RECORD OF LOCAL EVENTS
Principal Happenings in Luzerne County for the year which Began
December 1, 1951 and Ended November 30, 1952

The following information is posted for the sole purpose of family research within the 
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DECEMBER 1951
  1. Young woman routs attacker with hat pin on South Street Bridge…Mine workers receive substantial pay as 
result of steady work.
  3. Pauline Lacey, governor of Second District of Quota International, honored by Wilkes Barre Quota Club.
  4. Mr. And Mrs. Joseph HINES and four-year-old son, Joseph, Jr., drowned when their automobile plunges into 
Lake at Karlsruhe…State orders Kingston to construct and place in operation a sewage plant by June 1952.
  5. Seventeen third class and two second class school districts failed to receive State reimbursements…Blue 
Cross, during October, paid out $335, 416.45 in hospital services, officials announce. 
  7. Services commemorating the 10th anniversary of Pearl Harbor held by churches and organizations.
  8. Swoyersville receives the Governor’s Highway Safety Advisory Committee award for its safety record of no 
traffic fatalities in 13 consecutive years….”Heat” record of 72 degrees, the highest for December 7 in years, 
established.
  10. James J. Swift named general manager of Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. 
  11. New Lee Park Bridge opened…State insists Luzerne County communities along the Susquehanna River complete
sewage disposal plants by June, 1952…Attorney Edward J. Bonin named mayor of Hazleton by the court.
  12. B. J. Kelley, Exeter native, named first deputy city managing director of Philadelphia under that city’s
new charter…Eight relatives of Amadeo Obici, alleging forgery, attack amendment to a trust fund set up by 
Obici, late president of Planters Nut and Chocolate Company.
  13. Commonwealth Telephone Company announces it will boost public telephone rates from five cents to ten 
cents on February 11, 1952.
  14. Unemployment in Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton Labor Market Area drops 550, from 13,800 to 13,250, in two months.
  15. Worst storm in two years leaves six to 11 inches of snow and maroons hundreds of motorists.
  17. General alarm fire destroys Wyoming Frocks, Incorporated, Wyoming, throwing 90 persons out of work.
  18. Fire causes and estimated $25,000 in damage to 64-year-old Syrian American Society El Husan Building.
  19. One of most severe snow storms in years closes schools, offices and cripples transportation.
  20. Wyoming Valley Community Chest forced to cut grants to $782,600 because the Chest fell short of its 
campaign goal…Attorney Albert F. Maier, 43, Denison Township, former DBI agent, named assistant district 
attorney.
  21. Wilkes-Barre announces it will meter parking rates from five cents to 10 cents an hour and parking 
violation fines from $1 to $2.50.
  22. Attorney Mitchell Jenkins, Trucksville, who served 14 years as first assistant district attorney, 
announces he will leave the district attorney’s office before his term expires. 
  25. Children from St. Michael’s Industrial School and St. Stanislaus Institute spend $1800 on a Christmas 
shopping tour sponsored by Wilkes-Barre Junior Chamber of Commerce.
  26. Hundreds of motorists caught off guard when snow, sleet and rain coats highways with ice.
  27. Laurel Line Railroad Company asks Federal Court for permission to abandon passenger service between 
Scranton and Wilkes-Barre…Shoppers jam stores in search of bargains, create traffic jams.
  28.  Nine Heights buildings damaged by a squeeze over workings of Glen Alden Coal Company…Heavy volume of 
passenger traffic prompts Lehigh Valley Railroad Company to add section to westbound Black Diamond and extra 
cars on its eastbound section.
  29. Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County and the State plan to widen North Street from the bridge approach to North 
River Street.
  31. Scranton-Spring Brook Water Service Company completes improvements to Crystal Lake Reservoir at a cost 
of $100,000.

JANUARY 1952

  1. Glen Alden Coal Company erects wash house at Huber Colliery at a cost of $240,000…Attorney John H. 
Hibbard appointed chief deputy coroner of Luzerne County… Attorney Harold Rosenn appointed an assistant 
district attorney… Three members of Wyoming Seminary faculty appointed supply pastors of Methodist Churches 
in area.
  2. Five men connected with J. H. Brooks and Company receive partnerships in the firm.
  3. William O. Sword elected president of Wyoming Valley Industrial Fund and Industrial Building Fund and 
chairman of board of Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  5. James Merlin Leiby, Wilkes-Barre wins a reprieve from Florida electric chair.
  7. Thirteen burglaries solved following arrest of Dupont man and his nephew. Coal operators announce coal 
prices must be increased.
  8. Sheriff Robert Sherrock bans all slot machines in Luzerne County…Wilkes-Barre council shapes up police 
force, retiring three, promoting four and transferring others.
  9. Strike of Laurel Line employes ends… Fourteen new directors elected at annual reorganization meetings of 
area banks.
 10. Wyoming Valley Council of Churches asks officials to ban bingo and end all gambling and other law
violations.
 11. Veterans’ organizations organize for action against tavern keepers in retaliation for alleged 
interference in affairs of the veterans’ groups.
