In this second column, we are reading the Sept. 22, 1960, edition of News and Facts, a weekly newspaper serving Northampton, Egypt, West Catasauqua, Stiles, Hokendauqua, Fullerton, Allentown, Mickleys, Coplay, Cementon and Treichlers.

I would like to share some headlines of the day from this local publication.

In 1960, the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce distributed 550 questionnaires to property and landowners in the township asking them to complete a survey of real estate availability in the area. The purpose of the survey was to aid in the development of more industrial and residential growth in Whitehall Township.

The information was compiled by a committee, headed by Edward J. Galgon. Looking at the township today, one is amazed by the commercial growth since 1960.

On the athletic scene, football was going into high gear in the Valley. Remember when Al Erdosy’s Konkrete Kids opened their season at Phillipsburg with loyal fans traveling miles to the game? Carl Case’s Whitehall Zephyrs were fresh from a surprise victory over Central Catholic. They later played Palmerton in a Lehigh Valley game. The Palmerton Blue Bombers were said to have a powerful team in 1960. In Coplay, Joe Steiner’s Coplay Wildcats would play Palmerton after losing a close game to Catasauqua the week before.

Al Erdosy, Carl Case and Joe Steiner were all dedicated coaches who molded many young men into good citizens. Steiner coached baseball, football and basketball at Coplay High School. He ended his career at Whitehall Coplay High School, leading the baseball team to multiple championships.

In Northampton, after years of construction and labor disputes, the “new” high school was partially completed but delayed the opening for 13 days. The labor dispute ended because of a court injunction from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

The new school on Laubach Avenue had a capacity of 675 students. It was constructed at a cost of $1.8 million, a real bargain compared to present-day costs.

The Northampton school board at the time consisted of President Darle Strohl, Vice President Russell Becker, Secretary Guy Rice and Treasurer Rev. John Reese. The board meetings were held in the new high school.

Over in Whitehall, the Whitehall Band Club held its monthly meeting at the Hokendauqua Elementary School. The meeting was led by President Celesta Masonheimer, with representatives from Fullerton, West Catasauqua, Hokendauqua, Stiles, Cementon and Egypt.

The newspaper had advertisers from many local businesses. Whitehall Building Supply was selling a ready-to-cut garage at $595. Up in Laurys, Krause’s Market was selling Long Island oysters for .69 cents a dozen.

Kornfeind’s weekly special was 3 pounds of fresh hamburger for $1 at 936 Main St., Northampton. Do our readers recall when Kornfeind’s trucks provided service at your front door? The trucks were crammed with meats and grocery items to satisfy its customers.

In Coplay, Kunkel’s Cities Service Station on Chestnut Street had winter checkups for your automobile.

Eddie Sacks, a Coplay native, sold Armstrong carpets at 12th and Main streets, Northampton. He sold plastic tiles for your home at 1.5 cents per tile. Linoleum sold for 7 cents per tile, and vinyl floor covering was priced at 59 cents per running foot.

In Northampton, the Hellertown Bakery on Main Street was selling fresh-baked bread and tasty pastries by the Hellertown Baking Company to hungry folks in Northampton and the surrounding area.

And so it was over 66 years ago.

See you in two weeks!