1961 — “Integration” seemed to be the word of the week at Chinchilla School, with local students welcoming 24 new children of migrant workers from the Deep South and Mexico. The visitors ranged in age from 6 to 13.

“With their fingers slightly crossed as to how these (visiting children) would be accepted, the Chinchilla teachers spent a few anxious hours. But when recess came, all their doubts were vanished,” read am Abington Journal article. “Starting with the first day, the strangers were invited by the other children to take part in the fun of touch football, rope skipping, swinging on the ladders and riding the rotary.”

1965 — Wescott Hardware in Dalton closed its doors for the final time, following a “going out of business” sale. The store had been around since the 1890s when it first opened as Fisk Hardware. Ivan Wescott bought the business in 1923 and operated it for 40 years before turning it over to his son Neal Wescott in 1963. The building was built in the 1890s by the Fisks and is now the site of Dalton Country Store.

1971 — John McAllister, then commander of the Clarks Summit Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7069, was named to the Pennsylvania VFW All-State Team of Outstanding Post Commanders for 1970. He received a wrist watch, cash award and department citation from VFW Commander Rudolph E. Shearer at the 52nd Annual Pennsylvania VFW Convention in Philadelphia.

1977 — The Clarks Summit United Methodist Church celebrated the 10th anniversary of the building’s consecration with a dinner on Sept. 17, 1977, in the fellowship hall. “Brother John,” a musical group consisting of area music teachers John Williams, Bill Williams, Al Purdy and Rich Morelli, led the festivities with a hymn sing “featuring old and modern hymns.”

Those who accepted invitations to speak briefly at the event included The Rev. Burtt E. Sweet, pastor at the time of the church’s consecration; the Rev. Clayton W. Hoag, Dist. Supt. 10 years before; the Rev. Robert T. Webster, under whose guidance the building began; the Rev. Alfred L. Crayton, former pastor; the Rev. James A. Wert, former member and present district superintendent; and the Rev. Henry A. Male, vice president of the Abington Ecumenical Ministerium.

Clarks Summit VFW Post 7069 Commander John McAllister, right, is named to the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars All State Team of outstanding Post Commanders for 1970 in 1971. VFW Commander Rudolph E. Shearer, left, presents him with a wrist watch, cash award and department citation.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_ABJ-LH-0916-1971.jpg.optimal.jpgClarks Summit VFW Post 7069 Commander John McAllister, right, is named to the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars All State Team of outstanding Post Commanders for 1970 in 1971. VFW Commander Rudolph E. Shearer, left, presents him with a wrist watch, cash award and department citation. Abington Journal file photos

Youngsters of local families welcome the children of Mexican migrant workers to their school in Chinchilla in September 1961.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_ABJ-LH-0916-1961.jpg.optimal.jpgYoungsters of local families welcome the children of Mexican migrant workers to their school in Chinchilla in September 1961. Abington Journal file photos

Wescott Hardware advertises its going out of business sale in September 1965.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_ABJ-LH-0916-1965.jpg.optimal.jpgWescott Hardware advertises its going out of business sale in September 1965. Abington Journal file photos

Compiled by Elizabeth Baumeister

ebaumeister@timesleader.com

Reach Elizabeth Baumeister at 570-704-3943 or on Twitter @AbingtonJournal