 12. Government announces survey of the regional office of the Veterans Administration with view to possible 
purchase in May.
 14.Sweaters that burn in a flash appear in area… Liquor Dealers” Association declare only “inner few” of 
clubs gain in having slot machines.
 15.Cooperation among police agencies urged at meeting of law enforcement agencies initiated by District 
Attorney Louis G. Feldmann.
 16. Internal Revenue Bureau releases list of Luzerne County residents owed income tax refunds by the 
government.
 17.  Harry Ohlman elected potentate of Irem Temple, AAONMS… Dr. Herman A. Fischer, Jr., elected president of 
Luzerne County Medical Society.
 18. Commonwealth Telephone Company opens new main office at Dallas.
 19.  Wilkes-Barre police seize 29 slot machines at a Hill Street residence after neighbor complains of noise. 
Two floors of Veterans Administration regional office taken over by General Services Administration for use 
by the Army and other government agencies.
 21.  School-age children in 63 districts of Luzerne County Schools office total 34,664, a drop of 957 
students from 1950-51 officials announce.
 22.Bear Creek’s biggest trees, some 250 years old, cut down for lumber … Nanticoke State Hospital rates 
increased. 
 23.Winds of 45 miles and hour cause heavy damage in Wyoming Valley.
 24. Osterhout Free Library increases fines on adult books kept overtime … Young Dallas mother strangles fox 
with her right hand as it grips her left hand.
 25.  Wyoming Valley Motor Club announces membership of 15, 029.
 26. Work at $33,000,000 U. S. Army Signal Corps Depot project at Tobyhanna, halted since November 23 by union 
dispute, to be resumed.
 28. American Legion Posts to sponsor Blood Bank days.
 29.  YMCA acquires 1,100 acres of woodland and two lakes in Dennison Township, as site for camp, made 
possible by Sebastian S. Kresge.
 30. Wilkes-Barre experiences 8 above zero weather in worst cold spell since 1948.

FEBRUARY
  1.  Fred Swanson announces he will resign as Harveys Lake police and first aid and safety director in the 
lake area on March 1.
  2.  Judge J. Harold Flannery orders 74 slot machines wrecked.
  4.  Rudolph Halley, president of the New York City Council, and his wife, a former resident of Edwardsville,
entertained at local reception.
  5.  Graciela Rivera, Puerto Rican singer and wife of a Wilkes-Barre businessman makes debut in Metropolitan 
Opera House … Miners’ safety group demands State Secretary of Mines, Richard Maize, be fired.
  6.  Herbert Morris named by Jaycees as “Young Man of the Year” … C. I. Carlson to manage gas operations for 
the Susquehanna Division of the Scranton-Spring Brook Water Service Co.
  7.  Fall of top coal at the No. 5 slop of Huber Colliery kills miner… Pennsylvania Railroad discloses plan 
to move freight transfer section of its Wilkes-Barre freight station to Williamsport.
  8.  Investigation discloses no evidence of drug traffic in Wyoming Valley, District Attorney Louis G. 
Feldmann announces.
  9.  Fernbrook Mill, one of three textile plants operated by Bloomsburg Mills, placed on market for sale … 
38-year-old man killed instantly at Huber Colliery, Glen Alden Coal Company in second fatality at the mine in 
three days.
  11. Wyoming Valley Defense Production Clinic and Industrial Panel held at Hotel Sterling.
  12.  Illuminating gas fumes cause deaths of Mrs. Helen Bierdziewski, 38, 186 West Ridge, Nanticoke; her 
daughter, Mary Ann, 11, and son, Frank, Jr., 17.
  14.  Destruction of 45 slot machines accumulated in the Luzerne County Courthouse vault as a result of 
raids consummated by county detectives.
  15.  Glen Alden Coal Company announces plan to transfer its Scranton offices to Wilkes-Barre, or to some 
point in Wyoming Valley near the city …Canadian flier, 351 miles off course "talked" into Avoca field by CAA 
aids.
  16.  Movie prices increase for the first time in 10 years … Attorney Harold Rosenn, Kingston, takes the 
oath as assistant district attorney.
  18.  Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Hazleton certified as having labor surpluses which make them eligible for 
special treatment in the placing of government contracts.
  19.  Public inspection of Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company’s Plant starts … 500 men en route to Fort Meade 
bivouac in West Side Armory.
  20. Striking Prudential Insurance Company Agents end 81-day walkout … City school board approves salary 
adjustments for supervisory and administrative personnel.
  21.  Louis J. Purvin appointed to direct annual Easter Seal campaign.
  22.  Union and Huntington farmers lease land for gas exploration … Americanism award given to Louis Greco, 
West Wyoming, by directors of Freedom Foundation.
  23.  Trustees of Temple Israel announce Rabbi Abraham Barras, Atlantic City, accepts the invitation to serve
local temple.
  25.  John Legins, 20, drowned when reservoir ice breaks … St. Mary' Lithuanian RC Church, Kingston opens 
Golden Jubilee year.
