Visitors
Nostalgia & Memories
(Archive
#2 - June 2002 to November 2002)
6/07/02
THE TODDLE HOUSE NEXT TO THE OLD WILMINGTON HIGH OPEN ALL NITE
Robert Austin
bobaus1@earthlink.net
- 6/07/02
- Was the dress shop Rose Fleischer?
- Dpknodel@aol.com
- 6/08/02
- Frank Caruso's Pool Room, 2nd & Market St. Eppe's Department Store.
Sherwood Diner, Robin Hood Diner. Sullivans Meat Market, 2nd & Madison
St. Warren's Garage 2nd & Madison St.= = = Grade A Milk Chocolate Squares.
Black Licorace Sugar Babies.= = = Kick the Can Game.
- Mrsjerrytreed@aol.com
- 6/10/02
- The YMCA, Saturday morning swim and gym.
Then on to the Grand for the western; the adventure (horror/mystery); the
serial (Masked Marvel) and the cartoons
(three stooges). Then we'd see last week's ball games in the news reels.
Katies for pasta after a dance or movie. Govatas after Loews; the Cozy Corner
after the Warner. Greenhill drive in for great shakes and a burger. Camp
Tockwogh and Camp Rodney. Tockwogh was $17.50 per week; camp Rodney was $9.00
per week. Closed the pools (Price's Run, et al) due to Polio, so we swam
in the Brandywine at Breck's Mill where the water was "safe". Swinging
from the rope on the
tree. (Now live in Virginia, my wife found the print of the Brandwine, rope,
and Breck's Mill for Christmas present a while back. When Ringling Brothers
came to town, we got up at dawn to go to the Ball Park Grounds to work; sert
up chairs all day in the Big Top, etc. and got one ticket to the side shows,
one to the big top, one hot dog and drink. Back to the "Y", a very
democratic organization in those days, on a swim team with Tony duPont. Other
than that we didn't hob nob (I at Delaware, he at Yale). Hoky Poky snow balls;
the industrial league baseball games across from Warner. Pusy and Jones shipyard
where my father worked, playing Allied Kid. Schools: Mary C.I. Williams (where
you had to go by Allied Kid and smell the smell); Number 9 at eighth and
Washington; number 25, the Yellow Castle over the Brandywine at Washington
Street Bridge. Sledding down the hill at the Zoo across from Warner, sledding
down the hill at the Park Drive and race near Market Street; hitching rides
on car bumpers with your sled. Wire ball, step ball, hand ball usisng the
four corners of the intersection as bases (not much traffic in the forties);
mischief night; subs for $ .35 at Piani's on the way to a night ball game
at Wilmington Ball park. Sneaked in to see Cuirt Simmons' first game in 1947
(under the fence in right field); he had signed for $65,000 at age 17, unbelievable
in those days; struck out 17 that night and hit an in the park homer. Robin
Roberts followed soon after to the old Blue Rocks.neither stayed the whole
season, moving up to the big team in their first year. Back to the "Y";
Cliff garvine, Ed Cantwell (also taught and coached at Warner; T. Russell
Turner in the Boy's Division; working behind the front desk after school
to hand out gym and swim cards for $ .40 per hour. Hi-Y dances on Saturday
nights; SKD Christmas formal at the Gold Ball Room with Buddy Morrow's big
band ("Night Train"). Senior Prom at the Gold Ball Room. Tasty
Kakes and Pies; flipping baseball cards; playing marbles (rolling your shooter
on the sidewalk to get better knuckle grip); marching in the "Decoration
Day Parade" in your Scout uniform WITH living veterans from the first
World War AND a few remaining local Civil War vets (down here they call it
the "Late Unpleasentness", not the Civil War. Summers in Rehoboth
in the 40s; flashes from the German U Boats trying to get the tankers entering
Delaware bay to go up to the Phila refineries; the old wreck that remained
for years on the beach at Rehoboth before rusting away; the Cabana Club (later
the Pink Pony, et al) where Ronnie Graham got his start; VJ Day in '45 when
the waiters were coming out onto the boardwal with trays of drinks for all
passers by "on the house". Tea Dances on the mezzanine at the Henlopen;
auctions at Stuart Kingston next door; duck pin bowling in the arcade at
Reoboth Avenue where as a pin boy you got $ .10 a frame.
- This site is great and I could go on for much longer, but
I'm sure I'd be covering a lot of "Plowed Ground" as they say
down here in Virginnie. Thanks for such a nostalgic site, and keep up the
good work.
Evtom4942@webtv.net
- 6/14/02
- Becker's Store corner of Market and Vandever Ave.
- 4th of July fireworks at the Wilmington Airport on Dupont Highway
- Going to the Ellis Drive in on Dupont Hwy.
