Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #10: October 1, 2004 - October 31, 2004)


THIS SITE IS THE BEST. THANKS!!!!!
FRANK BISIO <FRANKCPA@HOTMAIL.COM>
PAUPACK, PA USA - Sunday, October 31, 2004 at 20:30:07 (EST)


TO RALPH PRYOR - whoever is in contact with him, ask if he has tried "system restore." It worked for me once when NAV messed up my computer.
Connie
USA - Sunday, October 31, 2004 at 07:45:43 (EST)
mickey...you were close turn left at light passed old prices corner on 41 go to light bottom of hill turn rt on capital trail. now you go str. pass rr. tracks down the hill through the light across the bridge str.top of hill you are in marshallton. i'am not sure which part is called the heights. hope this helps...jb
john browne <jbrownecelt@aol.com>
USA - Sunday, October 31, 2004 at 06:47:01 (EST)
FROM PRICE'S RUN AREA, P.S. DUPONT, CLASS OF '51, THINK I REMEMBER RALPH PRYOR FROM WARNER AND P.S....MANY HAPPY MEMORIES FROM THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD. MANY OF YOU PROBABLY KNOW MY BROTHERS FROM SPORTS, REFEREE/UMPIRE, ETC. THEY ALWAYS GO TO THE PRICE'S RUN REUNIONS. GREAT WEBSITE.
SHIRLEY HUDSON JESTER <UJEST110@AOL.COM>
NEWARK, DE USA - Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 22:27:20 (EDT)
Does anyone remember a place called "Cedar Inn"? It was in the north Wilmington suburbs. It was "the" place to go on Saturday night in the late 50's. Many of us had outgrown the dances at the Armory, St. Eliz. and Sacred Heart since we were working/going to school, etc. There was a jukebox and a wonderful waiter named "Greenie". He remembered everyone. My husband and I liked him so much that at Christmas we brought him a special present.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 19:08:12 (EDT)
BUDDY NEWS FLASH! Our Florida buddy, Ralph Pryor, asks that I let y'all know he's been having problems accessing the Internet (via AOL) for the past few days, and it may be a while before he's back online. His brother and a friend are going to attempt a quick-fix, hoping it's a minor problem. If that doesn't work he'll take the computer to a shop. So, in the event you direct E-mail to Ralph, and get no reply; It's because he can't see us! But, HE'LL BE BACK ( using best Arnold voice ).
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek AreaD, DE USA - Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 18:05:51 (EDT)
Mickey, As a child,I remember Mr.Futty. He worked for Mr. Laird,who owned the houses on Brecks Lane.I never met His wife.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 08:23:21 (EDT)
Yea that sub/candy shop was where the money went that was to be used for collection in the church just across the street. Two of my kids and there cousins went there. Some of you oldtimers may know my sisters family. They were both active in thefire department, had their 50th anniversary there. Curtis and Sally Futty. Lived in the same house for over 50 yrs You were right about the bridge, . It`s been more than 10 yrs since I`ve been back
mickey
USA - Friday, October 29, 2004 at 23:42:18 (EDT)
Mickey, I think I may know the little bridge you are referring to.Could it be the bridge on Capitol Trail,past the old Mashallton School ? Heading towards Newark. you mentioned a sub shop/candy store.Would that maybe be the old Marshallton Soda Shop ? That used to be owned by my Mother-In-Law.Pearl Donahue. It is now Smack's Flooring.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Friday, October 29, 2004 at 22:50:43 (EDT)
Remember when the duPont Highway had roses along both shoulders of the highway, and trees in the center median? The highway dept. cut all of the trees down in the interest of safety. Thanks guys! Now the drunks can swerve across the median into oncoming traffic and kill more than just themselves. The trees were there to prevent that from happening. Progress :(
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Friday, October 29, 2004 at 19:49:56 (EDT)
YEP! A true Old Wilmingtonian navigates by landmarks. Also, has anyone else noticed we also tend to measure traveling distance by 'time', not mileage?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Friday, October 29, 2004 at 18:07:57 (EDT)
Mickey and Bob Austin. Try: http://members.aol.com/craigshall/Troop19_HarlanBarratt.html For Harlan A. Barrat
Richard <MightyTaskMaster>
Wilmington, USA - Friday, October 29, 2004 at 15:12:50 (EDT)
I too would like the website on Harlan Barratt. I lived next door to them for twelve years
mickey <mickey710@webtv.net>
USA - Friday, October 29, 2004 at 00:00:30 (EDT)
Tom: I have been trying to find the web site on Harlan Barratt, but unable to get into it, could you e-mail me. I was in Troop 19 from 48 till 58, went from tenderfoot to Eagle, asst Patrol leader to Asst Scout Master. He was a great man and I owe him a lot. Also my father was Cub Master of Pack 19 in the early 60's
BOB AUSTIN <bobaus1@sbcglobal.net>
TX USA - Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 23:08:42 (EDT)
Chip, I had it all there for you and hit the wrong button. I`ll try again shorter version. I think when there WAS a Prices corner.it had 5 roads leading off it. You could get to the Ferris school , Greenbank, Newark, Cranston Hgts, Belvedere, stanton marshallton. Maybe someone else can explain it better. I`m an old lady on webtv who types with one fingure but I love going back home thru youse guys
mickey
tx USA - Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 18:55:23 (EDT)
mickey, I'm a young'n around here (born in '72), but I wanted to answer one of your questions. You would be able to get to your neice's house by the route you mentioned, provided that she does in fact live on that stretch of Old Churchman's Road. Old Churchman's Road is segmented, and you can't travel it's entire length without getting off of it and using "New Churchman's Road". Not sure about your Prices Corner question. You lost me at the little bridge. :)
Chip
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 15:59:53 (EDT)
Regarding the Nemours Building-GONE. Yes it is not longer the Nemours Building. But it is the Residences at City Center with shops on the first floor, Theatre N (your only connection to Nemours-- the N) which houses the Wilmington Independent Film Festival and shows artsy films, and rental apartments for long term leases and furnished executive short term stays. As far as I know, it's mainly occupied since the people who bought and reconfigured the "Nemours" Building just finished a major makeover of the GONE Delaware Trust Building. The Hercules Tower pink/brown insert has been dismantled and The Residences at Rodney Square look just like the GONE Delaware Trust Building of the first half of the last century. See, sometimes you can go BACK to the FUTURE!
Michael Klezaras
USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 16:36:40 (EDT)
I received the following recollection from a Seattle friend, who lived in the Gardens in the 30’s: “Our family home on McLane St. (1934-1939) was about 100 yards from the tennis courts that lay on the west side of Union St. and very close to the carnival site. Two carnivals were held there every summer, that of the Legion and that of the Firemen. All day during the week of the carnival, a smoky old fire would inflate a dirty old balloon which, at about 6 p.m. would be released with one idiot dangling from a trapeze underneath who would later parachute to safety, while many of us on bicycles would chase after the spectacle. The balloon would up-end when the weight vanished, and on one occasion we were present when that filthy old balloon landed on someone's fresh laundry (strung outside to dry in those days). We would risk our nickels on the 'red and black' gambling wheel, and if we won, we each could buy a coke and a hotdog at 5 cents each.”
Tom Wood
Albertson, NY USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 13:36:49 (EDT)
Butch: click the link on the right-hand side of the main page to "Blue Ball Ara History" to see information on the major highway realignment in the Blue Ball area, and know that the blue ball, itself, is being preserved - though I know not where, and the Blue Ball barn is being restored (in the middle of all of this mess). And Larry:, I agree - whatever you said, hehe :)
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 13:04:45 (EDT)
Wilmingtonians love to give driving directions. It's the working man's doctoral presentation. The geography and history of northern Delaware had a direct impact on the language development. The topology affected the laying of roadways that meandered while the suburbs developed without the naming of streets in numerical or alphabetical order. There were seveal ways of getting everywhere. Folks who had nothing to say on anything would show off a hidden eloquence when a direction-giving situation occurred. It's a very Wilmington thing.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 12:19:57 (EDT)
Speaking of landmarks, can somone tell me why the Blue Ball on Concord Pike is no longer there and if it is being stored anywhere for historical purposes. Thanks.