  26. Joseph Bria, traffic patrolman, becomes junior grade detective …Bill to permit Boutros Mouallen, a 
linguist, to become permanent resident of United States, passed by United States Senate.
  27.  Lent ushered in with special services in Protestant and Catholic churches.
  28.  Lack of warning signs delays start of war on foxes.
  29.  Many Wyoming Valley residents get first opportunity in four years to celebrate birthday anniversaries.

MARCH
  1. Imperial Potentate Robert Gardiner Wilson, Jr., of the Shrine, guest of Iren Temple members …. Break in 
a 36-inch sewer line on Horton Street discovered.
  3.  Wilkes-Barre's new traffic rules put into effect … Fred Swanson, police and fire chief at Harveys Lake 
for almost 20 years resigns.
  4.  Pay increases of $200 a year awarded 506 employes of Luzerne County … Thousands of municipal, county, 
and state workers take loyalty oath.
  5. Leon Schwartz, Nanticoke, appointed member of Public Utility Commission.
  6.  Cornerstone of Wilkes-Barre Institute, now Wyoming Seminary Day School, removed temporarily for new 
inscription … Defense Department directed to channel negotiated war contracts to Wilkes-Barre-Scranton area.
  7.  PM Pastors invited to stay at posts with increased wages … Shrine Circus thrills thousands.
  8.  Glen Alden Coal Company earned 39 cents a share in 1951, report reveals.
  10.  Lt. James L. Youngblood, Forty Fort, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary 
achievement in aerial flight in action in Korea.
  11.  Kurtz Detective Agency engaged by Harveys Lake Protective Association to patrol properties of the 
members until summer.
  12. River climbs 13 feet in 15 hours.
  13. Mrs. Harold Dixon, bitten by a rabid fox and who died on February 14, was victim of shock, according to 
death certificate… Fourteen women receive black veils at ceremony at College Misericordia.
  14.  Faulty parking meters rushed to Hartford for alteration … Wilkes-Barre Transit Company employes pays 
increased 17 cents.
  15.  Shrine admits 47 candidates … Robins heralding spring accorded chilly reception.
  17.  Rabid cat attacks Lehigh Valley railroaders at Coxton …Parrish Street Methodist Church marks 80th year.
  18.   Scranton-Spring Brook Water Service Company leases building occupied by Cresko Motors at 37-39-41 
North Main Street … Patrolmen Louis Ryman and Joseph T. Zima resign police posts.
  19.  "America's Town Meeting of the Air" originates from Wilkes College gymnasium.
  20.  Little Merchants of Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company go to Washington … Thomas Guilford, Mt. Zion, Kills
fox attempting to get neighbor's chickens.
  22.  All-State Chorus presents concert at Meyers High School.
  24.  Twp Pittston walls collapse, stones damage parked cars … New parking meters rates start.
  27. Ground broken for Gospel Center Tabernacle at 186 Sambourne Street … Raids on two Hazleton clubs yield 
39 slot machines … Walenty Podlesny, Oakwood Lane, found fatally injured after trolley coach passes corner.
  28.  Wilkes-Barre Lace Manufacturing Company closes plant on Courtright Avenue.
  29.  Bell Telephone Company starts construction of new cable line between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.
  31.  Gasoline war breaks out again in Wilkes-Barre … Foxes plague region despite campaign to eliminate them.

APRIL
  1.  State AFL Convention tarts in city … Civic Club presents ambulance to Luzerne.
  2.  Mysterious explosion shatters home of Samuel Eckert, 88 Beaumont Street.
  3. Wilkes-Barre rufuses to push sewage treatment plans.
  4. Marshall B. Nunlist appointed public relations director of Glen Alden Coal Company … Joseph F. Collis 
awarded first prize in the first annual contest of Middle Atlantic District Council of the American Newspaper 
Guild.
  5. City files against increased transit company fares.
  7. Moosic man bitten on thumb by skunk dies … Lake Township adopts $3 per capita tax for every resident 21 
or over.
  8.  PUC suspends tranist corporation's fare increase six months for further investigation.
  10. Phone strike hits city.
  11. Western Electric pickets cut staffs at Bell Telephone offices in Wilkes-Barre and Pittston.
  12.  Grace Endler and two others indicted fro bank thefts, total loss set at $46,000 … Fox invades Exeter, 
snaps at children.
  14.  Two television channels assigned to Wilkes-Barre.
  15.  Mayor Luther Kniffen proclaims Daylight Saving Time for Wilkes-Barre.
  16.  Laborer killed as three others flee to safety from rock fall at Bliss Colliery. State highway worker 
crushed under truck unloading eight tons of stone.
  17.  State defends gas sign ban … United States Plywood Corporation opens distribution center in West 
Pittston.
  18.  First group of returning 109th FA members reach New York from Germany.
  19.  Forest fires sweep wide area … Property owners of Luzerne County lease lands for drilling in search of 
oil or gas.
