Time Warp – Game show sweeps into Scranton supermarket
October 1966:
“Supermarket Sweep” was on the lookout for shoppers ready to “win a chance at hundreds of dollars worth of groceries and merchandise.”
Ads in the Scranton Times invited local residents to enter for a chance to appear on the ABC network game show when it came to town to tape episodes at Food Fair in the Keyser Oak Shopping Center. Bill Malone hosted the show, which also featured announcer Richard Hayes.
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- Larry and Bernadette Fornicola, of Factoryville, were the champs when they appeared on “Supermarket Sweep” in October 1966. Larry’s cart had the highest value of the episode with $268.58. As champs, the Fornicola’s would defend their title when the show move to Rochester, New York for it next set of tapings. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Larry Fornicola scoops up a ham during his appearance on “Supermarket Sweep” in October 1966. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Larry Fornicola of Factoryville makes a mad dash back to the checkout aisle before time ran out on his apperance on “Supermarket Sweep” in October 1966. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Contestant Ed Hoefer adds another turkey to his cart. Despite their heroic efforts selected hams, turkeys and other items, the Loyak and Hoefer couples wer defeated by the show’s returning champions Pat and Fred Lehman of Illinois. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- “Supermarket Sweep” host Bill Malone and Scranton Centennial Queen Nancy Chamoni chat over the wreath of pears. Behind the special cash registers are contestants Grace Loyak and Donna Hoefer. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
The show’s 35-person crew transformed the grocery store into the game show set on Saturday, Oct. 1, setting up bleachers to hold an audience of 240 people. The tapings took place Sunday, Oct. 2, and Monday, Oct. 3. The crew filmed three shows on Sunday and two on Monday.
The show pitted three couples against each other in games where they had to guess the retail price of grocery items. Whoever was closest to the exact price won time on their clock to go on their “Supermarket Sweep,” during which they raced through the store to collect high-value products.
The show’s producers selected several couples to appear: Nancy and Bob Huylo, Regina and Jim Lewis, and Connie and William “Biff” DePalo, all of Scranton; Brenda Smith and Peter Griffin, students from Wilkes College; Linda and John McGarth of Keystone Junior College; Carol and Carl Guenst of Dunmore; and Donna and Edwin Hoefer, Grace and Michael Loyak, Bernadette and Larry Fornicola, and Donald and Judy Ace, all of Factoryville.
Returning champions Pat and Fred Lehman of Glenwood, Illinois, appeared on the shows taped on Sunday.
One of the episodes was dedicated to Scranton’s centennial. Nancy Chamoni, Scranton’s Centennial queen, helped present items during the pricing game. The items all represented Scranton’s past, present and future and included a strainer and egg poacher formed together to make miner’s cap; a honeydew melon symbolizing a friendly city; a bookstand, pencil and slide rule to represent the International Correspondence School; 6 pounds of scrapple and 1 pound of salami shaped to form a highway; and a wreath made from 12 pounds of pears.
An advertisement for ABC-TV game show “Supermarket Sweep” that appeared in the Scranton Times on Oct. 16, 1966. The show air locally on WNEP Channel 16 at 11 a.m. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
The Scranton-filmed episodes starting airing Monday, Oct. 17. The local ABC affiliate was and still is WNEP, Channel 16.
Supermarket Sweep returned to television during the 1990s and early 2000s, appearing on the cable network Lifetime and later on PAX.
In 2020, the show was rebooted again, this time back on ABC starring “Saturday Night Live” alumna Leslie Jones. The show will return for its second season in the fall on Sunday nights.
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
Time Warp – Singer Johnny Mathis entertains University of Scranton audience
April 15, 1969:
Singer Johnny Mathis and the Craig Hundley Trio performed at the Long Center at the University of Scranton.
Two-thousand people attended the Tuesday night concert, including special guests of the university. The school treated 15 campers from the Youth Forestry Camp, a state institution for juvenile delinquents at Hickory Run State Park, to the show. James Moore handled the arrangements for the campers on behalf of the university’s student government.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES Scranton Times Entertainment Editor Sid Benjamin, left, interviews Johnny Mathis before the singer’s April 15, 1969, performance
Prior to his performance, Mathis told Scranton Times Entertainment Editor Sid Benjamin that he was excited to be back in the city and performing at the Long Center.
