100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The work of the police department in Chester is being hampered by the refusal of the wronged parties to prosecute after the guilty ones are taken into custody. The course of justice is sadly interfered with by the desire to drop the cases. When the crimes are committed those who have been wronged ask the police to search for the culprits but after they are captured often times the complainants do not wish to carry the case further.
Crowds of people, mainly men, congregate every afternoon when the weather is good at the corner of Seventh Street and Edgmont avenue, Chester. They are workmen who are mainly idle owing to the shutting down of the industrial concerns in the city.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Reports have been received by George W. Pedlow, principal of the Chester High School, of the academic standing of former students who are matriculating at various colleges throughout the country. Such reports of their high grade averages make them “boosters’’ for their alma mater.
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Broomall 4th of Brookline are sojourning in Pinehurst, N. C. Mrs. Broomall was formerly Miss Florence Green, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Green of Swarthmore.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Charles Gefrore, 16, a 10th grade student was awarded a trophy for “Best in Fair” in the current science fair at Penncrest High School, Middletown. His display was “Evolution of Life Upon the Earth.”Norwood Fire Co. is waiting for the arrival of its first ambulance. The vehicle cost $10,000. Crews have been taking first aid training under Howard Rolls, a company member. In the past the community was served by ambulances from Milmont Park, Essington and Collingdale.
More people in Delaware County bought Ford passenger cars in 1957 than any other make, according to official registration figures. The figures show that 5,078 Fords were registered in the county compared to 4,078 for Chevrolet.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Collingdale’s eight non-managerial workers have voted in favor of joining a union. Ten years ago they had turned down an opportunity to join the union.Fred Meagher, a builder from Upper Providence, bequests $500,000 to Neumann College in Aston.
A workshop for married couples dealing with communication finances, sexuality and religion is being held at Covenant United Methodist Church in Springfield.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Mary E. Hoolan of Chester won $5,000 in the Pennsylvania Lottery’s Million Dollar Spin. One finalist won $75,000. Lottery proceeds benefit senior Pennsylvanians.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Because he refused to get out of the house on West Front Street, a Chester man had his face badly lacerated by a frying pan in the the hands of his wife. According to the husband, the woman ordered him to leave the premises and he refused. She seized the frying pan and struck him several vicious blows on the head. He went to the Chester Hospital where Dr. Dunn addressed his injuries. The police were not notified of the fight because the husband refused to prosecute his better half.
The practice of stealing coal from train cars along the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad has grown. When one of the log cars reached Eddystone, about fifty men and boys boarded the cars and began kicking off the coal. About ten tons of coal were stolen from cars at Front and Highland avenues, Chester. Men, women and children help themselves to the coal after it is kicked from the cars. It is said that a gang of boys has been making a practice of selling the stolen fuel by going door to door.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Junior Carpenter, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Carpenter, 1208 Clover Lane Buckman Village, a member of Troop No. 7, Boy Scouts, is wondering who could be mean enough to take the two pair of pants and suit he recently purchased from the line in the rear of his home. He says if he recognizes them, off they come.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A physically handicapped Lansdowne man offered to donate $2 a week to the Collingdale School District to help tide the school system over its current financial problems. John Larking, who had lived in had lived in Collingdale, said he would give the money “for as long as I am able or as long as it is necessary.” Larking is a longtime booster of Collingdale schools.
Jane Bertram, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Conrad Bertram of Brookside Road, Wallingford., has been named to the dean’s list at Brown University in Providence, R.I. She is a graduate of Nether Providence High School.25 YEARS AGO – 1983Free toothbrushes are being exchanged for old ones brought in by youth at the Springfield Mall for those who show up for free dental screening examinations.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Lower Chichester Commissioner Edward Brooks reported that Operation Vehicle has been a huge success. “Within the past month 20 abandoned vehicles have been removed from the township,” he said.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Sylvester Crowther, better known as “Dick,’’ a motorman on the Chester Traction Co.’s Darby line, was not recognized at first by his fellow employees when he reported for duty. Even his conductor James McClain failed to discern that he was Dick and not somebody else. It was at first thought that a new motorman had entered the company’s employ but when Dick exclaimed “hello boys, what’s making you all look so surprised,’’ they recognized his voice. It was the change in Dick’s facial appearance that fooled the trolley men as he had his flowing moustache shaved off the night before. Regular passengers kept Conductor McClain by asking him who the new motorman was.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A Lansdowne man, 33 years old from Plumstead Avenue, returned home after being missing three days. He told his wife he was unable to remember anything when he found himself in Washington, D.C. He called his home and family members brought him home. The wife said her husband apparently had walked for many miles. His feet were sore and his shoes scuffed. The man works at a meat packing plant in Philadelphia but after work he disappeared. He is under the care of a physician for amnesia.
Don’t delay for lack of money says Dr. Mallas, 616 Edgmont Ave., Chester. At the children’s clinic he does painless extractions for 25 cents and does fillngs, the kind that last, for $1 each.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Latin students at Media High School participated in a Roman festival with 400 other young people at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Among students participating were Mary Lou Palmer, Ilse Duks and Gail Whitaker, all of Media.
Helen Abramchuk of Eddystone was elected president of the newly organized Delaware County Association of Educational Secretaries.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Four juveniles were arrested in connection with two thefts at the Gimbels Store at the Granite Run Mall in Middletown. Police said the youths had attempted to take cash from registers in the store.
A Darby youth who forged his mother’s signature on $1,700 worth of stolen checks received five years probation by the county court. Judge Clement J. McGovern Jr. also ordered the youth to enroll in a drug treatment program.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Laboratory Schools for Languages withdrew its application to operate a charter school in the William Penn School District because it is having difficulty finding a building within the school district.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