Butch Schilling <fschillling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 11:56:11 (EDT)
My niece lives on old Churchmans Rd.. Would I be able to get to her place if I took the Stanton Rd past the racetrack entrance, turn rt on Ogletorw Rd, short ways down turn left on Old Churchmans ?. How about to visit my sister who lives in Marshallton Hgts ? Go out Union, thru Elsmere to Prices Corner, go left there on out thru parts of Cranston Hgts, cross a small bridge, past a small sub shop and candy store and then turn left. Would I be able to find it ? By the way, I did at one time go to Newark High
mickey
tx USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 11:16:10 (EDT)
Anyone recognize the following..Birkenhead Powder Mills..Hockessin Friends Meeting..Long Hook Farm..Vaneman House..Shannon Hotel..The Buck Tavern..Pleasanton Abbey..Snowland..Woodburn....just a few
Bob <Bordwlkbobb@aol.com>
USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 08:59:39 (EDT)
If you've been away from Delaware for many years, are driving at night, and are trying to get to the campus of the University of Delaware by taking the Ogletown Road exit off of I-95 South, knowledge of the old landmarks from 40 years ago doesn't help. Ogletown Road in my day was once a rural two lane highway that brought you onto East Main Street in Newark where the old McDonald's once was. Several years ago, I tried to do come that way and ended up somehow in Marshallton. Somehow or other, I managed to get back on a road to Newark in a confused state of mind, and ended up down by the Football Stadium at South College Avenue. What a relief it was to finally find a landmark I was familiar with! I had another problem once with trying to get to the Dupont Country Club, just off Murphy Road, at night, via the Concord Pike. I ended up in the parking lot of the Episcopal Church behind the Hagley Museum, on the wrong side of the Brandywine. The roads, and the roadside 'landmarks' on Delaware highways have changed a lot since my Wilmington/Newark heyday.
Bob Wilson
Stamford, CT USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 07:42:04 (EDT)
818 MARKET ST IS STILL THERE AND IS THE GRAND BUT THE GRAND IS GONE HOW DOES THAT WORK?
DAVE CAUFFMAN
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 07:25:38 (EDT)
People from out of town all seem to go by route's only. Anyone from Delaware use landmark's,like gas station's stores and restaurants. Hey it has always worked for us !!!
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 23:05:39 (EDT)
Mickey, I'm like you,all I know is 202, 141, the rest is Kirkwood highway, limestone rd. etc. if you told me to go to rt. 9 or any rt. for that matter I would be lost.
Jean
USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 21:28:32 (EDT)
I was glad to see Gin's Sub Shop on your Deli site. Anyone with memories or comments on Gin's, please reply to me. Gin's Steak House was owned by aunt & uncle. Gin & Annie. I spent a-lot of time there. 510 Union Street was where I lived. Also, I noticed many references to LORE SCHOOL, I went there and Oak Grove School and Brown Vocational High School. Little Italy was my neighborhood.
FRED <maninblack1950@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 18:44:33 (EDT)
All these road numbers mean little to me. I remember them as DuPont hy,limestone RD, Kirkwood Hy, Basin RD Only numbers I remember are 13,202 ,etc
mickey
tx USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 17:29:51 (EDT)
GREAT! We've settled THAT. Now, in the future let's not kill the Messenger / Webmaster. May we all walk in health and peace this day.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek, DE USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 13:40:00 (EDT)
Oh, I agree, I don't think the word "gone" is the right word, either, as the physical buildings are still there, and your notations have now updated the information so that, when those people do read these notes in 50 years, they will know that the buildings are still there, just with a different name. But don't take issue, just offer updates and suggestions, as you have done. We're all friends in this together, keeping memories alive and having fun doing it. :)
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 10:58:45 (EDT)
Well Bruce, you see what I mean then. I stand corrected, but surely it is not on Rt 13 as the News Journal suggested. Now however, when the people look back in 50 years they will know it is not "GONE" just renamed (under new ownership) and exactly where it was located because it was hashed out here and now. NOW DOES EVERYONE GET THE PICTURE????? Wayne
Wayne Butler
USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 10:42:14 (EDT)
Oh oh, Wayne - Shallcross Chevrolet USED to be in Middletown; now it's "Nucar Middletown", and, it is Rtes. 71 & U.S. 301 where the dealership is, Rte. 896 turns east, south of the canal at Mt. Pleasant, and goes over to meet U.S. 13 at Boyd's Corner. Rte. 896 doesn't go into Middletown. (sorry, just keeping you on your toes - all in good-natured fun :) )
Bruce <spyderxl(at)comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 10:27:26 (EDT)
I'm sorry but, you're all missing the point here. I'm not picking on anyone, especially the Webmaster whom I'm sure is devoting a lot of time and effort into the site. What you don't realize is, you are writing a history book here. People will read this 25 to 50 years from now and say "Oh thats how it was". It must be true because these people who wrote this lived then. In my original note I mentioned the News Journal Papers, they ran an article a while back and talked about Shallcross Chevrolet over on route 13. Shallcross Chevrolet is on 896 in Middletown. There were numerous errors around that time as to the location of various places within our state (yes I'm a native - 63 years) and I wrote to them with no response. They did however improve in locating various landmarks after that. You and I owe the future generations factual and accurate information in these blurbs we are sending to one another, because they will be recordings of the things we remember and therefore become history. That my friends is all I am trying to say. Wayne
Wayne Butler
USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 08:23:02 (EDT)
I agree with you Dave and joAnn----WAYNE COOL IT MAN--IT'S A WEBSITE AND OUR WEDMASTER IS DOING HIS BEST. LET'S NOT GET FIESTY IN OUR OLD AGE
Jean
USA - Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 01:47:46 (EDT)
This is to Dot RE: Treml. If you are talking about Bill Treml the Painter, myself and a fellow Police Officer Coached St. Thomas' Basketball team years ago and we had one of Bill's son's on the team, can't remember his first name, but I do remember they were a real nice Family.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, October 25, 2004 at 11:59:29 (EDT)
Any one who was at the River Road Seton Villa School for Girls from 1950 to the early 1960's, when it was run by the Sisters of Charity, please contact me. Thank you.
Mary c. macknick <maninblack1950@aol.com>
USA - Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 21:14:00 (EDT)
I was born in Delaware and went to the old Oak School.Moved to Chester PA in the late 40's. I rode the bus from Chester to Wilmington and then took the trackless trolley to Richardson Park where my uncle lived on Maryland Ave
Lee Shorterr <leemytrain@aol.com>
Claymont, DE USA - Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 14:42:07 (EDT)
Oh my! You chastised our Webmaster? Let's not get feisty, Wayne. After all, none of us are perfect; we're from Old Wilmington! (smiles sweetly)
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 01:16:52 (EDT)
Bill, I went to school with Andrea Connolly! Ursuline class of 1970. I miss attending reunion events. I think I may have seen Andrea when I returned to Wilmington and lived there between 1991 and 1993. My son Jules and daughter Hollis attended the Junior School in those years. My son went on to Tatnall after 3rd grade. (I can't believe he just graduated from UCLA, and my daughter is a Junior at North Carolina State... time does fly!)I hope Andrea and all of you are well.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 23:31:25 (EDT)
I must say I agree with Pat. This is the coolest website. Love it !!!!! Thanks a Bunch,for all the work.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 20:56:06 (EDT)
Couldn't agree more, Pat!! This site is a goldmine of memories. My hat's off to Harry.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 20:32:38 (EDT)
I must say this is just the coolest website. Nostalgia is very important to me - guess that comes with age. (Is "no pun intended" appropriate here?). My very fondest memories are growing up in Wilmington and reading about all your memories which certainly trigger many of mine. Harry, you are the MAN for providing this site for us! I am sure it is a lot of work and please know that it is appreciated.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 19:27:37 (EDT)
CONNIE, ITS A SMALL WORLD. YOUR UNCLE AND AUNT WERE MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS ! JOHN AND IDA LALLY WERE GREAT NEIGHBORS AND WONDERFUL PEOPLE.THE CHILDREN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD CALLED YOUR UNCLE ,---UNCLE LALLY POP. AS YOU KNOW THEY MOVED TO THE ROCKFORD PARK AREA ABOUT 1961. AND YOU AUNT DIED SUDENLY. AFTER MOVING INTO THERE NEW HOME. I ALWAYS WONDERD WHAT BECAME OF YOUR UNCLE ?I LVED ON GILLES ST TILL 1962 WHEN MY FIRST WIFE AND I SEPERATED., LIKE I SAID CONNIE IT,S A SMALL WORLD. THANK GOD FOR OLD WILM. NET. !