“Boy, was I delighted to see this place,” Mathis said. “When I was in Scranton three years ago, it was awful rough singing in that hall (the Catholic Youth Center). I sang so hard I got hoarse.”
Mathis was referencing his Feb. 9, 1966, performance at the CYC. He had arrived in Scranton the night before, the same evening the city was celebrating its 100th birthday at the Jermyn Motor Inn. Hearing that Mathis was in town, the celebration’s organizer dispatched Scranton Patrolman Earl Kugler to find the singer and ask if he would make a brief appearance at the dinner. Kugler found Mathis at a restaurant in the city, but the appearance did not happen. The scheduled speaker for the dinner, meanwhile, was U.S. Sen. Edward “Ted” Kennedy.
Benjamin then asked how the current tour was going for Mathis.
“Well, let’s say I’ve learned to live with it,” Mathis replied. “What I try to do is work one week and then take two weeks off. I’ve just returned from skiing in Switzerland. Before that, I was in Mexico. Then along came income tax times, and I decided a short tour wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Mathis said he didn’t want to give people the wrong idea about why he scheduled a performance in Scranton.
“I was just kidding about the income tax,” he added. “Actually, I’ve wanted to get back here. ”
Benjamin finished the interview by asking Mathis about his setlist for the show, wondering whether it was “just an accident or is it by design that there are no protest songs in your repertoire?” Mathis laughed.
“Protest songs? I have nothing to protest,” he said. “I’m very happy with things the way they are.”
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
Time Warp – City-wide checkers tournament draws in players of all ages
April 1932:
Shouts of “king me” came from all corners of Scranton as players practiced for the fourth annual checkers tournament sponsored by Scranton’s Department of Recreation.
Players in the Scranton Recreation Bureau’s fourth annual checkers tournament gather during the preliminary matches in April 1932. They are, from left, seated: George Carlonas, Thomas Nimmo, Anthony Smolskie and John Comtess; standing: Thomas Irving, Emlyn Davies, Thomas J. Sheppard, William Lucas and Frank McCanna Jr. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
The tournament began April 5 with 67 players at the Chamber of Commerce auditorium. The players were divided into two groups: junior (up to age 17) and senior (17 and older). Sixteen employees of the Scranton Post Office enrolled in the tournament.
On the second night of play, April 8, all participants played again. Winners in both groups stayed in Division A, while the losers moved to Division B. During the third night, April 15, 33 players were left. That night, Frank McCanna Jr. eliminated Adolph Mackaliunas, who had eliminated him in 1931 and went on to become that year’s checkers champion.
The kings of checkers were crowned on April 22 at the final matches at Weston Field. McCanna won Group 1, Division A, and William Lucas was runner-up. Emlyn Davies won Group 1, Division B, and Thomas J. Irving took second place.
John Comtess won Group 2, Division A, with Thomas Nimmo as runner-up. George Carlonas topped Group 2, Division B, and Anthony Smolskie landed in second place.
The Division A winners received an engraved gold “City of Scranton” medal, while the winners of Division B took home engraved silver “City of Scranton” medals. The runners-up received the checkers boards from their final match.
The city checkers tournament started in 1928. Tournaments also took place during the summer in association with seasonal playground activities the Scranton School District sponsored.
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
Time Warp – Junior League welcomes Captain Kangaroo for music program
May 26, 1962:
Captain Kangaroo hopped on over to Scranton to share his “Fun with Music” program with the pre-school and elementary school children of the area.
The captain, aka Bob Keeshan, entertained children for many years. First, he portrayed Clarabell the Clown on “The Hoddy Doddy Show” until 1952, and then three years later, he started the “Captain Kangaroo” show on CBS.
TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES From left: Television’s Captain Kangaroo; Mrs. Harold A. Doud, president, Junior League of Scranton; Mrs. Stephen Jewett; and Ellis and Richard Oppenheim, Scranton Dry Goods Co., program co-sponsor, meet on May 26, 1962,
His “Fun with Music” program helped introduce younger children and elementary school students to classical music. The Junior League of Scranton arranged for the television star’s first visit to Northeast Pennsylvania to share the delights of Mozart, Bach and Beethoven with local youngsters. His appearance was part of the league’s ongoing effort to provide children’s educational programming in Scranton.