A wagon made its rounds in Chester picking up discarded clothes and shoes as well as household articles. “This is all right as far as the household articles are concerned,” said a well-known citizen of Chester. “But we have a chance right in Chester to dispose of castoff clothing and shoes. There are many families who need such articles and it would be a good idea to the people of Chester to distribute clothes and shoes through our own ‘Women’s Benevolent Society.’”
The Darby boys seem to have the bulge on the Chester boys as one of them, Henry Smithson, plunged into the Darby Dam and swam across the creek amidst floating ice and scrambled out on the other side blue in the face and nearly frozen. He declared to his companion that “the water was fine after you got out of your pains. Chester boys had better wait awhile before going swimming,” he said.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Erasers are quite the rage for “wiping off the slate” and the rubber variety for removing a mistake from a sheet of paper but to little Norman Marvel 7, they are obstacles. Norman was sitting in his classroom at the Thurlow School, Second and Thurlow streets, Chester, absorbing the fundamentals of his life as his teacher presented them. Norman got a little bored and began toying with an eraser of the soft rubber type. Somehow the eraser got lodged in Norman’s nostril. He was taken to Chester Hospital and the rubber was removed. The boy is at his home, 3107 W. Third St. Chester, and has made up his made that the less mistakes he makes in life the less use he will have for an eraser, therefore preventing a possible repetition of the mishap.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Two Brookhaven residents, Charles Palmer of 3440 Mount Vernon Ave. and Walter Yeager of 3405 Commerce Ave. have been accepted as members of the color corps and drill team of Cardinal Dougherty General Assembly Knights of Columbus. They will participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia. Both are members of Our Lady of the Rosary Council, K of C, Green Ridge.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The 69th Street Merchants’ Association is having its second annual Easter Spring Fashion Show at the former Lit Brothers Building at 69th and Ludlow streets. Coordinator of the show Libby Haynes Hyman wants females to call her if they wish to model.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Jennifer Hudrick of Folcroft, Thomas D. Harner of Broomall and Charles R. Peterson of Havertown have been named to the dean’s list at Mansfield University, a state-sponsored university.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

That there is one man in Upland who has a fine appetite is evidenced by the story that is told by several of his friends in the old town. According to the story, the man in question with several friends went to Chester and on the return home it was proposed that the party stop in one of the restaurants there and get something to eat. This was agreed to readily and the men repaired to a nearby café. The boroughite with the voracious appetite began with hot beef sandwiches and half of dozen of these were soon disposed of by him. This caused his friends to sit up and take notice but when he ordered a fish cake and an oyster pie the others began to stare. The man took things philosophically and turning to the waiter ordered a stew of oysters. This was the limit and the friends reneged right there and then and the hungry boroughite was forced to relinquish his last order.
Harry Graham has opened a roller skating rink in the old armory building on East Fifth Street, Chester. Music is being furnished by Burk’s Military Band.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Upper Darby commissioners are peeved and are taking it out on the county commissioners. Upper Darby officials have always boasted about its great community and as “the fastest growing community in the country.’’ One of the township commissioners went to the county courthouse and looked at the county record book. He was mortified. No listing could be found for Upper Darby under the “U’s.’’ Then finally he located it printed “Darby Township (Upper).’’ Imagine listing Upper Darby behind that small pint-sized Darby Township. Township commissioners went into a huddled meeting and decided to send a formal protest to the county moguls.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Three “Gold Coast’’ taverns in Chester have been padlocked by the state Liquor Control Board because their owners are serving jail terms. The bars are the Musical Bar in the 100 block of West Third Street, the City Hotel Bar at Third and Edgmont and the Lafayette Grille, near Third and Edgmont. A spokesman for the LCB said that under state law a licensee is required to devote a majority of his time to the businesses and this not possible while they are in jail.
A pair of pearl and diamond earrings valued at $125 and a $20 bill were taken when a display window was smashed at Barr’s Jewelers, 519 Market St., Chester.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A fire in an oil burner caused some smoky conditions on the first floor of the Club Gentleman on Potter Street, Chester. No one was injured, said Fire Capt. Raymond Tress.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

