100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Tinicum Township Supervisors M.T. Lenhardt, Otto Trefs and A.F. Yeutter have a force of men at work opening a new road that is a continuation of Second Avenue eastward to the Island Road. The continuation of the new road goes through the farm of William Flanigan and will make a direct road from the Island Road to Wanamaker Avenue, making a shorter route from Philadelphia to Essington and enabling vehicles to avoid the grade crossing of the Reading Railroad at the Essington Station.
Prospect Park authorities are again beginning to have trouble with the tramps. Several of gentry have been prowling about the borough of late, especially along the Chester Pike. They have been soliciting alms and have been using insulting language.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

After months of court litigation, the Friendship Fire Co. No. 2 of Linwood was granted a charter by President Judge W. Roger Fronefield at the county courthouse. Sam Sanders, one of Chester’s leading jewelers, opened a new store at 538 Market St. Sanders also has a repair shop in the Crozer Building.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Motorists, who have not yet received their 1958 license tags can rest easy as the Motor Vehicle Bureau has extended the deadline until midnight April 2.
African violets seem to be everywhere at the 10th annual violet exhibition of the African Violet Society at Sabold School in Springfield. Mrs. William B. Fenwick is chairman of the show.
Airman 3rd Class Joseph E. Simpson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Simpson, 700 Clifton Ave., Collingdale, was one of the first servicemen to donate blood following the first 4th Air Force Plasma Bowl football game at Hamilton Air Force Base, Calif.

15 YEARS AGO – 1983

A 32-year-old Darby woman was held for court on charges that she collected illegal welfare payments and food stamps while she was employed at a waitress at a restaurant in TinicumBev Cimabue, Michele Gibson and Cathy Lilley, all students at Chichester High, won national honors in an art competition at the Court in King of Prussia.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The tenth annual Sager Symposium on gay, lesbian and bisexual studies is being held this weekend at Swarthmore College. The event is designed to combat homophobia and related forms of discrimination.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The Lyric, a well-fitted and commodious amusement house, opened on Market Street above Third Street, Chester. In addition to the moving pictures that are featured daily, there will be musicals and vaudeville performances on the stage.Good Will Fire Co. in Chester, that is now in flourishing condition, has just received an additional 300 feet of hose for service on its chemical wagon. It is of the cotton variety, lined with rubber of the Paragon brand -- the best, it is said, in the country. This company now has more hose than any other Chester company, it is believed.
Chester Traction Co. inaugurates a half-hour schedule on Saturdays and Sundays. Cars will leave Seventh and Welsh streets, Chester, at 35 and 45 minutes after the hour. This will be in vogue until further notice.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The “Back To the Farm’’ cure for economic depression troubles will be used by the Delaware County Emergency Relief Board in cooperation with the state aid plan. R. H. Diament, well known in local relief work, has been named chairman of the county project that promotes Community Thrift Gardens. There will about 3,000 back yard gardens and seeds, plants and fertilizer will be provided. This back-to-the-land movement will be able to provide many families with food products during the remainder of the depression, it is said.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

James Wolf, 13, and his sister Peggy, 9, won the top awards in the “best reader’’ contest at Helen Kate Furness Library in Wallingford. They are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Wolf of 219 Martroy Lane.Mrs. William Smith of 116 Bridge Road, Ridley Park, and her father, Joseph F. Rehrman of 26 W. Eighth St., Chester, marked their birthday anniversaries at a family dinner party at the Rehrman home.
H. Merle Mulloy of Winding Lane, Nether Providence, has been elected vice president and general counsel of the Reading Railroad.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Professor Kenneth Holt of Penn State’s Delaware County campus is displaying color photos of Civil War battlefields at Penn Wood East School in Yeadon. The spring Aerobic Dance Program begins today at the Watkins Avenue Multi-Purpose Activity Center in Upper Darby. The session lasts for 10 weeks.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Barnstormers Theater in Ridley Park is having a workshop for children on Saturdays at the theater. The workshop is being led by Director Mary Andrews and is designed for children with limited stage experience.

-- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Tinicum Township, once noted for its gay and wild Sundays, is now quiet and orderly, said County Detective Thomas H. Berry. Major Joseph R.T. Cotes of the Fifth Ward of Chester calls attention to the fact that children using roller skates on the marble walkways through the Larkin School grounds have damaged it considerably. “We have tried to stop it,” he said, “but it seems useless unless we have an arrest. Something should be done. The walks are in such a state that I doubt if they can be repaired.’’
Crozer Theological Seminary in Upland reopens today after a ten-day spring vacation. There will be little formality to the reopening but the students will get down immediately to work.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A man from the 100 block of Hayes street in Chester was convicted of several store robberies and sentenced to one and one half to 10 years in the Eastern Penitentiary, Philadelphia, by Judge Albert Dutton MacDade. The admitted burglar said his companion had taken up black magic and spiritualism “and always had a power over me and had me commit the burglaries.”
George Hughes of Chester, a member of the Felton Fire Co. in Chester, broke his arm while attempting to crank his automobile to get it started.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Clinton K. Furman, 55, of 324 Chester Pike, Norwood, longtime Prospect Park Realtor, died after a headlong fall down the second floor stairs at his home. He was pronounced dead at Taylor Hospital. Chester’s Americus Council 242, Knights of Columbus, marked another milestone when it honored members of 50 years at its new home, 14th and Potter streets. Pins marking 50 years of membership were presented to James F. Cullin of Parkside and Peter J. McBride of Irvington Hills by Grand Knight Emanuel E. Bruton.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Dwayne Garland, 20-year-old Chester youth who dove into Chester Creek to save the life of a 3-year-old girl, received a citation from Chester City Council. Garland of West 8th Street, pulled little Sharon Walls to safety after the child was reportedly pushed in the creek. He stayed with the girl until paramedics arrived.
The Rose Tree Media School Board voted to close Roosevelt School in Middletown and Hanna Carr School in Edgmont at the end of the school year.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Delco Bird Club is bringing some exotic birds to St. Joseph’s School in Collingdale on Thursday. The birds are a greenwing macaw, umbrella cockatoo, conure and a hawk head. It’s part of the club’s Outreach Program. -

-- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

James Dougherty of Twelfth Street, Eddystone, has a son who has proved clearly that he will be able to take care of himself in the future. While the father was at work, Mrs. Dougherty was called to a neighbor’s and told the boy, who is only about 6 years old, to not let anyone in the house until she returned. A short time later a disreputable-looking tramp appeared at the back door and asked where the woman of the house was. The little fellow told the hobo that his mother was out and the Knight of the Road began to push his way into the house. The lad could not keep the fellow out so he ran to the rear yard, where he unchained the family bulldog. The animal made for the tramp and the latter lost no time in making himself scarce. Since then the boy and the dog have been congratulated.
Prof. S.C. Miller, principal of the Larkin Public School in Chester, is suffering with a vegetable poisoning of his face, but is recovering.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A free-for-all fight, said by Collingdale police to have started outside a dance at Collingdale Fire Co. 2, resulted in fines for more than a dozen participants. The fracas, police say, started when one of the dance participants showed up in shirt sleeves and resented being told he must attire himself in more formal garb. Policeman Thomas Welsh waded into the crowd and was struck on the chin. He was forced to use his club with telling effect on his alleged assailant. Police said that some of those arrested had been imbibing too freely in pre-Volstead fluid.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

First Lt. George H. Meyers 3rd, son of Mr. and Mrs. G.H. Meyers Jr., 709 15th Ave., Prospect Park, was promoted to his present rank. He is a jet pilot stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DeMaio of Upland celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family at The Concordville Inn.Tyler Arboretum in Middletown is training volunteers as historical instructors, guides and outreach instructors.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County is observing its 50th anniversary with a pancake day at the Y on Garrett Road. Co-chairmen of the pancake day are Nancy Runk and Frank C. Videon.

—LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Officers of the Chester Rural Cemetery Co. have adopted a new rule regarding the building of foundations for headstones at graves. Hereafter the stone work must be the same depth as the grave. Some of the monument builders, who know their business, have been following this rule but all must do so now. A permit for each work also must be obtained from cemetery Superintendent Burton.
Benjamin Devlin, the manager of McClure’s bottling establishment in Chester, came near being a hero but instead found he was the victim of a practical joke. Ben saw a team going up Kerlin Street towards Fifth Street and was told that there was no one in the wagon. He ran almost to Fifth Street and found much to his surprise a driver in the vehicle. Ben was a little angry but when he realized it was a just a joke he passed around the cigars.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Four youngsters, all of Morton, were arraigned before Magistrate Raymond Hood of Folsom and charged with disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct. Eugene Remente, the owner of a small store in Ridley Township, complained that the boys had been making a general nuisance of themselves around his place of business.
A Prospect Park man faced Magistrate Hood for overdoing St. Patrick’s Day. He was arrested by Ridley Township police, who found him lying on the front porch of a home on Chester Pike, Leiperville.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

John B. Hassler, USMC, who has been visiting his mother, Mrs. Anthony E. Hassler of 403 Lindsay St., Ridley Park, returns this week to Camp Lejeune, N.C., for advanced combat training.
Featured in a can-can dance routine at Nether Providence Follies at the high school auditorium were Lynne Green, Marilyn MacIndoe, Connie Morgan, Sue Seville, Beth Stegmaier, Dotty Essick, Anne Bridge and Carol Ann Nugent.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

William and Joyce Scott are founders and pastors of a new church in Chester, the New Life Christian Center, that meets at the Franklin Firehouse on Concord Avenue. The Scotts were both born and reared in Chester.Harry Roessner won his second Chess Chairman’s Cup in the annual tournament at the MacDade House in Holmes. He defeated four straight opponents.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Pvt. Brian Matuliewich, son of Edward C. Matuliewich, Jansen Ave., Essington, has been assigned to Fort Lewis, Wash., after having completed the U.S. Army’s One Station Training program.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Residents of Lloyd Street, Chester, between Second and Third Streets, are complaining about a crowd of boys who pass that neighborhood and throw red clay and dirt on the front windows. Several windows have been broken and the police have been alerted.
The funeral car is used on the trolley line between Darby and Wilmington was in Chester on St. Patrick’s Day.
The janitors at the Chester Post Office say the hardest job they have is to keep good pens on the desks in the vestibule as people forget to disconnect themselves from them before leaving the office.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Two firemen were injured as a spectacular blaze wrecked a dance hall and threatened the new $200,000 Post Office building in Upper Darby. The fire wrecked the Crystal Ballroom on West Garrett Road. The injured firemen were Milton Brasher 25, and John Voltsberg, 30, truckman of the Upper Darby Fire Co.
Richard J. Baldwin of Elwyn, for several years the speaker of the House at Harrisburg, celebrated his 80th birthday anniversary recently.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Two warning shots fired by a patrolman paid off with the arrest of two teenagers who admitted damaging a pay telephone to get some money. The youths were in a booth ant Seventh Street and Central Avenue, Chester, and were arrested fleeing the scene. Police officers who responded to a report of the action were Capt. Edward McGuire and patrolmen William Hamilton and Timothy Gill.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Ruark of South Gov. Printz Boulevard, Lester, have returned from a two-week vacation to Las Vegas, Nev.
Second Lt. Edward H. Walsh, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Walsh, 3301 E. 11th St., Eddystone, graduated from officer training school at Quantico Va. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania Military College, Chester.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A Delaware County businessman paid $110 for an autographed football. On it were the signatures of state Sen. Clarence Bell and county councilman Curt Weldon. Tom Edwards, chairman of the board of Pilot Air Freight of Middletown, won the bidding war for the football against Art Leahy of Shearson/American Express. It was a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce Buy in Delaware County campaign. Why did Edwards pay such a high price? “Just so Art Leahy didn’t get it,’’ he said with a laugh.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

