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Part 1: Sport Events --- Scroll for Part 2: - Random Events
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October 17, 1941 -- Dolph Tokarczyk's touchdown in the fourth quarter ties the game and Johnny Paskosky's extra point gives Coaldale a lead it would maintain as the Tigers earn a 7-6 victory over Nesquehoning. Tokarczyk's one-yard scoring plunge caps a 60-yard drive and Paskosky splits the uprights with his conersion kick. For the Nesquers, Marty Marek provides his team their only touchdown. |
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Part 2: - Random Events
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| Coaldale High School Saturday, November 8, 2014 DONALD R. SERFASS/TIMES NEWS Coaldale High School on Phillips Street. 1923 Coaldale High School opens, the first school in town to offer a four-year program. Fall 1964 CHS joins the Panther Valley Jointure. The former high school building is used for junior high school and elementary grades. June 1973 With the opening of the new Panther Valley High School building, CHS is closed. June 1974 CHS is deeded to the Borough of Coaldale. June 1975 A group of Coaldale residents headed by Mayor Ronald P. Plocinik appeals to all graduates to galvanize efforts to "Save the Tiger!" and turn the former school into a community center. The group organizes under the name Coaldale High School Complex. 1996 The property is valued at $369,270 during Schuylkill County's reassessment initiative. October 2010 With at least $590,000 in repair work needed, the building is put up for sale by Coaldale borough council, along with the playground and of the land. Council also requests a full financial disclosure for the previous three years from the Coaldale Complex Committee, which operates the building for the borough. |
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December 13, 2006
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| January 27, 2004 The U.S. Senate has approved the sum of $500,000 for an in-depth National Academy of Sciences study into the dumping of fly ash and its impact on ground and surface water supplies. The announcement is seen as a win by individuals trying to provide for a clean future. The waste material is currently being dumped into the unlined Springdale Stripping Pit, which borders Tamaqua, Coaldale and Summit Hill. Seen by many as hazardous material, the current dumping operation has spawned outrage in the area and led to the creation of the Army For a Clean Environment. |
| Saturday, January 24, 2004
Gunplay ended in tragedy in Coaldale when an unidentified teenager was apparently accidentally shot in the head. Ambulance personnel were dispatched to 143 Second St. shortly before 10 p.m. The 17-year-old male victim was reportedly visiting a friend at the home. The victim was treated at St. Luke's Miners Hospital, Coaldale, before being flown to the Lehigh Valley Trauma Center, Salisbury Township, where he later died. The weapon is described as a .22-caliber rifle. Coaldale Police are investigating the circumstances behind the shooting. |
| April 15, 1997 Coaldale Councilwoman Claire Remington proposed the borough pull out of the Panther Valley School District and join the Tamaqua Area School District. Remington contended Coaldale was not being well-served by Panther Valley and claimed the town was "being shortchanged" in district matters. The proposal came at the time when the board began efforts to elect its directors on an at-large basis, as opposed to the geographical basis in which Coaldale had two elected directors. Coaldale officials argued at the time that with only 1,100 registered voters, the town would have little chance of getting people from the community elected in the district that also includes Lansford, Nesquehoning and Summit Hill. |
| Jan. 22, 1990 The question posed before a capacity crowd of roughly 150 people in Coaldale was “Can anyone put a price on a life?” The answer given by Coaldale emergency officials, who were stressing the importance of the community’s present 911 emergency communications system, was “no.” Emergency officials from the Coaldale Fire Company and Community Ambulance Association explained to town residents that the borough council’s November decision to switch to the Schuylkill County Communications Service and drop the 911 service offered by the Carbon County system could cost the loss of lives and homes. |
| May 10, 1979 The Coaldale State General Hospital is saving big money by burning coal. Hospital administrator Frank E. Wehr told the board of trustees last night that using coal is saving the hospital about $6,000 a month. |
| February 28, 1977 A resolution naming Mrs. M. Evelyn Gaydos of Coaldale a "permanent member" of the board of directors, Carbon-Schuylkill Industrial Development Corporation, was adopted by the board at its meeting in Edgemont Lodge, Lansford. President Joseph Snoha was in charge of the meeting. The resolution stated that Mrs. Gaydos was a charter member of the board, a past president, and had served faithfully with CSIDC's predecessors in helping created jobs for Panther Valley residents. |
