Thursday, August 28, 2008

Other Times --- Aug. 28

100 YEARS AGO – 1908

Young people of South Media Methodist Church, Nether Providence, are arranging for a fruit festival this weekend in charge of Mrs. H.P. Vandergrift, Minerva Worrell and Charlotte Williamson.Mrs. Fenwick Bassett of Norwood has written the lyrics and music of a campaign song for Howard H. Taft, Republican candidate for President of the United States. 75 YEARS AGO – 1933A Lansdowne woman willed her estate to a daughter rather than give any to her husband, who she said deserted her.A ping pong table has been installed at the Upland Playground for use of the Boys Club of Upland.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Vertol Aircraft Corp. of Springfield received a $1,130,735 order for all-metal rotor blades for use on the Vertol H-21 helicopter now in service with the U.S. Air Force.A shot-punctuated chase by squad car and on foot ended in the capture of one of two youths spotted breaking into parking meters in Chester’s East Seventh Street parking lot. The boys stole an estimated $3 in nickels and dimes from six meters. The boys were turned over to juvenile authorities.Mr. and Mrs. William O. Bradley, who have been living in Prospect Park, since their June marriage, have moved to their new home on Flora Lane, Upper Chichester.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Academy Park associate principal assignments have been switched for the school year. Agnes Patterson has been assigned to Academy Park East and Norris O. Little will serve at Academy Park West.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Mary E. Lavalice of Delaware followed her instincts and bought a Pennsylvania Lottery Win of Life III Instant game ticket. She was a winner of $1,000 for life. Mary, 36 years old, is married to Charles, 40, and they have three children.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Other Times --- Aug. 26

100 YEARS AGO — 1908
Thomas King, proprietor of the Union Hotel in Chester, received from a friend an elaborately carved cane decorated with a graphic design of an alligator and a snake.The second-shortest will in the history of the county courthouse was filed by the late Charles E. Drane of Chester. It read: “I leave all to my wife.” The shortest will on record at the courthouse reads: “All to my mother.”
75 YEARS AGO — 1933
The jinx that has pursued the crack drum and bugle corps of the John Wesley Cross American Legion Post in Norwood has struck again. It missed capturing the state championship by one-tenth of a point to a corps from Greensburg.
50 YEARS AGO — 1958
Sweatshirts and rolled-up jeans may be the classroom vogue at many schools, but Pennsylvania Military College in Chester will have none of it. Students must wear shirts, ties and jackets. If they aren’t so attired, professors and instructors have been ordered to dismiss them.John J. Sullivan Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Sullivan of 507 Saude Ave., Essington, who is the recipient of a senatorial scholarship, enters Temple University School of Law next month. He is a graduate of Villanova University.
25 YEARS AGO — 1983
Dolly Long, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Long, is this year’s Miss Linwood Beauty Pageant winner. She is a 1983 graduate of Chichester High School. Junior Miss Linwood is Dawn Marie Snyder, 8, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Snyder.
10 YEARS AGO — 1998
Jeff Civillico, 15, of Drexel Hill, won first place in the International Jugglers Association championships in Nevada. He won a gold medal in the Junior Division. He is an honor student at St. Joseph’s Prep, where he is involved in the band, choir and drama.
— LEN CASTERLINE
To contact Len Casterline,
or call (610) 565-4298

