Old Chester, PA: Guest Book entries January 2002
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The DeJohn Sisters didn't know it at the time, but they inspired the Bonnie Sisters ("Cry Baby") to seek a recording career. After hearing the DeJohn's "No More" on radio the music bug struck the Bonnie's. On February 12, 1955, the DeJohn Sisters' ("My Baby Don't Love Me) No More" soared to the #6 position on Billboards Pop 100 chart. Dux and Julie DeGiovanni wrote the song with brother, Leo; the Giovanni's changed their surname to DeJohn for professional reasons.... Dux and Julie became fascinated with singing while working at Sears & Roebuck, shunning careers at their parents dry cleaning business. Instead, they wanted to sing, become rich, and emulate the success of fellow Chester natives, the Four Aces. .. Andrew Hamilton All-Music Guide.
Apparently you can still buy this album... Complete DeJohn Sisters DeJohn Sisters Genre: Vocals Label: Collectables® Records Item Number: COL6663 Item UPC: 090431666326 Release Date: January 30, 2001 Number of Discs: 1 Available on Audio CD - Status: Available Your Price: $12.25 Retail Price: $14.97 You Save: $2.72 (18%) Description: Vocalists in the tradition of the Andrews Sisters, The DeJohn Sisters hailed from Chester, Pennsylvania, and followed the Four Aces, another Chester group, to stardom. This compilation includes all their work for Columbia/Epic in the mid-‘50s, and is the only CD available by the DeJohn’s available in the USA. Among the treasures included are “The Angel Passed By”, as well as their best-known song “”My Baby Don’t Love Me No More”.
For Chester Music Buffs:
came across a old piece of sheet music. the song is "(my baby don't love me) NO MORE..copyright 1954. the cover has the beautiful faces of Julie DeJohn and Dux DeJohn. The song was not only recorder by the DeJOHN sisters on Epic record No. 5-9085 but they wrote the lyrics. The music was by Leo J. DeJOHN. The sheet music only cost 50 cents back then.
I think they were from the St. Anthonys section of town.
Well now we going on about that fantastic hoagie shop at 9th and Keystone Road - and it has to be known (and I can't believe this) that it has been over 50 years since I lived there, and it's hard to remember exactly, but this I would swear to: I don't think there is anyway those two different business could have merged into one because they were on different parts of that slope. It was not one building with two levels. It's almost as though that slope was dug out on the opposite side to make space for that hoagie shop.
Oh me, at my age, I could be wrong, but I really don't think so. Will somebody out there drive by that location and let us know. Keystone Road from 9th St. swerved to the right with homes higher up, and directly on the left was the slope with the two stores I mentioned. My cousin Hugh still lives in Chester, and if we don't get an answer, I'll ask him to take a little trip over there. I'm really curious again - this Board just gets me curiouser and curiouser about so many things. The correct spelling of Stotters, escaped me years ago, so sorry about that.
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Well I was just thinking about a drugstore called Bomberger's in Chester. I know that when I was small, my grandfather got this horrible liquid stuff for his diabetes and my grandmother got these little squares of something for her arthritus. they never went to the dr. just there. Does anyone else know about Bombergers. Any one out there that was in the Goodwill Firehouse minstrels? It was quite a few years ago.
Pattie, as Joe Rollo says I must have spelled it Stoddards, when it should be Stotters. I don't know where I got that. That was Christmas , the way it should be. I loved the way it was back then. I remember every little thing my mother did to make it seem so real .We didn't get a ton of stuff just enough to make you love every minute of the day.In fact at my age it seems so real and I mean even the Easter Bunny
It sounds like the hoagie shop several people are referring to at 9th and Keystone was located in what eventually became Vesuvio's. I heard that it was once two separate stores but when Vesuvio's took over they had both the top and bottom portions of the building.
Patti, Check me on this, but I think you are calling the Stotter's Dept. store:Stoddard's.
TOM - Lou Warfel tells me that one of his sons and a friend of his son are the ones who opened up "Taste of Philadelphia" here in Phoenix. It was in an exclusive shopping center in one of the best parts of town - it was quite nice inside with booths, etc. and was packed at lunch time. But, I don't know the friend's last name. They even carried scrapple and TastyKakes. His son and his friend sold it a few years ago, and I guess the new owners let it fail. Let's face it, you got to be from Chester in order to sell the real thing. And, I just can't imagine the majority of people preferring a McDonald's, etc. junk food instead of a hoagie. Beats the living hell out of me. Lou just lost his wife a few weeks ago and we are waiting for him to get back into this site again. He can answer the question of the name of his son's buddy for you.
The hoagie shop I am referring to was part of Buckman Village and it faced on 9th Street on the south side of a slope - a drug store was definitely on the north side of the slope, but the way they sat, the drug store was higher - so I am assuming the hoagie shop was under the drug store - odd arrangement though now that I think of it. But we got our hoagies on the south and ice cream sundaes on the north - loved them both. Someone here said the hoagie shop I refer to was called "May's" - and I believe them. And, as I recall, the hoagie shop was tiny (I mean how much room can there be under a drug store)- no room for a pool table, and across the street was the ever popular beer garden - and no car wash close by - few cars to wash - they would have gone broke. I am talking about 1940 to 1950. And, Florence, you did it again - mentioned another store I completely forgot - Stoddards - good old Stoddards - loved it.
Just wanted to let all of you know that Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church, 3rd and Harwick is still a very active parish. I am very involved with the parish. We have celebrated our 90th anniversary several years ago, and since I was the Chairperson, I felt that it was the best anniversay the church has ever had. We still make pierogies and I am now a proud owner of a Eastern Europeon Cafe, which has all those Ukrainian dishes from pierogies, stuffed cabbage smoked Kiebasa and homemade sauerkraut, Halusky, fresh cheese crepes. You can find the Cafe at Booth's Corner farmers market in bethel. Our phone # is 610-485-1006. Hope to hear from you soon!!!
R.C. I do know about it. My husband and myself did a little flea marketing. I t was somewhat profitable for a while. Fosteria Ware is quite collectible. We have collected a lot of books trying to find out about things.I am more interested in dolls. Although I don't have too many.I remember when it was the day after Thanksgiving, and our Mother would get my sister and I and go downtown to Stoddards to see Santa Claus. It was quite a big event. It was great for kids Then Mother would lay away the toys she heard us ask Santa for.At one time per yr. I had a Shirley Temple,Sonia Henie,Gloria jean and etc.
To Patti: Do you remember the name of the people who owned that hoagie store in Pheonix? I had some friends that moved there years ago they're last name was Rossi. I use to hang at Mays Hoagie shop and play pool. I knew everybody that worked there and if they knew you they made you a gggggreat sandwich. It was next to the carwash and connected to Rubes Bar, if that is the place you are thinking of it was across from Bell Apparel, but it was not under a drug store. :)
CHS '62. Just found the site today. It's great. Thanks
TO RC: Yes, I am familiar with Fosteria Ware and those pieces you have are probably worth a lot more today. I am not familiar with Darr's (I've always been bad on the names of places anyway), but I did know Jimmie Grace. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of his leg, very sorry. And thanks to the other person who gave me the name of that little hoagie shop - May's - and your agreement that they were the best. Until this past summer, here in Phoenix, we had "A Taste of Philadelphia" which was an authentic Philadelphia hoagie shop and the people who started it were from Chester. Unfortunately, they closed and now I'll probably never have another real hoagie - or scrapple. Miss them both. Boo-Hoo.
To Pattie @ Florence: I do remembe Cooley Lilley's. I still have two shower gifts that came from there. they're a vase and nested ashtrays made of glass and I think the glass was called "Fostoria Ware". Do either of you remember that? Does anyone remember "Darr's" drug store at Third and Highland Also "Peter's" market on Highland around sixth? Jimmie Grace lost his leg there in a freak accident. So many memories!!
May's hoagie shop was at 9th and Keystone. They had the best baby hoagie in the world for 50 cents.
im: What a great flash back into time. When you mentioned your Dads funeral home for a moment I could see it. I know this is a stretch, but what group of our class did you go to the prom with. It seems to me that a remember the group I went with went in a big car. I did say it was a stretch. My Dad couldn't take us because he was down with malaria and I do remember a big car. Now who had big cars in those days. Only a undertaker. do you keep in touch with anyone from way back then or are you like the rest of us that life moved on during the busy years and now that we have time to look back we are. I do not remember the American Store on Reaney Street, but remember a pawn shop down that way. The reason I remember that was one of the kids in our class was going to sell there accordion there during one lunch break. It never happened but that introduced me to the pawn shop and what it was. although I play the accordion it was not me. I think everyone played the accordion back then.
Did we have the prom in our gym. or at CHS using their decoratated facility.
White Swan Cleaners. Yes that was the name. They had a truck that if I remember had a blue background with a white swan painted on and they would come around twice aweek for pickups and drop-offs. I think I remember the son was about my age working in there. I don't think he went to Dewey but I do believe his name was John.
To Florence. No, I don't think I knew her. Or, I don't remember.
To UW, No there was an American Store on third street between Yarnall&Reaney. More toward Yarnall. It was on the south side of Third. Almost right agross the street from my Dads funeral home.
Here's a definition and description of scarlet fever: http://my.webmd.com/content/asset/miller_keane_29691
Pattie I am thinking germs fly in the air or lay somewhere till someone touches them.Germs seem to lay on the top of the water anywhere.They could be on magazines,newspapers, library books. market handles, seats, anywhere.Park benches, even in the grass. I guess I did miss a lot of things because i am such a slow starter.
I don't know if those epidemics were confined to only part of the city or not. But the only place I swam (besides the YWCA) was Deshong Park and as I mentioned in an earlier post, after the second time I NEVER went back because it was so scummy - I hate to say this but there was human waste there. I can't imagine how those diseases hit so many children - not adults and where and how did we get them - the swimming holes seemed to make sense to me, and adults were not in those swimming places. Bud, as a baby, an older sibling might have had it and you caught it from them.
And Bud, thanks for the tip on my address book. I've done that and the problem is now solved. This bulletin board is so helpful.
And Florence, I absolutely loved Cooley Lilley's - so many beautiful things in there. Unfortunately, couldn't afford any until I grew up - now I have too many. one of my classmates from Rez married Fred Lilley. Besides Rogers and Weinbergs, Cooley Lilley's was my favorite store. Glad you mentioned that.
Does anyone know the name of the hoagie shop that was at the foot of Keystone Road and 9th, I believe. It was under the drug store which faced either Keystone or Pine Lane. The hoagie shop faced on 9th street - I believe they were on some type of a slope. For a quarter, I had the best sandwich in the world, I thought.
I believe it was called White Swan Cleaners and yes it was at 3ed and Wilson. They had the best water fountain when we'd get thirsty we'd run in and get a drink and if we had money we'd go across the street and get a snow cone.
By the way, I also had a cheesesteak at Phil and Jims. Talk about some good food, have'nt had one that good in quite a few years.
By the way, I also had a cheesesteak at Phil and Jims. Talk about some good food, have'nt had one that good in quite a few years.
Just decided to take a trip down memory lane yesterday and drive through Chester. I was really surprised, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Sure, there are some buildings that have to be torn down, and some of the younger men who hang out have to get jobs, but the town itself is really clean. Sooner or later some developer is going to come in and buy alot of land for rebuilding, if has'nt happened already.
In reference to the blissard of 66. I got a new flexible flyer for christmas that year, but there was only one catch. I was 9 years old and the sled was in the trunk of my neighbors car. So my mother told me there was a present in the trunk and if I wanted it I would have to go out and get it. The snow was up to my under arms. It took me what seemed like forever to get to the car and then dig the trunk out and that was about 10 at night, but I finally got my sled. The next day I was on the hill next to the community building in McCafferty Villaged, but the snow was to deep to use a flexible fly so we used trash can lids until it was packed down.
In reference to the Bufano's store and garage. Al Bufano and family are still local in Eddystone. He is either the son or grandson. I know his son Joe Bufano. I was at the minit matic carwash on Providence Rd. a couple of weeks ago and they have a bunch of old pictures on the wall. One I recognized was of Bufano's garage, so I ask Joe about it and he said it was either his grandfather or great grandfathers.
To: UW Was the Swan Cleaners on the corner of 3rd and Wilson?
Sorry about not signing in. One last memory for the day.
Do you remember the gym suits the girls wore at Dewey. Ugly...
Jim:
Not the American Store at 3rd and Highland. We were not allowed to go down that far. I don't think it was Johnny Kachubuns (sorry John can't remember how to spell your last name) bakery/candy store on third street or the ceramic factory next to Walter K's funeral home. The great thing about it tho was that after Halloween we had to go clean up the windows and the gals on the team usually did that - while the guys stood around holding the ladder where it was necessary. When I see windows painted these days I do remember the fun times we had.
Did Dewey have a school song? I know our colors were Blue and Gold.
Pattie, I was too young to go swimming anywhere, the only place I had been was down to Woodland Beach with my Grandparents.
To Jim. Her last name was Smalley
Pattie: To get your address book back the way you want it, bring up Outlook Express, click on "View" and select "sort by" and then click on "ascending". Also, my mother told me I had Diptheria when I was a baby, I was a baby in 1927 so I had not done any swimming then. Starting around 1937 or so I was swimming at Deshong Park, Chester Park, Irvings, "Coffee" in Ridley Creek and Leiper's Quarry and any other place where I could find water. I don't recall any sickness from any of them.
Bud - Yuma, AZ
To UW, On that painting, was it that grocery store named, "The American Store" located on third street just east and on the south side of third street??
To UW, yes, I remember the "Swan Cleaners" but, I forget where it was. I also remember Billy Lou Barnes. To Florence, What is Donna Jean's last name?
Five views of Chester. It's a drawing. It's a map. It's a bird's eye view. If I could figure out how I'd go back in there and do some more editing but I can't.
http://members.fortunecity.com/harveysmartin/ChesterPhotos/id6.html
I left Chester in 1949 to come to California. My husband, Dick Ronan, represented Southco, a subsidiary of South Chester Tube Co. My father, Michael Goder, was night watchman at the mill for may years. During my Chester years I lived on W. 7th St and latger on Keystone Rd in Buckman Village. I was a member of Resurrection Parish and graduated from Resurrection School and Immaculate Heart Business School. Hope to hear from anyone who might remembver me and my family
PS to my last post. I am serviced by Outlook Express and I sometimes wonder if these problems are caused by a competitor of Outlook. They are smart enough to do it and anything is possible in this money-grabbing world.
FLORENCE - you mentioned you had scarlet fever. Perhaps you were not participating in the board when I brought up the subject of that scarlet fever and diptheria epidemic in the mid-30's. I almost died from it and many children did. I asked readers who may have also had one of those diseases if they remembered swimming in any particular creek or public park pool, because I really think that's where those diseases started. Where did you swim, if you did, and do you remember the sanitation of that pool? Really interested in knowing.
As for these darn viruses, about 3-4 months ago, I picked up the Trojan virus and my computer has not been the same since. As a matter of fact, I took Bill's advice and put !001 at the top of my address list. I deleted a lot of material and installed the Norton Virus detector. Norton advised me it was the Trojan virus and because it was unable to delete it, I had it "quarenteed". My computer is a mess, and the strange thing is that !001 now appears at the bottom of my address book - somehow it was reversed alphabetically and I find that very interesting and annoying.
I plan to purchase a new computer but with these destructive viruses, it's a worry. Any idea how that list was reversed alphabetically? Appreciate any help. My computer is almost 5 years old.
another Chester business just came to mind. Pen-Del Real Estate They may have been in the Wolf building. I believe Mr. Feinberg was the owner, Mrs. Coombs, the Goldsteins.
Thanks Ed for the Worm alert. Although some of us virus scan even our Email daily, sometimes we forget to update our program to the most current. Recently put ZoneAlarm on my work computers plus I have an automatic daily update service, but sometimes things still get thru.
Is Joe related to you?
Edr is correct. Here's a site that tells about it: http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/myparty.shtml
New E-Mail Worm ALERT!!
I just found out there is a new e-mail worm out called My Party. Be on the lookout for any e-mail with the subject: new photos from my party. The e-mail will have a file attachment called: www.myparty.yahoo.com. DO NOT open the attachment, go to the website and read about this new worm from Asia. I received three e-mail containing this worm today from someone I did not recognize and decided to go to the web site before opening the attached file.
I can remember in the late 30's and early 40's that we were quarintined in the house for Scarlet fever. No one could come in our home. My Grandfather would bring a ladder and put it up to my bedroom window and bring me my favorite ice cream, coffee. I see everything so clearly sometimes. Any one remember Cooley Lillies? I t was a gift shop not far from the Newstand.Are we not the lucky ones to have and still do, Freedom to express ourselve's. Where else but here. I can remember my Grandmother preparing for Thanksgiving dinner. After i have thought about it , she probably did not sleep for a week. Boiling the Pumpkin.sifting it and making all her crust, with crisco I might add, and mixing it all together. She must have made 20 pies. And of course she had to make a big plumb pudding. If you know what that was, it was a lot of work. And then to cook the perfect turkey dinner, it was amazing.The kitchen she had to work in was very modest. One stove, one of those very wanted cabinets and a tiny small sink with a very small drainboard. To me she was the best cook ever.
Could anyone tell me if they know the start up date for Daltons Bakery? I have 1864 in my records but was wondering if anyone knew for sure.
Thanks,
Tina
Well, some days are like that.
Thanks for the picture of Ethel Waters, John. I guess I'll never be a webmaster...I got a message from Tripod this morning saying I self-destructed my homepage last night. I was trying to upload some pictures from this pictorial map of Chester as it looked in 1885. It's like a birds eye view drawing. If you click on the image you get a larger map and then if you Zoom in all the way and choose window size 640 x 480...you can then use your cursor to click on the map and you get an enlarged image. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/gmd:@FILREQ(@field(SUBJ+@band(United+States--Pennsylvania--Chester+))+@FIELD(COLLID+citymap))
oops that was "were the"
JM: I was hoping you would remember. I do remember it being south of Dewey on third street. jim do you remember SWAN cleaners? We the owners if you do the Slawicks? Keep well.
To UW, Sorry, haven't visit this site in awhile. Yes, I remember painting that window, but, can't remember what store that was. Do you remember?
The blizzard of 66 was pretty intense. Some people could not get some of their presents until late Christmas day because of the snow. The thing I remember the most about was a song called "The Eggplant that ate Chicago" played on the radio alot. Also I remember sledding down the comunity building hill at Mac Cafferty Village durin the blizzard. We had a blizzard and Chicago was getting attacked by an eggplant. I guess we got the better of the plagues. Oh yeah, and I got a bike too.
Sorry folks, forgot to identify myself on that last post.
MARGIE - Your mother had to work and my mother had to work, however, John is correct in his assessment that there were few working mothers in the 30's and 40's. When I lived in Buckman Village, the mothers of all my classmates were homemakers - and the other mothers in my family did not work. But, I'm sure the fact our Moms worked helped to make us self-sufficient and responsible people. Fortunately, my beloved father never lost touch with me and when I moved to NJ it was to be with him and his new family. My mother did remarry and was a stay-at-home mother to my younger sister. But in those days, many members of the same family lived together so there was always the wonderful support of a grandparent, aunt or uncle, which I also had - hope you did too; always somebody to "put us in our place" if we needed it. Not so today, and it's very, very sad.
Also, Chester was such a tight-knit community in the 1930's that everytime I decided I was going to "run away from home" - between the ages of 5 and 8 - the local patrolman (a police officer walking his beat - I forget what they called them) would take me by the hand and take me home. "Now Patsy, where do you think you're going this time." I think the police at that time knew everyone's name and habits and they were respected and greatly admired. You didn't fool around with a policeman.
And John, you talk about the table always set for the next meal with a cover over everything - my exact memories too of my Aunt Ruie (real name "Zeruiah") - so that must have been what the ladies did in those days. And, the dark wood staircases - never forget them. Fell all the way down the one leading to the front door and still have the scars on my legs. AND, standing on the side of that staircase is where I had my tantrum regarding that "orphanage" - with my parents standing right there beside me. So, yes, I certainly do remember those staircases.
Pattie,I am pretty sure it was still an orphanage in the 40's I can remember the faces of one of the girls, also her name.Perhaps your mom had explained what it was and it upset you to that their were children without a mom or dad. Go Eagles Go. Entertained us for quite a while. It brought my family together several times, My husband said, when the orphanage closed, Hannum the painter moved in.
4 views of Chester from 1885
http://harveysmartin.tripod.com/harveysphotoalbum/
I just want to add that I'm sure it was an orphanage in the 1930's - don't know about later years.
To Bill Locke: I may have asked you this before, if so, excuse me for asking you again. Are you any relation to Mona Locke - she was a classmate of mine in CHS?