The Scranton Philharmonic Orchestra – under the direction of Skitch Henderson, who also was the band leader of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” – joined Captain Kangaroo that Saturday at the Masonic Temple. Proceeds from ticket sales for the two performances went to the orchestra and the Junior League’s Community Trust Fund. Tickets were available for purchase at Scranton Dry Goods Co. and from Junior League members.
Bob Keeshan brought ”Captain Kangaroo’ and his friends to television in 1955. It became one of the best-loved children’s shows of all-time. Keeshan died Friday, January 23, 2004. He was 76. (AP File Photo)
Prior to the concert, five girls and five boys were selected to appear on stage during the show with Captain Kangaroo and help him lead the orchestra in a performance of the song “76 Trombones” from the musical “The Music Man.” The helpers were Diane Arnold, Brad Batten, Jodie Belin, Ricky Doud, Tari Eckersely, Gary Friedman, Carol Jewett, Ricky Marquardt, Ellen Morgan and John Oppenheim. The kids came to Masonic Temple the morning of the performance to meet Captain Kangaroo and practice their portion of the show.
Captain Kangaroo continued entertaining and educating children until 1984, when the award-winning show ended after 29 years on CBS.
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
Throwback Thursday – Swimming at Lake Lincoln
As we look to cool off from this summer heat by taking a dip in a swimming pool, take a look back at these Scrantonians in the early part of the 20th Century cooling off in Lake Lincoln at Nay Aug Park.
The line was long on June 16, 1930 to try out the new attraction at Lake Lincoln, a water slide. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Undated photo of swimmer at Lake Lincoln in Scranton. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Undated photo of a group of boys swimming at Lake Lincoln in Scranton. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
The cool water of Lake Lincoln were a draw from Scrantonians on July 8, 1925 due to the summer weather – hot and humid. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
Young Scrantonians take a moment from their fun at Lake Lincoln to pose for a photo on June 16, 1930. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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
Time Warp – Home, garden shows brighten up spring in Lackawanna cities
April 27 and 28, 1962:
At 11:30 on a Friday morning, gardeners gathered in the auditorium of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce Building on Mulberry Street for the opening of the annual Chamber of Commerce/Laurel Garden Club Garden Show.
Herman Kerber, former Scranton superintendent of parks; Pauline Poinsard Kiley; Mrs. Harold Phillips; Charles Stockel and John Wanger served as judges. Organizers presented the awards during the opening ceremony. Laurel Garden Club took home top honors in the non-commercial division, while Savage’s Gardens was best in the commercial division.
The Scranton Bird Club, DeSandis Greenhouse, Lackawanna County Agriculture Extension Service and the Lackawanna County Beekeepers Association also received honors. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Dan Rankin, Gravel Pond nurseryman, each received a blue ribbon for their entries.
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- Here are the principals of the third annual garden show of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce and the Laurel Garden Club to be conducted April 27 and 28, 1962 at the Chamber of Commerce Auditorium. Seated from left: Phil Fischer, Mrs. Harold Breed, Roy Webb, Mrs. Clyde Coccia. Standing: William Lange, Milt Hughes, Jess H. Landenberger, Gilbert LaCoe and Nicholas Holowatch. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
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- Mayor William Schmidt and John S. Davidson, president of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, join with C of C Agriculture Committee and Laurel Garden Club in third annual Garden Show. From left: Mrs. Clyde Coccia, president of the Laurel Garden Club; Davidson, Roy Webb, show chairperson; Gilbert LaCoe, chair of the C of C Agriculture Committee; Schmidt, Jesse Landenberge, William Lang and Clyde Coccia and Nicholas Holowatch. TIMES-TRIBUNE ARCHIVES
The show was open Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5p.m. and 7 to 9p.m. and on Saturday from noon to 5p.m. Visitors had a chance to win door prizes each hour.
In the upper part of the county, meanwhile, the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce held a home show April 26 to 28 at 5p.m. at the Crane Armory. It included educational displays from area businesses such as Eastern Wood Products, Pennsylvania Gas & Water Co., Century Brick Co., Bloxham Building Materials, Bell Telephone, Carney’s Drug Store and the Globe Fashion Shop.
The home show also featured live entertainment. On April 27, the teens of Carbondale were invited to come to the armory and participate in a “Twist” contest. The people who danced the best to the wildly popular Chubby Checker cover of the song won awards.
