It was 33 years ago today that Monessen Mayor Thomas P. Dalfonso officially proclaimed the Diamond Jubilee celebration in the city.
In doing so, Dalfonso encouraged all residents of the city to take part in the marathon observance of Monessen's 75th birthday throughout 1973.
The mayor pointed out that the community's official origin dated back to 1889, when "a tiny but hardy group recognized the site of our present city as a spot where they would like to stay and thus built the first human habitations." He recalled that others came "to this beautiful spot and later built more houses and stores, and even later, worked in metal and steel industries, as do many of us today," and also said Monessen "has contributed many a glow in our nation's history."
The Diamond Jubilee Year festivities began only eight days after Dalfonso's proclamation as the late Hugo J. Parente was honored on Jan. 27, 1973. Parente had served as mayor of Monessen for 25 years - from 1946 until his death in 1971.
According to the Diamond Jubilee souvenir book, Hugo J. Parente Day began at the City Building, where the Quota Club of Monessen served coffee and doughnuts.
A motorcade left the City Building at 9 a.m. and proceeded to the intersection of Seneca Boulevard and Schoonmaker Avenue, where dedication ceremonies were held to rename Seneca to Parente Boulevard.
Dr. Henry Furio, president of the Monessen Chamber of Commerce, was toastmaster for the event and speakers were U.S. Rep. John Dent, state Sen. William Duffield and Dalfonso.
Memorial services then were held at the Manos Theatre under the auspices of the Ministerial Association of Monessen. Keynote speaker was Justice Louis L. Manderino of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, a Monessen native.
A luncheon at the New Alpine Club concluded the kickoff celebration.
Among those speaking at that event were state Rep. James J. Manderino and several Westmoreland County officials, including President Judge David Weiss, Judge Gilfert Mihalich, Commissioners James Kelley, William Shirer and Dorothy Shoppe and Coroner Stephen Yoney.
Significantly, Justice Manderino, Weiss, Mihalich and Allegheny County Judge John Hester were honored May 1, 1973, as native sons who advanced to the role of judge. A reception was held in the Monessen High School gymnasium, and the honorees received special Diamond Jubilee plaques. Jim Manderino presented the award to his brother, and Herman Mihalich did the honors for his brother. Weiss' plaque was presented by attorney Bernard Shire, and Frederic Feldman presented an award to Hester.
A multitude of festive events marked Monessen's 75th anniversary throughout 1973, and we'll recount others in later columns.
It should be noted, however, that Dalfonso was honorary chairman of the celebration.
The executive committee included John Czelen, Allen Kline, secretary Tillie Kudlik, the Rev. Henry Dinicco, George Cousins, Robert Como, Cassandra Vivian, Thomas Rechichar, Louis Falbo and Ray Galey, treasurer.
Honorary members of the executive committee were Jack Bergstein, Steve Sinchak, John Billy, Dr. Joseph J. Pallone, Michael J. Skirpan Jr., James Sepesky, R. Lee Jones, and Felton Brown Sr.
Falbo, executive director of Monessen C of C, served as activities coordinator and arranged a full slate of events to help celebrate the city's diamond anniversary, including - among other things - banquets, fairs, dances, fashion shows, spaghetti dinners, Flag Day ceremonies, Cultural Heritage Week, band concerts, athletic events and a special summer recreation program directed by Feldman.
If you have any special memories of that Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1973, please let us know.
The e-mail address is ronpaglia@verizon.net or you can write to us at The Valley Independent, Eastgate 19, Monessen, PA 15062.
