Old
CHESTER
in Delaware County, PA

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ALAN FERGUSON
SRES, Realtor®

Chester High School - Class of '62

Media Office 
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10 Newest Entries:
[Go to newest posting]

Harvey Martin
11/4/2009 3:31:25 PM
Upland Normal Institute


Harvey Martin
11/2/2009 1:02:19 PM
Alix Combole & Orch


Harvey Martin
11/2/2009 6:22:49 AM
Chester Schools Needed


Harvey Martin
10/31/2009 1:54:30 PM
Lazaretto - It Guarded Our Shores


Harvey Martin
10/28/2009 4:37:55 AM
John Francis DeSwan


Harvey Martin
10/27/2009 6:18:04 AM
Prospect Park - 1950


Harvey Martin
10/26/2009 6:00:35 PM
Moya Miniatures 6-14-1948


Harvey Martin
10/26/2009 4:53:37 PM
Turkey Day 1950


Harvey Martin
10/26/2009 7:34:17 AM
H. H. Ward - 1955


Harvey Martin
10/25/2009 8:18:48 PM
May Market 1947


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Most recent postings:

Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 11/4/2009 3:31:25 PM

Subject: Upland Normal Institute

Comments:

From 1859 to the beginning of the Civil War, this was known as Upland Normal Institute. The enlistment of students disrupted classes, and during the war the empty building was converted into a Union Hospital. After the Gettysburg battle, wounded confederate soldiers were interned there. It later became Crozer Theological Seminary ~Martin Luther King Jr. attended there in the late 1940's.
 
 


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 11/2/2009 1:02:19 PM

Subject: Alix Combole & Orch

Comments:

Alix Combelle And His Swing Band Nerves And Fever  (1940) 
Alix Combelle And His Swing Band I Can't Give You Anything But Love  (1937) 
Alix Combelle And His Swing Band   Joyeuse Fumee (holy Smoke)  (1940) 
Alix Combelle Et Son Orchestre   Exactly Like You  (1937) 
Alix Combelle Et Son Orchestre   Crazy Rhythm  (1935) 
Alix Combelle Accompagné Par Ray Stokes (piano) Et Pierre Fouad (batterie)  Alix Combelle Don't Get Tired  (n) 
Alix Combelle Et Son Orchestre   The Sheik Of Araby  (1935) 


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 11/2/2009 6:22:49 AM

Subject: Chester Schools Needed

Comments:

6-17-49
PUPILS, PUPILS EVERYWHERE—Chester High School, shown here from the 8th and Fulton sts. side, is housing some 2000 students in grades nine to 12, overtaxing the building facilities. The government consulting service survey advises that early in the 25-year program the high school should drop the ninth grade and have only three high school grades.


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/31/2009 1:54:30 PM

Subject: Lazaretto - It Guarded Our Shores

Comments:


Lazaretto: It Guarded Our Shores
By ARDEN SKIDMORE
Dally Times Staff Writer
 

TINICUM - 5-15-1965

It's believed to have been America's first quarantine station. It protected hundreds of lives in the 138 years it operated at two sites along the Delaware River. Through acquisition of one site in the early 1740s, the state for the first time became owners of Negro slaves.

World War I pilots were trained there at a pioneer seaplane base. Their senior flight instructor was Col. William C. Ocker called the nation's "father of blind flying."

SUCH IS the record of the Lazaretto Quarantine Station, established in 1742 by the Province of Pennsylvania to protect Philadelphia from contagious diseases carried aboard inbound ships.

The first Lazaretto Quarantine Station was near historic Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia. It was also known as The Marine Hospital of the Port of Philadelphia. It was moved to Essington in 1800 when a yellow fever scourge alarmed Philadelphians. Ownership was transferred from the state to the City of Philadelphia.

The station remained there for 80 years. In the late 1800s the quarantine operations were taken over by the federal government and are now conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service with offices at Delaware Ave. and Market St. Marcus Hook.