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
Time Warp – Floral displays delight local audiences
Nov. 14, 1953:
As the weather outside started to turn chilly, the weather inside the Nay Aug Park greenhouse was just right for the annual chrysanthemums display.
The event started in 1934, but from time to time the greenhouse had “mums” on display as far back as 1911.
From left: Marylyn Kramer and Dorothy Witkoski, co-captains of Central High School’s cheerleading squad, and Joanne Fischi, Central’s lead baton twirler, blend in with the blossoms of the traditional football-game flower, chrysanthemums, at the Nay Aug Park greenhouse in November 1953. The mums were display to the public. TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES
William Farmer, Nay Aug Park gardener, said the 1953 display featured 2,500 chrysanthemums representing 25 varieties. The chrysanthemums arrived at the park in March and were planted outside until late June, when they were transferred into the greenhouse. The flowers came in red, yellow, pink, two tones and pure white, and Farmer said they ranged in size from pompom all the way to 8 inches in diameter.
H.M. Kerber, superintendent of parks, reported that some 7,000 people visited to the greenhouse to see the display on Nov. 14 and 15. It was expected to stay up until Nov. 22, and the flowers then would be distributed to local hospitals and nursing homes.
A sneak peek of the Nay Aug chrysanthemums was given at the annual Scranton Florist Show that took place at the Hotel Casey from Nov. 4 to 6. The show was in its third year and was organized by the Scranton Florist Club and the Tri-County Growers Association.
In addition to Nay Aug’s chrysanthemums, the show featured exhibits from 24 local florists and displays of orchids, roses and carnations from the DeSandis Greenhouses in Daleville. Approximately 1,000 people visited the show on opening night.
There was no admission fee for these two horticultural events.
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
Plates from the Past – Franco’s
During the pandemic, I discovered a pizza place in Wilkes-Barre called Franco’s.
I was drawn with an Instagram post for a sub called the Cadillac Lou. The sub had a pound of deep fried meatballs covered in vodka sauce, asiago and mozzarella cheese topped with waffle fries served on garlic bread.
The Cadillac Lou from Franco’s – Meatball sub with vodka sauce, asiago and mozzarella cheese topped with waffle fries served on garlic bread. BRIAN FULTON/STAFF PHOTO
One bite and I was hooked on Franco’s.
Here are more images of their culinary creations –
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- Detriot Style Pizza with Pepperoni from Franco’s. BRIAN FULTON/STAFF PHOTO
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- Rigatoni alla Vodka with garlic bread from Franco’s. BRIAN FULTON/STAFF PHOTO
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- Soft Pretzel Bites and Deep Fried Ravioli Sampler from Franco’s. BRIAN FULTON/STAFF PHOTO
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- Plain Pizza from Franco’s. BRIAN FULTON/STAFF PHOTO
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- A Pagash – double crust pizza filled with mashed potatoes, cheese and onions – from Franco’s. BRIAN FULTON/STAFF PHOTO
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- A slice of pagash from Franco’s. BRIAN FULTON/STAFF PHOTO
Franco’s is located at 198 S. Main St. in Wilkes-Barre. Their phone number is 570-822-2168. The business has a robust Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Francoswbpa/) and Instagram pageS (https://www.instagram.com/francospizza_wbpa/?hl=en), give them a follow to stay up to date on their culinary creations.
Previous Plates from the Past –
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
Time Warp – Young Bob Hope entertains on Scranton radio
April 30, 1931 –
Radios in homes, shops and speakeasies were most likely tuned to WQAN, Scranton Times Radio, 1:00p.m. for the weekly Scranton Times/Ritz Theater broadcast for shut-ins.
On this date, though, the program at the Ritz on Wyoming Avenue was something special: it featured well-known songwriter and Broadway producer Joseph E. Howard, singers Mary Olcott and Amy Carswell, the Dixie Four and a young comedian named Bob Hope.
The Ritz Theater orchestra, under the direction of Willie Creager, provided the music, kicking off the show with the Irving Berlin hit “Putting on the Ritz.” The Dixie Four – twin brothers Charles and William Emmet, Herbert Benson and C. Fisher – then performed two original numbers.
