100 YEARS AGO – 1908

John A. Wood, a Chester grocer, is the proud possessor of one of the quill pens that was used by Chief Justice Milville Weston Fuller of the U.S. Supreme Court in signing court decrees. It was a gift from the court clerk.A party of Chester hunters, including Dr. George R. Bentley, shot 17 rabbits while hunting in the Markham section of the county.Through the enterprise of one of Chester’s well-known citizens the city has had established a new industry. Holstein H. Fields, manager of the brickyard at 11th and Concord, has begun the manufacture of concrete hollow bricks that can be used in construction. The blocks are used extensively in some parts of the country but are unknown in these parts.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

George J. Courtney is the new president of the Ridley Park Barnstormers that are beginning their 27th theatrical season.A man was arrested by railway police when he was found lying dangerously close to the tracks at Front and Market streets, Chester. He was given 10 days in jail by Magistrate Honan for loitering and for being homeless.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Barbara Turek, a senior student at Chester High School, has been named Girl of the Month by the Chester Business and Professional Women’s Club. She received an emblem pin from Mrs. Pearl E. Aley, president of the club.Five men, the last surviving miners who worked a Bethel Township Garnet Mine 52 years ago, had a reunion in Chelsea. The five worked in the second of two garnet mines in the Garnet Mine and Conchester Roads section. The men are Robert Phillips, 75, of Johnson’s Corner; Edward Larkin Sr., 83 of Chelsea; Reece Zebley 84, of Bethel; Jacob Davis, 84 of Green Ridge; and Harold Larkin, 83, of Bethel.The Rhythm Riffs entertain tonight and Saturday night at the Essington Republican Club, 3rd and Jansen Avenue.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Carl Mau, the “Idea Man” of Delaware County is in Riddle Hospital because he’s not feeling up to snuff. Mau of Aston has had many ideas throughout the years. The most recent was the Hunger Huts that are placed throughout the area for food donations.The American Association of Retired Persons is forming a Lansdowne chapter. Betty Fox and Frances Brewington are in charge of the effort and may be contacted for further information.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Darby Fire Co. No. 1 is sponsoring a job fair at the firehouse, Chester Pike and Quarry Street. More than 20 employers will be here for the job seekers.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298