6 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, January 11, 1989 .. .the community's news for 100 years By CHARLOT M. DENMON Staff Writer In a year when there were no radios, television or automobiles, A.A. Holbrook resigned his posi- tion with the Wilkes-Barre Times to publish the first Back Mountain newspaper, The Dallas Post. It was early in 1889 when Holbrook opened his publishing business in a small one-room building in Dallas, and as a pub- lisher-editor, printed and hand delivered his two page broadsheet newspaper. There is very little published by local historians about the news- paper, but it is known that Holbrook continued to publish The Dallas Post until 1895 when W.H. Capwell, editor of the Tribune in . Nanticoke and Plymouth, suc- ceeded Holbrook. Capwell printed The Dallas Post in a small building at the corner of Huntsville Road and Norton Avenue in Dallas. In 1900, he added an additional room underneath the building by con- structing a high stone foundation. In the early 1900's, Harry An- derson of Dallas became publisher and editor of The Dallas Post and for a period of time, The Post was located in the building on Main Street now occupied by Dallas Centre Hardware. It was then moved to a site on Lehman Avenue where it continued in operation until September, 1975, when it moved back to the previous loca- tion in Dallas. There were several changes in management in the early 1920's, the better known individuals being Robert Fine and Harry Anderson. In January, 1930, the paper changed ownership with officers of The Dallas Post listed as L.A. McHenry, president; G. Harold Wagner, secretary; and Howard Risley, treasurer and managing editor. During that same month, the day of publication was changed from Saturday to Friday. In the latter part of 1930, Howard Risley and his wife, Myra, assumed sole ownership of The Dallas Post. Risley gathered a knowledge- able and hardworking staff to assist him in the operation of the paper. Among them was Howell Reese, who later left to accept a position abroad. A small newspaper with a circulation of approximately 500 subscribers at the time he pur- chased it, The Dallas Post in- creased both in size and in circu- lation under Risley. ; Until Risley assumed owner- ship, the newspaper had contained little local news. Risley described himself as a true “Country Editor” and before long had developed The Dallas Post into a weekly publica- tion full of local news, human inter- est features and weekly editorials on local issues of the times. He and his staff played an im- portant role in the success of The Dallas Post, which Risley described as “More Than A Newspaper - A Community Institution.” Under his direction, the paper played an active, important role in the prog- ress and development of the Back Mountain area. Through the news- paper, Risley took the lead in such communtiy issues as drunken driving, juvenile delinquency, Back Mountain police mergers, consoli- dation of schools and, through his editorials, spoke out on political issues. In 1953, he published a 64-page special edition of The Dallas Post, paying tribute to the local region. It was Howard Risley who con- vinced the well-known Mrs. T.M.B. Hicks to join the staff of The Dallas Post. “Hix”, as she became known to the residents of the Back Moun- tain, was an outstanding journal- ist and in 1963 she was awarded the coveted Pennsylvania News- paper Women's Association's “Golden Quill” journalist award, for her editorial on the assassina- tion of the late president John F. Kennedy. Risley spearheaded the Back Mountain Memorial Library Auc- tion and each year at auction time donated the use cf his barn and The Dallas Post facilities on Lehman Avenue for the auction. During World War II, The Dallas Post printed numerous stories about servicemen and sent 1,000 free copies to individuals in the service in all parts of the world. The Post also published an accu- mulative casualty list of those in the service from all areas of the Back Mountain. Again, during the Korean conflict, The Post was sent free to those overseas. Howard and Myra Risley pub- lished The Dallas Post until How- ard Risley’s sudden death on Dec. 26, 1962. His wife, Myra, contin- ued as publisher and editor, as- sisted by such persons as “Hix”, Doris Mallin, Leighton Scott, Mrs. Fred Anderson and Robert Bach- man. In 1967, under her direction a special edition of The Dallas