  21.  Homes near Glen Summit threatened by forest fires.
  22. Dead man is candidate in Trucksville contest … Graciela Rivera, Metropolitan Opera star, gives concert 
at Meyers High School.
  23. Eisenhower, Kefauver top presidential race in light county vote …65th annual concert of Alexander Band 
given in Irem Temple.
  24.  Court gives charter to Luzerne Luzerne Civic Club.
  25.  Pittston man, 75, walks to death in river.
  26.  Gambling charges against two stewards of Hazleton clubs ignored by grand jury … Most anthracite 
companies announce plans to operate on Daylight Saving time.
  29.   Retreat Post Office ordered closed.
  30.  Wyoming Seminary Day School cornerstone rededicated … Frank Cardoni retires as candidate for State 
Senate.

MAY
  1.  American Chain Company workers at hazard and Duryea plants join nationwide steel strike.
  2.  Strike settled at Berwick ACF plant … Cherry trees bloom on River Common.
  3.  Addition to city incinerator completed.
  5.  Back Mountain land owners check groups seeking permission to drill for gas. Airlines operating out of 
Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport schedule cut due to oil strike.
  6.  Work on North Street Bridge stopped by engineers' strike.
  7.  Sunday Independent absolved in libel suit when counsel for Mayor Anthony Dreier of Nanticoke withdraws 
case …Campaign opened by Committee of 100 to solve valley's unemployment problems.
  8.  District Attorney announces intention to investigate testimony offered in Dreier case against Sunday 
Independent.
  9.  Second Legislative District Republicans elect Robert Lloyd as chairman.
  10.  Phillip Blaum named outstanding Jaycee of the year … Work resumed on North Street Bridge following 
engineers' strike.
  12.  Premature blast at No. 6 Colliery fatal to miner … Council of Churches announces 75 member churches.
  13.  Oliver J. Price reelected for fifth term as Republican chairman of the Seventh Legislative District.  
Organ from the former Elks home presented to Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, Dallas.
  14.  Lehigh Valley Safety Car visits city.
  15.  Five persons overcome by coal gas in South River Street apartment.
  16.  Transit corporation seeks temporary hike in bus fares … FBI arrests 10 employes of Woodbury Mills for 
alleged theft of Army shirts.
  17. Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport held unsuited for government depot … Henry Colliery miner killed in rock 
fall.
  19. Plane crashes at St. Johns.
  20.  Guy Agati admits perjury guilt in Federal Court trial … Laurel Hospital gets AMA approval.
  21.  Rev. H. C. Buckingham appointed superintendent of Wilkes-Barre District of Wyoming Methodist Conference
Rain falls for the 12th consecutive day.
  22.  Textile Joint Board secedes from CIO to join AFL.
  23.  Methodists boost minimum pays for ministers, oppose military training … Kiwanis Club marks 35th 
anniversary.
  24.  Communities to be prosecuted for not obeying clean streams law.
  26.  Seven area pastors involved in changes at Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Church.
  27. Wyoming Valley's $600,000 "Operation Jobs" to build new factories, construct industrial sites and 
provide jobs gets off to a flying start … Strike ended at Fernbrook Mill.
  28. Bell Telephone to locate district accounting offices in city …Hanover youth killed in fall aboard ship.
  30.  Drive on free parkers launched … Dr. John L. Dorris elected Luzerne County Democratic chairman.
  31.  Reverent tribute paid to dead of all wars by Wyoming Valley groups … Fifty eight minors found at bar 
of Harveys Lake establishment.

JUNE
  1.  Rev. Edward O'Malley reads first mass … Shortage of potatoes causes churches to stop pasty sales.
  3.  Rev. H. C. Buckingham, Plymouth native, takes over as Methodist district superintendent.
  4.  Three city high schools to graduate 664  … Commencement drinking by juveniles hit by liquor dealers 
Edwardsville taxpayer pickets borough hall in back pay dispute.
  5. "Operation Jobs" hits halfway mark … Rev. Reginald Krakovsky of Swoyersville to be ordained at Washington
Lehigh Valley Coal Company plans addition to Dorrance Colliery. Rev. Joseph Snee formerly of Wilkes-Barre, to 
receive Georgetown University law degree … Pennsylvania Coal Company passes 44th month without fatality.
  6.  Gasoline dealers endeavor to end gas war … State plan to erect new Wyoming Monument marker … Dickinson 
School of Law building named for Dean W. H. Hitchler, former Plymouth resident.
  7.  Ninety four men to receive bachelor's degrees at King's College … Attorney William P. Brewster marks 50 
years service with Kingston School district.
  9.  Area waters take four lived, three in Susquehanna River and one in Mountain Lake … Fire damages show 
window at the Bergmans Department Store … Philip Matthews heads VFW. Margaret Smith named president of 
Auxiliary.
  10.  Lottery tickets reappear in Luzerne County as Sheriff Robert Sherrock and District Attorney join in 
raids.
  11. Mrs. Jonah Roberts of Edwardsville murdered, husband shot by hitch-hikers near bear Creek … Federal mine
inspectors hold 42nd annual convention in city.
