100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Tramps have been making their rounds in Ridley Park plying their lazy trade of begging during the past few days. A laundress, who is employed at a Ridley avenue home, was hanging some clothes on the line in the yard when she was accosted by a filthy specimen of the genus hobo who in no uncertain tones demanded a meal. The girl was thoroughly scared and as there were no men about the premises she complied with the tramp’s request. After he had finished, the knight of the road asked the girl for money and upon being refused he threatened to do her bodily harm until the nearby appearance of a man who put the villain to flight. Several other places were visited by the tramps.
The monthly police changes took place in Chester when the night and day forces were changed. Andrew Lamont is now acting house sergeant during the day.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A small arsenal was stolen by a burglar who gained entrance to the Briggs’ Sporting Goods Store at 627 Welsh St., Chester. Carried away were 25 revolvers, two rifles and five shotguns.
The number of persons arrested for intoxication in Chester has decreased considerably since Magistrate Honan put a new plan into effect. Now every drunk taken into custody has to work for 24 hours. The work consists of scrubbing cells and painting the cell block. A few have been compelled to take a cold bath.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mrs. Emily DeShields was honored along with Mrs. Anna Mitchell at a banquet by the stewardess board of St. John’s AUMP Church in Chester. The ladies are both from Chester and were honored for their work with the church at 17th and Walnut streets.Clifton Heights Police Chief Charles A. Duke has resigned. He has served on the force for 26 years and has asked borough council to place him on pension.
Members of the Delaware County Field and Stream’s junior rifle club got in some practice rounds at the Yeadon High School range. Among those practicing were Bob Bixler, Alys Gamble, Robert Swartz and Valerie Gamble. Valerie is regarded as better than most boys in the club.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A carelessly discarded envelope with your name on it could lead to your prosecution as a litterbug if officials in Concord find it. Township Supervisor Robert Mench said litter is a constant problem and the township has decided to prosecute litterbugs.An Upper Darby attorney spent close to an hour defending a man accused of stealing cars. At the conclusion of the hearing at which the charges were dropped, the attorney, John McDougall, walked outside to his car, a white Pontiac Firebird, and discovered it had been taken. The car was found nearby. Apparently the car was moved by police who found it unlocked and with the keys in it. They moved it as a joke.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Cpl. Troy B. Britton, a graduate of Sun Valley High School in Aston, is serving in the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a Marine Corps Unit on deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean and the Arabian Gulf.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

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