100 YEARS AGO – 1908

It has been a custom with the Polish people in Chester for many years upon Easter Monday to throw water on their neighbors. Just what the significance of this is not known. On Easter Monday a Lewis street woman threw a bucketful of water on her friend and neighbor. The latter did not take kindly to the act and in the next chapter the water thrower appeared before Judge Carter of the 11th Ward of Chester on the charge of assault and battery. The defendant was held for court. An effort will be made to settle the case before it goes to court.
There is a strikebreaker, who is said to hail from New York City and who, when asked by the recruiting agent, if he were afraid to go to Chester to work during the Chester Transit strike, replied “No, I am not afraid. I have been out of work for six months. I want work and I will do anything to keep my wife and children from starving.’’

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Three days remain for the refrigeration show at 519 Market St., Chester, which has attracted thousands. In addition to the electric refrigerators there are drinking water coolers are on display. The coolers are operated with electricity and may be connected to a home or business water supply.
Jack E. MacIndoe, agent of the Keystone Automobile Club, Chester, was responsible for the erection by the club of two “slow’’ signs at the entrance to Lawn Croft Cemetery. It was deemed necessary for to protect vehicles leaving the cemetery.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Florida-like weather in the county continues for the next few days. The county was warmer than Miami, Fla, with a temperature of 81 degrees while Miami had a cool 75 degrees.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A floor and street hockey program involving about 200 youths has been canceled by the Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board for the rest of the year because players do not have basic protective equipment. School Board President David Grove said youth must wear the equipment that has not been provided.
SPCA spokeswoman Elsie Mead said the society’s practice of charging a $40 neutering fee to people wanting to adopt pets is a solution to a “community problem.’’

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Patrolman John Dell of the Aston Police Department has been recognized by the Aston Lions Club as Police Officer of the Year. He received an award from Lion President Jim Singley.

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

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

There was considerable excitement in front of the Lafayette Hotel at Third Street and Edgmont Avenue, Chester, where the strike breakers are quartered and a squad of state troopers was hurriedly rushed to the scene. The trouble originated when someone in the building threw a brick at a special officer on duty during the Chester Traction Co. strike. No one was arrested but police have been alerted to be aware of any activity at the hotel. When the trolley cars began to run at frequent intervals in Upland the cars were stoned and windows were broken. With the strike there have been busy days at railway stations. In Linwood Agent Gough and his assistants are on call at all times.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Judge John Martin Broomall III is having the old Dr. Rowland homestead on West State Street, Media, remodeled. It is one of the borough’s old farmhouses and has been enclosed with a 6-foot green and white fence, making it quite exclusive. Mr. and Mrs. John Denard Gordy, who are residing on South Orange Street, will occupy the property.Sweeney & Clyde, 29 E. Fifth St., Chester, has available for rent its home at 3025 W. Sixth St., Chester, for $20 per month. It has six large rooms and bath, electricity, hot air heat and is newly papered and painted throughout.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A trio from Springfield High School will star in the spring concert at the school. They are Elaine Neagley, Carol Tison and Nancy Strain.The Parkettes, five dancers, are in the cast of the variety show sponsored by Grace Park PTA, Ridley Township. Parkettes are Gladys Neuhauser, first-grade teacher; Rita Mertes, third-grade teacher; Mrs. Barbara Miller, first-grade teacher; Mrs. Adah Lehman, principal, and Mrs. Jean Holmes fifth-grade teacher.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Sixteen fire companies will participate in a parade and housing ceremonies on Saturday for Rose Tree Fire Co.’s new pumper. The $160,000 pumper will be pushed into the firehouse after the parade.A Chester woman, who pleaded guilty to welfare fraud, has been put on probation and ordered to pay $6,249 to the state Welfare Department. The woman received welfare payments and food stamps while working for the Chester Upland School District.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Council 8924, is having a country line dance in the parish hall on Woodlawn Avenue, Collingdadle. DJ Joe White offers lessons and there is also a buffet-style dinner, beer and soda.