  12.  Army interested in Franklin Field as site for armory.
  13.  State firemen to hold convention in city … Mine workers to receive $61/2 million pay increase.
  14.  Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey circus shows in Hanover Township.
  16.  Scranton - Spring Brook Water Service Company opens new headquarters at 41 North Main Street … Mercury 
shoots to 91 for two hours.
  17.  George E. Gwilliam new GOP chairman in Fifth Legislative District … Rev. George A. Roberts to take 
Presbyterian post at Scranton … Veterans Administration Hospital bandstand decicated.
  18.  Mercury shoots to 95 …Transit corporation fares increased to 12 cents.
  20. 152 Little Merchants, recent high school graduates, and parents entertained by Wilkes-Barre Publishing 
Company … Federal Government authorized funds for tower at Avoca Airport …Three local Salvation Army leaders 
go to new positions … Induction Station moved to Veterans Administration Building.
  23. Dallas dial telephone service to start … Wyoming minister's daughter wins "Miss Anthracite" title.
Robert Corcoran killed, Robert Kemmerer, injured when car hits pole, wall and tree at Harveys Lake.
  24. St. Aloysius Church announces plan for new school … Seventh member of Roth family enters service.
  26.  Pomeroy's donates 54 volume set of the "Great Books of the Western World" to Osterhout Library …Mercury
hits 98.
  27.  Vacation pays for Glen Alden Coal Company miners delayed when safe in Scranton headquarters refuses to 
open ….Mercury climbs to 102 … USMC Reserve units activated at Wyomink.
  29.  Council of Churches announces plan to move to new headquarters … John L. Mundy, son of late Senator, 
fatally burned in car crash … Tractor-trailer loaded with carnival equipment upsets on Ashley Boulevard … 
Edward Eyerman, city, killed in carnival truck near Mount Pocono.

JULY
   1.  Monkey bites youth playing in carnival area at Pringle … Army checks drowning of Edmund J. Przybyla … 
Mrs. Joseph T. Jones named GOP Vice-chairman … Value of real estate in county's 73 schools placed at 
$14, 313,745. .. James Baldwin, 16, Nanticoke, killed in headon crash … James M. Leiby, former Wilkes-Barrean,
died in Florida electric chair.
   2.  City parking fine cut to $1.50 … Gilbert R. Rendle named assistant ceshier at Wyoming National Bank …
Vern A. Phillabaum, Forty Fort, succeeds Thomas E. Lehman as president of Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club.
   3.  Fire damages West Pittston market and two apartments … Acme tractor trailer upsets at Shavertown.
   4.  Roger Meixell, 26 months, killed by father's automobile … Five vehicles, including Greyhound bus and 
12-ton milk tractor-trailer involved in accidents at Butler and North Main Streets … Andrew J. Hudock, 
Larksville native, named major in Pennsylvania State Police at Greensburg.
   7.  Coal price increased 25 cents a ton. Miners end 10-day vacation … One killed, 33 injured during July 4 
week end.
   8.  Philip F. Bolen installed as commander of Wyoming Valley Chapter, DAV … Nanticoke council in turmoil 
as Attorney James Shea quizzes Mayor Anthony Dreier … Charles F. Dress, 70, Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company 
employe, marks 48 years of continuous newspaper service.
   9.  25,000th subscriber enrolled by Commonwealth Telephone Company, Dallas … Scranton Electric Company 
starts to supply power for the Laurel Line … $40,000 in equipment lost in Exeter blaze.
   10.  "Operations Jobs" campaign closes with $127,301 over goal … Pringle plans to even budget after 30 
years … Storm silences Dallas phones … First National Bank of Nanticoke and Miners National Bank of Wilkes-
Barre announce plans to merge.
   11.  Boy Scout leader Donald Thomas drowned in Lehigh River near Camp Acahela.
   12.  Blessed Sacrament Church, Center Moreland, dedicated … Five companies fight fire at Nanticoke … 
No. 10 tunnel of Kehoe-Berge Coal closes, idling 250 men.
   14. Mercury goes above 90 … Lawrence Biscontini, Nanticoke, plans to reopen Phoenix Park Colliery near 
Pottsville.
   15.  Wilkes College buys Sturdevant Home on Franklin Street … Henry A. Dierks resigns as Glen Alden vice 
president and general manager … 96.5 per cent of city taxes paid in half year … Severe electrical and 
windstorm batters Greater Pittston region … General alarm fire at Junior High School in Plymouth.
   16.  Community Chest to seek $902,649 in fall campaign …Three injured as jeep crashes into garage at Bunker
Hill …Glen Alden Coal Company creates two new positions, William W. Everett bring made manager of mines as F. 
Edgar Kudlich becomes engineering manager.
   17.  Shriners admit Elbert E. Gelatt, aged 102 … James A. Moran named grid coach at King's College.
   18. George Z. Keller marks 50th year as banker … 100-mile tunnel proposed to drain anthracite workings … 
West Side Building and Loan Association purchases Rainbow Restaurant at Kingston Corners … Mercury passes 90 
for the seventh day … Theodore Kaufman of New York City becomes production manager for the General Cigar 
Company … American Car and Foundry Company backlog placed at $383 million.