Post containing historical information, and news stories and photos of the progress in the Back Mountain was published. Prior to his death, Risley re- modeled the building on Lehman Avenue, adding a large production room on the rear of the building, purchasing new equipment and installing a large press in the lower level where the paper was printed, folded, bundled and sent to the Post Office for mailing to subscrib- ers. Inlate 1967 or early 1968, Myra Risley completed the sale of the paper to Henry Null IV of Clarks Summit, who also owned the Abington Journal. Null named the publishing company Northeastern Publications and hired J.R. Free- man as managing editor of The Dallas Post. Null continued to publish The Dallas Post and the Abington Journal until January, 1971, when he sold both papers to the former Governor of Pennsylva- nia, William W. Scranton, and his family. The former governor named his son, William W. Scranton III, as president of the publications. William Scranton III worked with the Northeastern Publications under Null's ownership for about a year prior to that time, then left to tour Europe. When he returned and the Scranton family purchased the papers from Null, they also pur- chased the former Mountainview in Mountaintop and renamed the publication the Mountaintop Eagle. William Scranton III changed the name of the corpora- tion to Greenstreet News and remained as president, publisher and editor-in-chief of the three newspapers until January, 1973, when he announced he was leav- ing the publishing business to travel abroad to study transcen- dental meditation. Following Scranton’s departure, The Dallas Post, the Abington Journal and the Mountaintop Eagle continued to publish, first under Edward Bush, president and general manager; J.R. Freeman, editor-in-chief; and Doris Mallin, secretary-treasurer and editor of The Dallas Post. Later, Jay Sasall was named president and Bruce McCarthy was hired by Sassall as general manager; J.R. Freeman was editor-in-chief and Doris R. Mallin, secretary and editor. The papers continued in publi- cation until December, 1974, when employees were notified that, ef- fective Dec. 24, Greenstreet News had suspended publication. Im- mediately thereafter, William W. Scranton announced his decision to close the newspapers due to internal problems, and place them on the market. They were advertised for sale through Editor & Publisher maga- zine, and in January, 1975, Ray Carlsen, an Ohio newspaper pub- lisher, and a former public rela- tions director for Proctor & Gamble, purchased the Greenstreet news- papers and renamed the publica- tions Pennaprint, Inc. Carlsen, owner of five newspa- pers in Ohio, was familiar with the local area, having been among the first management personnel at Proctor & Gamble's Charmin plant at Meshoppen and he wanted to return to this area. He and his wife, Blaze, and their three chil- dren made their residence at Har- Jablowski in ‘Outstanding Young Men of America’ list John J. Jablowski, Jr., Con- gressional Assistant to Congress- man Paul E. Kanjorski (D-PA) has been named to the listing of “Out- standing Young Men of America” for the 1988-89 period. “This is a great honor for John, and indicates that his records of academic excellence and public service is recognized as among the finest in the nation,” Congress- man Kanjorski said. “I think we can all be proud that he is making a contribution to our area through his volunteer work as well asin the fine job he does each day in our office for the people for the 11th Congressional District.” Since 1962, the Outstanding Young Americans program has named young men and women to receive national recognition of service to their professions and community. The “Outstanding Young Men of America” program recognizes the achievements of young men between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-seven. Jawblowski is a graduate of St. Leo's School of Ashley, Bishop Hoban High School in Wilkes-Barre and the Pennsylvania State Uni- versity, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Pennsylvania Studies. In addition to his work with Con- gressman Kanjorski, he is enrolled in the Master's Degree program at the University of Scranton. A recipient of the Mabel A. Alex- ander Scholarship in the Liberal Arts College of Penn State, Jab- lowski has served at two-term President of the Penn State Col- lege Democrats and as Co-Direc- tor