100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Capt. Howard Campbell Price and Mrs. Price took two servants with them as they left Chester for Cuba, where Capt. Price is rejoining the U. S. Army RegimentTwo dogs got into the hennery of W.J. McClure at Kerlin and Third streets in Chester and killed more than 50 chickens.Florie Barton, the Marcus Hook postmaster, has purchased a naphtha launch and expects to enjoy many pleasant trips on the Delaware River this summer.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The two-cent postal rate becomes effective in Delaware County tomorrow.James Frederick O’Neill of Aldan was admitted as the first patient at the new Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Darby.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

George McIlwain and Susan Sullivan, both Irish of course, won first and second place in the freckle contest at the Harris School Playground in Collingdale.The Rev. Paul A. Corcoran is the new pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in GlenoldenWilliam H. Krell, superintendent of the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Middletown died at the age of 60. He had taught at Chester and Eddystone before going to Williamson.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Chester began its new bicycle registration program. Program Coordinator Mike Dougherty said the registration is mandatory and police will enforce the registration laws.Four area persons were listed among those arrested for alleged drunk driving by Delaware State Police. One of the drivers was from Media, another from Haverford, and two were from Claymont.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Delaware County Council approved a $500 million expansion project at the International Airport in Tinicum that is expected to create more than 5,000 new jobs when it is completed.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

A well known resident of the 1st Ward of Chester has had two cats, both of a black variety, and two dogs come to his house in the past week. All are black. He is asking his friends whether this is an omen of goodwill or ill will. He has kept two of the pets.David Stein, a grocer at 23rd and Madison streets, Chester, has been the victim of late of a number of boys in the neighborhood who tape on his store windows at night and otherwise annoy him. He may have a warrant issued for the lads.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Dr. Harry L. Smedley, one-time burgess of Media, died in San Diego, Calif., at the age of 74. He was a druggist and lived in San Diego for 20 years. Sleeper’s College on Welsh Street, Chester, offers morning summer school for delinquents.Philadelphia Electric Co. says it’s “your last chance to buy Chester coke’ at a special price of $9.28 cents a ton.”

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Army Pvt. William G. Opdenaker, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Opdenaker of Wallingford Avenue, Nether Providence, has completed tank training at the Army Armor Training Center, Fort Knox, Ky. Before entering the service, he worked at the Ford Assembly plant in Chester.Mr. and Mrs. Walter Frysinger of Rose Valley Road, Wallingford, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They have four children.Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Search of Prospect Park entertained in honor of their grandson, Barry Edgerton of Ridley Park who celebrated his 12th birthday anniversary.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Green Ridge American Legion Post 926 has named James Schmidt as its commander. The recipient of the American Legion Scholarship Award is Robert Baran, a Sun Valley High School graduate and a resident of Aston.Darby Mayor Louis Saraullo says the borough is using special squads and unmarked squads to crack down on “nuisance’’ bars in the borough. “If they are not gong run a clean establishment, we don’t want them,’’ he said.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon of Aston has been chosen to be a member of a committee investigating alleged connections between campaign contributions and a White House decision to allow a U.S. company to launch satellites on Chinese rockets.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

There is a movement afoot looking to the establishment of an automobile bus line between Rockdale and Chester, Village Green and Aston Mills. Mr. Ryder of Chester, a representative of the coach company, proposes the run. If the coach line is started, the half-hour schedule will be observed and the people of Rockdale will delight in the advent of the new bus lines.Some residents of the 1st Ward of Chester have started a petition that is being circulated, and all who subscribe promise to begin riding on Chester Traction cars on a certain date and continue to ride. Just who is at the head of the plan is not definitely know. One of the leading citizens of the 1st Ward said, “It is an injustice to expect us to continue this business of not using the cars. Here we have endured real hardship for a few months during the strike and without a word of complaint. South Chester and Upland have had convenience in the form of hacks and automobiles, but the 1st Warders have had nothing. They simply have had to walk and we are tired of it.”

