50 Years Ago – February, 1970
1970
The Bryant University campus is home to one historic barn and two 18th century houses which in February of 1970 stood exactly where the dome of the Unistructure is located today. As construction preparations for the Unistructure were underway the buildings became the center of some local controversy. The school had originally planned to move the structures to another location on campus so as not to look out of place amid the modern architecture, but some felt they should remain where they were. Then the possibility arose that they might be sold at auction and removed from Smithfield all together.
On February 5, members of the Smithfield Town Council and representatives of the historical society met with Bryant officials at the Town Hall, where an agreement was reached to retain the buildings on campus, but not at their original location.
Today the buildings can be found on the campus portion of John Mowry Road.
1st Lieutenant Anthony J. Fascitelli, Jr., of Greenville, was serving in the U. S. Air Force.
Airman 1st Class James P. Coupe of Greenville, was serving at Da Nang Air Force Base in Vietnam.
PFC Howard R. Turner, Jr., of Esmond, was serving with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam.
Sergeant Lea T. Lariviere of Georgiaville, had finished a tour of duty in Germany and was home on leave.
The Junior Naval Cadets of Smithfield announced the following promotions:
Thomas Howarth to full lieutenant.
Stephen Votolato to Distinguished Cadet.
Dennis Straight and Paul Arella to Senior Cadet 1st Class.
Robert Varr to Senior Cadet 2nd Class.
Keith Straus and Dennis Henlin to Senior Cadet 3rd Class.
Gregory Straight to Cadet 1st Class.
Richard Cardarelli and James Bicknell to cadet 2nd Class.
Thomas Straus, Michael Barfato, and Robert Ferguson to Cadet 3rd Class.
Esmond Girl Scout Troop 894 held a meeting at the Esmond Recreation Hall where the following girls were made official Girl Scouts: Pamela Shaw, Karen Despres, Deborah LeBlanc, Danielle Desautel, Kathy Richardson, Diane DeCessere, Donna Cooke, Marilyn Maltais, Mary Sward, Beth Cerroni, Linda Parks, Marion Passano, Julie Cerroni, Laura White, Mary Webster, and Melony Sheppard.
The Smithfield Golden Agers held a meeting over which Mrs. Albina Whitecross presided. Hostesses included Stella Hill, Mary Cardello, Ann Ethier, Blanche Belhumer, and Mae Creighton.
The Apple Valley Chorus placed 2nd in the annual Division IV Competition held in Norwood, Massachusetts. The win made them eligible to compete in the Northeast District Competition in October.
The Apple Valley Chorus was directed by Roger Jordon.
One local car dealer was offering for sale a 1966 Ford “Country Squire” station wagon – remember them? The vehicle was equipped with a luggage rack, 2-way tailgate, radio and heater, power steering and a V-8 engine with automatic transmission, all of which were dealer options at the time. The price, a mere $1,495.
The same dealer was also offering a ’67 Mustang for $1,595, and a ’68 Lincoln for $3,395.
A local oil company was advertising 200 gallons of heating oil for $30, plus tax, and cash on delivery. For those doing the math, that came about seven cents a gallon.