of the Student Government's Political Affairs Department. While at Penn State /Wilkes-Barre cam- pus, he received the highest stu- dent award, the Eric A. and Jo- sephine Walker Award which rec- ognizes students who demonstrate the qualities of “Character, Schol- arship, Leadership and Citizen- ship.” Prior to joining Congressman Kanjorski's staff, Jablowski served as the Legislative Assistant and District Director to Rep. David Wright (D-63) , Chairman of the Majority Policy Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Represen- tatives. Jablowski serves as Manage- ment Vice-President of the Back Mountain Jaycees, is an active member of the Hanover Township EXTENDING CONGRATS- Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (right) congratulates his assistant, John Jablowski (left) for the special rec- ognition. Volunteer Fire Company and the Luzerne County Young Democrats. He is the son of John J. and Florence A. Jablowski of Hanover Township. “John’s parents, friends, neigh- bors and co-workers are all very happy that his hard work and dedication to others has been rec- ognized. We are very proud of his accomplishments,” Congressman Kanjorski said. Girl Scout Troop 636 holds rededication ceremony Girl Scout Troop 636 of the Back Mountain held their rededication and investiture cermony in De- cember. The troop members put on a show for their parents and ‘served cookies and coffee. The new members welcomed are: Melissa Elliott, Tracy Jones, Melissa Petrikonis, Brianne Rhodes, April Decker, Maureen Burgerhoff, and Melissa Prokopchak. Badges earned are: Tending Toddlers-Jennifer Parish; Looking Your Best-Cary Mazzoni, Julie Hass, Jada Kozick, and Sara Rhodes. Computer Fun, commu- nications. Arts and the Sign of the rainbow were earned by Sara Rhodes and Horse Lover-Tracy Jones. Patrol leaders installed are Wendi Powell, Jada Kozick, and Julie Haas. Since September the girls have enjoyed a visit to a riding stable and a trip to the Wyoming Valley Historical Society in Wilkes-Barre. They have also collected paper products for the needy and have enjoyed a successful candy sale. Back Mountain Kiwan is work at soup kitchen | Members of the Back Mountain Kiwanis Club recently acted as “Sponsors of the Day” at St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, Wilkes-Barre. Shown in photo are, from left, Clem Norman, 2nd Vice-President, presenting check for $100 to Joseph Evonsky, chef; and Ron Mosca, President. The members who served the noon meal were: John Tasco, Past President; John Rogers, Secretary; Bob Cartier, Past President and Rita Welebob, 1st Vice-President; Fedor Welebob, Builders’ Club member; Paul Mena- pace, member; and Clem Norman, 2nd Vice-President. WOOLRICH SALE 50% orr » Ski Jackets » Mt. Parkas * Tioga Lady Woolrich OPEN DAILY 'TIL 5 P.M. Mon., Thurs., Fri. 8 p.m. ADAM'S CLOTHES Back Mountain Shopping Center Shavertown, PA 696-1130 veys Lake and became active members of the Back Mountain community. While owner of the three pa- pers, The Dallas Post, Abington Journal and Mountaintop Eagle, Carlsen began publication of a new paper, the Press-Tribune, in the White Haven area. He also pur- chased the Carbondale Miner and Mid-Valley Gazette, weekly papers in the Carbondale area of Lacka- wanna County. Carlsen published his first edi- tions of The Dallas Post, Abington Journal and Mountaintop Eagle onJanuary 30, 1975, in the build- ing on Lehman Avenue. In Sep- tember, 1975, he moved the home of The Post to 44 Main St., Dallas, in the building now occupied by Dallas Centre Hardware. During that time, Carlsen re- hired a number of the employees who had formerly been employed by Greenstreet News, among them Eleanor Rende, Olga Kostrobala, Virginia Hoover, Beatrice LaBar, Barbara . Evans and Charlot Denmon. Two of these employees remain with The Dallas Post at the present time. In 1979, Carlsen formed a part- nership with Paul Eyerly, owner of the Bloomsburg Press and Ber- wick Enterprise-now known as the Press-Enterprise-and printing of the newspapers was transferred from a company in Towanda to the Press-Enterprise in Bloomsburg. In September, 1980, Carlsen ac- cepted a position as executive di- rector of the Virginia Press Asso- ciation with offices in Richmond and sold his interest in Pennaprint to Press-Enterprise, Inc. In early 1981, under the man- agement of Rick Shannon, Pen- naprint Inc. moved its headquar- ters to