100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Far more exciting than the play at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, was a fistfight in the lobby of the show house between an angry wife and the woman her husband had taken to the matinee. The woman from Lansdowne and the other woman from Philadelphia battled it out for a few minutes before other theatergoers intervened. The husband asked his wife “not to get excited.’’ He was just having a friendly meeting with the other woman, he said. The wife did not see it that way and after the fight she returned to her Lansdowne home.
Miss Grace Bitner, the nurse connected with the State Dispensary for the Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis, 516 Market St., Chester, said many people who apply for aid are in very poor circumstances. “Some people are kept away from the dispensary because they do not have sufficient clothing to wear on these cold days’’ she said.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Nearly 200 prize chickens were killed in a spectacular fire that destroyed a double-tier scientific poultry building on the Hillside Poultry Farm, 26th Street and Madison Street, Chester.
Andrew M. Eastwick of Providence Road, Wallingford, who with Mrs. Eastwick, is spending the winter at their home, “Vista del Aqua,’’ Rockledge, Fla., is suffering from a broken hip, the result of a fall.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Marjorie Feeser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Feeser, 101 E. Chelton Road, Parkside, has been named office manager of The Grove City College student newspaper. She had been a news writer and feature editor.
Two seamen, charged with disorderly conduct, forfeited $27 bail each when they failed to appear at a hearing before Magistrate Anthony Smith in Chester. Two 14-year-old girls charged that the seamen followed them from 7th and Lloyd streets, Chester, to Townsend Street and tried to date them.
Aston Township Police Chief Richard Tipton said the entire township police force plus the Aston Auxiliary Police will be on duty tonight during the Mothers’ March of Dimes Drive in the township.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Toby Farms Athletic Association is having its annual Sports Awards Banquet at the Milmont Fire Hall in Ridley Township. Guest speaker is Widener College Coach Bill Manlove.
Mr. and Mrs. John Kenney of Brookhaven celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Mr. Kenney is retired from the Yorkshire Mills in Aston and the couple has lived in Brookhaven for 54 years.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Norwood American Legion Post 507 had a benefit for the Klara family that lost their Norwood home in a devastating fire last month. Mr. and Mrs. Klara and five of their children are staying with relatives until the home can be rebuilt.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline, e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net or lencas1038@yahoo or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Thieves broke into and robbed the hardware store of John Taylor at 504 Market St., Chester, and succeeded in getting away with goods valued at $70. The burglars secured an entrance by prying open a back window and cutting the glass out. This robbery was very bold as the store is only within a stone’s throw of City Hall and the police station.
A. D. Scott, the butcher of Boothwyn, got stuck in a snow drift while returning to his home from a trip to Chester and it required several hours of hard work to extricate his team of horses. Scott did not reach home until the next day.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Honorable John B. Robinson, a former political leader in the county and an ex-Congressman from Delaware County, died at his home in Philadelphia.
An 18-year-old Chester girl was committed to 90 days in the county prison by Magistrate Michael A. Honan for shoplifting at Speare Brothers Store, Seventh and Edgmont Ave., Chester.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mrs. Albert M. Harper of 522 10th Ave., Prospect Park, entertained at a surprise miscellaneous bridal shower for her niece, Joan Chamberlain of Prospect Park, who is getting married in March at Norwood Methodist Church.
William Schroat has been elected president of the Bowling Club formed at Collingdale High School. The bowling club competes each Monday afternoon at Collingdale Bowling Alley.
Connie Webster, a senior, is proud of the designation of “Girl of the Month’’ conferred on her by fellow students at Marple Newtown High School.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Girard Bank announced plans to close its office at 69th and Market streets, Upper Darby, and expand its drive-in facility at Ludlow and Glendale Roads, Upper Darby.
Four Delaware County residents and a Claymont resident were among 72 persons arrested by Delaware State Police for drunk driving last week.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Marine Pfc. David H. Klayman of Chester Township has completed recruit training at Parris Island, S. C. and was promoted to his present rank on merit.

-- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,
e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net
or lencas1038@yahoo.com
or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Michael Sullivan of Haverford Township, a Pennsylvania Railroad employee, was attacked as he was escorting two young women to the railway station at Wayne. Sullivan was paying marked attention to one of the young women in attendance at a dance so two young men attacked him with beer bottles. The girls tried to defend their escort and scared them off into the woods. Two surgeons dressed Sullivan’s wounds and he was taken home.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A large mid-year class of Chester High School students was graduated last evening in the auditorium of the Smedley Junior High School, 17th and Upland streets. Eighty-four students received diplomas. Class officers are Norman Forrest, president; Emily Elzey, vice president; Mary Minnick, secretary; and Mary Malloy, treasurer.
Viscose Fire Co., Marcus Hook, has ruled that loitering around the firehouse is prohibited. Officers said that a number of young people in the community have been using the firehouse to idle away their spare time so the rule has been adopted.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A 19-year-old Drexel Hill youth who urged county Judge John V. Diggins to “put me behind bars because I can’t stay out of trouble” apparently didn’t like his new home at Broadmeadows Prison. He escaped and the youth from Garrett Road is still on the loose.
Brownie Troop 257 in Springfield celebrated its first anniversary at the Church of Christ, undenominational.
In recognition of his 25 years as rector of St. Robert’s Catholic Church, Chester, Rev. James V. Mulhearn was given a new car by members of his parish.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Woolco Department Store, with stores in Claymont and the MacDade Mall, Ridley Township, has announced a going-out-of-business sale and items are offered at 70 percent off. That’s the minimum discount.
Gerald Davis has been elected president of the Bethel Fire Co. Other officers are Craig Small, vice president; Jesse Cheyney, secretary; James Moore, financial secretary; Douglas Knierim, treasurer; and George Smith, Albert Pyle, Thomas McDaniels and Reese Thomas, trustees.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony DeVitis, son of Anthony and Stephanie DeVitis of Boothwyn, Upper Chichester, is on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington for a six-month deployment. The carrier is headed to the Middle East region.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline, e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net or lencas1038@yahoo.com
or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Acting under orders from Chester Mayor S.R. Crothers, Police Chief Williams ordered the snow removed from all sidewalks on Market Street, Chester, claiming that pedestrians are in danger of falling and sustaining injuries. In residential sections of the city the snow has been removed from but a few pavements and property owners will be notified in a few days to remove the snow.
The Chester Enameling Co., one of the important and flourishing business interests in the First Ward, is a very busy place. One member of the company said the company has more orders on hand that it can get out, however, the concern is taking new orders. It has been taking on additional help. This is one of the plants that has not felt the effects of the recent panic.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Sweeney & Clyde, 29 E. Fifth St., Chester, is renting a house at 1000 Townsend St., Chester, for $12 a month. Stop by the office and bring your rent receipt book.
An extensive search is being made for three gypsies who gained entrance to the historic Rose Tree Inn in Upper Providence and, after asking for a drink of water, robbed an aged man of $50. The gypsies escaped in a large touring car.
A large number of persons attended the Depression Dance that was given by the Social Club of Milmont Park, Ridley Township, in the auditorium of Our Lady of Peace Church.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Clergymen of Springfield commended the township commissioners for enforcing the state Blue Laws that forbid shopping on Sunday.
Miss Amy Haltaman, R.N., has accepted the position of supervisor of the maternity department at Crozer Hospital in Upland. She had been at Chester Hospital for 14 years. Miss Haltaman is the twin daughter of the late Calvin and Sadie Haltaman of Garden City.
Mrs. Jane Edwards of 529 Saude Ave., Essington, has moved to Ridley Park with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sterling.
Herman S. Feldman of 28 Stamford Drive, Sproul Estates, Nether Providence, has been elected a vice president of Chester Wholesale Grocery Co.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The monthly glass collection in Swarthmore was the highest in a year. Council Member Ann Haslanger said the sale of the glass brought the borough $195.25 and she urged all borough residents to participate in the recycling program.
A woman told Aldan police that a battery had been stolen from a car that was parked at the Clifton Heights-Aldan railroad passenger station.
Attorney Edward S. Lawhorne of Moylan was named president of the board of directors of Bunting Friendship Freedom House on Main Street in Darby.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Marge Lehr of Glen Riddle celebrated her 20th anniversary with Mrs. Marty’s Deli in the Lawrence Park Shopping Center, Marple.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

— LEN CASTERLINE
To contact Len Casterline, e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net or lencas1038@yahoo.com or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Postal authorities in Chester are calling attention to the practice of some patrons of rural delivery of placing loose coins in their mailboxes each time they desire to dispatch letters instead of supplying themselves with postage stamps in advance of their needs. This practice imposes undue hardship on rural carriers in removing loose coins from boxes and delays them in the service of their routes. The authorities urge all patrons of rural delivery to provide themselves and keep on hand a supply of stamps.
Leiperville’s new boarding house, opposite Baldwin Locomotive Works, offers rooms for $5 a week that includes laundry service. Table board is offered at 25 cents per meal. There are special rates for married couples.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

