50 Years Ago – September, 1972

50 Years Ago – September, 1972

By Jim Ignasher   

September, 1972

     Steven Neri of Tarklin Road enlisted in the United States Army.

     Airman 1/c David Lariviere of Esmond was serving in the U. S. Air Force.

     S/Sgt. Donald C. Shaw of Esmond was serving as a weapons specialist with the U. S. Air Force at Sawyer AFB in Michigan.

     Navy Petty Officer 2/c Joseph F. Greene of Spragueville was training at the Quonset Naval Air station.

     Boy Scout Troop 76 of Greenville, under the leadership of Orlando Spinella, volunteered to take part in cleanup efforts along the banks of the Blackstone River.

     Boy Scout troop 14 of Greenville held their monthly meeting in the Masonic Hall in Greenville.

     The Smithfield Boys Club, (Today known as the Smithfield YMCA) was still under construction, and was reported to be 75% completed.   

September, 1972

     Marilyn Maltais of Esmond was crowned “Beach Queen” at the conclusion of the summer swim program sponsored by the Smithfield recreational Department.

     On September 5, the Smithfield Raiders pre-teen football team beat the Lincoln Falcons 30 – 0.

     In 1972 the East Smithfield Library was housed in the left side of the Esmond Recreational Center. The right side, which had contained bowling alleys was renovated, to provide larger space for the library. Shortly after the renovations were completed, a group of teenaged volunteers helped to move 7,500 books, as well as tables, chairs, shelves, file cabinets, and assorted other items from the left side of the building to the right. The entire process took only two-and-half-days.

     A local auto dealership was attempting to clear out their used car inventory. A 1971 Mercury Capri could be had for $2,195; a ’71 Ford Ranch Wagon for $2,950; a 1970 Plymouth Fury for $1,450; and a 1968 Volkswagon convertible for $1,177.   

September, 1972

     On September 23, the Smithfield Jaycees held a Monte Carlo Night at the Waterman Lake Pavilion, which included gaming tables, roulette wheels, and dice games. Free beer and sandwiches were provided.

     It was also on September 23 that annual “Apple Harvest Outdoor Art Festival” was held at Waterman Field in Greenville, sponsored by an organization known as Art Group ’70.

     Deborah Cimaglio of Greenville won first place in the Burrillville Arts Festival in the teenage oil painting division.

     On September 26, the Rotunda, the translucent dome at the center of the Bryant College Unistructure was dedicated the “Koffler Rotunda” in honor of Sol Koffler, a benefactor to the college. Koffler, a Polish immigrant, came to America and established the luggage company known as American Tourister.

    The residents of the Greenville Manor held a picnic sponsored by the tenants association.   

September, 1972

Old Stone Bank was offering 6% interest on savings accounts.

     The popular long running television shows: The Walton’s, The Bob Newhart Show, The New Price Is Right, and M*A*S*H, made their first network television appearances in September of 1972.

     Hit songs of September 1972 included “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) by looking Glass; “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” by The Hollies; and “Back Stabbers” by The O’Jays.

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