Brownsville Time Capsule
Brownsville Time Capsule looks back over the years through the archives of the Brownsville Telegraph. 25 Years Ago – Oct. 1979
– Two new area facilities will be dedicated this week. At California State College, one of the largest official gatherings in the college’s history is expected on campus for the formal dedication of the new $7.1 million Louis L. Manderino Library. The five-story structure is named for the Monessen native who was the youngest justice ever elected in the 250-year history of the state’s highest court.
Also being dedicated this week is the new Fayette County Health Center at 100 New Salem Road near Uniontown. County Commission Chairman Fred L. Lebder will give welcome and opening remarks. The Laurel Highlands High School band under the direction of Richard E. McCoy will perform musical selections.
The health center, under construction since ground was broken in 1977, has been in the planning stages for 12 years. The three-story structure contains 56,000 square feet of space and will eventually house most of the major agencies and departments involved with the delivery of health services in the county.
– A special meeting of the Brownsville Area School Board has produced an assistant superintendent. By a vote of seven to two, the board selected Dexston Robert Reed, 37, from the Connellsville Area School District. Reed earned his bachelor’s degree at Waynesburg College, his master’s degree at California State College, and his principal’s certification at Duquesne University. He is now working on his doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh. Reed supervises a special reading program that is being used by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a model for other school districts.
Superintendent John Caputa nominated Reed for the position. The two board members who voted against the motion, Phil Giannetti and Norm Davis, said they had no quarrel with Reed’s qualifications. They preferred that the job be filled from within the school system, which they believe is overstaffed at some positions.
– The Pirates are 1979 World Champions. World Series MVP Willie “Pops” Stargell provided the leadership for the Bucs, blasting a two-run homer to lead Pittsburgh to a 4-1 triumph in Game 7. The Pirates became only the fourth team ever to rebound from a 3-1 deficit to win the World Series.
45 Years Ago – Oct. 1959
– Uniontown native General of the Army George Catlett Marshall has died. The five-star general, born near the Five Corners intersection in Uniontown, proved his military genius in three wars and then won the Nobel Prize for his contributions to peace. His Marshall Plan saved Europe from economic collapse after World War II, thereby halting the rising tide of communism in Europe.
– Gloria Sikora, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sikora of Maxwell, was crowned Gridiron Queen during halftime ceremonies at the Brashear-Monongahela football game at Brownie Stadium. Senior attendants were Patricia Raven and Janet Catterall, junior attendants were Laura Parella and Margie Matela, and sophomore attendants were Janice Mitchell and Peggy Cover. The Student Congress with the cooperation of the Thespians, band and Pep Club directed the festivities.
Bob Johnson, a 155-pound halfback, gave Brashear High School a lesson in ball carrying as he scored four touchdowns to lead Monongahela High School to a 31-6 victory over the Blue and White in a Big Six Conference game. Only 1,500 fans watched the game at Brownie Stadium as Monongahela ran its record to 5-1. The only Brashear score came on an 84-yard kickoff return by Ronnie Matteucci.
At Republic field, Redstone High School exploded with three touchdowns in the second half and shut out Bethlehem-Center, 25-0, before 2,500 fans. Jim Maraney scored twice for Coach Joe Bosnic’s squad, and Freddie Mazurek and Jack Marbury each tallied once.
60 Years Ago – Oct. 1944
– An old-fashioned cakewalk will highlight the Foothill Festival square and round dance at the new community gymnasium in Waynesburg. A new event in the lives of the present younger generation, the cakewalk was a favorite feature at old time dances in this region and was a forerunner of present-day bingo and bank night.
It was always a colorful event, with the dancers pairing off in couples and walking slowly around and around the dance hall past a blindfolded individual holding a flag or handkerchief over the heads of those walking by him. At a certain moment, he dropped the object he held in his hand, and the lucky couple in front of whom it was dropped won the cake.
– Plans are under way in Republic to stage a Community Library Day in order to make residents of the area library-conscious and to obtain financial aid for the Republic Public Library. The library movement was started June 14, 1939, when a group of community leaders comprising the board of directors held the initial meeting on the recommendation of the late Domenic DeGregory, who had constructed a community hall on the “Circle” and called on the group to form the nucleus of a town library in one of the available rooms.
Official opening of the library was Aug. 24, 1939, when a cafeteria luncheon was served. The Uniontown Public Library, the Gorley family, and the Fred Howarth family all made substantial book donations. The Rev. Crawford Coulter was the first president of the library board and was responsible for most of the organizational work that was done to establish the library. During the past year, 2,778 individuals have taken advantage of the library’s facilities.
– In high school football, the Connellsville Cokers defeated the Redstone High School Black Hawks, 27-6, before 6,000 fans at Campbell Stadium. The only Redstone touchdown was scored on a 17-yard run by fullback Johnny Gonda.
The result was more positive for Brownsville High School, as the Brownies captured their fifth victory in toppling the Monongahela Wildcats, 14-0. The game was played in a steady downpour. Nate Barnette scored both Brownie touchdowns on running plays.
The East Pike Run Buccaneers ran into a buzz saw as they were defeated by Coach Ray Barker’s undefeated Marion Generals, 22-12. A large crowd was on hand at Fairhope to witness the Class B attraction. Coach Jim Underwood’s boys kept the game close until the Generals scored late in the fourth quarter to ice the win.
– Your feedback about these Brownsville Time Capsule articles is appreciated. Please mail your comments to Pete Skirchak, Brownsville Editor, Herald-Standard, Box 570, Brownsville, PA 15417, or e-mail pskirchak@heraldstandard.com.
Glenn Tunney may be contacted at 724-785-3201 or by writing to 6068 National Pike East, Grindstone, PA 15442.