Circa, 1970, Clifton Democratic party leader Alex Komar purchased this old Great Lakes steamer, which he had shipped and moored on the Passaic River, just off River Road. He converted the vessel into a bar and restaurant and it became a hangout for a few years. However, one stormy night, the Passaic River Queen broke her moorings and beached down stream where it slowly rusted and was eventually sold for scrap— before becoming a lively footnote in our city’s history. Jan. 6, 1970: The construction of a $100,000 Gino’s Restaurant at Rt. 46 and St. Philip Drive is approved. The fast-food chain was founded by Baltimore Colts defensive end Gino Marchetti and running back Alan Ameche. Jan. 12, 1970: Mayor Joseph Vanecek appoints William Bingham and John Feczer to the Planning Board and Stephen Goceljak, George Garrison, Lester Herrschaft and Terry LaCorte to the Board of Education. Jan. 13, 1970: Councilman Thomas Cupo calls for a raise for City Manager William Holster. Holster pulled down $31,315 annually and was mentioned as a candi-
date for a $38,000-a-year cabinet post with newly elected Governor William Cahill. Cupo’s call for the raise was in response to the possible loss of Holster. Jan. 13, 1970: The Planning Board approves John Majka, through his Dor-John Corp., for an extension to a warehouse on the Athenia tract that previously housed Stacey Fabrics. Vanecek maintained his opposition to the expansion at the Majka industrial park during the session. However, his colleagues ignored his objections. Jan. 21, 1970: City Manager Holster’s profile rises as he is named to the legislative committee of the NJ State League of Municipalities. Jan. 21, 1970: Parents and the BOE get a demonstration of the school system’s new closed circuit TV system. Jan. 21, 1970: The plans for Harry Burns to expand his Country Inn on Valley Road and add an antique store are approved by the Board of Adjustment and recommended favorably to the City Council. The 1970 Biddy All-Stars took Clifton and the Garden State by storm. They headed to New Orleans in the spring, where they placed third in a national tourney. Since helping coach the team in New Orleans, George Hayek remained active with the Biddy team until 2007, when he took time off following hip replacement surgery. The team is now headed by Bob Foster of the Boys & Girls Club. Front, from left to right is Stan Kobylarz, Chris Melia, Rick Hilla, David Anton, Charley Hayek and Tom Primo. Back: Coach Ed Bednarcik, Steve Gallik, Ed Bednarcik, George Oiler, Duke Silgee, Mark Presby and Coach Max Kashtan.
8 August 2016 • Clifton Merchant