State Store
The State Liquor Store first opened its doors in Trafford at 420 Cavitt Ave in 1949. The building was constructed in 1946 by Louis & Doris Jenets. Some may recall this store, far before the rebranding efforts of the PA Liquor Control Board revamped the image across the state to the current “Fine Wine & Good Spirits.” You may notice a PA Lottery sticker on the window in the photograph, one of the “legitimate” locations in Trafford to offer you a chance at playing the “Daily Number.”
Who remembers one of the tenants of this building also being available to help fill the need to play the daily number? If you guessed Mr. Al Donatelli, you are correct.
My parents, Vic & Kathy Capets, purchased this building in 1979, and there was always a project that needed to be done at one of the buildings. As a teen, I was available labor for my dad, but also became a keen observer as to what was happening on the sidewalk in front of the Cavitt Avenue buildings. Mr. Donatelli was one of the tenants in the building who I can recall very well. No disrespect to Mr. Donatelli, but my understanding was that one did not have to pay “full price” to play the daily number. I learned that a few spare coins were enough to play, and the payout was slightly better than that offered by the State’s game. With the availability of all sorts of gambling on smartphones today, I now recognize Mr. Donatelli as an entrepreneur who filled a need no different than what people are offered today. The difference, however, may be that the income he earned likely stayed right in the community where he lived, be it Jack Praisner’s newsstand, Pultan’s Super Market, or Warden’s Bar, all across the street from the Donatelli residence.
Albert Donatelli (1913-1989) married Helen Lawrence (1917-1996) in October 1945. He served in the Army overseas for 18 months during WWII and was discharged in October 1945 from Kennedy General Hospital suggesting he may have suffered an illness or injury while serving. Hopefully, a family member of Mr. Donatelli’s can share some of his military service with us. Please contact Andrew Capets.