   20.  Irem Temple host to 5,000 at ceremonial … Retreads end State meeting. Sheriff Robert Sherrock named 
first vice president of Sheriffs Association of Pennsylvania … Edward Otto, 18-month-old North End child 
bitten by rat while in crib.
   21.  Freak storm works havoc in wide area … 127 tax sale transactions set aside by court rule … Anthracite 
Post 283, VFW, Kingston, is world's largest VFW for the second year …13-inch water main breaks at Scott Street
and Matson Avenue, Parsons …Three buildings of the Pagnotti Coal Company struck by lightning.
   22. Mrs. Benjamin Johnson, 25, and two children swept to death in creek at Trucksville … 2.36 inches of 
rain falls during three storms during 13 hours.
   23. Jonah L. Roberts, Edwardsville, accused of murdering his wife Mary Roberts, on the night of June 10 … 
5,000 chickens die as lightning strikes Albert farmer's hennery … Mayor Anthony B. Dreier arrested as result 
of recent trial … Raymond C. Noss, alleged automobile thief, killed by state trooper. 
   24.  Robert R. Evans named vice-president of local water company.
   25.  Phil Walters, Florida, smashes Giant's Despair climb record … Glen Alden Coal Company to raze South 
Wiles-Barre breaker.
   27.  Richard H. Irish wins Brynfan Tyddyn race … Robert E. Markert, Pittston, killed when car upsets on 
curve at Glen Summit … Joseph Saitta, 6, West Pittston, drowned in public pool at Scranton.
   28.  Dr. Alfred T. Meyer named to State Board of Optometrical Examiners … Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Beverly 
Hills, Calif., motion picture producer, and Donald F. Carpenter, Southport, Conn., executive of duPont Company, 
natives of Wilkes-Barre, among 25 former Commonwealth residents named 1952 Pennsylvania Ambassadors.
   30.  Industrial Development Fund to build third plant … Carr Consolidated Biscuit Company to bake 30 
additional items.

AUGUST
   1. Rev. David R. Morgan appointed Parrish Street Methodist Church pastor.  Gaetano Capone, son of Sam 
Capone, Pittston coal operator, killed in a head-on crash with a tank truck on Wilkes-Barre highway.
   2.  290 loads of culm used to fill cave near homes on North Pennsylvania Avenue … 100th anniversary of 
Stone House, Ricketts residence at Ganoga Lake, North Mountain, observed … Charles L. Bell Company, Allentown,
distributor of electrical equipment and appliances, eases Pierce Street car and bus barn.
   4.  Ruth Campbell, appointed executive director of Wilkes-Barre YWCA.
   5.  School Board rejects $15,000 bid for Strauss School … Council passes VA Hospital zone ordinance … 
$1 million in contracts awarded Hughes Company, Luzerne.
   6.  A. O. Perry, Chicage, named general manager of Commonwealth Telephone Company … Angry citizens, 
protesting collection of overdue taxes, halt Luzerne Council meeting.
   7.  Robert P. Brennan, Pringle soldier, held for kidnapping.
   8.  Mrs. Rose Libowitz, 350 Race Street, West Pittston, swindled out of $17,000.
   10.  Operating force of Social Security office to move into the VA building.
   11.  Parishioners vote to close St. Andrew's Methodist Church, South Sherman Street.
   12.   Dr. Thomas J. Nauss, Kingston, appointed chief of plastic surgery at General Hospital … Miners 
National Bank of Wilkes-Barre and First national Bank of Nanticoke merge … Bell Telephone Company opens city 
office to handle 300,000 customers.
   13.  4,000 attend Shrine's outing.
   14.  Commonwealth Telephone Company and Tioga County Telephone Company merge.
   15.  Six injured in accidents on area highways … Rev. E. M. Greenfield, and Rev. Dr. H. E. Thompson, get 
new Methodist charges.
   17.  36 graduates receive diplomas at Nesbitt Hospital … John L. Lewis announces 10-day "memorial" period 
for miners.
   18. Lt. Col. Henry J. Stark becomes adjutant general of 45th Division in Korea … Man's body in river six 
years recovered.
   19.  Wilkes-Barre Junior Chamber of Commerce commends Kingston VFW post.
   20.  Richard A. Saul, Kingston, named chairman of Wyoming Valley Committee for Employment of the Physically 
Handicapped.
   21. Paul Campbell, 14, found drowned in Susquehanna River.
   22.  County Sewage authority to comply with state's clean streams law proposed … Jane Vankowski selected 
as 'Miss Kingston' … Strike of over 400 cigar workers of the S. Frieder and Son, terminated.
   24. Thomas MacRoy in critical condition after being shoot by Byron Hess, while stealing corn from Hess's 
corn field … Attorney Enoch H. Thomas, Jr. elected president of State's Young Republicans … Michael G. Waschko, 
Hazleton, dies as car overturns on Route 115 near Lehigh River.