- Vdjones@redclay.k12.de.us
- 6/15/02
- Hi,
- In your new places you list Pop's drug store at 24th & Market
Sts. The drug store was Starr's Drug Store, and further up the block near
25th
St. next to the luqor store that was on the corner of 25th and Market was
Pop Goldberg's that had a counter and also booths and sold ice cream, sandwiches
and and soda's and milk shakes. Pop and Mom Goldberg ran the store and I
remember a waitress named Lillian who worked there. I lived in that neighborhood
at 23rd and Carter and remember it well. Mike's Sub Shop, Durso's Shoe Repair,
Scwinn Bike Shop, Jewish Temple and Community Center all on French Street
- Henry
Henrygary@aol.com
- 6/18/02
- BOOBIE'S CORNER STORE 8TH. & SCOTT STREET
PENNY CANDY MILK AND BREAD
- Bdelledonne@jiorgikitchens.com
- 6/26/02
- Sticky apple man sold red candy apples at Lore School 4th and Bayard Ave.
- Suzynron@ptd.net
- 6/27/02
- This website it terrific.
The blind broom man was "Jake".
The "Y" on King Street was the YWCA -- women only!
- Griesbach@horizonaromatics.com
- 6/27/02
- Saturday night dances at St. Elizabeth's.
Saturday night "YWCA" dances on King Street.
Armory dances on Sunday night.
Best regards,
Elizabeth Lee Roberts
elizabeth.roberts@basell.com
- 6/28/02
- Dancing with service men at the YWCA on king Street on Saturday nights
- Bravo1@sbceo.org
- 6/28/02
- The Brandywine Creek Race going to the Wilmington Pumping Station - use
to think that it was bottomless.
Swinging bridge - over the Brandywine.
Hot dogs at Kresgees. We would finish class at the old Wilmington HighSchool
- graduated Class of 1960. We would then walk into Market Street and stop
at Kresgees for a hot dog and coke. Saints parades originating from St. Anthony's
Church on a given Sunday the church had a band and there would be
statues of Saints on a wooden platforms w/wheels. They would wheel this statue
in the parade with what seemed like hundreds of parish people following -
women dressed in black. We would stand on the corner of 7th and Union Streets
watching right across from Pala's. On the statue would be ribbons
where people could run out from the curb and pin money to the statues. When
I saw the Godfather, years later, they had what seemed like the very parade,
taking place in New York and Italy, in the movie.
- Farmers' market on Lincoln Street - live chickens would
be kept in crates and sold to the cooks of the house and they would be
walking home w/the chickens after purchasing - holding them by their feet.
Cottage cheese sold by the pound in the jar that the farmers would bring
to market.
Pete's 5&10. Poppitti's store, at 7th & Union. Of course, DiFonzo's
bread - I still wait for the bake!! Lore Elementary School, located at 4th
and Ferris Streets. All of the kids from the flats went to Lore and then
to Bayard Junior High. Sledding down the playground hill at 4th & Ferris
Streets. My class was the last graduating class from the OLD Wilmington High
School, located on Delaware Avenue, in Wilmington.
A blind broom salesman going up and down the allies in the flats with his
cane and brooms propped on his shoulder. Gypsies and train hoppers coming
to our back door and asking for food. My Mother used to say that they left
signs for each other to know who to ask for food. Putting pennies on the
railroad tracks in back of the motor vehicle at 8th & Bancroft Parkway.
Very scary!! Then standing on the 8th Street bridge and waiting for a train
to come - always blowing their whistle - and flattening the penny. Going
to bible school at the very tiny church at 8th & Bancroft. I was just
5 years old then!!
Best regards,
Elizabeth Lee Roberts
elizabeth.roberts@basell.com
- 6/28/02
- Canby Pool; I remember Delamore Daily on Lancaster Avenue.
The Park movie theatre on Union Street.
Cmarrone@agmail.udel.edu
- 6/28/02
- You have done an incredible job of amassing vast amounts
of nostalgia.
I remember my mother shopping at the Crockery Den and the Linen Mart on Market
Street, as well as Storm's Shoes which was first on the corner of 9th and
King and then later moved up to between 9th and 10th on Market.
Someone mentioned Joan Roberts on Augustine Cut-Off, but they moved there
from the corner of 9th and Tatnall (I think). That store was later occupied
by Bag and Baggage. I also remember my wealthier friends shopping at Bird-Speakman
on the corner of 10th and Tatnall (?).
As a member of the last class to graduate from the old High School (WHS),
you have shaken many cobwebs and assisted in the recall of many, many memories.
While it wasn't an easy life, by any standard, I feel privileged to have
lived through those years and to have known the people whose paths crossed
mine.
Thanks again.
Griesbach@horizonaramatics.com
- 6/29/02
- The Saturday farmer's markets on Madison Street and King Street.
- Lonbobjung@cs.com
- 6/29/02
- WE LIVE IN FL NOW - THIS SITE WAS FORWARDED BY A COUSIN.
BOY DO I REMEMBER GOVATOS CANDY APPLES!! MY GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS TOOK US ON
THE BUS (BOY DID THEY SMELL IF YOU WERE BEHIND THEM) DOWNTOWN FROM THE
MERCHANDISE MART FOR SHOPPING AND A TREAT. I REMEMBER MY DAD TAKING US
FOR A RIDE AND TO LYNTHWAITE FOR ICE CREAM. ALSO TO PENNY HILL. I LOVED
HIS DAD TAKING US TO THE ZOO TO SEE THE BEAR AND MONKEYS AND TO ROCKFORD
PARK TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL. WHEN I MARRIED I GOT THINGS STARTED AT WILM.