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The old Charter House, erected in 1850 in Media as a monument to the bone-dry character of the county seat, has gone wet. The stern pillar of temperance now has a taproom where you can get a beer with your sandwich at the location on South Avenue, near the courthouse.Dr. Shore at Seventh and Welsh streets, Chester, makes tooth extractions painless with his “sweet air.” He also has “Fit Rite’’ plates for $10 each.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A 48-state alarm has been sent out for a $37.50-a-week desk clerk at the Strath Haven in Swarthmore, who is accused to walking off the job with $630. He had listed his last address as the Philadelphia YMCA.Mr. and Mrs. Howard Vincent of 407 Harrison St., Ridley Park, are spending each weekend at their summer home in Brigantine, N.J.Dr. Walter Tini of 1450 Jefferson Ave., Woodlyn, has graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Baxter of Aston celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary as did Mr. and Mrs. Harry Moore of Essington. Mr. Baxter and Mr. Moore are both retired.WRSD-FM, the radio station sponsored by the Ridley School District, will be on the air during the summer months from 8 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday. The station is located at Ridley High School.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Strath High School senior Elaine Ong received an award for her Law Day essay on freedom. The award was presented by Delaware County Judge R. Barclay Surrick and President Judge A. Leo Sereni.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO — 1908

A squad of policemen broke up a christening in a house on Ward Street, Chester, and arrested 10 foreigners for disorderly conduct. They were drinking, singing and dancing and were notified by an officer earlier to discontinue the orgy, but they soon forgot the order and became more boisterous than ever. Officers Meredith, Piggott, Donaldson Surri, Potter and Special Officer McPherson then went to the scene and made the arrests. Magistrate Longbotham fined each of those arrested $5 and all paid, but it took them some time with the assistance of Jacob Rosenberg, the interpreter, to get things squared up.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

The first club raid in the county since the return of legal beer was chalked up when Special County Detectives Charles Smith, Ray Kaplan and August Niemayer, assisted by six Yeadon police officers, surprised the patrons during a wild drinking party at the Lansdowne Country Clubhouse. A quantity of high-grade liquor was seized.Arcadia Hotel and Beer Garden at Ninth and Simpson streets, Eddystone, has a special orchestra playing tonight. There is no cover charge.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Daniel J. Boyle of Clifton Heights was re-elected Grand Knight of De La Salle Council 590, Knights of Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Emilio Conte of Boothwyn celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party at their home of Chichester Avenue. Pvt. James R. Marshall Jr., whose parents live at 4106 Mount Vernon Drive, Brookhaven, completed the topographical computing course at the Army Engineer school, Fort Belvoir, Va. He is a graduate of Nether Providence High School.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Two Chester women were arrested on vice charges after they allegedly solicited a narcotics investigator on Welsh Street. Narcotics Sgt. Richard Conway said the women were charged with criminal solicitation and prostitution.A mob of about 75 teenagers hurled stones at workers repairing the Crozer Pool in Chester prompting the repairman to walk off the job. Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park opened a 10-bed unit, bringing the capacity at the hospital to more than 200 beds.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

The Middletown Recreation Commission. is arranging a Phillies vs. Milwaukee fireworks/game trip July 3. Cost is $23 for township residents and $27 for non-residents.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

A Chester businessman who has just returned from a trip to the western section of the state says that Chester has been well-advertised in the past few months because of the Chester Transit strike. Everyone he met who learned he was from Chester could tell him more about the conditions here then he knew himself. He had an unusual experience in one city he had visited. He carried a grip on which his name and place of residence were printed in bold letters. As he was about to enter a hack, the “cabby” noticed the name Chester on the baggage. “Hold on mister,” remarked the driver as he eyed the grip. “What’s that? Chester? What have you got in that satchel, dynamite?” Then he laughed and the Chester businessman understood what his meaning was.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A Chester youth was caught in the act of operating a pay phone at the Chester Arms Hotel with spurious coins. He pleaded guilty before Judge Norman T. Boone, who told him, “hereafter when you want to call your sweetheart, don’t use slugs in the public phones.” He was fined $10 and court costs.The Dorothy Shoppe has opened on Edgmont Avenue, Chester, as the city’s newest women’s fashion mart. Miss Dorothy Ripka is the owner.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Airman Apprentice John J. Torbik, son of Mrs. Roseanne Torbik, 301 Folsom Ave., Folsom, is serving at Chase Field Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Beeville, Tex.Although losing out in her bid for the Miss Pennsylvania title, Delaware County’s beauty queen, Maryrose Yates of Upland was awarded a two-year drama scholarship Sydney Speen of 109 Cameron Drive, Sproul Estates, Nether Providence, was chosen state commander at the Pennsylvania Department of Jewish War Veterans.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Airman John W. Cooper, son of Ann M. Cooper, 2210 Weir Road, Aston, has completed fuels specialist training at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. He will be assigned to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.A couple of thieves got little more than back aches for their trouble when they stole an empty safe from the Waverly Movie Theater on Burmont Road, Drexel Hill. The theater manager said the safe was empty because he intended to sell it as scrap metal.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

A Sears employee and two of his friends face conspiracy and theft charges for an alleged scheme to steal merchandise from the Sears store at 69th Street in Upper Darby.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

A bullfrog who makes his home in the Upland pond and who has grown very large tried to swallow a chicken. The cries of the young fowl could be heard for quite a distance but it was some time before it was discovered from where the sounds emanated. Finally the pond where the frog makes his home was thought of and a search soon disclosed the fact that the latter had the little chicken half way down his throat. The fowl was taken away from the frog, although it was nearly half dead, and with a “ker plunk” the amphibian disappeared in the water.While passing through the stable yard of the Washington House in Chester, where he is employed, George Abbott picked up a penny of the year 1793. Those who have seen it and who know its value say that the cent is in excellent state of preservation and it is worth anything from $100 to $125. It is a copper penny, a trifle larger than the old-fashioned farthing.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The Rt. Rev. Francis M. Taitt, for many years the rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chester, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his entrance into the ministry.Beer distributors in Chester are becoming the target for nightly raiders who break into garages and storehouses carting away beer by the case. The latest victim was Jacob Lysczek, 2318 W. Third St., owner of Delaware County Bottling Works. Five cases of beer were stolen.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