| November 30, 1977 Janie Lawson, 13-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Lawson of Coaldale, captured the Harvest Queen title at the annual Turkey Bowl Twirling Festival at Hegins. In addition, the young miss also won first place in "best appearing majorette," first place in "novice solo twirling," and several other awards during the events. After competing against 26 twirlers in her age division, she will now be competing in the intermediate twirling class. |
| February 4, 1976 More than 150 people jammed the Ridge Terrace Community Center in Coaldale for the annual CYO Spelling Bee. Two pupils from St. Joseph's Parochial School, Jim Thorpe, and another from Ss. Peter and Paul's Parochial School, Lehighton, ememrged as the winners from among the nearly 50 contestants. Ricky Mueller of St. Joseph's School won the eighth grade event, while schoolmate Jacqueline Sterner was teh seventh grade chapion. Carol Farrell of Ss. Peter and Paul's was the sixth grade champion. |
| March 24 1976 When Brenda Kuba became the Coaldale Fire Company's first active female firefighter in this area, it created a ticklish problem for news reporters. What should be her proper title in news stories firewoman or firefighter? Coaldale Fire Company member Jack Soberick set the media straight by saying "Brenda, along with her male counterparts, are all firefighters. The term firemen is reserved for persons who tend to furnaces or boilers in large buildings." |
| January 19, 1974 About 300 persons were in attendance at the third annual Firemen's Ball. The gala, sponsored by the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, was held in Victory Band Hall on Sixth Street. The highlight of the event was the crowning of a queen and the naming of a court. Donya Warcholak was crowned the queen. Her court consisted of Cindy Hedes, Lisa Zubey, and Peggy Matula. Providing entertainment were the Happy Cavaliers, a polka group. |
| January 21, 1974 About 300 persons were in attendance at the third annual Firemen's Ball, sponsored by the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. It was held in the Coaldale Victory Band Hall. The highlight was the crowning of a queen, Donya Warcholak, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Warcholak. Her court consisted of Cindy Hedes, Lisa Zubey, and Peggy Matula. The funds raised will be used towards the purchase of much needed equipment. |
| April 30, 1973 Navy Lieutenant Michael J. Panchura Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Panchura Sr., Coaldale, participated in the massive flood relief operations in the Medjierda River Valley in Tunis. He is a 1963 graduate of Coaldale High School and a 1968 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. As a member of Antisubmarine Helicopter Training Squadron Three, Panchura helped in rescuing Tunisians found clinging to trees, roofs, or high ground in the stricken area. His squad also transported food, medical, and other relief supplies. |
| April 25, 1972 Police Chief Donald Butts of Coaldale today issued a stern warning to anyone apprehended for firing at street lights in the borough with air rifles. According to Chief Butts, persons caught will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The principal targets have been the lights on Kline's Hill area and residents are complaining of the darkness and difficulty in walking the road due to the absence of light. |
| March 14, 1970 Bob Parfitt of Coaldale fires a 56 game to capture top individual honors in the Annual State Dart Tournament, held in Limeport. Parfitt, shooting for the West Ward Rod and Gun Club, helps his team finish fourth in a field of 30 teams. Other members of the team include John Lazur, Bob Hoben, Len Hoben and Fishie Castagna. |
| September 2, 1970 PVHS.The breakdown of enrollment includes 523 students to be in the senior high school in Lansford, 482 in the junior high school in Summit Hill, 367 in grades 4-6 in Coaldale; 373 in grades 1-3 in Nesquehoning; and 141 in kindergarten. |
| October 13, 1970 The swearing in of Coaldale’s first councilwoman highlighted the monthly meeting of the borough council. Mrs. Margaret Sharpe, 102 Greenwood St., received the oath of office from Mayor John Berezniak at the start of the session. She will fill the vacancy created by the death of her husband, Kieran, on Aug. 20. He was elected to office on the Democratic ticket in the West Ward last November. Sharpe will assume all duties and serve on all committees that had been assigned to her late husband. Frank Petrash, president, presided at the meeting. |
| September 6, 1969 A Coaldale soldier was killed when a helicopter was hit by enemy fire and crashed and burned in Phuoc Vin, Vietnam, while on a mission. The family of Capt. Norman L. Nesterak, 24, a brilliant student in high school and at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, was informed that he was killed on Sept. 3. Surviving are his wife, the former Brenda Hoffman; a son, Norman Jr., five months old, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nesterak of Coaldale, and a sister, Mrs. Edward Newhard. |
| May 21, 1965 The Schuylkill County commissioners informed members of Coaldale Borough Council and school board that they would be willing to share the costs of razing dilapidated buildings in the borough. The county Tax Claim Bureau owns 17 such properties in the community for nonpayment of taxes and the commissioners said they would pay a share. Cited as a problem was the razing of some structures which are half of double homes or are located in a row of houses. |
