March 16, 1968:
On a mild March day, thousands lined the streets of downtown Scranton to witness the seventh annual St. Patrick’s Parade, which was filled with music from high school marching bands, Stegmaier Band, Irem Temple Shriner Band and bagpipers.
The parade featured 4,000 marchers divided among 12 divisions. Organizers said it was the largest parade to date.
Federal Judge William J. Nealon served as the grand marshal, and Dr. James S. Jordan was honorary grand marshal. Other parade dignitaries included Lackawanna County President Judge T. Linus Hoban, consulting marshal; Paul F. Crowley, parade marshal; Edmund J. Casey, general chairman; and Bertin M. Stuckart, parade coordinator.
A roller skating clown added to the fun of the 1968 St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton on March 16, 1968. Times-Tribune Archives
Drummer with the Penn-York Highlanders “Ladies from Hell” band from York marching in the 1968 St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton on March 16, 1968. Times-Tribune Archives
Girl Scouts proudly display the U.S. Flag as the march in the 1968 St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton on March 16, 1968. Times-Tribune Archives
Irem Temple Shriner Band marching in the 1968 St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton on March 16, 1968. Times-Tribune Archives
Two unidentified girls marching in the 1968 St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton on March 16, 1968. Times-Tribune Archives
Michael Norton perches on his dad’s shoulders as the watch the 1968 St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton on March 16, 1968. Times-Tribune Archives
Members of the St. Patrick’s Junior Catholic Daughters marching in the 1968 St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton on March 16, 1968. Times-Tribune Archives
A young marcher carries an oversized shamrock in the 1968 St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton on March 16, 1968. Times-Tribune Archives
Images in this gallery and more are available for purchase at a our St. Patrick’s Parade Photo Store – http://thetimes-tribune.mycapture.com/mycapture/category.asp?CategoryID=66861
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