Subseries I: Agnes Interviews , 1972 - 1983
Series
Scope and Content:
From the Collection:
The Robert Wollensky papers, 1954 - 2006, contain a variety of research materials that Dr. Wolensky compiled from 1947 through 2006 of various local and environmental politics surrounding the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972, the corruption of Dan Flood, the construction of Montage Mountain, Environmental Crisis, Local Politics,Wilkes-Barre Labor and Disaster Issues, Project Files. This research consists of photographs, newspaper clippings, annual reports, codesheets, numerical data, oral history transcripts, dissertation, correspondence, court case documentation, interviews, and Wolensky notes.
Many of the series have been arranged further into distinct subseries. Series I is arranged into seven subseries: Subseries I: Agnes Interviews 1972 - 1983, Subseries II: Newspapers 1972 - 2003, Subseries III: Court Cases 1972 - 1973, Subseries IV: Coding 1973 -1983; Subseries V: Committee Concerns 1975; Subseries VI: Agnes Information 1970 - 1994; Subseries VII: Dissertation 1973 - 1975; Subseries VIII: Politics surrounding Agnes (dates unknown). Research materials compiled by Dr. Wolensky were for his 1993 book, Better than Ever:The Flood Recovery Task Force and the 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes Disasters. This research includes oral history interviews, newspapers, and dissertation information.
The oral history interviews are primarily focused on flood recovery for neighborhoods and businesses in Wilkes-Barre, including those involved with the Flood Recovery Task Force (FRTF) and the Flood Victims Actional Council (FVAC). The bulk of newspapers in this series pertain to the 1972 Hurricane Agnes flood and specifically focus on community recovery, local politics, and the reconstruction of destroyed buildings. The court case here is (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. National Association of Flood Insurers, General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation Limited and Zurich Insurance Company, James T. Lynn, and the United States of America) against the United States Government and insurance companies and their role in the clean-up with the 1972 flood. The coding sheets are the statistical analysis of data obtained through interviews. Wolensky’s dissertation, written for Penn State University in 1975, focused on local government and disaster relief groups following the 1972 Flood Recovery Task Force in Wilkes-Barre, PA. There is also a scrapbook filled with newspaper clippings that details the aid given to Wilkes-Barre to help struggling residents after the flood.
Many of the series have been arranged further into distinct subseries. Series I is arranged into seven subseries: Subseries I: Agnes Interviews 1972 - 1983, Subseries II: Newspapers 1972 - 2003, Subseries III: Court Cases 1972 - 1973, Subseries IV: Coding 1973 -1983; Subseries V: Committee Concerns 1975; Subseries VI: Agnes Information 1970 - 1994; Subseries VII: Dissertation 1973 - 1975; Subseries VIII: Politics surrounding Agnes (dates unknown). Research materials compiled by Dr. Wolensky were for his 1993 book, Better than Ever:The Flood Recovery Task Force and the 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes Disasters. This research includes oral history interviews, newspapers, and dissertation information.
The oral history interviews are primarily focused on flood recovery for neighborhoods and businesses in Wilkes-Barre, including those involved with the Flood Recovery Task Force (FRTF) and the Flood Victims Actional Council (FVAC). The bulk of newspapers in this series pertain to the 1972 Hurricane Agnes flood and specifically focus on community recovery, local politics, and the reconstruction of destroyed buildings. The court case here is (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. National Association of Flood Insurers, General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation Limited and Zurich Insurance Company, James T. Lynn, and the United States of America) against the United States Government and insurance companies and their role in the clean-up with the 1972 flood. The coding sheets are the statistical analysis of data obtained through interviews. Wolensky’s dissertation, written for Penn State University in 1975, focused on local government and disaster relief groups following the 1972 Flood Recovery Task Force in Wilkes-Barre, PA. There is also a scrapbook filled with newspaper clippings that details the aid given to Wilkes-Barre to help struggling residents after the flood.
Dates
- 1972 - 1983
Access:
Open for research.
Extent
From the Collection: 13 boxes (6 letter boxes, 1 legal box, 6 oversized boxes)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Subseries I: Agnes Interviews, 1972-1983
Subseries I: Agnes Interviews, 1972-1983
Subseries I: Agnes Interviews, 1972-1983, is arranged chronologically by date and contains oral history interviews with task force committee members, local Wilkes-Barre citizenry, significant religious members of the community, who were affected by the 1972 Hurricane Agnes flood. People like Reverend Jule Ayres, Richard Cronin from the Chamber of Commerce, and John Barnas were interviewed in this subseries.