And, Dan, you solved another mystery for me - I knew there was something unusual about the setting Jake's was in - it seemed to me that it was positioned oddly on the corner - and the "alley" comes back to me now. In some ways, to me as a small child, it was somewhat ominous in its setting. Thank you Dan.
I am pretty sure that place was an orphanage and I think I know how it affected me. It was a traumatic event that I couldn't quite put all pieces of the puzzle together, but I think I know now. If Florence went to school with some of those girls, perhaps she can tell us whatever she might rememeber. Thanks to everyone who helped.
Sorry about the Eagles - especially to my cousin Hugh, he was really rooting for them.
Watched Eagles game Sun & were very proud of them. We are at our condo in Naples, FL was hoping for a win to be in competition w/ neighbors from Boston. Sorry I mispelled word "sleigh" on previous email
Watched Eagles game Sun & were very proud of them. We are at our condo in Naples, FL was hoping for a win to be in competition w/ neighbors from Boston. Sorry I mispelled word "sleigh" on previous email
In 1957 my family moved from England to Chester then Eddystone where my brother and I attended school. My name then was Ann Towers and my brother's is John. We would like to track down anyone who went to school with us at Eddystone Elementary and then High from 1957 - 1962. Some of the names that John remembers are Bobby Mills who lived opposite us in Lexington Ave, Eddystone and George Albaugh, who lived in the next street. Can anyone help?
If there is anyone out there from the Chester High School, class of 1940 - do you remember Stella Pierce? She married Bill Jackson.
Hi John,
It may not have been a "DAYCARE" as we know it today but your comment about mothers not working is only correct for the two family household. Yes, even in the 60's, there was the "SINGLE MOM", which my mother was at the time. She had to work... she was a waitress at the time. She worked and raised me alone for private reasons but trust me, I went there. My cuz ( I liked that Bill!!!) can vouch for me!! :)
Sorry about the Eagles... :(
Margie
My aunt mamie lived directly across the street from the chester from the Chester day nursery, [Picture] I don't think it was a day care as we know it today because I don't remember many mothers working at that time.I'll always remember my aunts house for two reasons,one was she always had the dinner table set with the plates turned overand secondly there was a staircase that went from the kitchen to upstairs and also from the living room to upstairsand I guess there was a third because when we slept there the train ran directly behind the house.What made me think about the staircase is I was doing a virtual tour of some Toll bros. houses and they had the staircase from the kitchen to the living room so I guess everything gets recycled.
THE BLIZZARD WAS 1966 I HAD JUST GOT BACK FROM VIETNAM A WEEK BEFORE I REMEMBER PUSHING OUR FORD FALCON AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES OUT OF THE DRIFTS DELIVERING CHRISTMAS GIFTS,ALSO MY CUZ MARGIE BEAT ME TO THE PUNCH (I THINK THATS THE NAME OF A SONG)ANYWHO THERE WAS AN ORPHANAGE ON 5TH STREET ACROSS FROM MARGIE'S APT.THERE WAS A GIRL THAT LIVED THERE THAT USED TO GO TO SMEDLEY HER NAME WAS MARCEL,USED TO HANG WITH LEE BLACK ,I REMEMBER HER DAD WAS ON THE ROAD ALOT SO SHE STAYED THERE.I USED TO CARRY HER BOOKS HOME BEFORE I MET MY WIFE.ANYWAY WE USE TO CALL IT THE ORPHANAGE CAN'T REMEMBER THE RIGHT NAME.I REMEMBER THE CANDY STORE ON 8TH STREET JUST OFF EDGEMONT BY THE ALLEY YOU COULD TAKE TO 7TH STREET OR CUT THRU THE FIVE AND DIME.REMEMBER GOING INTO THE BUILDING ACROSS FROM ST MICHEALS THEY AN ELEVATOR WE WOULD ALWAYS RIDE IT EVERY TIME WE PASSED IT. WELL ONE TIME I REMEMBER IT WAS MISCHIEF NIGHT WE WERE WALKING BY THE BUILDING WAS SUPPOSEDLY CLOSED WE TRIED THE DOOR AND IT OPENED WE WENT IN AND RODE THE ELEVATOR WHEN WE GOT BACK TO THE GROUND FLOOR WERE WE IN FOR SURPRISE STANDING THERE TO GREET US WAS NONE OTHER THAN THE WHITE GLOVED COP EDDIE MAY BOY DID WE HAVE SOME EXPLAINING TO DO.ANYWAY HE LET US GO AFTER HE BOPPED EACH OF US ON THE HEAD.AT LEAST HE DIDNT TELL OUR PARENTS.WELL IM DONE RAMBLING FOR NOW.TOUGH LOSS FOR THE EAGLES WE'LL DO IT NEXT YEAR FOR SURE
One hell of a game. Thank you EAGLES for a great season.It was a step forward. See ya'll next year.
TO UPER,THIS SITE IS ABOUT CHESTER,NOT ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS ,PLEASE TAKE IT ELSEWHERE!
HELLO "CHESTER COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD" FOUND YOUR WEB SITE TODAY, PASSED IT ON TO MY BROTHER - LAW: JOHN C. WOOD, MY SISTER DONNA KAY GRAHAM WOOD. JOHN ( JACK) IS FROM BROOKHAVEN, MY FAMILY LIVED IN ASTON. I REMEMBER EARNING MY GIRL SCOUT SKATING BADGE FROM THE ROLLER RINK, SHOPPING AT SEARS IN CHESTER, THE BUILDING OF "I-95", a club from sun valley working on the crozer mansion as a project. my husband gerald w. sands worked at palo goodyear tire co. on keystone rd. mr. joe palo, jim palo,it is /was next to the ford dealership. our marrige anouncement was in the daily times newspaper, i, graduated from sun valley high school, as did my sister, husband, brother in law sun valley high school graduations were usually held in the sun center building. media court house is where the marriage licences are from.
The BIG snow was 1966, Mrs. Birkofer died that week & we had a lot relatives from mid-west stranded @ our house. It was a beautiful snow for that time of year, made a lot of children believe Santa came in a seigh with Christmas toys.
HARVEY! Thanks for the link to the "flying saucers".. did you go to it Terry? Are you trying to say you are younger or older than me? haha... anyway, thanks Harvey! that was a great site!!
Also, I should clarify that the candy shop was there in the mid to late 60's... the one that was a cigar shop/penny candy store. So was it still Jake's?
Finally, the Orphaniage, Day Care center you are all talking about? I can tell you that in the mid 1960's it was a PRESCHOOL!!! I know this because I lived in an apt. across the street from this magnificent victorian building and was sent there for preschool. I was TERRIFIED so it really stuck in my head. I was sooo scared as we walked up the steps. When I got there, I didn't want my mother to leave but the lady showed me this BEAUTIFUL play kitchen area with plates and glasses! I WAS IN HEAVEN! (I didn't have many toys growing up) I loved playing there and I remember that I made "meatloaf" for everyone that day! :)
I also had one bad memory of that place. It was the first time I remember LYING. :) We were told we had to eat all of our lunch or we would not get dessert. Well, my mother didn't cook meat much for me so when the chicken was served, I was thinking... "how can I eat the skin on the chicken??" (Somehone, I knew I didn't have to eat the bones!) So, when no one was looking, I took the skin and trhew it beneath the table. When we were leaving the table, they would check underneath to make sure it was clean. The teacher asked who put the chicken skin under the table. I remember looking so shocked that a child would do that and kept saying, it wasn't me!!!!
I can't remember if I got dessert, or got caught but that is what I remember....
THe victorian building was still there in 1997 as I was visiting relatives in Reading, Pa. and we drove through. I was taking aphotography class at the time and I made black and white photos of places I lived in Chester as they are now. I lived in many different apts. growing up and almost everyone was GONE. So I have lots of pictures of me standing in empty lots. I had a picture taken of me in front of the Preschool, which now had a fence up around it. I took this series of pictures to my photo class and the teacher commented that the photo of me in front of the victorian building was the only one where my facial expression showed that I was happy about a memory there. It was really wild that she could read that in my face! (It was pretty much a close up and you could only see the fence and that it was a building, but not what kind of building)...
I have posted too much today! Sorry.. thanks for letting me ramble once again!!
Margie
Everything is relative. In 1954, the minimum wage for employees engaged in interstate commerce was $1.00 an hour. A nickel Hershey bar or Pepsi was not bought with today's nickel, if you look only at today's minimum wage. A Plymouth in the early 1940s (pre-WWII) cost $900, and so on. Our 25 cents weekly allowance got us to a movie, a comic book, and some candy.
Everything is relative. In 1954, the minimum wage for employees engaged in interstate commerce was $1.00 and hour. A nickel Hershey bar or Pepsi was not bought with today's nickel, if you look only at today's minimum wage. A Plymouth in the early 1940s (pre-WWII) cost $900, and so on. Our 25 cents weekly allowance got us to a movie, a comic book, and some candy.
His Eye is on the Sparrow
http://www.intac.com/~gbogatko/eyeon/hiseyeon.html
Pattie--Jake's was a small store with a counter on the right and and wall mounted shelves on the left. It was located at the corner of 8th & Deshong( a one lane alley between 7th and 8th Sts. If you were to go to the area where Larkin School was it is now one big vacant lot with only a KFC fronting on 9th St. I left the area in 1965 but I do return occasionally to refresh my memories. Most of my neighborhood has been literally demolished. The last time I was there all of 5th St from Morton Ave to Welch St had no buildings on the railroad side and only The Chester Day Nursery, Headley's Warehouse, and one other small business on the other side of the St. 3rd & 4th St in that same area have no residences. They were demolished to build a highway. It takes some reminders I find on this site to tweek my memory of things that used to be.
Thank you folks for the responses about the "home" or "orphanage" or whatever it was. Nothing helps yet, but please don't give up.
As for the late, great Ethel Waters - I do not remember where I purchased it, but I have the video tape of "Cabin the Sky" and it can be purchased, I am sure through Amazon.com. They have, it seems, everything at really affordable prices. In that movie, she also sang one of my most favorite songs "Happiness is Just a Thing Called Joe". Remember? I just loved Ms. Waters - I think everyone did - and she was also a standout in "Member of the Wedding" with Julie Harris many years ago. Yes, I am also proud that her roots were in Chester. Didn't know about Loretta Young though - would like to hear more about that.
While giving a little more thought to that "home", the name Mrs. Walter Buckley does sound somewhat familiar. Can't place her but would like to know more about her.
About the snow storm on christmas eve,I don't remember one in 64,but I know there was one in 66 because thats the year we moved to Garden city and my oldest daughter was born that year.As I recall it was a beautiful day and about 2pm it started snowing and thundering & lightening.My wife was due at any time and we were afraid it may be that night.I have been reading all the postings about the penny candies,and was just the other day telling someone at work about the milk chocolate grade A.What people get for .65 now we got for a nickel.I remember Jakes behind Larkin school,we stopped in there every day after school.I saw on here that someone had worked in Hills store on Barclay St,living in Eyre Park that was our hangout to play the pinball machine.
Re: Ethel Waters
I have a picture of Ethel Waters taken during her visit to Chester which was in June 1972. The picture is courtesy of Martha Wood. I'll try to get it posted in the next day or two.
I believe that the occasion for her visit then was the dedication of the park in her honor.
Stay tuned ... I'll put a note on the "What's New" page when I get it posted.
-Also -
Re: The "home" or "orphanage":
I believe that the "Chester Day Nursery" operated by Mrs. Anne McCray Buckley (Mrs. Walter Buckley) was in an old home at around that location.
John
If you really want to reminisce on all the candy we used to eat when we were younger try this website.
http:\\www.candywarehouse.com
How many of you all 'member the "Blizzard of '64" that hit on Christmas Eve? Whew!!! what a night to be delivering "The Chester Times" and "The Evening Bulletin" which by the way printed the morning and afternoon editions this way we could get the updates and the early baseball scores of the Phillies games.
I recall my mother saying that when Ethel Waters visited Chester she was in a purple Cadillac. That may have been 1930s or 1940s when Ms. Waters was really "big time."
Harvey, thankyou very much. Paul you may be right. I know that a couple of the girls went to Smedley when I did.
PATTIE.. To the best of my knowledge,the facility you're talking about at 4th.& Madison was the Childrens Aid Center. Children who were taken from their parents were sheltered there.
Hey guys - missed you - my son is visiting for a few days, but I told him I had to go "check the board" - see what other trouble I have or can start (he-he).
"Jakes" - I have tried in vain to remember that name and that's the little candy store close to where I lived at 9th & Madison, right? Very small, as I recall and a bit gloomy? Is that right, Dan? They frequently gave me candy free (I must have just been a darling little girl - don't you think (he-he). I might not have been darling, but I know I was a nice little girl (my grandmother would have swatted me otherwise).
At any rate, Florence, I am very interested in any memories you have about that orphanage - because I vaguely remember - like a child having nightmares - something about an orphanage. There is one early memory I have that has never been explained to me. It comes to me at the most unusual time and I see it in my mind's eye and I see and hear myself crying. I have never asked anyone, nor have I even told anyone about that memory, now it comes back to me again. I would very much like to know what you remember. This is very interesting. I was not adopted. I know that - I'm a mirror image of my mother and too much like my father for it to be otherwise. And, my Dad always referred to me as his "first born" - and many other factors involved, but I was not adopted. But there is something about an orphanage that has always haunted me. Perhaps some other reader knows or has information about that orphanage. There has to be some records somewhere if it existed. John has no idea the service he is performing to we "old Chesterites" by keeping this board alive. Thanks again, John.
I am really looking forward to any information I can get about the above.
It's a beautiful day here in Phoenix. It's been as cold as Chester all month and we expect cold again next week - but it's a welcome relief from the hot summer months.
Thanks again Dan. I'm going to show my son and have him listen to the wonderful music Harvey has been emailing to me. He is going to be amazed.
Pattie Your welcome. I didn't find Margie's cigar store but thinking about it did remind me of Larkin School, Jake's, and allot more memories of the neighborhood. Florence is asking about a orphanage at 4th& Madison. I lived at 5th & Madison from 1947 to 1959 and don't think there was an orphanage there,. There was The Chester Day Nursery in that block and a Ukrainian Chuch. Maybe the orphanage was there earlier.
Florence, I once had a record of Ethel Waters singing Cabin in the Sky...she visited Chester in the 70's. You can hear her here.
http://www.redhotjazz.com/waters.html
Harvey, I remember Nehi and Birley's orange:I Wish:Remeber Ethel Water's a great singer from Chester, she was in "Cabin In The Sky", and Lorretta Young, she was also from Chester.I remember going to bowling alley's with my Grandfather. I can still smell the hamburgers from the grill in there. He always bought me one. I think the bowling alley was called The Armory at 5th and Crosby, Penn Rec at 5th and penn, Chester Rec at 9th and Welsh. Also I remember some very nice girls that I went to school with from an orphanage around 4th and Madison. Maybe Pat knows about it. I loved our life in the city.
UW THANKS FOR BRINGING UP TURKISH TAFFY IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST ALSO YOU CAN GET THAT LICORACE IN A SMALL COAL BUCKET AT THE CANDY STORE IN BOOTHS CORNER.
I remember the "Lucky Strike Green has Gone to War" commercials and all you could buy was brands like Spurs and Rameses but you could buy them for a penny a piece. Also remember when Green River was one of the available whiskey around. And I remember when Sunshine and Health was the only magazine that had pictures of nude people.
How about NEHI, Bireleys and Gruber's sodas
DAN - I think you just gave me the name of that store behind Larkin School - Jakes. Was it run by two brothers? Years after I moved from there and was just visiting home as an adult, I went in there and asked the one brother if he remembered me, and he did, I couldn't believe it. He said, "You're Patsy - used to come in here all the time." Last time he saw me I was just 9 or 10. They were a real friendly and neighborhood store - were nice to everyone. Thanks for that, Dan.
Margie The store across 8th St from Larkin School was Jake's. I used to stop there before taking my Safety post at the corner of 8th & Crosby in 1947. I changed corners to 9th & Edgmont the next year. Also had to trek there from 5th & Madison for groceries( usually " on the book").
I can't wait to see what new messages you all have written in. Everyone brings back memories, although mine are a little further back than most of your's. Harvey,that trolley that ran from Chester to Media through Parkside and Rockdale was painted orange. The same Co. had a line from Media to Darby. We usd to call them the "toonerville". Florence, I remember that murder in Crozer Park. It was near the Finish Monument. It was a terrible thing and made even more so because thay wre local fellows from the WestEnd who everybody knew, knew of, knew a familly member. or knew somebody that did. Now, for a lighter subject (sweeter too) I always bought green leaves with my penny. They were a little bigger then (that was before a pound of cooffee was 13ounces), you got five for a penny, and if you sucked them they lasted a really long time.
Margie, no, I really can't say I remember "flying saucers," but here are some more penny candies I do remember: non pareils, Bazooka gum, Double Bubble gum, Mary Janes, Goldenberg's peanut chews, jaw breakers, candy cigarettes (when we "exhaled" some of the sugared dust, didn't we feel like "cool cats" - LOL), and that dreadful penny-a-square "chocolate fudge." It's a wonder any of us have teeth today!
Another shot at Flying Saucers
http://oryans.com/satelitewafers.html
Flying Saucers
http://www.atthecandyshop.co.uk/showprod.php3
WOW!!!! thanks everyone for the grade A response! Another memory found! Ok, Terry, do you remember the flying saucers? they had little candies inside of this disk thingy, like thin cardboard..haha..
I used to buy my penny candy at this store that was a cigar shop kind of behind Larkin. I also bough cotton candy in a bag there!
I also would buy now and laters and sunflower seeds at some little store when I walked to 5/6th grade. I can't remember the name of the school. :( It was kind of near Wiedner... past Smedley.
The coal candy is made in the Anthracite coal region of PA. the candy store is called: Mootz Candies on S. Centre Street. They are on line. But if your going up to the 35th Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival this week let me know, I might see you there.
Harv: Great pictures. Said it was beer country but only tasted the stuff once in my life. Love that Cola tho.
Pepsi Cola Hits the spot Twelve full ounces, that's a lot Twice as much for a nickel too Pepsi Cola is the drink for you nickel, nickel, nickel.......
Dave Shrposhire did work at PEPSI Wilmington
http://www.coalregion.com/pictures.htm
Port Clinton, slowing down to 35 miles an hour in that one span of 61. Further north into Pottsville. Beer country...
Hi all!!!!! I remember the grade A penny candy.That was good candy then.There ws a lot of corner candy stores in those days. I also remember Moes. I'm an east girl. I remember Phil's meat market. Went to Morton School.Pete and Jimmy's hoagie shop. Happy water ice truck.All those flavors......mmmmmmmmm.Plaski's playground. The arts and crafts we did there.
To. U. W.
CHS Flagtwirlers 1951-1954, to name a few: Dorrie Rodgers, Marilyn Link, Joan Guzek, Wanda Eddy, Sandra Bunker,Iris Howett. I was raised at 4th and Highland and marrried Julian Messick (4th and Ward). I am in full agreement with the good old days and to treat the alcoholics with respect! They never hurt any of us.
is that candy store in port clinton? they have a lot of good stuff! it is on rt. 61.
Turkish Taffy. the white bar with a powdered substance covering it that when it was cold you could crack it into small pieces or just letting it get softened and pulling it like salt water taffy. As for the black licorice in the coal chunk form. There is a candy store in the coal mine region of PA that sells it in a little coal bucket. It is soooo good. Just like when most of us were kids. How about rock candy. If anyone is interested in the address I can call there and see if they have mail order or post the address.
Halloween painting of windows..What a great memory. I remember the picture I submitted (we had to show Mr. M. at Dewey what we planned to do) I was sure it would win the contest for best painted window. WRONG...but it was fun and it got us out of classes. Never gave up a chance to bump a class. Even played hookie. Jim M. do you remember that one that we all painted. The store that had that huge glass window. It was a skelton playing the piano and other spooks standing around singing horror songs. It was fun..Thanks for the memory..........
Terry --- How about those red wax "lips" and wax "teeth." The list of penny candies from "the old days" is bringing back memories!
Margie. Yes they were squares of chocolate. I love all the old penny candy. Even the old gum ball machines. A nickle coke. The little fire engines with candy in them, oh so many things. I often wonder how many wonderful songs have been written in my time, how many stars were made, how many singers. How many events, like going to the moon,president's assasinated,dancers ,artists,bands and so on
Margie, no, you're not crazy. I distinctly remember going to the corner candy store and buying Grade A. It was a thin square of chocolate, similar to a square from a Hershey bar. I also remember buying Squirrel Nut Zippers (or something like that), flat rainbow-colored strips made with coconut (can't remember the exact name), chocolate babies, rootbeer barrels, red and black licorice, spearmint leaves, jellied orange slices, those awful paper straws that were filled with colored sugar, wax "soda bottles" that contained sickly sweet sugared water, and those candy "dots" that were stuck on a white strip of paper. The corner store also sold "punks" -- 1 cent for a skinny one and 5 cents for the fat ones. When lit, they were supposed to ward off mosquitos.