Monday, August 25, 2008

Other Times --- Aug. 25

100 YEARS AGO – 1908
Charles Hewes of Woodlyn received 132 postcards as he observed his 80th birthday anniversary at his home. Al Bumm, the Ridley Park newspaperman, and Al Herbert, his Prospect Park friend, were as very tanned as they returned from a three-month trip that took them through many sections of Canada. Mary E. Hardy of Media, widow of Civil War veteran Jacob W. Hardy, has been awarded a government pension of $12 a month.
75 YEARS AGO – 1933
Nine-year-old Johnny Cha attempted to hop a freight train at Front and Thurlow streets, Chester, but failed. Fortunately he escaped with brush burns that covered his entire left side. The youth lives on Lewis Street and while boarding the train he was thrown to the ground. He was treated at Chester Hospital. Conditions at the Chester Ferry are back to normal after the flood waters of the Delaware River threatened considerable damage. The Chester Bridgeport Ferry resumes its regular 15-minute service from its Flower Street wharf.
50 YEARS AGO – 1958
American Viscose has started production at its cellophane plant. John A. Cushman, plant manger, said there are 660 men on the job and more will be hired soon. A total of $63 in cash, an undetermined amount of change from two vending machines and four bottles of whisky were stolen from the Franklin Hotel, 301 W. Third St., Chester. Former first assistant district attorney Karl W. Johnson of Drexel Hill died at his home following a short illness. He was 61 years old.
25 YEARS AGO – 1983
Bunting Freedom House in Darby opens a day-care program Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. The program includes breakfast, hot lunch, snacks, games and activities for the children. Freedom House is at 1206 Main St . Upper Darby firemen are collecting for the 1983 Muscular Dystrophy Fill-a-Boot campaign. Firemen will be at various collections in the township collecting donations from motorists.
10 YEARS AGO – 1998.
The Aston commissioners have extended the deadline for families or individuals to purchase bricks for the walkway to the community center/library. New deadline is Sept. 16. Applications are available at the township building on Pennell Road.
— LEN CASTERLINE
To contact Len Casterline,
or call (610) 565-4298

Friday, August 22, 2008

Other Times --- August 22

100 YEARS AGO – 1908
William H. Williams, former chief of police in Chester, apprehended two boys who were breaking into the Pennsylvania Railroad station in Crum Lynne. They were turned over to juvenile authorities.The lawn fete of St. Rose of Lima Church on the pike has opened. The spacious grounds have been lighted with a myriad of lanterns. There was more shooting in Eddystone in the upper end and for some time there were many who wondered what it could mean. The mystery was finally cleared up, however, when it was found that well-known residents were shooting at clay pigeons in a nearby field for practice.Bands of tramps have been annoying people on Lincoln Avenue, Prospect Park. The Weary Willies insult the ladies nightly and action is promised by police.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933
Marcus Hook Fire Co. ambulance keeps busy with an average two or three calls a day.An Upland Street, Chester, woman has initiated divorce proceedings from her husband, claiming he constantly treated her badly.Three new teachers have been appointed to Washington School in Brookhaven. They are Ruth Marshall of Prospect Park, May Pomeroy of Upper Darby and Helen Kitts of Norwood. School opens Sept. 1.
50 YEARS AGO – 1958
About 8,000 workers at Lester Steam Division plant of Westinghouse received a cost-of-living pay increase of one cent an hourPaul B. Weisz, 46, of Hunt Club Lane, Middletown, has been named to the new scientific post of senior research associate for Socony Mobil Oil Co., Paulsboro, N.J.
25 YEARS AGO – 1983
Murry Engle of Middletown, a well-known puppeteer, is having a workshop at the Middletown Fire Library entitled, “Hello Puppets.’’Henry F. Thorne Jr. of Wallingford has been appointed executive manager of the realigned Southeast National Bank’s Delaware County banking group.The pedestrian bridge at the Norwood Railroad station was reopened for a short time, but borough officials closed it until it can be inspected to determine its safety.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998
Customers at Kmart in Broomall found more than just back-to-school bargains. Country music sensation Shania Twain was there signing autographs and greeting fans at the Reed Road store.
— LEN CASTERLINE
To contact Len Casterline,
or call (610) 565-4298

