Lansdale Historical Society Presents: The Five Mayors

On Tuesday night, the presented the long awaited "Five Mayors" program, featuring the borough's leaders from past to present. 

Spanning over 40 years of office, former mayors Hugh Cullen, Dick Bitner, John Scheetz and Mike DiNunzio joined current mayor Andy Szekely for a fireside sit- down at the Lansdale .

Amongst the many in attendance were current and former borough councilmen, as well as a handful of local business owners and residents who came out to hear stories from the men who have molded our town over the past half-century.

Historical Society President Dick Shearer read a brief opening statement, indicating that this is the first time Lansdale has had five living mayors. 

Afterward, second vice president Steven Moyer introduced each mayor, and the program began with Darryl Berger from WNPV serving as moderator for the evening.

The discussion was varied, ranging from how each man became mayor, to sometimes hilarious stories about marrying people from the borough. 

Cullen kicked it off by explaining he had actually wanted to run for tax collector, but he was informed the party had no one to run for mayor, so he was strongly urged to take a shot.

DiNunzio, the only multi-term mayor of the five, said he laughed when he was approached to run for mayor. Though he was heavily resistant to the idea, in retrospect, he spoke glowingly of his time as mayor and his joy in helping the borough.

Current mayor Szekely spoke of initially not knowing what to do once he was elected, saying he sat in the wrong seat at the first council meeting.  He added that he didn't know part of the job was to marry people, but to date, he has performed more than 50 weddings.

"I think I've cried more than the brides do," said Szekely.

That comment began what seemed to be an endless supply of laughter.  Regardless of the topic, the mayors rattled off story after story, resulting in laughs and applause from the crowd.

The five mayors clearly enjoyed talking shop with one another.

As the program began to wind down, Berger asked each mayor about his most memorable experience while in office.

"I loved the job, and I really enjoyed it.  The centennial was the highlight of my four years," said Cullen.

Bitner followed with a stranger tale.

"During a council meeting, Chief of Police Hendricks walked in, leaned over, and told me my store was just held up," said Bitner. 

Bitner owned Bitner's Pharmacy on West Main Street, in the location next to West Main Diner.

He added that his biggest regret was that he never had the opportunity to marry anyone.

Staying in line with odd tales, Mayor Scheetz spoke of a hostage standoff, after which a story was written comparing his likelihood to "John Wayne."

For Mayor DiNunzio, children were at the heart of his service.

"There were so many great things.  I think the thing I enjoyed more than anything was getting into the elementary schools and speaking to all the children. I received so many pictures and drawings, and I still keep them to this day," said DiNunzio.

Szeleky concluded the program on a humorous note, speaking about an encounter with his father after he had been elected.

"When I was first appointed, I went over to my father's house to tell him. He was rolling out of bed, and he looked at me and said, 'You've got to be kidding me!,' and then he went right back to bed," said Szekely.

The mayors fielded a few questions from the audience, and that ended the evening. 

There was talk of making the program an annual event, which, judging from their enthusiasm, would be a welcome delight to the many in attendance.

For those who would have liked to make the event, but couldn't, there will be a DVD of the program available in roughly one month through the Lansdale Historical Society.

Visit the historical society at www.lansdalehistory.org.