OF THE ONCE – sprawling quarantine complex here, all that remains is the main building, one block house, the old physicians' building — now a clubhouse for the Riverside Yacht Club —and two small brick buildings. They are at the foot of Wanamaker Avenue, between 2nd Street and the Delaware River.

 

The main building — The Lazaretto — is a handsome three story brick structure of traditional Georgian design. It serves as the headquarters of the 50-year-old Philadelphia Seaplane Base and as a home for the base's operators and the property's owners.

They are C. Robert and J. William Mills, who with their families live in separate two-story wings of the 28-room building. A third brother, Frank Mills of New Jersey has an apartment in the building.

THE MILLS' father, the late Frank Mills, a pioneer civilian flyer, purchased the 11.32 acre property in 1937 from Philadelphia for $10,500, through a newspaper advertisement.

Not long after the purchase, approximately one acre and the old physicians' residence was sold to the Riverside Yacht Club which remodeled it into a clubhouse. The main building's appearance hasn't changed much from the day it was built. A porch runs the full length of the building's front. Several dormer windows dot the roofline. Some of the building's original 28 fireplaces—one for each room—have been, blocked up, however.

ALTHOUGH the Mills have spent large sums of money for upkeep, visitors often are critical of what they say is neglect of the historic landmark. Robert Mills replies: "It may not be used to the best of its potential, but it's our life.

"Everybody with common sense said we should have torn it down. My father spent every cent he had fixing it up." Despite the obscurity into which it has fallen, Robert Mills said many people still telephone to inquire about The Lazaretto. The property has been mentioned as a possible state Project 70 recreation area. Robert Mills doesn't like the idea.

"I'm for preserving open space. I voted for Project 73, but this is our livelihood." He also contends th« proposed route of the Delaware Expressway (Interstate 95) and the proposed new jet runway for Philadelphia International Airport are threatening not only the Lazaretto but the entire Tinicum harbor.

NO HISTORICAL marker is on the property to indicate its rich past. The area west of the Lazaretto property is where once stood Fort Gotlenburg, Printz Hall, the church, graveyard and other buildings in the Swedish settlement of Prinlzdorf, founded in 1643 by Gov. John Printz but it was early German inhabitants who were instrumental in getting the quarantine station established.

Early in 1742, they presented a petition to Gov. George Thomas complaining that "for want of a convenient house for the reception of such of their country-men as on their arrival here labored under diseases contracted in a long voyage, they were obliged to continue on board the ships which brought them, where they could get neither attendance or conveniences suitable to their condition, from whence many have lost their lives."

The governor immediately recommended the erection of a building at public expense "not only to accommodate such as shall arrive hereafter under the same circumstances, but to prevent the future importation of diseases into this city, which has more than once felt the bad effects of them."

FISHER'S ISLAND, containing 342 acres, some buildings and several Negro slaves, was purchased by the state for $1,700. Historians say this probably was the first occasion in which the state became owner of slaves. Six acres of land nearest the river were used for the quarantine station. In 1750 a number of new buildings were built.

In 1775, Dr. Benjamin Rush—destined to become one of the great figures in the growth of U.S. medicine — was instrumental in getting sick or wounded crewmen of Pennsylvania's armed boats furnished with provisions, drink and wash at the Lazaretto.  In 1777, a steward was appointed to the quarantine station on an allowance of $26 per month.  By 1794 there was a mounting interest in public health.

WITH GOV. THOMAS Mifflin taking an active role, a general health law was passed which led to an expanded quarantine station staff. A health officer, a consulting physician, and a resident physician ail saw duty at the Lazaretto.