| March 19, 1964 The West All-Stars, coached by Summit Hill's Rich Davidyock, rally to post a 77-73 victory over their East counterparts in the Sixth Annual Lansford Lions Club All-Star spectacular. Pottsville's Ron Morris pours in a game-high 30 points for the winners, who use a 26-11 fourth quarter to decide the outcome. Coaldale's Jeb Hart scores all 12 of his points in the final frame to lead the comeback. Coaldale's Kerm Hoffman chips in with 11 points. |
| July 1, 1963 The borough of Coaldale has been awarded $29,134 in a federal grant to aid in the creation of a public park in that area of Lehigh Street which has been marred by mine subsidence. Twenty-three homes have been affected in the cave-in area, and future plans under the transformation project call for filling in a hole which is estimated to be up to 150 feet in depth once dwellings in the area are demolished. It has been indicated from state and federal studies that the complete redevelopment work could cost up to $200,000. |
| September 7, 1963 A potent rushing attack helps Coaldale cruise to a 33-0 win over Jim Thorpe. The Tigers, coached by Geno Poli, collect 355 yards and all five of their touchdowns on the ground. Bob Winsko opens the scoring in the first quarter with a 34-yard run. Before halftime, the winners also receive TDs from Tom Terry (11 yards), Mike Winsko (seven yards) and John Yankovich (17 yards). Ken Hoffman accounts for the final tally with an 11-yard scoring run in the final frame. Interceptions by Terry and B. Winsko help preserve the shutout. |
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October 26, 1963 |
| November 2, 1963 Coaldale's solid defense, led by Tommy Terry, limits Summmit Hill to just 33 yards rushing and the Tigers post an 18-0 shutout in the last game ever between the two schools. The winners, coached by Geno Poli, also receive a defensive touchdown as Martin Kodlick intercepts a pass and returns it 48 yards for a score. Coaldale receives two TDs from Bob Winsko, who hits paydirt from two yards out and also catches a six-yard scoring strike from George Hoffman. |
| July 21, 1962 Federal agents conducted raids on establishments containing coin-operated gambling devices which don't carry $250 federal tax stamps. Such machines were located in Tamaqua and Coaldale, along with 10 other Schuylkill County communities. The agents uncovered 97 machines, with value of missing tax stamps totaling $24,250. Machine owners were ordered to report to the Pottsville office of the Internal Revenue Department to get the stamps or make settlement. |
| November 9, 1962 Ed Kassak scores two touchdowns and leads a high-powered offense in helping Coaldale roll to a 41-0 victory over Ashland. Kassak reaches the end zone on runs of eight and one yard and the Tigers finish the contest with 329 yards on the ground. Johnny Yankovich (two yards), Billy Edwards (eight yards) and Bob Winsko (five yards) all contribute TD runs for the winners, coached by Geno Poli, while Edwards also tosses a 12-yard TD pass to Richie Miller. |
| February 16, 1960 Burt Gbur hits for a game-high 21 points to help lead Coaldale to a 62-51 Black Diamond League win over Tamaqua. Gbur tallies eight of his points in the third quarter to help the Tigers pull away. The winners also receive 18 points from George Stoffey while Donnie Popik chips in with eight and Mike Domin adds seven. For the Raiders, Lee Neifert tallies a team-high 16 points. |
| December 1, 1960 Marian's Joe Novak catches a 14-yard touchdown pass to account for his team's only score as the North and South finish in a 6-6 tie at the annual Dream Football Game. The Colts' Joe Rudolph and Gabe Waak also represent the North squad. The South team, which earns the tie with a TD run from Blue Mountain's Travis Mayberry, includes local players from Coaldale (William Hedish, Bob Heisler, Joe Terry) and Tamaqua (Gary Chickirda, Dale Titus). Coaching the teams are Marian's "Wink" Gallagher and Coaldale's Geno Poli. |
| December 1, 1960 Marian's Joe Novak catches a 14-yard touchdown pass to account for his team's only score as the North and South finish in a 6-6 tie at the annual Dream Football Game. The Colts' Joe Rudolph and Gabe Waak also represent the North squad. The South team, which earns the tie with a TD run from Blue Mountain's Travis Mayberry, includes local players from Coaldale (William Hedish, Bob Heisler, Joe Terry) and Tamaqua (Gary Chickirda, Dale Titus). Coaching the teams are Marian's "Wink" Gallagher and Coaldale's Geno Poli. |
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August 27, 1959 Vince Gogal slugs a home run and combines with George Fairley on throwing a three-hitter to help lift Nesquehoning to a 3-2 win over Coaldale in the Panther Valley Little League tournament. The winners score all three of their runs in the first inning, two of them coming on Gogal's blast. Joseph Drosdak and Stan Ligenza each finish with a hit and run scored for the Nesquers. Fairley gains the pitching win, striking out six. |
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| November 24, 1959 Peter Magazzu, manager of the Angela Theater, Coaldale, will have as his guests this evening members of the Coaldale High School football squad, coaches, teachers, band and majorettes at an old-fashioned pep rally to be held from 6:30-7 o'clock in preparation for the Lansford-Coaldale football game to be held at Lansford Thanksgiving Day. Following the pep rally, the group will witness the movie, "Hound Dog Man," now being featured at the theater. |