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 14:03:58 (EDT)
I WORKED FOR DUPONT MANY YEARS AND ALL I CAN SAY IS WHAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE SAY (WAYNE) GET A LIFE
DAVE CAUFFMAN <DAVESTYARD@AOL.COMM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 10:42:33 (EDT)

Of course all of the old Du Pont Company buildings and locations ARE STILL THERE!  And, some of the those sites still have a Du Pont connection attached with them:   The old Development Dep't lab in Newport still has some office space there and, if I read the entrance sign correctly last month at Ciba Geigy (the old Krebs plant), there's mention of some Du Pont business on that site and, Du Pont has rented office space in the Brandywine Bldg.!!

GONE v, 1. Past; bygone. 2. Advanced beyond hope or recall. 3. Dying or dead. 4. Ruined; lost. 5. Carried away; absorbed. 6. Used up.

NOSTALGIA n, 1. A bittersweet longing for things, persons or situations of the past.

So, when I said "gone" it's just as Bruce said "what he means, I believe, is that these sites are gone from the duPont domain"Thanks Bruce!

Now, I did not mention the Edgemoor site because - like the 'Station' - it is still up and operating (as far as I know).  And, I did not mention Deepwater or Carneys Point because I do not know their status - as Wayne Butler said "we shouldn't be printing half truths"!  (It's nice that I can use colors...)

The data on this (entire) site is obtained mostly from input provided by the readers of this site and research that I have done with The Historical Society of Delaware (which I am a member), The Wilmington Institute Free Library and 'stuff' that I have accumulated over the years.  (By the way, I am also retired from the Du Pont Company (1991) and I have every 'organization chart' issued for the sites I was assigned and many Du Pont phone directories).  And, 'yes', I have a lot of corrections to make - for that I apologize!

In addition, I own the 'oldwilmington.com' domain if anyone is interested in buying it to start up their own web site.

Enough said - now, back to the research...

HAR, webmaster


I haven't seen any mention of the duPont Chambers Works across the river at Deepwater, NJ. My father worked there from the early 30's to the late 50's, commuting each day via the company provided ferry running between the Marine Terminal and the plant, that is, until the Memorial Bridges opened. I worked over there the summers of '48 and '50 while attending the U. of D. There were quite a few Wilmington resident duPont employees making that river crossing every day.
Tom Wood
Albertson, NY USA - Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 00:37:12 (EDT)


Let me add: this site belongs to all of us, we're all providing information, and we're all responsible for updating and making corrections as we see them; this is OUR (Wilmingtonians) site. Thank you.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 21:05:00 (EDT)
Hi Wayne: I've mentioned some of these errors to our webmaster recently, a fellow duPonter, I do believe, and I guess he just hasn't had time to make corrections yet. A couple other sites I mentioned to him were the Edgemoor plant is still there but not mentioned, and the Brandywine Bldg. is still where it was, though he noted it, too, was gone. (what he means, I believe, is that these sites are gone from the duPont domain). Harry runs a great site here, and it's a lot of work on top of his daily routine. He asks us all to help him with errors and corrections as we notice them, so lets. Don't take issue, just advise of corrections that need to be made. That way, we're all helping to further this site, not just one person. :)
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 20:58:54 (EDT)
As a retired Du Ponter and with my wife working for the plant manager at Ciba Geigy (the old Krebs plant) I would take issue with whomever is providing the information to update people on the Du Pont (sister site?) side of this web site. My wife has been at the Krebs plant now for 31 years continuous. She has been the plant managers personal assistant for many of those years including the time when it was still a Du Pont facility. To merely say when writing about the Krebs Plant the one word "gone" is the most inaccurate statement I've seen on this site since I've been visiting it. Does this person also write for the News Journal Papers? (a little pun on my part). Seriously though to say "gone", the drive-in movies and resturants are "gone", Prices Corner is "gone", Wilmington Dry Goods is "gone", Delaware Aves. Wilmington H.S. is "gone". I think you get the picture. To say the Krebs plant is "gone" to someone who lived here at one time, but now lives in a different area of the country has a totally different meaning than "gone" as in "no longer a Du Pont facility." It is NOT GONE. It has changed ownership, name, and the personnel have evolved so that there are very few of the original people there, but it has definetly not gone. With that in mind, one has to question the creditability of the rest of that site. I worked at Chestnut Run, what's meant by 2 of the 8 buildings are there? Center Road was there big as life when I went by last week, was it torn down early this week while I wasn't looking? I think y'all get my point, and we shouldn't be printing half truths. If we want to say that old man Krebs sold his pigment plant to Du Pont who had it for quite a while then turned around and sold it to Ciba Geigy later on so be it, but don't just say it's gone. It's not. All I'm trying to say is if you're going to provide an update of happenings to others, think of what you said, and make sure it makes sense, and that it says everything it should to tell "THE REST OF THE STORY" Wayne
Wayne Butler
USA - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 19:05:38 (EDT)
Jean, All of the names you mentioned are familiar to me,but I only know them from hearing my friends speak of them. You see I only attended St.Ann's for six months in the first grade. My family and I moved to Brecks La. I finished grade school at St.Joseph's -on-the Brandywine.You might know my friends.They graduated in 51 Sally (Houghton) Paraskewich,Sandy (Sisofo)McLaughlin.I sat at their table at the reunion.We have remained friends all of these years. Wasn't the reunion great?? I did know a lot of people there. Kay
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 17:56:39 (EDT)
K.Burton--I was at the same reunion for the classes of 50-54 at St. Ann's saw and know all the Hazzards. what class were you in? do you know Morris, Horgan, Lucey Duffy, Gallaghers
Jean
USA - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 16:27:36 (EDT)
Ralph, we rented 2127 Linden Street, just a block from your address, from 1934 to early 1940, then moved a mile west to Lancaster Village. I moved up here to Long Island in 1951. I was in Wilmington for several days this past summer, and took the opportunity to drive around the Gardens, first time I'd seen the area since we moved from there. I was pleasantly surprised to find it looked much the same as I remembered it, still a very beautiful neighborhood.
Tom Wood
Albertson, NY USA - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 14:19:17 (EDT)
I remember when United Cigar at 10th and Market used to give the headlines in running lights along the top of their shop.
Connie
USA - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 14:06:46 (EDT)
Does anyone know when BofD first put the time & temp sign up at 10th and Market? I recall that in the 1950s we thought it wonderfully high-tech and as kids would stand and wait and watch the numbers change each minute.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 12:47:35 (EDT)
TOM, I WAS BORN IN AUG, 1932. LIVED AT 9TH. CLAYTON ST, TILL I WAS 21.-----CONNIE, MY EX. WIFE AND I MOVED INTO OUR BEAUTIFUL HOME AT 2115 GILLES ST , AT ABOUT 1960. WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE., YES , UNION PARK GARDENS WAS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE., .AS FOR YOUR RELATIONS , THE NAME SOUNDS FAMILIAR.
ralph pryor <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 21:09:03 (EDT)
I worked @ Woodshaven Kruse from 1972 to 1979. Contrary to the belief of some folks, we were a pretty nice place and a haven for many girls who had no other place to be. Would like to locate Edna Wilson, my old supervisor and anyone else who was there from '72-79. Thanks much! Sue S.
sue sanders <frogspond@zoominternet.net>
cecil county, MD USA - Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 17:42:14 (EDT)
Someone asked about Fraim`s s dairy I just gave a glass qt milk bottle with name and address in the glass of Fraim`s 22 and Lamotte Sts to my daughter for a keepsake. I remember the Lincoln st market, the back allys at the flats. the american store at 5th and Union, Winston and Toniks stores at 6th & Union. I even remember the lamplighter evey evening. Bet no one else does but can`t remembe when we first got electric.
mickey
tx USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 18:47:58 (EDT)
Larry: The spelling on the Pala's ad in their window was done like that on purpose, to draw attention to the place. Pala's had, and still has, very good pizza, and is a very popular dining spot. I haven't been by there recently, but I would imagine that sign is still in their window. :)
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 14:51:37 (EDT)
TO RALPH - My Aunt Ida and Uncle John Lally lived on Gilles Street in Union Park Gardens. Did you know them?
