Nov. 21, 1969
Ribbon-cutting held for bridge, interstate
Two local highway projects were formally dedicated by state Highway Secretary Robert Bartlett. The projects were the Spruce Street Bridge Complex in Scranton and the completion of a new section of Interstate 81 East.
In Scranton, Bartlett along with Mayor James Walsh cut the ribbon on the $5.5M bridge complex that connects South and Central Scranton.
The dignitaries then traveled a short distance outside the city to mark the completion of an 8-mile stretch of Interstate 81 East (renamed I-380 in 1973) between Gouldsboro and Daleville. This time, instead of using a pair of ceremonial scissors, Bartlett drove a tractor-trailer through the ribbon.
When completed, motorists will be able to use highway to connect with Interstate 80 in Monroe County.
Planned amusement park opposed
Several residents of East Scranton attended the Scranton Board of Zoning Appeals to oppose the proposed amusement park in their neighborhood.
Leroy and Lucille Demuth of Stafford Avenue had submitted a request to the board to place amusement park rides, such as a merry-go-round and go-karts, on property that they owned near Nay Aug Park.
A neighborhood spokesperson, attorney Emanuel Laster, told the board he and a group of 21 area residents oppose the installation of the rides because of the “undue noise in the summer” and the possibility of property depreciation.
The Demuth request was sent to the city planning commission for review.
Out & about
At the movies: “Alice’s Restaurant” at the West Side, “Easy Rider” at the Comerford, “The Christmas Tree” at the Strand, “Krakatoa East of Java” at Cinema North, and “The Cobra,” “Psycho Circus” and “Island of Terror” at the Circle Drive-In.
BRIAN FULTON, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune’s expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.