John’s Doggie Shop on Seventh Street, Chester, celebrated its 50th anniversary. Owner is Pete Eleutherio, whose father John founded the business in 1948, when he opened a restaurant right across the street.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Two “trustees’’ at the county jail made their escape from prison with the use of a 40-foot ladder. After ascending, the men jumped from the wall to a manure pile. One of the prisoners was serving one year for larceny and had but a short time to finish his sentence. The other man was in jail for begging in Prospect Park. After leaving the prison the men boarded a trolley car. Police have been notified and Warden Fields said both will be apprehended shortly.
An electric piano has been installed at the Pennsylvania Cafe in Chester.
Jacob Rosenberg, dealer in general merchandise at Second and Hayes streets, Chester, who is well-known as an interpreter, was severely beaten by a couple of foreigners. The foreigners were being disorderly in front of Rosenberg’s store and he asked them to leave and proceeded to push the men from the sidewalk. They attacked him and he now is unable to leave his home.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The organization of a Home Garden Association for Collingdale as a means of aiding unemployment relief is being undertaken by a committee of citizens. It is proposed that vacant lots throughout the borough be plowed and harrowed so that they may be cultivated. Any persons who become drones and who fail to care for their gardens will be ejected.
Mrs. Helen Church of Lansdowne, nutrition director of the Delaware County Emergency Relief Board, is giving talks on inexpensive wholesome foods and their preparation. She is speaking to groups throughout the county. She said there is a “need for a substantial meal at least once a day.’’

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Some 500 firemen fought a $300,000 fire at Essington Yacht Yard that destroyed 14 large cabin cruisers and partially burned at least 10 others. Essington Fire Chief Joseph Zentmyer said the main shed was half destroyed. The cause has not been determined, however, he doubted if it was arson related.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Swarthmore High School students are taking orders for geraniums. Order forms are available at Michael’s Pharmacy in the business section.
The Trainer VFW Post is having a St. Patrick’s Day ham and cabbage dinner at the post home on Chestnut Street. The dinner includes dessert.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Delaware County Prison officials are investigating how an inmate got sick when he got hold of another prisoner’s medication. The sickened inmate had to be taken to Crozer-Chester Medical Center, however, he was not admitted.

LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Several residents of Leiperville are wondering what the mysterious shooting meant the other night. It was after midnight that some of the citizens heard two gunshots in quick succession, the sounds emanating from a field near Crum Lynne and although an investigation was made no one was discovered. Quite a number of residents are of the opinion that it is someone who has been laying in wait for the red fox that was seen in the vicinity more than a week ago.Already the signs of spring are appearing, according to residents in the vicinity of Perkin’s Lawn near Trainer. A large number of men were seen in the field. They had built a fire and were eating food. The men were tramps and have been living in Trainer woods. The police chased them out of the lot.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Mrs. Lydia Ana Baker, Delaware County’s “grand old lady’’, observed the 103rd anniversary of her birth at her home on Pennell Road, Lima. She was born Anna Cummings at Ronaldson’s Mills this county. Just two years ago Mrs. Baker declared she is against Prohibition, short skirts, cigarette smoking by women and women’s clubs.
Vandals have all but demolished the Robeno Building at Third and Reaney Streets, Chester. At one time the structure was noted for its splendor but now has become a hangout for loiterers and inebriates.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Barbara Weinberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Weinberg of 745 Braxton Road, Leedom Estates, Ridley Township, was crowned queen of the annual Copper Beach Ball at Pennsylvania Military College in Chester by Paul Landaiche of Eddystone, president of the PMC Student Council.Frank Lees was named president of the Media Fire Co.; George W. Plotts, vice president; Eugene Tilghman, recording secretary; John H. Tipping, financial secretary and Harry Jones, treasurer.
Thomas Conrad, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Conrad of 316 Collingdale Ave., a junior at Collingdale High School, has been elected as boy of the month.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Norwood Ambulance Corps observed its 25th anniversary and is starting a membership drive. Since it was formed the ambulance corps has answered 22,725 calls.The Lansdowne Business and Professional Association is appealing for help to raise $1,000 more to buy bullet proof vests for the borough police officers.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Delaware County Family Center provides free income tax help with basic tax returns at the Crozer Community Medical Center at Ninth and Wilson streets, Chester.

—LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

At the Chester Roller Rink on Edgmont Avenue there was a masquerade carnival that was a big success. There were clowns, cowboys, cowgirls, Indians and other characters that attracted much attention. Finest costume prize was won by Charles Carroll of Upland; Samuel Porter of Chester, best comic costume; Clara Powers of Chester, best boy impersonator and John Clark of Chester, best female impersonator.
A 23-year-old woman arrested in Chester was given orders by Magistrate Smith to “skidoo’’ to Philadelphia, where she lives. Members of the new Chester police force appeared in their new uniforms before Mayor Johnson. This has always been the custom and Chester’s finest presented a neat and handsome appearance in their suits of blue with brass buttons.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Marcus Hook police are cooperating with the state highway patrolmen connected with the Clifton Heights barracks against overloaded trucks. Since they have begun the crackdown the Marcus Hook police have stopped a number of drivers passing through the borough.Two Woodlyn youths were arraigned before Magistrate Raymond Hood of Folsom on charges of annoying and humiliating another Woodlyn boy who attends the Woodlyn Public School. The two youths were arrested by Truant Officer Bradshield after he witnessed them harassing the boy. The two youths have been placed on probation and the court costs must be paid by the parents.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Stiff March breezes and sunny skies greeted about 200 people who attended ground breaking ceremonies for Sacred Heart General Hospital’s new $3.4-million building on W. Ninth Street in Chester’s West End.Trainer Fire Co.’s 46th anniversary celebration was marked by the presentation of a $500 check from Mrs. Ellen Duncine, auxiliary president, to the company President Paul Churchman.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Prospect Park School is hopping today and Wednesday with a jump-a-thon to raise money for the American Heart Association. Three Penn Wood High School students are among the nation’s finalists competing for 3,500 four-year National Merit Scholarships. The Penn Wood finalists are Harry Connolly of Yeadon and John Touey and Kenneth Wilson, both of Lansdowne.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland dedicated its new helicopter landing pad. “It was a good experience and we enjoyed it,’’ said Pat Iacono, ambulance lieutenant of the Parkside Ambulance Squad, who landed on the pad.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

One of the most valuable means of detecting criminals is used by Chester Police Department and other municipal departments in connection with other cities. Whenever a man wanted for a big crime escapes detection, his photograph is sent out to the other police departments and the officers in many cities are on the lookout for him.
Charged with stealing coal from railroad cars along the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, three foreigners were given a hearing before Alderman Carter of the 11th Ward and held for court. The men kicked about a ton of coal form a car at Front Street and Highland Avenue. Chester and were about to carry the fuel away in bags when they were detected by Constable Grace. The railroad has hired special officers to keep a sharp lookout for the purloiners of the fuel but the thieves are slick at their nefarious trade and manage to elude the officers of the law.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

An Eddystone man was granted a divorce by Judge Albert Dutton MacDade after the man told the judge his wife left him, saying that she was going to return to her mother who lives in Savannah, Ga.An air of dignity permeated Chester Police Court as Magistrate Michael A. Honan disposed of the cases with dispatch and was not hampered by talkative spectators. He has banned hangers-on from the court and even police officers were barred from the courtroom unless they have to testify.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Flannigan of 308 Lincoln Ave., Lansdowne, have returned from a cruise to Caribbean ports.It was roundup time for several hours in Brookhaven, Chester and Eddystone as a freedom-loving black shabby horse refused to surrender without putting up a good fight. The runaway, first spotted in Brookhaven, finally lost his freedom at the Baldwin-Lima- Hamilton Plant in Eddystone where guards closed a gate at the right time and had the horse fenced in. The horse is owned by Robert McCauley of Dutton Mill Road, Green Ridge, Aston.
Dr. Vernon Desenberger, president of the Sharon Hill Board of Health, reminds all food handlers in the borough that they are required by law to have their chests x-rayed.