Connie
USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 14:46:59 (EDT)
Ralph, your name sounds familiar. We lived on Linden St. near Sycamore in the Gardens from around 1934 to early 1940. I was a preteen then, but seem to recall a neighbor with last name Pryor. I could be mistaken; too long ago. Congrats on your son's achieving Eagle Scout. Interestingly, a young man in my church recently made Eagle and his father is a retired NYPD policeman. There's a very nice memorial web site commemorating Harlan A. Barratt, long time Scoutmaster of Troop 19, at: http://members.aol.com/craigshall/Troop19_HarlanBarratt.html
Tom Wood
Albertson, NY USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 14:37:15 (EDT)
TOM, WHEN YOU MENTIONED TROOP #19 BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA. YES TROOP #19 WAS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT OF SILVERBROOK METH. CHURCH WHERE I WAS A MEMBER. BUT ABOUT 1958 I PROUDLY SERVED AS A SCOUT MASTER AT WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LOCATED AT 8.TH AND WEST ST FOR THREE YRS. GAVE IT UP BECAUSE I GOT TO BUSY WITH MY POLICE WORK. BUT AFEW YRS. LATTER I MOVED MY FAMILY TO A BEAUTIFUL HOME I BOUGHT IN UNION PARK GARDENS. MY SON GLENN WAS A CUB SCOUT AT SILREBROOK TWO BLKS. AWAY . NOT LONG AFTER HE WAS A BOY SCOUT . AND IN JUST A FEW YRS. HE REALLY MADE ME PROUD WHEN HE RECEIVED THE HIGHEST HONOR A SCOUT CAN ACHIEVE, EAGLE SCOUT. TODAY HE IS 49 YRS .OLD AND KEEPS ON MAKING ME PROUD OF HIM.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 14:01:21 (EDT)
Yes, I remember Pala's Pizza on Union St. Their front window had an adverstisement that had more grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors than I had ever seen in once sentance. It read: "We'ave the worlds worse pizza! I never ate there. The writing scared me away.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 13:55:15 (EDT)
I lived next door to the old #28 Willard Hall School at 8th and Adams as a kid. My brothers and sisters would scale the stone wall that separated the two properties to visit with Mr. Gaynor who was the warehouse supervisor when the old school was used for warehousing. We would get a treat of Chico BonBons. It was also used for Sallies students while the NEW school was being built at 18th and Van Buren Streets.
Carol Hewes <chewes3020@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 13:52:08 (EDT)
I was raised in the flats at 7th and Union (631 North Union Street). After my dad passed my mother and brother, (Paul) Bill moved to Oak Hill, off of Faulkland Road (1313 Idlewood Road). The memories of the Woodlawn flats, the back allies, the hill covered w/snow at the playground off of Ferris Street - across from Lore Elementary School, are all very fond to me. Does anyone remember the Farmers' Market on Lincoln Street and the live chickens being hauled home by their feet? DeFonzo's Bakery? Pala's Pizza? Messina's Butcher Shop (7th & Lincoln)? Fraim's Dairy delivering milk?
Elizabeth Lee (Rickenback) Roberts <elizabeth.roberts@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 13:32:06 (EDT)
I grew up in Wilmington on Second Street between Tatnall and West Streets. I went to Mary C. I. Williams from 1st through 6th grades, then went to Bayard for 7-9th grades and then on to Wilmington High for high school.
Catherine Murray
Bear, DE USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 11:32:31 (EDT)
I really didn`t go past 6th St. I knew people across the park between 5th and 6th,Ruth Vest, Helen Hare because I went to # 25 school with them. Across from the 400 block was the convent, Little Sisters of the Poor. I knew a few from there but mostly stayed on my own block except when at my cousins house, 3 boys. I liked their toys and my aunts cooking
mickey
tx USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 10:55:29 (EDT)
Fred, thanks for the link to the history of Troop 19. I read it with great interest. Didn't realize Troop 19 was such a major player in the area. I was a member during the years 1940-1943, and was leader of the Beaver Patrol with rank of Star Scout during my final year. I recall the names of the first three Eagle Scouts though I don't remember being present at their Awards Ceremony. Also camped several summers at Rodney and a few winter weekends at the lodge there.
Tom Wood
Albertson, NY USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 09:45:28 (EDT)
Mickey, My mother had friends that lived in the flats on Ferris Street right across from the park. Their name was Treml, Bill and Marie. They had four boys. They later moved to Colonial Heights. When my husband and I first met, he lived with his mother on the corner of 7th and Bancroft in the flats,1960. We got married and lived with her for about a year in 1962. They had a friend named Mickey Mitchell who lived between 7th and 8th on Bancroft. She was a nurse. Her son married and lived in the flats on Bancroft right across the street from us. It was a good place for young couples to start out back then.
Dot <dorothy.m.becker@dupont-dow.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 07:42:48 (EDT)
History of Boy Scout Troop 19 can be found at http://hometown.aol.com/craigshall/history.html Silverbrook Methodist Church closed and the troop moved to the other end of the block to Zion Lutheran Church at the invitation of Pastor Greg Johnson. I was a scout in troop 19 in 1960 in Raven Patrol, that patrol was boys from Colonial Heights and Colonial Park. There was a patrol of boys from the Flats but I fgorget its name. There were eight patrols and about a hundred scouts in the troop in 1960. Patrol names I can remember besides Raven are Ranger, Flaming Arrow, Apache, Elk, Moose...
Fred Best <fred.best@usa.dupont.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 07:27:20 (EDT)
Been to Paris, Texas. Dinky litte town when I was there. Campbell`s Soups had a plant there. Had their name plastered on the water tower
mickey
tx USA - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 23:42:39 (EDT)
You guys all talk about WWII, and name coincidences,I've got a funny one for y'all. My father-in-law, the late Bill Cross of New Castle, was older when the war broke out. He didn't to go until 1944. Anyway he and his wife (Jeannette Brown) were caretakers of the lighthouse at Deemers Beach in New Castle. At the lower end of the property (~ 5 acres) there was a tower for spoting planes, coming up river over Pea Patch Island. Well just to prove that some things never change: in their infinate wisdom the U.S. Army sent my Father-in-law, before going overseas to Paris Texas. They then brought a young recruit in to man the spotting station and watch for planes. You've got it folks: he was from "Paris Texas". Anyone who has ever been in any branch of the service probably saw that coming, but, they each got to see other parts of the good old USA before going off to war. I guess there is some logic to it all somewhere, but you talk about going around in circles.
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 20:58:47 (EDT)
The Barretts lived in a second floor apartment right next to ours. Donald, the younger brother was my age. I remember Reba Barrett always had a cloth round her head, headache, she said. Used to go down to St Thomas church and peep in when they had a wedding.My cousins lived in the 400 block across the park name of Mitchell. Had some wonderful times there in the flats Got the lady who lived in our place to let me and my sister in to look around somewhere in the early 80`s. Odd, I lived in Houston, Tx , the lady`s name was ms Houston. Wonderful days!!!
mickey <mickey710@webtv.net>
tx USA - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 18:21:40 (EDT)
Mickey - You mentioned your neighbors, the Barretts in the Flats. Harlan Barrett was Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop I belonged to that met in the basement of Silverbrook Church on Lancaster Ave at Woodlawn. In 1941 or 42, the troop engaged in a paper drive for the war effort. We hauled wagon-loads of newspapers to Mr. Barrett's house on Bancroft Pkwy and piled them in his basement. Don't know what he did with all those papers.
