In 1973, the 110-story Sears Tower opened in Chicago. Walkie-talkies were popular Christmas gifts, Stove Top Stuffing first appeared on grocery store shelves, and the average tuition at a four-year public college was $358.

Michael and Jennifer were the favorite baby names. All in the Family (CBS) was the top TV show. The Sting won an Oscar for Best Picture and M*A*S*H* (CBS) won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series.

The Miami Dolphins were the Super Bowl champs, the Oakland Athletics won the World Series, and the Montreal Canadiens clinched the Stanley Cup.

The average family income was $12,900, and a new house cost around $32,500. The retail price for a gallon of gas averaged 39 cents, the minimum wage was $1.60 per hour, and eggs were 69 cents a dozen.

And in 1973 fifteen men joined as members of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company #1. Fifty years later, four are still members of the Fire Company.

● Richard Berger joined on March 1, 1973. Rich served as Chief of the Fire Department and President of the Fire Company. Currently, Rich is an Active member of the Fire Company and serves as the co-chairperson of the 1922 Firehouse Restoration committee.

● Walter “Butch” Cronk joined on September 6, 1973. Butch served as a Vice-President of the Fire Company and is currently an Active member serving as a Trustee of the Fire Company.

● Floyd Gaddis joined on August 2, 1973. Floyd served as an Engine Lieutenant of the Fire Company and as a Fire Commissioner of the Pleasant Valley Fire District. Floyd is a Life member of the Fire Company.

● John Murphy joined on March 1, 1973. John served as Chief of the Fire Department and as a Fire Commissioner of the Pleasant Valley Fire District. John is a Life member and is currently serving as the Secretary of the Fire Company.

All four members were acknowledged by the Fire Company officers and members with a recognition commemorating their 50 years of service to the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company #1.

Congratulations to all!