100 YEARS AGO – 1908

County Sheriff McClure has opened a branch office in the White Front Store on Market Street, Chester, where he swore in deputies to help city police preserve order. A telephone has been placed in the building and Deputy Sheriff Al Howard and Constable Thad Shinkel are assisting the sheriff. The sheriff is offering $3 a day to good men who will assist in preserving order in Chester but he wants reliable men who are not afraid of their shadows and who will fight if necessary to preserve the peace. Because of the Chester Transit Co. strike there has been disorder recently.
Prof. C. M. Snyder was elected principal of Norwood Schools, succeeding Prof. Edgar J. Williams who resigned.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

In her will Mrs. Anna M. Williams of 1302 W. Ninth St., Chester, left her estate to two sons, Harry C. and Isaac B. Williams Jr. The estate is estimated at $7,000, all in real estate.A woman from Front and Reaney streets, Chester, became involved in a quarrel with her next door neighbors and not liking what was said to her she procured a gun. She blasted away at the two men. Luckily the gun was loaded with blanks and no damage was done. The principals were held for Chester police court.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Army Pvt. James R. Marshall Jr., 22, husband of Donna M. Marshall, 141 Pennsylvania Ave., Garden City, and son of Mr. and Mrs. James R. Marshall of Brookhaven has been assigned to engineering school at Fort Polk, La.
Participants in The Teen Age Fashion Magazine show at Sharon Hill High School were Ruth Moore, Elizabeth Vile, Sandy Briscoe and Elizabeth Steinmetz. The models designed and made the clothes they modeled.The Polio Friendship Club is having a grocery party at the auditorium of the Eagles Home, 7th and Deshong streets, Chester. Mrs. Irene Baker Hampton said proceeds would be used to purchase a wheelchair for an eight-year-old Upland polio victim.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Three municipal officers were admitted as members of Delaware County Lodge 27, Fraternal Order of Police. Brookhaven Patrolman Rick Fuller, Patrolman James Bowen Jr. and Mark Elliot, both members of the Delaware County Courthouse and Park Police, were administered their membership oath by Lodge President Richard Saraceni.Oxford University Oxford, England awarded a doctor of philosophy degree William J. Gatens, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Gattens of Chester.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Lions Club of Springfield is having its annual barbecue chicken fundraiser on Saturday at the township building. Offered are a half chicken, baked potato, roll butter, coleslaw and dessert.-

-- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO — 1908

Many complaints have been made by citizens of the West End of Chester in regard to the reckless manner in which some of the crews on the cars of the Chester Traction Co. cross the streets. The residents say the cars run too fast and are a danger to the public, particularly to children who often use the streets as a playground. Police were told to keep their eyes on the cars.
The moveable lunch wagon on Edgmont Avenue, near Seventh Street, Chester, has been freshly painted.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

“Squatters’’ occupying cabins on Chester City property at the foot of Reaney Street have been evicted by police following a squabble between two of the families that have been living on the mud-flats. The origin of the trouble was over a garden that one family had cultured but was ruined by the other family.
A permanent committee has been appointed to manage the affairs of the Seamen’s Church Institute of Delaware County in Marcus Hook. Albert R. Granger was named chairman.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Edward Pugh of Holmes was elected president of the Ridley Township Fire Police Association. Vice president is Sam Borgese of Milmont Park.
Karen Berlin, a Nether Providence High School sophomore, reigns as queen of the all-star football game at Chester High Stadium June 21, her 16th birthday.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Jenise Ross, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ross of 820 W. Sixth St., Chester, has received her doctorate degree in social psychology from Princeton University.James Nalley, a young pianist from Swarthmore High School, performs at the Tri-County Concerts Association Youth Concert at the Delaware County Community College.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Nurses Day was observed at Riddle Hospital, Middletown, with each of 15 nurses stations receiving a bouquet of pink carnations from the Association Auxiliaries at the hospital.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Myers and Borher, the dentists at 514 Market Street, Chester. advertise they will pull aching teeth free of charge and without pain. But they might get you to buy a new artificial tooth for $5.Prof. Thomas S. Cole, the superintendent of Chester Schools, has opened a private office in the Hoskins Building at Fifth and Welsh streets Chester while an illness continues at his residence in the city. He has been prohibited from entering any school building by the Chester Board of Health because of a family illness. Prof. Cole said he doesn’t think the illness at his home is contagious, however, he must said he must follow orders of the board of health and so he opened a private office.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