Tom Wood
Albertson, NY USA - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 15:44:26 (EDT)
MICKEY: The name Jack Wolhar doesn't ring a bell. But staggering across the street doesn't surprise me. I remember many a Saturday night as kids when we would be sent to The Logan House to stand on the porch and yell in the windows to our Fathers' that it was "time to come home". Yes, the four brothers would be in their late 60's, early 70's. I think even a couple of their sons worked for Diver.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 11:56:34 (EDT)
TOM: I was born in the mid '30s, I only knew Wolhar's Store on Pennsylvania Ave and Scot. Yep, those are the same cousins, they live behind and above the store. (I always thought Billy was the handsomest of the brothers. Do ou remember the row of garages they owned on Scot Street? We used run across the rooftops getting to the other cousins house, Lillian. Two brothers owned that store, Bayard,Sr and Charlie. Uncle Charlie was the butcher. I remember we'd have our goceries delivered every Saturday, all the way from DuPont Street to the Eastside.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 11:48:01 (EDT)
In the 20`s Wolhar had a store on the corner of 4th & Grant Ave as it was called then.. I lived in the Flats til `32. Maiden name Heathcote. Neighbors were the Haney`s, Barretts, McGinness. I remember a Jack Wolhar staggering across the park in front of my house. Don`t know why but I had a fascination about him. A fire chief lived down below us. The alarm would go off in his house .My mother could count the bell rings and tell where the fire was. I think shehad a chart. His name was Morgan. Seems no one remembers the folks of the 20`s. I went to Lore school before it was called Lore.
mickey
tx USA - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 10:49:45 (EDT)
Speaking of the Wolhar brothers, most of them who would be about 65 to 70 years old now, worked at Diver Chevrolet at one time or another in the late 50s. One, and I'm sorry but I think it may have been Tom (not sure), was still there when my son went to buy a new truck in 96. I doubt that he's there now, but Cliff Diver or someone else there could probably tell his whereabouts, Wayne
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 07:50:09 (EDT)
Pat,---IT's too bad my mother isn't still alive.She probably would have known your family.Mother spent Her whole life along the Brandywine.I lived there for 13 years .Moved away to get married. I Saw three of the Hazzards at the re-union on Friday night. Father Bill,Pete and Kay.They are all near my age. Rose and Champ are older. Their Mom Kat,was my Mom's cousin,and also best friend.They were only 11 months apart in age.My Mom was Ella(Farren)Fitzharris.She died at the age of 82,eleven years ago. In Delaware,almost every one is related,or knows everyone.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 22:30:22 (EDT)
Jo Ann: I remember your Uncles store on Pennsylvania ave & Scott, I lived on 13th st between Scott 7 Union, this was back in the 40's and early 50's, Byard Wolhar Sr. ran the store then, I was friends with his son, Phillip, and also his other sons, Ronald (Skippy), Bill, also Byard Jr. But he was the oldest, we moved from Wilmington to Claymont, in 53, sure did miss my old friends after the move, kept coming back to visit, for a few years, I went to St. Ann's, knew the, Kaiser's (Jimmy),Hazzard's (Tommy), Hagan's (Tommy, Dicky,Billy, Jimmy, and all thier sisters. this is a great site, wish I had found it sooner, will be keeping a check on it now, sorry for being so long winded
Jack Toner <jet12342@verizon.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 22:17:31 (EDT)
Yep, I remember Indian Rock in Canby Woods. Use to swim there too. I remember the little house in the woods at the edge of the field. Use to hang there and smoke cigarettes. Anyone remember the Tarzan rope that was between the little house and the RR tracks? How about the cave that ran under the tracks and the 'jail' at the one entrance to the cave? I got to go see if the Indian Rock is still there. Anyone know if it is?
Joe <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 20:13:37 (EDT)
Tom, Sure do remember the American Legion Carnevals. My parents were members of DE Post # 1, who ran the carnaval. in the late 1930s I was a member of the Sons of the Legion boys band. The legion home was on Lancaster Ave. There was a French 75 canon on the lawn, and we boys enjoyed climbing on it. They also had great strawberry feasts. At one carnaval my mother won a train trip to the Legion Convention in California. Those were great days.
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 19:51:22 (EDT)
Ah, 13th and DuPont and Henry Clay. Now, there are some memories. My Mother, Catherine Mulherin Stillwell, was born in Henry Clay. She was one of nine children of Bridget(Houghton) and John Mulherin. He drove a lorry for DuPont Powder Mills. My Mother and her siblings grew up on 13th St. just west of DuPont St. across the back of what is now the Acme. They all attended St. Ann's school. I remember my Mother telling me about going to the store for her Mother at Wolhar's Grocery. One of my GrandMother's dearest friends was Mrs. Hazzard. They came from the same town in Ireland - Malin Head in Donegal. I remember as a kid knowing Champ and Rose Hazzard. Seems to me Champ went to Archmere and Rose went to St. Elizabeth's. Saw Rose a few years ago when I was back in Wilmington. All of my Mother's brothers and sisters are gone now. I do have my youngest Aunt's (Sara) graduation ring from St. Ann'sin the early 1900's.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 19:12:17 (EDT)
TOM: That's too far back for me. And beside, I was an Eastside kid.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 13:14:17 (EDT)
K. BURTON: Nah, K. I was on the Protestant-Irish side of the clan, and always went to public schools - Bancroft, from K-9. Then Old Wilmington High on DE Ave. But I spent a lot of time with the cousins as a kid. However, when we all married, and our parents died, we kinda lost touch. Oh, btw: Hi to: Jimmy White :o)
Jo Ann <crossan44@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 13:11:32 (EDT)
Yes Maria..I remember "Indian Rocks".,,I lived in Richardson Park..would tell my mom I was going to Jacks Deli down at the end of the street..but would sneak down to Indian Rocks to go swimming. Does anyone remember the rope swing up at Hoopes Resevoir??..we would sneak up there to go swimming to
Bob <Bordwlkbobb@aol.com>
USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 08:02:22 (EDT)
Here’s one for you real old-timers. Think back to the 30's and the American Legion carnival that was held each year in a field just south of Canby Park. Remember the fellow with the hot air balloon that would take off from that same field. No propane tanks and fancy colors then. Just a dirty grey bag suspended between poles that he heated by a fire in a pit. When the bag was full of hot air, he would shout to his crew to "Leave go and let 'er loose." Up he would go hanging from a trapeze attached to a parachute dangling below the balloon. After a few tricks on the bar, he would cut the parachute away and land while the balloon drifted off, finally settling on someone's roof or yard. The kids would all chase after it. A little further south, across the Reading RR tracks that ran through Elsmere Junction and down past Canby woods, there was some sort of factory or mill that burned one summer evening around 1935. Does anyone recall the name of that place, or what was made there? Years later we use to walk down and explore the empty concrete building that remained standing.
Tom
USA - Monday, October 18, 2004 at 00:50:51 (EDT)
Hi out there. Does anyone remember the indian carved into the rock in the woods at Canby Park and the broken down house with just the base of the house and the fireplace standing down by the ballfield? Canby pool and I think it was $.25 to get in along with walking thru the woods by way of the police road to get to the Elsmere side of Canby Park. What a great time, no guns, drugs and never any fear of walking thru the woods after dark by yourself!! They were the good times for sure, the 60's.
Maria Aiello Green <dadonnamg@aol.com>
Lewes, DE USA - Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 21:10:48 (EDT)
Jo Ann, -- I remember going to your Uncle's store,when we lived at 13th & Dupont St.I attended St.Ann's School in the first grade,we later moved to Brecks Lane,Henry Clay De.I then went to St.Joseph's -on-the-Brandywine School. I have several cousin's who went to St.Ann,s :Fitzharris,Kaiser,Hazzard .Do you know any of them?
