The Delaware County Daily Times Blogs: Other Times: November 2008

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 25

110 YEARS AGO – 1998

The cadets of the Pennsylvania Military College in Chester, who entered the school in September and are thus considered “new men,’’ were given a formal reception and introduced to the young female friends of the college and a delightful social event was the result. Col. Hyatt gave the cadets a special serving of refreshments. Many of the boys have received holiday boxes from home, which they opened and shared with friends.Owing to a scarcity of funds, the Aston School Board has decided not to have any night school classes this winter.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The Master Plumbers Association of Media had its second annual banquet at the Charter House in Media. A turkey dinner was served. Among those present were O. C. Eachus, Albert Long, Francis Kane, M. V. Dunbar, Edward Ford, William M. Smith, Earl Suter and John Luglio.Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hurd and their son, Peter Hurd Jr. of Chadds Ford, have arrived in Roswell, N.M., where they will remain for the winter months.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Frank Strickler and Frank Strickler Jr. of Seminole Street, Lester, celebrated their birthday anniversaries at their home.Marcus Hook School Board has approved the use of stannous fluoride on pupils. Dental hygienist Mrs. Grace Grunwell is giving treatments to pupils in Marcus Hook and Linwood elementary schools.Hastings Chevrolet in Linwood is selling a 1950 Plymouth, two-door sedan for $50.The 40-hour work week is official for Chester police officers. Mayor Eyre approved the schedule that cut hours from 44 to 40 hours a week.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A Philadelphia man was arrested while trying to break into a traffic-control box in Millbourne.A young Aston motorist lost control of his pickup truck and landed against the front of a house near his home on Bunting Lane. He was charged with drunken driving. The occupants of the house were awakened by the crash but were not injured.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The former president of the Woodlyn Fire Co., Ridley Township, pleaded guilty to charges he bilked an estimated $50,000 from the volunteer organization to feed his drug and alcohol addiction.

-- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 24

110 YEARS AGO —1898

A 14-year-old Clifton Heights girl who had been confined to jail since Nov. 1 has been taken to the House of the Good Shepherd in Philadelphia. She was charged with being incorrigible and her mother said she could not control her.James Farnan of Chester, who recently returned from Omaha, Neb., where he had been in the service of the U. S. government, was caught in the blizzard out West on the way home and remained for a half day snowbound on a prairie where his train had run off the track. He says that even in the sleeper car he nearly froze to death before the train resumed its journey East.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Alfred J. Clothier Jr. has been named Norwood’s chief of police. Benjamin J. Lewis has been named supervisor of the Upland Boys Club.Chester Pike Kiwanis Club staged a minstrel show under the direction of Alden M. Stackhouse, A. W. McClellan and Albert M. Eastwood. Interlocutor was Henry W. Buse.Mr. and Mrs. Herbert D. Gross of the Bowling Green section of Nether Providence entertained at a buffet following the Army-Navy football game.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Dr. John P. Craig, 23rd and Providence, Chester, died at Crozer Hospital. He was 75 years old, a lifelong resident of Chester and was on the staff at Crozer Hospital, Upland.Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Donahue of 405 Lafayette Ave., Collingdale, observed their 50th wedding anniversary. They have three children and have lived in Collingdale for 46 years.Bohrer-Edsel Sales Co., 10th and Morton in Chester is selling a 1952 Chevrolet for $395. It comes equipped with a radio and heater.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

The president of Cheyney University in Thornbury received a “failure” by an overwhelming of the students who were surveyed by the student newspaper The Record. A major gripe of the students was the dilapidated state of campus housing.Cynthia Eggers, daughter of Mrs. Earl Eggers of Tinicum, is a meteorology major at Millersville University, and mans the newly-established hot line offering weather forecasts by telephone for the Lancaster County area.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Jennifer Ross of Stonehurst, Upper Darby, didn’t like what was happening to her neighborhood so organized a cleanup effort in her old neighborhood. She wants everyone to keep the neighborhood clean and the homes kept in good repair.

-- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 20

110 YEARS AGO – 1898

Chester police were amused and Sgt. Meeth was rousted out of a deep slumber by a man from Marcus Hook who appeared at the police station and wanted to know if police had any knowledge of a lost boy who was somewhat out of sorts. The man said his son had not been home that night and it was the first time this happened. Sgt. Meeth asked for a description of the lad. His father said the lost child was 28 years old and the sergeant nearly dropped to the floor. He promised, however, to send the “old kid’’ home if he was found by police.Some of the clerks in retail stores in Chester want the Business Men’s Association to tackle the subject of real importance, namely shorter work hours. One clerk said he begins work at 6 a.m. Saturday and is in the store until 11 p.m. at night. For this he says he receives 9 cents an hour. The business association has decided to look at the situation.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Dr. Charles A. Ernst of Ridley Park has been named the new administrator of Federal Works in Delaware County.Frank Tollin, the Chester furniture merchant, has gone to St. Petersburg, Fla., for the winter. His store remains open during his absence.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

An impromptu dance session participated in by about 30 juveniles was broken up by Chester police in a store at 1811 W. 3rd St. The jukebox was going full blast when Patrolmen Vincent Boles and Richard Vincent entered the store that was operated by Edward Jones. They said he did not have a proper license.An old-time minstrel show was presented at the Parkside Firehouse by members of the fire company and its auxiliary. Endmen for the show were John Ford Jr., Jacob Fry, Al McVey, Donald Gray, Francis Ryan and Milt Howett.Vincent A. Tancredi, a clerk at the Chester Post Office, showed off the new 25-cent U.S. Savings Stamps that are for sale. The new issue marks the first major change in design of such stamps since 1942.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with three separate theft incidents involving Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon. Police said he was charged with taking a radio from a cemetery truck and taking some items from a mausoleum at the cemetery.A 19-year-old Upper Darby youth was arrested for assault and underage drinking when he allegedly threw a beer bottle at a security guard outside the Primos YMCA in the township.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Springfield School Board is considering expanding its no-smoking policy to include who will not be allowed to smoke in school or on school grounds.

LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 19

110 YEARS AGO – 1898

There are in Chester upwards of 300 religious organizations. There are 30 churches and each church has within it various boards, societies and auxiliaries each with its own officers so that there are many wheels within the big wheel. One Chester church has 14 boards and auxiliary societies while the average is eight to 10 in each church. Two boys from Linwood were charged with fastening a cord across the sidewalk just high enough from the ground to strike an ordinary tall person in the face. The chord struck a man on the bridge of his nose and almost knocked him from his feet. The boys were fined $2.40 each after they were arrested by Constable O’Donnell. Hopefully the arrest will break up this dangerous practice.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The sophomore class at Ridley Park High School was in charge of an assembly. Among those taking part in the program were Mary West, Claire Borrell and George Derbyshire.Cadets from Pennsylvania Military College in Chester received a rousing reception after its football team held the football team from Army scoreless for three a quarters. The PMC team lost 12-0.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Marjorie Mae Feeser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Feeser of 101 E. Chelton Road, Parkside, has been selected to “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” She a senior at Grove City College and is a graduate of Swarthmore High School.Seventeen silver dollars were taken in a burglary at the home of Nicholas DiPaulo at 225 W. Washington Ave., Clifton Heights. Chet’s Beauty Shop is opening at 119 Fairview Road, Woodlyn.Mrs. Maude Comegys retired as a Chester Hospital housekeeper after a 25-year career. She lives at 4428 Post Road, Trainer.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Aston Fire Marshal John Conlon is waging a one-man campaign to warn homeowners about defective smoke alarms. Conlon said the manufacturer of the alarms had recalled them and urged all smoke alarms be tested periodically to make sure they are in working conditionSwarthmore Borough Manager Dick Hunt announced pans to conduct a house to house search for illegal sewer connections. The borough survey will be conducted during the summer months.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Chester Housing Authority has received a good grade from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. After a troubling past, the public housing program received a grade of 83.23 percent.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 18