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| February 7, 1958 Burt Gbur scores a game-high 17 points to lead Coaldale to a convincing 62-38 Black Diamond League win over host Weatherly. The Tigers, coached by Tom Leonard, put the game out of reach early by bolting to a 30-12 halftime advantage. The winners also receive 16 points from Pal Evans while Greg Posta chips in with 10 points and Pete Cheplick contributes eight. Leading the Wreckers are Earley and Shaffer, who both tally 10 points. |
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| April 3, 1958 Two miners, a laborer and a motorman were injured about 9 a.m. today at the No. 9 mine of the Coaldale Mining Co. They were on the third level when they were knocked down by a rush of air, a colliery source said. Three of the men were admitted to the Coaldale State Hospital. They are: Edward Zarsky, 48, of 136 West Ridge St., Lansford; Alex Gardiner, 55, of 114 East Snyder Ave., Lansford; and James Evans, 37, of 9 West Moyer Ave., Coaldale. The fourth man, James Partel, 705 East Ridge St., Lansford, was treated by Dr. Marvin Evans, company physician. |
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| June 23, 1958 The Coaldale Advisory Council named a six-man committee to investigate the reported poor financial condition of the borough. At a recent meeting of the borough council, the doubt was expressed that there would be suficient money to pay borough employees until the 1958 tax collections begin coming in. The committee is comprised of Benjamin Welsh, Charles Mantz, Leonard Fritz, Mrs. John Burkey, Mrs. Anna Reinhold, and Kieran Sharpe. Sharpe is president of the Advisory Council. |
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| January 15, 1957 Coaldale rides big offensive games from Lou Gregus and Bobby Parfitt to gain a 67-63 Black Diamond League come-from-behind victor over Tamaqua. Gregus pours in 21 points while Parfitt follows closely behind with 20 as the Tigers, who trail at halftime, take the lead for good with a 17-11 third quarter. The winners, coached by Bob Wear, also receive 10 points from both Greg Posta and Ed Trechak. |
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| March 30, 1957 John Phillips, Coaldale, is serving as a district supervisor of the Interchange System of the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Quakertown to Scranton. Phillips served formerly at the temporary interchange at Emerald, near Slatington, that station having been eliminated. Other personnel stationed at the Pocono Interchange includes James V. Bonner, Lansford, senior officer. Serving as tellers are Peter Steber of Lansford and Joseph Boyle of Tamaqua. |
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| July 15, 1957 The Coaldale Advisory Council reported that Water Street (Route 209) in Coaldale is again cracking and sinking because of mine subsidence.The street, resurfaced last October by the state highway department, has several cracks of sufficient width and depth to warrant extreme caution by motorists. The borough council will also be asked to repair openings in other streets within the community where damage has been caused by subsidence. Thus far, the major portion of damage has been on Water Street, although damage is now being reported on both Ridge and High Streets. |
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| October 21, 1957 Indications are that the peak of the flu epidemic that hit this area last week, forcing the closing of schools and cancellation of football games and social events, may have been reached. Immaculate Conception grade school in Jim Thorpe remained closed, but classes continued in other Jim Thorpe schools. Regional schools that reopened today were West Penn Township, Mahoning Township, East Penn Township, Palmerton, Summit Hill, and Coaldale. Nesquehoning and Marian Catholic will reopen tomorrow. |
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| May 11, 1956 Coaldale receives first-place finishes from both Lou Gregus and Joe DeMatto in the annual Southern Division track and field meet. Gregus wins the mile, breaking the tape in 4:53.5, while DeMatto claims the javelin with a throw of 160-5. Lansford's Russell "Bussy" Early competes in the 180 low hurdles for the first ever in a meet and comes away with gold. Other locals to earn first-place finishes include Summit Hill's Dick Ackerman (pole vault) and Tamauqua's Jack Zeigler (tie in high jump). |
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| June 25, 1956 At a special meeting of the Board of Education, Coaldale names Bob Wear the school's new head football and basketball coach. Wear also is named as a physical education instructor. The new mentor succeeds Andy Kalen, who resigned to take a position on the coaching staff at George Washington University. Wear lettered at Penn State in 1941 and also played in three games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1942. |