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 20:49:44 (EDT)
K.BURTON: I had a pack of cousins who went to St. Ann's, both boys and girls. Last name of Wolhar? Prolly a wee bit older than you, tho. My Uncle's had a grocery store on Pennsylvania Ave, where McDonalds is now.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 17:20:29 (EDT)
ST. Ann's 50's reunion tonight was a great success.Thank You to all who made it so.A great time was had by all.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 00:14:13 (EDT)
HI Bill, Ok, I thought you were talking about the front of the trolley. I know where you mean on the back, how it was raised up. Thanks for clearing that up. :)
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Friday, October 15, 2004 at 20:33:09 (EDT)
Bruce.We always rode on the back cow catcher. It was allways raised If you were on a bike dont dare get cought in the tracks. Bad news
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
PIKE CREEK, DE USA - Friday, October 15, 2004 at 17:46:14 (EDT)
Donata my daughter and daughter in law both are grads of Ursuline. Liz Rogers Andrea Connolly
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
PIKE CREEK, DE USA - Friday, October 15, 2004 at 17:39:26 (EDT)
Glad you made out all right, too, Ralph. All of us transplanted Wilmingtonians were not prepared for hurricanes such as we experienced this year here in Florida. The one thing I was thankful for was that I had given my husband a crank-up type radio from Sharper Image a few years ago. He thought it rather useless until it was our only means of getting information during the hurricanes when the TV, phones, power, etc. were out. The local TV stations' broadcasts of the storms were carried on Clear Channel and other stations; so we were able to stay abreast of the storms' locations, wind velocity, etc. It made things a lot easier knowing what was happening - better than listening to the howling winds.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, October 15, 2004 at 15:52:12 (EDT)
TO PAT AND THE REST OF MY FRIENDS LIVING HERE IN FLORIDA. SO HAPPY THAT WE CAME THROUGH ALL THE HURRICANES WITH OUT A SERIOUS INJURY . YES WE ALL HAD DAMAGE , BUT WE ARE STILL HERE TO TALK ABOUT IT. PAT ,ONE THING I WILL NEVER BE WITH OUT, AND IT,S A COLEMAN LANTERN , BATTERY OPERATED, 4- D-CELL BATTERIES..THE COOL TOUCH BULBS LAST FOR DAY,S . BUT AGAIN ,THANK GOD WE CAME THROUGH IT.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Friday, October 15, 2004 at 12:12:24 (EDT)
Sorry for the sloppy typing re: ushering at Loew's Aldine. The year of the 40-cent hour was 1950, and it was 50 cents' profit. The price of the club sandwich was correct.
Bob Wilson
USA - Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 20:17:47 (EDT)
I worked 2 days in a pizza parlor at 5th & Market St. I was paid $7.15. I'll never forget that. Friday night after school until 10pm then Saturday from 11am until 7pm. No wonder I only lasted 2 days but I probably ate $70.15 worth of pizza :)
Joe <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 19:58:21 (EDT)
How about this for powerful wages: at Loew's Aldine in the summer of 1962, 40 cents an hour to be an usher. Work for five hours, and have a $1.50 club sndwich across the street for dinner. Net orifit for the day: $0.50.
Bob Wilson
Stamford, Ct USA - Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 19:27:36 (EDT)
I worked at the Price's Corner Gino's in Spring 1962. $1/hour. Not only did they not hire women, they wouldn't let Blacks handle food or money - only trash.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) Corpus Christi Elementrary '62 <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 13:52:22 (EDT)
I grew up in Elsmere and I remember my best friend and I walked to the newly opened GINOS at Prices Corner to apply for after school jobs. We were told women would never be hired because they were too much of a distraction. They wouldn't even let us fill out an application! We ended up working at Gaylords. I think my 1st paycheck was for about $40 and I was thrilled.
sandee <sandee@dol.net>
north east, md USA - Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 11:39:52 (EDT)
Remember Saturday's shopping down town,when everyone would dress up,in case you might see someone you knew. We always wanted to look our best.Then we would hurry home,grab a quick bite to eat,and it was off to the dance. Not many of us had cars then,so it was hop a bus,in my case two buses.It was all worth it. I have wonderful memories of my teen-age years in Delaware.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 07:48:13 (EDT)
I remember having a difficult time trying to decide which dance to go to. There were so many. I remember seeing the 4 Tops at the Armory and the Intruders at the Monterey Ballroom (I think). Going to the dances we had to wear suits & ties. I use to take a train to Philly just to buy clothes and 45 records, come home, and then shower up and put on my English Leather or Hai Karate and the new duds I just bought and walk or ride a bus to the dance. I use to watch the Geator with the Heator on Saturday afternoons and try to do the line dances that they did or try to pick up a new dance step or two from a guy on the show named rubber legs. I remember the Geator appearing on Summertime on the Pier and I thought this guy is cool. His 1st album "For Lovers Only" was something else. Those were the days for me.
Joe <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 22:11:52 (EDT)
Connie---remenber all of then,would like to add: The Hokey-Pokey,Mexican Hat Dance,and yes the wonderful Slow Dancing.Remember Bill Haley and the Comets at St.Elizabeth.After High School the Armory,where I met my Husband. As the saying goes "Those were the days" Too bad that the kids today don't have what we had.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 17:09:56 (EDT)
Is that Mr. Chickadel from the same family that owned the store on 7th & Bancroft Pkwy? And, my girlfriend (wife) and I went to the Scottish Rite dances across from Sears on N. Market Street where they always had a WAMS DJ...
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 15:49:16 (EDT)
Did anyone else attend the dance held for the family of the murdered cab driver, Mr. Chickadel?
Connie
USA - Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 15:12:36 (EDT)
And, to add to the list of where we danced, how about the Armory, Mitch Thomas brought in many of the major acts, like Fats Domino, the Coasters, The Diamonds, etc.; and Fournier Hall, and - for me at least, north of the city, the St. Helena's CYO dances.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 12:29:30 (EDT)
Oh, and there was the Pony, and the Mashed Potato, the Slide, Swim, Locomotion, Watusi, Twist, and the Fly, and.....
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 11:55:47 (EDT)
re Dances - I remember the Bunny Hop, the Huckle Buck, and jitterbugging and the wonderful, Slow Dancing.
Connie
USA - Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 10:51:00 (EDT)
Does anyone remember the dances we use to do in the 50's & 60's? The Wagner Walk, the Chez-vous Shuffle, the stomp, the stroll, the cha-cha, the slop, the Riviera Roll. These are some of the dance crazes I use to dance to in the 60's. Places like WHS, St. Elizabeths, Elsmere, Brad Morris Ballroom, and the Lions Club. Great dances and great places. Wish we could do it all over again.
Joe <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 21:16:18 (EDT)
my father owned reeds bakery home of the square donut on 4821 gov printz blvd next to the spinning wheel inn
richard reed
USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 18:49:29 (EDT)
Love your site! Just emailed poem about Wilmington Dry Goods to teddybears.
Ben Kisielewski <btk17@comcast.net>
Hockessin, DE USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 18:21:20 (EDT)
Re: Too many passwords; that's why I'm hoping, if Harry HAS TO go to using a password system, that he can post the password on the guestbook entry page, then all we'll have to do is copy the word into the entry gate (thereby, our overtaxed memories won't have to remember another password). :) Thanks, Richard, for the further info on the trackless trolleys, I thought I remembered seeing them lined up in one of the scrap yards after they 'went out to pasture'.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 15:22:35 (EDT)
Trackless Trolleys, some answers. According to m information the 1St trackless ran on September 24th, 1939. This was the Delaware Avenue line. They were mostly disposed of by using the as scrap. Some were sent the scrap yard just over the 3rd street bridge. (2) Two were purchased by a museum in southern New Jersey. I think, Bruce answered when the last Trolleys roamed the streets of Wilmington. And yes I to have too many passwords.
Richard <MightyTaskMaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 11:29:12 (EDT)
Trackless Trolleys, some answers. According to m information the 1St trackless ran on September 24th, 1939. This was the Delaware Avenue line. They were mostly disposed of by using the as scrap. Some were sent the scrap yard just over the 3rd street bridge. (2) Two were purchased by a museum in southern New Jersey. I think, Bruce answered when the last Trolleys roamed the streets of Wilmington. And yes I to have too many passwords.