"The Board of Health" created by an act of the General Assembly had the power to levy a hospital tax and even borrow money and other needful things. On Aug. 7, 1799, the board of health of Philadelphia purchased the Essington site for $2,000 from Morris and Reuben Smith.  Robert Mills has a copy of the 1799 transaction. On Nov. 21, 1799, the U.S. government bought from John and Mary Taylor the adjoining six acre property to the west of the Lazaretto and used it as a wharf and warehouse. It is now owned by John Bosacco and is called the Governor Printz Marina.

BOTH THE SMITH and Taylor land titles came down through Swedish grants, according to Guy C. Bell, a title company official. "It is interesting to note that the Taylors, who made the conveyance in 1799, and their predecessors. . . had been in title since Feb. 2, 1683, when Christopher Taylor bought from De LaGrange, who had acquired the title to Tinicum Island through Governor Printz's heirs." Once the land had been acquired in 1799, buildings were quickly erected at Essington. Quarantine operations were established early in 1801.

A BREACH OF quarantine caused some excitement in 1804. John Ferguson, skipper of the schooner "Monongahela Farmer," had permitted 32 people to go ashore while undergoing quarantine but efforts to indict failed.

There were angry words again in 1824.  A man dangerously ill with smallpox landed from an oyster boat in Chester where citizens sent him to Lazaretto in a market wagon. While waiting to be admitted, the man asked for a drink of water, then fell dead in the market wagon.  Philadelphia newspapers bitterly attacked Chester for the act.

A MAJOR TRAGEDY struck in 1870. A ship loaded with logwood arrived from Black River, Jamaica. Its captain had died and was buried at sea. While undergoing fumigation, canal boats were sent from Philadelphia to remove the logwood. An unidentified woman and baby on one of these canal boats sickened and died. It was pronounced yellow fever. Filthy rags were taken ashore and burned.

On Friday July 1, 1870, Ann Eliza Enos and Ann Sharp were stricken at a Tinicum hotel operated by Jacob Pepper. They died within a week. Pepper also died. By August 13 the scourge had killed 10 people, including Dr. William S. Thompson, The Lazaretto physician; Robert Gartside, the quarantine master, and Mrs. Mary Gartsell, a quarantine nurse for 15 years.

A great cry went up to have the quarantine station moved to I Little Tinicum Island in the middle of the Delaware River. A petition with the signatures of 1,000 Delaware County residents was presented to the state legislature in 1871 seeking action.

Gov. John White Geary even paid a personal visit to the station. But the so-called removalists were beaten at every turn in the legislature.  Their strong stand, however, is said to have been a factor in the station's shift farther downthe river—to Marcus Hook —within a decade.

MANY OF its doctors and surgeons were notable names in early Delaware County medicine The daughter of Dr. Jesse W. Griffiths, one of The Lazaretto physicians, married the Rev. Mark R. Watkinson, whose plea led to the motto "In God We Trust" being placed on U.S. Coins.

The road which led to The Lazaretto from Mr. Watkinson's church in Prospect Park was called The Lazaretto Road. It is now Lincoln Avenue. A painting of the Lazaretto hangs in the neighborhood room of the Atwater Kent Museum at 15 S. 7th St., Philadelphia.

BY THE TURN of the 20th Century and the removal of the quarantine station, the Tinicum harbor had become a teeming pleasure resort area. The Philadelphia Athletic Club was at The Lazaretto, called "The Orchard." The Philadelphia and the Corinthian Yacht Clubs were eslablished.

The Philadelphia Yacht Club

The Corinthian Yacht Club

THE AVIATION PHASE of Lazaretto was a colorful one About 1913, the site became a civilian flying school catering mostly to rich men's sons. Called the Essinglon School of Flying, it was operated by Col. Robert C. Glendinning and George C. Thomas on a lease arrangement with the City of Philadelphia. The two men had about six planes. The late Joseph N. Pew Jr., son of the founder of Sun Oil Co., learned to fly there.

By authorization of Congress in 1916, the Essington Seaplane Base became one of two squadrons designated to protect the eastern U.S. from the growing war threat. The Lazaretto was the main barracks and the base was known as Chambers Field. It was operated by the Army Signal Corps.