An Aston housewife was arrested at her home on Pancoast avenue after she allegedly attacked her husband with a broom during a family argument. She also allegedly scratched him on the arms with her fingernails.

-- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

John Cain of the West Ward in Clifton Heights, who has been doing special police duty in the borough for some time, has tendered his resignation. Thieves broke into the hennery of John Lynn in the rear of his home at 13 Engle St., Chester, and got away with six chickens that are considered the choicest fowls in the coop. Lynn, who is the engineer at the Chester Brewing Co. plant, called the police. The blue-coated sleuths are keeping their weather eye open for the purloiner of the chickens.

The Shoe Store at 15 W. Third St., Chester, offers men’s buckle arctics for 98 cents, ladies rubbers for 49 cents and children’s rubbers for 39 cents.
75 YEARS AGO – 1933

State Detective Patrick J. Quinn conducted a raid on a house in Haverford Township and arrested three persons who were charged with conducting the numbers game. He also seized slips, records and other gambling evidence. The trio was taken before Magistrate Bailey of Boothwyn and held for court.Jigsaw puzzles are quite the fad with county residents.

Several people are renting them out in order to make extra “pin” money.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Lawrence F. Berley of 130 Robin Road, Upper Providence, was named boy of the month by the Middletown Lions Club. He is a 10th grader at Penncrest High School and is a consistent honor roll scholar, a monitor and a member of the wrestling team.
Cynthia Lynn Buchanan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Buchanan of 4484 Spring St., Brookhaven, celebrated her second birthday anniversary with a party at her home.The Four Aces, Delaware County’s internationally famous vocal group, have returned from Honolulu. They also appeared on the Patti Page television show. Members are Dave Mahoney, Al Alberts, Sid Vaccaro and Lou Silvestri.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Hero Scholarship Fund of Delaware County is $500 richer thanks to a donation from the Atlantic Richfield Foundation. The fund provides scholarships for children of Delco firefighters and police who died in the line of duty.
Parkside Councilwoman Ardele Gordon has been elected borough council vice president to replace Dr. Wayne Becker who resigned last month for personal reasons.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Dr. Ronald M. Repice and his son, Dr. Ronald M. Repice II, a chiropractor, were granted a patent for a device used in the non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Repices have a medical office in Chester.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The entire Baldwin plant will move to Eddystone from Philadelphia. Baldwin Locomotive Works will bring Eddystone one of the greatest industries in the U.S. Thousands of men will be employed at the plant.

With a view of purchasing a portion of Lawn Croft Cemetery, situated on the lines of the Chester Traction Co., near Claymont, a committee from the Society of Friends visited the graveyard and inspected the site that will probably be purchased and used for a Friends Burying Grounds. Manager Ryan of the Lawn Croft Cemetery Co. said, “I believe that there is not the slightest doubt that a plot of ground near Lawn Croft will be secured and the deal will be consummated next week.”
75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A colorful concert, is being given by the Ukrainian Folk Ballet and Chorus at the Ukrainian American Hall, Fourth and Ward streets, Chester. The program will be directed by Michael Lawryk and Michael Edynak and the choir will be directed by the Rev. P. Bylon, rector of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Chester.

