100 YEARS AGO – 1908

A bullfrog who makes his home in the Upland pond and who has grown very large tried to swallow a chicken. The cries of the young fowl could be heard for quite a distance but it was some time before it was discovered from where the sounds emanated. Finally the pond where the frog makes his home was thought of and a search soon disclosed the fact that the latter had the little chicken half way down his throat. The fowl was taken away from the frog, although it was nearly half dead, and with a “ker plunk” the amphibian disappeared in the water.While passing through the stable yard of the Washington House in Chester, where he is employed, George Abbott picked up a penny of the year 1793. Those who have seen it and who know its value say that the cent is in excellent state of preservation and it is worth anything from $100 to $125. It is a copper penny, a trifle larger than the old-fashioned farthing.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The Rt. Rev. Francis M. Taitt, for many years the rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chester, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his entrance into the ministry.Beer distributors in Chester are becoming the target for nightly raiders who break into garages and storehouses carting away beer by the case. The latest victim was Jacob Lysczek, 2318 W. Third St., owner of Delaware County Bottling Works. Five cases of beer were stolen.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

The Rev. Peter D. Thomsen was greeted as the new pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lester. He replaces the Rev. Edward Zvirbulis.Trainer Borough Council authorized the installation of a telephone at the residence of borough Patrolman Joseph Sill to be used for police work since the community has no official borough police station.Airman 1.C. Roger B. White, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. White of Garnet Mine Road, Boothwyn, has been selected as airman of the month at Paine Air Force Base in Washington.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A welfare recipient appealed to Chester Mayor Joseph Battle to permit him to stay in his home that had been padlocked because he owed several months rent. Battle advised the man that he should go to an emergency shelter. “I don’t want to live in no emergency shelter,’’ he said. Battle said there was little he could do.Chester’s Town Watch program that once boasted 140 members has dwindled to about a dozen active members because “people just don’t care,’’ a spokesman said.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Collingdale had a Drug Awareness and Bicycle Safety Day at the Collingdale Community Center. Bicycles were registered and children were fingerprinted. Helmets were awarded to children.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

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or call (610) 565-4298