75 Years Ago

Herald of Feb. 20, 1947

The first eye-witness radio broadcast of the train wreck involving the Red Arrow was given by Wilbert L. Ketner of Henrietta over WFBG, Altoona. The eastbound Red Arrow derailed and went down a 200 foot embankment on the Bennington Curve east of the Gallitzin Tunnel at 3:25 a.m. on Feb. 18, killing 22 and injuring 105. During the following day Ketner made seven broadcasts, including a coast-to-coast report of the tragedy on the Robert McCormick program.

The Martinsburg Booster Association voted to ask the school boards of the borough and neighboring townships to contact the State Department of Public Instruction and request that a study be made of the local school districts. The Boosters were hoping for recommendations of reorganization to better serve local students and taxpayers.

William Teaby, a graduate of Slippery Rock State Teachers College and Navy veteran, took up duties as teacher and coach in baseball and basketball at Cove High.