Florence,
you mentioned a candy named GRADE A... I barely remember something about that.. was it chocolate? That name would creep into my memory every now and again and I wasn't sure what it was I was remembering!! I think it was some kind of chocolate??? Am I nuts? DON'T ANSWER THAT! :)
What about Martha Washington's candy store and the Yellow Bowl? I remember ice skating at Chester Park, only problem, I could never get off my anklesI know that when I was about 10, some awful thing happened in Crozer park. I think the reason I remember is that one of the young men who was involved was married to a friend of my Mothers. It was bad.
Now Harvey, maybe he was getting ready to hit you up for a few bucks. he-he. Well, tell us, how did you make out? Sorry, my friend, don't mean to put you on the spot. I remember, I remember, by Jove, I've got it. The car seats weren't as comfortable then as they are today, were they. And, oh my goodness, some of them even recline. I hope the younger generations appreciate what we old folks have made possible for them.
Well how about the two fella's that took care of the railroad gate's at 12th&Walnut sts.. I know one of them was named Shep. Remember when the fire houses had their minstrals and country and western dances. I remember the hallowe'en parades and also PMC's. I remember the garages and gasoline station at about 12th and edgmont ave. . I know that I was christened at St.Pauls at 9th and Madison, that my Godfather didn't show up, so my dad went out on the corner and grabbed the policeman on the corner and asked him to stand for me.He did.I also remember bBirney's birch paper. I don't know if I told anyone this story. My dad told if I were going downtown, to stop and pick up a Needler. I thought it was some kind of needle he wanted to send to a friend overseas, so I went into Speares at the back counter and told them what I wanted. I guess you know, I didn't get it.
Pattie, Is that why he had that simple grin on his face?
DAN - Why was that Snookie's "last visit" in 1952? What happened?
Harvey - I think your nephew was referring to your financial state.
shrop( chs 73) . how about squires hoagie shop, collars and cuffs, the old security guard that use to chase us at deshong park, football on sundays at chester park, and the sledding there,chester east lil league, st james dances, and the football game chester vs st james on thanksgiving day. and skatting at the big c(the great lepord). all the great memories. this isagreat website.
I was remembering Burn's candy store at the corner of 15th&Walnut, right across from Martin School. You could go in there and get penny candy such as, potato,orange slice, watermellon slice, a grade A, Little tin with spoon and candy in the tin, I know their is more, but right now I can't think, a sour pickle for a nickle, it didn't take too much or cost an arm and a leg. Pat, if we have another reunion, and we are still here I will go.I think I might have the vapors in my mind.I have enjoyed being in touch with you,it's funny when you get older you can say almost anything you want to, but when I was younger I hardly said anything. I hope you keep writing, because you do it very well.
To FLORENCE: If I still lived back in PA, I would come and "visit with you a spell" (now that we're senior citizens, that's how we're supposed to talk), because you come across as just very gentle and sweet-natured, and that's how I remember you from school too. I would trade my crusty ways for your gentleness any time - and your memory is outstanding. So your traits are much more admirable than mine. I really hope both of us make our 55th CHS reunion - we'll have a lot fun gossiping - that is if we don't get the "vapors" (that's what ladies our age get, you know - the "vapors"). I haven't had one yet, but I'm looking forward to it - just another experience in life, so I too can say "Is That All There is?"
I was gonna sign this "Luv", but I was afraid it might be misunderstood by some jerk. Anyway, always liked you, and still do. Congratulations on your having such a fine family. I had only one son and one loving grandson. Grandchildren are such a joy. As the saying goes, "If I knew grandchildren could be so much fun, I would have had them first."
Back in the days when I was dating my future wife, like in '49 to '52, she lived on Chelton Rd in Parkside and I would catch the #77 bus at Elbon Rd to go home to Media. A nice little guy named Bill was the driver. Everybody liked Bill. I had a car some of this time but it wasn't very dependable so I didn't use it when I went out with Jean. My nephew asked me, "How did you make out?" I told him things were different in those days.
TO NAMELESS: Pidipat is just a sweet old lady surviving the best that she can and looking forward to the day when she doesn't have to respond to sniveling cowards like you.
Bill Locke: Great website ( Lost in the Fifties)!! Thanks for posting it!
Ahh, Pattie, You've got True Grit!
Harvey-In the 60's Bufano's shop became Carmen's Hoagie Shop when Carmen Mingione moved from 7th & Crosby.
Jacko-Snookie made his final visit to the CHS basketball lockerroom in 1952.
Dan CHS54
Charlie:
Was just a kid whose father was one that worked many a picket line after he came back from WWII to get good working conditions for the kids coming behind them. I can remember taking pictures of my Dad freezing at fence lines. HAPPY RETIREMENT.
EDRZ: the email with all the flagtwirlers names didn't come from any of them. The writer did note that they forgot afew last names and possibly afew altogether. How are you and Irene doing?
Pidipat is a drag queen????
Harvey - I don't know what made you think of dance routines when we're having a very serious discussion here about some guy using my old nickname and running around old Chester making passes at other people having the same fixtures he had when he knew damn well that even some tools are designated "male" or "female". They were straighter than he was - literally speaking. However, one of my favorite dance routines was when John Wayne shot at the feet of the bad guys.
THIS IS GOOD TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE http://www.mamarocks.com/lost_in_the_fifties.htm
Snookie was also the manager or ball boy for good old.. CHS before he went trolling for sea food
Andy & Al Bufano's Barber Shop
http://www.oldchesterpa.com/bufano_barber_shop.htm
Pat, you were talking to Frank Vaul the other day, you know I remember him from Smedley Jr. High.and Chester High.He is a very nice fellow. It so happens that my husband worked at Boeing as so many people have.He was maintenance painter for some years, my daughter and her husband work there and also my second son. I have 3 sons and one daughter.They are very good to us.We had a pretty good relationship, no money but happy.
Shirley, Joy is my sister and she indeed married Russ.Nancy was our cousin. Pat, you are such a great writer.I get just as mixed up writing as I do talking. I was remembering Hallowe'en in our our time. We always had a great time. We sure didn't have to worry about the people that gave us candy, etc.We always were ready for that night. Does anyone remember the garage right accross from the Goodwill Fire House On 15th and Providence, by name of Murph Bufano and a few blocks up was Al Bufano" barber shop. They were members of the firehouse.
From here on, I am "Pattie" - no more "Pat" - so that readers know I am a FEMALE - and proud of it. I have always enjoyed being female and I even resent when I get junk mail addressed to Mr. Pat McFadden - hate it. Don't misunderstand - I love the opposite sex; otherwise I couldn't be so female, and my birth certificate confirms it. I guess I'm going on about this because one of my male classmates at Rez nicknamed me "Snookie" - he was only 13 or 14 at the time, and he liked me because he was always hanging around and he took me to my first prom - so I never took the name to mean a "drag queen". He had several older brothers and he could have heard that name from them. Don't know. But, Paul, you mean to tell me there was only one gay fellow named "Snookie" or did that name apply to anyone male who was gay? If only one guy - oh my goodness!!
So, now that's said - I want to thank Paul for explaining the meanings of a few of Skyjumpers "phrases" - thanks. What I really enjoy about this board is that sooner or later, a question will be answered. Dan M was kind enough to email me last night with his answers to my questions which are identical to yours - and I thank you both.
This is a very active board today and I'm wondering why. Is there something different said or what? At any rate, controversy always is exciting and that's what makes the board interesting. Let's see now - what else can we instigate? Any suggestions? Don't ask about my lovelife because that is too controversial. Come on now - what do we discuss next? I suggest the supernatural in old Chester. Let's help out Chakera Nix with his/her haunted house.
U. W. by the tone of one of your replies it sounds like you must be a union member. What union do you belong to. I just retired in Nov., before that I was a member of Millwrights Local #1906.
Harvey Martin, Just a fast question for you. Did you have a relative named Joan who married a Clayt Hartranft????The Hartranft I know lived in Media. Just curious???
TO Pat McFadden.... Well it looks like "Skyjumper" is not going to enlighten you about"Snooky" or "trolling for seafood",so I will. Snooky was probably the most well known gay person in the whole City. The term "gay" wasn't used at that time. He was called a queer or a fag. He was very openly gay and very effeminate. He relished the attention he was given at all times. In 1958 I worked with him at the Ford plant in Chester. With all the joking and fooling around that was done by him and his co-workers,it's a wonder any cars were built. In later years I think he lived in Green Ridge. Trolling for seafood meant that he would go out and try to pick up one of the many sailors that were in the City. Yes,Chester had it's "seedy" areas,but so do most Cities. I don't recall anyone ever saying here that Chester was anything other than what it was. It really was a working mans City. We had,I believe,an excellent educational system, a good Police and Fire Dept.reasonably good parks and most everything we needed. Hope this enlightens you a little!
Well then, UW, thank you for confirming the conditions I spoke about for those men back 25-35-45 years ago. They were dreadful and would have been almost unbearable. It did take fortitude and strengh of will to continue working there. What motivated them? Love of their family is what motivated them and also a self-satisfaction of being able to do that job (I guarantee few women and a lot of men could have done what those men did and still do). Do you agree? So, they should never, ever be criticized (and you didn't criticize - I'm just mentioning this) for having a drink one too many or indulging in an out-of-marriage sexual adventure - and I don't mean gang-rape - God forbid.
So, then we get to another subject of "ladies of the evening". They too fulfilled a role. And think about the "uniforms" they had to put up with!! Eh-Gads - cheap, cheap, cheap - when I'm sure they would have preferred beautiful garments and respectable gentlemen to take them to a "Puttin' on the Ritz" spot. In that film, LETB (Last Exit to Brooklyn) Tralala (the star and prostitute) found a great deal of pride in her military officer and the way he treated her and the fact that he had money and bought her things.
So, because "necessity is the mother of invention" - needed factors come into play and this includes the actions of human beings. We all have a role to play in this life and a great many of us are forced to play minor roles that we resent because we know we have untapped talents, but yet those roles must be filled. Some of us, with only one-liners, screw up drastically - but that's life. The line was: "Hark, I hear the bell" - instead, it came out: "What the hell was that noise?" So, I am not shocked by anything I hear about those days, nor do I condemn - I am merely extremely interested because these are my roots!!!!
So, I think we agree that "Skyjumper" is absolutely correct in how he perceives "old Chester". But he was strong enough and appalled enough by what he witnessed to rise above that and become the intelligent, and I hope not bitter, person he is today. He didn't fall victim to it - he saw it, recognized it for what it was, and refused to be taken in by it. So I admire him as I admire sooooooo many other people from Chester who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and contributed beautifully and importantly to this country.
So every action has a reaction and I, for one, would like to hear more about those post-war days.
Pat McFadden ("Moonrider, Moonbeam, Stardust" - whatever - I like all those names.)
Florence No, I lived next. door to the Cunninghams, about three houses up from the Cowans. I remember Nancy and Joy or Joyce Smalley I think Joyce married Russ MacLean. Russ use to play baseball with the Smedley A.C. Nancy Smalley lived nest door to a little candy store, it was on the corner of 16th & Walnut. We lived on the other side 2nd house from the corner.
Rt 77 trolley in Brookhaven http://davesrailpix.railfan.net/phila/htm/bvph253.htm
TO: Harvey Martin and U.W. My Father was a trolley operator for 19 years for the Southern Penn. On Edgemont ave at 13th and 14th Sts.(Ithink).The last few as a bus driver. Remember when that bus barn burned down and was rebuilt. Someone may remember the year. Also, my grandfather was employed in Philly at the Brill Works, later to become A.C.F. Brill where they built trolley cars and in more recent years Budliners. My Gf was a cabinet maker and built the wooden seats and caned them.
Hi Wanda, Last I heard, you were living in Prospect Park. Just want to say, Hi. This is the correct e-mail address
Hi, Wanda Eddy, last I heard you were living in Prospect Park. Just want to say HI.
Dear Chakera - Maybe it's haunted because you have a ouija board. Or, you might try asking the ouija board to help you communicate with those ghosts. Maybe they can fill us in on some of the history of Chester and also tell us of their "happy" memories of life in old Chester. Or, the turning on and off of electrical units indicates that someone from beyond the grave who was very close to you is trying to communicate with you. Anyone close to you pass away within the past year or so? Otherwise, sprinkle the house with holy water and demand they get the hell out of there.
No, Fred, I worked at the Media Post Office for 38 years...and never shot anybody.
Guess Edgemont Ave I mean Avenue of the States wasn't wide enough to fit them all in Chester
Harvey Martin, Did you ever work at Sun Oil Co in Marcus Hook,Pa? I knew a Harvey Martin worked In the Instrument dept. Thank you & have a good day
I am researching the name STASIUNAS. My Mother's maiden name. Her parents immigrated to Chester where she was born. I have found some info about Mother's family,but would apprecialte any added data. If you know of anyone with the name STASIUNAS please have them e-mail me. Thanks.
my house tv,s and lights turn off and on.i think my house is haunted.i have a ouija board
One of my favorite dance routines was Ray Bolger doing "Once in Love with Amy" in Where's Charley?
Harvey - your last post just cracked me up. I adore your sense of humor.
Dear Skyjumper - You're groping in the dark with some of your responses to my last post to you. You are assuming things that are just not so. First, I am a she, not a he; second, I lived at 7th and Madison until the age of 10, then we moved to Buckman Village until age 18 when I moved to NJ. Anyone who lived in Buckman Village at that time, can tell you what a charming and safe area that was. I was raised by one parent, no siblings until my mother remarried and I had a baby sister when I was 16, and my mother had a very hard time making ends meet, so college was out of the question for me. Actually, I had another career I wanted and did pursue, and college was not an issue re that career.
I did identify myself in that post as "Moonrider" (you called me "Moonbeam" but hey, that's pretty too). And, the only reason I made up that pseudonym was to communicate - maybe on the same level - with you, and it was fun.
Most importantly, I had no and have no intention of offending you, criticizing you or saying you are wrong. If you will read that post again, you will realize that I was just very surprised that things like that took place in Chester and I even asked you to explain the meaning of some of the terminology you used. So, please don't take imaginary offense where none exists. In fact, I would like to hear more of what went on. Truth is important regarding the history of any city and I have a need to know. What you post on this board is just as important and interesting as any other. So, don't be mad - I respect and appreciate what you have to say.
Pat (Moonrider - cute name, don't you think?)
Speaking of parades...the K.K.K. marched through Parkside...I guess they were afraid to go into Chester.
My husband was one of those veterans that came back from the world war 2, and yes he did drink a little too much. He flew quite a few missions as a ball turret gunner, he doesn't drink that much for a long time. When he was younger, he was in CCC's in Montana. His name is George W. Knott.Anyone else out there from the CCC's. He was with the eighth air force. Anyone else around from those times.
Shirley
I am the oldest Smalley, but my memory is losing a little.I knew a Shirley MacNeal, but I thought she lived at 16th&Prov.Could you be related to the Simmers family?
Review of "Last Exit to Brooklyn"
http://www.j-j-l.com/reviews/ReviewLastExit.html
Skyjumper: You are right. Life in Chester never was all sweet-smelling roses, no matter in which part of the city you lived, BUT there were many good things too and that's what we prefer to remember. Walking to the Smedley Friday night dances fronm Sun Village ;going to the movies downtown or at the MAC; watching the adets from PMC march to church on Sunday mornings, being in the Haolloween parade;finding you friends & family members Holloween paintings on the store windows ;CHS basketball games;Thanksgiving Day football;etc.etc.etc. Hopefully you have some fond memories?
I did not think refering a movie would get a response .I wonder what part of Chester moonbeam is from probably ,Ridley Park,Crum lynn or mabe even Swarthmore?I wish no ill will but I hope when he comes home tonight his mother runs from under the porch and bites him. PS College is fine and so are the memories of growing up in Chester.(Sin city on the Delaware)as Stag magazine refered to it in the 50s. I lovsd the town warts and all.
The seedy side of Chester is not all I remember.I Have many fond memories of the place,but Sound of music"it wasnt.Last exit in Brooklyn"is about the area in Brooklyn close to the navy yard just like Chester '45to about 1955.Not all of Brooklyn was like that and neither was Chester. I swam in Lieper quarry,tasted honey suckel and Brandywine icecream Zangaris,Stackys,Bireneys root beer and caught wiffs of Ranger Joe on hot summer days.Went to the foot of Higland ave to watch all of the war ships return from the war.my fater was a CD volunteer I remember him well in his arm band and WW1 helmet painted white and telling us to watch out the windows for enemy planes.(I hope moonbeam does not consider this child abuse) How many of you out there remember the"doggie diamond man?" He came around on his horse and wagon just like the huckster,rag man, and milk/bread man.
Hi, Walt & U.W. I was just talking to a friend, Frank Moran, who tells me he used to drive the 37 between the years of '45 and '58. He has a lot of funny stories about accidents that happened on that run. He said he hit everything except an airplane and if they had ran the tracks a little closer to the airport he's sure he could have got one.
Pat: Welders still wear protective gear with tempered glass depending on the job they are doing. Clothing to protect the eyes & skin still is a necessity because of the flashes that occur. It was the WWII generation that worked to Unionize and make conditions better. For welders, steamfitters etc. These mem were not afraid to be hauled off to jail for their beliefs. They laid the base for the brotherhoods that were to become Locals of today. It was a family entrance back then --brothers, sons, cousins, etc. It was a good thing at that time. Workers needed change and protection from the poor working conditions. They formed apprenticeship programs where you would learn the trade and be good at it. Then it was a hands on form of teaching. You were either cut of for the work or not. It was never an easy job. It was hard work. It is not a easy job today -it is still hard work. Often dangerous. Very dangerous. You could see the dangers in the 9/11 cleanup. These ironworkers have the same fortitude that their predecessors had.
Back in the day the union organizers were the working man not the suits.
Finding young people to go into the trades today is difficult, whether it be Union or Non-union. We have many foreigners coming into all phases of the trade work force today (not unlike our fathers, grandfathers time when employers had to look outside the country for labor based workers) It is a time where the need has to be filled and the only ones that seem to want to do these jobs are from outside the USA>
NOW thats a topic for another time.
Florence - when I wrote in one of my previous postings about my uncles working in the "depths of hell", the movie "How Green Was my Valley" was in my mind's eye. Remember how the men of the family in that movie came home all covered with soot and dirt, and God knows what else? That's how my uncles came home. My own generation has no idea what awful conditions our g-fathers, fathers and uncles worked in. It was deplorable. Not only that, they could not take a break of any type, unless that whistle blew (maybe to go potty, not sure). And if they were 2 minutes late getting back from lunch, they were given written warnings, and those warnings were a part of their personnel file. This is true - I know because I worked about two weeks in the personnel department there. No phones, no visitors, few holidays, no IRA's - just dark, noisy, depressing conditions and terribly hot in summer - and imagine - they wore a steel face covering with a clear glass (I assume it was glass) where the eyes were supposed to be (looked like the big face masks worn by the English knights in combat - but not as attractive). Do you know how HOT those face coverings must have been when it was already hot in the summer? A true hell hole in my opinion. No wonder they had to have their "nips", make more babies and raise hell. To keep their sanity and cheerful ways is a marvel in itself and a credit to the women in their lives who had to pacify them.
Today, we are indeed a privileged generation and it was these hard working ancestors who made it so.
This site brings back a lot of memories. Coppicks Pool, Village Green, and a creek out by Shoemaker Hill. I lived at l6th and Walnut across the street from the Smalley`s. It was a nice place to live but I understand the whole block is gone. Went thru Chester by Deshong Park and all the graffity on the building was sad. Such a beautiful building, I`m glad the art was saved.
Hi John. Do you remember me? I had a crush on you when I was something like 15 years old. You hung around with a guy named Mike. How are you?
great site
Harv:
That was a great link. Missed that one. The picture was just as many of us remembered. Thanks Walt for reminding us how a nickel token got us to many places. I do know that they had a line marker as you stepped up into the bus/trolley that would determine if a child would ride free or have to pay. Under a particular age kids rode free. I know my mom had to argue many a driver that I was not as old as that line was suppose to determine. I couldn't help that I was big for a 4 year old.
Received an email with names of flag twirlers "54 grads. Iris Howett, Wanda Eddy, Sandy Bunker, Joan Guzek, Marilyn Link, Dori & Nancy Rodgers, Carley & Marie
Jim M: Did I mention BillyLou Barnes before?
By the way did anyone ever go Ice-Skating? Where? I seem to remember going skating on one of the frozen creeks. We made a day of it, with sledding and skating. Probably Deshong Park. Can remember someone having a fire going where they sold hot cocoa. What a treat. Made with real cocoa and lots of sugar. Then if you brought your own marshmellos you were able to roast them. The more they charred the better.
Does anyone ever wonder how we drove in cars that had no A/C.
Your site brings back a lot of fond memories and stirs up the cobwebs.
#37
http://davesrailpix.railfan.net/phila/htm/bvph050.htm
Pat You are right I also love the singing of Jan Pierce. I remember at Smedley Jr.High school dances, the last dance they played was Stardust written by Hoagy Carmichael. I t is also a great song, I bet we could go on and on. My mother drug us to dancing school every week. I never could ddance like my younger sister. I just saw a movie with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, about kids putting on a show. Those kids could sing and dance.I have so many songs that I love. I was thinking today and sometimes I can almost hear the voices of kids I went to school with. It is amazing.Our old pals like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry and Hopalong Cassidy and Dale Evans.How about Perry Como, one song I remember is More Than You Know.Richard Haymes.Gene Kelley,Donald O'connor,Debbie Reynolds,Fred Astaire,Ginger Robert's. Do you remember How Green Was MY Valley? John Wayne was my hero. I could go on and on ------
And Florence - you are right - so many wonderful female and male singers now gone. One of my favorite movies with Judy Garland is "Meet Me In St. Louis". Many times, I will forgo watching any old movies of this type, but when I really get into one of them, Meet Me in St. Louis" is an absolutely uplifting and wonderful musical. Look at Margaret O'Brien in this film - her darling, sweet acting does not exist any longer - compared to today's kids on film; she is a standout, as of course is Shirley Temple. We have to admit, we lived in the best of times when it came to entertainment. Now everything is violence, hatred, etc. - don't have to tell you. And, the family itself warms your heart - even if we never had a family like this, when viewing this movie - we become a part of it. That's what fantasy is all about, and by god, it works. I found myself outside on the pavement, swinging on a Stop sign, singing "The Boy Next Door" (but when he came out - oh, mine gad, such a face, you wouldn't believe) the last time I saw that movie on TV. "With his high-topped collar, and his high topped shoes (I think), he was just the . . . of men (Harvey, where are you now that I need you) . . . . oh, I just adore the boy next door, affections for him can't display . . .etc. etc."
Getting back to singers. See how I get carried away - I meant to only write one or two lines - and this is it: I called a local record shop here a few years ago to see if they had Rosemary Clooney's latest audio cassette (she swings better now than she did when she was told what to sing by the producers). The clerk asked how to spell that? I wondered if I were still alive and the world was gone when she asked that. Now (Rosie just underwent surgery for lung cancer) the media refers to her as "George Clooney's aunt." Maybe it's just me - but listen up MEDIA - there are still thousands of us around who remember Rosie's talent and singing accomplishments and we're not dead yet. But, I am just as guilty of this, because when words of praise are given about a group called "Mesquito Bite" or "Clam Juice" - I have no idea, nor do I care about the groups they are talking about. And, at the risk of offending some people who say Elvis was "the greatest singer ever born" - listen to Jan Peerce sing "Bluebird of Happiness". Don't insult my intelligence. There is a difference, youngsters, there is a great BIG difference.
Sorry folks - words are in me and won't let me rest until they're released.
To skyjumper, I was a 52 chs grad.I remember WWII.We all went to the YMCA to the USO dances.Met a lot of nice people,Navy men and all,even wrote to them.We had a lot of fun in Chester in those days,(movies,dances,and skating) I was from the West end and we walked to Dewey every day,Never saw the things you talk about,but I guess every town has all of these things. We knew of them. I even went to Andys wnen I 22 with my mother and father and husband. All in fun then.And by the way I am not a college grad.
PTC 37
http://davesrailpix.railfan.net/phila/htm/phil205.htm
Hello Skyjumper - I enjoyed your response to my posting, because honestly, I never did witness any of the events you refer to. And, seriously, I would like to know what a "Snookie" is - really. I am not familiar with the bars or the terms you mentioned because I was only 14 when WWII ended and I moved to NJ when I was 18 (1950) but lived there during the same few years you mentioned. And, what is "trolling for seafood". Never heard these terms - except for Snookie, but that was just a nickname, never knew it had a meaning.
The only violence I ever witnessed was one time when I lived in downtown Chester, I did see a man thrown through the front plate glass window of a saloon, and later when I lived in Buckman Village one of the young men there threw his brother through the front window of their home. And, believe me that had all the neighbors out and completely shocked at such "goings-on". So, I just thought that throwing people through plate glass windows was what you did when you were pissed off. What'd I know. I never could lift anyone that high to do that. And oh, my mother threw a glass ashtray at me one time.
I accept what you say about the seedy side of Chester. The men in that town worked as hard as coal miners and some in the same work environment as a mine. (I know because in 1979 I visited the depths of hell where two of my uncles spent their days welding to support their families. It was dark, dirty, noisy and scary to me.) And, if they wanted or needed a drink or several, they deserved it. At least, few owned cars, so they stumbled home safely without wiping out some innocent person - they might have socked them, but they didn't kill them. Now, I sound like I'm condoning alcoholism - not so, defending our hard-working ancesters. And, if we abused our servicemen, then I truly am ashamed.
I strongly suggest that readers here rent that movie - "Last Exit to Brooklyn" and post your comments here - PLEASE - positive or negative. Oh, and I never went to college - just graduated high school.
To Florence: Thank you for your kind words. Instead of writing a novel, I would really enjoy doing a column. As you've probably noticed I have so much to say - one-liner's present a real problem for me.
Pat McFadden (aka "Moonrider")
The following sites may have the car you are looking for. If not it is interesting reading.
http://www.sptc.spb.ru/projects.htm
http://www.ectma.org/collection.html
Looking for a photo of the PTC #37 trolley which ran from City Hall Phila to Chester, 3rd and Market. It was a double ended car, and when it reached Chester, the motorman had to take the driving tools to the other end of the car return trip to Phila. I don't remember the fare from Essington to Chester. The ride thru the swamp from Essington to Southwest Phila. was an experience.
Chester did have a side that many of us were protected from. but what town didn't.
Many kids were spared this just because of the location of town they lived.
I remember walking to Dewey School, past the musical bar with my friends and marveled at the bright red lipstick that was worn by these "showgirls" and the fancy dresses WOW. My Mom never dressed that way. And yes I remember "Snookie" and the Chester Ferry Joke. I didn't know they were men for years. And why would I....I was only a kid. But when I found out, they sure did look different. That was just part of growing up.
I also remember The bar at 3rd and Highland and loving when the ladies would walk out the side door of the "beer garden" and refresh their face over the grits along the sidewalk. Sometimes their change would drop out and-- ever the adventuresome kid that I happen to be -- would get a long stick with chewed gum on the end and go to each one fishing for money. The neighborhood drunks, yes they were around, but our mom would tell us that they were someone's sons so be kind to then because we never know what life would hold for us. As for the women that drank a little to much, they to should be thought of gently.
To many of our young fathers left their families as young men and when they came home from WWII were old men. Some of them may have drank more than they did before they left, many others came back sick and dying. Life was not easy yet we all seem to have survived it. Most of us never knew we were poor in those days. War does funny things to people.
Each memory is unto ones own mind..
Have you ever tried comparing your memories with a sibling. I did and my older sister and I must not have lived in the same house or had the same parents.
That's just the way memories are.
Hi Pat The kids today will never have the music we had or the stars or the songs.Their are so many songs I remember and still love to here.Whatever they had, noboddy has it anymore.Peggy Lee had it all.. I think the last song I remember is "fever". And no more Happy Traisl to you, thats all gone ,also.And I can't believe no one knows who Jose Iturbi is. If they had seen all those great movies with Gloria Jean,Judy Garland and etc. My mind can't remember any right now. Did you ever write your novel, you are very good with words.
skyjumper, you have got it all wrong, perhaps had you tried, you could have help make some good memories for people.We've all had things go wrong in our lives, we all have had tragedies, but we cannot dwell on it. You must move on, it is part of the cycle of life. Try to remember the good things and laugh and talk about them. I remember Chester after World War 11. Those guys were over there fighting for us so you and I could have a better life. They kept the wars from our shore's for quite a time. Now they are still fighting so we may have a free country anf freedom of speech and just be free. If you had written that in a foreign country or spoke out against anything, you still wouldn,t be sitting where you are today. You are still free. count your blessings. I love everything I here about long ago,m and you will also, when you get older.
Skyjumper-As one who grew up avoiding drunks and murders on Morton Ave and requiring Snooky to leave me alone, I'm glad there's a differance between you and me. I saw both sides of Chester and decided to be college prep and WORK toward the better things.It is a pleasure to read the pleasant rememberances of the contributors to this site.It is not a pleasure to read mean and sarcastic comments from those who feel the need to attack those who choose to remember the good things.
to moonrider; You take yourself much to serious.After WWII chester was full of servicemen mostly sailers and all the ilk they atracted.Did you ever hear of commision row?Andysmusicalbar?Hang around Jimmys pool room?Watch "snookie" and the like parade down the street trolling for seafood.There were many sides to Chester some good some bad.I was ra ised there and enjoyed all parts it warts and all.Take off your rose colored glasses.Thats the trouble with this websight all college preps.God bless "Mollys" tavern and keep it safe. AMEN
Does anyone know or kept in contact with Joan Watson or any of her family so I might get in touch with her? She lived in Phoenix for a short period of time about 1958 but prior to that she and her family were from the Chester area and they moved back. She graduated from Chester High with the Class of 1964. I would appreciate any help. Thanks. By the way, this site is fantastic!
Well, yesterday, my idol passed away - Peggy Lee. The first song I ever heard her sing - "Why Don't You Do Right" - captivated me. I couldn't afford a record, let alone a "phonograph" (as we called it in those days), but a very generous neighbor on Clover Lane by the name of Catherine Smith, opened her door to me every day after school (5th grade) and played that record for me. Really, everyday for two weeks or so, I would knock on her door. Thank you Catherine - I never forgot. Don't have neighbors like that today nor singers like Peggy Lee. She was sophisticated and glamorous right up to the end. She was the epitome of sexual appeal - fully clothed, right up to the neck, and even covered arms. She didn't need to expose her bare body to audiences. Her sultry voice, the easy rhythmic gyrations of her body, and the flirtatious movements of her mouth and eyes when she sang. Aspiring vocalists could take some lessons from her presentations. And, I never heard her shout a song. But when she sang, everyone listened and watched. She is the only one I have ever seen who, when she appeared on the Dean Martin Show and stood side-by-side with him singing, over-shadowed Dean's extraordinary sex appeal - in my humble opinion. (And, I love men, don't get me wrong folks.)
You will be missed Miss Lee, you gave this world some exciting music and presentations. I guess now she knows the answer to "Is That All There Is." The end of another era.
I was born, August 13, 1950 and lived in Chester until 1974. My Great Grandparents had a grocery store and gas station at 10th and Flower Street. Our address was 1716 W. 10th Street, and their names were James T. Bradby and Mary E. Bradby. It was a family environment type store, where you could come and buy food on credit. Back then the honor system was used quite a lot. I have some old pictures of the store, which remained open until 1970. They also rented out space for a car repair shop, which was right next to the gas station. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me at my email address above.
This is a very exciting site, and I was very happy to stumble across it.
I am Kathy's son. Joyce is her older sister , my aunt!
Tom
Ed Gebhart's editiorial about the Great Leopard...
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1675&dept_id=18168&newsid=3038220&PAG=461&rfi=9
Tom Morrison, I am Reds Farnan's nephew. He was my father's brother.Are you Joyce's son??
Chuck
Just a note to let everyone know there was another ISP problem on the East coast yesterday and into the evening. States involved were from Maine to VA. This time they were allerted earlier than last time where it lasted 2 days.
Lee:
I can remember the wooden polls for the flags. Almost like the old fashion wooden broom sticks. Did forget one thing that impressed me when you gals were twirling, throwing those flags in the air and being able to keep the count when they were caught. Remember once a flag dropped and the twirler just picked it up, and continued on with the routine. thats what we would call professional these days.
Remember another family from So. Chester.. The McNeal (spelling ?) family. They lived next to the Barons at front and Booth Streets. They had quite afew children and I believe their Mom had died. I think some of the names were: Harald (as I remember a fine artist) Jackie, Janet, Peggy, the others I do not remember. Their father as I recall was a race car driver. They had a flower bed on the side of their walk going to the back door where I once saw the girls playing make believe town. They had plucked a Holly hock (?) for the gown and a bud for the head and I guess used toothpicks for the arms but they were having so much fun. Making these little figures dance around as if at a prom. The family later moved up near the Chester High Field.
Jim M. What a great job. Are you a dealer? One of my sub-contractors real job is a dealer in AC. Does sub work on the side. I never went beyond "Fish" or "War". Darn.
To: Pat McFadden
Pat, sorry to say our 50th was last year on Oct.14. They are planning now for a 55th, do hope you and I can make that one. At this age we have to take one day at a time. I have only gone to our 10th and the 50th and enjoyed the last one the best, however it was sad to see and hear how some of our classmates have not had the best of times in recent years. Thanks for the kind words and as I remember and from your picture in our year book you had to be one of the best looking girls in our class. I do remember Shirley Montgomery, I think she married Len Trosino who passed away a few years ago, however I may be wrong about the marrage part. And by the way, Mickey Fromal's picture was not in our 1950 year book. I really enjoy reading here all the wonderful things you remember about Old Chester, keep up the good work. Frank
To U.W. You wrote a message in on Jan. 20th about the CHS Flagtwirlers. I was a Flagtwirler from 57 to 59. It was very difficult. Today the poles on the Flags are light weight. In my day the pole was a big heavy wooden pole. We marched from the school to the football field and in long parades like the Halloween Parade. After a couple of hours those flags got pretty heavy. We had a routine to remember also. However, those were the good ole days and I will never forget being a Flagtwirler in the CHS Band.
P.S. Pictures will be coming soon. For those of you that I discussed this with. My move should (will) be done by the end of the month.
I remember the cereal plant on 4th street in the West End as being a Nabisco plant. I also remember climbing over the fence and playing in the dumpsters (hate to admit that, but hey we were kids)that were full of what I remember as Sugar Smacks without the coating. We were also looking for any toys that came in the boxes. It was like jumping into a pile of leaves and the dumpsters were clean only filled with cereal. It was so soft and we never hit the bottom. Then we would go over to the rubber plant and find these wide black rubber strips that were great for making sling shots. We would make sling shots and sell them to the other kids. We also made them promise not to tell where they got them from.
I hope everyone is taking advantage of the fun sites Harvey Martin is providing to us - he is a most generous guy. I love "You're Sixteen" and had no idea it was written by Ringo Starr! And the hundreds of other songs available on that site - it's just incredible. No more wondering about the lyrics - music and lyrics are all there. Thank you again Harvey. My computer has never been so much fun.
Hi Classmate Frank Vaul - It's great to get a nice return message from you. Because I've been out west since 1955, I'm not always able to make the reunions, but I did make the 30th - what a wonderful time I had. Felt like we were all back in school again, really, we turned back teenagers once more. I was so surprised to see Carl Agan there, also had the chance to thank one of the teachers who had done so much for me. I know you weren't there because I didn't see you and your photo is not in the souvenir book we were given. I'm hoping to make our 50th, because my cousin, Hugh McFadden, tells me he would like to be my host, and "travel guide" for our next reunion. Maybe you knew Hughie - he worked at Boeing too. He's about 10 years younger than us, but you may know him. He is the only relative I have still living back there. I will ask him if he knew you.
Mickey (I had forgotten she was called that) Fromal and I were playmates when I lived in the 9th & Madison area. We were fresh out of our toddler years, but I can still remember the names of the little girls I played with. She had beautiful long blonde hair, so did my friends Lola Goldsborough and Shirley Montgomery (you certainly remember Shirley) - all beautiful girls, and I would die with envy every time I looked at my Buster Brown hair cut. My shoes and my hair matched then. So, when I grew up, I became a blonde too, short, but it's blonde. I have seen both Lola and Shirley as adults, but never heard another word about Madelyn Fromal - and far as I know she wasn't at CHS when we were - could be wrong - she could have been in an earlier grade.
So, I know you are enjoying your retirement years and you deserve the good life you've had because as I remember it, you were an especially nice guy - always pleasant and friendly and downright nice, and - as they say, "easy on the eyes".
My very best and fonest wishes for the coming years. Maybe see you at our 50th!!!
Jim M.
Did you know Donna Jean S?
You're 16, You're beautiful and you're mine! midis with lyrics
http://www.clinton.net/~sammy/youre16.htm
To: Pat McFadden, Yes happy to say I'm your classmate from so very long ago 1950. How could I forget a nice good looking girl. Thank God life has treated me very well, I have been happily married to Irene Ramos from Ridley Park for 46 years and have 3 wonderful sons. We still live close by in Brookhaven, Pa. I retired from The Boeing Co in 1995 and enjoy dancing, skiing travel and the grandchildren. Its so nice to hear names of people we knew from Old Chester and the things they remember of our great city. Did you go to the 50th reunion?, I don't recall seeing you their but there was so many classmates I know I didn't get to talk to that night. I read that you where friends with Mickey Fromel, she was a great girl who I had a crush on when we went to Smedley. I have not heard anything about her since high school. Hope all is well with you.
Another big parade was the Armed Forces Day parade with the PMC corp of cadets marching.
TO: Jim Minshall Thanks for your response. You said "was" your second cousin. I hope that doesn't mean what I think it does. Hopefully, he "is" your second cousin. I went to school with Brit from the 4th grade at Franklin and we graduated together from CHS. When you find time send me an email message from address is listed. Thanks Pat
Craig McH:
Didn't seem like I remembered Ranger Joe being like Sugar Smacks. I remember them being somewhat like a puffed rice but brown and coated with a honey coating..Not as soft as puffed rice. The closest to them in my humble (borrowed that from John) opinion on the market today is Sugar Crisps. But the best thing about Ranger Joe, was the aroma that filled the morning air as we walked to school. and I think when we were lucky enough to get a freebe eating it dry like a real snack.
George Malik, I sent you an e-mail quite a while ago but I guess I had the wrong address. If you see this ,drop me a line via my e-mail. It would be fun talking about the old neighborhood. Don
The mini parades that I loved to watch was the CHS Band marching from the school to the football field. The Flag twirlers were something to behold. Twirling a baton always seemed easier to me than the flag. Those gals would twirl it in front, then on the side, to the back, under their legs, over their heads-they must have been double jointed. This was the years between 1950 and 54. Wonder if any are reading this message. Can anyone remember any of the names. Thinking back, their short skirt uniforms were rather risqué for those years.
I left Chester in 1976 and just recently returned. I was shocked at the changes. I went to St. Roberts from 1968 to 1970 and then to St. James from 1970 to 1972 and Chester from 1972 to 1974. It would be nice to hear from anyone from those times.
E-A-G-L-E-S
The one parade that I always remember that was almost every year in October was the Pulaski Day parade. It always end in Chester Park.
way to go eagles!
Oldies
http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/krsongs/
To Pat. Brit was my second cousin.
To "Skyjumper" - come in, come in Skyjumper.
At your suggestion, I rented the movie "Last Exit in Brooklyn" and the setting is 1952! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you for having such a violent and sad growing up. Which character do you yourself identify with and what unidentifiable neighborhood did you live? The homosexual, the pathetic whore, the dysfunctional ignorant family who lived with violence, the servicemen who were badly mistreated and physically abused by local residents (or sewer roaches as I viewed them)? I am assuming that the young adults depicted remind you of your youth at that time. Which character were you? And, please be so kind as to let us know what area in old Chester you grew up.
No wonder you call yourself "Skyjumper" - if I'd led that kind of a life, I'd want to take a big leap myself. There were good people who lived there in 1947-55 who would have helped you if you had asked. What a shame. You should have "wished upon a star" and looked upward instead of down, then you would have seen a lovely moon looking down on you, as I did. Best wishes for your future.
As they say in Brooklyn - "Ey - foget about it already."
Over and Out - Moonrider
Craig, my husband worked there when he was around 17 or 18, now he is almost 80.
To: Florence
I remember the Ranger Joe cereal. My Aunt use to work there that is the only reason I remember it. I think she was the secretary to the President of the company (and founder) Charles Haskell. A larger cereal company bought them out years ago. I think it was Post cereal. When they changed the name of ranger Joe cereal it became Sugar pops.
To: Frank Vaul
Are you my CHS classmate from 1950? I've seen your name here before but wasn't sure you are the one I went to school with. How are you, you handsome devil? Nice to know you remember me, and I hope life has treated you well. It doesn't seem possible that half a century has gone by since graduation does it?
Tom M, Set up for chat room is on it's way to you. The URL for the chat room is http://prv-groups.aol.com/oldchesterpa/ bookmark the URL or add to your favorites,,,George
I hav enot been back to Chester since 1976. Can't beleive how it changed. Any one who went to St Roberts or St James, feel free to drop a line.
My relatives were a part of Chester Pa in 1850's Many Blakeleys descended from John Blakeley. Many were livilng on Potter St & Madison. My GGgrandfather was Theodore Blakeley during the Civil War fsought for Pa 58th & died at attack of Fort Harrison Va on Sept. 29, 1864. Greats Aunt Sally taught at Larkin School for 40 years & member of Presb. Church 'til her death in 1941. I visited Chester last Summer & was pleased to spend time in Cozer Library & the east part of town where most of my relatives lived.
Pat, I forgot that you worked in Walhen's. Friday was a great night in Chester, we would stand on the steps of the YMCA and than go down the alley to Jim's pool room. Chester was great, but they say you can never go home. Sad but true as far as Chester goes.
where is the chat room?
Jim Minshall Do you have a brother named Brit? He went to Franklin School and graduated from CHS in 1961?
CAN ANYONE TALK ABOUT ALL THE PARADES THAT USED TO BE IN CHESTER.WHEN I WAS YOUNG I REMEMBER GOING TO ALOT OF PARADES
To UW, I work for a casino now. I live in Iowa. Haven't been back to Chester in 17 years. Keep the memories coming. I enjoy reading your E-mails.
TO HARVEY -
Well Harvey (told you I need detailed instructions), I went back to your webpage, found the location for photos 2 and 3, viewed them and I have to say that you and your wife make a handsome couple - you're a good-looking chap and your wife is lovely. It's nice to be able to put a face with a name. Now, I will try to do this too - probably take a while, but I have a few old black and whites I can try this with. Wish me luck.
OMG Donna Lewis I remember you well. You were were the prettiest girl on People ST. I would work all day building a new bike from some old one's I found somewhere and would ride up to People ST to show Steve Osten and the Boys. and you would call Me Grease Monkey. lol.
Hi Tom Morrison. My husband was your grandmother's brother.Bertha and Paul. will be on laterHis name is George Knott
Sorry Donna, I thought you were another Donna I use to know that dated my buddy. She also lived in Highland Gardens would be about 44 or 45 by now.
I'm the grandson of Paul "REDS" Farnan. Anyone remember him? Good or bad comments welcome.
thanks
My grandfather Tom Canavan lived in Chester all of his life, he worked for the City of Chester in their main garage, he was what you would call , a master mechanic. He worked on all the police cars and fire engines . Their was another gentleman by the name of Mr.Hamby. MY grandfather was raised at 24th and EdgemontAve's. At one time the family had a working garage there. It is long, gone like every thing else.My aunt May and another brother Bill lived there in the very old house. Bill was a cripple, I was never too sure how he got that way, but a bullet was lodged in his spine, but that didn't stop him from becoming a professor in a medical school in Oklahoma. The house was very interesting, it had a small kitchen, and what I would call a dining room, was more like a library.The whole wall was loaded with books and historical items. the next room on the first floor was small. Inside that room was a red velvet settee and beautiful darwood desk and a small chair that went with settee.And some historical things hanging on those walls. To go up staires, you had to climb these little circular stairs. The furniture was very heavy wood and each bead had the mattress to sleep in and one to cover you. Of cours they were made of feathers. MY grandfather built my uncle a way for him to exit the house and then he made him an exerciser oitside. Sort of like long planks with handlebars with witch he could live himself. He got to work out in the garden sometimes. I used to love to visit, because she made us tea in these very little red cups
Hi Pat
I really mean the world in general
Hi, Sharon Carey, I was surprised to hear about this oldchester bulletin board. Hearing about you and Cheryl and Kimmey and your Mom brought back a lot of fun memories especially when you and Cheryl turned me on to rock and roll music. Sharon, do you remember after school we would hang out in you and Cheryl's room and each day you guys would show me a new band. Arrowsmith was one of the first. The album was "Rocks" They became my favorite besides Mick Jagger and The Stones. In fact I just saw Arrowsmith again in October at the Ecenter in Jersey. I read that some guy named Tom remembers me as dating his buddy, Jerry. Well, I don't recall dating anyone named Jerry. Maybe some other Donna not me. I just had crushes in those days...I didn't date. Remember my crazy infatuation with Scott O. I still love him with all my heart. His birthday is the same day as mine. I live in Brookhaven now and am doing well. Tell Cheryl I wish I could see her...Take care!
Ahh, Pat, go back and click on pages 1,2,and 3 and you will see my pictures...
Well Harvey, you've done it again. I'm not that smart. I need detailed instructions on how to post photos on a web site. Can you email me and tell me how to do it? I have a scanner and the technical tools to do this, but need to know how. Now, be brave - post your own photo.
Then we could have a contest - post a photo and everyone guess who that person is - or post the photo of a familiar old Chester location and guess the site. And, the winner will receive a free coffee mug (filled w/coffee) or a 2002 "old Chester" calendar, donated and autographed by John!!!!!!! What'd you think John? And, oh, just one winner a month - the one who comes up with the most correct answers. Just a humble suggestion - could be fun.
FLORENCE - Do you mean you can't imagine what the future will hold for Chester - or the world in general?
I decided to try noname's advice to Pat and see if I could post a few photos.
http://harveysmartin.tripod.com/harveysphotoalbum/
Anyone:.. I notice that someone posted the name of Joseph Haines, Sr. as a member of the Felton Fire Co. Is there anyone who can contact me regarding that individual? That is exactly the name of a relative that I have been trying to trace. Thanks for any lead. Lee B.
Haven't we been the lucky ones, to have things the way they were.I can't imagine what the future will hold.
Hi Pat, I want you to know that I love pretzels and ice cream, especially chocolate, also. does anyone remember Nickerson's candy store on the corner of 9th and Walnut sts. I also loved to go shopping in downtown chester. What a great time that was.
The thing I miss the very most and remember the best about my teen years in Chester was Friday night when everyone, but everyone came to downtown Chester - not only to shop - the biggest reason was to see friends and neighbors and gossip. I worked behind the counter at Whelan Drug and the store was packed every Friday night. Very few people had a TV or even a telephone, so this was their way of keeping in touch with everyone. Few cars, and very few in-home parties or elegant dinners (no extra money for that), so after taking the bus downtown, everyone congregated and had a "swell" time. No brawls or fist-fights, just people so happy to see each other and get the latest news.
Banana Splits, malts and sundaes were the treats of choice at Whelans on Friday nights. (I had carpel tunnel syndrome from dipping so much ice cream - they didn't call me the "big dipper" for nothin'.) I have to interject this: One time, I guess I was going through what is now called "PMS", and I told one of my co-workers that if anyone asks me for anything else, I'm going to scream. A very nice lady asked for a dip of chocolate ice cream. I stood in front of her and sobbed - big tears. She asked me what I was crying about and I told her it was the way she said "chocolate" - she made it sound so sweet. It's a good thing she didn't order a topping of nuts - then I really would have had something to cry about. She probably had a good time telling her friends about that nutty waitress at Whelans (Oh yeah, let her try handling that crowd). And the guy who got mad because I put butter on his toast. Well, who ever heard of eating toast without butter I yelled at him (another PMS day). Oh, those were the good old days, and the end of waitressing for me. So, now everytime I put chocolate ice cream on my toast, I fell like I'm gettin' even. Or better still, pretzels and ice cream. People out west here, think I'm dingy when I eat my ice cream with pretzels - we all did that back then, didn't we? Say yes, please say yes.
And, nobody has ever mentioned here Loft's Candy Kitchen, across from Whelans. Oh my, the best chocolate in the world - have never had any like it since. They made a rolled chocolate bar (forget what was inside) but it was heavenly.
My Uncle Joe McFadden was perhaps typical of the good people in Chester. He couldn't afford to feed a lot of people, but he loved to share a "nip or two" with family, friends and neighbors. As he said to a friend of mine one time when we were visiting him, any friend of Patsy's is always welcome here. The man was so sincere and loving - and there were others like my dear uncle. No elaborate home, a humble home, no upscale car - but his love for his fellowman, represents to me "What Chester Makes, Makes Chester", and he helped make Chester with his work at Westinghouse for many years, his love of his family and his love of God. It's people like my dear Uncle who made the good memories we have today. God Bless you, Uncle Joe, and the place you occupy in heaven today. We miss you.
I only wish we had kept up the good work he started. Let's face it, we screwed up and the way the city looks today proves it. The city was never beautiful, but it reeked of peace, joy, harmony, good will and good times. All that is gone, and it shows. Chester is in mourning.
Many of our parents worked in the Ship yard in Chester. Some of our mothers replaced our fathers there during WWII when fathers went off to War. They were told that their jobs would be held for them. My mom became a welder.
While researching a particular WWII hospital ship I came across several ships that were built in Chester, PA. in case anyone is interested: These all became hospital ships at one point. They are all Navy Hospital ships. I am researching Army. Anyone remembering any Names they or their parent was on please post.
Relief II built in 1895 as a passenger liner by the DELAWARE RIVER SHIP BUILDING COMPANY. Original name John Englis. Turned into a hospital ship serving in the Spanish American War.
USS Haven 1945-1957 - Sun Ship building & Drydock Corp. formerly; The Marine Hawk converted to hospital ship 1945
USS Benevolence 1945-1947 - Sun Ship building & Drydock Corp. launched July 1944
USS Tanquility 1945-1946 Sun Ship formerly: the Marine Dolphin launched Aug. 20 1943
USS Consolation: 1944 formerly: the Marine Walrus became hosp. ship May 1945
USS Repose 1945-1970 formerly: Marine Beaver
USS Sanctuary 1945-1971 formerly: the Marine Owl
A web address about Chester ship building. http://www.fas.org/man/company/shipyard/chester.htm
HOW ABOUT HUDSON MOTORS 8T AND CONCORD ACROSS FROM THE SUGAR BOWL AND THE OLD WEBMASTER S DADS DRUG STORE
thanks joe..will have to make a trip over there.
I just remembered their was garage next to Betty Mason's called Martin's, years later it was called Geigers cleaners. I remember all my life that my grandfather's sister lived on 24th and edgemont, Old May, eventually it was sold and turned into a computer center for the Delaware County National bank, then It went to Southeastern or Fidelity,etc,etc,now it is First Union.
Does anyone remember pre "CBB" (Com.Barry Bridge)? Those hot summer nights waiting for hours for the ferry. Those B 52s they called mosquitos getting their dinner. Oh what we suffered for just one more hour in good old Wildwood!!!!
Joe: The little town in NJ is Sweedsboro. 322 East to the Mobil station on the left, the WAWA on the Right. Turn right, go down to the stop sign and you stare right into it. Great place to stop on way to the shore or on the way back using the country roads.
Want to know what it was like to grow up in chester 1946 to 1955? rent a movie named "Last exit in Brooklyn' It was the downtown chester I remember well.some fun!
I have to write now, before it slips away. Does anyone remember Betty Mason's store on Providence ave., between 16th and 17th.She sold ice cream, candy, cigarettes, etc. I can still remember the smells from that store, to me it was a good smell.How about Henry Bloom's drugstore on the corner of 16th and Providence.Sometimes I can almost see the scenes that I loved so well.In the city you knew almost anyone and in the suburbs you are lucky to know a few people who live around you.
Jack, I don't know if someone's told you, but Vesuvio's opened a nice place just off the Commadore Barry bridge in New Jersey. Turn right at the Wawa and go straight to the next intersection. Can't miss it.
Pat ......you can upload them pic's to a web page then post the link. I find yahoo to be easy
Can anyone give me any information about any Chaykuns? Thanks! Denise
Does anyone remember Fred Ryder Dodge Dealer at 9th & Lloyd St? How about Battan Rambler on 4th & Clayton.
I was remembering when I was a child during World War 2, how in the evenings we had to have black curtains at the windows so no light would shine thru, just in case a plane did get over the country.And many men and women walked outside to guard, with their metal hats on. I remember the Century Club, I think our 7th grade class from Smedley had their dance there. Remember the Sword Society.The goodwill Firehouse on 15th & Providence was always in my attention, my grandfather was President, my grandmother was president of the auxillary at some time, myuncle Thomas was a driver,as was William Sweeney,Herman Dickerson. When their was a fire most all of the neighbors were volunteers.My father Slew Smalley was a volunteer, he also played on the firehouse's baseball team.Supplee's milk house was right up from Deshond park . One night the team was playing at Deshonds and my dad hit the ball right over the milkhouse. So they always teased him and called his hit , the milkhouse ball.
clanks is still open! sure wish vesuvio's was
Florence - After looking up Barbara's picture in our yearboook, I can say "Yes", I remember her. One of these days, John will come up with a way that we can post photos on this here bulletin board along with names - maybe it can be done now, I don't know. Harvey Miller has been extremely inventive or knowledgeable about sending the music right along with the words in emails - what a guy! He is turning my computer into a jukebox with beautiful songs, and I love it.
AND, at the risk of offending some readers (OUCH), because you attended a St. James dance, would you happen to remember who the artist was who sang Goodnight Sweetheart as the last song of the night? (I feel like I'm ducking bullets and rotten tomatoes as I write this - oh, oh, here come's another one - duck everybody.) You would be our heroine if you knew the answer. But Mr. MacName (never knew anyone by that name) was probably more interesting to you than the music - I understand. Is that a Scottish name? I went out with a fellow one time by the name of Joe Italiano - he never would tell me what nationality that was.
To Pat: Thanks for the account on Chief Dalton. Not sure if he is a relation but it's a neat story. Thanks again!
Tina
Pat, now that you mention St.James Dances, I remember I went once, with a very nice fellow, whose last name was MacName, who quite a few bros and they were quite goodlooking. Do you remember them/ I tell you my mind wants to do a lot of things, but my body won't cooperate. I wish we could go back, but you never can. I never went to the class reunions, we just don't go out after dark.. I am enjoying this page.A friend got intouch with me today from San Diego,California, thru the class mate page. She went to kindigarten and Smedley with me. Her name is Barbara Gilligan.
TO: UW and JOHN,
I very much appreciate your thorough explanations regarding my question on census data, etc. I now understand and know the monthly fee charged by ancestry.com couldn't begin to cover the time and expenses I would incur if I were to do that research myself. You have given me great insight into the work that goes into this and the people who have provided us with this data are to be greatly admired. I think this age of technology is beginning to spoil a lot of us to the point of thinking all we have to do is sit in front of a computer and get anything and everything in the way of information that we need. We forget it takes people just like us to input this valuable and informative information - and I'm guilty of that. There is no magic involved. Thanks to both of you for setting me straight.
Florence - I'm fine and see that you too are really enjoying this site by your postings. You remember a lot more places and events than I do, so don't say because of your "age" you're forgetful. You and I are exactly the same age, and I still feel like I'm 17 years old - ready for another Saturday night dance at St. James - somehow the senior center dances here are not quite the same - it must be the hormones or lack thereof. I don't know a lot about Chester's history - whatever information I have shared on this site comes mostly from reading a lot of what John Bullock has provided in the various areas here, and also Lou Warfel's book "My Book About Old Chester, PA". It's very interesting and informative and when Lou has recovered somewhat from the recent loss of his wife, I think he would be very happy to receive an email from you ordering his book - he lives here in Phoenix, AZ. Also, I don't know if you're aware that Chuck Lutton has created a video about - I think it was our last class reunion - and it's fun too. Chuck lives in Florida and can be reached via email in order to obtain a copy. Keep your postings coming, Flossie, we enjoy them and I have email addresses for both Lou and Chuck.
Pat McFadden
To Sax Wyatt: Thanks for coming up with "Laughead Pontiac". I've been over working my brain trying to remember it. We bought our first NEW car there around 1950. Qur very first was a used Pontiac that was manufactured after the war---I think 1946
Hello to all. Does anyone remember the Ranger Joe cereal co. from Chester and the Chester Brewery. goes back quite a while ago. Hi Pat, how are you doing. You sure know a lot about Chester, I wish I could remember so many things. Remember the Boyd Theatre,Stanley,and now I can't remember the rest. this comes with age. So many memories.Firehouse balls and banquets, parades,explosion at Sun Oil Co.
having done genealogy research for many years, I can tell you the task you ask is monstrous. Although the computer and online research is available it takes many hours to either scan or type information so that it is available to the public. Major projects online have taken years to get here. (ex: the Ellis Island, Immigrant Ship Transcription Guild, or Tombstone projects) and Thanks to thousands of devoted people the doors are now open so that many of our ancestors can come through the screen in this wonder called the computer and come alive after perhaps a hundred years. Volunteers devote hundreds of hours on collecting the data from Microfilm and transposing it so that online researchers can use it. This is tiring work, and very straining to the eyes depending on what Microfilm imaging machine that is available for use. Old newspapers, census records, city directories, etc are scanned then modified so that the improvements make reading easier for future researchers.
If anyone has time on your hands can volunteer for many of these projects right on line and work from home. You can obtain forms from the online sites. The US government offers Online help in genealogy research as does all the States.
Some of the information you refer is available for free in many libraries. Most Counties and States have web sites for genealogy researchers, PA has both. Some more helpful than others, but still a starting point for the beginner. Many offer searches for a small fee.
John B. has provided links to the DelCo. hist.Soc.,the Chester Preservation Comm. His site is alive and on going. Many are not. It appears to this reader that he has been extremely generous in offering Community service space to organizations.
John has offered a great place to kibitz about what we all remember about Chester. His pages have grown probably beyond his wildest dreams. John pays for his own web site to keep it available for us. OUCH$$$$$$$$ If he were to go to one of the free web page providers it would probably save him loads of money, but it would also restrict how he wants to do his own web page. If he were to allow banner advertising from outside companies it would take away from his concept of the " OLDCHESTERPA" web site and some people find the ad banners intrusive.
Being a WebMaster is no easy task for an informative ever changing site. That I know for fact. Sorry about yakking to long.
John: If I wanted to get some of the old pictures I have posted should I just email them to you direct? I am going to see if they come out better by scanning or actually taking a picture of the picture with a digital camera.
Pat,
I'll try to do my best to answer your questions about City Directories and Census info.
There's one real good reason why I only have the 1859-1860 City Directory posted here on the website - it's the only one I have a copy of here on hand. It was the first directory published for Chester and, looking at the census numbers that I posted last week, one can easily see that the later directories were much larger. If anyone has access to later directories and would like to put them into electronic format, I'd be happy to post them here on the site. Meanwhile, many of the later directories are available at Delaware County Historical Society's research library (see the "Genealogy Resources" link on our "What's New" page for a link to a more detailed listing of their resources.
Census details are by law kept private for 70 years. Therefore, the most recent one available for searching would be the 1930 census but it usually takes a year or so after one is released for it to get published and copies made widely available.
Certainly the census is public info (after the 70-year privacy period) and may well be available in any library with a good genealogy section. The charges are to compensate for someone's time to scan all of those papers or key in the info to make the data available electronically. I can tell you from personal experience that this would be a monumental task! - It took me ten months+, 8-12 hours per day, 6-7 days a week, to key in all of the data from the burial records at Chester Rural Cemetery and that was "only" a little more than 31,000 records! (Think I only wore out one keyboard on that project! <G>).
Hope this helps some, John
To: JOHN
I am merely curious. I see a City Directory for 1859-1860 listed as available for researching/viewing. Why this short time period and only this one? Why are later directories not available - up to say at least the mid-1900's, which would be of interest to most Chesterites. Also, on the ancestry.com website, census data can be viewed up to 1910. Since a census is taken every ten years, why is not later census data available. In order to view anything past 1910, a monthly fee must be paid. I don't get it. These are public records and should be accessible to all at no fee. Can you answer this for me?
I love your website. Thank you.
Talking about roller skating does anyone remember when they had fancy skaters in competitions from the Great Leopard Rink in Chester. I can remember one Gal by the name of Joan Page that was really a great competitor. I think she also worked for Danny Murphy at Murphy Ford in the 60's. Wonder if they have dance competitions today for roller skaters. In those days the indoor roller skates had wooden wheels. What a great place to meet guys and gals.
Is Clank's restaurant/bar/pizza still open for business in Marcus Hook? They had the best darn tootin pizza in the area next to Vesuvio's.
Hi Did you know that William Penn landed in Chester first.It at Front And Penn. Also, I remembered another neighbor from many years ago , their name was Wheatley.How about the roller skating. Who remembers the Washington House and the great theatres we had, which didn't cost an arm and a leg.