Hope, then an up-and-coming comedian, took the microphone next and gave listeners a little bit of his routine along with a song.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES Songwriter and Broadway producer Joseph E. Howard
Howard, known for such hits as “Goodbye My Lady Love” and “Honeymoon,” followed with soloist Olcott. The pair performed a medley of old-timey hits. Contralto Carswell then performed “Alice Blue Gown.” Hope returned to the mic with a few more jokes followed by a spiritual hymn from the Dixie Four before the Ritz Orchestra closed the program with selections from Ziegfeld’s musical comedy, “Sally.”
In addition to vaudeville acts, the Ritz Theater also was showing the film “It’s a Wise Child,” starring Polly Moran, James Gleason, Marion Davies and Marie Prevost.
Advertisement from the Ritz Theater for the week of April 27, 1931. The theater featured songwriter Joseph E. Howard, comedian Bob Hope, singing group the Dixie Four and the film “It’s A Wise Child.” TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES
The vaudeville radio performances for shut-ins started on WQAN in late 1930 and ran until April 1932.
Hope went on to become one of the biggest entertainers in the world. In addition to his films, radio and television programs, he toured the world to entertain military personnel for almost 50 years with the United Service Organization. Hope died on July 27, 2003, at 100.
Related –
Time Warp 1934 – George Burns, Gracie Allen keep Scranton audience laughing
Time Warp 1931 – Cowboy band entertains on stage and radio during Scranton visit
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
May the Fourth Be With You
May 1999
A long time ago at a movie theater in Scranton, young Jedi knights, Rebel fighters and Sith apprentices lined up along Lackawanna Avenue to buy tickets for the local premiere of “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.”
Fans started queuing at United Artists Theatre, Lackawanna Avenue, on May 11, and tickets went on sale the following day at 3 p.m. Tickets at United Artists Theatres in Scranton and Dickson City cost $7 for adults and $5 for children, seniors and matinees.
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- Nicholas Kresky, 18, Scranton, holds his 12 Star Wars tickets after he was one of the first few people to buy them at United Artists Steamtown movie theater on May 12, 1999. Times-Tribune Archives
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- Star Wars buffs wait their turn to buy tickets for the first few showings of the new movie at the Steamtown United Artists theater Wednesday, May 12, 1999. Times-Tribune Archives
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- Steven Michael of Kingston buys 12 tickets for “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” at the United Artists Theater in downtown Scranton on Wednesday, May 12, 1999. Tickets for the first-day showings of the movie sold at light speed locally and nationwide a week before the movie’s scheduled opening. Four of the first day’s 11 shows at the downtown United Artists Theater, including the 12:01 a.m. debut, had sold out by 8:30 p.m., according to a flier posted at the theater. The downtown United Artists will show the movie in two theaters, which hold about 260 people each. Tickets are already on sale for the rest of the month. Each person is allowed to buy up to a dozen tickets. Fans stood stood in line overnight to buy tickets. Non-fans also stood in line for others who paid them to buy tickets for them. “It was crazy,” one theater employee said. Times-Tribune Archives
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- Star Wars fans Donny Blotch, left, Mehoopany, and Chris Coleman, Vandling, amuse themselves with a light-saber fight as they wait in line on May 11, 1999 outside the United Artists theater on Lackawanna Avenue to be among the first in the area to buy tickets to next week’s debut of ‘Episode I — The Phantom Menace,’ in the ‘Star Wars’ film series. Times-Tribune Archives
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- P.J. O’Malley, 20, of Scranton, along with two men who would not give their names lounge on the sidewalk of Lackawanna Ave. on Tuesday, May 11, 1999 waiting to buy tickets at United Artists Theater for Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace which go on sale on Wednesday, May 12. May the force be with them. Times-Tribune Archives
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- P.J. O’Malley, 20, of Scranton, left, and two other unidentiffied mens, are the first three to arrive as they relax on the sidewalk of Lackawanna Ave. on Tuesday, May 11, 1999 waiting to buy tickets at United Artists Theater for the movie Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace which go on sale on Wednesday. It seems the force are with them. Times-Tribune Archives
“The Phantom Menace,” the first new “Star Wars” film in 16 years and a prequel to the original trilogy, opened May 19. It introduced audiences to a young Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi and the trouble starting to brew within the Galactic Republic. Despite mixed reviews, the film made $431 million at the box office, according to Rottentomatoes.com.