   25.  Edward T. Powell appointed mining engineer of Glen Alden Coal Company … Pittston area residents 
without gas as 13 Pittston Gas Company strike.
   26.  John L. Lewis, at city contract talks, rejects bird to reopen mines … Fred K. Lee, manager of Penn 
Theater, to take post with Florida theater chain.
   27.  Mayor Anthony B. Dreier, Nanticoke, indicted by grand jury on seven counts.
   28.  Jonah L. Roberts indicted for murder of wife on mountain road … Robert A. Brennan, Pringle, jailed 
five years in kidnap case.
   30.  Joseph F. Lester named trustee of Wilkes College … Charles N. Henderson, minister of music at First 
Presbyterian Church, resigns to take post at Erie … Rev. John E. Donovan, resigns to take a post at Westport, 
N. Y. 


SEPTEMBER
   1.  Heavy rains force postponement of Labor Day events … Sister Mary Eulalia Herron, marks 50 years as nun.
   2.  Wind and rain cause damage to city … Imperial Shrine Potentate Harvey A. Beffa, visits Irem Temple.
   3.  Rev. Bruce A. Weatherly named rector of Kentucky church  … City School Board reveals plan to enlarge 
Coughlin High School.
   5.  Pittston Gas Company strike settled … Charles Hartman, promoted to detective Lieutenant by State Police.
   7. Area firemen conclude convention with parade … Memorial to 33 men killed in the 109th troop train wreck 
dedicated.
   8.  Charles L. Bell Company opens plant at Kingston.
   9.  GOP picks Herman E. Cardoni as State Senate nominee … Little Theater abandons plans for Kingston Home.
   10.  Wilkes-Barre lace manufacturing Company changes name to Clarence Whitman & Sons, Incorporated … 
Ground broken for $200,000 school at St. Aloysius Church.
   11. Mountain Top Loins Club presents ambulance to community.
   12.  Col. J. P. Kirkendall, Dallas native, promoted to brigadier general … Mercury hits 89.
   14. Louis Banta quits as Kingston township police officer.
   15.  Clifford W. Bigelow named manager of Wyoming Valley Motor Club.
   16.  Rev. Oliver K. Williams resigns as pastor of Grant Street Presbyterian Church.
   17.  Kingston garage destroyed by fire.
   18.  Lehigh Valley Coal Company to spend $500,000 to modernize Dorrance Colliery.
   19.  Benjamin Henderson resigns as LV Coal Company vice-president.
   21.  John J. Brazinski receives award for saving child's life.
   22.  Mother and two small children overcome by coal gas at Fernbrook.
   23.  Louis Banta quits as Kingston Township constable … YMCA obtains 418 members.
   24.  General Cigar Company sues Lehigh Valley Coal Company for $2,500,000 for alleged mine cave damage.
   25.  GAR school entered by looters.
   26.  King's College buys Lehigh Valley Coal Company office building … Frances Dorrance cited as one of 
State's outstanding women.
   28.  Retired city police to organize to obtain increased pension grants.
   30.  OPS boosts coal prices 35 cents a ton … Back Mountain Hemelright Award given late Dr. Sherman Schooley.
   30. Portrait of Dr. Farley given to Wilkes College … Plains-Forty Fort river bridge sought … State 
retailers name Robert Burnside new president.   

OCTOBER
   1.  Miners National Bank acquires second institution in Nanticoke  … Dial Rock Shaft to be dismantled.
   2.  Two channels opened for TV broadcasts in valley … Heavy storm hits area … Coal prices boosted 20 cents 
a ton.
   3.  Maj. William P. O'Malley named local recruiting office commander … Harrison H. Smith, president of the 
Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company elected president of Pennsylvania Associated Press members.
   4.  Teamsters approve new contract.
   6.  Slovak Catholic Federation of America opens national convention in city.
   7.  Willard G. Shortz, and William Wall to receive 50-year awards at State convention of Sunday Schools at 
Harrisburg … City school census shows decline of 176 in year.
   8.  Miss Frances Dorrance chosen one of 10 Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania … Msgr. Milos K. 
Mlynarovic., Valparaiso, Ind., reelected president of Slovak Catholic Federation of America convention.
   9.  GOP vice-presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon speaks in West Side Armory … Lions Club plaque given 
to William O. Sword.
   10.  Wilkes-Barre Lions Club provides arms for Pringle boy … Wilkes-Barre Post office men render 200 years 
of service … General Hospital recipient of Dr. Sherman R. Schooley Memorial Fund.
   11.  Col. Francis S. Gabreski, American Air Force ace, speaks at Pulaski Day Dinner.
   13.  Kingston salvage committee quits after distributing $10,859.
   14.  Thirty-nine slot machines destroyed by State Police … I. Miller & Sons expand plant.
   15.  Dentists hold convention.
   16.  Limits placed on charges to be used in blasting near VA Hospital … Wyoming Valley Community Chest 
drive opens.