With the exception of special delivery matter and perishable parcels there will be no mail deliveries by carriers on Memorial Day. Chester Postmaster John K. Hagerty said the delivery section and stamp window will be open from 7-9 a.m. Two Chester young men, Chester Nuttall and Jack Holdsworth, both of Sixth and Penn streets, were rescued from the Delaware River when their canoe overturned. They were saved by the crew of a steamer that saw them clinging to the overturned craft.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A 34-year-old mail carrier named John W. Fisher, with seven children and his wife, Miriam, decided to take the plunge and go into the furniture business in the Holmes section of Ridley Township. They opened Leonard’s Furniture.
Ridley Park High School musicians are having their annual music picnic at Lenape Park in Chadds Ford

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Aldan Police are fingerprinting all but 15 of Aldan Elementary School’s first through sixth-graders. The parents of only 15 of the school’s 256 children refused to sign permission slips for their children to be fingerprinted. The records are to be mailed to the parents.
The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County is attempting to raise about $250,000 for a shelter for battered women and their children. Executive director is Elaine Humme of Nether Providence.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Rita Patel of Blair’s Forest, in Aston, donated $700 to Cardiac Services at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland. The donation was accepted by Dr. R. David Mishalove of Aston and Lynne Brooks, R.N.
--- 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 carriage of Dr. and Mrs. Frank J. Evans of Chester collapsed while they were en route to a cemetery. Neither was hurt. The buggy’s rear axle had broken.Twenty-eight members of the Harvard University track squad are making the Idlewild in Upper Providence their headquarters while they compete in the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.Elizabeth Wood, principal of the Sandy Bank Public School in Upper Providence, is spending the holiday weekend in Baltimore.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Howard Carroll, proprietor of a lunch wagon at Ninth and Sproul streets, Chester, doesn’t care if he ever gets “big money” customers anymore. He was duped for $5 by a couple of slickers. Howard was alone when a customer walked in and ordered a cup of coffee and was given a $10 bill. While the customer was sipping his coffee another man walked in and asked for a cup of coffee tendering $5 bill in payment. The first customer had taken Carroll’s small change so Carroll said to the second man he had to get change. As he reached the door, the first customer said to the second “I can change that for you” Carroll gave him the $5 bill in exchange for five ones. “Give me back my $10 bill and I’ll give you this $5 so you will have $10 in change. It was agreeable to Carroll who saw his mistake after the two flim-flam artists departed.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Charles Griffith has been selected editor-in-chief of The Welcome, the student newspaper at Chester High School. He will be assisted by Leanne Goldstein. Mrs. Edna Wiggins is faculty adviser for the newspaper.August T. Groover, a graduate of St. James High School, Chester, is to graduate next month from Villanova University with a law degree. He lives at 3324 W. 3rd St., Chester, and graduated from St. Joseph’s College.The annual Chester YMCA junior life saving course starts next week under the direction of William Dougherty and Jack Preston.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

There’s still room for kids in the Summer Spree Art Camp for children that is offered by the Community Arts Center of Wallingford. Courses are offered in painting, drawing, pottery, dance and drumsRichard J. and Madeline T. Souden of Lansdowne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a dinner in the their honor at the Log Cabin Inn in Middletown.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

A Morton woman who allegedly used her mother’s name when arrested for shoplifting faces additional charges. The woman was arrested at the Rite Aid store on Baltimore Pike, Clifton Heights, walking out with a bottle of men’s cologne.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Mobs surged through the streets of Chester, attacking strikebreaker crews and damaging and burning trolley cars in the strike by the Chester Transit Co. Gunfire was heard all over the city. George Major, 17, was shot in the leg in the vicinity of Ninth Street and Johnson’s Woods. The village of Leiperville is without transportation to Chester because of the strike and because Dalton Barrett discontinued his private transportation service.McGovern’s Men’s Store at 9 W. Third St., Chester, has serge suits priced at $10 each. The merchant guarantees the suits to be of fast color.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

More than 10,000 persons turned out for the eleventh annual May Market conducted by the Chester Hospital on its spacious hospital grounds on West Ninth Street. Determined to break up the practice of habitual drunks congregating in Deshong Park, Chester, Police Magistrate Honan sentenced a drunk to 30 days in the county prison.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

S3C Richard Diamond, 22, of 800 Montgomery Ave., Collingdale, was the 150,000th soldier processed for separation from active duty at the 5043rd Transfer Station at Fort Sheridan, Ill. Diamond arrived at the station after completing a tour of duty in Korea.Fire of undetermined origin ruined the interior of a vacant house at 236 Sylvan Ave., Rutledge. George Raymond and his family of Chester had planned to move into the house this week.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A few Norwood residents overburdened the borough’s heavy trash service that forced borough officials to cancel it. Councilman John Hauger said heavy trash collections will be discontinued for two months because of the cost.Chester fire officials have been unable to come up with the cause of the blaze that destroyed the Thunderguards Motorcycle Clubhouse on Union Street.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Tom Brinker and his son, Tom Jr., of Glen Mills, man the microphones each Saturday morning on WFIL to advise curious callers about financial matters.