LOUGHHEAD WAS AT 11TH AND EDGMONT AND IS IN SWARTHMORE AND SPRINGFIELD NOW. KEY BUICK WAS AT 10TH AND MORTON AND MOVED TO SWARTHMORE WHERE LOUGHEAD IS NOW. THEY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS THEN.DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER ADOLPH STUBER AT 9TH AND SPROUL BEFORE CHESTER LINCOLN MERCURY MOVED IN.
As long as we are remembering car dealers...how about Laughead Pontiac? I believe they used to be on Providence Av. Now in Swarthmore, I think.
Jim: My sister said Ed Bowers was one of her soap opera heartthrobs in the early days of the soaps. No wonder the name rang a bell.
Keeping busy? Still in the area?
To UW, The only ED. B. I can remember was Eddie Bauchamp. I think I spelled his name correct.
How about Myers Motors[Ford] in Linwood!
Sharyn M. Campbell....You are right about Luke Motors, but they went out of business a few years back. They were there for a long time. T. Nicolaides
Hope everyone is welcome to remember different car dealers in Chester, for the one that come to my mind is Luke Motors, that was & still is located on Providence Rd. :o)
Their coming back to me now....Gallagher Buick on Morton Ave and Stuber Plymouth at 7th and Penn?? (I think). T. Micolaides
Good one Tom! Completely forgot Cornwall Cadillac. Remember it now thanks to you!
Hey, Hey....Here is one that just came to mind after seeing all the car dealers listed. Cornwall Cadilac at 4th and Welsh. T.Nicolaides
This is to Matty I believe you are married to my cousin Danny Genthert. I am Sis Hampel's daughter.
Don't know why I wrote 9th. & Welsh. Knew it was Sproul. Comes with age I guess!
Thanks wiskers: could not for the life of me remember the name of the Yellow Bowl. Mom would shop at Dana's then we'd go to the Yellow Bowl.
To: Gash Stull was at 9th & Sproul, Chester Lincoln Mercury was originally at 6th & Madison across from McCalls Feed Store which is still there today. Chester Lincoln Mercury moved to 9th & Sproul in early 60,s Murphy Ford was across the street from the Rainbow Diner, that,s when Andy Subachi of the Yellow Bowl fame owned it.
TO PAUL D. CROWTHER I THINK GASH STULL WAS AT 9TH AND SPROUL ACROSS FROM THE RAINBOW DINER AND THE LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER WAS AT 6TH AND MADISON AND WAS CALLED CHESTER LINCOLN MERCURY.
TO TINA:
OK - here are excerpts from Mr. Warfel's book about Old Chester regarding a "Disastrous Fire" that took place in 1882 in a building called "Green Banks" located at 2nd and Welsh, part of which was occupied by a Professor Jackson for the manufacture of fireworks and railroad fuses. The professor's company was called the Jackson Pyrotechnical Manufactory.
The Franklin Fire Company and the Moyamensing and other companies arrived on the scene. About 1/2 hr later, a minor explosion occurred. Chief Dalton contacted the young man who had been in charge of the factory when the fire started. Dalton question him about the contents of the building and asked if it was then cleared of explosives. Reassured that there was no further danger from explosion, the Chief ordered the firemen to resume action. About 15 minutes later the building blew up with a tremendous death-dealing blast. Stone and debris shot from the building and smashed into people and homes at 2nd and Welsh St. Bodies were hurled as much as 140 ft. on the flats of the river. Windows were blown out of the Methodist Church on Welsh St. and many homes, even some at a great distance.
There was no hospital in Chester at that time and a local druggist at 9th and Madison provided drugs and medicine free of charge. 19 persons were killed, 9 of which were firemen and 5 young boys. Fifty seven people were injured including Chief Dalton.
This was called "Black Friday" and the Chester Hospital was established soon after this tragic day.
So, Tina, this should narrow it down a bit for you. The article doesn't specify which fire company Mr. Dalton was in charge of, but it should help in your search. Also, if you go to the bottom of the home page on this site, there is an area where you can plug in the Dalton name and all sorts of research areas will come in view where the name might appear. You can also explore there.
Good luck.
Dan B. The Address for the Chat Room is http://prv-groups.aol.com/oldchesterpa/ It's a good idea to go to that page and then bookmark it or place in your favorite's file, depending on the browser you use.
Florence... Gash-Stull was at 9th.& Welsh. It may have been Chester Lincoln-Mercury.
Pat,
I would LOVE to haer an account about Chief Dalton! Will you post it or mail it? Let me know and I can send my address. Thanks!!
Tina in Florida
Paul, we are taking a guess, could it be the former Gash-Stull before it moved to Township Line rd. Not sure. florence
There was at one time a Lincoln,Mercury dealer at the corner of 6th.& Upland. Does anyone remember the name ? I can recall a dissatisfied customer drove his car through the showroom window.This was in the 50's. I think the School Board is using the property now.
To: jwhiskers Thank you for the info on finding Albert McKeefrey. I will make a phone call and see if Bob Bradshaw can help me further.
TINA,
Perhaps you are already aware, but maybe not, that in Lou Warfel's "My Book About Old Chester, Pa.", he talks about Chief Dalton, who in 1882 was badly injured in an explosion that took place at a plant - just injured, not killed. If you are not aware, I will be glad to tell you about it in a condensed version on this site. It's not long - just might be of interest to you and the fact that he was a fire Chief.
Let me know.
Rick: that was great, found the sandy beach (?) at the Hobo Jungle area between Trainer and Booth Street in South Chester that Ed Rz. and I spoke of in earlier postings.
Ed Rz: do you think the water is cleaner these days? Remember the stories from either older brothers/fathers about how they were able to back stroke across to NJ at this point in the river with a water melon on their guts or backs if swimming breast stroke.
email note: As of Jan. 15th the ASD (American School Directory) will no longer carry email service. So please do not send mail to my address after the 14th. Thanks
I think I have the intersection of Edgemont Ave, Providence Rd and Route 95 here.
http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/image.asp?S=10&T=1&X=2346&Y=22060&Z=18&W=2
Can you see your house? http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/image.asp?S=16&T=1&X=36&Y=344&Z=18&W=0
Notre Dame, Class of '62. I lived at 916 Upland St. The house is till standing.
I didn`t play for the Smedley AC, we all hung around together. It`s nice to know some of you are still around. Love to hear from you. We hung out at Pop`s at 16th & Providence.Who is still in the area?
In the beginning it was called Shangs, agter that it was called pop's, and after pop retired Bucky and his wife took over and it still was pop's. I was n ot allowed to go in there when I was young, but afteer I reached 16 I was allowed. We were still friends in the 60's or until they left the area. They were located on 16th.st. right accross from bakery if it was still there I can't remember. I graduated in 1950. We lived right around the corner from them on Walnut, my mother knew them from 14th Walnut since early 40's. Wallio's frogpond was accross the street and I can say we all had a lot of fun there with all the people. We used to push the tables together and talk
Forgot how this thing loads. Shirley didn't play for Smedley AC, I did.
Shirley Played baseball w/Smedley AC during that time. With John M, Lefty P, Windy W, Hoppy, et al.
Shirley, Pop's or Doc's? some of us used to go their for lunch from Smedley. It was on Providence Ave.
Thanks, Harvey, for the info on Madison St. church. I am looking for records from that church for the period of 1866 to 1870. My neverending search for Daltons!
Also, my deepest sympathy to Lou Warfel and his family on the loss of his wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mr. Warfel.
Lived in Buckman Village Graduated CHS in 1947 Been reaDING CHAT ROOM BACK DATES aNY ONE MAY CONTACT ME ON E MAI NOW LIVE IN mARYLAND \
ANYONE REMEMBER POP'S [1950-1955]? SMEDLEY AC
Welcome back, Rick.
To Tom Cindy U.W. and Chris .......thank You for Your words. And yes I still come here everyday. Thanks for Your concern.
Lou Warfel, in his grief, was kind enough to answer my email. He stated he will look through the postings on this board next week. He, along with his wife, has contributed in writing much concerning the history of Chester that will last for generations to come. I know he has the sympathy of us all in the loss of his life companion.
Bette Brooks Warfel wrote a very nice reminiscence here back on June 14, 2001.
Sorry to read in today's Delco Times of the death of Eliz. Warfel,wife of Louis Warfel,a very valuable contributer to this site. Condolences to Lou and all the family.
Tina, Madison St Methodist merged with Christ United Methodist at 600 Dutton Mill Rd in Brookhaven. I was just wondering out loud when I mentioned it since it was in the neighborhood. Harvey
Tom: If some of your photos are from Madison Street church, what approx. dates do you gauge the oldest photos to be? I am trying to find family that went to the Madison Street church. Is that church closed now?
Tina
T.Nicolaides.
Yes, those are the same boys I referred to. Great bunch of people.
TO FLORENCE....Thanks for the reply regarding Shanks. Was i right about Ronnie McGee and Paul Curry? Really curious. Thanks again. T. Nicolaides
Tom, yes Bessie Bowers is a member of my tree. She was my great grandfather's second wife. I would be most definately interester in her.
Ed Bowers
To I Lived There,too. I also forgot the Ruebecks and Vernons, also the Wenrich's, and Wanzel's. I can remember when V-JDay happened.P.M.C. had a big celebration right up the street.The next morning when my Dad was waiting for the bus, he heard a big explosion and he ran accross the street in the back yard there was a boy who had blown a shell from the celebration. My dad tied a tourniquet around his arm and ran out in the street and hailed down a car and took the boy to the hospital. It was a pretty bad accident. P.M.C. is now called Weidner University. Quite a difference from before.
I wonder if the photos in Tom's albums could be former members of the Madison St. Methodist Church. The only member I knew was Mabel Marston who lived at 1017 Madison.
TO TOM:
I can see where you really have your job cut out for you and I hope you have the time to do this. My goodness, all those names and only two can be identified with my immediate family, that I know of. However, 75% of the names are familiar family names from Chester and surrounding areas. If these look like professional photos, perhaps Mr. Bennett was a professional photographer; if not, he is to be admired for identifying the people in his snapshots.
There is a gal by the name of Elizabeth Bennett (maiden name) who graduated CHS in 1949, lived at 105 Lewis in Chester. She could be a relative of Charles Bennett. However, if you have 3 more albums to go through, half the descendents in Delaware County could have a member of their family depicted somewhere there. I think you have a treasure there.
I am going to email Lou Warfel today and have him check out this site. He is so knowledgeable about the history of Chester that he might be able to help us out here.
The saga continues.
A review of the 40's http://www.nhmccd.edu/contracts/lrc/kc/decade40.html
To Ed Bowers: The Bowers I have pictures of, I have is at least one maybe more one name I have written down is Bessie Bowers - 1924.
Jim M. Was there a Bowers family in the class of 54 from Dewey. I saw Ed. B. posting and it seems to ring a bell in my memory that either 53,54 there was a classmate with the Bowers name
Still cannot find the great place I put the class picture for safe keeping..Maybe I did mail it to RC.
Tom, What a great find!!! I would be most interested in any pictures of Bowers of Chester. There were Bowers that lived at 6th and Madison in the 20's. They owned a wool shoddy mill in Chester.
Please let me know if you can scan and I will gladly pay your costs for process and mailing. Please feel free to email me. Ed Bowers
Tom:
The photo albums are a great find. Even to be able to read as many names as you have put on the message board is unbelievable. Many of us forget that one day someone will look at our pictures after we are gone and if we have not identified them history may be lost. So everyone go through your pictures, and log them with names, dates and occasions if remembered - they are your family history.
When I was young my parents would take me to house sales with The auctioneer -George Wilson (Glenn Mills) got postcards but rarely photos. Did pick up an album in the mid 50's of newspaper clippings. When it came into my possession years later, I happened to look under one clipping to see what story may have been there and low and behold there was a series of cartoons that were from the Philadelphia newspapers and were the creations of a cousin. We were to find out later that, he did not have copies. During the Korean War he was sending his Cartoons from the front lines to be published.
ED Mercy McG and Lou Zelley yes. College Music Appreciaton no.When Ms McG had us all sing she would freqently stop us to remind us to enunciate.
To: Bill Kerr, your best bet to find the whereabouts of Al McKeefrey, would be to call A. A. West roofing at 610-872-3302, ask for Bob Bradshaw.
In reference to the old pictures I have. I went through 1 of the albums. They are so old they are falling apart. Sesqui Centennial was definitely in Philly in 1926. A lot of the names on the pictures are not legible because of the handwriting. The gentleman who took them was Charles Bennett he lived between 6th & 7th and Madison. Some of the names are Oneal, Hiorth, Ford, McCartney, Crossman, Morrisey, Horn, Booth, Embert, Dunion, Pendergast, Powers, Jaggers, Highan, Fitzsimmon, Bowers, Rhoads,Rumsey, VanZant, Griffith, Cluelow, Sisson, Storm, Quinn, Watts, Chew, Ryder, Taylor, Backalor, Fay, Francesco, Stansbury, Cooper, Killan, Miller, Gamble,Gardiner, McLain, Ryan, and Evans, just to name some. Most if not all were from Chester and Upland and range from the 20's 30's 40's 50's and 60's. Like I said this is just one album of 4 that I have and the pictures are very delicate now. Any interest by anyone drop me a line and I will try to look to see if I can scan them for you.
CHS CLASS OF 1972 THE BEST Sorry I donot know anything about Chester I was born in Philadelphia,PA just went to school here.
CHS CLASS OF 1972
Hi, Nice site. My Mom and dad owned the Madison Laundry at 12th and Madison. I went to school at Smedley for three years. Left there in about 1961. I haven't been in the ares for quite a while (30 yrs), just wondering if any ones know of the whereabouts of Eddie and Albert Mckeefrey? Thanks for any help.
Mercy McGowan also taught music at Larkin SChool. Whatever knowledge and appreciation I have of music (knowledge is limited--appreciation great) I owe it to Mercy McG and Lou Zelley at CHS
To T.Nicolaides, yes it was called Shangs, because of the fellow who ran it when first opened. My sister Joy and her husband Russ MacLean told me. Their minds a bit younger.Pat, when the dr. came on calls.Wonderful. It would never happen today. They don't even keep you in the hospital with a 14" incicision. Sometimes I wish for the goo old days.When the ice man came, waterice man, ragman, milkman, and of course . the good old bread man
To T.Nicolaides, yes it was called Shangs, because of the fellow who ran it when first opened. My sister Joy and her husband Russ MacLean told me. Their minds a bit younger.Pat, when the dr. came on calls.Wonderful. It would never happen today. They don't even keep you in the hospital with a 14" incicision. Sometimes I wish for the goo old days.When the ice man came, waterice man, ragman, milkman, and of course . the good old bread man
I think the only shanks i can remember is a garage. I am not sure.
One more thing about Dr. DeProphetis - he was soooooooo handsome - looked like Perry Como. One time I made an appointment because I had a pimple, just to see his handsome face. But alas, he wouldn't make a house call for any more pimples!
Talking about doctors making house calls! Those really were the good old days. I remember one time the doctor coming to my house - think I had the flu or something similar - and he told me I couldn't have any candy. Well, I was all alone in the house and remembered a candy bar I had in the pocket of my coat. So, very slowly, I crept down the stairs to make sure no one else was home, ran to the closet to get that candy bar and ran like the dickens up to my bedroom. After I ate it, I was sure I was going to die - but I didn't. And, I didn't tell anyone about that candy, for fear they would tell me I was going to die. I waited a long time to see if I would die, but I didn't. So, so much for no candy when you're sick. However, I still might die - these things take time.
But the doctors in our hometown were absolutely the best - the absolute best - Drs. DeProphetis and DiMedia - I'm probably alive today because of you. Dr. DeProphetis was not only concerned about my physical health, but my mental health too. He asked me one time if something at home was disturbing me, and it was and he discussed it with me - merely to get to the root of my physical complaints. They were the very, very best - I don't think either of these doctors became the millionaire doctors we have today.
To Florence, I went to Smedley, Had miss Eachus. I also have in front of me the year book from 1945 when I graduated. They have a big picture in front os miss Stetser who was principal.. I also worked on weekends at Dalton's bakery. It sure is fun to remember old times.
To: Florence...Caught a post earlier when you mentioned the names Curry and McGee. Iwent to Martin school with Ronnie McGee and a Paul Curry. could they be the same? Ilved on 15th Street in the mid to late 40's. Graduated Smedley 51. Wasn't Pop Wlliams store called Shanks?
Hi to all. When Pop williams, gave up the grocery business, him and bucky opened a place at 16th and Providence road. I t wa s a place you could go in and get your breakfast, coffee , etc. The teenager's had a place to go. I think that even some of the 4 Aces stopped in ther. Across the street was Dalton's bakery but by that time someone else had purchased it. I had a friend Ron Magee, who recently has passed away. One hallowe'en he dressed up as frankenstein, he was tall, taller with lifts on his shoes, and he really looked like frankenstein. Well he got on the outside eelevator and rode it down into the baking area, well he scared those poor guys really bad. Can you imagine.Then Smedley wasn't too far from there.Does anyone remember Miss Cox,Mercy Magowan, Mrs Eachus?You know I believe this was the best time in the whole world. What childhood and teenage years anyone could have.We had so many friends back then and we did a lot of things in groups.
To RC:
Thanks, RC. I did look up the meaning of Sesquicentennial and found that it meant 150-year anniversary or celebration. And, of course, you're right. I didn't go back that far - I went to the anniversary of Penna. ratifying the Constitution in Philadelphia on Dec. 12, 1787 (I got this info. from Lou Warfel's book on Old Chester - which is filled with tons of info). That would make that celebration in 1937. But, you, I am sure, are absolutely correct - good old 1776 - who can forget. So, then, the photos would reveal people in summer clothing, etc. If it turns out to be the ratification date, we would see winter clothing.
Thank you RC - another mystery almost solved. What a great site this is.
Thank you RC...
To Tom and Pat: I think what you're refering to is the "Sesqui-centennial" It was held in Philadelphia in 1926 to celebrate th 150th anniversary of the founding of our country. I was eight so my memory is a little hazey. It was really a "trade show" like the "World Fairs" that came later. There was a model of a coal mine. Most intriguing to me, were the rides. I had never seen the "cater-pillar" before. And ther was a great scenic railway which I wsn't allowed to go on but my brother, who was older,bragged about how scarey it was! To Harv: "The Nook" later moved up town to State St. Remember a great sundae called a "King Tut". I forget the Harding son's name but he invented it.
Hey Florence, you were pretty awnry yourself, weren't you. Never would have believed it of a shy, nice girl like you. They were pretty funny stunts you pulled as a kid, especially tying the doorknobs together - I'll have to remember those if I ever run into Bobby Darling again!! Ugh, hope not.
Things I remember about growing up in Sun Village; The huge christmas tree they would put up on the point of 12th and Morton and also the visit from Santa there, Burning the christmas trees in the court on Hancock St. after christmas, the water ice man named Happy who use to come around in his truck, Living on Hancock St. when they took half of it down and dug it up to put in I-95, going to Washington park in the summer for the summer program, and many other great memories.
Hi all!!!!! So many memories. Chester was so great. Grew up there when it was the best. Best times were in the 60's. The bars the stores the town. Best place to shop. Little stores on the corner. All the good penny candy. All the play grounds for kids to hang out at.It was a kids dream. Great fun playing kick ball and hanging out.Not much money but it was cheap entertainment. It was a friendly town.My children do not know what it was like. the pace today is alot faster then when we were growing up. People seem to get to know one another. Well thanks for listening......Laura Also remember house visits from the doctors. They actually came to the house. Unbelievable!!!!!
Florence, Growing up there was a little store called The Nook just across Baltimore Pike from the Media Hospital. Sometimes the owner, Mrs Harding would let me ride with her when she went to buy pies at Dalton's to be resold at The Nook.
Florence: I knew Pop Williams and his sons Bucky and HiBall. I used to work for HiBall at his store at 10th and Potter. Pop Williams used to drive an old Tasty Cake truck. he chewed tobacco and wore hop top shoes but had a head of curly black hair.
Pat, I think we did some pretty rotten things on mischief night, and even when it wasn't.We tied my Aunt Alice's door knob to Veto's store handle. Neither one could open the door. Sometimes we would stick straight pins in the door bells.We moved the ragman's horse and wagon down on to providence road away from his area. We strung Martin's school trash cans up in the tree's, and more. Does antone remember Dalton's bakery and Pop Williams store on 16th st?
Sorry for the repeat, folks, didn't intend to bore you twice - an accident, I swear - an accident. However, I meant to say: But "Charlie", not "Butch" when I said he was a different breed. Hate when that happens.
Yes, Florence, I did go to Larkin School - 1st to 3rd grades. So, you too knew our very own "Bobby Darling." I think the movie "Nightmare on Elm Street" was based on him. At any rate, it takes all kinds, and maybe I wouldn't have appreciated the good guys if it hadn't been for darling Bobbie. Well, bless you Bobby, wherever you and the sewer you're peeking out from under may be.