Inmates at the women’s jail at Broadmeadows Prison were entertained by the Cheyney School Choir. The choir has in the past been most generous in rendering its services for the amusement of prisoners.
50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Richard Tipton, chief of police in Aston, is trying to find the owner of a cocker spaniel puppy that he says is so cute that he does not have the heart to take it to the pound. The pup is about six months old and was slightly injured by a car but it is all right now.
Glenolden Burgess J. Boon Gallagher has ordered the police to begin enforcing the ordinance requiring that snow be removed from sidewalks. Violators can be fined up to $25 and costs or can be sent to jail for up to five days.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Michael G. King, 16, is the 34th Boy Scout with Troop 43 of Woodlyn to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a junior at Ridley High School and has been a Scout for five years.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Project Clean, a program to rid homes of lead, will cease at the end of the month unless Chester’s own lead prevention program finds grant money to replace federal funds.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

“Who stole the slop wagon?’’ is a question that is going the rounds of Eddystone. The wagon that is owed by W. Wilson of Oak Lane, Eddystone, broke down at 9th and Saville ave.
The vehicle with its foul-smelling load was allowed to remain in close proximity to the Methodist Church all day when it mysteriously disappeared. It is said that Wilson did not take the wagon away and the question now is who did?
The smallest pair of boxing gloves ever seen in Upland is owned by the little son of Walter Glatts of Fourth Street and Upland Avenue. The little fellow is just past 3 years old and had the mitts presented to him and it is amusing to see him put them on and square off. The mitts are well made and from the present indications the boy promises to become an expert in the art of self-defense.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

“There are altogether too many reckless drivers in this city and more arrests for violations should be made’’ said Chester Magistrate Honan. He fined a driver $10 and costs for passing a standing trolley car.
The Community Welfare Association in Marcus Hook, Linwood and Trainer provides assistance to more than 300 families or nearly 1,600 persons.
Dr. Samuel Ross Crothers, chief of surgery at Chester Hospital died at the hospital. He was a former mayor of Chester.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A crippled, frozen Delaware County, locked in one of the longest cold waves in its history, shows signs of degradation with many of its rural roads sealed and some of its main arteries still blocked by impassable drifts. Perry Martin of Rose Tree Road, Upper Providence, has returned after vacationing in Hollywood, Fla.
The 146th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens was celebrated by members of the Dickens’ Fellowship, Chester Branch 22. David M. Baker is president of the group that is the oldest surviving organization of its kind in the nation. It was organized in 1904. Surviving charter members include Harry Hynes and Mr. and Mrs. John E. McDonough.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Five new directors have been elected to the board of the Helen Kate Furness Free Library in Nether Providence. They are Mrs. George O. Gibson, Mrs. Robert W. Leach, Mrs. Frederick Orthlieb, Mrs. John F. Simpson Jr. and O. Earl Spencer.
10 YEARS AGO – 1998
With the spring real estate season around the corner, Aldan officials said they intend to enforce its ordinance against open house signs posted on properties other than the one for sale.

LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The Chester Candy Store on Edgmont Avenue, near Seventh Street, adjoining Lees, is now open with a large supply of candy and confectionery of all kinds. The store has been entirely refitted and the work has been done by Chester paperhangers, painter and electricians. The store gives promise of being one of the best that this city has. John Govatos, the proprietor, is a businessman of experience and has stores in a number of other cities. Candy will be manufactured here.Covered with blood flowing from a severed artery, a man rushed into the office of Dr. Bryant of Chester.
He said a man entered his home and struck him. There were two cuts in the scalp about 3 inches long. The physician sewed them up. The man, who lives at 715 Deshong St., Chester, refused to give his name.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Cadet Herbert M. Canter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Canter, 1220 Potter St., Chester, is house manager of the Greenbrier Military School Dramatic Club. He also is manager of the varsity basketball team. The Poetry Circle of Rose Valley meets at the home of Mrs. Earl G. Harrison on Rabbit Run.More than $600, representing the collections taken at the Masses on Sunday, was stolen from the office at St. Michael’s Church, Chester.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Miss Nancy E. Imschweller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray F. Imschweller of 1600 Edgmont Ave., Chester, is going skiing at North Conway, N.H., with a group of fellow students from Centenary College for Women in Hackettstown N.J.Phonograph records were awarded as prizes at the February Cotillion in Ridley Park that was attended by 100 boys and girls. Spot dance winners were David Trefz and Lee Ann Connor and the novelty Valentine dance winners were Nancy McLaren and Charles Gartside.
The Chester Assembly Plant of Ford Motor Co. produced 72,696 vehicles last year, an increase over the previous year.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Delaware County Tavern Association and John J. Kelly Inc. raised about $14,000 for United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware County at its fourth annual beef and beer event at the Alpine Inn, Baltimore Pike, Springfield.Martin J. Kerns has been named superintendent of police at the county’s largest municipality. Upper Darby Mayor James Ward said his appointment “brings 30 years of experience in public safety to Upper Darby.’’

