100 YEARS AGO – 1908

The Law and Order League was formed when 25 persons enrolled as members. President Dr. F.M. Smith said the league will raise money to prosecute all persons that interfere with street car riders. It also was decided to extend protection to prospective buyers in Chester regardless of what transportation facilities they use.Chester Police Officer Harry Robinson arrested a man at Fifth and Market street after the man shook his fist at the officer. The man was accused of selling real diamonds that are in pawn shops. The man was selling pawn tickets for the stones that are at the shops. Police said the pawn tickets were counterfeit.The Rockdale Flute and Drum Corps is a having its first festival and bazaar in the lot next to the drug store in Rockdale.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Conditions in Marcus Hook were again criticized by Judge Albert Dutton MacDade when he refused to parole a Marcus Hook restaurant proprietor who is serving two months for having a slot machine in his place of business.With weeds adorning almost every vacant lot in Chester, persons who suffer from hay fever look with regret to the approach of Aug. 15 that marks the beginning of the hay fever season.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mrs. Louis Haas and Mrs. Norbert Dunn, leaders of Girl Scout Troop 45 of St. Robert’s School, Chester, accompanied the troop for a weekend stay at Camp Sunset Hill in Chadds Ford.Mrs. John H. Wilcox, entertained at a surprise birthday anniversary party in honor of her husband at their home, 220 Ridgewood Road, Wallingford.Chris C. Sanderson, famed Chadds Ford fiddler, serves as chairman at the 30th annual Old Fiddlers Picnic in Lenape Park.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Chester’s Town Watch President Michael Dougherty has resigned because of a squabble he was having with city officials.A Reading television station has named Leonard Clapp, a native of Clifton Heights, as sports director of the station.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

ChesPenn Health Services is providing an immunization clinic at the Community Hospital at 9th and Wilson streets Chester and at 610 Welsh St., Chester.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Two prominent ladies of the Third Ward who rode on a trolley car were greatly insulted and subjected to the jeers and taunts of a crowd of excited women near Third and Broomall Streets, Chester, where they got off the vehicle. All sorts of abusive epithets were hurled at the ladies. A crowd of boys and young men congregate at the corner of 23rd and Chestnut streets and make a practice of addressing persons who happen to jump from the trolley car at that point. The names are not at all complimentary and some small children are taught such words as “scab’’ and similar epithets. The crowd hovers about the Friends burying grounds.Cummings & Glenney, 8 W. Third St., Chester, is cleaning out 100 good suits at half price. Suits priced at $12 are now $6 and the best suits at $20 are now $10.A number of boys are entertaining a large crowd on Seventh Street bridge in Chester by high diving. The water at this point is not very clean in Chester Creek and it is probable that health authorities will ban swimming there.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Lt. Harry Baxter of the U. S. Army Air Corps circled over the Seventh Ward of Chester in a greeting to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Bruce Baxter of 1020 Parker St., on his way to League Island field in Philadelphia. He was in a pursuit plane. Four Tinicum youths -- Norman Walls, Charles Reese, Nappie Reese and Fritz Schrader -- left to see the sights at the Century of Progress at Chicago choosing a most unusual mode of travel. They are making the trip to Chicago in a motor boat.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Charlotte Wexler, 18-year-old blonde, blue-eyed daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wexler, 300 W. 22nd St., Chester, has been selected as feature singer with Al Raymond and his orchestra. She is also a candidate in this year’s Miss Delaware County Pageant.Thomas F. Shapcott of 756 E. Providence Road, Aldan, willed his $12,000 estate to his wife, Mary. He died July 5.Michael Fadden, son of Mr. and Mrs William Fadden Jr., 322 Russell St., Chester, is spending three weeks at Camp Trinity on the Chesapeake Bay.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Rev. David M. Dickson is the new pastor of the Old Union United Methodist Church on Brookhaven Road, Rose Valley.Dawn Marie Esposito, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Esposito of Concord is on the dean’s at King’s College in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Ridley Park has a new memorial in front of the firehouse on Ward Street that salutes past, present and future members of the Ridley Park Fire Co. and its auxiliary.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Chester’s dog catcher, Harry Milford, states that after today he will capture all dogs that he finds running around the street unmuzzled in violation of the state law. He says that certain businessmen in the city allow their dogs, which are of a vicious disposition, to roam at large without muzzles. He declares that the animals are too dangerous to be at large and unless the owners comply with the state law he will take the dogs into custody.A crowd of young boys and men who have secluded themselves on the lawn of Dr. Henry G. Watson for several nights have shouted names and uncomplimentary remarks to the people who have been using the Upland trolley cars. Last night it was repeated and one of the men who occupied a front seat on the coach had the car stopped and had a lengthy argument with the fellows. On the next trip the trolley man saw the boys in their place but they refused to annoy the people on the cars, fearing arrest. It is understood that the man who stopped the trolley is a detective and has the identity of everyone in the crowd.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Residents of Eighth Street, Chester, west of Sproul Street, that section known as Holy City, were terrorized when a man who was either rum-crazed or insane threatened to shoot several women when they refused him alms. Mounted Patrolman William Zimmer arrested him.Knabb Barrel Co. on Market Street, Marcus Hook, has added a complete shift of workers for the manufacture of kegs.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Charles F. Kohlerman Jr., of Kerlin Street, Chester, the last blacksmith remaining in Chester, observes his 50th birthday anniversary today. His shop is at 411 Crosby St. and has been at that location since 1897. Chester Mayor Joseph L. Eyre drove out the first car from the new inspection and delivery area at the Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Chester. Riding with the mayor was George T. Vincent, plant manager.Chester police warned residents about a man dressed in priest’s clothing who is soliciting funds for “parish work.’’

