100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Three sailors on steamships lying at the dock of the Sun Company, Marcus Hook, ran amuck in Marcus Hook and when they were released from custody the trio was much wiser as the result of their experiences. The men came ashore and had a lengthy conference with John Barleycorn. When they were ready to return to their ship at a late hour they were hardly able to navigate. They damaged property in their effort before Officer Reynolds arrested them and put them in the lockup. Squire Vernon imposed a fine large enough to cover all the damage done and they were also fined $18 each. The fines were paid, and realizing what trouble they had gotten themselves into, they seemed to think they were getting off easy.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Becoming suspicious when four youths entered his drugstore at Ninth Street and Keystone Road, Buckman Village, Chester, and ordered ice cream and candy, A. L. Cometz, the proprietor, walked behind the prescription counter and picked up his revolver as a matter of precaution. His actions were noticed by the quartet who fled quickly and drove away in an automobile they had parked outside. Cometz had been reading of numerous drugstore robberies and decided if the gunmen wanted his cash they would have to shoot it out with him. A good description of the four and the automobile was given to police. An early arrest is expected.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

The venerable and famed City of Chester, after 2,000,000 miles of steam boating on the Delaware River and elsewhere is headed for the scrap heap. Retired at the age of 70, Wilson Excursion Line has decided to sell it for scrap. It is estimated to have carried more than a million passengers and the steamer is one of the few steamers of its class left in the world.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Harry Sheldrake, formerly of Eagle Realtors, Ridley Township, has opened his own real estate office at 701 Beechwood Ave., Collingdale. As a private broker, he said the office will be open every day of the week.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Independence Dogs of Chadds Ford is looking for dog lovers to open their hearts and homes to special puppies that will be eventually trained to help the disabled. Independence Dogs can be telephoned.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline, e-mail: mailto:lencas1038@verizon.net