Richard <MightyTaskMaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 11:28:55 (EDT)
WE DO NOT NEED A PASSWORD TO GET ON .I HAVE TO MANY NOW.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 07:28:49 (EDT)
I HATE passwords, but to guard the sensibilities of others when something really offensive shows up, no matter how short a time it stays on, I can understand why having one might be a necessary annoyance. But only if it doesn't prevent or discourage our legitimate fellow Old Wilmingtonians from corresponding.
Bob Wilson
USA - Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 10:24:57 (EDT)
Harry- A common password works for me, but whatever makes life easiest for you. We can all recognize and ignore the spam, we know it's only gonna be there for a few hours at the most, and you'll have it gone. And YES, you do a FANTASTIC JOB maintaining this site! To say nothing of giving us a "place to hangout after school". Be well, all.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 20:08:02 (EDT)
I have to agree that Harry does a fantastic job as Webmaster. Ignoring the idiots until Harry cleans it up is OK by me. I really don't want to deal with passwords.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 19:54:50 (EDT)
I think the webmaster does a darn good job as far as I`m concerned. We have more password to remember as it is We can always ship over the spam til he cleans it up. Mt 2 cents worth
mickey
livingston, tx USA - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 11:23:31 (EDT)
I like Bruce's suggestion RE: passwords. I already have too many to remember. Better off with no password than a secret one.
Richard <MightyTaskMaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 11:03:25 (EDT)
A password site would not bother me. It would be better than that trash that sometimes gets through.
Bud
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 10:39:05 (EDT)
I don't know anything about how this spam is generated, but you say it is an automatic thing; so as far as a password protected site, it wouldn't have to be a secret password - you could post the password on the entry page, and guests would just have to type it in in order to enter, correct? I'm thinking of first-time visitors, so they could enter the guestbook.
Bruce <spyderxl(at)comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 10:29:02 (EDT)
As far as the SPAM entries: Almost all of them are generated automatically throughout the Internet to any site they found that would accept them. I look at this guestbook every day and clean it up. We could go 'PASSWORD' protected!! Any comments??
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 09:38:22 (EDT)
This is an answer to Mike Klezaras about the annual Class Tree Plantings and marble placque installations around the perimeter of the PS Dupont HS campus. All I can tell you is that my class (1952) tree is still there, strong and sturdy, with a trunk diameter of about 16 inches...as is the class's adjacent marble placque (albeit probably buried under some leaves). A few classmates and I checked it out back in 1992, tried again in 1999, but "lost it", and tried again with complete success in 2002. This particular tree is about 50 yards due west of what used to be the girl's gym.
Bob Wilson
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, October 08, 2004 at 20:14:32 (EDT)
I was wondering if anyone could help me. I'm trying to obtain some information for my Grandmother who is 76. Here father was Leonard Ackerman who died when she was 4 months old of TB. He owned a Barber shop in Wilmington. If anyone could provide me with information on her father I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Debbie Shelton <Debbieshelton@msn.com>
Newark, DE USA - Friday, October 08, 2004 at 17:04:41 (EDT)
I can't help think when reading the multitude of games that we played when we were kids, and now listening to Parents complaining that their children have nothing to do and no where to play that just maybe they should tell their children about these games and quit complaining that their kids don't have anywhere to go to play. I certainly can't remember my Parents complaining about me not having anywhere to play. Times have changed, and maybe not for the better.
RAY JUBB <GOLFOPERA@AOL.COM>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, October 08, 2004 at 15:31:38 (EDT)
The graduating class trees planted around the parameter of PS every spring with a plaque for that class. Many of the trees are gone. Dutch Elm disease? I haven't taken the time, but are the plaques still there? Does the elementary school continue the tradition?
Michael Klezaras
USA - Friday, October 08, 2004 at 10:49:05 (EDT)
I stumbled on this great web site only a week ago. We rented a house on Linden St. in the Gardens from 1934 to early 1940, during which time I attended Lore school, K to 5th grade. Then we bought a house west of the B & O in Lancaster Village, and attended Alexis I. duPont, followed by the U. of D., class of ’51. As many others have recalled, I too remember the air raid drills in 7th grade. Our homeroom was in the basement at the front of A.I., low ceiling, small windows, outside of which were stacked sand-bags. Our homeroom teacher was the lovely Miss Umburger, later to become Mrs. Saye. The kids adored her. The dog tags were produced under the guidance of the science teacher, Mr. Yingst, who terrified the girls with his stern demeanor. I still have mine someplace. They were 1” diameter, grey, fiber disks, with the ID information hand lettered using India ink, then shellacked. Some of you have commented on the bucket of sand issued to the air raid wardens. The sand was to be used to smoother any incendiary bomb that landed in their vicinity. Incendiaries burned with an intense, white flame that was not readily extinguished with water.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 22:21:59 (EDT)
H, Bill Rogers -- I don't know offhand where the Jewish Y was located. You mentioned 2nd and King. When was this? Was it always in this location or did it move? My dad attended Wilmington High School in the late 30s/early 40s. He mentioned that the school had an extremely high percentage of Jewish students. Although my dad came from a Catholic family, his was unusual in that family members availed themselves of public education rather than the ubiquitous Cathlic parochial system in Wilmington. I actually think this rather got them out of their demographic and into the larger world. I graduated from Ursuline Academy in the early 1070s. This was a wonderful school, and probably benefited from the fact that the Ursuline Sisters tended to come out of their college in New York.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmignton@nc.rr.com>
Cary , NC USA - Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 20:06:51 (EDT)
Everett Deakyne Jr died at the age of 92 on March 8 2004
Connie
USA - Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 18:58:46 (EDT)
Does anyone remember Ted Thomas, PS duPont class of '56? He is my brother. We are always reminiscing about the old days. I'm class of '64 and will be attending my 40th Class Reunion. Both my brother and my dad played baseball thru the years. My brother is always talking about Bill Ayscue and saying how much he would like to contact him. Does anyone know where Bill is? Ted is always sharing stories with me about Prices Run - Joe Bradley the park guard, Joe Sisifo (played horseshoes) and Ed Grady (singer), Deak DeKine (policeman) and Mr. Caddal who ran the races at the pool.
Diane W <dianew19809@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 17:55:44 (EDT)
Hi Bill, That was before my time, hehe. The cow catchers had to have been on the track trolleys, which were no longer running when I was growing up. Would the drivers let you ride for free on the front, or did you sneak on, out of their eyesight? When we rode the back of the trackless trolleys, the driver had no idea we were on there until we pulled the pole, to stop the trolley so we could get off.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 11:59:08 (EDT)
Just a few things come to mind thinking about the "good old days": wireball, relievio, hokey pokey snowballs at Canby Pool, getting sprayed with DDT, open hydrants in the summer to cool off, pink Mr.B shirts, and oval tv screens. I first saw tv around 1948 by hanging onto a windowsill between Franklin and Connell on 2nd St. and looking into the window........at a test pattern. It's like yesterday!
jim rambo <jrambo@state.de.us>
Wilmington, de USA - Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 11:37:39 (EDT)
Bruce I was a Postal Telegraf messenger and the trolly cow catcher got us around town on our bikes most of the time
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
PIKE CREEK, de USA - Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 20:39:03 (EDT)
BRUCE: I remember many boys jumping rides on the back of the trollies, but of course we 'girls' would never be so bold ;o) However, I can vaguely recall climbing over the roof of the bath house in Kirkwood Park one night, with a bunch of thrill-seeking friends. Can you imagine kids today thinking that was exciting? Be well, all.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 17:57:25 (EDT)
FRIENDS: Our friend, Ralph Pryor asks that I let you know he is have personal PC problems when accesssing this site. He's working on it. In the meantime, I'm sure he'd not object to direct E-mails. ( REPJFK@aol.com ). Or, be patient, he'll work it out. Recently, the weather here in Delware is so perfect that we all know why we stayed, when the rest of you bailed years ago, LOL. I hope this reaches everyone in health and happiness.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 10:05:49 (EDT)
Hi Mike, I tend to agree with you about the fate of the old trolleys; I seem to remember seeing a lot of them in one of the junk yards on South Market St., too.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 09:49:56 (EDT)
You guys shook me up with your information about the trackless trollies! I remember sitting on the second floor above my father's restaurant (New Star) at Front & King and watching them pull up on Front Street next to Penn Station. The scary thing is that I was not even 4 in March, 1958! That may make them some of my earliest memories. Previously, I thought my earliest memory is the fire at the old Terminal hotel (I saw the flames through our bathroom window), but I can't confirm the date of that fire. Regarding the fate of the trolleys, I remember seeing a lot of them at the old dump on the east side of the bridge that is just south of the Walnut St/Market Street merge.