110 YEARS AGO – 1898

Obadiah Clark of Chadds Ford had a big surprise in store for himself when he entered his barn and was knocked down by a robber who was concealed in the building. Clark was rendered unconscious by the blow and the robber got away with Mr. Clark’s watch and $10.A prisoner at the county jail has developed into quite an expert woodworker since his incarceration. He has just completed and presented to Maurice Rowland, son of the Warden John Rowland, a miniature gunboat as a gift.People out in the country, who have been compelled to drive though the mud from Providence Avenue to Edgmont Avenue in Chester to get to certain parts of the First Ward to do business, appreciate the effort to get the street opened so they can drive over good pavement instead of through the mud. The street is now open from 25th Street to 21st Street and is used every day.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

William Toppin, station agent at the Pennsylvania Railroad station in Chester, has arranged for a special train to carry more than 300 fans to West Point, N.Y., for the first football game in history between Pennsylvania Military College, Chester, and the Army.Howard Cornall, the Chester auto dealer at Fourth and Welsh streets, is selling the Bix Six 1934 Nash car for $745.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Two youths were fined $30 each and were assessed by Justice of the Peace Presley Lawrence of Middletown after they were arrested for putting firecrackers in mailboxes near Knowlton and Middletown roads. State police said there have been a series of firecracker bombings of mailboxes since Halloween.Firemen were called to the grounds of the Little Flower Academy on Springfield Road to battle a blaze in a chicken coop behind the school. Lawrence M. Lengel has been appointed to the Collingdale Junior High School staff as a social studies instructor and boys basketball coach. He will receive a salary of $4,300 a year.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Crozerville United Methodist Church on Mount Road, Lenni, Aston, celebrated its 132nd anniversary with special services and a luncheon.Four area motorists were among 61 persons arrested in Delaware for alleged drunk driving. One was from Chester, two from Boothwyn and another from Ridley Township.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Rabbi Barry Blum of Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid in Broomall said the community should be on alert after anti-Semitic symbols were spray-painted on a home on Marple Road. The owners of the home are not Jewish.

-- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 17

110 YEARS AGO — 1898

Already somebody’s fingers have defaced two of the letter boxes that were newly painted. Chester Chief of Police Berry said he received reports that the boxes at Second and Concord and at Second and Market streets were scratched and spoiled almost as soon as the painters left them. He proposes to keep a watch for such offenders who can be punished with a heavy fine. A carriage load of people dashed ahead of an express train at 12th and Potter streets, Chester and had a narrow escape. R.W. Downing and family of Wallingford have moved to Philadelphia for the winter. They plan to return in the spring.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Camp 217, Patriotic Order of America of Collingdale, observed its 17th anniversary with a dinner that was in charge of Mrs. Mary Weaples, Mrs. James Stewart and Mrs. Harry Warford. Mr. and Mrs. John Carroll of Lenni were hosts to the Delco 500 Club. James (The Baron) Dougherty of Leiperville plans to get back in the fight-promotion business.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

A pair of teenage vandals was trapped by police at the Scenic Hill School in Springfield. The vandals damaged the rooms and looked for money. The boys were 14 and 15 years old and are being held for juvenile authorities Upland Fire Co. officials announced that the company plans to build a new firehouse on property adjoining the municipal building at Main Street and Castle Avenue. The New Century Club of Chester observes its 65th anniversary at its home, 15th and Upland streets. There will be a luncheon and musical program. Ens. John D. Walp, son of Mrs. Walter A. Walp of Prospect Park has reported for duty at Jacksonville, Fla., after a visit to his home.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Daniel Hanlon and Jeffrey Thompson were awarded the Eagle Scout badge at a court of honor ceremony at the Farmer in the Dell Restaurant on Route 202. Both Eagle Scouts live in Concord. Joann Mass, a Sun Valley High School senior from Brookhaven, has been named the school’s top Century III Leader. Runners up were Joe Giampalmi and Lisa Nolan.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Several Delaware County residents are being targeted by telephone by scam artists who offer astronomical winnings for a price. The con-game operates from Canada and different phone ploys are used in an effort to bilk people out of money.

-- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 14

Records from 100 years ago are temporarily unavailable. In their place 110 years ago items are being used.

110 YEARS AGO — 1898

A glib-tongued stranger, representing himself as an old soldier, who spent nine weeks at the boarding house of Mrs. Elizabeth Hoffecker, a widow living at 915 Morton Ave., Chester, has disappeared. He has left for parts unknown and never paid her. He also borrowed $7 from family members and a dollar from a grocer at Ninth and Morton. The man had a GAR badge and button and said he wanted board for some weeks until his quarterly pension arrived. He gave a name and was quite friendly. Now he is gone.Prospect Park Borough Council has ordered the purchase of several carloads of oyster shells to be used on borough streets.John H. Kirk is having an arc light erected in his drug store at Seventh Street and Concord Avenue, Chester, to replace the present gas lights. Kirk said he believes in plenty of light.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

Delaware County had its first snowfall of the season.Reliance Hook and Ladder Co. of Boothwyn conducted a masked dance with judges being Harry Young, Claude Riddington and James Johnson.The Altar Boys Association of St. Michael’s Church, Chester, gave a minstrel show.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen McHale sold their home at 100 Partridge Ave., Ridley Park, and moved to Morris Lane in Wallingford. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert J. Evans have moved from Sharon Hill into the former McHale home.Ches-Pen Donuts is back again at 609 Welsh St., Chester. Other shops are at Ninth and Engle streets, Chester, and 800 MacDade Blvd., Folsom.Fifteen dollars in cash, $15 worth of cigars and change and cigarettes from a cigarette machine were stolen from Fletcher’s Sandwich Shop, 2810 W. Ninth St., Chester. Owner is Nicholas Fletcher, 823 Keystone Road, Chester.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

A trolley operator suffered smoke inhalation and 56 passengers had to evacuate the trolley when it caught fire while going through Haverford Township. Kevin Jennings of Ridley Township has been named a University Scholar at Susquehanna University in Selingsgrove. He is a junior business major and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jennings of Park Lane.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

More than 150 signs and posters placed on utility poles and trees were removed during the month in Chadds Ford. Township Supervisor and Roadmaster Harvey Kliman reminded everyone that the posters are illegal and violators will be prosecuted.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 11

Records for 100 years ago are temporarily unavailable. In their place 110 years ago items are being used.

110 YEARS AGO - 1898

But one session was held at the Larkin School, Chester, on Monday on account of the heavy rain. It was a wise decision to have only that session.There are several cases of diphtheria in the Ninth Ward of Chester and one or two cases in the 11th Ward. Placards have been placed on the homes warning everyone of the disease.There seems to be a demand for carpenters. A member of a Chester firm was making inquires for some good workers and could not find any wanting employment.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

A war memorial has been dedicated at Immaculate Heart Cemetery, Linwood, with the Rev. William Begley as master of ceremoniesChester Mayor William Ward Jr. has issued an order giving an Armistice Day holiday to all members of the Chester Police Department who served in the World War.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Some 15 persons appeared before Swarthmore Borough Council to protest the speeding by vehicles on Yale Avenue. A borough youth was struck by a car and is a patient at Taylor Hospital.Mr. and Mrs. George Bobon entertained at a party at their home, 134 E. 21st St., Chester, in honor of the 11th birthday anniversary of their son, William.Vandals smashed 143 windows at American Viscose Corp. in Marcus Hook. Police Chief Ernest Fleming said the vandals used stones and bricks to smash the windows. Damage was estimated at $393.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Joan Anderson Tarka of Havertown has been elected to serve as secretary of the board of the Family Planning Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania.Join a free ramble at Tyler Arboretum in Middletown to visit a historic tenant farm on the property and Cumberland Cemetery, burial place of many associated with the arboretum’s early history.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Woodlyn Fire Co. in Ridley Township is having a Country-Western Night at the firehouse. There will be food, beverages and line dance instruction along with live music.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 10

Records from 100 years ago are temporarily unavailable. In their place 110 years ago items are being used.