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| November 22, 1956 Johnny Horoschak scores three touchdowns to help Coaldale claim a convincing 39-7 Thanksgiving Day win over Lansford. Horoschak reaches the end zone on runs of five and seven yards and also returns an interception 68 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers, coached by Bob Wear, receive an 11-yard scoring pass from Bob Parfitt to Lou Gregus and TD runs from Jack Flyzik and Joe DeMatto. |
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| May 3, 1955 Coaldale's mile relay team of Bob Scutta, Stan Laskos, Mike Mayernik and Joe Ozefovich win the final event of the meet against Tamaqua to pull out a 52-48 upset victory. Scutta wins two individual events, taking the 440 and the pole vault. The Tigers also receive first-place finishes from Ozefovich (100), Lou Gregus (mile) and Bob Plocinik (high jump) while the 880 relay team also breaks the tape. |
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March 15, 1954 The Lankalis Hotel on High Street, Coaldale, burned to the ground early this morning and the adjoining residence of Alex Shanosky was badly gutted by the blaze. Firemen from Coaldale and Lansford responded to the fire, which gained fast headway and was difficult to combat because of a prevailing strong wind. Owned by John Lankalis, 39, the hotel building, a three-story frame structure, was completely destroyed by the blaze, which had its inception at about 6 a.m. The cause of the fire has not been determined. |
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| June 2, 1952 A pretty 18-year-old Schuylkill County girl reigned today as queen of the Pennsylvania Lions Club 29th annual state convention in Pittsburgh. Melorose Hoffman, a senior at Coaldale High School, will be crowned at coronation ceremonies tonight. As state queen, she will journey to Mexico City on June 18 to attend the group's international convention. There she will vie for the Lions' International queen title. |
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| March 2, 1951 George Welsh pours in a game-high 25 points, 11 of them coming at the foul line, to help Coaldale close out regular season play with a 77-70 comeback win over Lehighton. The Tigers, coached by Andy Kalen, fall behind 10-0 and 21-12 before rallying for the victory. Bob Ashmore and Ginger Kalen each finish with 15 points for the winners, while Eddie Shubeck also reaches double figures with 10. |
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| January 13, 1950 A big fourth quarter rally by Coaldale lifts the Tigers to a 43-38 victory over Summit Hill. Led by Steve Bitsko and George Welsh, Coaldale uses a 15-2 final period to pull out the win. Bitsko finishes with a team-high 14 points while Welsh contributes 11. The winners, coached by Andy Kalen, also receive eight points from Lauriano Paulo. Earning game-honors was the Hillers' Bill Risavy, who netted 17 points. |
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| October 6, 1950 George Welsh tosses a pair of touchdown passes to help Coaldale gain a 13-0 victory over Scranton Tech. Welsh breaks a scoress tie on the first play of the fourth quarter when he fires a 17-yard TD pass to Bob Zebian. The Tigers, who extend their unbeaten string to 22 straight games with the win, hit paydirt again when Welsh hits George McCartney with a four-yard scoring strike. Welsh also finishes the contest with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. |
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| November 10, 1950 George Welsh throws a pair of touchdown passes to lead Coaldale to a 13-6 victory over Minersville. Welsh opens the scoring with a seven-yard TD toss to Bob "Butch" Zebian and finds George McCartney with a nine-yard hookup in the second half. The Tigers also receive a strong rushing attack from Eddie Shubeck, who runs for 92 yards in the game. |
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| November 23, 1950 Eddie Shubeck scores all four of his team's touchdowns to lead Coaldale to a 26-0 Thanksgiving Day win over rival Lansford. Shubeck reaches the end zone on runs of two, three, four and six yards and finishes the contest with 68 yards rushing. The Tigers' George Welsh runs for 40 yards and passes for 96 more. Coaldale's defense allows just 48 yards and also forces five turnovers, including interceptions by Bernie Karpa and Jake Novitsky. |
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| June 10, 1949 The Coaldale Sea Scouts drew quite the crowd as they marched in the bond parade in Pottsville. The unit was led by Skipper Isaac Evans and Mate Edward Arner. They left the Coaldale Legion Home at 6 p.m. in a chartered bus. The Sea Scouts received a bell from a Navy ship to use at their meetings and drills at the American Legion home, which will be mounted and inscribed there. |
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January 6, 1949 |
| January 6, 1949 Coaldale shuts out Mahanoy Township in the first quarter and then hangs on to post a 45-39 victory. The Tigers, who gain a 13-0 first-quarter start, receive a game-high 22 points from Ted Lithgow. Bill Firman contributed nine points to the win while Joe Lopez also chips on with seven points. |
| April 30, 1949 Four local relay teams compete in the annual Penn Relays. Coaldale, Summit Hill, Lansford and Lehighton are all represented at the event, held in Philadelphia. Coaldale's foursome of Joe Kerak, Lauriano Paulo, Bill "Honeyboy" Evans and George McCartney finish their heat in fifth place but turn in the top local time with a mark of 3:44.3. Lehighton had the next best time among the locals, finishing in 3:44.7. |