   17.  Senator John Sparkman, Democratic vice-presidential nominee, speaks in city … St. Aloysius Church 
seeks $200,000 for new school.
    19.  Two hurt in collision at Kingston Corners.
   20.  Two killed in Bear Creek Highway auto accident … American War Mothers hold State convention in city … 
Earliest local snowfall in 52 years recorded.
    21.  Tribute paid Alfred W. Valentine by 275 Elks … John J. McSweeney, Times Leader, Evening News editor 
elected director of Pennsylvania Society of Newspaper Editors.
   22.  20,000 hear President Harry S. Truman deliver Democratic talk on Public Square … 40 Misericordia 
College students forced to flee from fire.
   23.  Rev. John K. Stoner, seated as Forty Fort Presbyterian pastor.
   24.  Four Wyoming Seminary graduates establish prize in honor of language teacher, Theodore Abbott … United 
nations Day program held on Public Square.
   26.  Isaac Abraham installed as area president of Syrian Orthodox Youth Organizations.
   27.  Forest fires burn large areas … John S. Mitchell elected president of Wyoming Valley Council, Boy 
Scouts of America.
   28.  Pittston Hospital dedicates new nurses' home in honor of Esther J. Tinsley, superintendent.
   29.  6,000 hear Gov. Adlai Stevenson, Democratic Presidential candidate, at early morning stop at Central 
Railroad station … Two bishops and 1,200 children pay honor to Rev. J. E. Gryczka, 49 years a priest … Seymour
A. Dimond named chairman for 1953 Community Chest campaign.
   30.  County Teachers hold institute … Six Shickshinny area school districts merge.
   31.  Huntington Mills girl wins Atlantic Seaboard pandowdy contest.

NOVEMBER
   1.  Lake Silkworth Protective Association presents oxygen tank to Lehman Township Police Department … 
Reconstructed North Street Bridge reopens today.
   2.  Joel Nygren, Coughlin High School teacher, among four persons killed in automobile accidents.
   3.  Wilkes-Barre City purchases new patrol wagon and fire hose … Christmas Club checks totaling $4,200,000
to be distributed by 30 Wyoming Valley banks.
   4.  Forget-Me-Not drive opened … County gives Eisenhower 16,024 lead over Stevenson.
   5.  Wilkes-Barre City School Board crates authority to finance annex of Coughlin.
   6.  Changes made in Buttonwood and Hanover bus routes … City churches list 41,083 in religious census.
   7. Guardian asked for Charles Edmund Rovinsky, Ashley triple slayer, now in Farview State hospital … Ann 
Luksic elected vice-president of Pennsylvania League for Nursing. 
   9.   Thre regional residents killed and 14 injures in automobile crashed … Parsons PM Church marks 80th 
anniversary … Three persons overcome, three taken ill as result of fumes from Heights gas main break.
   10.  Laurel line wins right to abandon passenger service to Scranton.
   11.  One killed, eight shot in area in first day of hunting … Lone parade in area marks Armistice day … 
Susquehanna River at lowest point in years.
   12.  Herbert J. Morris named executive vice-president and industrial coordinator of Wyoming Valley Chamber 
of Commerce … Miners National Bank of Nanticoke and Miners National Bank of Wilkes-Barre approve merger.
   13.  G. Wilbur Nichols named purchasing agent for Glen Alden Coal Company.
   14.  Coal price ceilings increased up to $1.35 … Supply activities of VA Hospital and regional office to 
be combined.
   16.  Auto insurance rates increased … Pennsylvania Dress Manufacturers Association moves office from New 
York to Wilkes-Barre … Nathan Kuss elected a vice-president of the Middle Atlantic Section, National Jewish 
Welfare Board.
   17.  Court voids charges against mayor Anthony B. Dreier of Nanticoke … Seven from county pass bar tests.
   18.  City Council adopts 1953 budget on first reading … City school board names building authority members.
   19.  C. M. Johnke, Lehigh Valley trainmaster, transferred to Sayre … 16 from foreign countries study 
facilities of Valley.
   21.  Valley gets rain for seventh day … Wyoming Valley Motor Club announces dues increase.
   22.  Former Mayor Charles N. Loveland observes 80th anniversary … $100 dinner to help St. Michael's boys.
   24. 12 Luzerne High School students hurt on joy ride … Wyoming Valley Philharmonic Orchestra opens season.
   25.  Shipments of anthracite off 10.8 per cent … army inducts 137 men from joint draft boards … Glen Alden 
Coal Company to pay by check.
   26.  Bell telephone Company to occupy additional quarters on East Market Street …
   27.  Northampton County, parent of Luzerne, 200 years old … Robert G. Cole appointed registrar at VA 
Hospital.
   28.  Shopping rush jams traffic … Family Service Association float wins prize in national exhibit.
   30.  Harry E. Post, machinist for the Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company retires … Armed customer holds up 
Ray Hottle's Café and escapes with $580.

     Typed by Jeannette Phethean,  May 2004