100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The strike of the motormen and conductors on the Chester Traction line took a serious turn when sixteen members of the State Constabulary arrived in Chester and bore down on the strikers on Edgmont Avenue, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. The mounted police attempted to clear the avenue and sidewalks knocking men and women to the street and sidewalks in their effort. The strikers retaliated with bricks and stones that were hurled at the state officers. The Chester Traction Co. plans to run cars tomorrow with non-striking workers.
The gang of tramps that has been making a nuisance of themselves in Ridley Park were arrested when Policeman Wishman and Constable Brooks swooped on them at the camp in Henderson’s Woods. Three of the knights of the road were put in the county jail.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Common drunks arrested in Chester will be given the opportunity of paying their fines by scrubbing walls, floors and cells at the police station. Chief of Police Vance said Supt. of Police James H. Davenport decided that inebriates have been getting off too lightly when arraigned. Most of those arrested for intoxication are discharged. This procedure is going to be taboo in the future and a cleaner and more sanitary police station looms as the result of the decision by officials.
A 29-year-old man was fined $10 and costs in Chester by Magistrate Honan in Chester for annoying a young woman at a movie theater. The man admitted his guilt and willingly paid the charge.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Three bandits held up the Darby Diner on Chester Pike at gunpoint and looted the cash register of $252. They missed $600 in a nearby desk drawer that the owner said he had set aside to pay some bills.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Delaware County Council has adopted an ordinance that calls for the levying of a one percent tax on hotel room rentals. The funds from the tax are to be used for tourist promotional activities in the county.Ten members of the Folcroft Police Department have been donating their time and muscle renovating their future headquarters in the Folcroft Municipal Building. Police Chief Theodore Pastore, a 15-year veteran of construction work, has been helping with the renovations.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Middletown Presbyterian Church is having a stress management seminar at the church. Don Jaegers discusses proper nutrition and dieting as well as relaxation techniques.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

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