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The State Police Regional Crime Laboratory in Lima, Middletown, that employs 13, will share in a funding boost of $1.8 million with five other labs in the state.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The Glenolden Improvement Association was organized and William Ferkler was named president. Object of the association is to bring together borough residents, the betterment of the streets and properties, the uplifting of all sections of the borough and to bring work to the community to advance the welfare of the borough.Many mothers whose sons and daughters were accustomed to sledding on Lloyd Street, Chester, will feel relieved with the disappearance of the snow. As the trolley tracks cross Lloyd street and Third street, the practice of sledding at that place is dangerous and many narrow escapes of sleds from being run into by the trolleys have been reported.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

For the past two months several members of the Eddystone Fire Co. have been participating in a pool tournament. The final play has taken place and Leo Sharkey was acclaimed the winner. John Zimath won second place. Nearly 2,000 meals were furnished to seaman at the Marcus Hook branch of the Philadelphia Seaman’s Church last month. During the same period 972 beds we furnished.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Charles E. Hepford, former Glenolden burgess, died at Taylor Hospital. He was 83 years old and had worked for Pennsylvania Railroad before retiring.Mrs. Ollie D. Gordy was selected as the Young Woman of the Year at Cheyney State Teachers College. She lives at 1417 W. 7th St., Chester, and has two sons, Walter Jr., 4, and David, 3. Marvin Bohrer on Chester Pike, Eddystone, is selling a 1946 Buick for $89 and a 1950 Ford for $101. Small monthly payments are available.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

For Valentine’s Day, the American Lung Association offers free Valentine cards to people who quit smoking for “someone they love.” Call the Lung Association offices in the county for your card.Ray R. Wilson of Springfield is a member of the concert band at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Wilson of 919 North Ave., Springfield.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

St. Kevin’s Seventh Annual Science Fair in Springfield produced a wide assortment of projects and exhibits from students in grades five through eight. Science coordinators at the school are Monica Braconnier and James Conlin.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The 6-acre farm of the late Mrs. Agnes G. Noden, Aston Mills, which was offered at public sale, was purchased by Mrs. Noden’s eldest son, Frank, for $1,200.
Fire at Essington destroyed the handsome private clubhouse owned by Albert E. Starck, the hotel man. Before the fire was extinguished the building and all the furniture was destroyed. The building was on the Delaware River front near Lenhart’s Hotel. The origin of the flames is unknown. George Clemens, a member of the Essington Fire Co., had his moustache burned off and his face and hands badly burned in fighting the blaze. Chief Yutter deserves great credit for the manner in which he conducted the battle against the blaze. Loss from the fire was estimated at $25,000.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A steady stream of visitors viewed the new Ford V-8 cylinder motor cars that were on display at the showrooms of the Gash-Stull Co., Ford dealers at Ninth and Sproul streets, Chester.
A witness in Chester police court who was present to testify against a man accused for being drunk and disorderly was shocked when at the completion of his testimony he was arrested. The man from East Fifth Street, Chester, was charged with embezzlement and was held for a hearing in Boothwyn.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

The Essington Fire Co. welcomed Richard Cortilesso Jr. and Harry Clark as members. Proposed for membership was William Ketchem of Lester.
A delegation of Upland residents demanded that borough council stop trash trucks from going through the borough. Their objections were because “the trucks litter the streets, carry mud into the community and are a traffic hazard for schoolchildren.’’
Norwood Burgess William H. Tozer said he has ordered police to crack down on dog owners who permit their pets to run at large. Children and mail carriers have been the victims of dog bites, the burgess said.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Three Delaware County residents are members of a new cadet training program at the State Police Academy in Hershey. They are Melvin A. Northern and William Badie of Chester and Steven M. Johnson of Radnor. Training continues until June 17.
The three-day old labor strike by Widener University, Chester, custodial workers ended when the workers were promised job security and wage guarantees.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Cassy Burnett of Norwood, a customer service specialist at ARCO Chemical’s world headquarters in Newtown Square, has been honored with the company’s customer service award. She has been with ARCO for nine years.