When war came the Essington group became the 45th and 143rd Aero Squadrons. The men trained at Essington then were transferred to Gerstner Field near Lake Charles, La.

 COL. WILLIAM C. OCKER, called the
the father of blind flying," was honored
by World War I seaplane pilots he
trained at Essington.
Memorial (below) is in the U. S. Air
Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
 
THE SENIOR flight instructor was Col. William C. Ocker, a famous pioneer military pilot who was credited with the development of many of the advances in instrument flying.  Calling him an "early exponent of the theory, concept and applicability of Wind flight," the Air Force said Col. Ocker "personally pioneered the design and formative development of a preflight reflex trainer, which ultimately became on indispensable factor in the pilot trainingprogram." Col. Ocker died in 1942 at 66.
 
 
 A man who remembers Col. Ocker is Charles Showell, 75 a handyman at the Corinthian Yacht Club for many years Showell was the private attendant to Col. Lewis E. Goodier Jr., commanding officer at the Essington base.

IN 1936, the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks learned Philadelphia was considering selling the Lazaretto. The society made a strong bid to preserve the site as a home for sick children. The late Col. James A. G. Campbell of Chester joined in the effort as president of the Delaware County Historical Society Campbell, who had often visited the Lazaretto when it was in operation, made a plea to the Delaware County commissioners to waive taxes on the property but efforts failed and in 1937 Mills bought the property.



Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/28/2009 4:37:55 AM

Subject: John Francis DeSwan

Comments:

JOHN FRANCIS DESWAN, 73-year-old Congressional Medal of Honor
winner, is pictured above wearing his medal while his granddaughter,
 Norma Jones, age 11, holds his Silver Star. The cavalry veteran now
lives in Green Ridge.
 
This Veteran of Four Wars
Holds Nation's Top Honors
By HARRY MAITLAND
2/1/1949
 
"Old soldiers never die ..."
The old soldier in this case Is 73-year-old John Francis DeSwan presently of 20 Neeld lane, Green Ridge, holder of both the highly prized Congressional Medal of Honor and the Silver Star, he is easily one of the most colorful heroes ever to live in Delaware County.
 
He lived through history in the making. Combat fighting in the Spanish-American War; the Philippine Insurrection, and the Mexican Campaign plus service during World War I heads some of his varied activities.

The white-haired, veteran cavalryman had just risen from a noon nap when Interviewed and sheepishly viewed the reporters proposal. After waking fully, the aged warrior unraveled a story that would enchant many. His experiences, backed by war department documents, cover a glorious period in American history. 

Born, January 13, 1876, in West Philadelphia, DeSwan became a star baseball player and crack member of the cadet corps while attending Girard College.  For a short time after graduation, he worked in the employ of a tobacco expert-import firm.  A yen for more baseball and the adventures of the open road beckoned and he was unable to resist. The 17-year-old youngster was guaranteed plenty of basebaIl by the Army recruiting officer.
 
As a sergeant five years later, DeSwan received the nation's highest military award for exemplary action during the battle for El Poso Hill, outside of Santiago. His citation from Secretary of War, Dwight Davis, by order of President William McKinley. reads, "For distinguished bravery in the battle of Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1898 in rescuing two wounded men from in front of the lines while under heavy fire of the enemy."
 
The complete action was far more touching than is told by the few terse words of the War Department release. It was a story of sheer human courage.

Moving ashore as a member of the 21st infantry regiment, in one of the first waves to hit San Juan Hill, DeSwan witnessed one of the bloodiest battles recorded in the history annals.  San Juan was taken and the American units moved on to capture the next objective—El Poso. The entire engagement lasted nearly 13 days with three days of "really bitter fighting" according to DeSwan.