25 YEARS AGO

Billy “Whiteshoes’’ Johnson of the Atlanta Falcons professional football team made a special appearance at the Agape Day Care Center in Marcus Hook and met with parents and children. Johnson grew up in the borough.Free computerized health risk analyses is available at the Granite Run Health Fair in Middletown, courtesy of Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

State police arrested a man and woman behind the Sentinel Motel on Route 202 in Chadds Ford and charged them with loitering and prowling. The man and women a were arrested at 2 a.m. and a search of their pickup truck revealed $1,000 in cash and a air rifle.-

- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Tramps have been making their rounds in Ridley Park plying their lazy trade of begging during the past few days. A laundress, who is employed at a Ridley avenue home, was hanging some clothes on the line in the yard when she was accosted by a filthy specimen of the genus hobo who in no uncertain tones demanded a meal. The girl was thoroughly scared and as there were no men about the premises she complied with the tramp’s request. After he had finished, the knight of the road asked the girl for money and upon being refused he threatened to do her bodily harm until the nearby appearance of a man who put the villain to flight. Several other places were visited by the tramps.
The monthly police changes took place in Chester when the night and day forces were changed. Andrew Lamont is now acting house sergeant during the day.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A small arsenal was stolen by a burglar who gained entrance to the Briggs’ Sporting Goods Store at 627 Welsh St., Chester. Carried away were 25 revolvers, two rifles and five shotguns.
The number of persons arrested for intoxication in Chester has decreased considerably since Magistrate Honan put a new plan into effect. Now every drunk taken into custody has to work for 24 hours. The work consists of scrubbing cells and painting the cell block. A few have been compelled to take a cold bath.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mrs. Emily DeShields was honored along with Mrs. Anna Mitchell at a banquet by the stewardess board of St. John’s AUMP Church in Chester. The ladies are both from Chester and were honored for their work with the church at 17th and Walnut streets.Clifton Heights Police Chief Charles A. Duke has resigned. He has served on the force for 26 years and has asked borough council to place him on pension.
Members of the Delaware County Field and Stream’s junior rifle club got in some practice rounds at the Yeadon High School range. Among those practicing were Bob Bixler, Alys Gamble, Robert Swartz and Valerie Gamble. Valerie is regarded as better than most boys in the club.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A carelessly discarded envelope with your name on it could lead to your prosecution as a litterbug if officials in Concord find it. Township Supervisor Robert Mench said litter is a constant problem and the township has decided to prosecute litterbugs.An Upper Darby attorney spent close to an hour defending a man accused of stealing cars. At the conclusion of the hearing at which the charges were dropped, the attorney, John McDougall, walked outside to his car, a white Pontiac Firebird, and discovered it had been taken. The car was found nearby. Apparently the car was moved by police who found it unlocked and with the keys in it. They moved it as a joke.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Cpl. Troy B. Britton, a graduate of Sun Valley High School in Aston, is serving in the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a Marine Corps Unit on deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean and the Arabian Gulf.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The strange spectacle of a man, bearing a small child in his arms and two others toddling alongside of him, was witnessed in Judge Johnson’s court in Chester. The man took the stand against his wife who he said deserted him. Neither of the parties could speak English and their stories were told through an interpreter. From what could be gleaned, both husband and wife accused each other of having other affinities. The husband declared that his wife left him with the children to go with another man and the wife declared that her husband had put her out of the house for another woman. Judge Johnson was visibly disgusted with the whole affair. “There’s no evidence of desertion here,’’ he said. “Go hunt up a sensible lawyer to give you some sound advice. You are discharged.’’ “You take your wife home,’’ said District Attorney MacDade to the husband.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A successful minstrel show was given in the Ridley Park auditorium by the student nurses and interns at Taylor Hospital before a capacity audience. The show as directed by Mrs. Helen Rhodes Warwick of the hospital staff.
Large size Turkish towels are 7 cents apiece at the Montgomery Ward Store in Chester.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Storekeeper Seaman Claude B. Boyles, son of C.B. Boyles, 1037 Leiper St., Eddystone, is serving with the Navy at Rota, Spain.
With the arrest of four persons, Chester Police have ended the operation of a check theft ring that has been active in the city since last March. Officials estimated that more than $10,000 in government and state checks were stolen from mailboxes. The checks were cashed at many local stores.
Retail gasoline prices in the county dropped to a low of 19.9 cents a gallon.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

About 70 families and 12 senior citizens have been served by the free food distribution center operated by Upland Baptist Church at the Notty Pine Dining Hall at Camp Upland Park. Norman L. Haase, a Swarthmore attorney, has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the Benjamin Banneker House on Concord Ave., Chester.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Rutledge Councilwoman Diane McGaughey has been elected the new president of the Delaware County Association of Boroughs. There are 27 boroughs in the county association. She is a Democrat and her husband, Edward, is a Republican.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Petitions have been circulated in Clifton Heights asking borough council to increase the salary of Police Officer J. M. Lungen. He was re-appointed to his position and is paid $50 per month. Officer Lungen has proved himself to be a capable, efficient and brave officer and the citizens believe he should receive larger pay for the hazardous and heroic work he performs. The petition movement is a popular one and there cannot be found a dissenting voice to have his in salary increased to $75 a month.
Authorities in Chester have been alerted by immigration officials to be aware of anarchists. Police said the city has experienced no trouble from anarchists and as far as is known none of the Red Hands has colonized here.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Haverford College has decided to open its regular classes for the remainder of the year without charge to men over 25 years of age who are jobless and unable to pay tuition charges.
Heradah Newsome, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Newsome, 2124 W. Second St., Chester, has a leading role in the musical play, “Topsy and Eva,” to be performed by the Senior Class at Ursinus College.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Eager and ready to roll are officials of Upper Darby No. 5, the Primos-Secane-Westbrook Park Fire Co. with their new Squad Truck. The vehicle is a converted milk delivery wagon that was repaired by fire company members for $225 and equipped with $1,500 worth of apparatus. Officials who inspected the truck were: Vincent J. Christi, captain; Steve McFee, first assistant engineer; and Walter B. Scott, permanent driver.Walsh Motors on Chester Pike, Prospect Park, is selling a four-door 1950 Ford that comes equipped for $125.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Nacrelli of 772 Braxton Road, Leedom Estates, entertained at their home in honor of the 12th birthday anniversary of their daughter, Barbara Ann. She’s a seventh grader at St. Madeline’s School in Ridley Park.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Aston Commissioners have appointed Albert Cardine as sewage enforcement officer. Township Commissioner James McGinn was named as the township’s representative to the Chamber of Commerce Buy in Delaware County committee. The Senior Citizen Club of Parkside is sponsoring a five-day trip to Bermuda. Cost is $559 plus $40 in taxes and service. Call Jack Ahtes for reservations and details.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

William (Bill) J. Pastuszek, Realtor, celebrates his 50th anniversary as an independent broker. He has an office at 9 S. Chester Road, Swarthmore. Bill is the son of the late Michael and Mary Pastuszek of Chester.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Two burglars entered the residence of Frank Innis, assistant postmaster, on Lloyd Street, Chester, entrance having been made by prying open a back window. When Mr. Innis returned home he saw a light in a room on the second floor and yelled “Police.” The men made a dash from the house and managed to escape. No property was reported missing.
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Nacrelli of Third and Market streets, Marcus Hook, was left by her mother in an upstairs room at her house for a few minutes. When the parent returned she was horrified to see the child munching a rat biscuit that was in the room. Knowing the biscuit was full of poison, Mrs. Nacrelli notified her husband and with the girl in his arms he hastened to Pechmann’s drug store on horseback in search of medical assistance. Finding no doctor handy, he rode to the quarantine station where a stomach pump was used and the life of the child was saved.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