— LEN CASTERLINE
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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Dr. Robert S. Maladin, chief of the Tuberculosis Dispensary at 516 Market St., Chester, announced that the dispensary will be open three days a week instead of two beginning this week. The dispensary has provided a blessing to many poor sufferers who have not only received free advice and medication but free milk and eggs if unable to purchased these articles themselves.
A man who boards in the neighborhood of Eleventh and Leiper streets, Eddystone, created a disturbance and Officer Thomas Grills was forced to give him a good lecture before the obstreperous gentleman would behave himself. The fellow had a jag on and was refused admission by the proprietor of the house where he was staying and it was attempt to get in that kicked up the row.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Residents of the squatter settlement along the banks of the Chester River, north of Deshong Park, are faced with the task of keeping warm in their improvised shelters of scrap materials. Many of those living in the crude cabins are scouring the dumps in search of such materials as old rags and cardboard boxes that they stuff into the crevices to keep out the winds. Some of the structures have discarded stoves that are put to use along with old oil drums that serve as stoves of a sort.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

The Rev. Roy S. Weed, pastor of Brookhaven Baptist Church, has resigned to accept the position of assistant to the business manager of the American Baptist Society in Philadelphia.
Donald Day, son of Mrs. Gren A. Day, 4 Forrestview Road, Parkside, receives the Boy Scout Eagle Award at special services at Parkside Methodist Church.
Wohlmuth, tailors for men, women, boys at 415 Market St., Chester, makes suits of any model at prices ranging from $39.95 to $69.95 and there are 1,500 fabrics available.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Aston Police are without any suspects in two home burglaries in the township. The homes are on Springhill Drive and Knowlton Road.
Studevan Plus in Darby Township is sponsoring an Oldies But Goodies dance at the Old Studevan School on Hook Road.
Lansdowne Police are presenting a training course in the use of a kit to help crime victims identify suspects.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

One hundred and forty employees of the American Medical Response Ambulance Service with bases in Aston and Philadelphia lost their jobs after the company decided to narrow its service areas.

LEN CASTERLINE
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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Four shelves of Bibles were used as fuel by a gang of chicken thieves to keep themselves warm after they had broken into the Ebenezer AME Church at Hometown, near Glenolden, to pluck and dress the stolen fowls that had been secured from nearby hen houses.
There was a gala day of skating in Upland as the skaters filled the ice on Chester Creek. Harry W. Hamilton, the Kerlin Street tobacconist, who was among the merrymakers, proved himself the champion skater of the bunch and he gave several fine exhibits of fancywork on the skates.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The Edgmont Beef Co. in Chester has a spaghetti dinner special. It is offering two pounds of spaghetti, a can of tomato paste and a quarter pound of grated cheese, all for 33 cents.
The rifle team representing Co. C, 111th Infantry Pennsylvania National Guard, defeated a team representing Co. B at a match in the basement of the armory on Eighth Street, Chester. Corporal William Atkins was high scorer.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Bruce H. White, aviation electrician’s mate third class, brother of Maurice E. White of Elwyn, is serving at Whiting Field Naval Auxiliary Air Station in Milton, Fla.
Mary Rively of North Governor Printz Boulevard, Essington, was given a surprise party in honor of her 80th birthday anniversary at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Adelaide James, in Lester.
Customers at the A&P Market in the Village Green Shopping Center, Aston, continued to shop while firemen fought a blaze in the a rear of the store. Fred Seiwell, manager of the supermarket, said the fire was in a pile of empty cartons in an employees’ washroom. Firemen were on the scene for about 30 minutes.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Rutledge Borough Council met its new police chief. He is Morton Chief George Souder. Morton Police patrol in Rutledge. Souder is the former chief in Chester Township.
Yeadon resident Frances E. Davis received the Ella P. Webb Leadership Award of the Southwest Belmont YWCA. Ms. Davis, of Alfred Avenue, is director of Community Affairs and Government Relations at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Clifford and Alice Wagner of Folcroft celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have five children. Clifford is retired from Harcast of Chester where he worked for 33 years.

