BROWNSVILLE  TIME CAPSULE  

                                              Brownsville Time Capsule looks back over the years

                                                          through the archives of the Brownsville Telegraph

Fifteen Years Ago - January 1985

*        Local paparazzi flocked to the Laurel Mall Cinema IV, Connellsville, for this area's own version of a Hollywood premiere Thursday.  The theater was the scene of the national premiere of the movie "Maria's Lovers," filmed in Brownsville in 1983.  At the showing were two of the film's stars, John Savage and Vincent Spano.  Unable to attend were Nastassja Kinski, Keith Carradine and Robert Mitchum.  Others at the press conference which followed the film's showing were Denise Bock of Brownsville, who was the stand-in for Nastassja Kinski, and Mary Hogan of Mt. Pleasant, who played "Maria's" grandmother in the film.

*        Curtain went up on the 1985 Brownsville Biddy League season on January 14, and at the end of the day it was Jaycees, Eagles, Sons of Italy, Corner Amoco and BYMC picking up victories.  Among the high scorers in the games were the Jaycees' Paul Scott, the Eagles' Jason Burchick, Sons of Italy's Walter Wall, Corner Amoco's Blair Johnson and BYMC's Marcus Ondra.

*        Dom DeGuglielmo, owner of Dom's Foodland which closed December 29 after 21 years in business, said today that the store may reopen under new ownership as early as next month.  DiGuglielmo said he is currently in the process of selling the franchise to his sons, Ronald and Donald, who were managers of the old store.  The store closed last month after the 33 employees covered under the contract — a total of 46 worked in the store — refused to accept concessions including a 20 per cent wage cut, limiting vacations to two weeks and cutting holidays.  DiGuglielmo said he was hurt the employees refused to take the concessions, but maintained cuts were necessary if he was to stay in business.
 

Thirty Years Ago - January 1970

*        The 38-month long legal battle is over for suspended Brownsville Area Assistant Supervising Principal George Alberts, and he has won.  Yesterday the State Supreme Court handed down a decision on the controversial case and ruled in Alberts' favor.  He is to receive back pay plus interest, estimated to be nearly $50,000.

*        The Pittsburgh Steelers, who finished the 1969 season tied with the Chicago Bears for worst record with a 1 - 13 slate, won a coin toss and earned the right to the first draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft later this month.

*        Neil Simon's smash comedy "Odd Couple" is now in rehearsal at Brownsville Area High School by members of the Thespian Troupe.  Lead roles will be played by senior Barry Watson (Oscar Madison) and junior Bruce Sparks (Felix Ungar).  Others in the cast include junior Alan MacDonnell, junior Shean Grossman, junior Bernie Sabatini, junior Sam Basile, junior Deeva Dulaney, and sophomore Marcia Silberstein.
 

Fifty Years Ago - January 1950

*        R. Donald Conn was elected president of the board of directors of the Brownsville Free Public Library at the annual meeting in the library on January 12.  Mrs. H. A. Morrow was re-elected vice president and Miss Ethel Lockridge was re-elected secretary.  Mr. Conn succeeds Dr. H. D. Graham, who held the post for two years.  Thomas L. Stokes was elected a director to fill a vacancy, and Mrs. Leslie Rubin, Mr. Conn and John Matta Jr. were chosen as trustees.  Members of the board presented a gift to Mrs. Howard Parrish, nee Eleanor Junk, the librarian, who was married recently.

*        Brownsville movie theaters are offering a mixed fare on January 13.  The Plaza Theater is playing "The Lady Takes A Sailor," starring Jane Wyman and Dennis Morgan.  The Bison offers Jiggs and Maggie in "Jackpot Jitters" plus Jimmy Wakely in "Roaring Westward."  The "new" Strand Theater features Dana Andrews, Marta Toren and Stephen McNally in "Sword in the Desert."  Those more inclined to dance than sit at the movies can visit the Sunset Ballroom on the National Pike East, where the Penn Craft Rod and Gun Club is sponsoring a Sunday dance on January 15.  Music will be provided by Russ Romero and his Orchestra, known as "the second Perry Como."

*        The Brownsville Brownies basketball team overpowered Rostraver high school at the Front Street gymnasium, winning 62 - 29.  The victorious Blue and White, coached by Ed Addis, were led by "Ace" Groom, who scored 22 points.  Harold Jones, Billy Kovach and Tony Marghella also scored well.  Friday night will mark the big clash with Monessen high school.
 

Seventy Years Ago - January 1930

*        Genevieve Frederick, six day old daughter of Walter and Anna Frederick of Brier Hill, yesterday was adjudged winner of the New Year's baby contest sponsored by merchants of the Brownsvilles.  She will be showered with a host of gifts.  Little Genevieve was born scarcely more than three hours after the year 1930 was officially ushered in.  A son born to Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Novinski, Albany, at 7:50 a.m. was in second place, while a son born to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Miller of South Brownsville was third.  Genevieve will receive a pair of shoes from Claybaugh and Milliken's; a fresh bottle of milk for six days from J. F. Watkins and Son dairy; an ivory bassinette from Woodward-Wright; a comb, brush and rattle set from Wick and Brown's; a $1 credit on a bank account at the Brownsville Trust company; and many more prizes.

*        Loss of more than $50,000 was suffered in Fredericktown on January 6 when fire of an unknown origin destroyed the Keystone grist mill, one of the old landmarks in eastern Washington County.  Breaking out on the fourth floor of the large frame building in a large supply of hay, the flames soon engulfed the wood structure, which had been standing for more than 80 years.   The fire was discovered shortly after midnight by Mrs. H. H. Pornell who lives nearby.

*      Lerner's Tailor Shop is having a sale starting January 9, 1930.  Men's dress pants, usually $5, can be had for $1.95.  Suits are marked down from $18.00 to $5.00.  Topcoats that normally sell for $22.50 are on sale for $7.  The banner at the top of the advertisement reads, "Your last chance to buy a suit, topcoat or overcoat from Lerner's Bankrupt Stock at unheard of prices.  Never again will you have this golden opportunity!"