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- United Artist Theatre on route 6. Chris Rassmusson, chief projectionist prepares the Star Wars film in the projection room on May 19, 1999. Times-Tribune Archives
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- Star wars fans line up to buy advance tickets in Downtown Scranton on May 16, 1999. Times-Tribune Archives
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- John Canjar and Terri Harchar, both 16, of Dickson City, purchase tickets to “Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace” at United Artists Theatre on Route 6 on June 6, 1999. Times-Tribune Archives
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- Star Wars opening at the United Artist’s Theatre on Lackawanna Ave. from left: Chris Kuruts (Forest City) and John Wildenstein (Pleasant Mountain) wait in line to see Star Wars and play with lightsabers on May 19, 1999. Times-Tribune Archives
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- The much-anticipated “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” opened on May 19, 1999 around the country, including at United Artists Theatre on Lackawanna Avenue. Playing cards while waiting to see the movie are, from left, Mike Agliata, Scranton; Dennis Fletcher, Scranton; David Fletcher, Scranton; Jeff Mauritzen, Lake Wallenpaupack; Anthony Byrd, Madisonville; and Brian McNichols. Times-Tribune Archives
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- Dave Castelli, manager of United Artists Theatres Route 6, displays a poster of’Star Wars 1: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace’ before the screen where the movies opened at 12:01am on May 19, 1999. Mr. Castelli was offered $500 for the poster but said he declined. Times-Tribune Archives
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- In the crowd attending the opening of ‘Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace’ at United Artists Theatres on Route 6 were Clarks Summit residents Stacy Lang, 10, left, dressed as the character Yoda, and Victoria Sook, 11, as Queen Amidala, on May 19, 1999. Times-Tribune Archives
On Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, another chapter begins with the opening of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” This film takes place between the action of “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope.” It centers on a group of Rebels tasked with stealing plans for the Empire’s Death Star, according to Starwars.com.
Updated – Since Dec. 15, 2016, there has been several more stories in the Star Wars galaxy. On Dec. 17, 2017, there was “Episode VIII – The Last Jedi” and two years later the final film in the Skywalker Saga – “Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” on Dec. 20, 2019. In addition to these two film, there was another stand alone story called “Solo” that was came out on May 25, 2018.
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- Luke Diegnan, 7, of Moosic, as a Storm Trooper with his sister Leah, 9, as Rey, get ready to watch Star Wars at the Cinemark 20 and XD in Moosic. Jason Farmer / Staff Photographer
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- Grant Kashi, 5, of Bloomsburg, plays with his light sabers in the crowd during Star Wars night at the Railriders vs. the Durham Bulls game at PNC Field in Moosic on Friday, June 21, 2019. Sean McKeag / Staff Photographer
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- Katherin Majeski, 13, of Plains, dressed up as Rey for the opening night of Star Wars. Jason Farmer / Staff Photographer
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- Charlene Hartman, 17, of Dickson City, strikes a pose in her Chewbacca outfit, as she waits in line with many other fans for the premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on Thursday night at the Great Escape IMAX theater in Dickson City. Butch Comegys / Staff Photographer
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- J.T. Mills, 30, of Clarks Summit, wears his Boba Fett sweatshirt Thursday night for the premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at Regal Dickson City 14 IMAX theater. Below, Tara McVeigh, 30, of Blakely, displays her Princess Leia hairstyle as she waits in line. BUTCH COMEGYS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
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- Tara McVeigh, 30, of Blakely, displays her Princess Leia hair, as she waits in line with many other fans during the premeir of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on Thursday night at the Great Escape IMAX theater in Dickson City. Butch Comegys / Staff Photographer
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- Kevin Gayout of Carbondale wears a Yoda backpack as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” begins during Scranton Tomorrow’s Drive In Downtown at Lackawanna County Courthouse Square on Thursday evening. JAKE DANNA STEVENS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
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- Scott Pineau of Dalton, Pa., is dressed as Director Orson Krennic for the opening night of Rogue One a new movie in the Star Wars series at the Regal Dickson City Stadium 14 and IMAX in Dickson City, Pa., on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. Jake Danna Stevens / Staff Photographer
On November 12, 2019, the new streaming service Disney+ premiered a new Star Wars story – “The Mandalorian.” This story is set in the time between “Return of Jedi” and “The Force Awakens.”
All of Star Wars movies plus more content is available on the streaming service – Disney+.
Also you may want to Google ‘Star Wars’ today for a surprise.
May the Fourth Be With You.
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