"We of the 21st, combined with the 2nd inf. regt. to continue the advance on well-fortified El Poso.  Our units moved forward and just crept over the crest of the hill when a fierce counter-attack let loose. The barrage caused us to retreat for shelter back down the hill.  After reaching cover. I noticed that two of our boys were missing.  "Joe May from Canada, and Tommie Tomkins, an English boy, we knew were not able to make it back over the hill top.

Three volunteers and I left to recover the men. Tompkins died before we could get him back and May died of his wounds shortly after being returned to our lines.  A few days later the siege of Santiago was completed and the Spaniards surrendered. Soon after, I took sick with typhoid and malaria."

He was returned to his home on sick furlough and gradually regained his health against high odds. Months later he was back at active duty and within a year was on the other side of the world when Federal troops were used to quell the uprising factions in the Philippine Insurrection. It was a two-fold battle. Some jungle fighting was against native guerrilla forces while major battles were waged with heavily-armed units toward the end of hostilities.  The 21st infantry took part in the Cavite, Morong. Paete, Tayabas, Coloma and Lake Taal campaigns.
 
During peacetime in the Philippines DeSwan was able to get around to his promised baseball and was able to transfer back into a cavalry group: He became a member of the 13th cavalry regiment and remained with it until his retirement. DeSwan played first base and shortstop for the "old 13th" in the Manila League. The team copped the pennant one year and never finished lower than second place. "Most trouble came from those Marines," related DeSwan, "They were redhot ball players."

Baseball formed a major portion of the entertainment of the troops and was handled on a large scale. The parks equalled any in the States during that era. Large attendances were registered and half the gate receipts were split among the players and half went to the regiment funds. Many big-league stars of the times visited the islands and held exhibition games with the service stars.

A tour of duty within the U. S. enabled DeSwan to receive the Silver Star. The southwest section 01 the country was terrorized by the plundering of a band of Mexicans under the famed desperado, Pancho Villa.  News reached the post at Columbus, N. Mex., that Villa was heading their way. The post was under siege and the officers' dependents were in a dangerous position of being captured. DeSwan was able to save the dependent group from the throes of the ralders through his quick-wit and removed them from the danger area. The action occurred March 9, 1916 and warranted the Silver Star from the war department.

In the period of service, DeSwan twice was commissioned on officer, once with temporary status and finally as a first lieutenant with permanent status. He received this promotion and commission during World War I while serving as a technical instructor for cavalry combat. When eligible for retiremcnt he finished his final "hitch" and was discharged as an officer. The next day he reenlisted once more in his old outfit, "the 13th," and applied for retirement as a first sergeant. The pension rate, as top sergeant, was far higher than that of a first lieutenant.

The final mustering-out services were held for the old soldier in July, 1920, at Ft. Clark, Tex. A special notation by Maj. Gen. P. V. Coleman was added to his orders for discharge. It read: "Ist/-sgt. DeSwan takes with him in his retirement the best wishes of all officers and men of the 13th Cavalry with which he served so faithfully and long." Gen. Coleman later became head of the Old Soldiers' Home in Washington, D. C.  "That's where I'd be now if it wasn't for my family," DeSwan opinioned.

It is very unique in that DeSwan can tell of his exploits.  The majority of Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously.  Up until July 1, 1948, only 2116 have ever been presented.  Thirty were awarded during the War with Spain. A total of 292 were awarded during World War II.

The urge for saddles, reins and stirrups bested him and prompted him to  accept a position as instructor of horsemanship at Pennsylvania Military College during the school year 1920-21. He became a close friend of Charles E. Hyatt, then president of PMC and father of the present school head Col. Frank K. Hyatt.
 
During World War II. DeSwan worked at Cramp's Shipyard in the inventory section as his contribution to the war effort.

Residing now with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Jones, he busies himself with the daily activities of the small community. Another daughter, Mrs. Nina Edwards, lives in Philadelphia.

