100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Two “trustees’’ at the county jail made their escape from prison with the use of a 40-foot ladder. After ascending, the men jumped from the wall to a manure pile. One of the prisoners was serving one year for larceny and had but a short time to finish his sentence. The other man was in jail for begging in Prospect Park. After leaving the prison the men boarded a trolley car. Police have been notified and Warden Fields said both will be apprehended shortly.
An electric piano has been installed at the Pennsylvania Cafe in Chester.
Jacob Rosenberg, dealer in general merchandise at Second and Hayes streets, Chester, who is well-known as an interpreter, was severely beaten by a couple of foreigners. The foreigners were being disorderly in front of Rosenberg’s store and he asked them to leave and proceeded to push the men from the sidewalk. They attacked him and he now is unable to leave his home.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The organization of a Home Garden Association for Collingdale as a means of aiding unemployment relief is being undertaken by a committee of citizens. It is proposed that vacant lots throughout the borough be plowed and harrowed so that they may be cultivated. Any persons who become drones and who fail to care for their gardens will be ejected.
Mrs. Helen Church of Lansdowne, nutrition director of the Delaware County Emergency Relief Board, is giving talks on inexpensive wholesome foods and their preparation. She is speaking to groups throughout the county. She said there is a “need for a substantial meal at least once a day.’’

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Some 500 firemen fought a $300,000 fire at Essington Yacht Yard that destroyed 14 large cabin cruisers and partially burned at least 10 others. Essington Fire Chief Joseph Zentmyer said the main shed was half destroyed. The cause has not been determined, however, he doubted if it was arson related.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Swarthmore High School students are taking orders for geraniums. Order forms are available at Michael’s Pharmacy in the business section.
The Trainer VFW Post is having a St. Patrick’s Day ham and cabbage dinner at the post home on Chestnut Street. The dinner includes dessert.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Delaware County Prison officials are investigating how an inmate got sick when he got hold of another prisoner’s medication. The sickened inmate had to be taken to Crozer-Chester Medical Center, however, he was not admitted.

LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

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or call (610) 565-4298