--- 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 practice of skating on the sidewalks along the edge of Crozer Park in Upland has again started with the arrival of nice weather. Park Guard Wilcox has begun a campaign against the practice as the rollers on the skates have a detrimental effect on the cement and in some place they have broken off the edges of the pavement. An effort will be made to keep the skaters out in the street in the future.
A man with an automobile-registered number 1296 had trouble on the pike near Fairview Road, Ridley Township. The machine that is red was of the old style runabout and when the incline on the west side of the little bridge over Ridley Creek was reached the car refused to obey the engine. It was finally necessary for the man and the boy who occupied the auto to get out and push the machine up the hill.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Residents of Chester and environs have the opportunity to examine the latest development in domestic electric refrigeration when the second annual Refrigeration Show, sponsored by Chester dealers, opened at 519 Market St., Chester. Nathan Tollin, merchant, is chairman of the show. Admission to the show is free.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Peggy Ann Showalter, nearly five-years-old, wore a wedding dress impersonating Mamie Eisenhower at a Tom Thumb wedding at Trinity Methodist Church in Chester. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Showalter of 1250 Mildred Ave., Woodlyn. Hasting’s Chevrolet in Linwood is selling a two-door 1949 Chevrolet sedan for $100.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Firefighters responded to a fire of electrical origin at the Acme Market on Chester Pike, Sharon Hill.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Three new police officers were sworn in by Brookhaven Mayor Garzia. They are James K Hutt, 21, of Brookhaven; M.T. Mugler, 31, of Broomall and William H. Young, 26, of Prospect Park.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

D.B. Brooks, who conducts a grocery store at Third and Fulton streets, Chester, was fleeced out of $4.02 and 98 cents worth of merchandise by a gent who is being sought by police. The man telephoned the store and said that he wanted 98 cents worth of goods sent to the home of Mrs. Charles Gibbs, 218 Kerlin St., Chester. They would be paid for cash on delivery providing the money for the change of a $5 was sent. A youth was sent with the order and when he reached the house the man was on the porch and stated that he would take the goods in as there was a dangerous bulldog inside. The man took the goods and the $5 that the boy had turned over to him and since that time the man has not been seen. After waiting for some time the youth asked Mrs. Gibbs, who came to door, for the $5 bill and she told him she had not seen the man.
Patrick Kennedy, the Upland man, who was cut by another man several days ago, appears to be doing nicely at the Chester Hospital. It was at first thought that the case would result in another murder trial but Kennedy has improved so that he has passed the danger point.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A husband from Fulton Street, Chester, was granted a divorce by Judge Albert Dutton MacDade on the grounds of adultery. The man testified that his wife has been making overnight visits to Philadelphia twice a week to visit relatives. He engaged a private detective to trail her and she was found in an apartment house on Spruce Street with a man.
The New Century Club of Darby is enjoying a large degree of success in its new adventure, the opening of a kindergarten. About 20 young tots are enrolled and seem to be enthused with the work being conducted by Miss Vivian Tripp.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Norwood Fire Co. has Penny, a Dalmatian dog, as its mascot. She is being trained to take her place on the apparatus when the fire alarm sounds.School district officials in Chichester have announced a crackdown on any student carrying tobacco on school property. Any student found with tobacco will be expelled. The reason is because school officials say that students are not observing the school’s “no smoking on the premises” rule.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The 38 hunger huts outside supermarkets in the county have been visited by thieves. The huts were built by inmates at the county prison and materials for the huts have been donated by fifteen Lions Clubs. The Salvation Army collects the donated food and gives it out to families in need.
St. Paul CME Church in Chester is having a Gospel Skating Party at Elmwood Skating Rink tonight. Skaters will be picked up by buses at the church.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

J. Mark Vanderbeck has named vice president of operations by ACTS Retirement Life Communities Inc. ACTS has two homes in Middletown: Lima Estates and Granite Farms Estate.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

D.B. Brooks, who conducts a grocery store at Third and Fulton streets, Chester, was fleeced out of $4.02 and 98 cents worth of merchandise by a gent who is being sought by police. The man telephoned the store and said that he wanted 98 cents worth of goods sent to the home of Mrs. Charles Gibbs, 218 Kerlin St., Chester. They would be paid for cash on delivery providing the money for the change of a $5 was sent. A youth was sent with the order and when he reached the house the man was on the porch and stated that he would take the goods in as there was a dangerous bulldog inside. The man took the goods and the $5 that the boy had turned over to him and since that time the man has not been seen. After waiting for some time the youth asked Mrs. Gibbs, who came to door, for the $5 bill and she told him she had not seen the man.
Patrick Kennedy, the Upland man, who was cut by another man several days ago, appears to be doing nicely at the Chester Hospital. It was at first thought that the case would result in another murder trial but Kennedy has improved so that he has passed the danger point.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A husband from Fulton Street, Chester, was granted a divorce by Judge Albert Dutton MacDade on the grounds of adultery. The man testified that his wife has been making overnight visits to Philadelphia twice a week to visit relatives. He engaged a private detective to trail her and she was found in an apartment house on Spruce Street with a man.
The New Century Club of Darby is enjoying a large degree of success in its new adventure, the opening of a kindergarten. About 20 young tots are enrolled and seem to be enthused with the work being conducted by Miss Vivian Tripp.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Norwood Fire Co. has Penny, a Dalmatian dog, as its mascot. She is being trained to take her place on the apparatus when the fire alarm sounds.School district officials in Chichester have announced a crackdown on any student carrying tobacco on school property. Any student found with tobacco will be expelled. The reason is because school officials say that students are not observing the school’s “no smoking on the premises” rule.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The 38 hunger huts outside supermarkets in the county have been visited by thieves. The huts were built by inmates at the county prison and materials for the huts have been donated by fifteen Lions Clubs. The Salvation Army collects the donated food and gives it out to families in need.
St. Paul CME Church in Chester is having a Gospel Skating Party at Elmwood Skating Rink tonight. Skaters will be picked up by buses at the church.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

J. Mark Vanderbeck has named vice president of operations by ACTS Retirement Life Communities Inc. ACTS has two homes in Middletown: Lima Estates and Granite Farms Estate.

— 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 strike of the motormen and conductors on the Chester Traction line took a serious turn when sixteen members of the State Constabulary arrived in Chester and bore down on the strikers on Edgmont Avenue, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. The mounted police attempted to clear the avenue and sidewalks knocking men and women to the street and sidewalks in their effort. The strikers retaliated with bricks and stones that were hurled at the state officers. The Chester Traction Co. plans to run cars tomorrow with non-striking workers.
The gang of tramps that has been making a nuisance of themselves in Ridley Park were arrested when Policeman Wishman and Constable Brooks swooped on them at the camp in Henderson’s Woods. Three of the knights of the road were put in the county jail.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Common drunks arrested in Chester will be given the opportunity of paying their fines by scrubbing walls, floors and cells at the police station. Chief of Police Vance said Supt. of Police James H. Davenport decided that inebriates have been getting off too lightly when arraigned. Most of those arrested for intoxication are discharged. This procedure is going to be taboo in the future and a cleaner and more sanitary police station looms as the result of the decision by officials.
A 29-year-old man was fined $10 and costs in Chester by Magistrate Honan in Chester for annoying a young woman at a movie theater. The man admitted his guilt and willingly paid the charge.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Three bandits held up the Darby Diner on Chester Pike at gunpoint and looted the cash register of $252. They missed $600 in a nearby desk drawer that the owner said he had set aside to pay some bills.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Delaware County Council has adopted an ordinance that calls for the levying of a one percent tax on hotel room rentals. The funds from the tax are to be used for tourist promotional activities in the county.Ten members of the Folcroft Police Department have been donating their time and muscle renovating their future headquarters in the Folcroft Municipal Building. Police Chief Theodore Pastore, a 15-year veteran of construction work, has been helping with the renovations.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Middletown Presbyterian Church is having a stress management seminar at the church. Don Jaegers discusses proper nutrition and dieting as well as relaxation techniques.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Big hats are still the rage and some of the spring styles that are seen in Chester are remarkable. The hats are of various sizes but some of them seem to be too wide to pass through a doorway without striking the sides.
There is no boy in Chester today that is happier than George Downes of 813 W. Eighth St. He received word by a special delivery letter that he was the first on the list of boys who had made gains over previous orders for subscriptions to The Saturday Evening Post magazine and that he is entitled to a trip to Europe or $250. As George is only a little more than 8 years of age, he decided to take the $250. George is a bright little fellow that will very likely be found among the captains of industry in the future.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Employees of the manufacturing departments of the Irving Worsted Mills at Ninth and McIlvaine streets, Chester, staged a “walkout” following announcement by mill officials of a wage cut of 15 percent. William Lewis of Ulrich Street, near Fifth Street, blossomed out in a brand new Derby hat that a neighbor thought it would be a good joke to break the headgear. The neighbor took the hat off Lewis’ head and put his fist through it. He then promised Lewis another hat and invited him to his home to get it. Instead of a hat the neighbor is said to have tried to fit a chair on the head of Lewis, the fitting being so violent that the hat loser had to go to Chester Hospital for repairs.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Malcolm B. Petrikin of Wallingford was named Man of the Year by the Chester Business Men’s Association. Elaine Michaels of Village Green was honored at a bridal shower and birthday anniversary party at her home on Knowlton Road. Miss Michaels will marry George Wright of Eddystone later this month at Middletown Presbyterian Church.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Delaware County Cooperative Extension Service is having a workshop that teaches participants how to weave a seat for a caned chair. Participants are to bring the chair they want caned.
Sharon Lee White of Concordville has joined Durham Travel in Lionville as a travel agent.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Sun Valley High School Senior Jaime Klinger demonstrated weaving techniques to Coeburn Elementary School students in Brookhaven during the “Teaching Experience Days.”