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

The Delco Pedal Pushers has invited anyone interested in bicycling for fun and exercise to meet at the Rose Tree Hunt Club in Upper Providence.Someone stole more than 60 unused state vehicle inspection stickers from Burdemy Lincoln-Mercury Dealers at Garrett Road and Samson Street, Upper Darby.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

East Lansdowne residents are questioning the use of the East Lansdowne Elementary School for a summer camp being conducted by a church group.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Chester Chief of Police Pennington has notified the various hack drivers and owners of stages that they must load and unload their passengers within the confines of Market Square and not encroach on Market Street or the side streets.During the course of the past few days Edward Keenan of 2500 W. Fourth St., Chester, has been across the river three times after snappers and has been so successful within the past week he has captured no less than 30 of the turtles. All are of a fair size and will finally figure as the main ingredient in his soup.A number of boys in the First Ward of Chester have ruined trees in the fields by building fires at the roots.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

More than 600 members of the Church of the Resurrection, Tenth Street and Highland Avenue, Chester, enjoyed an outing Sunday at Riverview Beach, N.J. The trip to and from the beach was made on one of the boats of the Wilson Line that was chartered for the occasion.A number of unemployed men of Collingdale are painting the names of all streets entering MacDade Boulevard and also are painting numbers of each house on the curb in front of the house.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

More than a dozen thoroughbred horses were safe in a nearby Chadds Ford field when fire ruined a stable on the farm of Edward S. Hinemann, a township supervisor. The fire started in a hay loft above the stalls. Hinemann is vice president of Delaware County Supply Co. in Boothwyn.The State Highway Department said there will be no more detouring of vehicles in the dismantling of the War Memorial Arch on Baltimore Pike, Springfield.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Chester Upland School District cars are still missing from the district parking lot. District policy requires that all district cars be locked up at the Toby Farms depot nightly. Board Transportation Chairman Ed Mitchell said that at least three of seven cars are still truant.Three county residents have been charged with defrauding the state unemployment compensation fund of more than $5,000 by collecting benefits while ineligible. All were ordered to make full restitution.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Kamika Bost is a secretary in Chester Parks and Recreation Department and is flying to Houston, Texas., next month to represent the state in the Miss Black USA beauty pageant.

LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Some time during the night burglars forced an entrance into No. 1 tollgate on the Chester and Darby Pike and not satisfied with breaking open the money box on the telephone located in the building they removed the entire telephone instrument from the wall. The tollgate is near the St. Rose of Lima Church and in the past it has been burglarized many times. The Milkmen’s Association said it favors transportation of milk by trolley lines unless the railroads agree to provide refrigerated cars. The Suburban Gas Co. is sponsoring a “jingles” contest. Jingles must not have fewer than four nor more than 12 lines and must be about the use of gas. Fourteen prizes will be awarded

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Police in Upper Darby, Haverford and Radnor townships are searching for four armed bandits who have staged a series of holdups on the Main Line during the past four weeks, specializing in couples in parked cars. Lewis O. Foulk resigned as tax collector of Bethel Township. A replacement has not been appointed.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Civilian students not required to take military training will be admitted by Pennsylvania Military College for the first time this fall. Maj. Gen. Edward F. MacMoreland, president of the Chester college, said the step is being taken as a further expansion of the college.The Rev. Andrew J.H. Frinke is the new pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Broomall. The Chancel Choir of the Covenant Methodist Church in Springfield sang at the Ocean City Music Pier, N.J. The choir is under the direction of Thomas Kraemer of Springfield.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley G. Martin of Florida, formerly of Folsom, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a dinner at the Towne House. Mr. Martin is retired from Westinghouse in Lester.Nora Anderson of New Darlington Road has been elected chairwoman of the Middletown Planning Commission.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Riddle Hospital in Middletown presented a free 10-week support workshop for women with breast cancer. The hospital also offers a course to help motorists 50 years of age and older improve their driving skills and prevent traffic accidents.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

John C. Bullitt of South Winona Avenue, Norwood, has just completed the installation of an instantaneous automatic gas water heater in his home. This appliance supplies hot water instantly in the house and Mr. Bullitt expects much added a convenience from its possession. The installation work was done by R.L. Henderson, the plumber.Complaint has been made by a number of prominent citizens in the county that trolley car companies run cars with wheels that are not so round. “If they would take off some of those wheels we could get some sleep at night,’’ say the dissidents. There also are complaints about the 50-minute schedules that are not at all accommodating.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

During her temporary absence, the home of Mrs. John Bolton, 618 E. Ninth St., Chester, was entered by a latchkey burglar, who pried open a sideboard drawer and stole $107 in cash and a gold watch. The money was in two $50 bills and in change.County Detective O.N. Smith, Sergeant Of Police William Fitzpatrick, Patrolman Emil Kettel and Special Policeman John Balkenhot raided on establishment in the rear of Parker Avenue, Collingdale, and seized a quantity of liquor.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

John M. Zolochik has been recognized as the new Democratic leader in Ridley Park.Shelley Brown, 10, of Broomall, and Dewey Jurich of Village Green, Aston, were named outstanding campers in the second period of Sun Oil Day Camp at Feltonville.A 38-year-old Chester man, who attributed his troubles to the potency of a jug of wine, was sentenced to six months in the county jail by Judge John F. Diggins after pleading guilty to burglarizing a restaurant on Chester Pike, Ridley Township. “This man just works enough to eat and buy wine. This is all right with me. I’ll defend his right to do so if he doesn’t break into restaurants in the bargain,’’ Judge Diggins said.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Second Lt. Dwight M. D’Iorio, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph B. D’Iorio of Wallingford, has graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps.Lansdowne Police Department is sponsoring a bike-a-thon program. All bicycles are inspected and registered. The program is at Essex and Ardmore avenues.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Chester Housing Authority employee Calvin Joyner is the city’s new director of the Bureau of Licenses and Inspections, replacing Monir Ahmed, who was appointed to city council.

LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO — 1908

A Morton fireman came into Chester and was arrested at Eighth Street and Edgmont Avenue by Officer Cannon for being too drunk to properly navigate. Magistrate Longbotham discharged him and told him to return home.
Andrew J. Johnson of Third and Wilson streets, Chester, is now spending almost his entire time out on his farm on Highland Avenue. He is having the place thoroughly farmed. There is a bed of the finest grade of field spar on his farm he plans to mine.Owners of Mullen’s Quarries at Bridgewater are preparing to operate the place. Some years ago, the bridge at the quarry was washed away, but it has been rebuilt. This will facilitate greatly the work of getting out the material from the quarries.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Dr. Edgar S. Rose, who has charge of the Employees’ Band of the Sun Oil Co., Marcus Hook, promises to take his 40-piece band to the Park Place Quoit Club grounds in Chester to give an open-air concert. The club grounds are at West Mowry and Wetherill streets, Chester.See and hear the world’s smallest radio station, WEE, at Feinberg’s, Fifth and Edgmont, Chester. The station is in operation for one week only and offers a chance to put “your own voice on the air” while at the store.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Deemer were both graduated in their respective fields. Deemer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren H. Deemer of Parkside, received a degree in business administration from Pennsylvania Military College, Chester. His wife, Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Taylor, Marcus Hook, completed training at Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington, Del.Joanne DiAntonio, 14, and Delores Torchick, 14, both of Leedom Estates, received trophies at the Ridley Rangers Drum and Bugle Corps competition.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Brookhaven Borough Council President John Moccia has asked borough Solicitor James Gannon to investigate the possibility of adopting ordinances to restrict areas where video games and movies may be sold or rented in the borough.The Tinicum Township Commissioners gave the state Department of Transportation permission to erect “no hunting” signs on 13 acres next to the Tinicum Environmental Center. Commissioner Joseph Keller said he felt the township should not have to pay for the signs.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Daniel S. Ruff has been installed as the new president of the Springfield Lions Club. He is a part-time court officer at the county courthouse and is also past president of the Springfield Golf Advisory Board.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

What is believed to be the youngest person in the state of Pennsylvania that a criminal warrant was every served on is a 2-year-old boy from Ivy Street, Chester. He was arrested on the charge of throwing a stone and cutting the cheek of a 7-year-old boy in the neighborhood. The older boy slapped the younger boy and the younger boy picked up a stone and hurled it, making a deep laceration in the boy’s cheek. Alderman Stockman was astonished to see the little defendant. Stockman said that had he known the age of the defendant he would never have issued the warrant. While the youngest prisoner ever stood before him it was obvious he did not understand what the hearing was about. The alderman immediately dismissed the case.Wives and lady friends of the James F. Dougherty Fire Co. at Leiperville have formed an auxiliary. Mrs. George Worrall is president and Frances Cape is vice president.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Chester Mayor William Ward Jr. has told police that beer gardens, the owners of which furnish music and cabaret entertainment until daybreak to attract customers, are taboo in the city and he ordered police to close them.A king snake that is thought to have escaped from a carnival in Eddystone was found in the yard of Mrs. Anna Embon, Thirteenth and Saville Avenue, Eddystone. The snake was killed by neighbors. It had a head about 2-½ inches wide.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Barbara Rosenberg of Chester won the top $500 award in the sales day promotion by Chester merchants.Three Glenolden boys who said they had nothing to do in Glenolden came to Norwood for a little fun and threw a small wooden box through the windshield of a parked car, smashing it. All were turned over the county juvenile authorities.Two 1958 beauty queens were crowned by a pair of 1957 queens at Ridley Park Playground. Carol Ann Pfander, 12, of Swarthmore Avenue, was crowned by Mary Ellen Katein, 9, of Chestnut Street, last year’s queen. Cathy Katein, 7, Mary Ellen’s sister, was crowned by Benedetta Groover, 6, of Swarthmore Avenue, who reigned last year.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Chester Fire Chief James McDonald received the 1983 award of the Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators. Green Ridge Fire Co. in Aston is sponsoring a donkey basketball game at the firehouse field as a fundraiser.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Mr. and Mrs. William A. Happy of Trainer celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He has been retired from Philadelphia Electric for many years.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO — 1908