| August 25, 1949 After Coaldale scores two runs in the top of the ninth inning to tie its game with Lansford, pinch-hitter Mark Sibbach delivers a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the frame to give the Panthers a 5-4 Panther Valley League playoff win. "Stosh" Porambo doubles to lead off the home ninth, and after a flyout, Sibbach delivers a hit to right-center. Tommy Edwards collects two hits and scores a run for the winners while Paul Vitek adds an RBI hit and run scored. |
| January 9, 1948 Frank Trimmel tallies a game-high 13 points to help Coaldale gain a 43-35 Black Diamond League victory over Tamaqua. The Tigers, coached by Tom Raymer, use a 14-3 third quarter to take control of the game. Mike Gregus and Steve Gbur contribute to the win by each scoring 10 points. Coaldale also receives eight from Paul Zlock. For the Blue Raiders, Metrick nets a team-high 12 points. |
| June 16, 1948 The body of T/Sgt. William P. Hoben of Coaldale, who died in North Africa on May 11, 1943, from injuries sustained in a Flying Fortress crash, arrived in Tamaqua at 9:52 a.m. today. A military funeral will be held on Thursday, with a solemn requiem Mass in St. Mary's Church, Coaldae. A military burial will be made in the Soldiers' Plot in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Bloomingdale. |
| August 6, 1948 Lou Brida strikes out nine batters and tosses all nine innings to help lead last-place Coaldale to an 8-5 upset win over first-place Lehighton in a Panther Valley League contest. Mike Sachon collects three hits and scores three runs for the winners, while Gene Ambrose adds a pair of hits and two runs. Coaldale also receives two hits from Brida, John Welsh, Al Zummers and Frank Radocha. |
| February 14, 1947 Coaldale's Charley Berry nearly outscores the entire Blythe Township team and the Tigers cruise to a 68-23 Black Diamond League win. Berry finishes with 20 points in the contest while teammate Joe Zenko tallies 14 points. The winners, coached by Tom Raymer, race to a 30-7 halftime lead and also receive 13 points from Frank "Amos" Trimmel and nine from Eddie Flyzik. |
| Friday, July 10, 2015 July 10, 1947 Johnny Goyda collects two hits and scores three runs as Coaldale posts a 6-1 Panther Valley League victory over Seek. Jimmy Bonner scatters six hits, walks two and strikes out four to gain the mound win. Al Zummers contributes an RBI triple, a double and run scored while Andy Yarosky finishes with a run-scoring double and a single. The winners also receive a triple from Andy Soley and a double from Paul Radocha |
| March 13, 1946 The entire ration board that serves Lansford, Summit Hill, Tamaqua, and Nesquehoning resigned at Tamaqua because of not being in accord with the present policy of price control emanating from Washington. The board members who tendered their resignations were James H. Gildea, Coaldale, chairman; David L. Miller, Tamaqua, and E. R. Neiswender, New Ringgold. Gildea said he cannot condone O.P.A.'s snooping on merchants and store keepers. |
| August 9, 1946 Joe "Flatty" Klepic tosses a six-hitter and strikes out 12 batters to lead Coaldale to a 9-1 Panther Valley League win over Mauch Chunk. Klepic also helps out his own cause by collecting two hits at the plate and scoring a run. Steve Polansky paces the offense with three hits, one a triple, and two runs scored. The winners also receive two hits from Eddie Marasiak, Tilly Salvadore and Andy Semko. |
| July 14, 1946 Dewitt Bowden pitches a one-hitter to lead Coaldale to a 3-0 Panther Valley League victory over Tamaqua. Bowden walks three, strikes out 12 and allows just a double to Billy Secone in the second inning. Evan Sneddon collects two hits and scores two runs for the winners, while Lenny Yelito finishes with two hits. Coaldale also receives a hit and run scored from Tilly Salvadore. |
| January 6, 1945 Mrs. Ella Babinetz, Lansford, learned today that her son, Pfc Frank L. Babinetz, had died Dec. 18 of wounds suffered in military action in Europe. It was the second time he had been wounded and it was the third casualty to be reported to his mother in less than three months. Previously two other sons had been wounded in the war. Frank was married to the former Helen Paslawsky of Coaldale and was the father of two children, Jocelyn, 9, and Michael, 7. |
| May 29, 1945 Andy Semko collects three hits and scores a run to help Coaldale gain an 8-2 Panther Valley League victory over Tamaqua. The winners, coached by Al Zummers, receive a strong pitching performance from "Bud" Popik, who tosses all nine innings, allows seven hits, and strikes out eight batters. Mike Harb also contributes to the win with two hits and two runs scored while Eddie Marasiak adds a hit and two runs scored. |
| June 18, 1944 Summit Hill pushes across two ninth-inning runs to pull out a 6-4 Black Diamond League victory over Coaldale. "Jake" KoKozuch gains the pitching win with a five-hit, 10-strikeout performance. Tony George, Joe McHugh, Donnie Frey and Kness all collect two hits for the winners while Francie McHugh scores a pair of runs. Coaldale pitcher "Punjab" Hedash also strikes out 10 batters but suffers the loss. |
