In the news this week 82 years ago:
• The Washington Infantry celebrated its sesquicentennial during its annual dinner commemorating Washington’s birthday at the Roosevelt Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh. The group was founded by Revolutionary War veterans in 1792 as the Pittsburgh Light Infantry, changing names several times in the intervening years, assuming its final title as of 1855.
“For 43 years in sucession this fine organization has participated in our Memorial Day exercises at the Cemetery, formerly with the Grand Army, and latterly with the American Legion,” the Herald wrote. “Their Colonial uniforms are so familiar to all of us that we regard this as almost a local organization.”
The Washington Infantry served in many national conflicts, including the War of 1812, Mexican-American War and the Civil War. The unit remained active until about 1962.
• As part of the war effort, the Herald published a map of Sewickley’s 11 air raid warden posts. Rev. Lockhart Amerman, a resident of Thorn Street, was the chief air raid warden for Sewickley, with Hugh Nevin acting as vice-warden.
• Local schools were also making air raid preparations. Principal L.H. Conway, charged with overseeing civilian defense activities in district schools, reported to the Sewickley Civilian Defense Council that schools would be notified immediately in the event of an air raid alert.
“Air raid drills have been held and pupils who live in town will be sent home in case sufficient warning is received,” the Herald reported. Out-of-town students would have to remain in the building, while Sewickley Academy had requested that parents indicate their preferences in the event of an air raid on whether or not to remain at school.
“Members of the faculty are assigned tasks such as accompanying the janitor to make sure the gas is turned off and the engine room is all right.” As of press time, air raid drills had been conducted, but students had not actually been dismissed as planned.
