Question:

In 1985, what was planned to happen in Exeter if each household donated just $2?

1955 – 60 Years Ago

If it hadn’t been for Connie, Diane wouldn’t have been so bad. We’re not talking about two mischievous school girls, we’re talking about hurricanes. In 1955, rainfall from Hurricane Connie saturated the ground raising water levels as it moved through North Carolina. Connie did not produce significant flooding up and down the coast, but it set the stage for Hurricane Diane to, five days later, create some of the most destructive floods the river valleys of eastern Pennsylvania, northwest New Jersey, southeast New York and southern New England had ever seen. The American Red Cross presented certificates to local children, John Conden, John Dempsey Jr., Marlene Lippi, Rosalie Koneski, Joan and Judy Golub, Linda Lewis, Robert Golub, Michael Aquilina. Buddy Herbert, Patricia Aquilina, Jack Ward, Dan Ward, Gene Thomas, Michael Robbins, Roger Orlandini, Thomas Krupa and Richard Ginnani, who raised more than $60 for flood relief.

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1965 – 50 Years Ago

No longer did pedestrians in Duryea have to risk their lives crossing the street at the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad crossing. After three people lost their lives at the crossing on Stephenson Street, the borough council and Erie Lackawanna Railroad provided the citizens with a sidewalk on the “northerly side of the street.”

The United Fund Campaign listed the quotas for Greater Pittston communities. With a total of $16,500 as a goal United Fund officials were hoping that a late surge would bring collections within range of the goal. The quotas set by the agency were, Pittston, $7,000; Hughestown, $521; West Pittston $2,900; Wyoming, $1375; Duryea, $976; Exeter, $900; Jenkins Township, $460; Avoca, $864; Pittston Township, $350; West Wyoming, $836 and Exeter Township $250. The Fund benefited 45 member agencies locally. A total goal of $1,275,000 was set for the Wyoming Valley. According to the U.S. Inflation calculator, that figure today would be $9,646,123.81.

1975 – 40 Years ago

The Wyoming Area Warrior Golf team was on a winning streak taking 85 match-ups during their 1975 season. In the PIAA District II championship John Petrosky lead the pack with a 74, Joe Angelella shot a 76 placing third out of 104 and John LaNunziata had a score of 80. Petrosky advanced to the state championships in Hershey.

Argento’s softball team placed second in the Greater Pittston slow pitch league playoffs. Members of the team were, John Argento, Red France, Tony Argento, Joe Sarti, Joe Fox. Furry DeRome, John Argento, Lee Calabro, Mike Garzella, Jerry Ranielli, Al Zangardi, Jerry Hughes, Mike Speziale, Joe Murphy and Matty LoPresto.

An election was held to select teen board representatives for Foxi Lady Clothing Store in the Pittston Plaza Shopping Center. Winners of the election were Tina Rizzo, of Wyoming Area High School; Sandy Morgan, Pittston Area High School and Mary Rose Centrella of St. John’s High School. The girls would serve as teen advisors for the shop.

Members of the Avoca Lions Club Joseph Bartnicki, Henry Meade, Francis McCloskey, Joseph Losczyk, John Kevra, Bruce Scheller, Richard Williams, Paul Hart, Donald George, Walter George, Joseph Ozark, Raymond McDonald Jr., William Corbett, Raynor West, Chris Van Luvender, Jr., Joseph Sheerer, Allison Morgan, John Coffee, Francis Mullen, Francis McCarthy, David Jeffrey, Dante Volpe, Michael George, Donald Semyon, Henry Odgers, Martin Wanielista, James Sanders, Thomas Biagiotti, Joseph Burns, Wiliam Dusntone, Joseph George, Joseph Hannon, Frank Hayden, John Higgins, Lewis Hufford, Sidney Johnson, Thomas Kelly, Edward Lane, Patrick McAndrew, Austin O’Malley, John Sepcoski, Walter Sulima and Frank Walsh celebrated the organization’s silver anniversary.

1985 – 30 Years Ago

The Greater Pittston Jaycees sponsored its annual Halloween parade. Pre-school to sixth grade students from Wyoming Area and Pittston Area School Districts competed to be selected the one with the best costume. Several fire companies and community and Key Club members participated in the event. Santa Claus handed out bags of goodies for the youngsters.

Answer:

The Borough of Exeter needed new Christmas lights for Wyoming Avenue. A committee was formed to go door to door to ask that each household donate at least $2. By starting in October, the committee felt it would achieve its goal before the holiday season.

Tony Fonzo of Jenkins Township submitted this 1979 photo of the Jenkins Township Little League team, Mondlak Printing. Members of the team pictured from left, first row, John Mondlak, Joe Para, Frank Bartoli, Anthony DeEliseo, John Fonzo, Rickey James. Second row, Tom Scazafavo, John Wojcik, Bobby Bartoli, Mike Costantini, Sam Nardone, Jerry Mondlak. Third row, Bob Bartoli, manager and Bob James, coach.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_MONDLAKS-LL-79.jpg.optimal.jpgTony Fonzo of Jenkins Township submitted this 1979 photo of the Jenkins Township Little League team, Mondlak Printing. Members of the team pictured from left, first row, John Mondlak, Joe Para, Frank Bartoli, Anthony DeEliseo, John Fonzo, Rickey James. Second row, Tom Scazafavo, John Wojcik, Bobby Bartoli, Mike Costantini, Sam Nardone, Jerry Mondlak. Third row, Bob Bartoli, manager and Bob James, coach. Submitted photo

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Miss-Judy-1-.jpg.optimal.jpgSubmitted photo

Peeking into the Past

Judy Minsavage

Reach Judy Minsavage at 570-991-6403 or on Twitter @JudithMinsavage