Today, I am reading the April 24, 1969, edition of the Suburban Free Press, a weekly newspaper.

The newspaper covered events in Northampton, Whitehall, Coplay, Catasauqua and the area. The office was located on 10th Street in Northampton. The paper sold for 10 cents. The 1969 paper was given to me by Mr. Robert Wechsler of Coplay.

Here are some 1969 flashbacks! Do you recall when Catholic War Veterans Post 454 presented minstrel programs over at Northampton Senior High School? The three-day program included numerous presenters and elaborate scenery and drew sell-out crowds.

Another feature was the Overlook Orchard Farm Market on MacArthur Road. It was managed by Mrs. Beverly Haas, whose husband, Donald, owned the orchard. Fresh fruit and vegetables attracted satisfied customers to the market.

There also was a profile of patrolman Edward Kochenash, one of the newer members of the Whitehall police force. Ed graduated from Whitehall High School and served in the U.S. Army in the military police.

Over in Coplay, Mothers of World War II heard reports from president Anna Fruhwirth and Hilda Reichel.

Down in Catasauqua, Arbor Day was celebrated at the high school with the planting of three hemlock trees.

The ads remember the “Good Old Days.”

Schray’s Quality Meat Center in Catasauqua offered Dubuque hot dogs for 55 cents per pound and pork chops for $1.10 per pound.

Newberry’s in Northampton was called a 5-10 cent store. Today, they have been replaced by dollar stores. On sale were ladies’ permanent sleeveless shirts for 99 cents, ladies’ first-quality tennis oxfords in assorted colors for 88 cents and men’s press-me-not shirts at two for $5.

Ziatyk’s West End Market was up in Egypt, advertising 3 pounds of hamburger for $1.49, sirloin well-trimmed steak for $1.09 per pound, cabbage at eight cents per pound, two heads of lettuce for 45 cents and 10 pounds of potatoes for 49 cents.

Remember when Whalin Chevrolet was at 1540 Main St. in Northampton, where Webb Medical is now located? At the car dealer, a 1962 Olds was priced at $149, a ‘63 Impala was $599 and a ‘64 Corvair was $499.

There was Cross Country Clothes in Northampton and Egypt. They employed hundreds at both plants. I found this ad in the paper: “New employees needed: Starting rate $1.60 an hour, all fringe benefits paid, air conditioned.”

Franklin Graver listed a modern brick twin home with birch kitchen and ceramic bath in Egypt for $9,200.

The Mansion House in Catasauqua offered 24 clams for $1.20 and ham and turkey platters for $1.40.

Northampton Home Furnishers listed an innerspring cushioned aluminum patio set, a three piece group, priced at $89.95.

A Lerner’s, Northampton, ad stated: “Absolutely the Greatest Coat Value in Years,” ladies’ spring coats from $17.76 to $28.87.

I hope you can find some real bargains on your next shopping spree!

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More in two weeks.