These interviews took place from 1981-1983.
Interviewees in this series:
1981 interviews
1. Mike Kotelansky (interviewed October 13, 1981) was on the FVAC and ran for the Wilkes-Barre Charter Study Commission.
1982 interviews
1. Reverend Jules Ayres (interviewed November 11, 1982) was interviewed at the First Presbyterian Church where he was the pastor. It was noted that he was very active civically and was a part of multiple committees and commissions. The reverend helped black people get jobs throughout Wilkes-Barre in the 1950s, he also chaired the Ecumenical Enterprises Inc. (EEI), which helped build Interfaith Housing United. He was noted to be one of the most influential individuals throughout the area.
2. John Barnas (interviewed December 2, 1982) who was on the board for the Citizens Choice Coalition (CCC), Chair for the Brookside League, Brookside Public Action committee (PAC) (Board member and vice chairman) and was also on the board for FVAC (on the board).
3. Daniel Blaine (September 30, 1982) from GAR High school not much is mentioned personally about Daniel Blaine.
4. Representative Kevin Blaum (November 12, 1982) in the Wilkes-Barre Council not much personal information included in the interview notes. 5. Al Boris (November 22, 1982) took Kevin Blaum’s seat on the Wilkes-Barre Council, and then moved on to be president, Boris also owned a bar on Carey Avenue. Provided information on Wilkes-Barre government. 6. Gene Grady (November 23, 1982) who worked on the Commission on Equal Opportunity; not much information is provided in the interview notes. 7. Elizabeth Brennan (October 5, 1982) a member of the 1976 Wilkes-Barre Charter Study Commission. 8. Bill Breslin (November 11, 1982) was Dan Flood’s nephew, and was president of the North End Citizens and Taxpayers Assn (NECTA) 9. Leon Case (November 27, 1982) worked in HUD (Department of Housing and Development) before the flood hit. Described himself as a liberal democrat, and after the HUD job he went to work as director of redevelopment authority for Bucks County. 10. Robert Connally (December 28, 1982) was president of Kingston’s PAC and was chair for the Committee of PACs. 11. Tom Cooney (October 25, 1982) not much information is provided on who he was or where he worked. 12. Leo Corbett (November 5, 1982) was a member of the Luzerne County Charter Study Commission, and also worked with civil defense between 1972 and 1975. 13. Richard Cronin (October 27, 1982) was executive secretary of COC (Chamber of Commerce) for 11 years. He described himself as the man behind the scenes who did a lot of work but did not get any credit for it and held a lot of resentment toward working for the commerce. 14. Attorney John DiPietro (November 11, 1982) was a Wilkes-Barre City Councilman not much other personal information is included in the interview.
15. Reverend Charles Gommer (interviewed October 22, 1982) worked at the Church of Christ Uniting and worked with his church in providing help with civic and human aid issues.
16. Edward Hanlon (November 4, 1982) a professor in King’s College History Department, the interview focused on local history and culture.
17. Al Harris (November 8, 1982) was the first president of the SWIBCO which he noted was created to work on the flood recovery in south Wilkes-Barre.