DRY GOODS WITH INEXPENSIVE EVERYTHING!!!
LATER ON WHEN I TOOK OUR LAST SON THERE. I WAS WARNED BY POLICE NOT TO COME
BACK WITH OUT A GROUP OR A MAN ALONG - HOW SAD! REMEMBER WHEN THEY SPRAYED
FOR FLIES AND BUGS IN THE 40'S AND THEY WOULD LIE IN PILES ON THE GROUND
JUST BUZZING? WE LIVED NEAR THE OLD 'BROWN' SCHOOL I WENT TO OLD #24 SCHOOL
AND HAD MISS NEWTON (1ST GRADE)- WHO BECAME MRS. McSPADDEN (2ND GRADE). WOULD
BE CURIOUS TO KNOW IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAD HER TOO AT THE SAME TIME I WAS
IN HER CLASS
- Gailmike@juno.com
- 7/01/02
- I remember Friday night dances at the Elsmere Fire Hall, with guest singer
Lou Casapulla, one of the sons of the now Casapulla sub shop which is located
in Elsmere. The shop was just a very small corner store on Junction Avenue.
- Djcarter72@aol.com
- 7/04/02
- The Miami Lunch on King Street. The 5 o clock Diner on 2nd st
- Shoppers FairDupont Hwy where Comcast is now Vans
Chevrolet
- The Oxy cough medicine place in Minquadale. Quillen Bros. Ford in New Castle
- Single span of the Del Mem Bridge. The Yellow wooden posts used by The
Del. Coach Co. as Bus stops
- Esso, Flying A Sinclair gasolines. The Yellow
Coach Stop signs.
- The smell of the Tidewater refinery in Del City Traffic Jams in Newport
- Larkeys Ice cream fountain in Del City Del Coach student
cardsRide
for 10 cents
- The sand pit where southgate and boulden interchange parks are now in New
Castle.
- London Dry ginger ale Triple Cola
- Booth beverage company Hires Root Beer
- Diamond State Bus Lines in Minquadale. Cold soda chests in front of gas
stations
- Saw dust on the floors at the sassone fish market and the meat markets.
WWII houses on Rogers Road.
- The Greater Wilmington Airport Gate tenders at the Market and Walnut ST.
bridges.
- When the Concorde SST landed at the airport. Earl Shiebs
$29.95 Paint Jobs
- Boscos tavern on Rt.9. The Red Feather Drive
- Sayer Bros. Laundry, Braunsteins
- Diacomcomputer@comcast.net
- 7/04/02
- My father worked at Bancrofts and Sons and we lived in the row houses.
Actually our address was 20 Rockford Road. I was one of six kids and also
a twin. They used to call us the Cook twins. The park there was run by people
who donated their time for the summer and when we were in our early teens.
Joe Biden was our park teacher. Joe always took a liking to our family for
we were so big and so poor. My sister and I liked to play base ball and Joe
was our leader. On one occasion we were playing another team and my sister
hit a ball and hit Joe in the face and broke his tooth and till this day
when I see him on TV I always look at his mouth. Funny isnt it? I went to
see my hometown a few years ago and I was stunned to see what has happened
to it but whatever they were the best years of my life. Does anyone remember
the swinging bridge? Sledding for the fountain at Rockford tower to the bottom
of the Hill? The swinging rope overlooking going down to headgates? Highland
where our dog would follow us and the teacher would tell me or my sister
we had to leave and take Rags home. Does anyone remember our last day at
school at Warner. We would go to the swinging bridge and throw our books
that we carried all year into the Brandywine?
- Jacko19971@aol.com
- 7/8/2002
- How about the "Ice-Cup Man", selling ice-cups at Buzz Zebley
Field behind St. Elizabeth's School. He would sell them for a nickle, and
if you were lucky, you would get a free one if it said "FREE" on
the bottom. He was there in the late 60's, early 70's.
George M McGovern, gmcgove2@csc.com
- 7/18/2002
- Lore School County Fair 4th and Ferris St. in the Flats
Blackey's Barber Shop 7th Union St. next door to Pala's
Gallo's Barber Shop 8th Union St.
Skinners Market 4th & Bancroft Pkwy.(Flats)
Blums Market on Union St. next door to Fusco's Luncheonette
Going Bomba's Shoemaker Shop on Union St next to Walton's Cafe for "Cleats"
- Great Web Site.Brings back the best memories one could have
growing up in the Flats in the 50's & 60's
Sandals Candy Store 7th & Woodlawn Ave.
Papa Joe's (Pulgini's)Market 6th Rodman St.(Goat City)
Moonie Mongilo's Pool Room 6th & Rodman St.(Goat City)
Shirley's Candy Store Rodman St. " "
Farmers Market on Lincoln St. on Saturdays(Live Brown Chickens)
Mikes Sub Shop later Teddys on Union St. next to Mrs.Robinos
Snowball Store on Union St. down from Frankies Sub shop.