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Other Times --- Aug. 21

100 YEARS AGO – 1908
The German Catholics of Chester, who built a church and parsonage on West Third Street, have been unsuccessful in securing a priest. They have decided to engage a layman to preach for them in the German tongue on Sunday if a priest is not provided by Sept. 1.Chester Chief of Police Pennington surprised a number of youths who were having a good time on the riverfront at the foot of Morton Street. The chief learned it was a favorite resort for the boys to play craps and he had made up his mind he would stop the juvenile gambling. The chief said he would notify parents of the boys and advised them to keep a closer watch on the actions.Harry G. Innis Men’s Goods at 36 W. Third St., Chester, offers all men’s straw hats for $1 each
75 YEARS AGO – 1933
Clerics and pastors of churches throughout the county received a letter from Albert R. Granger, chairman of the Delaware County Council’s National Recovery Administration, appealing to them to observe Rally Day that has been designated for Sunday. The clergy has been asked to speak out on the humanitarian influence involved in this tremendous effort on the part of the president of the U.S. to bring happiness and contentment to homes in which poverty and want are now stalking.A young lady who had been missing from her Collingdale home wrote to her parents and informed them she decided to marry and is living near Shamokin.
50 YEARS AGO – 1958
Judge and Mrs. Henry G. Sweney of 707 E. 20th St., Chester, arrived in New York aboard an ocean liner after a seven-week trip abroad.Mechanical changes over the 1959 models will shut down the Chester Assembly Plant of Ford Motor Co. All but 300 of the 1,300 hourly employees will be laid off for two weeks.
25 YEARS AGO – 1983
Dr. Davis Heckman says 268 Haverford School District students still need immunization shots before they will be allowed to attend school this fall. The Delco Pedal Pushers are sponsoring a bike ride to an ice cream store at the Thriftway Market, Edgmont and Middletown avenues.
10 YEARS AGO – 1998
CJ’s Prime Time Café on Oak Lane in Glenolden is having an open mike night Thursday nights. Co-owner Caroline Walker said performers include The Killing Floor, and Melissa Martin and the Rhythm Kings.

— LEN CASTERLINE
To contact Len Casterline,
or call (610) 565-4298

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Other Times --- August 20

100 YEARS AGO — 1908

An elaborate alarm system failed to deter chicken thieves from stealing 20 poulets from the coop of L.J. Matthias of Penn Boulevard, East Lansdowne.Five men in a two-seated carriage caused considerable excitement on Broad Street, Chester. The horse attached to the vehicle became frightened at Potter Street and dashed wildly toward Edgmont Avenue. As soon as the horse started to run, every man in the wagon commenced to shout and attempted in that manner to stop the animal. The more the men shouted the more frightened the animal became and at Upland Street, there was almost a collision, but the horse managed to keep away from the side wall. About midway between Upland and Madison, the horse was finally stopped. As soon as the animal had an opportunity to quiet down, the trip was resumed.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Stacey Bowen, late of 922 Upland St., Chester, left his estate to his niece, Eleanor E. Boushelle of the same address. The estate is valued at $2,000.The Deshong Quoit Cub of Chester was defeated by the Upland Club at the Upland playground. Score was 264 points for Upland and 236 for Chester. Glendale Country Club, MacDade Boulevard opposite Knowles Avenue, Glenolden, features nine open-air boxing matches tonight.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Mr. and Mrs. C. Richard Lees and children, Michael, Tara and Gail, have returned to their home on Russell Street, Ridley Park, after spending a two-week vacation at Fenwick Island, Del.More than 600 volunteer firemen are expected to attend the Delaware County Fire School next month on the grounds of the Westinghouse Electric Corp. in Tinicum. Harry Foote of Prospect Park is chairman of the fire-school committee.A Crum Lynne man relaxing on a bench in Deshong Park, Chester, was hit on the head and thieves made off with his $50 wrist watch.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

The 69th Street Merchants Association is sponsoring a live animal show this week with the Philadelphia Zoo. It’s called Zoo on Wheels and will be at the Lit Building, 69th and Ludlow streets.Pfc. Gail Reinstein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Reinstein III of Harwick Road, Springfield, was promoted to her present rank with the Marine Corps. She is a graduate of Springfield High School.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Campers at the Chester Fine Arts Center staged a Salute to Motown at Chester High School. Campers ages 4 to 12 presented “A Motown Revue.” Anzer Kirkland, arts center director, said 33 youngsters at the camp put their hearts and souls into the production.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