Recently he joined the Green Ridge American Legion Post and is a real favorite with all members as "a soldier's soldier."  In fair weather, the elderly gentleman wheels his granddaughter, Nina, age two, around the village in order to pass time and gain exercise.

DeSwan is thankful that he was ne\ver wounded in any skirmishes and is proud of the fact, "that less than a hundred people have ever seen my medals during all the time I have had them."


 
 


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/27/2009 6:18:04 AM

Subject: Prospect Park - 1950

Comments:

SHOWN AFTER ATTENDING THEIR BACCALAUREATE are the
members of the Class of 1950, Prospect Park High School.
 
In the front row, reading from left to right, are: Dorothy Stahosky,
Dorothy Field, Elizabeth Griffith, Anna Burnett, Marent-Graddock,
Marie Dougherty, Roberta Miles, Edith Bradford and Viola Hewitt.
 
Second row Eleanor Meckley, Muriel Richmond, Norma Trump, Lorene
King, Edith Bradfield, Barbara Adams. Lillian Barder, Norma Burnham.

Third row—William Palmer, Robert Calder, Raymond Sheppard,
Robert Jackson, Harris Meisel, Richard Worley, Mary Bryant.
 
Fourth row—William Herbert, William Walls, Palmer Hoffman, Mason
Ashby Fred Coffman, Robert Tapper and Charles Stith.
 
Back row—William Wilson, Jack Fleenor, George Franklin, Robert
Hagerty, Richard Nelson, Robert Janick and Robert Waddell.
 
Also graduating but not in the picture are William Burton, Leonard
Edge, Stanford Nagle, Donald Riggins, William Shannon, Donald
Wright, Donald Hetzner, Joan Biester, Nancy Naef, Margaret Rhodes,
Geraldine Woznicki and Joan Fisher.


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/26/2009 6:00:35 PM

Subject: Moya Miniatures 6-14-1948

Comments:

6-14-1948 MOYA MINIATURES—Six miniature firemen—sons of Moya members, led off the parade. The boys are pictured above with a model steamer, drawn by ponies. On the seat with the driver is four-year-old Walter Garrett. Standing along side, left to right, are: Walter Sammons, nine; William Owens, Jr., seven; John Dooley, Jr., 12. Standing in the rear are Jackie Berry, nine, at left; and Ralph Worrilow,
eight, at right.
 
 


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/26/2009 4:53:37 PM

Subject: Turkey Day 1950

Comments:

START OF A VAST MEAL—November 1950 - Jack W. Coopersmith is shown launching several hundred orphaned and needy kids on a great Thanksgiving feast. The president of the Great Leopard Super Markets is shown getting his knife in one of the 75 birds—about 2000 pounds of turkey—which disappeared with the youngsters as they are gathered around the board at the Great Leopard Market.
 
 


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/26/2009 7:34:17 AM

Subject: H. H. Ward - 1955

Comments:

H. H. WARD CO - 1955
4th & Engle Sts.
Chester, Pa.
Sheet Metal and Plate
Fabricators
Complete Machine Shop
and Welding Facilities
Phone Chester 3-7236


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/25/2009 8:18:48 PM

Subject: May Market 1947

Comments:

5-24-1947
MAY MARKET IS SUCCESS—Thousands attended the twenty-fifth annual May Market sponsored
by the Chester Hospital oh Friday. The weather, was warm, the sun was
bright, and children of all ages had an enjoyable time.. The photo at top left shows
Mrs. Charles Rankin, a recent bride from England, holding the multi-colored balloons
while Mary Ellen English and Bobby Springer look over the assortment. At top right,
the pony cart provides the younger set with a little fun. Left to right in the cart are
Maria Shippani, Nancy Stewart, Janice Mantz, Richard Thornton, Susan Morton, and
Patricia Ann Bailey. At the bottom, left photo, a small girl watches the small merry-go-round as her playmate rides and she holds her balloon. At the bottom right, one of the most visited booths during tha day was the lemon stick booth. Here Elinor Irving is shown presenting a lemon stick to Frances Brown, age 4, while her sister, Ann, age 5, looks on.
 