Buying Pizza(tomato pies) in the alley on 6th St.next to the Peidmont Club
Italian American Store between 7th & 8th on Union St.(Episcopo's)
Acme Store oppsite Corletto's Funeral Home on Union St.
Michini's Cleaners on Union next to Martha's Drug Store
Ralph Walsh Jr., ralphdc21@aol.com
- 7/10/2002
- A wonderful page! Thank you so much for the memories, to which I'd like
to add a few places.
I can't believe no one has mentioned Reynolds candy store yet! Not only did
they have the best candy (my grandmother would send us chocolate pumpkins
for Halloween and chocolate turkeys for Thanksgiving, and especially their
coconut cream easter eggs, with our names written on them, they also had
a soda fountain where you could have lunch and a real ice cream soda! Yum!
Also, Braunstein's women's clothing store downtown on Market, and the Steer-Inn
(where you could get hamburgers for 10 cents!), out on Baynard Boulevard
near P.S. duPont High School. And the bakery in the Hearns market just off
Concord Ave. made -the best- fresh raised-sugar and glazed donuts.
Thank you again for the memories. I've been looking for a site like this
for a long time. Thanks!
Ruth Gardner, zavijah@earthlonk.net
- Wilmington born (only partially raised there, but my grandparents lived
there) :)
- 7/11/2002
- I remember shopping for a fishing creel pocketbook at "Town and Country" on
Delaware Ave. (-those wicker bags were so popular they couldn't keep them
in stock), eating at the Copper Kettle nearby or the New York restaurant
down the street from Dry Goods. We also would go to the"other" Charcoal
Pit on Maryland Avenue. We would walk to the Straite show's carnival at Prices
corner before it became a shopping center. I remember street dances
on warm summer nights in Elsmere - once Bob, of "Justine and Bob" on
American Bandstand showed up and he was mobbed for autographs.
-
- I can still hum the tune played by the Mr. Softee ice cream
truck. The
best pizza I ever ate came from the "Leaning Tower of Pizza"- Remedio's
on the corner of 4th and Scott I believe. I also remember great ice
cream from Delmar dairy across from here and wonderful desserts from Three
Little Bakers on Lancaster Ave. My grandparents lived on Springer Street
in the flats and I was always curious about what it looked like behind the
tall, dark stone wall around Little Sisters of the Poor, which was right
up the street from them. I remember great horror films on Saturdays
at the Park theatre as well as delicious spagetti at Marconi's on the corner
of 4th and Lincoln. Having the big toy store, Kiddie World, build only a
few blocks from home in Elsmere was a kid's dream come true. Bonni's
store in Elsmere carried a little bit of everything and for big grocery orders
there was Hearns,up near the firehouse. It was a daily ritual to stop
at Sach's drugstore on the walk home from Oak Grove middle school for a fountain
coke. My best friend and I applied for jobs at Gino's at Price's Corner,right
after it was built, only to be told they would "never hire females"!
- I could go on and on.....thank you for taking me back to a wonderful time
in my life.
- Also:
- I read this email from you to my Aunt. She really enjoyed
it. She
said she remembers the kids calling Lore "Dugan's Dirty Dungeon". Her
3rd grade teacher was Mrs. Pew, whom they all called Mrs. P-U behind her
back. I only went to Lore for 1/2 a year, but neither of us remembers the
tower room. Next month my aunt is coming up for a visit and we're gonna
tour the old neighborhood,ending up with dinner at Mrs. Robinos. Again,
thanks for bringing back so many memories.
- Sandee Miller, s_miller@mail,facilities.udel.edu
- 7/11/2002
- Remember De La Warr High School and district. Your mailing address was
New Castle and your telephone exchange was Wilmington. De La Warr was in
Limbo land.
Remember the delivery men, for eggs, potato chips, bread.
C Brigante dob 1956, cbrigante@atonehill.edu
Mansfield, MA
- 7/14/2002
- HERE ARE SOME OF THE PLACES I REMEMBER:
KIGER'S PHARMACY - CORNER OF 4TH & UNION STREET
KIGER'S PHARMACY - 1700 OR 1800 BLOCK OF W. 4TH ST
THE COB SHOP (SANDWICH SHOP) BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH STREET ON UNION ST.
SKINNER'S GROCERY STORE (CORNER OF 4TH & BANCROFT PKWY.
THE PARK MOVIE THREATRE (3RD AND UNION STS.)
BLUM'S GROCERY STORE - 6TH & UNION STS.
GOLDIE'S DELICATESSEN - 9TH & UNION STREET
LINCOLN CAMERA - CORNER OF 6TH & LINCOLN STS.
TOUMARKEN'S GROCERY - 7TH & SPRINGER ST.
BIRD SPEAKMAN WOMEN'S SHOP - 10TH & TATNALL
KATZ'S CHILDREN'S STPRE ) CORNER OF 4TH & SCOTT
FANNY'S FAMILY STORE (ON 4TH STREET BETWEEN LINCOLN AND UNION
THE LINCOLN SHOP - (DRESS SHOP) CORNER OF 4TH & LINCOLN STREETS
THE RITZ MOVIE THEATRE - DELAWARE AVENUE (NEAR THE OLD WILMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL)
SMITH & STREVIG PHARMACY - DELAWARE AVENUE (NEAR THE OLD WILMINGTON HIGH
SCHOOL)
LATIN-AMERICAN DRUG STORE - CORNER OF 6TH & UNION STREETS
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW.