110 YEARS AGO - 1898

A pretty young woman was walking briskly down Edgmont avenue in Chester when the wind blew off her hat and sent it scurrying across the street. It ricocheted very beautifully under a trolley car and before the motorman could stop, the wheels passed over the hat. The people who live in the vicinity of Sixth and Penn streets, Chester, are very much annoyed by a gang of boys who usually spend Sunday afternoon playing football on the lots in that neighborhood. They would be greatly pleased if the police would stop it.Residents of Upland have grown weary traveling over rough or muddy streets to get to and from Chester. Borough council has asked its president S.A. Crozer to endeavor to correct the problem.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

James C. Tulloch resigned as treasurer of Prospect Park Fire Co. after holding the office for 30 years.The Delaware County Institute of Science admitted two junior members: Donald and James Hendrickson of Upper Providence.Mrs. Clara A. Gorton of Collingdale, matron of the county court, died at the age of 73.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

A nuclear power project group, responsible for the engineering, quality control and administration of contracts involving nuclear power heat transfer apparatus, has been set up by the steam division of Westinghouse in Lester.Judge Arthur P. Bretherick, of the Delaware County Common Pleas Court, died at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia. He was 61 years old and lived in Darby. He had been a judge for nine years.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Darby Township Commissioners were told that unidentified trucks have been dumping trash in a wooded area at 15th and Clifton Avenue. First Ward Commissioner Preston Grobes said he will immediately investigate.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Second Lt. Stuart S. Krissinger III, son of Paula Krissinger, 844 Parkidge Drive, Nether Providence, and Stuart S. Krissinger Jr. of Boothwyn have completed the 72-day U.S. Army Ranger course at he Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 7

Records from 100 years ago are temporarily unavailable.

In their place 110 years ago items are being used.

110 YEARS AGO -- 1898

A man from Central Avenue, Chester, was arrested by Officer O’Toole because he had some chickens in his possession and could not tell a straight story about them. The fowls were still warm and Mayor Black committed the man to jail. The chickens are at Chester City Hall.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

The postmaster in Chester said that temporary help hired during the Christmas rush season will be the unemployed, especially those with families. Next in line are veterans.An interesting exhibit can be seen at the Tollin’s Store on Edgmont Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets, Chester. “Great Expectations” has been transcribed into Braille for use of the blind by Mercie P. Lloyd, (Mrs. Louis Lloyd). She is a member of the Dickens’ Fellowship of Chester.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Edward Bryan, retiring custodian at Ridley Township High School, was honored at a dinner at the Alpine Inn in Springfield. Bryan had been with the district for 22 years.The Ramettes, field hockey team at Clifton Heights High School, is undefeated and this is due to these two sets of twins, Barbara and Karen Osterheldt on the junior varsity squad and Marsha and Naomi Wark on the varsity.Thomas H. Latch Jr., whose parents lived at 412 W. Dutton Mill Road, Chester Plaza, and is husband of the former Patricia Dowd of Chester, is serving aboard the submarine tender USS Howard W. Gilmore, operating out of Key West, Fla.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Swarthmore Police Chief William Weidner urged homeowners, building owners and business people with security alarm systems to have malfunctions corrected “without delay.” Weidner said last week police responded to 31 false alarms, including nine at one location.The Chester High School Office of Student activities said it has a limited number of yearbooks dating back to 1969 available for purchase. Call Ron Timinski at the school for details.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

The Mad Poets Society is presenting readings at the Hunt Club Mansion in Rose Tree Park, Upper Providence. Eileen D’Angelo is in charge of the meeting and said an open reading will follow a featured poets program.

---- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other times --- Nov. 6

Records from 100 years ago are temporarily unavailable. In their place 110 years ago items are being used.