The Chester Hospital has been very busy during the past few days and as a result one is hardly able to gain admission. All of the private rooms are filled with patients and the paid and free wards also are full.Helen Taylor, a little miss residing on East 10th Street, Chester, was the innocent victim of a bold kissing bug that had the audacity to kiss her without permission. That it made an impression is very evident from the fact that Miss Taylor’s lips are very much swollen and she cannot smile in her usual attractive and natural manner.Patrick Gillon, who had been employed in Ryan’s Barber Shop on Third Street and Highland Avenue, Chester, for some time tendered his resignation a few days ago. Since then he has been living the life of a millionaire. Patty says he likes his new life.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Rosanna Mills in Upland have been sold and production will be started at once. The mills employ several hundred hands. The former textile plant at 15th and Crosby streets, Chester, has also resumed work with 50 persons at the start. A class of young boys of the Glenolden Presbyterian Sunday school, taught by Anna Johnson, enjoyed a hike to Indian Basin near Clifton Heights. Those on the outing were Kenneth Miller, Samuel Warwick, Robert Horne, Robert Preston, William Malcolm and Frank Robertson. Alfred G. Johnson accompanied them.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Dr. Albert Tini of 1450 Jefferson Ave., Woodlyn, has graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy.
Pep Boys at Ninth and Welsh streets, Chester, is selling new car tires for $14.98 each. They are guaranteed for 20 months and mounting is free.Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leider of Lester marked their 52nd wedding anniversary at their home.Dr. Harry K. Heiges is the new Collingdale School Superintendent, replacing Faber E. Stengle, who resigned.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Lewis N. Rinko, publisher of The Swarthmorean, has named George Belk of Springfield as the editor of the weekly newspaper. Belk is a former copy editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer. Members of three families were arrested is separate shoplifting incidents in Brookhaven.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

The Chadds Ford Township supervisors said the re-numbering system of houses in the community is progressing after more than two years, but the system has not been completed.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO — 1908

One of the best patronized places during these warm days and evenings is the pump in the yard back of the store of John Pretty in Upland. The water is cold and refreshing and it is hard to estimate how many go there and quaff a cooling draught. The fountain across the street that is for horses, is also used a great deal during the day.Four of the special officers employed by the Chester Police Department because of the Chester Traction Co. strike have been laid off to cut down expenses to the city.Chester police have decided to stop roller skating or coasting on Lloyd Street hill because of a large number of accidents. Skaters narrowly escape being hit by wagons and trolley cars.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Chester Mayor William Ward Jr. and several city council members greeted the driver of the Ford V-8 economy test car that has been running continuously since June 17. The white automobile was put on display at the City Hall Plaza for the public to see. An Upper Darby woman was granted a divorce by Judge Albert Dutton MacDade on the grounds of cruel and barbarous treatment. She complained her husband started to become familiar with other women and on one occasion pushed her downstairs. She said he also threatened her with a gun and hit her frequently.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Raymond Armstrong has been appointed to Eddystone Borough Council to fill the unexpired term of Phil Marion, who resigned because he moved to Ridley Township. Marion is the high school football coach at Ridley Township High.Armed with a petition with 840 names, a delegation of Tinicum residents called on township commissioners to abandon and demolish Tinicum Manor housing project. The manor was opened during World War II as a housing project for workers.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

A contract for the “final cleanup” of the Wade toxic dump in Chester was assigned by the state Department of Environmental Resources. The site had been owned by Melvin Wade of Chester. He had owned Eastern Rubber Reclaiming Co. that had caught fire.The Rev. and Mrs. James Harrison, pastor-elect of Unity Baptist Church in Chester, were installed at the church. The sermon was preached by the Rev. D.A. Scott of Bethany Baptist Church, Chester.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Debra Moreland, mayor of Trainer, died at age 40. She was the borough’s first female mayor and was an assistant county public defender. She also served as auditor of the Trainer United Methodist Church.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Preliminary arrangements have been completed for the annual camp meeting at Twin Oaks on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad under the direction of the Holiness Christian Church. On the grounds on Sundays there will be no sales permitted and no meals will be served on that day to the general visiting public. The rates for tenting and other equipment are reasonable.
Several persons who went to the foot of Highland Avenue in Chester for the purpose of taking a swim were compelled to remain out of the water on account of the large quantity of oil that was floating on the surface. The greasy fluid had fouled up the river from the oil works at Marcus Hook.A bullfrog that was lost from its Parker Street, Chester, home has been returned to its owner after he appealed for its return.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Four hundred boys were scheduled to make the trip to Philadelphia’s Shibe Park but by the time the assembly had been packed into the waiting cars and trucks it was estimated that more than 1,000 baseball enthusiasts had decided to be the guests of Connie Mack as members of the Chester and Upland boys clubs. They left from Third and Kerlin streets in Chester and there were 15 trucks plus 35 private cars in the caravan. Led by Chief Deputy Sheriff Hamilton D. Ewell, a number of deputy sheriffs poured 65 gallons of liquor, 638 bottles of beer and 22 quarts of wine down the drain outside the county garage.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