I AM THOROUGHLY ENJOYING YOUR SITE. I JUST FOUND IT TODAY!!!!!!!! KEEP UP
THE GOOD WORK.
ecc2313s@aol.com
- 7/15/2002
- Some items I didn't see on your site.
- Swimming in the Brandywine - Under New bridge ( first bridge upstream of
Second Dam) we had a rope attached to the underside of the bridge to swing
out over the Brandywine and do flips into the water, also jumping from the
bridge ( many first time jumpers needed some extra insentive, like removing
their trunks which required a jump when a car drove across the bridge, needing
to wear trunks if you swam down to Second Dam and back.
- Ice skating on the Brandywine above the dam in what was Hagley.
- Carrying a salt shaker in your pocket during WW II during tomatoe season
when Victory Gardens were the rage.
- Meeting Judy Johnson, Hall of Fame Inductee from Negro Leagues working
at Jas. T. Mullins clothing store after his playing days and him giving me
a ball autographed by his Son-in-law Billy Bruton, long time right fielder
for Milwaukee Brewers.
- Really enjoyed you site.
- John P. Hazzard, jhazzard@kc.rr.com
- 7/27/2002
- Naturally, I have some additional memories that I can't believe I forgot
about in my earlier email.
My mother's family lived in Delaware and we lived in Michigan (until I was
11), and one thing I always looked forward to when visiting my grandparents
was a visit to Rick's Riding Academy up on Concord Pike.
Rick had horses and ponies, and many kids got their first pony ride there,
I suspect. Rick's was just over the PA. line, I think. Not far from Rick's
was Valley View minature golf, where I played mini golf with my uncle many
times!
My grandparents lived on Concord Ave., just a block from old number 30 school--the
old Shortledge. I was frequently in Schuyler's Pharmacy (which some may remember
as Fels, I think), and the old Save-More market, around the corner. I would
also go to vacation Bible school at my grandmother's church, McCabe, over
on the Boulevard (Baynard Boulevard). And I too remember getting subs at
Lanks!
One of my granddad's favorite things to do was to go watch the boats and
trains--we would ride up Governor Printz Boulevard, stopping at Lehmans for
some of the best custard ice cream first, then go up just past Bellefonte
to a good spot to watch both boats on the Delaware river and trains on the
PRR lines.
Thanks again for the wonderful memories. My grandmother always listened to
Mr. Goodwill, btw, although I don't think she ever won any money. I even
remember his theme music. :)
Ruth Gardner
zavijah@earthlink.net
- mailto:zavijah@earthlink.net
- 8/05/2002
- How about Angelo the Huckster. He used to sell produce from
a green big truck in Little Italy and Elsmere. He would drive slowly down
the street
yelling "ANGELO".
-
- Kelly jamesvrs@comcast.net
- 8/13/2002
- Bennet's candy store behind Stanton Junior High, a Mary Sue and a pretzel
and sharing an RC Cola.
Michael's Restaurant in Stanton and "The Pool Hall" across the
street.
*~* Duffy*~*, Duffy0818@aol.com
- 8/20/2002
- I was raised by my grand parents at 203 East 24th st. A block away
from "Prices Run Park". It had the biggest public swimming
pool in Wilmington. Do you remember "Diamond Ice & Coal Co." at
Vandever ave & Jessup sts.? Where we would go get slivers of ice
from the delivery guys on a hot summer day. Across the street was the "Bond
Bread Co." We would get day old pies & cookies from the drivers
free. Then we would go swimming at the "Quarry" on 17th st
behind the "H.Fletcher Brown" boys club. Do you remember
the bakery along side "George Gray School"? I believe it
was called "Chinofski's".
-
- Do you remember "Bud's Barber Shop" at Vandever ave. & I
believe Thatcher sts.? Fraimes Dairy used to deliver milk, cottage
cheese ( in different colored aluminum glasses) butter, and a variety of
other dairy products. I remember the glass milk bottles with cardboard
tops would freeze up in winter and push the cream up to the top. I
remember helping my Grand Mother crush tin cans with our feet to be picked
up by the trash trucks to be made into ammo. for the war. We used to
hunt & camp at the "Bull Dogs" which I believe was part of
the dairy farm owned by the Sellers family. Shellpot creek ran through
it all the way to the Gov. Prinz Blvd. This was between 35th st. & Bellefont. We
used to walk all the way to the "Penny Hill Doughnut Store" for
fresh doughnuts.
-
- There was ice skating at "Matsun Run" pond & "Twin Lakes" up
on the Lancaster Pike. There was the "B&G" restaurant,
the "Dan Dee" & "Jans Steak House". Jans had
the best steak sandwiches in De. I remember going to "Achenbachs" after
school for Cherry & Vanilla sodas. Playing basket-ball at the yard.