110 YEARS AGO — 1898

There has been considerable complaints of late concerning the many loose stones and bricks lying on the sidewalks, especially in the neighborhood of Chester Opera House. Contractor Reilly has started to lay bricks again and is making considerable progress.The Stonewall Assembly, one of the oldest social organizations in Chester, had its 14th annual reception in National Hall. The program contained all the leading dances, and almost 200 ladies and gentlemen participated. Music was furnished by Oglesby’s Orchestra. Charles A. Foley was grand conductor.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

An automobile owned by Postmaster Thomas Kelly of Prospect Park was stolen from the corner of Tenth and Lincoln avenues, Prospect Park. The car was recovered by Norwood police and returned to its owner.The Upland Boys Club football team played the Chester Boys Club at the Upland Park. Spectators said it was an interesting game, but neither side scored.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Mr. and Mrs. F. Farwell Long Jr. have moved to their new home on Long Point Lane, Rose Valley. They formerly lived at 2217 Providence Ave., Chester.Marcus Hook Fire Chief Francis Risso reported a slight blaze occurred when an elderly man emptied an ashtray into a cardboard box at his apartment on Fourth Street, between Market and Green streets. The man is known only as “Tom, Do the Best You Can.”

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

Ann Speer, president of the Collingdale Alumni Association, and Ray Minsk, a past president, inspected the plaque the association donated for the high school to honor Collingdale High School Alumni who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Adult education classes are being conducted on Mondays at Congregation Ohev Shalom in Nether Providence. Rabbi Louis Kaplan teaches all courses.10 YEARS AGO — 1998Chester Heights Fire Co. has purchased a $59,000 fully equipped, quick response service vehicle. It’s a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban and has a full array of EMS equipment.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 5

Records from 100 years ago are temporarily unavailable. In their place 110 years ago items are being used.

110 YEARS AGO — 1898

A man was accidentally shot near Bullens Lane. A telephone message asking for the patrol wagon was received at the Chester City Hall, but Chief Barry said he had no authority to permit wagons to leave the city limits.A number of improvements are being made at the Wallingford train station. There are several first-class springs on the property and as the railroad company has no special use for the water, it has been a matter of some trouble for years to get rid of them. They have laid a complete system of drains under the station platform that will rapidly conduct them away. New platforms have been built and cement walks laid.The past few weeks have been among the busiest at Chester Hospital with accidents and surgical procedures. At preset there are some 30 cases in the hospital.

75 YEARS AGO — 1933

William Quann, a member of long standing at Calvary Baptist Church, Chester, was ordained a deacon at the church.Elsie Cook was elected president of the Girls Social Club of St. Luke’s Protestant Episcopal Church in Eddystone. Also elected were Beatrice Gaskill, treasurer and Estella Carella, secretary.

50 YEARS AGO — 1958

Jerry Curran, a freshman at Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., has returned to college after spending the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Curran, of 2600 Chestnut St., Chester.Bernard (Barney) F. Gallagher, 1729 Providence Ave., Chester, died at his home. He was a Republican committeeman in Chester for nearly 40 years and was former city treasurer.The recently organized steel workers union at Fibre Metals Products Co. went on strike after last ditch negotiations broke down. The plant is at Fifth and Tilghman streets, Chester. Joseph Kasacavage is president of the local union.

25 YEARS AGO — 1983

“Western Electric” is playing this week at Hurley’s Tavern in Twin Oaks.Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chester celebrates its 75th Jubilee with special services and a banquet at the Ramada Inn Essington.Old Union United Methodist Church in Rose Valley dedicated its parsonage.

10 YEARS AGO — 1998

Linda Sockwell of Drexel Hill received the Delaware County Community College’s annual UPS Scholarship.William Bryan of Norwood graduated from Lycoming College in Williamsport. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Bryan.

LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 4

110 YEARS AGO -- 1898

David Jackson, of the Ninth Ward, Chester, who has been spending the past two years in Alaska, has returned to his home. He was not burdened with gold dust or nuggets. He speaks of the hardships and discomforts in Alaska and says he will stay home in Chester.Some time ago a barge loaded with coal sank in the creek near the coal wharves of the Eddystone Manufacturing Co. The barge contained about 260 tons of coal. Capt. Williams has been engaged to get the coal out of the creek.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Two Swarthmore borough policemen admitted to borough council that they were guilty of having taken a bribe of three sacks of liquor from the driver of a rum truck to allow the truck to pass through the borough unmolested after they had stopped it. Borough official said they will investigate the matter before they come to a decision on any disciplinary action.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Patricia Ann Petrikin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Petrikin of Blackthorne Road, Wallingford, was given a surprise shower by Mrs. Thomas Lynch and Mrs. Arthur Cardwell. Miss Petrikin is to wed 2nd Lt. John Donald Humphreys Jr. of Garden City this month.Chester Patrolman William Hamilton 30, of 611 Norris St., broke a toe in his right foot when he stumbled getting into a police cruiser. He was treated at Chester Hospital.A burglar who broke into the Food Fair on West Ninth St., Chester, escaped with cigarettes, meat and ladies stockings but did not go near a safe in the office. Walter Howie of Brookhaven, manager of the store, said the robbery was discovered by Joseph Cudd and Joseph Damer, both of Upland, both store employees.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

Stephen King has been elected president of the Northley Junior High School Band in Aston. Amy Maroney is vice president and James Vershinski is student conductor.Five Delaware County men, all members of Local 542 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, have been cleared of mail fraud in connection with charges they pocketed $9,000 earmarked for their unemployed brothers in the union. A federal jury decided their fate.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Bruce Edward Costa of Prospect Park graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. He is an Interboro High School graduate.

--- LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,

or call (610) 565-4298

Other Times --- Nov. 3

Records from 100 years ago are temporarily unavailable.

In their place 110 years ago items are being used.

110 YEARS AGO — 1898

Thomas Alexander of Chester, the newly appointed porter at the B&O Railroad Station in Chester, has passed the usual physical examination. Moyamensing Hook & Ladder Co., Chester, is having cellar windows placed in the sides of their house at Ninth and Potter streets, to ventilate and give light to the basement.Rhodes Brothers’ West Branch in Rockdale suspended operations at the mill while a cofferdam was being built across the race.

75 YEARS AGO – 1933

Chester Mayor William Ward Jr. has ordered city patrolmen to the bridge that spans the Pennsylvania Railroad on Concord Avenue between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to check the number of vehicles crossing the bridge during that period. The purpose of the check is for compiling information to be used at an appearance before the Public Service Commission in an effort to secure a new span to replace the present one.A truck driver was bound hand and foot by bandits who left him to drown in a rising tide in the Tinicum mud flats. The driver who crawled to safety was driving a truck loaded with $15,000 worth of tobacco and candy. The truck is still missing.

50 YEARS AGO – 1958

Capt. Frank Turner, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Delaplaine Turner of Mount Alverno Road, Middletown, received the insignia of his present rank at Fort Gordon, Ga. His wife is the former Rita McNeal of Ridley Park. They now live in Augusta, GaRaymond Lord, 1033 Woodside Ave. Upland, has been named general chairman of the annual bazaar of the Upland Baptist Church.For the fourth straight Sunday the Bargain City Store in Woodlyn, Ridley Township, has been charged with selling items on Sunday in violation of the state Blue Laws. Isadore Klitzman is store manager.

25 YEARS AGO – 1983

A group of Upper Providence residents told state Game Commission representatives they will seek an injunction to prevent the upcoming deer hunt in Ridley Creek State Park. Residents want to limit the area of hunting, change the hours of the hunt and want more patrols on duty to watch over the hunt.Ridley Park Presbyterian Church is having a Christmas Bazaar at the church that features many items sale. Lunch is available for shoppers.

10 YEARS AGO – 1998

Bob and Nora O’Connor of Brookhaven celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a luncheon in their honor at Hennessy’s Restaurant in Prospect Park. The luncheon was given by their children.

— LEN CASTERLINE

To contact Len Casterline,