That home making in all its branches is considered of great importance by the women of Chester and nearby areas was shown again as the second of The Chester Times Cooking and Home Making School got under way. There was a capacity audience for the school at the Masonic Temple in Chester. Mrs. Katherine Delayney conducted the school.
Mrs. Ruth L. Bennett, founder of the Ruth L. Bennett Improvement Association in Chester, is ill at her home at Second and Reaney streets. She fractured two ribs when she fell at her home.

50 YEARS AGO – 1948

The soon-to-retire Schools Supt. Faber E. Stengle of Collingdale was arrested at a luxury hotel in St. Petersburg, Fla. He is accused of embezzlement of school funds, forgery, fraudulent conversion and cheating by false pretensesGail Beam, 18, of 332 Summit Road Springfield, will spend the summer in Morden, England, as a guest of English families. The trip to promote better international understanding is being sponsored by the Rotary Club.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

U.S. Rep. Bob Edgar (D-Marple) unveiled an “environmental works bill” aimed at putting nearly 300,000 jobless people to work rehabilitating parks, weatherproofing homes and repairing railroad tracks. Joe Grant has been installed as the new president and Joseph Griffin as chief of the Brookhaven Fire Co. David Schlott was named vice president.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Newtown Township Supervisors adopted a “pooper scooper” law. Supervisor Chairman Dick Pound said many complaints have been received about the unpleasant problem.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

There is a well-known young man in Eddystone who resides near Thirteenth Street and Saville Avenue whose name is not used for obvious reasons and who had the biggest scare ever. The young man had been out of town visiting friends and on his way home he took the route through Denis Lane as a shortcut. He had just reached a point opposite the McFarland Stable when he says a large hand appeared suddenly from the corner of the building and an attempt was made to seize the boroughite. The young man could not see the face of the highwayman but he took to his heels and never stopped until he reached home. He related his experience to his brother. The two men then armed themselves and repaired very quietly to the spot where he had been seen the hand but the footpad had disappeared.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Due to the increased poultry business of the Edgmont Beef Co., a wall of the building on Sproul Street, above Sixth, was removed to make a large display window. Patrons have been delighted to be able to walk into such a modern poultry store and select chickens, ducks, turkeys, pheasants, wild game and other fowl. Louise Covington of Plum Street, Boothwyn, celebrated her third birthday anniversary. Parents are Mr. and Mrs. Henry Covington.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Kathy Jordan and Mariane O’Keefe had birthday honors at St. Francis Canteen when the Junior Canteen convened. Record winners were Diane Cecelia and Chuck Gillian.
A $15,600 ambulance with the latest type of equipment, including a folding wheelchair, has been put into service by Collingdale Fire Co. 1. The ambulance was welcomed and inspected by Mike Bench, engineer; Orland Dukes, captain; George Seifert, crew member; and Frank McNeil and Robert Althouse, drivers.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Vietnam Veterans of America are having a free symposium on Agent Orange at Delaware County Community College. U.S. U.S. Rep. Bob Edgar, D-7, arranged the symposium. He is a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.St. Herman’s Orthodox Church in Nether Providence is presenting a “Gypsy Cabaret’’ as a fundraiser. The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce kicked off its “Buy in Delaware County’’ campaign dedicated to boosting the county’s economy.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Delco Blind Sight Center in Chester named Upper Darby resident Georgia Nowzczyk as its employee of the year and nominated her for a national award that is awarded annually.

— LEN CASTERLINE
To contact Len Casterline,

email: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298