C.O.K at 28th & madison sts. The Printz roller rink, Leighmans
ice cream "Horn & Hardarts" restaurant at the "Merchandise
Mart. First state bowling alley,
"Wilmington Blue Rocks" base-ball team, which "Richie Ashburn","Robin
Roberts", "Curt Simmons" had played for as rookies. The "Blue
Rocks" was the "Phillies" farm team. Do you remember when
the Phila. Pike was cobble stone (Belguim Block)? Got really slippery on wet
days. Do you remember when you could leave your windows open all night, & leave
your doors unlocked? The neighborhood women would get a bucket of hot soapy
water & their broom & clean off the side walks & their porches.
- These memories are just a few of mine growing up back in
the "40's & 50's". I
am really glad that this web site is available to us. It takes me back
to my childhood memories. And it's good to hear about others memories,
too. I don't know if names are
allowed, but if they are, my name is Herky.
-
- Everett L Deakyne III, edeakyne3@earthlink.net
8/22/2002
Being born and raised across from Christ Our King School, rolling out of bed
to go to school, then having the Bishop tell me on a hot day go put a dress
on. The yard gang were pretty cool. Sledding down monkey hill
and hercules county Club. Going to Achenbacks for root bear floats,
vanilla and cherry cokes, buy 2 pieces of cany for a penny,things have changed. Swimming
at Prices run pool for 10cents. Sallies dances for 50cents, not to
forget St. Elizabeth's dance and Fr. Burns>>hey your too close. Listening
to WAMS, Ps. HS Thanksgiving day foortball game & freezing but was fun. Your
site is so neat love it, please keep it going.
Ellen
epri307@aol.com
- 8/24/2002
Hi. I have a few more to add:
Restaurants - Shivones in the Fairfax Shopping Center. Mom and Dad
took us there if we were good.
Restaurants - DiNardo's @ 4th & Lincoln Streets for crabs!!!! It
was still there 10 years ago when I went during a visit for my high school
reunion.
Food or Business - Sowden's Scrapple. Mr. & Mrs. Sowden
were family friends.
Palmers Market - at Foulk & Naamans Rd. before the Acme was built.
Boothwyn Farmers Market in Boothwyn, PA - a man shouting "Hey,
how many?"
The Sugar Shack on Rt. 40
Braunsteins, Kennard's on Market St.
Weinstock's Grocery Store, at The Cedars, on Milltown Rd. (my Dad worked
there as a teenager ca. 1932.)
Levit's Jewelry Store on Market St. with "The Charm Bar" with a
real bar in the store with pretzels to munch on.
The Arden Sub Shop
Casapouls (sp?) Sub Shop in Elsmere - still there I think. Lou Cazz
(Casapoul) recorded a song, "Don't Cry Linda" in late 1950's. He
was the owner's son.
Food - Ivins Spiced Wafer Cookies - only distributed by Acme markets around
Halloween.
Fun Stuff - Wax teeth & mustaches around Halloween time.
Fun Stuff - Naamans Little League
Fun Stuff - Elsmere Block Parties
Fun Stuff - Hoola Hoops
Fun Stuff - Teaching your parents to dance "The Twist"
People - Lee Davis, DJ, WAMS
- Ed Hurst, DJ & TV Personality
- Jerry Blavat from Philly, the Geator with the Heater, the Boss With the
Hot Sauce (still alive and hosted a public TV oldies fundraising event)
Amusements, Games & Activities:
Playing "Mother May I?"
Going to Lenape Park in PA or Riverview Park in NJ
Playing board games like Monopoly, Candy Land or Parcheesi
Thanks. I enjoy reminiscing on your web page and have sent it to a few people.
Noreen Lucas harleychick33569@hotmail.com
- Riverview, FL
- 8/25/2002
I'm not certain, but LeMars 7th Heaven of Fashion on 7th Street sounds like
it might be the place - bridal, prom, fancy, etc. clothes. It was
owned by Marvin and Katherine Kurzman. It was across the street
from Gamiel's, one heck of a terrific Kosher deli. This
goes back to the question asked on 4/18/02.
-
Steve Phillips
saphill1@attbi.com
- 8/28/2002
My husband loved visiting your site, and remembering. We are retired
now, living in Texas and getting ready to come back for a months visit. Some
of the things we remember are the ladies behind the lunch counter at the
Federal Bake Shop always had a fancy hankie in the top pocket of their uniform. The
Salvation Band at 5th & Market Street, Friday night dances at Mill Creek
Fire Hall, Thanksgiving game between Conrad & Newark, the little store
across from Conrad that sold Sub for a quarter, our bus would let us off
just before we turned in the school parking lot. Also, the hayrides
out to Thompson Bridge from some farm up that way. It was such fun
growing up during the 50's. Also, miss the painted store window on
Market Street at Christmas time. Thanks for the memories.
- J&P
pdelancey@nortexinfo.net
- 9/14/2002
- Jippy's sub shop where Bill's Flower Shop is now by Canby
Park Hurricane
Hazel coming up the Chesapeak Bay and a direct hit on Wilmington Regina's
store at the top of Canby Park developement (where you could actually
charge until payday). And the Florence Crittendon
Home for Unwed Mothers on corner of Clayton (I believe).
