overcome by carbon monoxide on arrival in city by automobile.
     Baltimore No. 5 Colliery of Hudson Coal Company receives flag for best safety record.
13.  Galloway Calhoun, Imperial Potentate of Shriners in North America, speaks in Irem Temple.
14.  Nescopeck bride and bridegroom killed in plane crash.
     First Presbyterian Church rededicates its sanctuary.
15.  Charge of murder preferred against Thomas Prochaska of Plymouth following alleged slapping of wife.
16.  Firemen's Relief and Pension Association's annual ball at Irem Temple successful despite two alarms.
     City School Board boosts fire insurance coverage on school property to $5,763,750.
17.  Andrew J. Sordoni, president of Wyoming Valley Motor Club, renamed director of American Automobile 
Association.
18.  Albert Azarewicz, Kingston cafe owner, files appeal with State Supreme Court from ruling of Superior 
Court refusing him a liquor license.
     State orders six-family apartment in Nanticoke razed because of mine subsidence.
19.  Federal government earmarks $250,000 for repairs to damaged dike along West South Street.
20.  Christmas seals mailed to 26,000 Valley residents by Wyoming Valley Tuberculosis Society in annual 
campaign for funds.
21.  Al Capp, creator of "Li'l Abner," comic strip, addresses 26th annual dinner of Talmud Torah.
     County Democratic Party holds reorganization meeting in Hotel Sterling.
22.  Kick-off dinner at Hotel Sterling opens Wyoming Seminary campaign for $400,000 to complete modernization 
program for dormitories.
     Twenty-three men from Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties inducted into U. S. Army in new Induction Station 
in Manfield Hall.
23.  City post office passes $1,000,000 mark in annual receipts.
     Sixty Posten Taxi Company employes go on strike.
24.  Transportation lines taxed to capacity to handle thousands of former residents returning home for 
Thanksgiving Day.
     Christmas lights in central shopping district turned on for first time.
25.  Ideal autumn weather adds zest to Thanksgiving Day observance throughout valley.
     Approximately 200 employes of 17 dairies in Wilkes-Barre area receive pay increases.
     Two boys, living for two days on stolen candy, confess to series of thefts.
26.  City officials announce retention of 17 mill tax levy despite increase of $145,696 in operating costs.
     Police on night shifts grumble because of alleged inequalities.
27.  General Hospital accepts woman as interne.
28.  St. Luke's Evangelical and Reformed Church celebrates liquidation of $10,000 debt by burning mortgage at 
special service.
29.  Joseph Rodgers and Joseph Boyle, city residents, receive 10 to 20 year sentences in Eastern Penitentiary 
for series of robberies.
     First day's kill of deer kept low by bad weather.
30.  Parking meter collections greater than any November collection since installation, officials report.
     Court rules John Siani and Joseph Herman, retired from Fire Department by City Council, not entitled to 
be reinstated.

Typed by Dawn Gabriel,  June 2004