50 Years Ago

Herald of Jan. 18, 1973

Ralph Harstrom, 23, of Beavertown was confronted by three escapees from the Huntingdon state prison who forced him to drive them to Philadelphia. Harstrom told the Herald that the prisoners gave him directions to a street corner in the city, where the trio got out of his vehicle and returned the guns they’d taken from him. Harstrom then notified state police, who gave him a ride home after he experienced mechanical problems with his truck. Three other escapees from the same prison were on the run as well.

Local fuel oil distributors were not taking new customers due to...