— LEN CASTERLINE
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or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Companies B and C, National Guard, moved to the new Armory building at Eighth and New Market streets, Chester. The new structure will not be open to visitors until interior arrangements are completed. The local companies have no funds to furnish the armory in a manner to correspond with the ornate and commodious structure and they are compelled to depend upon public subscriptions to secure the needed furnishings.
Members of the newly organized Glenolden Minstrel Troup are diligently rehearsing for their entertainment in Glenolden Hall later this month. The entertainment will be given for the benefit of the Glenolden Fire Co.
H. Tracy Davis, the druggist in the Bank Block in Clifton Heights, has just received a large consignment of artistic and humorous Valentine cards.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Marcus Hook Fire Co. is feeling the effects of the economic depression and Treasurer Artimus Jenkins said the firemen may have to ask borough council to levy a special fire tax to help them pull through the tough times.
Chester police are making an attempt to get early-morning motorists in the vicinity of Twentieth Street and Providence, Chester, to obey the traffic signals. Patrolman Kandravi was stationed there to watch for violators and to ticket those who ignore the signals.
50 YEARS AGO – 1958
A3C Robert Bunner 16 New Jersey Ave., Garden City, is being trained as an aircraft hydraulic repairman at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.
Sharon Hill School officials are beginning advanced volunteer courses on Saturdays to help better prepare college-bound seniors. The courses will be given each Saturday for 15 years, said Supervising Principal Dr. Vernon Dessenberger.
Principal David H. Bining of Ridley Park High School has received word that the high school has been given full accreditation for five years. That’s the longest awarded by the accrediting association.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Boy Scout Troop 260 of Concordville is having its annual Pancake Breakfast at the Chester Height Firehouse. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children.
Since there “can’t be too much vandalism’’ of the remaining boarded-up buildings of the Muckinipates Sewer Authority Plant, authority members are questioning available options before agreeing to a proposed increase for monitoring the security alarms. Chairman Frank Mallee said the fees were being raised from $135 to $180 a quarter.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Middletown Free Library has invited children from ages 5 to 10 to a “Make Your Own Valentine Craft Session’’ at the library. No registration is required.

— 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 Reading Railroad has suffered large losses through the thefts of coal from the cars that run through Chester. Large quantities of coal are stolen regularly and a band of boys has made a practice of stealing the coal. They take it from house to house selling it. Railroad police said it is a difficult task to a catch the guilty parties.
Three youths were sent to the House of Refuge at Glen Mills because they refused to obey their parents.
A man and a woman accompanied by a boy were noticed stopping on Market Street, Chester, when the weather was very cold. The man removed the overcoat from the boy and took it to a pawnshop. Later the three were seen enjoying a performance at the playhouse in Chester.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Safety Patrol certificates were distribed among pupils of city schools by Thomas C. Cockill, director physical education of the school district. The certificates were prepared by the Keystone Automobile Club.
Robert Parker, 717 Summit St., Prospect Park, a veteran employee at the local post office, has been promoted to assistant postmaster. He has been in the postal service for 20 years.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Robert L. Rachor was re-elected commander of the Delaware County Chapter of the Catholic War Veterans. He is a member of Father John J. Hickey Post 731 of Manoa.
An alert bus driver and Chester police apprehended three boys only minutes after they broke bus windows with snowballs. The youths were turned over to their parents.
Teen-agers attending Chester schools are carrying identification cards that police have been instructed to demand to see “if they feel the boy or girl is acting suspiciously.”

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Chester Chester Police Department needs three German Sheperd dogs and fast for its street patrol and for its narcotics work. The dogs should be male thoroughbreds, aged one to three and obviously in good health.
The Dave Garroway Memorial Concert was held at the Lange Music Center at Swarthmore College. Garroway, a national television personality, died last year in Swarthmore. The concert is free, however, tickets are needed.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an event entitled “How to Start and Maintain Your Business.’’ The workshop will be at chamber headquarters in Nether Providence and retired business executives will be among the conference leaders.

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

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

A foreigner thought that Chester was on the way to Lancaster but he found it a way to the city lock-up. He was arrested at Fourth and Market streets, Chester, by Officer Sill who saw him acting in a very queer manner. He was arraigned before Magistrate Elliott and was fined $2 and costs or three days in jail. Not having the necessary money he was remanded to the lock-up. He said that he had started to walk from Philadelphia to Lancaster and had landed in Chester.
The Chester Roller Skating Rink, 302-304 Edgmont Ave., that had been closed for some weeks, reopens under new management with every prospect of success. The rink has a fine floor and the place is brilliantly lighted. The managers promise polite and courteous treatment. Music will be furnished by the Imperial Venetian Band. Chester had been without a skating rink for some time and the lovers of the sport are glad to learn they will once again have the opportunity to the enjoy their favorite sport.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Norwood Borough Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the parking of automobiles on Chester Pike.
Chester Township Fire Co. No. 1 has organized an auxiliary at a meeting at the home of Mrs. Daniel Bailey, 1132 Engle St. Mrs. Thaddeus Holmes has been elected president of the new group.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Brownie Troop 47 of Springfield is having a rollerskating party at Chez-Vous for girls and their mothers.
Mrs. Raymond I. McFadden of Claymont assumed her duties as organist at Parkside Methodist Church.
Aston Police Chief Richard Tipton said that he is calling in the state’s stray-dog enforcement division for help in correcting the loose dog problem in the township. He said that all dogs must be on a leash or confined to their yards at all times to avoid their being picked up by the enforcement squad.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A resident of Riddlewood in Middletown has been charged with embezzling more than $300,000 from a Broomall firm where he worked.
Mt. Zion CME Church in Darby Township celebrates its 87th birthday anniversary next week with services each night. There is an anniversary banquet at the church on Saturday.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Dr. Alonzo Cavin of the Chester Rotary Club has been appointed assistant district governor of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Rotary Region. Cavin, 58, is an associate professor at Widener University in Chester.

