June 10, 1929
More warrants in opium case
After the raid of an opium den at 425 Wyoming Ave. on June 5, the U.S. attorney’s office issued warrants for Cletus “Hickey” Moore and Betty Moore, also known as Betty Price.
The pair were wanted by federal authorities for alleged possession and use of the drug. Federal narcotics agents said the pair fled during the raid on the Scranton property.
Arrested during the raid, authorities said, were Philadelphia racketeer George Fischer and Mr. and Mrs. Russell Cripe. Also during the raid, the feds seized a large quantity of opium and five opium pipes.
Mrs. Cripe was released from federal custody after she agreed to be a material witness in the case when it comes to trial. Russell Cripe posted a $3,000 bond and was released. Fischer was unable to post bail.
Bootleggers get jail
Lackawanna County Judge George Maxey sentenced two out-of-town bootleggers to 90 days in county jail after they were found guilty of making a beverage found to contain wood alcohol and other dangerous ingredients.
The pair, Joseph LaStella and Joseph Marino, were making their illegal brew in the woods near Old Forge. In addition to jail time, Maxey also ordered each to pay a $250 fine and court costs.
A portion of an American Stores Co. advertisement – June 10, 1929 – The Scranton Times
Shopping list
Ceylon or orange pekoe tea was 60 cents per pound, a pound of coffee was 39 cents, two cans of peas were 19 cents, a 5-pound bag of flour was 25 cents, a 15-pound sack of potatoes was 53 cents and bacon was 30 cents per pound.
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
