A look back: Nov. 8, 1961

Coaldale will have its first Democratic mayor in some 35 years as a result of yesterday’s spirited balloting.

Joseph “Chappie” Sharpe was the victor by 114 votes over incumbent Republican Evan Jones. Sharpe is well-known for his youth work in the community, particularly in sports, over the past several decades.

His defeated opponent served as burgess from 1926 to 1938 before relinquishing the post to another Republican, D. Peter Shubeck, who served from 1938 to 1950. Jones again held the position from 1950 to 1962 and this year will complete a total of 24 years as the mayor. The town’s first burgess was C.C. Gallagher, who was elected in 1906, when the town was incorporated.