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

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Probably more foreigners left the west end of Chester for their native homes during the past week than at any time in years. The greater portion of those who have left for Europe were Poles and Austrians. Many of the people of these nationalities send most of their money to their homes abroad and when they find work a little slack, they return to their homelands.
A big drove of cattle, several carloads in all, were received over the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from the West consigned to John J. Buckley of Chester. When released from the cars they were very wild and ran in all directions. There were five men in charge of each carload and they had be heir hands full trying to get the cattle to Buckley’s yards.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The Assembly plant of the Ford Motor Co. at the foot of Lloyd Street, Chester, resumes operations today with a payroll of 1,500 men. The Chester plant at times has employed between 4,500 and 5,000 men.
His wife’s infatuation with a member of a religious order was such that he was forced to leave his Edgmont Avenue, Chester, home. The man complained to Judge A. D. MacDade and the judge granted the man a divorce on grounds of desertion.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

The soon-to-retire superintendent of schools at Collingdale was arrested in St. Petersburg, Fla., on a warrant changing him with embezzlement, forgery, fraudulent conversion and cheating by false pretenses. The educator was at a luxury hotel when he was arrested in the $160,000 or more fraud.
Mrs. Connie Viles of Highland Ave., Chester, made “suffragette’’ history at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Chester by her election as a church elder. Before moving to Chester Mrs. Viles was active with Middletown Presbyterian Church.
William Patterson, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Patterson of 315 Darby Road, Leedom Estates, a 10th-grader at Ridley Township High School, has been selected for the Southeastern District Orchestra.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Joseph Kraynak of Boothwyn, who is in charge of letter carriers working out of the Brookhaven Post Office, won $5.3 million in the state Lotto jackpot. Joseph and his wife, Tina, have three children. He is a native of Chester’s West End.
Upper Darby police arrested a man who was in the act of breaking into a house on Fairview Avenue. Police were called after the owner called them and said a man was trying to force open a rear door.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Michael Ludwig, a teacher at Penncrest High School, Middletown, is presenting a seminar on “ Civil War Medicine’’ at the high school. The seminar is open to the public.

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

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Captain Wilson of the Salvation Army in Chester is preparing special services for the next four weeks. The programs will be printed. A number of interesting speakers will take part in the meetings and it is expected by Captain Wilson that many converts will be made to the cause of Christianity.
Well, there is another milkman in the old town of Upland and it is said that he will soon be able to give them all a tough hustle for their money. The stranger is at the home of Clarence Tarry, the well-known dealer in lacteal fluid, and the proud father says he is one of the finest boys in town. Town residents are waiting for the Havanas.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The Upper Darby Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association has been showing motion picture shows on Sundays in the theater at Garrett Road and West Chester Pike for the past two years and is turning all proceeds to the Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill. The money is used to keep open the dispensary where free medical treatment is given. Because of the good work done by the Firemen’s Relief Association, clergymen and other supporters of the Sunday Blue Laws have offered no objections to the Sunday movies.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Chester City Councilman James H. Gorbey has been named chairman of the reception committee for the forthcoming Dick Christy All American banquet that is being sponsored by the St. James Alumni High School Alumni, Chester.
A new non-locality exchange as a step toward direct long distance dialing is being started by the Chester office of the Bell Telephone Co. The new central office name will be Hubbard 5. New subscribers in Marcus Hook will be assigned Hubbard 5 numbers and some Chester numbers will be changed to Hubbard 5.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Intensive crime prevention programs are the focus of a seminar for municipal officials at Delaware County Community College. The program is sponsored by Pennsylvania Crime Watch.
Charles Harris, 19, son of Joy Harris of Jackson Street, Darby Township, was credited with saving the life of a man who was drowning in the Pacific Ocean off Port Huennem Beach, Calif. Harris is a seaman in the U.S. Navy and is under Seabee training near where the incident occurred.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

State Police using radar ticketed 88 speeders on the Blue Route for speeding. A total of 127 citations were issued for various motor vehicle code violations.

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