Name: Dave Andrews

Residing:  

Time: 10/25/2009 1:44:25 AM

Subject: Reunion

Comments:

Pat, Thanks for the info on the OCP Reunion. We had other plans for the day,so we could not go and the weather was horrible.I know some people who had been to every reunion that John ran and did not know of this until I told them two days ago.I learned of it on WHAT'S NEW page on OCP.


Name: Pat shropshire bennett

Residing: Claymont DE

Time: 10/24/2009 7:47:25 PM

Subject: OCR

Comments:

Went to the Old Chester Reunion today -very nice considering it was put together within two months. They were invited back for next year - we were there around 2 - not many people there but the ones who were enjoyed it. Hopefully, as the afternoon went on they had a big turnout - it poured rain so that probably kept a lot of people at home. The vintage car show was cancelled I'm assuming because of the weather - enjoyed it - hopefully, next year there will be more exhibitors.


Name: Dave Andrews

Residing:  

Time: 10/24/2009 7:05:15 PM

Subject: OCP

Comments:

Did any one attend the OCP reunion today?


Name: Dave Andrews

Residing:  

Time: 10/24/2009 7:00:32 PM

Subject: OCP

Comments:


Name: Pat shropshire bennett

Residing: Claymont, de

Time: 10/23/2009 9:18:46 PM

Subject: CHS 68

Comments:

You're right Mary Lou - that was awful when the high school burned down - split up our class but I remember going to the basketball game at the voc that night where we all chanted "the school is gone but the soul lives on" - I don't remember hearing if they ever found out who or what started that fire.


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/22/2009 8:04:48 PM

Subject: Village Green Hotel

Comments:

Village Green Hotel
William H. Twaddell
Notice the sign on the front of the balcony.
 
 3-20-1916
Mr. nnd Mrs. William H. Twaddell, Sr., celebrated the flftieth anniversary of their marriage at their pretty home in Central Bethel on the afternoon of the thirteenth. Guests were present from many points in both this State and Delaware. The decorations were gold and white. The dining-room was especially attractive, where everyone present enjoyed a delicious menu. A large and prettily decorated wedding cake occupied the center of the dining table. Everyone present had a very pleasant time, and showered the bride and groom of 50 years ago with best wishes and congratulations.
 
Mr. and. Mrs. Twaddell were the recipients of many pretty and expensive gifts, but the most substantial was $86 in gold.  They have three daughters and four sons and 24 grandchildren.
 
 
 


Name: Mary Lou Jones prendergast

Residing: Lancaster,Pa 17603

Time: 10/21/2009 5:01:30 PM

Subject: chs

Comments:

I'm amember of the class of 68. Often wonder if they ever found out who started the fire. Still to this day remember how sad it was to see the school burning.


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/20/2009 9:35:15 PM

Subject: CHS Tower Demolished

Comments:

By FRANK GALEY
Daily Times Staff Writer
1-18-1968
 
WRECKER DEMOLISHES 'REVERED' LANDMARK
 
CHESTER - A Chester landmark began disappearing Wednesday after overlooking this city for almost 70 years.
 
Wreckers began removing — stone by stone — Chester High School's graystone tower, constructed when the school's oldest section was built in 1902.
 
The demolition was expected to be completed today.  The tower was extensively damaged Jan. 9 in an estimated $l-million general alarm fire which left most of the high school useless.
 
ALTHOUGH its castle-like parapets remained standing after the blaze, Fire Chief Joseph Landino said its structure was rendered unsound and recommended that it be taken down.
 
Even though it was dismantled piece by piece, Landino said, the tower was so weak that workers had trouble keeping it from crumbling into the main part of the school.
 
Demolition is being conducted by Headley Rigging and Crane Service Inc. of Chester, which has been removing debris from the burned - out school since last week.
 