— 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 prisoners who have been confined to the City Hall lockup in Chester for the past few days have been spending much of their time singing the latest songs. The singing prisoners seem to find pleasure in the lightsome songs.
An amusing incident occurred in front of Mingin’s grocer store on Market Street, Chester. Somebody playfully placed a parcel neatly tied up on the pavement which several pedestrians who were passing by stopped to pick up only to drop it again. They all looked around in a rather confused manner. They evidently thought it was a prize package but an examination showed it was only an empty box that was decorated so as to arouse everyone’s interest.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

His taste for milk led to the arrest of an immigrant and after he serves 30 days in the county jail he faces deportation. He admitted that he entered the U.S. illegally. He was arrested in the Fifth Ward of Chester with two quarts of milk he had stolen from a doorstep. He told Magistrate Honan in police court that had “jumped ship’’ a year ago and has been living in Chester since. Chester Council 36, Order of Independent Americans entertained W.B.W. White at its councilrooms, 504 Market St., Chester, in honor of his 50th anniversary as recording secretary of the organization.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A motorist suffered a concussion when he fell from his auto in the parking lot at the El Rancho Sportsman’s Cub on Bullens Lane, Ridley Township. He was admitted to Taylor Hospital, Ridley Park, and is in fair condition.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A Brookhaven man was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief after he allegedly threw a large rock through an office window of the Tom Jones Restaurant on Edgmont Avenue, Brookhaven.Friends of Animals, a non-profit group that promotes neutering of pets, is having a Charity Day at the Springfield Mall. There also will be articles for sale that had been donated by to the group.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Suzanne Keer, widow of Fred Keer, who was known in Rutledge as “The Flag Man, presented a new American Flag to borough council. She said he had bought in the flag before he died. Keer would raise and lower the flag at the borough hall on a regular basis.

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 number of boys in the First Ward of Chester make a business selling watercress that is dug from the ruins in the city. Some of the lads make quite a snug sum for pocket money. The are eagerly greeted by the housewives who are glad to get the sprig greens. A few days ago a foreign woman called at the home of Mrs. Joseph Snyder on Lewis street in Chester and requested Mrs. Snyder to take care of her infant daughter that she carried in her arms for a few hours while she visited relatives. She said that her home is in Camden and that she came to Chester to visit relatives in the West End. Out of the goodness of her heart Mrs. Snyder agreed to take care of the little one until her mother returned. It was evidently a plan concocted by the woman to abandon her offspring as she failed to return for the child and has not been or heard from since by Mrs. Snyder. Mrs. Snyder said will be compelled to place the infant in a home for foundlings as she has several children of her own to look after.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Twenty-four in a case became popular with the flow of beer, but 24 in this particular case peeved Justice of the Peace John S. Meclary of Upper Darby. The two dozen referred to were arrested during the height of a gin party police raided at their hangout on the old Byrd Estate on West Chester Pike. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself,’’ commented the magistrate as he sentenced each to 30 days in the county jail.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A Chester woman from Potter Street would have completed her first year of employment with a Chester Realtor next Tuesday had she not been arrested. It was a profitable year for her, Realtor Oliver C. Armitage said. She pleaded guilty to theft of some $7,000 from the office. The 27-year old woman said “she frittered the money away.’’

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Two women were arrested on prostitution charges after an undercover police officer was allegedly solicited in side a massage parlor on West Chester Pike, Upper Darby. Despite the arrests, the massage shop is still operating.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Springton Lake Middle School teacher Jennifer Rittenhouse has been selected as the 1998 recipient of the Northeast Conference Fellowship. She is the second Rose Tree Media foreign language to receive the honor. Spanish teacher Leslie Bullitt won the award in 1996.

--- 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 young burglars that have been operating in Chester for some time have been taken into custody by the police. The capture of several young men is important as the city has been at the mercy of the thieves. Sgt. Cole and Officers Sill, Glennan and McDonnell made a raid upon a small hut built of railroad ties along the Reading Railroad tracks near the Fayette Works and found a large quantity of booty taken from a number of Chester businesses. Three burglars were held for county court.Alexander Sullivan, a well-known man who has been the caretaker at the Providence Avenue Meeting House, has moved from the dwelling next to the meeting house to a house near the Springfield Water Works.
Isaac B. Worell, who has been spending the winter in Philadelphia where he is employed, has come out to his country home in Lima, Middletown, for the summer.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Dr. Leon Gottschalk, who has worked for the past 27 years as a physician at the U.S. Quarantine Station at Marcus Hook, died at the age of 56.Carl Warfel, principal of the Folcroft School suffered an injury to his eye when a he dropped a bottle of milk and flying glass cut his eye.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

An unidentified auxiliary policeman from Ridley Park who allegedly stopped and verbally abused a citizen while off duty has resigned at the request of borough officials. Burgess George E. Burke said the auxiliary officer allegedly had been drinking and used loud bad language with a motorist he had stopped.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

John LaRosa of Thornbury, director of the Audio Visual Communications, demonstrated to Prison Warden Tom Rapone equipment that allows the county to become the first in the state to be able to arraign suspects in prison. The equipment enables a video link between the prison in Cheyney with the county courthouseThe Senior Citizens of Brookhaven are having a dinner, family style, at the Brookhaven Baptist Church on Edwards Drive.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Parents Without Partners, Delco Chapter 352 elected Al Geary as its president and Sue Barber as vice president. PWP sponsors a dance every Thursday night at the Springfield Country Club on Sproul Road.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Chester Officer Robinson discovered a man asleep on a side track of the PB&W Railroad at Sixth and Madison streets. He awoke the man and sent him to his home. The man was in dangerous proximity to a freight car. If it had been started it would have crushed him to death.B.G. Daven and B.E. Grady of Sharon Hill have formed a partnership under the name of Daven & Grady and have opened a poolroom in the Hartell Building on East Baltimore Avenue, Lansdowne.
The Delaware County and Philadelphia Railway Electric Co. has reduced in wages of all its employees consisting of motorman, conductors and laborers. Because of the economic times wages have been cut 10 percent. Laborers now will get $1.25 a day. The men do not say much about the pay cut.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The U.S. Naval dirigible Akron that had been seen flying over Chester yesterday by scores of residents was struck by lightning and crashed at sea off Barnegat, N.J., with a loss of 73 lives.
Three watches were left with Magistrate Forwood Clark Jr. of Glenolden as pledges for costs and fines imposed on motorists who failed to comply with the motor vehicle code providing for red and white 1939 inspection stickers on their cars.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Francis Z. Baiocco, seaman apprentice, son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil F. Baiocco, 1203 Eddystone Ave., Eddystone, is attending radioman school at Bainbridge Naval Training Center in Maryland.
After having to give up his job as a clock repairman for the Pennsylvania Railroad three years ago when the “Pennsy’’ switched all clocks to electric, Albert H. Vernon of Linwood took up wood carving as a hobby. He celebrated his 97th birthday anniversary at his home.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Ridley Park Public Library welcomed Ruth Raymond as the new children’s librarian and is looking for volunteers for the children’s facility.Three area motorists were among 62 arrested by Delaware State Police for driving under the influence.Briarcliff Fire Co. Chief Larry Olvieri credited smoke detectors with saving lives at the Club Secane Apartment Complex on Oak Avenue.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Springfield police reported two thefts at the Springfield Mall parking lot. A Ridley Township man told police his cell phone and some cash were stolen from his vehicle and a Springfield man said his 1994 Jeep Cherokee was stolen.

LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Carpenters have been at work remodeling and enlarging the tobacco stand at the Clifton Heights railway station that has been abandoned. There has been no heat or any comforts at the station and there has been no one to look after the place. Joseph H. Cooper of the borough is the new stationmaster and will be in charge of the stand. For sale at the stand are tobacco products, confectionery, newspaper and periodicals. Cooper is the right man in the right place, his friends say.With the coming of warm weather many automobiles are seen spinning over the country roads and the residents of the rural districts have become thoroughly familiar to the sight of many machines passing in a day. During the winter months, the roads were not in very good condition for automobiles.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Former Police Chief James H. Davenport of Chester began his new duties as superintendent of the Chester Police Department, a new post created by Chester City Council.
More than 200 families in Marcus Hook and Linwood were disappointed at not receiving their weekly allotment of flour that was being distributed at the Trainer plant of the Sinclair Refining Co. The allotment had been held up according to Red Cross officials who are in charge of the distribution of the flour.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Oscar E. Holmes of Bethel was elected president of the Delaware County Highway Safety Council.The new Haljay Furniture Store at 22 E. 10th St., Marcus Hook, features a modern trend of home furnishings and custom kitchens. The store is owned by two brothers, Hal and Jay Rubinsky, who have had an appliance store at the location for six years.Among the young ladies enjoying a spring break in Bermuda were Gerda M. Overwien of Lester and Helen Baxter of Eddystone.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Brookhaven police arrested three men accused of stealing about $200 worth of meat from the Pathmark Store in 352 Plaza. They also are accused of stealing meat from the Granite Run Acme and a Shop Rite Market.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Northley Middle School in Aston is having its annual Jump-A-Thon to benefit the American Heart Association. For the past 13 years Northley has raised more money for the heart association than any other school in the state.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298x

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The strange actions of an unknown man caused much speculation on the pike in Eddystone. The stranger, when first seen, was walking up the pike when a trolley car came in sight. Just before the electric coach approached the man broke into a run. Thinking that the fellow wanted to catch the car and that he was trying to reach the vehicle, the motorman slowed up. The stranger made no attempt to board the car and after it had passed him he took to the center of the tracks and followed the car running at full speed until he disappeared up the road.
Officer Reynolds of Marcus Hook picked up a gang of drunken umbrella menders and had the entire bunch put in the borough lockup. The menders entered the borough and picked up enough coins to provide themselves with enough stimulants of several varieties to make them hilarious. Taking advantage of the day, the fellows thought they could do as they pleased and they did so until Policeman Reynolds appeared and piloted them to the lockup.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

There is a revived interest in Chester for the erection of a monument for John Morton, the county’s signer of the Declaration of Independence. Some historians think the patriot’s dying words should be inscribed on it. They were: “Tell my enemies the hour will yet come when it will be acknowledged my vote in favor of American Independence was the most illustrious act of my life.’’ Morton’s remains are buried on East Third Street, Chester, under a slim gray shaft.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A trash collector for Ridley Township was hurled from the back of a collection truck when he was caught by a low hanging wire. John Ciliberto, 55, of Baltimore Ave., Milmont Park, was admitted to Taylor Hospital with a possible broken back and a bruised forehead. He was riding on the back of the truck when it passed under the low hanging wire on Academy Avenue, knocking him to the road.
The majorettes of Nether Providence High School were featured in the NP Follies at the school. Starring in the annual program were Mahala Cohen, Diana Petriken, Abbie Campbell, Barbara Jones, Cornelia Millikin, Dotty Essick, Carol Ryder and Kathy O’Shaughnessy.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Thomas M. Thomas Memorial Church on West Third Street, Chester, is having a Service of Dedication of its new ministry, The Thomas M. Thomas Eastside Ministries at Ninth and Potter streets. The new ministry addresses the spiritual, educational and social needs of youth.
Charles Richards, Ralph D’iorio and Edward Calderone were presented certificates of appreciation for their work on Nether Providence Township panels. All three men recently retired from their posts.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Thornbury Township now has a Web site on the Worldwide Web. For more information call Township Secretary/Treasurer Deborah Perry.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298