| July 26, 1945 Larry Getz tosses a five-hit shutout to lead Mauch Chunk to a 5-0 Panther Valley League win over Coaldale. Getz strikes out eight batters and receives offensive support from his brother. Albert Getz finishes 3-for-3 for a run scored for the winners, while Joe Watto adds two hits and a run scored. "Butch" Williams, "Jake" Eberts and Clarence Herman all chip in with a hit and a run. |
| August 3, 1944 Steve "Punjab" Hedash throws a four-hitter to help Coaldale claim a 5-2 Panther Valley League win over Tamaqua. Hedash allows two unearned runs, walks three and strikes out three. He also chips in with two hits at the plate. Andy Semko finishes with two hits, two runs scored and a stolen base, while Al Zummers and Eddie Marasiak also collect two hits and a run scored. |
| February 25, 1943 Coaldale finishes the season with a .500 record after holding off Shenandoah for a 57-46 victory. Mike Rohall leads the way for the Tigers with 19 points while teammate Johnny Harb finishes close behind with 17. The winners, coached by Tom Raymer, outscore their opponent in every quarter. Palkovich chips in with nine points while Teno adds eight. |
| June 20, 1943 A one-hit shutout by "Punjab" Hedash lifts Coaldale to a 3-0 Panther Valley League win over Lansford. Hedash, who walks four and strikes out four, allows just a sixth-inning bloop single to Frankie Hlavaty. Joe Pisanic and "Bucko" Dally both finish with two hits and a run scored while Evan Sneddon contributes two hits and an RBI. |
| August 23, 1943 Private Joseph Mahala, who was reported a prisoner of the Japanese on June 26 in the Philippine Islands, is now reported uninjured, well, and tells his parents, Mr. and MRs. Frank Mahala, Andreas R. 1, that they should not worry. Private Mahala is interned at Philippine Military Prison Camp No. 13, according to word received by his parents. He was education in Coaldale public schools where he was a former resident. He enlisted in the military in 1939 and is a member of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church, Coaldale. |
| December 23, 1943 Lansford's Joe Sarabok and Paul Kucan are both named to the Associated Press All-State football team. Sarabok, nicknamed "Coco", was a 5-10, 175-pound guard for the Panthers. Kucan, nicknamed "Corp" made the team as a 6-0, 176-pound end on offense. Five other Lansford players are named as Honorable Mentions. They include Bernie Sniscak, Jackie Chuckran, Andy Lukac, John Krauchick and Steve Orachko. Coaldale's Jackie McGeehan also earns honorable mention status. |
| January 27, 1942 Coaldale jumps out to an early lead and cruises to a 30-17 Black Diamond League win over rival Lansford. Andy Bitsko scores six of his game-high 13 points in the opening quarter as the Tigers gain an 8-2 start. The winners, who up the margin to 16-6 by halftime, also receive eight points from Evan Zlock. Lansford gets a team-high seven points from "Peanuts" Yanitsky. |
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February 26, 1942 Coaldale races to an early lead and cruises to a 56-27 victory over town rival St. Mary's Catholic. Evan Zlock tallies a game-high 14 points for the winners, who open the contest with a 12-1 run and take a 33-8 advantage by halftime. The Tigers, coached by Andy Kalen, also receive 12 points from Andy Bitsko and 11 from Harb while Kash chips in with six. For St. Mary's, Johnny Welsh scores a team-high nine points. |
| February 27, 1942 Stephen R. Radocha, treasurer of the Coaldale School Board and mining employee of the Lehigh Navigation Coal Company at its No. 8 colliery, was killed instantly at 10 a.m. today by a delayed explosion of dynamite which he and his mine buddy, Raymond Hoffman, also of Coaldale, had placed a few minutes earlier. A native of Czecho Slovakia, he immigrated to this country in 1906. Surviving are his widow and four children. |
| March 5, 1942 Coaldale has given up a son to the cause of America's defense. He is Wash C. Shaffron, 21-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Shaffron, 159 E. Water St., Coaldale. The tersely worded telegram received by his mother from the War Department today expressed regrets over the death, which occurred in the Philippines Dec. 8. The young man was Coaldale High School's representative boy orator in his senior year. Besides his brother, he is survived by four brothers, one of whom, John, is also affiliated in the service of Uncle Sam. |
| November 17, 1941 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Boruch and daughter, Barbara, are at the home of Mr. Boruch's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Boruch, in Coaldale, after a troublesome journey from South Africa. Boruch was employed in Johannesberg as a mining engineer. They had reservations on the Robin Moor to return to the U.S. but it encountered a submarine and was sunk. Then they got reservations on the City of New York ship and were quarantined because their daughter, Barbara, age 4, didn't have smallpox vaccine and there had been a case of it on the ship. She tested negative. |
| November 30, 1940 Charley Melley's one-yard touchdown plunge on the first play of the fourth quarter lifts Coaldale to a 7-0 victory over Lansford in front of 6,000 fans. The Tigers' win, which occurs during a snowstorm, ends the Panthers' undefeated season and chance for an Eastern Conference championship. Melley, who carries 27 times for 71 yards, sets up his winning score by completing a 37-yard pass to Frank Priggins. |