There was another boy in the neighborhood by the name of Charles Berger. He resembled very much "Butch" from the Our Gang movies. But Butch was of another breed entirely. He could be as tough as they come, but he was the kindest and nicest kid I knew. The last time I saw him (again, I was around 8 or 9), we were walking along 9th Street talking about what he was going to do now that his parents were gone. It was dreadfully sad - they were killed in an auto accident - and oh, I felt so bad for him. I remember him saying, he didn't know what he was going to do. Does anyone remember or know whatever became of Charlie Berger? It's very interesting how some things we never forget. And, Charlie, I've never forgotten you and always wished you the happiness you were deprived of at such a young age.
As I understand it, Larkin School is now just a memory as is our beloved CHS. Another name that comes to my mind is Mrs. Hetherington. Was that the name of the nice elderly lady who ran the store (the front part of her house) right on the corner of 9th and I think Crosby (the street just west of Madison street - whatever that street was). I think we had to walk up steps to enter. I have been trying to remember that dear lady's name for years - because we awnry kids would knock her empty milk bottles off the railing of her fence, at night (and, the kids today wonder we ever did for entertainment before TV - we found plenty to do, right guys - we had to use our imagination.) I've always felt bad about doing that - please forgive me Mrs. Hetherington - I was young and mischievous. I really liked you and now I know how hard you worked.
So, thanks to this site, I have had the opportunity to take out my revenge on Bobby Darling and ask Mrs. Hetherington's forgiveness. Thank you, John. Feel much better now.
Yes, Florence, I did go to Larkin School - 1st to 3rd grades. So, you too knew our very own "Bobby Darling." I think the movie "Nightmare on Elm Street" was based on him. At any rate, it takes all kinds, and maybe I wouldn't have appreciated the good guys if it hadn't been for darling Bobbie. Well, bless you Bobby, wherever you and the sewer you're peeking out from under may be.
There was another boy in the neighborhood by the name of Charles Berger. He resembled very much "Butch" from the Our Gang movies. But Butch was of another breed entirely. He could be as tough as they come, but he was the kindest and nicest kid I knew. The last time I saw him (again, I was around 8 or 9), we were walking along 9th Street talking about what he was going to do now that his parents were gone. It was dreadfully sad - they were killed in an auto accident - and oh, I felt so bad for him. I remember him saying, he didn't know what he was going to do. Does anyone remember or know whatever became of Charlie Berger? It's very interesting how some things we never forget. And, Charlie, I've never forgotten you and always wished you the happiness you were deprived of at such a young age.
As I understand it, Larkin School is now just a memory as is our beloved CHS. Another name that comes to my mind is Mrs. Hetherington. Was that the name of the nice elderly lady who ran the store (the front part of her house) right on the corner of 9th and I think Crosby (the street just west of Madison street - whatever that street was). I think we had to walk up steps to enter. I have been trying to remember that dear lady's name for years - because we awnry kids would knock her empty milk bottles off the railing of her fence, at night (and, the kids today wonder we ever did for entertainment before TV - we found plenty to do, right guys - we had to use our imagination.) I've always felt bad about doing that - please forgive me Mrs. Hetherington - I was young and mischievous. I really liked you and now I know how hard you worked.
So, thanks to this site, I have had the opportunity to take out my revenge on Bobby Darling and ask Mrs. Hetherington's forgiveness. Thank you, John. Feel much better now.
To Florence Larkin was torn down about 26 years ago but Wetherill is still open for business.
Hi Pat, It seems that I can remember Bob Darling and James clatterbuck, maybe from Larkin School.Did you go there. I went there for 3 to 6 grades.. I can remember my kindigarten class at Wetherill School. I still have my picture.I don't know if those buildings are still there. florence
To Tom who found all those photos albums: If you see any names such as Dalton or Van Riper or Cobb would you mind posting your findings,please? Finding something like that, albums with old, old photos would be a treasure for me! I always look for old pictures at local antique shops - you never know what you'll find.
Tina
To Tom:
P.S. - Lola Goldsborough still lives in the area, but I do not know her married name. If there is someway to locate her, that would or could answer some questions. I don't know when the Goldsboroughs moved from there, but it was quite awhile, I think, after we moved.
Hello Tom,
I am absolutely fascinated by your story, and how interesting that you would hold on to those old photo albums. "Sequiel Centennial" is not something I'm familiar with - maybe someone else can fill us in. In what context does it appear?
However, my grandmother was great for writing on all her photos - names, places, etc. The Delaware Water Gap appeared to be one of the family's favorite spots. But, there are several of my g-mother's pictures I have of people and places that I am unable to identify, especially those with the French names, who appear to be family. I have been trying for over a year now to get the background on my g-mother's father, Thomas Hemple Neal who was an engineer in old Chester, and it would be interesting if those albums contained photos of my g-mother's parents and siblings. My grandmother's married name was "Hampton". Her father would have been one to travel. He passed away in 1935 and I feel very sure he was a man of some means. The family who lived in the southside twin was the Goldsboroughs - and I forget the father's given name - his daughter was Lola and he had sons also, I think. He was a house painter. Also, my g-father had a house on Pusey Street - that house also is still there.
"Gus" doesn't ring a bell, but again, it's a germanic name and fits. The living room and the dinner room were both big enough for a pool table, with room to spare. But that was not my family who had the pool table. It was approx. 1942 when my family moved from that house.
There is a strong possibility that those photos would have belonged to the Hamptons or the Goldsborough family. If you see the name "McFadden" anywhere there, then it's definitely my family.
However, I not sure everyone is interested in reading about the history of that house, so Tom, could you please email me at the above address, with the names, locations, etc. that are written on those photos? If you don't mind and have the time - that would be exciting to go through. Do you still live in the Delaware County area? And, it's amazing that you found and kept those albums.
Thank you ever so much - Pat McFadden
To Pat;
About 25 years ago I was working at a bar and resturant supply store behind the houses in the 700 block of Madison. The entrance was actually in the parking lot next to where John's Hot Dog is now. Follow me through here and this may take you back to some memories that may help me deliver a bunch of picture albums. Well I was loading a truck one day for deliveries and someone had thrown a bunch of trash over the fence. The houses directly adjacent to the fence were a couple of old Victorians that were abandoned and were suppose to be boarded up, but I guess some of the local kids must had gotten in there. To make a long story short I was only a few feet away from the trash bags and they were spilled something made me go over and check them out. When I did I found 4 photo albums filled with black and white pictures. You just reminded me that I still have them. I stored them away years ago. If this is the same house you are talking about, which I think it is because it was right on the corner and if my memory serves me correctly they were attached. I think the owner's name was Gus and I think one of his rooms had a pool table in it, also some of the other names you mentioned ring a bell. There was writing on all the pictures and also the negatives are with them. I will dig them out and go through them. I haven't looked at them in years. They are from the 20's, 30's,40's,and 50's. The guy who took them travelled a lot. Does the Sequial Centennial mean anything to anyone.
Thank you Margie for your input, however, you lived in the 900 block and the victorian twin I refer to was in the 700 block. Another writer emailed me and confirmed what I thought I remembered - that the Methodist church was on the corner of 7th and Madison, then our twin, then a building of some sort or maybe even just a lot on the corner of 8th and Madison - just a few structures on that short block. Times were good (safe) when I lived there in the 30's, the city was civil at that time (except for one very nasty little boy named Bobby Darling). And that particular neighborhood consisted mostly of families of German/Dutch descent -the Shacklefords, the Clatterbucks (I used to call the lady "Mrs. Chatterbox" - but, hey not bad for a 5-yr-old, and my proper grandmother would have a fit of embarrassment), the Goldsboroughs, Pendergasts,- all very interesting germanic names -the Craigs, the Webers (my aunt and uncle), and I knew some people named "Savage" too.
So, my time there was way before yours, but I just thought you might have had some knowledge about why that particular victorian twin was all boarded up in 1980. And, yes, we did have a porch and huge yard on the side, and smaller one in back. One memory I have is that of a pet chicken there that broke its leg. My g-mother (bless her) took a popsicle stick and some bandages, wrapped it around that leg, and by god, that leg healed and was as good as new after that. Never knew anyone else to do that. I just loved my "Nana" for doing that. (Gives you an idea of how small children think, doesn't it - of how I loved her for that, but didn't know how to express it.)
I have a feeling that twin is still there - would be 703/705 Madison St. I can also see why it should be preserved and restored. It's a very unique structure and reeks of nostalgia, and I'm sure it's filled with ghosts - I think it was haunted when I lived there. Nonetheless, I would just love having the chance to walk through it one more time and stirring up some of those "ghosts of the past" - might even encounter myself there as a lonely 5-yr-old.
Thanks again, Margie, for your help.
GP, I believe your right, the name Ruth does sound familiar. I could have listened to her sing all night long. I would also like to thank, Harvey Martin. It is simply amazing how you can just type in a name and somebody on this site comes up with a web address to find them. I would never have guessed he was a painter of fine art. And quite good, I might add.
Hi Pat -
Hmmm, trying to remember... to be honest... all I remember is living right NEXT to a Victorian home. An older couple lived there. I carely remember that they were the Savages. They had, what seemed to me at the time, a huge yard. I was at their home maybe once or twice. Not sure why....They had family that would sometimes come to visit them and the kids would play in the yard. I lived next to them in this twin white apt. complex. One one side was Richardsons & Assoc. and the other side was our apt. on the lower floor. The upper floor had 2 apts. I believe.
All I remember of that block is lots of row homes.. classic Philly style row homes across the street. I wish I could help but I am afraid I don't know what happened to those homes.
By the time I was growing up in that apt. it was really bad there. We had our apt. broken into numerous times. I could barely sleep at night terrified that someone would break in while we were there. Finally, a kind friend of my mom's told her of an apt. that was close to Sun Village. We moved there on 1974 or 1975. That new adress was 1006 E. 12th St. I remember it was the first time I ever had my own room! The Madison St. apt. had only 3 rooms so my mother and I shared a room.
Can't end on a bad memory... let's see... someone mentioned the buses.... mom used to take me to the 69th ST. Terminal in Philly on some Saturdays for a trip. All we EVER did was get a hot dog in the terminal and then get right back on the bus and go home. I never even knew there was a CITY outside of the terminal until I was in my late teens!!! :) The hot dogs were not as good as John's Doggie Shop... :)
Sweet Dreams, Everyone!
Duke Snow - Artist & Guitarist http://www.snoproart.com/
Bill Crowther, I think that was Ruth Russell.Sound familiar?
GOOD EVENING, COULD ANYONE TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO CLAYMONT INN? THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT
To:GP
The only one I remember was my favorite, "Duke Snow" He had a female singer that sounded like Kitty Wells. He sure did have a great band.
Wow! The Golden Slipper! What a blast from the past as they say! Went there many times in the early 60's. It was owned by a guy named Bill. Did know his last but forget it. The place was huge. Had a big fireplace . Bill maintained the decor from the 30's. At one time it attracted many big name entertainers. Rudy Vallee played there. Even though there were few customers,Bill would have each table set up with tablecloths,cutlery etc. as though he expected a full house as it was in years gone by. [Bill was a little eccentric] His Son was even more eccentric. Funny the things that stick in your mind. Every morning Bill Jr. got up he took a quart of Beer and the paper to the bathroom with him and didn't come out until the bottle was empty! They also had Motel rooms. On a big night there could be as many as 8 customers. It could seat about 80!
Bill Crowther,do you recall the names of any of those country bands at Dominicks Rainbow Room? Some of them played many,many bars in the tri state area.The Sandy Ridge Boy's and The Wee Three were two of them.Duke Snow also played the area for many years.
How about the Sunset Cafe in the 1100 block of Morton Ave in Sun Village
Would just like to add to the list of Bars, "Re'Davids" on Morton Ave. at Green St. and "Blackie's Bottom's Up" I believe on Lloyd St. Had many a good times at those two. I don't want to forget "Dominick's Rainbow Room" on 9th St. in Linwood, dancing to Country Music.
Places where I drank in Chester. The Larkin House, The Imperial Hotel, The Frog Pond, Billy Ritchies, and a couple of places on 6th St. by the Train Station...waiting for my wife to get out of work at Weinberg's.
It's funny, but I happen to have a copy of the Needler right in front of meSept.81 It mentions quite a few placesThe golden Slipper,Bonner Tavern,West End Boat Club,Post 1521 VFW,Village cafe,Jack Hunt's AnnexPhil's Cozy Corner,Lloyd A.C.,, they7 have a lot listed just right outside fo chester.
I'm sure a lot of people remember the Bridge Cafe on 9th street across from King Chevelet.Many a good time was had thereby people from Eyre Park and employee's of Scott Paper and other business's in the area.
Anybody remember when there were pennies in the cigarette pack from the machine. My husband and I saved them. A bar you haven't mentioned--"The Gateway" on 9th st. near Highland. Also, a little out of town --"The Black Duck" on Ridge Rd. I think there was a "High Top" at 9th and Flower. A gentleman named Sugarman was the owner. I'm really enjoying this memory shake up. Please continue.
I seem to recall a bar on 3rd st. between Franklin and Parker? I think it was the "Venetian"
Hello again, it seems we have a few more names. The most important one to us was Scoop's Frogpond at 16th&prov.madison Grille--Chrystal,4th&edgemont---Burley's- across from State Theatre----Cocci's,3rd.&Market---Moonglow, below third and market---Hill's Grill--2nd.& edgemont--Ledo, 3rd.st. off Penn
I remember when John's Doggies were 13cts. Two for a quarter! Late 40's or early 50's.
I remember on Saturday mornings my friend, Mary ann Grauel and myself could ride the bus downtown to the girl's Y and take our swimming lessons, go to John's for a hot dog and a soda, get on the bus and come home all for quarter. I remember going to the Mac theatre for a nickle on Saturday mornings. I remember walking downtown to what I called the first 5&10 and down past St. Michaels and Cooley and Lilley's gift shop, I cant't remember all of them, but Speares comes to mind, Weinbergs, Roger"s. I worked in Rogers at one time. Me and another girl went to John"s dogie shop and brought them back to eat in the lunch area. Boy did they have a fit. The whole store of fine goods reeked of onions.
What a fun website. My mother was Anne Consorti Mattero and she was rasied on 6th street. Her mother later lived on 8th street until approximately 1970, when she moved to Wallingford.
Although I was born and raised in Ridley Township, I remember Chester the way it used to be. Every Saturday, my friends and I would take the 76 bus into Chester - maybe a movie at the Boyd or the State, followed by a trip to L&H Sporting Goods, and a couple of dogs at John's Doggie Shop. Lots of good memories!
MARGE - regarding your message of 1/5 at 10:15 PM.
Would you mind repeatin' that?
To: Marge
You mentioned you lived at 923 Madison Street and because you also mentioned the 70's, I am wondering if you have any idea of what happened to the twin Victorian house in the 700 block on Madison - it was a dark grey, almost black stone I believe. The one on the left was my grandmother's house and the Goldsborough family lived in the right twin in the mid and late 30's. When I was visiting there in '79, the house was all boarded up. My g-mother moved from there many years prior to that, and I am really curious as to its history after that. It was quite an interesting house - three stories high (I believe) with an attic and a basement, both of which were sources of curiosity and great fear when I was very young - 5-8 yrs. old. I remember finding some books on astrology in the attic at one time. How curious they would be kept up there.
As were most houses of that era, the parlor was off-limits to anyone but guests. I would sneak in there anyway and play the player piano that sat in front of the bay window. Naturally, when the piano was heard playing, the sneak was discovered.
Rumor had it that before my grandmother lived there, it was a house of ill-repute. I believe the address was 704 Madison - been so long, but I think that's right.
Anyone with any information about that house?
And mentioning bars, how about "Burley's" - across the street from the "Y"? That's the only one I remember. I left Chester in 1950.
Regards to all and our memories --
Was it Moran's at 11th. & Upland?
I promised a list of bar names, so here it is: Simmon's at 3rd.st. Keenan's, 3rd.st.---Wallio's, 3rd.&Penn---Ward Grill,3rd.&Ward------Andy's Musical Bat---Renz's, 3rd.& HIghland--Park Hotel--Colonial Hotel,W.3rd.----Stanley's W.3rd.----Kelly's, 7th.st.-----Palm Gardens----Royal Hotel, 6th.st.-----Murphy's, 5th & Welsh-----------Sunset, Morton Ave.-----Riker"s8th& morton----Shamrock, Morton-----Eddystone, 6th&Morton-------LucciS,6th & Morton----Madison Grille, 12th & Madison. I knew he would know a lot. He probably knows more
Hi, When we lived at 9th&Walnut, we had some great neighbors, Spano's,Carr's,Keesey's,Paynter's, and can anyone help me. The Mac Theatre was just around the corner. Do you remember the rag man, who came around bying rags, singing any rags today, and the little water ice man, pushing his car around with all the flavors.I remember these certain little cookies we used to get at Williams groc. store out of the little cases. Everyon used to scrub the steps and sidewalk in front of their home's and keep the street clean.Everyone kept their windows clean and shiny and the curtains stretched just right. so many memories
Oh Yeah The Lloyd needler was printed by George Greico. You could pick up a copy at your favorite Tappy for free or purchase it at The Newstand. Rube El Paso wrote a column and so did Hank Stafford. There were also jokes aka Playboy. Wonder if any one still has a copy hanging around?
J.Smith, That was my cousin Nancy. My family lived at 1524. I also forgot to mention the upton family. My husband remember's the needler very well. We still have one..
Nancy M Smalley1532 WALNUT -Commercial-Accounting.Smedley Graduate Source 1952 CHS Yearbook
How can we talk about Bars and Taverns in the area without mentioning " The Needler " ?
Someone mentioned info on Bars in the area over the years, remember " The Needler " anyone?
Mom, Thanks to you and Daddy for all the great memories Love Me
see what I get for being a smarty pants??? Laughing... I spelled it WERE instead of WHERE in my last post....... goodness gracious....
(where is that shift key?)
anyway.... my next memory....
there was this truck that sold crabs. (they may have sold other things, not sure!) and it was a HUGE treat when my mom gave me a quarter... I would run out and buy a large crab, come back to my porch (cement) and crack that puppy open. I thought it was better than the ice cream truck!! This truck was from when I lived at 923 Madison....
I wish there were some people here my age to share memories of the 70's with. Ah well, I DO love reading about how Chester was before I was born.
Have a super day everyone!!
Margie
iamstillateachernotaformerteacher
pswhocaresweretheshiftkeyis
psshopeiamnotoffendinganyonethisisreallymeantasajoke
:)
Florence....Caught your response to Pat and a couple of names stirred up a few memories. I went to Martin school with a Ronnie McGee and a Paul Curry. I lived on 15th Street and I think Paul lived there also. This was in the mid to late 40's. Just curious. Take care....T. Nicolaides
here are some of the favorites. Scoop's Frog Pond, Tony'sBar, The Republican Club, Colonial Hotel,City Hotel,Dugdies,Billy Ritchie's,Maltone,McLaughlin's,Anchor,. More coming later.
Pat, I am sorry. Sometimes I get a little mixed up. Yes that is me.But i never thought I was petite.I had one divorce, but my second husband is a treasure.I do remember you, because I always thought you were one of the pretty ones. I was backward, but it seems old age makes you say anything you want to. Do you have a family.?I don't know what happened to Madeline. I still have my yearbook.
To: Florence Smalley
Florence, according to our CHS 1950 Yearbook, Florence A. Smalley lived at 1524 Walnut, attended also Smedley and you took the Commercial course, same as I. There is no other Smalley in the book. I knew a Ron Smalley - attended Rez with me - were you any relation to him? He was a real cut-up and everyone liked him. He has since passed away - many years ago. He married a girl from our class - Genevieve Degnan. At any rate, I do remember you.
I am not the writer who listed in the name area as "I lived there too". Don't know who that was, but I also recognize the last names he/she mentioned - always wondered what became of Madelyn Fromal - anyone know? She was my playmate when we were very small in the area of 9th Street and Crosby.
I use my maiden name now because after two divorces, I couldn't decide which ex-husband I liked well enough to continue using his name, so, liking my father better than the husbands, I took my birth name back. So, if you still have your yearbook, you can look me up. I remember you as being very, very sweet and somewhat on the shy side, but you were petite and that's a blessing a lot of we women would like.
Anyway, it's nice to see your name and know that you are well and still overcoming the obstacles of everyday living. Life is such a trip, isn't it?
It wasn't easy. My mind forgets a lot lateley. Pat, I think that it was little petite Florence P., I am florence S. I could mention a few more, t heJohnson's,McGees,Curry's,MacBrides,so many i can't remember.I was trying to think of everyone , it just wouldn't come to me. thankyou for reminding me about them.