An epidemic of measles has forced the closing of the boys session at Camp Sunshine a week early. The camp is in Thornton.
The family of Martin Pastuszek of 2448 W. 9th St., Chester, built a summer home in Beach Haven, N.J. with their own hands. The home is a two-story dwelling with apartments on the second floor. It took them more than two years to construct. The home is called “Ollie-Mar,’’ which is the first name of the wife, Olga, and Martin.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Thomas Bruder of Springfield, president of MAB paints in Broomall, has been re-elected to the board of trustees at Neumann College in Aston.
Two Brookhaven residents were arrested for breaking the store display window with a metal trash container at the Channel Home Center at the Brookhaven Shopping Center on Edgmont Avenue.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Dr. John Logue of Swarthmore, emeritus professor of political science at Villanova University, was named as the new president of the Greater Philadelphia chapter of the United Nations Association USA.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908

President John A. Rigg of the Chester Traction Co. mailed to John W. Harper and George W. Smith, representatives of certain secret societies of Chester, a reply to a letter he received. Rigg characterized the communication delivered to him as threatening in character. The societies wanted the strike by employees settled, however, Riggs condemned the boycott by many riders. He called the strike a thing of the past but the boycott is a crime to which submission is cowardly. Among the secret societies are the Junior Order of American Mechanics, Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, International Order of Red Men, tribes of which are the Lamokin Tribe, Mocoponaca Tribe and Tuscarora Tribe.
So much sickness has been attributed to the use of impure water, Chester residents have been advised to test the water. A simple and safe test is to draw a tumbler full from the tap at night and put a piece of white lump sugar in it and place it where the temperature will be under 60 degrees. In the morning if the water is pure, it will be perfectly clear. If contaminated by sewage or other impurities, the water will be milky.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Old coins, some more than 100 years old, are among the collection owned by Magistrate Frank X. Lee of the Eighth Ward of Chester, who specializes in American coins. Among the collection he keeps at his home at 926 W. Third St., he has a varied assortment of gold, silver, bronze and copper coins.
Chester Boys Club is relocating from its present beat-up headquarters at Third and Kerlin streets to a new building at Front Street and Concord Avenue.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Mrs. John E. Carr of Chester and Mrs. Philip J. Mahoney of Twin Oaks will be co-chairmen of the eighth annual Lawn Fair at Sacred Heart Hospital in Chester.Stop bed wetting with an automatic “wet alarm” that’s available at Nelson’s Surgical Appliances near East 9th Street and Edgmont Avenue, Chester.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Chester Mayor Joseph Battle plans to spend more than $8,000 in city funds for bulk food for Chester’s 16,000 welfare recipients because state lawmakers have been unable to approve a welfare plan. The Ridley Township Swim Club celebrates its 25th anniversary next week.
The 14-bed detoxification unit at Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill has been completely renovated for the treatment of alcoholics.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

GFCW-Aston has installed Pat Shinn and Norma Locke, co-presidents; Jean Larsen, first vice president; Karen Fields, recording secretary; Jean Esposito, corresponding secretary; and Virginia Burbage, treasurer.

— LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO – 1908
The proprietor of the Palm Garden Café on Market Street, Chester, was arrested on the charge of assault and battery on police Sgt. Noden. The trouble occurred in the restaurant when the officer went to investigate some trouble. The owner said he acted in self-defense.Those traveling on Chester Pike were treated to a novel sight in the form of the roadway being swept. This is probably the first time in the history of the pike that it has been swept. Three foreigners were seen sweeping the roadway and attracted much attention. They were sweeping it because it has been proposed that the roadway be surfaced in the near future.
75 YEARS AGO – 1933
Thousands of children throughout Chester were afforded heat relief by means of the city sprinkler standards that were put in every thickly populated part of the city. A heavy spray device is hooked to fire hydrants that are turned on for the children through the morning and afternoon. Glenolden has acquired a tract of ground comprising more than 13 acres that will be used as a park. The tract, known as Williams’ Meadow, is part of the Scott Estate and is between Knowles Avenue and Grays Avenue.
50 YEARS AGO – 1958
Mr. and Mrs. John Schivane and sons of Grant Road, Folcroft, have returned from a vacation trip to Elmira, N.Y.State Public Welfare Secretary Harry Shapiro termed conditions at Fair Acres, the Delaware County home for the aged, “shocking, indecent and inhuman” claiming state regulations are being violated and threatened action unless corrections are made. County Commissioner J. Warren Bullen Jr. said Shapiro’s charges are “pure politics.”Army Pvt. Edmund C. Rumford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin C. Rumford of 220 Thurlow St. Chester, participated in field training exercises near Baumnolder, Germany. Rumord, 19, is a graduate of Chester High.
25 YEARS AGO – 1983
A 21-year old Upper Darby man was ordered to pay $133 restitution to a man he allegedly assaulted by jamming his fist through the man’s closed car window. The man was riding his bicycle past the car when he punched his fist through the window.Chester Police will enforce the city’s curfew restrictions, said City Police Sgt. Harry Olzewski of the juvenile division. Curfew begins at 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Remodeling work is complete on the Friendly Ice Cream Restaurant on Edgmont Avenue in Brookhaven. Manager Matt Resneck said the menu remains the same with the addition of barbecued ribs.