e-mail lencas1038@verizon.net

or lencas1038@yahoo.com

or call (610) 565-4298

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Other Times --- Aug. 19

100 YEARS AGO – 1908
Charles Ballentine acted as toastmaster as the Stonewall Club, one of the oldest social organizations in Chester, had a dinner reception at the Colonial Hotel in Leiperville.Thomas H. Garvin of Sharon Hill, chairman of the Delaware County Republican Executive Committee, predicts the county will go for Taft in a big way in the fall presidential election.
75 YEARS AGO – 1933
A concerted effort on corner-lounging has been started by Chester police following numerous complaints. Sgt. Peterson and a police detail arrested five loungers at Sixth and Wilson streets. It’s a favorite location for moonshine imbibers who use insulting language to passersby. All were fined $5 and $4 costs and, being unable to pay, were sent to jail for 10 days.Bargain automobile purchasers in the county were warned to be certain the car is free of encumbrances before paying the price. Robert C. Kitchen of the Keystone Automobile Club in Chester warned if there are encumbrances the titles will not be granted until they are satisfied.Four young Chester men lost their lives when a truck loaded with Lloyd AC members and friends returning from a picnic at Crystal Beach, Md., was rammed by a truck carrying a cargo of explosives. The accident was on the Wilmington-Philadelphia Pike at Holly Oak, Del.
50 YEARS AGO – 1958
Mark Paul Vermeychuk became the first baby to be born in the new wing of Chester Hospital. His father is an industrial-arts teacher at Collingdale High. Delivery was made by Dr. Paul Crowther of ChesterEdward J. “Ted” Lyons, a former policeman in Eddystone, Ridley Park and Glenolden, died at the age of 70. He was the driver for Eddystone’s first fire truck and saw duty in the Eddystone ammunition explosion of Sept. 10, 1917, when 132 people lost their lives.
25 YEARS AGO – 1983
Town watch members in Lower Chichester are having a picnic at Linwood Municipal Park, Hewes Avenue. Norm Chance is in charge of reservations.Gerald Connors of Nether Providence is complaining to the township about the weeds growing on Crestview Circle on property owned by PennDOT.A woman from Crosby Square Apartments in Chester has been ordered to pay more than $9,000 restitution for welfare fraud.
10 YEARS AGO – 1998
Folcroft Fire Co. is participating in the Save a Life Smoke Detector Campaign. Borough residents who need a smoke alarm should call Christine Foglio.
--- LEN CASTERLINE
To contact Len Casterline,
or call (610) 565-4298

Monday, August 18, 2008

Other Times --- August 18

100 YEARS AGO – 1908
Prof. Thomas, principal of Watts Grammar School in Chester, married Miss Eleanor Pinkett, one of the teachers at the school.Deputy Sheriff J. Alfred Howard celebrated his 49th birthday anniversary at the county courthouse.Mrs. Sarah Marshall of Chester, mother of George Armitage of Chester celebrated her 78th birthday anniversary.
75 YEARS AGO – 1933
Workers at Sun Oil Co. Refinery will get the same wages for working a 36-hour week as they did for working 44 and 48 hours. Vice president in charge of refining Arthur Pew Jr. announced the wage boost to approximately 1,800 workers at a meeting at the plant. A couple decided to go from Wilmington to Philadelphia on a Wilson Liner. When the liner stopped in Chester they decided to stay awhile and enjoy some moonshine and pretzels they brought with them. The wife decided her husband’s face needed a lifting so she gave him a uppercut while they were near Front and Market streets. Both were hauled off the city hall jail.Under a new ruling barber shops in Chester will no longer be open on Sundays.
50 YEARS AGO – 1958
Harriet A. Doolittle, 21, of Chester, a pre-veterinary student, is playing a role in a study of dog heart disease at the University of Pennsylvania.Sandy Ingram, 10 years old, reigned as queen of the Norwood Playground.Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hammond of Media are vacationing along with their daughter, Betsy, in Wildwood N.J., their favorite vacation location.
25 YEARS AGO – 1983
Colwyn Councilman Dennis Heshaw defended the continued use of foot patrolman in the borough, saying “we feel it it is necessary.”Tinicum is the latest municipality to join the Organization of Delaware County Municipalities designed to help local governments negotiate contracts with employees. Upper Chichester Commissioner Anne Denney said the township is facing an increase in the number of rodent complaints.
10 YEARS AGO – 1998
Charles Horsey American Legion Post 300 of Chester celebrates its 80th anniversary this week with different events on each night, including a picnic for children at the post home, 101 W. Seventh St., Chester.
— LEN CASTERLINE
To contact Len Casterline,
or call (610) 565-4298