The Rev. Peter D. Thomsen was greeted as the new pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lester. He replaces the Rev. Edward Zvirbulis.Trainer Borough Council authorized the installation of a telephone at the residence of borough Patrolman Joseph Sill to be used for police work since the community has no official borough police station.Airman 1.C. Roger B. White, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. White of Garnet Mine Road, Boothwyn, has been selected as airman of the month at Paine Air Force Base in Washington.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A welfare recipient appealed to Chester Mayor Joseph Battle to permit him to stay in his home that had been padlocked because he owed several months rent. Battle advised the man that he should go to an emergency shelter. “I don’t want to live in no emergency shelter,’’ he said. Battle said there was little he could do.Chester’s Town Watch program that once boasted 140 members has dwindled to about a dozen active members because “people just don’t care,’’ a spokesman said.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Collingdale had a Drug Awareness and Bicycle Safety Day at the Collingdale Community Center. Bicycles were registered and children were fingerprinted. Helmets were awarded to children.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Someone apparently with malice afterthought placed a stick of dynamite upon the track of the Chester Traction Company at 24th and Chestnut Streets, Chester, and when a car passed over it the explosion occurred with damaging results. The front trucks were lifted off the rails and the car’s windows were broken. Supt. Jack went to the scene with a detail of troopers but the person guilty of the deed could not be found. Jack said every effort will be made to locate the perpetrators. “If we get them,’’ said the local manager, “we’ll switch them in Court.”Thomas Ogden has established a pig farm in the rear of his house at Aston Mills. He already has one pig in it.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Through the cooperation of the Chester YMCA and the Delaware County Division of Recreation plans have been completed for a series of open air motion picture shows in the city parks for free summer evening entertainment.Delaware County had 3,288 marriages last year, according to the U. S. Bureau of Census. There also were 118 divorces in the county that year.Sharon Hill High School’s first graduating class of thirty boys and girls had their commencement in the high school auditorium.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mayrose Yates, 18-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Franks Yates, Upland, has left for the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant at West Chester State Teachers College. Miss Yates is this year’s Miss Delaware County, and is among the 24 beauties seeking the state title.Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hlywiak of 211 Hayes st., Chester, were honor guests at a family dinner marking their 40th wedding anniversary.Albert Mears Salvation Army “War Cry” salesman for 25 years retires next week . He walks 30 miles a day to deliver the paper to county residents. Mears is 82 years old and lives on Lloyd Street in Chester.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Irvin Kowit of Eldon Drive, Marple, has been appointed to the Paxon Hollow Country Club board of directors.Millbourne Police arrested a man for the gunpoint robbery of the Rustler Steak House on Market Street. Police said this is the third robbery at the Rustler since 1978.Lester Fire Co. has begun its fundraising campaign. Chairman is John Luniewski.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Memories Grill on Route 452, Aston marked its fifth anniversary with a nostalgic trip back to the fabulous ‘50s. Memories is owned by Jim Scala, a local DJ and entrepreneur.

-- LEN CASTERLINE
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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The Elam Feldspar Mining Co. that has operated a large feldspar in Concord, adjoining the old Squire Frame property near the Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting grounds for a number of years, has been leased to John Boudwin of Ogden. Indications are that he will mine feldspar that is used in making dishes, false teeth and more items.
The actions of several foreigners in snaring robins and other birds along the pike near Ridley Creek have caused considerable unfavorable comment. It is alleged that quite a number of the feathered family were captured but just who the perpetrators are is now known. Nor is it known what they do with the birds.
Chester police raided Bethel Court and arrested six women in the houses. The girls could not pay the fines so they were “put under the clock.’’ Friends are being sought to get them out of the jail.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Chester School Board President Charles P. Larkin Jr. revealed that the school board had slashed teacher salaries 12.5 percent because of economic conditions.
Reynolds Lilley of Linwood graduated with honors for Temple University’s School of Commerce.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Army Pvt. Dominic A. Zuppo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Zuppo, 239 Virginia Ave., Milmont Park, completed military police training at Fort Gordon, Ga. Boy Scouts of Troop 224 in Darby are doing a “safety’’ good deed on Saturday by cleaning off car windows of cars parked in the A&P, American Store and Penn Fruit lots in Darby. Scoutmaster is James Heiden.
A cigarette tax unit of the State Department of Revenue stopped motor vehicles on the Industrial Highway in Essington checking for untaxed cigarettes and malt beverages brought in from out of state. No arrests were reported.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Lower Chichester Police arrested a 51-year-old Linwood man for beating a young female boarder who would not give him a pack of cigarettes. He was held for court.Springfield Township Park Commissioner William Adolph is urging bikers, joggers and hikers to help the Shortwood Wildlife Association establish a park trail that would connect some of the township parks with those in 14 other communities.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Pfc. John M. Hally, son of Edward J. and Ann M. Hally of East Lansdowne, reported for duty with the Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 at Beaufort, S.C. He is a graduate of Msgr. Bonner High School.

LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO — 1908

With a law prohibiting foreigners from killing fish with dynamite, a number of special wardens have been placed in all sections of the county. The first arrest was made on the charge of exploding in the water of Crum Creek with a stick of dynamite. The game wardens say after a number of fish are killed in the creeks, the culprits go after them in rowboats to gather them and sell the best of those killed. Others are eaten by families.
An explosion supposed to be dynamite was placed on the tracks of the Chester Traction Co. at the switch at 19th Street and Providence Avenue tore up the front of the coach, damaged the brakes and shattered the widows. The car was well filled with deputy sheriffs. Transit officials said the car will be repaired and join other cars soon.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Lt. Henry R. Baxter, an instructor in aviation in the U.S. Army and a former resident of Chester, now stationed at San Antonio, Texas, plans to fly from Texas to Twin Oaks by the end of the month. Baxter will be accompanied by his wife and their son. They plan to visit Charles Longbotham Jr. on his estate on Bethel Road, Twin Oaks.
James Lockwood, son of Mrs. Mabel Lockwood of Painter Street, Nether Providence, received his degree from the Temple University College of Pharmacy.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Mrs. Blanche Shaffer of Wallingford, a former librarian and French teacher at Pendle Hill, has left for Switzerland, where she will be associate director of the Friends International Center. More than $181,000 has been contributed so far to Crozer Theological Seminary’s first major fundraising campaign. The seminary in Upland is seeking $300,000 to carry on a major program.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

An unemployed Marcus Hook man, described by police as the fence for an interstate burglary ring, has been held for court by District Henry W. Page in Aston.
Radnor School District has agreed to accept $775,000 for the Rosemont School on Conestoga Road. The offer was made by Thomas Ledbetter. The school had been up for sale for two years.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Pamela Mitchell, daughter of Edward and Linda Mitchell of Upland, graduated with honors and a master’s degree in special education from Penn State University.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

A big building boom has hit the rapidly growing borough of Morton and 12 stores and dwellings, a hall and a new church will be erected soon
.Several thousand people, among them prominent men and women of other cities, assembled on the ground of the Pennsylvania Military College in Chester to witness the military maneuvers prior to the closing exercises of the school for the summer.

Young people connected with St. Michael’s Church in Chester began rehearsing for a series of minstrel shows in the school hall. All who attend the shows are promised a period of keen pleasure.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Dr. Detley W. Bronk of Swarthmore has purchased Sycamore Hills, the 57-acre estate of Thomas H. Wittkorn. The property is familiar to fox hunters of the Rose Tree Hunt and extends about one-half mile along the wooded slopes of Ridley Creek below Sycamore Mills Road. It is protected on the upper side by a portion of the 50-acre Painter Arboretum and is adjacent to the country estates of William H. Newlin, Walter Jeffords, Shirley Borden and Samuel Rhoades.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mr. and Mrs. Calvin W. Jones, formerly of Chester, entertained 60 friends and relatives at a housewarming at their new residence, 136 President Ave., Rutledge. Earlier in the month the couple celebrated a seventh wedding anniversary.
Airman 3C William L. Blundin, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Blundin of 408 Holmes Road, Morton, has been commended by officers at Dover Air Force Base, Del., for his prompt action in extinguishing a refueling unit fire.Leon M. Mielcarek Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. Leon M. Mielcarek, 1003 Highland Ave., Chester, has graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He will attend medical college this fall.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Darby Township residents in the Third Ward have asked the township commissioners to take care of a persistent rat problem along Hopkins Street. One resident found her dog had a rat clenched between his teeth in the backyard.Two Delaware County high school students have been selected to attend “an experience in government’’ program at Millersville State College. They are Patricia Ann Messina of Tinicum and Nancy Weaver. Both attend Interboro High School.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Delaware County Memorial Hospital’s Healthlife Department is sponsoring a CPR heart-saver program at the Medical Office Building. Advance registration is required.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Owing to a misunderstanding over a mistake in making up the payroll at the works of the South Chester Tube Co., the employees of the pipe-cutting line at the “big mill’’ stopped work. As soon as the mistake was discovered it was rectified and the men got their money and returned to work.
The action of several Upland boys from Sixth Street has residents upset. While some of the Keebler and other bakery wagons are standing at a store the youths have raided the wagons and succeeded in escaping with a good quantity of baked goods. They were seen in the act and were chased but none was caught. While being chased some of the plunder was thrown in the weeds.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Mrs. Martha Shreeves, 80, of Hook Road and Evans Avenue in Folcroft, suffered an injury to her left foot when a horse-driven buggy in which she was riding was struck by an automobile at Hook Road and Tribit Avenue. She was taken to Taylor Hospital where her wounds were closed with eight stitches after which she was allowed to go home.At last, no more dirt road to Crystal Beach Manor in Earleville, Md. The concrete road has been opened. Crystal Manor offers the finest bathing on Chesapeake Bay.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Four Delaware County youths received their high school diplomas last week from Girard College, Philadelphia, a school for fatherless boys. The youths are: Thomas B. Yocum Jr. of Essington; Robert Esposito of Ridley Park; Raymond Popdan of Crum Lynne; and Peter Casey of Glenolden. Glenolden Fire Co. presented honorary membership cards to the following active members with service of 15 years or more: Robert Neave, John Farber Jr., James Birtwell, John and Joseph Neilson, Joseph Bing and William Hoguet.Thirty-five crippled children from the county are among those attending Camp Dunmore at Swarthmore College.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Kathleen A. Krameric, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Krameric of Harvey Road, Wallingford, has been named Freshman of the Year at Dickinson College in Carlisle.Bunting Friendship Freedom House in Darby is accepting summer day camp applications from children aged 6 to 13. Darnell Thompson is in charge of the day camp.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Signs posted on utility poles ranging from those promoting a politician’s candidacy to offers of affordable health insurance are a no-no in Eddystone. Borough Council President Paul Sides said the signs are prohibited.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The Swarthmore Military Band is giving a concert on the roof garden of the Chester YMCA Building. The concert is open to the public and ladies have been invited. Admission is free. Considerable enjoyment is derived from the excellent Angelus self-playing piano of Thomas Roberts of Eastland Terrace on Wildwood Avenue, Clifton Heights. Chester City Clerk Harrison has received new tags for the registration of dogs. The new tags have the figure 8 to correspond with the year so when the dogcatcher begins his duties he can see that the canines are licensed.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Because of health reasons, the Rev. Robert J. Thompson has resigned a s rector of St. Robert’s Catholic Church on Providence Avenue, Chester.Armed with lawnmowers, rakes and shears a group of young boys from the northern section of Glenolden cleared a baseball diamond in a section of a large field on North Chester Pike. The diamond will be cared for by the teams they play ball there.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Donna Fizzano was crowned queen of the Ridley Park Cotillion by Rosemary Martin, last year’s queen. Robert Janes is king of the event.A youth made good his escape after breaking an automobile window to take a bag filled with cakes from the front seat. Peter Opps of 705 Engle St., owner of the car, and Joseph Zdun of 2333 W. Fourth St., Chester, gave chase but the youth made good his escape. The car was parked at Fourth and Bunting streets when the theft occurred.After 20 years of service in the Marcus hook School District, Howard Deitman, the school custodian, is retiring. He is a bachelor and lives at 25 Marshall Ave., Marcus Hook, with his sister.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Delaware County Memorial Hospital’s Hearing, Speech and Learning Center is collecting used hearing aids in good condition for its HEAR program to benefit senior citizens. Hearing aids may be dropped off at the hospital.Police Badge No. 3 was retired by Millbourne Borough Council to honor former policeman Val DeBenedetto, 56, who retired after 27 years as an officer. He received a gold watch from Council President Dorothy MacNeil.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Rotary Club of Darby-Lansdowne named Dan Kelly and Matt Linderman students of the month. They both are students in the William Penn School District. -

- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO — 1908

John W. Long, a former Chester police officer, opened a pool and billiard room at Third and Howell streets, Chester, on the Rockenback property.A strange man attracted considerable attention on the pike in Eddystone. He wore a full-back suit and a stiff hat, and over this he had on a black overcoat despite the fact the air was balmy. The man had a very repulsive circumstance and his overcoat was covered with dirt as if he had slept in a field all night.The dance-loving young people of Rockdale and vicinity are having a dance at Drake’s Hall, Village Green.
Members of the 11th Ward’s Pedestrian Club of Chester are walking from their Chester neighborhood to Media. They are under the leadership of John Fallon, Walter Knight and Frank Kerr.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Edward J. Cartrain of Buckman Village, Chester, was thrilled with the bronze Carnegie Hero’s Medal he received for saving the life of a woman in the explosion of an oil tanker in Marcus Hook a year ago.Two street fighters were fined $5 each and costs after they were arrested by Patrolman Statter for fighting in the vicinity of Second and Market streets, Chester.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

School teachers Norman Gesford and Diane Simpers were named by the Lower Chichester School Board to direct the summer playground program in the community.Rose Ann Morris, 5, of 1025 Chestnut St., Trainer, was admitted to Crozer hospital with a cut of the left finger. She cut her finger in a metal folding chair.
Despite protests by Tinicum commissioners, the state insists that the speed limit on the Industrial Highway in Lester be increased by five miles an hour to 40 miles mph.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Freda Enterprises Inc. of 1260 Woodland Ave., Springfield, has changed its name to Vector Marketing Corp. President Don Freda of Ridley Township said the firm distributes Cutco Cutlery.
Joseph Zommick of Wallingford, Nether Providence, has been elected treasurer of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of Industrial Realtors. He is past president of Ohev Shalom Synagogue in Wallingford.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Dean Helm, a member of the Springfield Lions Club for 40 years, was recognized for his service. He received a 40-year pin from Tom Citro, club president.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Three young men from the Fifth Ward of Chester were arrested at Ninth and Hyatt streets, Chester, by deputy sheriffs Ford and Sharp and charged with disorderly conduct for throwing stones at a trolley car. The young men were held for court by Magistrate Longbotham for a further hearing after posting bail.A number of the residents of the Polish colony of the Eleventh Ward of Chester left the city and headed for Montreal where they expect to get work. During the past couple of months there have been a few hundred residents of that section that left the city for work. Persons that have returned from Canada reported there is plenty of work for everyone, even those from the other side of the border.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Health examinations of pupils who enter the Marcus Hook Schools next term are being held at the Marcus Hook Junior High School at Seventh and Market streets. School physician Dr. H. Thomas Stockton and the school nurse, Margaret Devlin, are examining children. Children with physical defects will be treated by the school medical authorities so they may be assured of proper health at the beginning of the next school term.Nan’s Beauty Shop at 16 W. Fifth St., Chester, offers permanent waves for $2 by expert operators with 15 years of experience.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mrs. Sidney Rose of 318 Russell St., Ridley Park, was elected president of the auxiliary to Jewish War Veterans, Chester Post 134. Sharon Lele Mast, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John R. Mast of 3543 W. 12th St., Lennox Park, Trainer, is a patient at Crozer Hospital. She is a sixth-grade pupil at Trainer School.
Five 17-year-old Chester boys were arrested for turning in false fire alarms and were turned over to juvenile authorities.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

State Sen. Joseph Loeper of Upper Darby had his bill approved by the state Senate authorizing police officers to use blackjacks as a weapon in defensive situations. Dennis J. Nicholson of Haverford Township has been named executive director and registered lobbyist of the Pennsylvania Tavern Association. He is the former proprietor of Denny’s Den in Havertown.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

A man walked into Paper Pickens in the Old Ridge Village Shopping Center on Route 202, Chadds Ford, and asked if he could get naked. Without waiting for an answer he took off his pants and ran around the store and then left. Police are investigating.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail: lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298