LEN CASTERLINE

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100 YEARS AGO — 1908

Fire destroyed the home of Ruben M. Moody on Lafayette Avenue in Collingdale. Investigators blamed fireworks for the blaze.Select Councilman E.L. Anthony of Chester has purchased a two-cylinder Maxwell automobile and soon will be seen speeding over the county roads.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Isaac Roach won the George L. Cutler golf event at the Springhaven Club in Nether Providence.Samuel M. Vauclain just finished a half-century of service with the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone. He said business is on the up and up.Fletcher Williams of Chester, who had a 5-month-old puppy tied to his back, was one of 11 persons rescued from storm-wrecked barges off Fenwick Island on the Atlantic Coast.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Bob Davis of Chester, Stan Jarusinski of Trainer, Irving Davis of Village Green and Al Caffey of Ridley Park are the top local drivers to keep an eye on as the West End Boat Club in Chester stages its 60th anniversary regatta.Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Rupnick are preparing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.Sally Starr, television and radio star, made a personal appearance as a guest of the Chester Businessmen’s Association in the business district. She was in a one-woman parade and handed out pictures and bubble gum to youngsters.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kalvaitis of Glenolden celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party at the home of Mr. Kalvaitis’ sister, Eva Cassady of Stratford, N.J.Bruno Micum is the new president of the Aston Lions Club. He succeeds Thomas Simpson.The Bethel Township Park and Recreation Board is sponsoring a bus trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. At least one adult must accompany every five children.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

A fast-moving thunderstorm knocked down trees and power lines as it swept through the county last evening. No one was injured, but thousands were left without electric power.

— 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 citizens committee in Chester headed by Dr. D.P. Maddux, O.B. Dickinson and the Rev. A.L. Lathem has sent a letter to the Chester Traction Co. and a representative of the striking trolley car employees asking that their differences be settled by July 6. Deputy Registrar of Wills A.B.B. (Pop) Smith has been keeping a diary for 41 years and is frequently called upon to reveal what the weather was like for a certain year as compared to the present time. Smith gladly obliges all who ask.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

W.I.B. McClenachan, former county recorder of deeds, is celebrating his 75th birthday anniversary at his home in Trainer. He is the father of First Assistant District Attorney William B. McClenachan Jr. Miss Margaret Cheyney, superintendent of the art department at Media Public School, sailed from New York for Redlands, Calif., where she will spend the summer months with her parents.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

The 30-foot high clock tower being erected in Chester’s Deshong Park, is a memorial to John O. Deshong, a Chester mill owner. The clock will have three faces.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Two men found hiding inside a woman’s rest- room in Chester are under arrest on burglary charges. Chester police said the men were found hiding in Wright’s Café, West Third Street and Central Avenue. They had kicked the door open to get into the bar.Claire H. Townsend of Sharon Hill was elected president of the Junior Past President’s Club of Delaware County. Elected to serve with her as secretary treasurer is Betty Cade of Glenolden.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Sun Valley English teacher Chuck Grassano has received the Penn-Delco School Board’s Penn-Delco Pride Award. Schools Superintendent Dr. Leslye Abrrutyn said, “As a teacher, Chuck is outstanding.’’

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298