100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The strange actions of an unknown man caused much speculation on the pike in Eddystone. The stranger, when first seen, was walking up the pike when a trolley car came in sight. Just before the electric coach approached the man broke into a run. Thinking that the fellow wanted to catch the car and that he was trying to reach the vehicle, the motorman slowed up. The stranger made no attempt to board the car and after it had passed him he took to the center of the tracks and followed the car running at full speed until he disappeared up the road.
Officer Reynolds of Marcus Hook picked up a gang of drunken umbrella menders and had the entire bunch put in the borough lockup. The menders entered the borough and picked up enough coins to provide themselves with enough stimulants of several varieties to make them hilarious. Taking advantage of the day, the fellows thought they could do as they pleased and they did so until Policeman Reynolds appeared and piloted them to the lockup.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

There is a revived interest in Chester for the erection of a monument for John Morton, the county’s signer of the Declaration of Independence. Some historians think the patriot’s dying words should be inscribed on it. They were: “Tell my enemies the hour will yet come when it will be acknowledged my vote in favor of American Independence was the most illustrious act of my life.’’ Morton’s remains are buried on East Third Street, Chester, under a slim gray shaft.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A trash collector for Ridley Township was hurled from the back of a collection truck when he was caught by a low hanging wire. John Ciliberto, 55, of Baltimore Ave., Milmont Park, was admitted to Taylor Hospital with a possible broken back and a bruised forehead. He was riding on the back of the truck when it passed under the low hanging wire on Academy Avenue, knocking him to the road.
The majorettes of Nether Providence High School were featured in the NP Follies at the school. Starring in the annual program were Mahala Cohen, Diana Petriken, Abbie Campbell, Barbara Jones, Cornelia Millikin, Dotty Essick, Carol Ryder and Kathy O’Shaughnessy.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Thomas M. Thomas Memorial Church on West Third Street, Chester, is having a Service of Dedication of its new ministry, The Thomas M. Thomas Eastside Ministries at Ninth and Potter streets. The new ministry addresses the spiritual, educational and social needs of youth.
Charles Richards, Ralph D’iorio and Edward Calderone were presented certificates of appreciation for their work on Nether Providence Township panels. All three men recently retired from their posts.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Thornbury Township now has a Web site on the Worldwide Web. For more information call Township Secretary/Treasurer Deborah Perry.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298