110 YEARS AGO – 1898

Shoe dealers in Chester are enjoying the best run on rubber goods that they have had for some years.William Tompkins, son of the Rev. George R. Tompkins of Upland, who enlisted in the Army just after the war with Spain began, has returned to his home, having been honorably discharged. He rendered faithful service to the government.Squire James W. Howarth of Glen Riddle has had the great pleasure of receiving an autographed letter from Admiral W. S. Schley, the hero of Santiago.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Joe Jovenelli and Joan Gardner are featured as a song-and-dance team at Wright’s Silver Slipper, Fourth and Hinkson streets, Chester.John R. Weaver, Darby’s last surviving Civil War veteran, died at the age of 88. He was a direct descendant of John Morton, the county’s signer of the Declaration of Independence.Historic St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Marcus Hook was badly damaged by fire.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Burglars ripped open a metal door and stole $1,500 from the safe, along with television sets, watches and other jewelry, from the Bargain City USA store in Woodlyn, Ridley Township.Five couples were winners of dances at St. Francis Canteen in Springfield with the multiplication dance. Winners were: Joan Reinstein and Ed Guinaugh, Carol Ryan and Paul Shields, Dot Higgins and Dan Curran, Marian Traily and Bill Clarke, Mary McKenna and Fred Howe.Beth Ann McCall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McCall of 19 E. Rodgers St., Ridley Park, entertained 16 of her classmates from St. Madeline’s School at a birthday anniversary party at her home.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Morton is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving and a dinner dance at the Alpine Inn, Springfield. More than 1,500 homes were left without power for almost an hour on Lynn Road Ridley Park. Tree limbs were knocked down and cut off the power.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Yugene Tyrone Jacobs, a freshman at Faith School of Theology in Charleston, Maine, preached his first sermon at Faith Tabernacle Church in Chester. He is a graduate of Chester High and plans to become a third generation preacher. He is the son of Stanley Jacobs and the Rev. Catherine O. Jacobs.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298