— 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 boys of Chester who like to swim had better keep away from Chester Creek and seek the swimming pool in the new YMCA building. Two of the alligators have escaped from their pen in the City Hall yard and are supposed to have headed for the waters of the stream that divides the East and West Sides of Chester. How they escaped remains a mystery.While walking to his home Walter Allen, a youth was attacked at Union and Howell Streets, Chester, by a large bulldog who severely lacerated his hand. The young man was not paying any attention to the canine when it sprang out and commenced to chew on his hand. He went to the drug store of John Semple at Third and Howell streets, where he wound was cauterized.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Delaware County’s newest hospital, the Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital at Main Street and Davis Avenue, Darby, was dedicated with Cardinal Dougherty officiating. The hospital cost several million dollars and is considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in the U. S. Ceremonies included a parade that was participated in by 10,000 marchers.A burglar stole enough equipment to set himself up in the barber business. Chester Police said the thief broke into the barbershop of James Leonard, 505 E. Seventh Street, Chester, and made off with eight razors, two electric clippers and several hand shears.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Four tires valued at $65 were stolen from the Sinclair Service Station at 1423 Providence Ave., Chester. George Nicholls, who operates the station, told police thieves broke a window and entered the station during the night.Alzathia Bennett, a fifth grader at Thadddeus Stevens School, Twin Oaks, has been chosen as May Queen at the school. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Bennett of Broadway Avenue.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Six motorists from Delaware County were arrested by Delaware State Police on drunken driving charges.10 YEARS AGO – 1998Pickle’s Place on MacDade Boulevard, Milmont Park, has a new chef, Richie Loro, formerly of the Erin Pub in Norwood and Lehman’s Tavern in Essington.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO — 1908

Judge William B. Broomall of the Delaware County Courts has received from some unknown source a letter making threats that unless he stops riding on the trolley cars of the Chester Traction Company, his home would be dynamited. The letter is looked upon by many as a mere threat but even a threat of such a nature is not relished, and if the perpetrator is discovered, it will not be an easy matter for him to explain.
Auspicious circumstances marked the breaking of the ground at Tenth and Lincoln streets, Prospect Park, for the erection of a modern firehouse and borough hall at a cost of $12,000. Calvary P.E. Church, Rockdale, celebrates its 75th anniversary next month.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

A romance that began at State College was terminated by Judge Albert Dutton MacDade after the wife testified her husband began striking her and cursing at her. The wife is from West Third Street, Chester. The husband is a science teacher at Chester High School.
Frank Chandler, the Boothwyn butcher, had a mishap in Chester. His horse fell on Market Street and had to be have the harness removed before it could be gotten to its feet.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Pvt. Gerald B. Mauloni, 19 son of Mr. and Mrs. Baise L. Mauloni, 914 W. Ninth St., Chester, has been assigned to the U. S. Army Aggressor Center at Fort Riley, Kans. He is a radio repairman. Before entering the service he was employed by A. H. Wirz Co. of Chester.
Mrs. Winifred Isaacs, third grade teacher in the Linwood School, was guest of honor at a dinner given by the teachers at Naaman’s Teahouse. Mrs. Isaacs is retiring after 35 years of teaching. She lives in Folcroft and is married to Joseph W. Isaacs, captain of police for the Pennsylvania Railroad.Josephine Louise Scafidi, a senior at Nether Providence High School, has received a nursing scholarship offered by the Heart Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Miss Scafidi of Brookhaven Road will train at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

As they requested Park Prospect Park firemen now have exclusive parking rights on both sides of 10th avenue for the depth of the firehouse. Clifton Heights Mayor Evelyn Hess commended Jim Malin and Paul Martin for alerting police to a robbery at a food market on North Springfield Road.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

The Norwood Post Office sponsored a customer appreciation day. Postmaster Joe Cachola offered free coffee, donuts, cookies soda and sandwiches at the office on Chester Pike.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO — 1908