| Via - Anne Girard "November 23, 1935- Seven Coaldale children, trampled to unconciousness in a stampede that followed a false alarm of fire in the crowded Ritz Theatre in Coaldale at 10:16 AM were in the Coaldale Hospital suffering from suffocation and shock. A free show was given the children by J.C.Bright and Co, store of Lansford. Injured are Thomas Jones, 7; George Pavelko, 9; Eugene McGeehan, 8; Marian Stevens, 4; Paul Ginda, 4; Joseph DeLaurentis, 6; and Joseph Nadosky, 9. Many other children were said to have slight injuries." George Pavelko was my Uncle George, John Pavelko's youngest brother. |
November 23, 1939A second-quarter touchdown pass from Frank Priggins to Charley "Broomy" Melley proves to be the difference as Coaldale pulls out a 6-2 Turkey Day win over rival Lansford in a game played before 6,000 fans. A 23-yard run by "Teeler" Jabbo sets up the 15-yard scoring toss, which comes on a fourth down play. Priggins also interceps a desperation pass by the Panthers during the game's final minute to secure the win. |
| June 17, 1933 Thirty-four fire companies and 30 bands were in the line of march this afternoon in Summit Hill, in the concluding feature of the 36th annual convention of the Four County Firemen's Association. Upwards of 3,500 firemen and musicians from Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, and Lehigh counties swarmed into the little mining town. Coaldale was awarded first place prize for the largest company in line with band while Lansford received second prize in the Four County area for best appearing company. |
| May 29, 1931 Fear of being put on the spot kept a Coaldale miner from telling police he was the victim of a blackmail scheme, and it was not until two weeks ago that he summoned the courage to tell police and incidentally caused the arrest of a blackmailer. The prisoner, Samuel O'Grosso, 35, of Coaldale, was held under $1,000 bail by Squire Boyle of Coaldale when given a hearing on the charge of blackmailing Stephen Trani, a Coaldale mine worker. O'Grosso approached Trani and warned him the gang planned to "get rid of" Trani, but he offered to appease the gang if Trani would give him $1,000. The victim of the scheme had been paying O'Grosso in small installments until he informed police of the plot. |
| December 11, 1931 In connection with the other activities of the Coaldale Relief Association, plans were completed this afternoon for a drive for old clothing, the same to start next week. A one day canvas will be made and it is hoped that sufficient apparel will be contributed to meet the wants of the needy and unemployed. The American Legion and the Boy Scouts of Coaldale have combined, and three days have been set for the collection. |
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October 22, 1930 |
| December 31, 1930 The cannibal costume worn by William Davis, 32, of Coaldale, which occasioned much merriment on New Year's eve in the mummers' parade at Summit Hill caused painful injuries when the torch he was carrying ignited the flimsy straw which was a part of the outfit. Davis was rushed to Coaldale hospital where he is receiving treatment for burns of the face and shoulder. When Davis' screams attracted attention to his plight, a number of people standing along the line of march rolled the unfortunate man in the snow |
| November 19, 1927 A blocked punt and recovery in the end zone is the only scoring as Lansford posts a 6-0 win over rival Coaldale. Less then two minutes into the contest, Fuller breaks through the line and records the block. Panther teammate Bolles falls on the loose ball for the touchdown. Lansford, under the direction of Coach Hillegas, does the job on defense limiting its opponent to just 41 total yards. The winners receive strong efforts from Charlie Pollock and Sniscak. |
| October 22, 1922 Thomas Skrabak, age 11, a student in the room of Prof. James Lithgow, Coaldale, met with a distressing accident this afternoon when a dynamite cap exploded in his hands. Three-fingers were badly mutilated. He was rushed to the Coaldale hospital. Some youths found the cap on the banks of the culm creek and brought it to the school yard this afternoon, giving it to young Skrabak. He secured a wire nail and attempted to remove the contents when it exploded. |
| 1897..The trolley line carried passengers for the first time in October 1897 with the fare set at a nickel for a one-way trip between Lansford and Coaldale. The cost was a dime for a ride from Lansford to Tamaqua. In 1899, service was extended to Summit Hill, providing a link to the Switchback Gravity Railroad, which ran between Summit Hill and Mauch Chunk. The Tamaqua and Lansford Street Railway boasted a fine funeral car. Nesquehoning undertaker Joe Gallagher would have remains transported for a final one-way ride on Car No. 14 to St. Mary's, St. Cyril's or St. John's Cemetery. Fatally injured Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co. miners received free passage. The injured men who needed transportation to Coaldale State Hospital or to a doctor's office had the cost of the ride docked from their paychecks. (Abridged from the article "Trolleys Went Everywhere In Early 1900s * State Eventually Built Highway Along Abandoned Line To Mauch Chunk. December 10, 1999|by GEORGIE PAUFF (A free-lance story for The Morning Call) |