100 YEARS AGO – 1908

That there is one man in Upland who has a fine appetite is evidenced by the story that is told by several of his friends in the old town. According to the story, the man in question with several friends went to Chester and on the return home it was proposed that the party stop in one of the restaurants there and get something to eat. This was agreed to readily and the men repaired to a nearby café. The boroughite with the voracious appetite began with hot beef sandwiches and half of dozen of these were soon disposed of by him. This caused his friends to sit up and take notice but when he ordered a fish cake and an oyster pie the others began to stare. The man took things philosophically and turning to the waiter ordered a stew of oysters. This was the limit and the friends reneged right there and then and the hungry boroughite was forced to relinquish his last order.
Harry Graham has opened a roller skating rink in the old armory building on East Fifth Street, Chester. Music is being furnished by Burk’s Military Band.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Upper Darby commissioners are peeved and are taking it out on the county commissioners. Upper Darby officials have always boasted about its great community and as “the fastest growing community in the country.’’ One of the township commissioners went to the county courthouse and looked at the county record book. He was mortified. No listing could be found for Upper Darby under the “U’s.’’ Then finally he located it printed “Darby Township (Upper).’’ Imagine listing Upper Darby behind that small pint-sized Darby Township. Township commissioners went into a huddled meeting and decided to send a formal protest to the county moguls.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Three “Gold Coast’’ taverns in Chester have been padlocked by the state Liquor Control Board because their owners are serving jail terms. The bars are the Musical Bar in the 100 block of West Third Street, the City Hotel Bar at Third and Edgmont and the Lafayette Grille, near Third and Edgmont. A spokesman for the LCB said that under state law a licensee is required to devote a majority of his time to the businesses and this not possible while they are in jail.
A pair of pearl and diamond earrings valued at $125 and a $20 bill were taken when a display window was smashed at Barr’s Jewelers, 519 Market St., Chester.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A fire in an oil burner caused some smoky conditions on the first floor of the Club Gentleman on Potter Street, Chester. No one was injured, said Fire Capt. Raymond Tress.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

An Aston housewife was arrested at her home on Pancoast avenue after she allegedly attacked her husband with a broom during a family argument. She also allegedly scratched him on the arms with her fingernails.

-- LEN CASTERLINE

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