TO Florence Smalley re: Residents of Walnut Street
You forgot your next door neighbors, the Messick's !!...and Perski's meat market,the Simmers's, the Strain's, the Fromal's, the Buffington's, the Ashbridge's, the Blackston's and how could you forget Larry and Charlotte Cowan, the Chiomento's, the Leonard's?
To: Florence Smalley
Florence, do you remember me? We were in the same class at CHS. I also graduated in '50. The minute I saw your name here, your face popped up in my vision. I always thought your name fit you because you were so petite. I'm sure you're the Florence I knew.
Pat McFadden
Rick - You are NOT the "Ghost Writer" - I am. You are "no-name".
Margie - In no way was I criticizing those who are not good typists - if you read the post again, you should realize that I was congratulating them on their efforts, because a lot of people are intimidated by the keyboard and sending out their "product" for all the world to see. So, I admire those who put forth the effort because we are interested in all contributions on this board. I was merely suggesting a very easy way to make it clearer to us readers and if you notice, I said misspelled words do not matter here. Having been a teacher, you should realize that all forms of education are important, and grammar is one of them. We are judged by the way we speak and communicate. I notice that one writer took my suggestions, and was probably happy to get them. Didn't mean to offend, just trying to make things easier and a wise person always appreciates learning something new.
P. S. Don't forget the "shift" key for your capital letters and periods at the end of sentences.
Hi Going to be adding some tavern names later. My husband is 80 yrs old and believe me , he knows a lot of them. He served in World War 11 , in the eighth air force as a ball turret gunner on a b-24. We have lived here all of our lives. I graduated in 1950 from Chester High School. I have a lot of pictures of fireman's parades when they used to have them. My grandmother was a member of the Goodwill's ladies auxillary for over 50yrs. My grandfather was president for quite a while, also fire chief for 12yrs, my grandmother was also president after Mrs Jesse Hinkle, i could go on and on. what a great life we had back then. We kids played games all around and their wasn't a soul complained about kids playing. Now if a ball rolls on someone's grass, they keep it. What a difference
Rick, Stick around...we all make mistakes especially when we get too tired.
Many thanks to G.P. and Harvey for the info. they provided. While I'm glad to hear that it was not Dale I read about I am sorry there was a loss in her family.
TO U.W. .. No, no relation to George. Wish I were! Maybe get a large inheritence someday!
lol This is so funny. As the postings and hate mail I've goten today have implyed. YES I am the Ghost Writer. I feel no real need to explane how ever I will take an hour or so to hunt and pec My way throuth this reply. Sorry My typeing skills are not all that you may hope them to be. I never ment to offened anyone or to be conceited in any way. I simply had a question on My mind and Posted it. I never thought You'd put more stock in your answer's then I put in the question. Why Ghost Write You say? simple it was late and I was tired so I just forgot to add My name and email. So sue me. anyway this is'nt fun anymore so bye I wish you all well.
Perspective magazine is concidering doing a story on bar and taverns of Chester's past. We are looking for pictures and names and locations of your favorite watering hole.
PDC: Any relation to Geo?
Smack me for writing this but..... Having a screen name such as TeacherSno, I am worried!!! I am NOT the ghost writer. As a teacher, I can assure you that writing is about communicating ideas. Sometimes stopping to capitalize and punctuate slows the process of the person who is not a good typist. I say.. TYPE ON! Forget ghost writer's comments to worry about editing your posts. I read these posts everyday and I have YET to have a problem following them! Edit for term papers and such.. but not for this medium! I would rather read about all the great memories than to have someone stop to worry about editing and forget what they were typing. (Or give up typing because it is being critisized!)
To the mystery person who said the limo guy wasn't hard to figure out. I agree! I've only been here about a month and I could guess too :)
Are you all having a good year? I hope so :)
I did get a response to my "lions" question. The university was gracious enough to respond. Who knew they were called the Fo Dogs?!
Let's see...a memory? I remember this Hoagie Contest at the Armory. I was about 8 or 9. All of the hoagie shops set up in this big room in the Armoy and mom took me there. You got to try the different ones... I assume they had people vote. I remember the hoagies could be bought in halves since you would be buying a lot. We brought home a lot for dinner that night.... yummy :)
More memrories to come! Stay warm back there! :)
To Paul Crowther,Dale was Dares younger sister.Both were very nice girls.
As a boy I also walked the streets of Chester. Can't say I thought of being rich and famous at the time though. Actually I would have been happy to have a dime for the Bus so I wouldn't have to walk the streets! I think at one time or other I walked most all the streets of the City. I made a trip to Chester about 20 yrs. ago with my two sons after their Mother died. They both spent most of the time at the Crozer Hospital after either getting food poisoning or picking up some nasty bug! Needless to say,they weren't very impressed. They were interested in seeing where I attended school and where I lived. They both stated that"no way would I want to live here". So,to the nameless person asking for advice,I'd say it depended on the purpose of your trip. Make sure your "Limo" insurance is adequate,be careful where you go and don't drink the water! Once I was there and had rocks trown at my car. Another time I borrowed my Brothers car and had Firecrackers thrown at it,burning a spot in the drivers door. Oh,and only go in the daytime. Best time to drive through downtown is on a Sunday morning. It's deserted! Good luck and "HAPPY MOTORING"
Dare[Beecher] Mcbride.... Dare[Beecher] Mcbride. I read this over several times before I realized there must be an error. In the early 1960's when I was working at Hastings Chevrolet in Linwood,I was the shop"gopher". Every day I went to the Rainbow Diner in Marcus Hook to pick up coffees, cigarettes,etc. There was the nicest,sweetestand most friendly cashier there that one could ever hope to meet. Her name was Dale Beecher. She lived in Upland. Her Father was the owner of Beecher Signs in Trainer. Over the years I thought of her and wondered how she was doing. On Dec. 27th.I was deeply saddened to see her name in the obituaries in the Delco Times. She was a graduate of Eddystone High and was on the Cheerleading Squad. The obituary said Dare Beecher. She lived in Upland. Does anyone know anything further? Thanks
I've Got A Name Jim Croce
Like the pine trees lineing the winding road I've got a name I've got a name like the singing bird and the croaking toad I've got a name I've got a name
And I carry it with Me like my daddy did but I'm living the dream that he kept hid
Moveing Me down the highway rolling Me down the highway moveing ahead so life won't pass Me by
Like the North wind whistleing down the sky I've got a song I've got a song like the whip-poor-will and the babies crying I've got a song I've got a song
And I carry it with Me and I sing it proud if it gets Me nowhere, I'll go there proud
Moveing Me down the highway rolling Me down the highway moveing ahead so life won't pass me by
And I'm gonna go there free
Like the fool I am and I'll always be I've got a dream I've got a dream They can change their minds but they can't change Me I've got a dream I've got a dream
I know I could share it if you want Me to if your going My way I'll go with you
Moveing Me down the highway rolling Me down the highway moveing ahead so life won't pass Me by
Moveing Me down the highway rolling Me down the highway moveing ahead so life won't pass Me by
This is beginning to be fun. Gee, I don't have to identify myself and can just say what I feel. But, the only thing I want to say now is that I feel it to be a credit to the individuals who contribute so humbly and graciously to this site who have never taken any typing lessons, but are anxious to communicate with us - that's admirable, and it's time-consuming on their part. I have just one suggestion that would help the readers understand exactly what you are sharing. Please put a capital letter at the beginning of each sentence and also a period at the end. Misspelled words don't matter - even the best typists make "typos" - I'm sure we've all heard of typos. But, it's easy to do and doesn't take any longer than looking for the "w", etc. on the keyboard. If you don't know how to make it a capital letter, press the "Shift" key and the alphabetical letter at the same time. It works, I promise. Again, your messages are interesting and we enjoy them - we just want to make sure we understand fully where one incident ends and another begins.
I like guessing games - can anyone identify this "no-name"? I promise I will admit to it if you guess correctly.
WHO CARES WHERE YOU STOP YOUR LIMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm always ready to play the game, so as long as we're doing a "no-name" thing, I'll be a "ghost writer" this time too. It's not hard to figure out who "no-name" with the limo and the question of whether he should drive it through old Chester is - notice whenever he refers to first person, it's capitalized - such as "My" "Our" "Me" in the middle of a sentence. This initial cap when referring to oneself, indicates to me a slight case of "conceit". Also he makes the mistake of not dropping the "e" before adding "ing", and spells "vary" (for "very", I am assuming). All these exact errors have appeared in his previous postings. So, my suggestion is that he let us know when he'll be driving through, and we'll make it a point to stand on the corner of 9th and Edgemont to wave at him. Maybe that will replace conceit with confidence. LOL
hi, i remember all the people who lived on 16th and walnut during the 40's and 50's. a lot of them were volunteer fireman. what a great neighborhood at that time.there were cunninghams, muirray's, hinkle's, myer's,davis's, vernon's ,wenrich's,burn's , bulger's, balink's, watson's, some names i can't remember.the smalley's, veto's, cirilli's, amel the cleaner's,baker's store,gamble's, tracy's, and so on.canavan's, wheatley's crystle milk house, johnson's,kessler's,emanuel baptist church. , rev. dick
Dear no name 1-04-02. The first thing I would do with all of your ways and means and everything is to take a class and learn how to spell. Rather than to take a trip back to Chester in your limo, you might be better off to take your trips down memory lane on this websight. It will uplift your spirits and hopefully make you proud of who you are and assume everyone would remember you. Don't put yourself down like that. I have a limo too. It's called a Saturn. Have a great day and a wonderful New Year
Sally WOW you remember all the names and you say I have a good Memorie lol. As I said I was vary young. Did you know john and Margie rustick thay had four kids Debbie Jeanie Monte and Ricky
Rick The market was owned by the Mallas brothers, John & Jim. The Hardware store was owned by the Nieberg's. Pam & Tom Wynn owned the Melrose Diner and red headed Dave was the cook. The Steward Family had the 5&10 and Guswas the owner of the shoe repair shop.the lunchenet next to your has was owned by John Silknetter & his Mother.Good Memories.
Harvey Yes Rita is my cousin and a good person.
U.W.
The Dodds girls who lived on Brown St., were Sara Jane, Patrica Ann (Pat). Barbara Louise )Babs ), Sandra Marie (Sandy ), all CHS graduates, Mary Dodds a cousin did live on Morton Ave. mamy years ago. Do you remember any thing about her, this Mary Dodds had a sister Dolly & brothers Tom & Eddy,
Just a question for any that would like to reply. As a boy I would walk the street's dreaming of being rich and famous and revisiting these vary steets in a limo so all that never beleaved in me and said I was no good could eat ther hearts out. Now to date I'm not famous however I do have the ways and means to do this and even have a limo. But it's not like anyone would remember Me. Anyway My Family and I will be takeing a trip to upstate New York this summer and because when I say family I mean four Kids My Wife and I so yes We will be in the limo. Anyway the question is this should Chester be one of Our stops? What would you do?
Yes Sally that would be the house. I dont remember much about liveing there as I was vary young. However some of the things I do remember are a Market across the steet but I cant remember the name and next to it there was a hardware store I think. on the same side of the street but south of that there was a dinner I loved going there because thay allway had mint's by the cash register and thay did'nt mind Me filling up both My hands lol. Other thing's I remember there was a doorway in the bassment that went to the bar. There was also a store of some kind on the other side of the house and there was a Guy that glued puzzles to poster paper I think we called him Frenchy I really liked him. He would allways lose dimes and nickels and i loved finding them because he'd let me keep what I found. I also remembber walking north on Mortin Ave to the drive in as we did'nt have a car. we would allways stop at the Dairy Queen so I could get a cone with the change I found. Then My Mother and Step Father got the big "D" and we moved above the dinner I spoke of. I remember it allways smelled of smoke and there was a stairway to nothing as if some floors were missing. I remember I lived there the first time thay played Hey Jude on the radio the DJ said remember it so I did. lol but who could ever forget the Beatles anyway.
Sally: was there a Mary Dodds from Brown St. too?
Sally, I can't resist saying I know your cousin, Rita, who bought Ryan's Market from your father. She is a wonderful person and a true friend. Harvey
Rick The little house you lived in was it on the right side of the Sunset when you were standing in front of the house looking towards it. If that is the house my sister Babs lived there with her husband and her 3 children- Louie, Michael and Pam. My Dad lived at 1101 Brown St., his mane was Eddy Dodds , he owned Ryan"s Market at 1126 Morton Ave., for about 50 years. I"m the 3rd from the top of 11 children. I graduated from CHS in 1947.
Good reading your mail
Sally
I really dont know why or to whom I'm telling this. Again maybe it's more for me then you. The first thing I remember ever was liveing in the little green house next to The Sunset Bar on Mortin Ave in SunVillage. I remember We were all watching our black and white TV as our President was going somewhere to do something. I did'nt know what a President was but I remember thinnking he was family and had lots of power and money just like Granddaddy. I remember thinking someday I'd like to ride in his pretty car and as I sat there thinking on these things a shot rang out and again and again. I remember crying all day as did thre rest of the family. It's funny the things We remember and how thay impact Us. I try to remember it all because I know it was these things good and bad that made Me who I am today.
tom, iread where your father had passed away. after my brother died, my father was never himself, he went right down hill. i remember your father and his family. i remember my father telling us about his friendship with tot-ta from the time he was very young. we loved it at woodland, every weekend since i was able to go . we went with my grandparents greatest childhood growing up in chester.
Does anyone remember Radio Park at Booth's corners? I remember seeing the three stooges there as a kid. They had a country music radio station run by a guy named cousin Lee.
Lee Bennington, please send me your new emai, got your message but lost it. Heard from S.R. now if we can only get my "older" brother on, we'd have it made.
If anyone is having difficulty entering or would like to join the chat room, let me know and I'll send a new invitation. George
tom: thanks for reminding many of us that WoodLand beach, Charlestown, and I think Hollaway were places we went to as kids. I'f I remember correctly we would go crabbing at Woodland and Halloway. I can remember my brother, Dad,and Uncle renting a row boat and rowing/motoring out to a sand bar where skeltons of old boats were. They also had what at that time I thought were hugh eels swimming around. We would crab, then buy another bushels for about $4-6 and then would take them home boil them up in what I think was a potatoe chip can. Can't find blue clawed crabs for that price anymore.
Several years ago we decided to visit Charlestown beach in Maryland no longer amusments there, a trailer park and boy did it swrink. I think there must have been a navel base or something around Halloway or maybe it was hollywood beach, because I can remember sailors around there every time we went.
Florence: Thank you. I remembered John, I don't know why I couldn't remember your dads name. My dad talked about him all the time. I often think about back then. That was my first ride in a speed boat with your brother John I think I was about 11 years old, but I really don't remember how old I was. We use to go shark fishing, we would bring them up to the boat and shoot them in the head, sounds cruel now that you think about it. I remember we caught a lot and we took them up on the beach and buried them. I heard your brother really caught hell for that because they stunk so bad when they started rotting during the week. I also remember fishing off the pier and throwing one of your dad's fishing rods over the side by accident, I was afraid to go back to the cottage. I stayed there until the tide went all the way out and couldn't find it. My dad was Jim (Tot-ta) Bulger he worked at PMC (Widener) he was also a member of the Goodwill Firehouse and always called Tom Edwards my uncle, go figure (Uncle Tom). I don't know what the connection is. I know my father used to be really good friends with your dad. We spent a lot of time down there over the 2 summers before John's accident. My dad passed away 2 years ago.
john. he was my father.of course i can't connect it because i don't know your last name. perhaps you know my husband george, he some times painted with my dad.
tom
you hit it right on the button. his name was sanphord smalley, they called him slew at times. my youngest brother did drown at woodland beach.
My first job was at Boyce's market 20th Egdemont. When I was 6 I used to sweep his floors and line the carts up. My pay was a whopping $1.00 a day although I can't complain my day usually lasted about 2 hours and there was a free lunch break in between. There was also Gene's T.V. repair shop on our block I played with his son Earle he used to get so mad when we sang Duke of Earl at him. LOL Looking back it's funny how we remember things like most of the businesses on our block were owned by my neighbors and all they would have to do is get out of bed and walk a half a block down the street to work. Or the jungle that was next to the pharmacy on the other corner of 20th street. We use to think the old couple living there were spooky and their yard was the jungle when really later in life we realize they were just to old to take care of the yard. I forget the name of the people that lived there. I remember my sister having a friend name Patty Phillips whose brother lost a leg in a motorcycle accident he ended up getting a large settlement and bought a Lotus he took me for a ride in it and it was the fastest car I was ever in. He later lost his life in a freak car accident that didn't involve the Lotus although I think he was on his way to pick it up from getting serviced.
John---Thanks for the census figures. Don't know where I got the "city" idea.You can connect the rise and fall in the population numbers with the events that were happening in the world.You didn't realize that things were changing drastically. It takes the perspective of time to get the picture
I remember Bill Haley when I was just a kid when I lived at 21st and Edgemont st. he was good friends with our neighbor and use to get his car worked on at George Fosters Gulf on the corner. My mom and Betty (Geo's wife) were good friends. Bill and his buddies I guest we would later call them Comets used to sit on Geo's porch or in the back yard, there was also a guy named Lee Reynolds that played a pretty good guitar, they would all sit there and play country music for hours.
To Florence Smalley Knotts: I remember a Smalley my dad was good friends with, we used to go to his cottage at Woodland Beach in Delaware is this any relation? I forget his first name but he had a son that drowned in a boating accident at Woodland that was the last summer I was there.
Could anyone tell what church the Rev. J.B. MADDUX was posted in September of 1853?
I have his postings as:
Mt. Hope United Methodist Church 1850 - 1851 1852 - 1871 ????? Upland United Methodist Church 1872 - 1875 South Chester Methodist Episcopal 1876 - 1877
I am trying to find info on a couple he married on September 23rd or 30th, 1853.
The couple's name is Ann DALTON and William NEWTON.
Thanks for any help!!
Tina
Hey Harvey Martin thanks that just go's to show sometimes all we need is a new prospective. here's an F.Y.I. Bill haily and the comits came from Chester and got thier start at The Marine Bar down by The Ship Yard.
hi john bullock.. tom canavan, was at one time the city firechief, and always a volunteer. he was my grandfather and he lived on 15th st in chester. he worked for the city. he was a first class mechanic in the city garage.tom smalley, a driver was my uncle. and he lived around on walnut.herman dickerson was also a driver.
chester how great it was. my friends and i wouldn't give up our childhood for a million.my parents and my sister and i would walk down by scott paper at midnight to get the midnight ride of the wilson line, so mom and dad could dance. whe it docked we walked home to ninth and walnut around 3 in the morning. it was wonderful. so many things to be thankful for.
Ruth,
Thanks for raising the question about Chester's population and designation as a "City". I have been meaning to post a population chart somewhere on the site so as long as you raised the question, I'll include the numbers here.
Chester was incorporated as a "Borough" by Act of Assembly on March 7, 1795.
It became a "City" in 1866.
Chester had its first major growth in population between 1850 and 1860. This was due to the Industrial Revolution, the new businesses and the need for workers to staff them. In 1850 1,667 included 436 inhabitants in the village of Upland. By 1860, just the city alone had nearly tripled to 4,631.
The city doubled by 1870 to 9,435. In 1880 - 14,997, in 1890 - 20,226, in 1900 - 33,988, 1910 - 38,537, 1920 - 58,030, 1930 -59,164, 1940 - 59,285. The peak was reached in 1950 with 66,039. 1960 - 63,658, 1970 - 56,331, 1980 - 45,794. (Source is a chart from the Delaware County Planning Department.)
Hope this helps - meanwhile, I'll look for a permanent home for these census numbers on the site. Stay tuned for that...
John
I read the aticle in the times about the great decline in the population of Chester (36,854) and it brought a vague memory I have of the number reaching 60,000. This was probably in the early 1930s. And even vaguer is that this made Chester a city officially. I don't know what it was called before. Does anyone else have any recollection of this? If it was true it should have some mention in the History of the town. Anyway, I think Chester will rise again. It has so many good things going for it.Wouldn't be great to live in a high-rise on th banks of the Delaware?
Rick I didn't realize how beautiful your words were until I rearranged them into a verse...you have given us a song...
Time's just grains of sand blown out of sight by winds of change. No place that we could call home is destined to remain Our own greed deceives us And corrupts our every plan As confusion and desperation Beats the dreams of man. Chester's full of ruins...The Village now is gone Seems home is just a memory that some still dwell upon. In this new millennium it's hard to know who to trust As towers fall to piles of stone and girders turn to rust........
Jim Croce Wow what can I say but a wise young song writer from chester Who died before his time. More then that My inspiration.
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