18. Helen Himlin and Betty Thomas (November 30, 1982) not much information is provided on them in the interview.
19. Jack Jones (November 14, 1982) worked as a part-time barber, part-time minister, part-time salesman, and was the first president of CCC for two years and was the first president of NE Taxpayers for two and a half years. 20. Mary Klosowski (November 23, 1982) president of Model Cities Citizens Inc. (MCCI) for 14 years. 21. Horace Kramer (November 11, 1982) no real personal information included in the interview. 22. Judy Kruell (November 17, 1982) and she initiated the Iron Triangle Committee. Noted to have very conservative republican views when it comes to the economy and politics. 23. Peter Leoffler (November 10, 1982) owned Hart Hotel before the flood hit and afterwards became an antique dealer, and was president of the Little Theater. He was noted to be very civically engaged and became a committeeman in Wilkes-Barre and a delegate to the county Democratic Committee. 24. Raymond Lowery (interviewed November 8, 1982) was the Kingston administrator from 1971 to 1981. 25. Edward Mashiniski (November 10, 1982) first president of the Miners Mills Citizens Association, from 1975 to 1982. 26. Bob McGinley (interviewed November 24, 1982) was the Director of the Department for Public Works and was formerly the Assistant City Manager under Manager Bernard Gallagher. 27. Ambrose Meltesky (October 13, 1982 and November 4, 1982) worker for Hazard Organization of Penchant Employees (HOPE) which is affiliated with American Chain and Capable Company where he worked. He was also a union organizer for the United Steel Workers for America, and was highly involved with FOSCCO, a senior citizens association in Wilkes-Barre. 28. A.J. Mussari (October 12, 1982) a professor at King’s College, he was the founder of CUFF (Citizens United for the Future of Wyoming Valley). 29. Lee Namey (November 9, 1982) was a Wilkes-Barre Councilman elected under the strong mayor charter of 1976.
31. Jim O’Karma (November 11, 1982) worked in the Wilkes-Barre Office of Community Development having started first in the Planning Department. 32. Mike Pitcavage (October 20, 1982) worked for the city in the electrical department. Was an electrical engineer and also worked as a teacher at Penn State, and got involved with the Citizens Choice Coalition in 1978, moving on to be president in 1980. 33. Councilman Robert Prawdzik (November 19, 1982) was elected to city council in 1977. His full time job was superintendent of grounds and building for the county.
34. Robert Reilly (September 30, 1982) was a part of the movement for charter reform while he was a student at King’s University. 35. Jack Sammon (October 21, 1982) a part of the citizens’ committee against Montage. 36. Gerald Schulze (October 18, 1928) an environmentalist, he was the Coordinator of SEA (Susquehanna Environmental Advocates) and participated on the committee that opposed Montage. 37. John Solovey (October 18, 1982) was chair in the Coalition of Associations for River Protection (CARP). 38. Margaret Spenser (December 28, 1982) was the former executive director of the Bureau of Aging, also executive director of the Penna. Association of Older People, and headed a statewide advocacy program, and was also director of Heritage House (formerly Home for Homeless Women). 39. Don Stalhut (December 22, 1982) a Methodist minister, he was involved with insuring economic and social justice in the post-Agnes recovery period. 40. Sue Strassman (December 3, 1982) noted to be very active in civic affairs and city commissions, and was chair of SOWB PAC. 41. Marilyn Tirpack (November 17, 1982) was chairman of the Tri-town Action Committee.
42. George Tomaseik (November 8, 1982) was involved in the post-Agnes citizens' action groups.
43. Phil Walsh (November 22, 1982) was on the city council, participated in FVAC, and was the head of the Parks and Rec Department. 44. Attorney Winkler (September 30, 1982) not much else is included in the interview. 45. Ed Zygmunt (November 6, 1982) was involved the groups that opposed Montage and started the Luzerne County Chapter of the Federation of Sportsmen which is involved in the CCC. People Interviewed in 1983 1. Richard Dungan (Interviewed November 11, 1983) was chair of the WB City Council and worked in the Citizens Recycling Committee. 2. Don Honeywell (December 6, 1983) owned Deemers Incorporated. 3. Stanley Owca (December 6, 1983) was an officer in Brookside League and was also involved in Brookside PAC as chair for 5 years. Also includes interview notes with organizations such as the Citizens Choice Coalition, SWIBCO, CARP, involved in the aftermath of Agnes from 1972 - 1983. All organizations named during the series
Wyoming Valley Citizens Organizations 1. Brookside League, Inc. 2. Citizens Choice Coalition 3. South Wilkes-Barre Citizens Organization (SWIBCO) 4. Crime Watch Program of South Wilkes-Barre
5. Parsons Manor Residents Association, Inc. 6. Downtown PAC 7. Model Cities Citizens Inc. 8. GAR Action Council 9. Iron Triangle Committee 10. MM Assn 11. Federation of Senior Citizens Clubs and Organizations (F.O.S.C.C.O.) 12. Brookside PAC
13. South Wilkes-Barre Crime Watch 14. West River Street Association 15. Susquehanna Environmental Advocates 16. CARP 17. South Wilkes-Barre Redevelopment Authority P.A.C. 18. Tri-Town Action Committee
19. NEND Crime Watch 20. Saint Nicholas Senior Citizens Association 21. POWER (Protect Our Water Environmental Resources) 22. Susquehanna River Watch Coalition 24. East End Wilkes-Barr3e Crime Watch 25. Rolling Mill Hill Watch Program
26. Parsons Taxpayer Association 27. O’Karma Terrace Neighborhood and Community Association 28. Meyers Court Crime Watch Association Flood Victims Action Council (FVAC) The interviews contain information regarding how local government and citizens were affected in the aftermath of the flood, but it also holds information regarding the local politics, specifically Rep. Dan Flood and his political corruption, and the Montage Mountain Water Crisis.