-
- Lawrence Denney
- ldenny@mchsi.com
9/15/2002
Could the dress
shop in Wilmington which sold the prom dresses have been Maelene's? She
could actually whip up your dream dress from scratch from your description,
WITHOUT a pattern!
(MAN, I am enjoying reading all these wonderful memories!)
And:
- What a fantastic website! So
many shared memories jogged the cobwebs which have covered my own childhood
recollections!
One of these was being one of many little kids going to Kiddietowne
in pajamas in the evening. We would ride around for practically nothing until
nearly dark. Then we'd pile into the family station wagon and drive
next door to the Ellis Drive in. There we would play a while longer
on the tiny playground up near the screen until the show was about to start. Then,
all cozy in the "back back" of the station wagon, the kids would
enjoy snacks while the little tinny speaker hooked onto the window would
provide the sound for the "big flick". But it was always
neat, because we could hear other cars' speakers as well for an eerie, "multi-stereo" effect. Of
course, in the humidity of summer, everyone had to stoke up the citronella
coil to keep the mosquitos away. Before the feature started, they always
played 10 or 15 minutes of stuff about the concession stand to try to get
folks hungry: dancing hot dogs, twirling candy bars doing the tango
with each other, and exploding popcorn. If it was a double feature,
the kids would never know it because they conked out long before the first
film was over. I still remember the dramatic theme to "Harlowe" we
saw there...didn't understand a bit of the movie, but I remember the theme
music. If only life could be this simple again, even just for a little
while...
Thanks again for a wonderful website!!
Kay
faith007@aol.com
- 9/18/2002
- Truly enjoyed your web site.
I noticed a couple of people entered information in your Guestbook regarding
the Diamond State Brewery. There are also references made to it under
the 'Industries' and 'Whatever happened to...' sections.
I published an article on the brewery for the American Breweriana Journal
in 1997, which subsequently made its way to the internet at:
http://www.americanbreweriana.org/history/diamond.htm
Feel free to link to that article.
Best wishes,
John Medkeff
Glasgow, DE
- 9/19/2002
- I remember "Rosebud" the Delaware Ave. busdriver.
He was great, funny,and at times stern.
I remember going to Rockford Park and sledding sown the hill to Rockford
Road where I lived; at times you could even go further down the Rd.
I remember the library branch on Rockford Rd. Bancroft Mills, where my family
worked. The kindergarten at Bancroft Mills with Ms. Miller the teacher.
I remember the street dances that were held on Rockford Rd. with the grocer
Al singing (on stage) Al Jolsons' "Mammie".
My rendition of "Danny Boy" on the ame stage at age 8.
So many memories.
Thanks for the memories.......
- jimmarye@gte.net
- 9/30/2002
- How about skating at the Marsh where I-95 is in Browntown
The gas price wars in Elsmere
The decorated store fronts on Market Street for either Halloween or Chrfistmas
Remember when the local National Guard Units would be in Parades.
- Len Strycharz
- lens160@hotmail.com
-
- 9/30/2002
- Your site provides a stimulating "nostalgia" trip
for all Wilmingtonians who loved growing up in this precious city. I still
feel regret remembering
Wanamaker's in the 1960s, and the Merchandise Mart...
Does anyone recall the mean little monkey in the monkeyhouse who always tooks
the other one's banana?
Please visit my own website A VIEW OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE THROUGH ANTIQUE
POSTCARDS for a look at the city's social, business, cultural, and architectural
history. http://pages.ivillage.com/oldwilmington/
Sincerely,
OldWilmington@nc.rr.com
- 9/30/2002
- Thanks for the updates. Don't forget the Prices Corner Drive-In just NW
of the rail tracks on Centerville Road just across the street from Able Motors
used cars, which was later named Able Campers after the addition of RV's
and boats.
That's it for now.
-MA
markableman@comcast.net
- SPECIAL REQUEST SPECIAL
REQUEST SPECIAL
REQUEST
- 10/01/2002
- In the late-60's, the Thompson Business School gave a number of women their
first entre into business. Subsequently, the founder died and the school
closed its doors. The records and transcripts are no longer available from
the Department of Education. If anyone reading still has a transcript from
the School with credit hours for courses taken, you could be most helpful
to a woman who would like to earn her bachelors degree. Please call:
Molly Haas, Counselor
College of LifeLong Learning
Immaculata University
PO Box 656
Immaculata, PA 19345-0656
- E-mail: shaas@immaculata.edu
- 610-647-4400, ext. 3247
FAX: 610-647-0215
10/15/2002
- We grew up in Marshallton. Had to take a bus to Wilm. to go see a
movie. For $1 we could take the bus both ways, buy some candy at Woolworth's,
and go
to a movie I remember going to candy stores and buying Grade-A chocolate
bars for a penny. We never locked our doors then because no one ever
broke in. Any way we only had a skeleton key, so anyone that had one
could unlock our doors anyway. My sister lives in Texas sent me this
address. I'm glad she did.
We used to go to Weinstock's in the Cedars and just tell them to put in on
grandmom's account. Still live in De., but sometimes it is hard to
remember the good old days. Sure looks different.
Dot
- Dot327@aol.co
10/17/2002
Charlie's Original Sub Shop 413 Madison Street.
Owners: Rosario (Charlie) & Mary Limmina
This was the first sub shop in Delaware. It was opened in Wilmington in the
mid 1930's.
Charlie's Son, Yatz Limmina, currently is co-owner with his son Tom Limmina,
of Yatz's Sub Shop located at 7th and Union Streets.
Yatz has a picture of his dad's store showing his father behind the counter
and the prices for subs in 1941. The small sub on a soft 12inch roll was 10
cents and a large sub on an 18 inch hard roll was 20 cents.
rlimmina@comcast.net
10/19/2002
- Hoys 5 & 10 store at 3rd & union sts. I
do remember the 60s curfew, I remember jumping rope outside our house and
the police
telling us to get on the porch.
As kids we walked EVERYWHERE. We had no parents cars driving us, cuz
1/2 the parents had NO cars. Metal rollerskates w/keys hung around
your neck that ya NEVER let out of your sight.
Tomato pie from Zaps was awesome. We lived on 4th and Lincoln so we
had it available whenever we wanted it.
Frank Russos Pharmacy was on the corner of 4th and Lincoln and he had penny
candy. Then it was Lincoln Luncheonette and something else and then
Vincentes and now its a parking lot....
Poppitis Market at 3rd and Scott sts, they had every kind of candy a kid
could want and were so patient, they would stand there all day until you
made up your mind....and they had the best twin pops...
I do remember Sherwood diner and the record players in each booth. Then
it was Tavanis gas staion.
Oh man, I was just talking about the slaughter house on Lincoln st.(mmmmmooooooo)I
was young and never quite understood why the cows mooed 1 second and were
not mooing the next second. Now I live in the country and hhhhhmmmmmmm.......
Do you guys remember Nick the blind broom man, he was all over wilmington
selling brooms (handmade)..?????
My Poppop drove a chicken truck around and sold eggs from the back of it. That
was neat to go with him on Saturdays......
And, no I don't remember the mean monkey9/30/02,but I do remember crying
like crazy because my older sister Susan got us tossed out of the monkey
house
when she snuck peanuts in after my mom just told her to put them away......
- Keep in touch
- asprecious@aol.com
10/20/2002
- I REMEMBER SLEDDING FROM ROCKFORD TOWER ALL THE WAY DOWN ROCKFORD
ROAD TO THE ENTRANCE OF JOSEPH BANCROFT & SONS TEXTILE MILL. AND ALSO,
SLEDDING DOWN IVY ROAD.
JOHN MEDKEFF
- medkeff@comcast.net
11/03/2002
- Hi,
This is the best site I have ever seen.
- The blind broom man was "Jake"
The DeLaWarr Motel is not the home of Wilmington College. DeLaWarr
Motel is now the home of WAWA. It is at the intersection of Route 13(Dupont
Hwy and Memorial Drive). The Wilmington College is on the old property
of the "Tour Inns Motel" in the Wilmington Manor Vicinity of Dupont
Hwy. (Rt 13).
- I love your site. Soon as I have a chance to see what you dont have
that I remember, I would like to help add to this. I havent looked
at everything yet but
there was a place next to the Ellis Drive in in the 1950's called "Kiddie
Town" it was like a mini arcade (in the old fashion) with booths where
you could play games, like balloon darts, ring toss,etc for prizes (cupie
dolls). Merry go rounds and the like for kids. It was great. Guess
it closed due to changing times.
- Im sure some of my memories are repeats of others, but
once I got on a roll, I just couldnt quit. Please keep up the good work, what a wondeful
idea for a website, such wonderful memories of simpler, safer times. Im
not so sure these have been catagorized as they should be and if I dont stop,
you will never finish reading it. Hope some of this helps your site. I
would love to hear from some of the people who have the same memories. Just
like to reminise and remember the good old days. Or as my sons tell
me the stories of "back in the day".
- Take care and keep adding to your site. Cant wait
to read more.
Thanks for the memories.
Vickie
Cooking0404@aol.com
11/03/2002
What
kid that ever served Journal every evening papers in Wilmington can forget
Stelini's (not sure of spelling) bakery at 2ND and Jackson Streets. It was
the first time I ever saw a pizza, only it was called "Tomato Pie".
How about the Dravo Marshes where I caught Snappers and sold them to Shorty's
Beer Garden at Front and Jackson Streets for Snapper Soup, and swam in the
summer time from "Little Bridge" with the rest of the guy's from
Hedgevill.
Love your site, really brings back memories, nice work.
GOLFOPERA@aol.com
11/13/2002
- How about the old Delmore Dairy at Lancaster Ave. and
Scott St. (Wilmington)! They
had the best "milk shakes" in town and the largest selection
of them that I can remember!
Do you remember that both Corpus Christi (Elsmere) and St. Hedwig's (Wilmington)
Churches had High Schools. St.Hedwig's was only girls and Corpus
Christi was co-ed.
Remember playing ball games against the curb (curb ball) or steps (step
ball) in the City. Also remember playing "wire ball" using
City utility wires.
- Dennis LaFazia
- dlf@college.dtcc.edu