Judge William B. Broomall of the Delaware County Courts has received from some unknown source a letter making threats that unless he stops riding on the trolley cars of the Chester Traction Company, his home would be dynamited. The letter is looked upon by many as a mere threat but even a threat of such a nature is not relished, and if the perpetrator is discovered, it will not be an easy matter for him to explain.
Auspicious circumstances marked the breaking of the ground at Tenth and Lincoln streets, Prospect Park, for the erection of a modern firehouse and borough hall at a cost of $12,000. Calvary P.E. Church, Rockdale, celebrates its 75th anniversary next month.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

A romance that began at State College was terminated by Judge Albert Dutton MacDade after the wife testified her husband began striking her and cursing at her. The wife is from West Third Street, Chester. The husband is a science teacher at Chester High School.
Frank Chandler, the Boothwyn butcher, had a mishap in Chester. His horse fell on Market Street and had to be have the harness removed before it could be gotten to its feet.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Pvt. Gerald B. Mauloni, 19 son of Mr. and Mrs. Baise L. Mauloni, 914 W. Ninth St., Chester, has been assigned to the U. S. Army Aggressor Center at Fort Riley, Kans. He is a radio repairman. Before entering the service he was employed by A. H. Wirz Co. of Chester.
Mrs. Winifred Isaacs, third grade teacher in the Linwood School, was guest of honor at a dinner given by the teachers at Naaman’s Teahouse. Mrs. Isaacs is retiring after 35 years of teaching. She lives in Folcroft and is married to Joseph W. Isaacs, captain of police for the Pennsylvania Railroad.Josephine Louise Scafidi, a senior at Nether Providence High School, has received a nursing scholarship offered by the Heart Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Miss Scafidi of Brookhaven Road will train at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

As they requested Park Prospect Park firemen now have exclusive parking rights on both sides of 10th avenue for the depth of the firehouse. Clifton Heights Mayor Evelyn Hess commended Jim Malin and Paul Martin for alerting police to a robbery at a food market on North Springfield Road.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

The Norwood Post Office sponsored a customer appreciation day. Postmaster Joe Cachola offered free coffee, donuts, cookies soda and sandwiches at the office on Chester Pike.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

One of the prettiest automobiles that has been seen in Upland for some time is owned by borough Councilman Louis R. Page. The machine is one of the Peerless make and it is said b to be one of the latest and most improved type.William Henry Dutton, probably the oldest resident in the neighborhood of Twin Oaks on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad died at the home in which he was born 77 years ago. He was the son of Jonathan Dutton who wen to the Twin Oaks section over a hundred years ago and reared his family.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Throngs of shoppers arrived in Chester by bus, boat, trolley and motorcar for Chester Day, a huge sales event. One store, Speare Brothers at Seventh and Edgmont, had to post guards at its doors, fearing the rush of humanity would cause the floors to collapse. The heavy hand of the law has been falling on a number of owners of dogs in the county who do not display their license tags. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Anderson of 53 E. Chelton Road, Parkside, entertained at an economic depression party at their home.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A Ridley Park woman neglected her lamb stew cooking on the stove to watch a fire at a neighbor’s home. When she returned to her stew she discovered her own house was on fire and firemen had to contend with two blazes. Mrs. William Rowat, 56, of 403 Stiles Ave. returned to her home and found the kitchen ablaze. The first fire was at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gardner at 435 Johnson Ave. Janet Lee was crowned May Queen at Lima School in Middletown.Pfc. John J. Ranelli, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ranelli, 56 Nield Road Springfield was named Soldier of the Month in the Iceland Defense Force. He is stationed at Keflavik Airport in Iceland.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Sixty-six Norwood and Prospect Park elementary students, six Interboro High School students and several adults participated in on a three-day environmental educational trip.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Three employees of a contractor doing work at the Tosco Refinery in Trainer were treated at Crozer-Chester Medical Center after they complained about breathing unknown vapors.

--- 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 session of the naturalization court was held before Judges Johnson and Broomall at the county courthouse in which four aliens who answered the necessary questions were admitted to citizenship and one refused. The latter was intelligent enough in his own Latin language but could not read English, a qualification that Judge Johnson has decided is necessary for an alien ever since he has been upon the bench.

Someone placed a heavy tree limb on the trolley tracks on Market Street, Chester, and it was necessary to send for several members of the State Constabulary before the obstruction was removed from the rails. As fast as the trolley crews remove a limb someone replaces it as soon as the car disappears. When the two officers appeared on the scene the offenders kept under cover.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

A 22-year-old Essington man was fatally injured when he fell from the rumble seat of an automobile at Fourth and Seneca avenues, Lester. He suffered a fractured skull. Police said the rumble seat was overcrowded.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Dr. Frank H. Murray, Eighth and Madison streets, Chester, has been elected president of the Pennsylvania Proctologic Society. He is on the staff of Chester, Crozer and Taylor hospitals.Charles W. Nulf, a Girard College graduate of the class of January 1940, addresses the students and alumni at the Philadelphia school for fatherless boys. The occasion is Founder’s Day at the school. He and his wife, Barbara, live at 603 Elmwood Ave., Glenolden.

A carnival featured lewd “girlie” shows and wide open gambling for money prizes is operating at the Leiperville Ballpark, according to the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Crum Lynne. Township officials said local ordinances permit carnivals when proceeds go to a non-profit group such as a fire company. Vauclain Fire Co. sponsors this event.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Mrs. Charlotte H. Hewlings of Chester was honored by the Delaware County Bar Association for her 33 years of service as law librarian at the county courthouse.Springfield High School Junior Won Kim has qualified for the annual Mathematic Contest at Shippensburg State College. He is the only student from the county to qualify.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Singleton and Mr. and Mrs. James R Springfield Sr., all of Chester, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries.

— 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 no further trouble either in the Fifteenth Street or Morton S. Avenue public schools where the children have been more or less restless over the strike of motormen and conductors of the Chester Traction Co. None has been absent from studies over time allowed by law and Attendance Officer Humphries is prepared to see that the law in carried out.
Ex-Chief of Police P.H. McGrann of the Fifth Ward of Chester is still holding down his fat position in the Treasurer’s office in Harrisburg. He spent Sunday at his home in Chester. He does not know long he will be retained by the state treasurer but is willing to hold down the job as long as he can.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Collingdale Borough Council officially changed the name of Parker Avenue to MacDade Boulevard. Like action is proposed in Glenolden and Darby, where it is designated Eleventh Street. The new road was given its name because of the work in the Legislature of Judge Albert Dutton MacDade, then state senator.
For the purpose of engaging the community garden spirit in Eddystone, the Delaware County Emergency Relief Board has donated a large number of cabbage plants that can be picked up at St. Luke’s Protestant Episcopal Church on East Tenth Street, Eddystone.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Creation of after-dark patrols composed of male residents aroused by a series of burglaries in the Bridgewater Farms area is awaiting the go ahead signal from Sgt. Reynolds Comstock of the State Police barracks in the county. “We’re isolated here,” said William McConnell of South Lee Lane, a member of the Bridgewater Farms Association “and the situation regarding lack of policing of the area has become intolerable.” He said members of the board of the Chester Township supervisors have repeatedly ignored pleas for protection.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a business to business opportunities expo this week at the Holiday Inn, Essington.
Rose Tree Media School District has two garden plots behind the Education Center available for community use.
10 YEARS AGO – 1998.Eddystone Councilman Charles Rowles said that dog owners often carry plastic bags to clean up after their dogs but rarely use them. He said the borough will crack down on the dog owners.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

100 YEARS AGO — 1908

Today is Mapl-Flake Day in the grocery stores in Chester and every grocer has made preparations for presenting all patrons one package of this new celebrated cereal food. There will be no charge made for the package for the purpose of getting the goods introduced into every home in Chester. Hopefully the giveaways will help sales in the stores.
Several of the smaller pupils organized an incipient strike at St. Michael’s Parochial School in Chester because they did not care for the teacher who had been placed in charge of their room for the day. The ringleaders of the strike succeeded in getting a dozen or more of the pupils together, but when the time arrived for the session to open, all differences were quickly settled and the youngsters reported for their studies.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

The State Cut Rate Store at 109 W. State St., Media, is having its first anniversary sale and offers a package of 20 cigarettes for 10 cents a pack. Included in the sale are Chesterfield, Camels, Old Gold and Lucky Strike.
Chester’s committing magistrate, Magistrate Michael A. Honan, tendered a birthday anniversary party for his wife at the family home on East 16th Street. From her husband, she received a beautiful mahogany secretary desk.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Frank Morrison, 70, of Fourth Street and Edgmont Avenue, Chester was injured when he fell through an open door leading to the basement of the Chester Arms Pharmacy at 501 Edgmont Ave. The owner of the store called the ambulance. He also explained that the door to the basement is opened every morning to air it out.Helen Gattone, a ninth-grader, will serve as May Queen at Marcus Hook Junior High School.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

The Ridley Township Ambulance Service, sponsored by the Milmont Fire Co., is conducting its annual fund drive. The $5 donation entitles all members and guests of a household to emergency ambulance service for one year to and from any hospital within a 20-mile radius of a member’s home.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Middletown Council approved a final plan for a car dealership next to the Thomas Chevrolet sales and service facilities on Baltimore Pike. The new dealership has not been named yet.

— 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 man named Wood who lives on West Fourth Street, Chester, and who is said to be a watchmaker, was admitted to Chester Hospital for treatment of a stab wound. He fell on the sidewalk and one of the files he was carrying in his clothing entered his right side. The wound is about five inches deep but is not a serious one unless complications arise. Wood was treated by Dr. S.R. Crothers before he was sent to the hospital. It will be several days before the man is able to leave the institution.
Three dynamite cartridges were placed on the tracks of the Chester Traction Co. at 9th Street and Morton Avenue, Chester. The explosion could be heard for a half mile and wrecked several coaches.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The student body of Chester High School was entertained during the assembly period by a cast of 13 girls and one boy from Ridley Park High School Dramatic Association. The youths presented the play “Thanks Awfully’’ and was well received.
The Polish National Alliance Gemini No. 140 entertained at a dance at the Polish Home, 2nd and Wilson streets, Chester. Proceeds will be used to purchase uniforms for the new Polish Boy Scout Troop. Joseph Pazdalski was chairman of the dance.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Four-year-old Frank Stalnecker of 127 N. Llanwellyn Ave., Glenolden, fell down and broke his right forearm. Last Thursday he had a cast removed from the same arm. He was treated at Taylor Hospital.
The S.M. Vauclain Fire Co. is having a carnival at the Leiperville Ball Park on Chester Pike. Most ride and shows are 10 cents for everyone on Wednesday. On Saturday rides are three for 25 cents for children.After 21 years on the faculty William H. Webb of Swarthmore is retiring from Pennsylvania Military College in Chester where he taught chemistry.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

An increase in trespassing incidents and other disturbances has prompted Interboro School Directors to hire Thomas M. Kealey as a part-time security guard.A Darby man who allegedly was incoherent and incapacitated from sniffing glue was arrested by Yeadon Patrolman Jack Lippart on Church Lane.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Twelve young people were arrested on charge of underage drinking in two separate incidents in Glenolden. One group was arrested at the MacDade Mall and the other at a private party on West Ashland avenue.

— 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 Police Committee of Darby Borough Council has purchased two .38 caliber-revolvers for officers Clark and Crumback at cost of $14 each. A taxicab was built at the Johnson Motor Works at Front and Penn Streets, Chester, as an experiment. Successful results are anticipated.

The management of The Casino, the electric theatre on Baltimore Avenue, Clifton Heights, has agreed to run a benefit two nights a week for two weeks for the Clifton Heights baseball team. There will be a one-hour moving picture and vaudeville entertainment. Tickets are on sale from any club member. This is an easy way for the public to help the baseball club.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Boys Week in Chester concluded with the presentation of a minstrel show and a spelling contest at the Franklin School. Accused by his wife and son of paying too much attention to a woman who lives in an apartment on Fifth Street, Chester, a man from Penn Street, Chester, was ordered by Judge MacDade to pay $15 weekly toward the support of his wife and two children, aged 11 and four years.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Robert E. Webster, 76, of Zebley Road, Bethel, who died on March 31, willed the bulk of his estate to a son, H. Kenneth Webster. The state includes a 41-acre estate valued at $10,000.Judy Anderson is chairman of reservations for the Ridley Township High School Class of 1956 reunion that will be held at the Club 31 on 9th Street in Chester.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Upper Darby Township Council passed an ordinance to battle litter. Anyone caught tossing a cigarette or anything from a car is subject to a fine of up to $300. Littering is forbidden in public places, including parks and vacant lots.Two boys, aged 11 and 13, were arrested for hurling stones at cars passing under the Providence Road Bridge in Upper Providence. The arrests were made by Police Chief Davis and Patrolman Ken Birney. The youths were turned over to juvenile authorities.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

A 75-year-old Nether Providence motorist leaving a parking space in a shopping center at Beatty Road and Baltimore Pike, Nether Providence, struck a pole and three other parked vehicles in the parking lot. Two people were injured.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298