the present Jean Shop building on Gerald Avenue, Dal- las, owned by Michael Kozick. In 1985, under the management of Charles Trettel, The Post moved to its present location in the Route 309-415 Plaza, Memorial Highway, Dallas. Shortly after the Press- Enterprise assumed ownership of Pennaprint, Inc., the Carbondale Miner and the Mid-Valley Gazette were sold to the owner of the Car- bondale News and later, the pub- lication of the Press-Tribune was discontinued. In 1986, the Moun- taintop Eagle was sold to its for- mer editor, Stephanie Grubert of Mountaintop. Until late March, 1987, The Dallas Post was managed by J. Stephen Buckley of Press-Enter- prise as publisher, Dotty Martin, executive editor, and David F. Conner, general manager. From that date The Dallas Post contin- ued to be published by Press- Enterprise, Pennaprint, Inc. Under Ms. Martin The Dallas Post continued to dedicate its ef- forts to the slogan coined by the late Howard Risley - “More Than A Newspaper-A Community Institu- tion" placing priority on news fea- tures and issues relative to the Back Mountain Community. In November of 1987, Ms. Mar- tin left The Dallas Post to launch her own newspaper, the West Side Weekly. Most recently, in May, 1988, The Dallas Post and Abington Journal were purchased by Ronald and Charlotte Bartizek of King- ston. Ronald Bartizek had been advertising director of The Times Leader in Wilkes-Barre for five years, and Charlotte had been an account executive with radio sta- tions. - Prior to assuming his position at The Times Leader, Ronald Bar- = 7 tizek had been assistant publisher of The Lakeville Journal, Inc., a - publisher of weekly newspapers and commercial printing com- pany in Connecticut. Both he and Charlotte had several years expe- rience at daily and weekly news- papers in New England. The Bartizeks have begun to : turn The Post back toward being the community institution that it once was, and plan to have it share in the Back Mountain's future. Beverly Ide's Beauty Salon Huntsville - Idetown Rd. Announces "New Business Hours for 1989" Tuesday - Friday 8 to 5 ¢ Saturday 8 to 12 Tues. & Thurs. Evenings By Appt. Phone 639-5918 "Your Family Hair Care Center” ‘SECOND SEMESTER REGISTRATION WILKES-BARRE AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM Auto Body Repair | & II Auto Mechanics Carpentry and Cabinet Making Computer Service Technology Electrical Occupations (Basic) Electronic Technology Machine Shop Masonry Plumbing and Pipe Fittin Residential Construction Small Engine Repair Welding COURSE OFFERINGS 72-Hour Courses, $95 Except Welding, $1 00 Air Conditioning & Refrig. (Basic) Air Conditioning & Refrig. (Advanced) M.&W,T.&Th.7 to 10 P.M. Basic Programming on a Micro Processor T. & Th. 7 to 10 P.M. Drafting/Computer Aided Drafting Introduction to Data Processing NOTE: Non-Residents Will Be Required To Pay An Additional $10 Fee Added To Total Course Cost. REGISTER BY MAIL - Send your check or money order payable to W.B.-AVTS for entire course fee to W.B.-AVTS, P.O. Box 1699, No. End Station, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705 CLASSES BEGIN ON JANUARY 17, 1989 REGISTRATION JANUARY 11 & 12, 1989 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M./7:00-10:00 P.M. W.B.-AVTS Jumper Rd., Plains Township For Further Info Call 822-4131 T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. M.&W.71to 10 P.M. M. & W. 6:30 to 9:30 P.M. T.& Th. 6 to 9 P.M. T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. T.& Th. 7to 10 P.M. T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. M.&W.7to 10 P.M. M.&W.7to 10 P.M. T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. T.& Th. 7 to 10 P.M. an additional $10.00 fee. NOTE: Classes will be filled on a first-come basis. Individuals residing in Wilkes-Barre AVTS supporting Districts will be given first preference. A minimum of 15 students is needed to run any program and courses will be dropped or added depending upon availability of instructors. For additional information: Call 822- 4131. Adult Edu. Office Non-residence students will be assessed The Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational Technical School extends equal opportunities to all individuals without discrimination because of race, creed, color, sex, age, Frank Bielenda, Title IX and 504 coordinator: 822-4131 national origin or handicap.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers