`oklahoma' Seeks Production Assistance 
The Little Theatre Of Wilkes-barre Has Openings For Production Crew For Rodger 
And Hammerstein's Musical ``oklahoma!'' Which Will Open The Theater's 74th 
Continuous Season.

Abolitionist Stood Strong In Days Of Slavery

By RENEE HENRICH; Special to the Times Leader
 Monday, July 15, 1996 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 3A 





NESCOPECK -- "We're thankful for the foresight of those of bygone years,
who visioned, planned and labored, despite all doubts and fears." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The voices of nearly 100 Nescopeck residents sang out these words Sunday
during the town's centennial celebration. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sung to the tune of "The Church's One Foundation," the ceremonial village
song was written for the centennial by event co-chairwoman Joan Gearhart. The
community song was one of several events planned for the weekend-long
celebration. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The festivities began 8 p.m. Saturday with a square dance at Broad and
Rayber streets, followed by birthday cake and ice cream. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "While researching the history of the town, we found out that back in the
early 1900s there was a town picnic that was held, so we thought we'd keep the
tradition," said Aileen Waltman, the other event co-chairwoman. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Also available for the public to peruse was a museum of Nescopeck
artifacts. Residents put on display personal items such as photographs, Indian
arrowheads, and china and a guest registry from a hotel which was located in
Nescopeck in the early 1900's. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The celebration resumed 2:30 p.m. Sunday with presentations by several
local dignitaries. State Sen. Charles D. Lemmond Jr., R-Dallas; state Rep.
George Hasay, R-Shickshinny, and Luzerne County commissioners Joseph "Red"
Jones and Thomas Makowski presented resolutions recognizing the town's
centennial to Nescopeck Mayor Tim Kelchner and Council President Ted Smith. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Following the ceremony, which was held at the Nescopeck baseball field,
attendees heard music by the Danville Legion Band while feasting on a roasted
pig. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 On Sunday evening, the Boy Scouts of Columbia County were to perform
American Indian dances entitled the "Order of the Arrow." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "Many of us have Indian blood which we're really proud of so we were sure
not to neglect that part of our heritage," Waltman said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The evening was to conclude with vespers led by three local pastors and
including music from A Touch of Brass. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In honor of the centennial, the 18-member committee helped compile a
114-page book of the history of Nescopeck. The book was on sale along with
hats, afghans, flags and T-shirts reading "Nescopeck: 1896-1996 One Hundred
Years Proud." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Proceeds from the sale of the centennial items will go toward Nescopeck's
"Community Days," a weekend carnival in August. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Nescopeck Mayor Tim Kelchner displays one of several proclamations the
borough received Sunday to commemorate its 100th birthday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 TIMES LEADER PHOTOS/LIL JUNAS &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Members of the Danville Legion Band take a break in the shade Sunday before
performing at the Nescopeck Centennial Festivities at the Nescopeck baseball
field. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nescopeck Celebrates Centennial Event, Held Saturday And Sunday, Featured Music, Artifacts, And Cake And Ice Cream