Michael Klezaras
New Castle, USA - Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 00:05:55 (EDT)
TO ALL MY FRIENDS ON THE OLDWILMINGTON.NET GUEST BOOK. THANK,S FOR YOUR CONCERN FOR MY BROTHER BILL.AND I KNOW YOUR PRAYERS HELPED. . . AND MIKE O., I KNOW HE IS WAITING TO GET YOUR E- MAIL. JO ANN. HAD NOT SEEN MY SON GLENN AND FAMILY FOR TWO YRS. , WAS REALLY GHREAT. BUT JEANN DOUBLE CROSSED ME , HIT FLORIDA WHILE I WAS IN CT. . AGAIN , ALL YOU GUY,S ,THANK,S FOR BEING THERE.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 20:24:16 (EDT)
Anyone else remember riding on the back of the trollies, holding onto the reel, with your feet up on the back skirt? And when the trolley got to where you wanted to get off, just pulling a pole off the wire, making the trolley stop? Then you had to high-tail it out of there, as the driver would come running out of the trolley and chase you down the street, usually with change flying from the changer on his belt. Then he'd go back and put the pole back on the wire, and continue on. Haha, great fun, it's a wonder we didn't get killed.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 14:17:40 (EDT)
Addendum: It wasn't a completely infallible system, I'm sure everyone remembers sometimes being on the trolley when the poles followed the wrong way at the "Y" and shortly thereafter, the poles came off and swung wildly, and left the trolley dead on the street.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 14:12:46 (EDT)
Bill, the poles followed the trolley, so whichever way the trolley went at an intersection, that's how the poles went. On the wire, that was just a "Y", not actually a switch, so the pole, which was trailing the trolley, took the path of least resistance at a "Y". It was a very simple configuration, and no actual "switching" was done. The driver would usually take his foot off of the accelerator to prevent electrical arcing, which would happen if he went through on of those "Y"'s with power on.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 14:09:22 (EDT)
Thanks for the info on the trackless trolleys. While we're on that subject, I've always wondered something about their operation: how did the poles "know" which way the driver wanted to go when there was a switch in the wires, allowing two different ways to go? I seem to remember that if the driver took his foot off the gas (electricity?) pedal, the poles went one way, and if he left the power on, they went the other. Anybody know for sure? Are there any old trolley drivers here?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 13:30:57 (EDT)
The "ACE" was on Maryland Avenue, Mickey and Art. On the main page, there is a category of movie theaters and drive ins, which is pretty complete. As far as the last trackless trolley journey; according to "Motor Coach Age" magazine (June-July 1985), the last day of electric operation was February 28, 1958, and the last trolley returning to the bus barn at Delaware & Dupont was a rte. 10 (Del. Ave.), which pulled into the bus barn at 1:40 AM on March 1st, 1958. This article has a lot of information, but I can't find anything about where the trackless trollies were retired to, other than mention was made of "salvage value", when considering the cost of converting to buses.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 13:11:54 (EDT)
You forgot the Aldine on Market.Loews,Delaware ave & Adams, Park on Union between 3rd & 4th and ther was one on Maryland Ave,forget the name
mickey
USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 11:02:12 (EDT)
After looking into the data that I have - the Trackless Trolley started in 1939 and ended in 1958. More info on Wilmington transportation will be uploaded to the 'Transportation Section' of this site...
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 10:16:56 (EDT)
I'll never forget riding the #12 Boulevard trolley from 23rd Street up to PS Dupont HS, at the end of the line at 34th and Van Buren, on cold and rainy (or snowy) mornings, in 1949 and 1950, when the usual walk to school was impractical. The trolley route required a sharp right turn at 32nd or 33rd St off Van Buren to Monroe, then a sharp left turn onto Monroe, and finally, another sharp left turn onto 34th Street. More often than not, at the right turn, when less experienced operators were driving the trolley, the power pole would become dislodged from the overheard wire, and the operator, quietly cursing, would have to get out into the weather and reconnect the pole to the overhead wire. I also remember that on Mischief Night in those days, some of the neighborhood "Garfield Boys" would sneak up behind the #11 trolley while it was stopped at Concord and Washington and dislodge the power pole. All of that "fun" went away when the smelly and noisy diesel buses replaced the trolleys, whenever that was. I can still hear the unique popping sound the trolleys made when the operator eased his foot off the accelerator pedal. It was about the only sound the trolleys ever made, except for the quiet whirr of their motors when they were moving along.
Bob Wilson
Stamford, CT USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 07:44:11 (EDT)
Richard Burton(mightytaskmaster), can you help with the question about the trackless cars??
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 06:52:25 (EDT)
BILL, I DON'T REMEMBER EXACTLY WHEN THE LAST TRACTLESS TROLLEY STOPPED RUNNING,BUT I THINK IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE TO LATE 40'S FOR AS A CHILD, THAT WAS WHEN I TOOK A TOUR OF THE NEW BUSES. I REMEMBER THEY HAD BROWN SEATS.THE BUSES WERE PARKED ON DELAWARE AVENUE,AT THE OLD CAR BARN,WHICH IS NOW TROLLY SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De. USA - Monday, October 04, 2004 at 06:50:44 (EDT)
Does anyone remember when the last "trackless trolley" made its last run? Whatever happened to them-- were they sold, scrapped, melted down to make license plates, or whatever?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, October 03, 2004 at 21:48:20 (EDT)
Fourth Street, West and East of Market had many businesses. D & M Radio, Fells' Pet Supply, Artcraft electric, Kaufman Electric,Greenberg Supplu,Bell;s Supply,Johnny's Sub shop,Gross Lighting,Yancy Printing,418 Club,Terranova's Tavern,Gene's Gulf, L & H Sporting Goods,Calverita Cheese Imports, Royal Tile.....how about the Movie theaters ? Realto,Warner,Queen,....
Art Goldman <saxman7@verizon.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Saturday, October 02, 2004 at 20:42:31 (EDT)
Mike O.--for more info on Bill Pryor send email to waphap@aol.com and deliver your email address.
hap
fl USA - Saturday, October 02, 2004 at 07:00:18 (EDT)
Donata wasnt the Jewish Y located at the 200 block on King St and if my memory serves me didnt thew have a great basketball team?
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
PIKE CREEK, DE USA - Friday, October 01, 2004 at 20:35:13 (EDT)
MIKE O: Mike, I have a nephew who worked at Wilm. Trust for many years. I think he was still there in the 70s: Joseph B. Crossan III. Did you by any chance know him? He's retired and living in Martinsburg, WV. I guess y'all know DE got hit with a tornado spawned from Hurricane Jeanne as she passed by us? RALPH: Welcome home.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Friday, October 01, 2004 at 15:28:46 (EDT)
Ralph Pryor: How is your brother Bill doing? I worked with him at WTC in the 1970s. He's a great guy. Hope he recovers from his illness and enjoys life in Florida.
Mike O.
wilmington, de USA - Friday, October 01, 2004 at 13:50:00 (EDT)
I just recently found this site while searching for information on Allied Kid Company of Wilmington. My grandfather worked there in the 40's and 50's. I would be very interested in information, pictures or memorbilla related to Allied Kid, that anyone may have. Thanks Chris
Chris Spence <cspence@matrixservice.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, October 01, 2004 at 08:56:57 (EDT)