4. Representative Kevin Blaum (November 12, 1982) in the Wilkes-Barre Council not much personal information included in the interview notes. 5. Al Boris (November 22, 1982) took Kevin Blaum’s seat on the Wilkes-Barre Council, and then moved on to be president, Boris also owned a bar on Carey Avenue. Provided information on Wilkes-Barre government. 6. Gene Grady (November 23, 1982) who worked on the Commission on Equal Opportunity; not much information is provided in the interview notes. 7. Elizabeth Brennan (October 5, 1982) a member of the 1976 Wilkes-Barre Charter Study Commission. 8. Bill Breslin (November 11, 1982) was Dan Flood’s nephew, and was president of the North End Citizens and Taxpayers Assn (NECTA) 9. Leon Case (November 27, 1982) worked in HUD (Department of Housing and Development) before the flood hit. Described himself as a liberal democrat, and after the HUD job he went to work as director of redevelopment authority for Bucks County. 10. Robert Connally (December 28, 1982) was president of Kingston’s PAC and was chair for the Committee of PACs. 11. Tom Cooney (October 25, 1982) not much information is provided on who he was or where he worked. 12. Leo Corbett (November 5, 1982) was a member of the Luzerne County Charter Study Commission, and also worked with civil defense between 1972 and 1975. 13. Richard Cronin (October 27, 1982) was executive secretary of COC (Chamber of Commerce) for 11 years. He described himself as the man behind the scenes who did a lot of work but did not get any credit for it and held a lot of resentment toward working for the commerce. 14. Attorney John DiPietro (November 11, 1982) was a Wilkes-Barre City Councilman not much other personal information is included in the interview.
15. Reverend Charles Gommer (interviewed October 22, 1982) worked at the Church of Christ Uniting and worked with his church in providing help with civic and human aid issues.
16. Edward Hanlon (November 4, 1982) a professor in King’s College History Department, the interview focused on local history and culture.
17. Al Harris (November 8, 1982) was the first president of the SWIBCO which he noted was created to work on the flood recovery in south Wilkes-Barre.
18. Helen Himlin and Betty Thomas (November 30, 1982) not much information is provided on them in the interview.
19. Jack Jones (November 14, 1982) worked as a part-time barber, part-time minister, part-time salesman, and was the first president of CCC for two years and was the first president of NE Taxpayers for two and a half years. 20. Mary Klosowski (November 23, 1982) president of Model Cities Citizens Inc. (MCCI) for 14 years. 21. Horace Kramer (November 11, 1982) no real personal information included in the interview. 22. Judy Kruell (November 17, 1982) and she initiated the Iron Triangle Committee. Noted to have very conservative republican views when it comes to the economy and politics. 23. Peter Leoffler (November 10, 1982) owned Hart Hotel before the flood hit and afterwards became an antique dealer, and was president of the Little Theater. He was noted to be very civically engaged and became a committeeman in Wilkes-Barre and a delegate to the county Democratic Committee. 24. Raymond Lowery (interviewed November 8, 1982) was the Kingston administrator from 1971 to 1981. 25. Edward Mashiniski (November 10, 1982) first president of the Miners Mills Citizens Association, from 1975 to 1982. 26. Bob McGinley (interviewed November 24, 1982) was the Director of the Department for Public Works and was formerly the Assistant City Manager under Manager Bernard Gallagher. 27. Ambrose Meltesky (October 13, 1982 and November 4, 1982) worker for Hazard Organization of Penchant Employees (HOPE) which is affiliated with American Chain and Capable Company where he worked. He was also a union organizer for the United Steel Workers for America, and was highly involved with FOSCCO, a senior citizens association in Wilkes-Barre. 28. A.J. Mussari (October 12, 1982) a professor at King’s College, he was the founder of CUFF (Citizens United for the Future of Wyoming Valley). 29. Lee Namey (November 9, 1982) was a Wilkes-Barre Councilman elected under the strong mayor charter of 1976.