One of the largest quantities of beer and liquor ever to be destroyed in this county was poured down the sewers at the county courthouse by Chief Deputy Sheriff Hamilton D. Ewell and numerous deputy sheriffs. Several hours were required to destroy the contraband that consisted of 182 quarts of wine, 311 quarts of whisky, 27 quarts of gin and 2,926 bottles of beer. In addition, four half barrels of beer, a coil box, two cases of glasses and many empty bottles were destroyed.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Charlotte Wexler, the 17-year-old blonde daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wexler of 300 W. 22nd St., Chester, is a contestant in the Miss Delaware County Pageant on Feb. 15 at Springfield High School.
More than 1,000 persons were on hand at St. Hedwig’s Hall, Fourth and Hayes streets, Chester, for the 36th annual Policeman’s Ball. Patrolman Salvatore Lagnelli was grand conductor.
Upland Burgess Raymond Ruditys announced that a dogcatcher will be hired on a part-time basis to contend with dogs running loose in the borough.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Delaware County Memorial Hospital, Drexel Hill, has developed a wallet-sized card that enables everyone to carry vital medical data with them at all times.
Former Prospect Park Council President Bruce Shaw is now Fire and Police Committee chairman.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Drew Thompson, 11, a student in Stacie Hall’s class at Toby Farms Elementary School, Chester Township, will be a student ambassador to Australia with the People to People Student Ambassador Program. Drew is his class president and attends Mount Hope Methodist Church in Aston.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline, e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net
or lencas1038@yahoo.com
or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The hotel bars will close at 1 p.m. Jan. 25 because of the Primary Election as is required by the state law. They will be permitted to open at nine o’clock in the evening, one hour after the polls close.
John J. Buckley Co., with a plant at 16 W. Second St., Chester, advises meat purchasers to look for the U.S. Government Stamp and Abbatoir Number 286 that’s the assurance of pure food manufactured in a sanitary plant.
Frank Watterson of Thurlow Street, Chester, was wrestling with a companion at Second and Wilson streets, when he fell backwards and sustained a fractured collarbone. He was taken to Chester Hospital where the fracture was reduced.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Production work on the latest model of the Ford Motor Co. is in progress at the Chester plant at Front and Lloyd streets. More than 1,000 men have been taken on to build the 1933 model. There is a great deal of secrecy attached to the introduction of the new Ford that will be heavier. It is said to come with the power displayed by the eight-cylinder motor and will have a longer chassis, permitting more body room
Drug stores in the county have available 666 Liquid, Tablets and Salve. The salve offers the speediest remedies known. It checks colds the first day, headaches or neuralgia in 30 minutes and malaria in three days.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

David Ennis and Sandra Bennett were honored by the Chester Kiwanis Club as outstanding students at Ridley Park High School.
David Schroeder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Schroeder of 212 Summit Road, Upper Providence has been named Boy of the Month by the Media Rotary Club.
For the eighth consecutive year, Harold MacNeilly has been elected president of the Deshong Park Business & Professional Men’s Association in Chester.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The MacDade Optimist Club has announced the winners in its chess tournament. Winners in the 15-17 age group were Harry Roessner, first; Greg Thomas, second; and Todd Lambrecht, third.
Dr. John Wallchuk has been named Aston’s Citizen of the Year. He has retired from practice and had an office on Concord Road. He also served as physician with the Penn-Delco School District.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Rutledge Fire Co. elected Tim Moore as its chief; Tom Kopp, assistant chief; Monk MacCrone, captain; Steve Reiff, safety officer; Chris Reiff, lieutenant; J. R. Holstein, Bud Greskoff and Chris Simpson, engineers.

LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,
e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net
or lencas1038@yahoo.com
or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Three sailors on steamships lying at the dock of the Sun Company, Marcus Hook, ran amuck in Marcus Hook and when they were released from custody the trio was much wiser as the result of their experiences. The men came ashore and had a lengthy conference with John Barleycorn. When they were ready to return to their ship at a late hour they were hardly able to navigate. They damaged property in their effort before Officer Reynolds arrested them and put them in the lockup. Squire Vernon imposed a fine large enough to cover all the damage done and they were also fined $18 each. The fines were paid, and realizing what trouble they had gotten themselves into, they seemed to think they were getting off easy.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Becoming suspicious when four youths entered his drugstore at Ninth Street and Keystone Road, Buckman Village, Chester, and ordered ice cream and candy, A. L. Cometz, the proprietor, walked behind the prescription counter and picked up his revolver as a matter of precaution. His actions were noticed by the quartet who fled quickly and drove away in an automobile they had parked outside. Cometz had been reading of numerous drugstore robberies and decided if the gunmen wanted his cash they would have to shoot it out with him. A good description of the four and the automobile was given to police. An early arrest is expected.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

The venerable and famed City of Chester, after 2,000,000 miles of steam boating on the Delaware River and elsewhere is headed for the scrap heap. Retired at the age of 70, Wilson Excursion Line has decided to sell it for scrap. It is estimated to have carried more than a million passengers and the steamer is one of the few steamers of its class left in the world.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Harry Sheldrake, formerly of Eagle Realtors, Ridley Township, has opened his own real estate office at 701 Beechwood Ave., Collingdale. As a private broker, he said the office will be open every day of the week.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Independence Dogs of Chadds Ford is looking for dog lovers to open their hearts and homes to special puppies that will be eventually trained to help the disabled. Independence Dogs can be telephoned.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline, e-mail: mailto:lencas1038@verizon.net

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