AT THE height of' the spectacular blaze, the burning tower at a distance resembled an industrial gas flare.  On Wednesday, with almost half of it in pieces on the ground, the tower looked as if it had been hit by an artillery shell.
 
"It was quite heartbreaking," said Schools Supt. John J. Vaul.  "I'm sure that many people who have lived in Chester over .the years have revered that tower, as I have."
 
LANDINO, who said Tuesday the fire was "definitely arson," could report no progress in the search for suspects, He said the investigation should move more rapidly next week, after city and state authorities meet Monday morning to discuss the case.
 
Landino said he has received expressions of regret from Chester High graduates throughout the country about the fire.  He said one woman wrote from Connecticut. "Many people have been expressing their concern," Vaul said. "It's very disheartening to know that anyone would attempt to burn down the only high school that we have in Chester," Vaul said.
 
THE BLAZE left the city's 2,000 high school students schoolless for almost a week and forced the district to schedule them on half-day sessions in the junior highs — a situation that is likely to remain in effect until the school board builds a new school.
 
Landino said he has had trouble locating photographs of the high school tower before the fire — adding, "We have plenty after the fire."  "Everybody took it for granted. It was there,"  Landino said of the school.  "Nobody thought the school meant anything before the fire."


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/17/2009 3:40:11 PM

Subject: Sun Village Reunion Photos

Comments:

Sun Village Reunion
Rita Socash, John & Pat Whitby
 
                                  Lou & Jan Soscia
 
In the center Marion Crist Altemus
 
In the center Al Altemus


Name: Frank D

Residing:  

Time: 10/17/2009 10:24:17 AM

Subject: hanley

Comments:

Hi Harvey. I doubt there's anybody left who ever saw those horses in person, but I remember my mother mentioning them. They were a big attraction in their time. Good postcard too, even if they spelled Hanley wrong. Anyway, keep the stuff coming. I for one appreciate your efforts to keep the site alive. I check in at least one a day. Thanks, Frank D


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/17/2009 6:10:58 AM

Subject: Chester Times 1910

Comments:

Chester, Pa.
The Gateway to the Seas


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/17/2009 5:19:27 AM

Subject: Hanley Horses

Comments:

Do you remember?
The Hanley milk white horses?


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/16/2009 6:24:56 AM

Subject: Hanley Hose Company

Comments:

Hanley Hose Company


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/15/2009 10:52:58 AM

Subject: Radio Park 8-14-1948

Comments:

Radio Park
8-14-1948


Name: Harvey Martin

Residing: Parkside

Time: 10/15/2009 6:59:12 AM

Subject: Old St. Paul's Church

Comments:

Old St. Paul's Church
Built in 1703


[1/128]

 

Chester Rural Cemetery Association, Upland Ave., Chester, PA

Cullis Memorials, Brookhaven, PA

Media Cemetery Company, Media, PA

Minshall-Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Ltd., Media, PA
Minshall-Shropshire-Bleyler
Funeral Home, Ltd.
Media, PA

Alfonso Sanbe Construction Co., Chester, PA 610-872-4455

Fall 2005 Reunion
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OldChesterPa
Classified Ads

For Sale

VINTAGE RECORDS
Over 200 records from the 1940's to 1970's. 33 1/3 ; 45; 
78 . Classical, Gospel, Christmas, Pop, Walt Disney, original Broadway sound 
Tracts Prefer to sell in lots, reasonable, customer must be local and pick up records. For appointment contact Martha, 610-876-6764 or e-mail here.
BOY SCOUT MEMORABILIA
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or Email here

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Looking for People

Robert Vaughan, former music director in the Chester-Upland School District is presently compiling information regarding students who continued in the field of music.
Please email him here or send a short resume of your career to: 821 Lakeport Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748.
Place your ad Rates: $10 one month, $25 per quarter, or $100 for a full year.

 

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