31. Jim O’Karma (November 11, 1982) worked in the Wilkes-Barre Office of Community Development having started first in the Planning Department. 32. Mike Pitcavage (October 20, 1982) worked for the city in the electrical department. Was an electrical engineer and also worked as a teacher at Penn State, and got involved with the Citizens Choice Coalition in 1978, moving on to be president in 1980. 33. Councilman Robert Prawdzik (November 19, 1982) was elected to city council in 1977. His full time job was superintendent of grounds and building for the county.
34. Robert Reilly (September 30, 1982) was a part of the movement for charter reform while he was a student at King’s University. 35. Jack Sammon (October 21, 1982) a part of the citizens’ committee against Montage. 36. Gerald Schulze (October 18, 1928) an environmentalist, he was the Coordinator of SEA (Susquehanna Environmental Advocates) and participated on the committee that opposed Montage. 37. John Solovey (October 18, 1982) was chair in the Coalition of Associations for River Protection (CARP). 38. Margaret Spenser (December 28, 1982) was the former executive director of the Bureau of Aging, also executive director of the Penna. Association of Older People, and headed a statewide advocacy program, and was also director of Heritage House (formerly Home for Homeless Women). 39. Don Stalhut (December 22, 1982) a Methodist minister, he was involved with insuring economic and social justice in the post-Agnes recovery period. 40. Sue Strassman (December 3, 1982) noted to be very active in civic affairs and city commissions, and was chair of SOWB PAC. 41. Marilyn Tirpack (November 17, 1982) was chairman of the Tri-town Action Committee.
42. George Tomaseik (November 8, 1982) was involved in the post-Agnes citizens' action groups.
43. Phil Walsh (November 22, 1982) was on the city council, participated in FVAC, and was the head of the Parks and Rec Department. 44. Attorney Winkler (September 30, 1982) not much else is included in the interview. 45. Ed Zygmunt (November 6, 1982) was involved the groups that opposed Montage and started the Luzerne County Chapter of the Federation of Sportsmen which is involved in the CCC. People Interviewed in 1983 1. Richard Dungan (Interviewed November 11, 1983) was chair of the WB City Council and worked in the Citizens Recycling Committee. 2. Don Honeywell (December 6, 1983) owned Deemers Incorporated. 3. Stanley Owca (December 6, 1983) was an officer in Brookside League and was also involved in Brookside PAC as chair for 5 years. Also includes interview notes with organizations such as the Citizens Choice Coalition, SWIBCO, CARP, involved in the aftermath of Agnes from 1972 - 1983. All organizations named during the series
Wyoming Valley Citizens Organizations 1. Brookside League, Inc. 2. Citizens Choice Coalition 3. South Wilkes-Barre Citizens Organization (SWIBCO) 4. Crime Watch Program of South Wilkes-Barre
5. Parsons Manor Residents Association, Inc. 6. Downtown PAC 7. Model Cities Citizens Inc. 8. GAR Action Council 9. Iron Triangle Committee 10. MM Assn 11. Federation of Senior Citizens Clubs and Organizations (F.O.S.C.C.O.) 12. Brookside PAC
13. South Wilkes-Barre Crime Watch 14. West River Street Association 15. Susquehanna Environmental Advocates 16. CARP 17. South Wilkes-Barre Redevelopment Authority P.A.C. 18. Tri-Town Action Committee
19. NEND Crime Watch 20. Saint Nicholas Senior Citizens Association 21. POWER (Protect Our Water Environmental Resources) 22. Susquehanna River Watch Coalition 24. East End Wilkes-Barr3e Crime Watch 25. Rolling Mill Hill Watch Program
26. Parsons Taxpayer Association 27. O’Karma Terrace Neighborhood and Community Association 28. Meyers Court Crime Watch Association Flood Victims Action Council (FVAC) The interviews contain information regarding how local government and citizens were affected in the aftermath of the flood, but it also holds information regarding the local politics, specifically Rep. Dan Flood and his political corruption, and the Montage Mountain Water Crisis.
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu