Visitors
Nostalgia & Memories
(Archive
#23: November 1, 2005 to November 30,
2005 entries)
My first eight years were spent in a house on 11th
St facing the firehouse and just down the street from the
triangle where Delaware Avenue and the 11th St. merged.
It was a dream world for a little boy. I sat on my front
porch many many times to watch the fire engines leave the
firehouse, sirens wailing, and return. All of the parades
which came up market Street or King Street went past our
house and we watched them from our own front porch. We
always got such a chuckle about the poor band members who
had to march in back of the many horses that were in the
parades. Their "leavings" made marching in a straight line
nearly impossible. Come to think of it there were many
other horses drawing carts through the streets in those
days, the ragman,
the junkman, etc.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 13:40:26
(EST)
For Bob Wilson: I think you're right. It's the wooder.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 11:46:36
(EST)
I don’t know if it was a Wilmington thing -- but when I moved
from Wilmington, where I grew up, to Cleveland in 1967, my mother,
who was raised in the South, warned me that people in Ohio speak
with “a hard R.” Her father had grown up in Ohio. Shortly after
I did an early newscast for NBC in Cleveland, the news director
asked about my pronunciation of “Virginia.” He said I was not
pronouncing the R strong enough and it sounded to him like I
was saying “Viginia.” When I told my mother about it, she had
a HAr-DY laugh.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 09:58:27
(EST)
I haven't lived in Wilmington since 1962, having spent all
but four of these years in the South, but to this day I get ribbed
aobut "wooder" and the "Quaker O." My wife even sticks her chin
out like I do when imitating me!
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 08:40:55
(EST)
Accents: Oh yeah! Wherever I travel in the USA, I'm always
asked where I'm from. Southerner's think I have a New England
accent, and New Englanders say, "Oh, what part of the South are
you from?" Only those from the Delaware Vallley area recognizes
my accent as being from 'around here'. I was born, raised, and
still live in Wilmington
TheKid <Nospampls@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 08:23:24
(EST)
My family arrived in Wilmington in August, 1949, from the
Mid-Hudson Valley of NY State, and I was immediately enrolled
in the 10th Grade at PS duPont. Two months later, we went back
home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Every one of my old hometown
friends that I ran into up there were amazed at how my pronunciation
had changed so quickly, most notably in the way I pronounced
that vowel sound that Bill Fisher describes below. When I went
off to college in Newark a few years later, I noted that the
strongest version of this accent seemed to come from people who
were born and raised in small South Jersey towns such as Collingswood,
Millville and Bridgeton. Ditto for those raised in Sussex County,
Delaware. Someone once told me that it was the spoken sound closest
to the way the original 17th and 18th Century settlers from the
countryside of Great Britain had spoken, and it had remained
that way because these parts of the Atlantic Coast were "country" and
off the beaten path of settlement by later waves of European
immigrants. I never quite believed that. I think it was the nature
of the unique natural minerals in the local supplies of drinking
wooder that caused it.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 08:12:03 (EST)
You are right about the "wilmington twang." I have lived here
in Fla. since l981 and I still have people asking me if I am
from Philly (close enough.) Whenever I hear myself on my answer
machine I cringe. How about "wooder" for water.
sharon <shar646@aol.com>
Weston, Fl USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 23:38:31 (EST)
Larry, I've lived in California for over 40 years. After about
5 years of being away from Wilmington, I started noticing a distinct "twang" in
the speech of anyone who was raised or spent a long time in the
Wilmington area. Especially noticeable is the way Wilmingtonians
pronounce "O"s. I can't imitate it, but it sounds kinda like "aowe"...
can't even write it to explain the sound. Do any of all you Wilmington
transplants notice the same thing? I can spot somebody from the
Delaware Valley just by listening to them talk...!
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA United States - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at
21:49:12 (EST)
BUCKY WAS A GREAT ATHLETE AND ALSO A FRIEND OF MINE.
FRAN <FRANKCPA@HOTMAIL.COM>
BONITA SPRINGS, FL USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 20:16:59
(EST)
Bucky did it all. I remember he dropped kicked a extra point
to beat Newark and his uncle taught him how to drop kick. His
uncle coached Newark.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilm, De USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 19:13:59 (EST)
BUCKY BUIANO DID DO IT ALL.....HE WAS THE LAST PERSON IN
HIGH SCHOOL (DELAWARE)FOOTBALL TO DROP KICK EXTRA PTS. & FIELD
GOALS..BUCKY WAS A GOOD ALL AROUND ATHLETE...AND A GOOD FRIEND
OF MINE......
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILM, DE USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 18:41:44 (EST)
In 1965 Vince Lee, a DJ on WXUR-AM, said that while in training
to be a broadcaster he was told the the most neutral accent in
the US was that of the middle Atlantic states, specifically Philly
and Wilmington. For the past 35 years I've been living in California.
Do people in Wilmington hear an accent in the speech of Californians?
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 18:17:35
(EST)
Remember Bucky Buiano, the triple-threat back for Sallies
- I recall the game against Archmere in , I think, 1952 - he
did it all and if memory serves me, he even dropkicked a field
goal.
bschilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
mount pleasant, sc USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 15:23:27
(EST)
For Jack Duffy I remember the game and I believe Sallies TD
was scored by a guy named Phil Ryan. Take Care and keep the nostalgia
coming
George Klein <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 10:30:35 (EST)
TO ALL YOU OLD ST. THOMAS'FOLKS OUT THERE. THIS SATURDAY NIGHT
IN THE SCHOOL HALL THEY ARE HAVING A "CASINO NIGHT", SO COME
ON OUT AND MEET SOME OLD FRIENDS AND HAVE A GOOD TIME, AND MAYBE
GET LUCKY. AND TO JIMMY KING, I WILL BE THERE.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 21:00:18 (EST)
I BELIEVE THE SAME CO OWNED THE NEW CASTLE/PENNSVILLE THE
WILSON LINE AND THE CHESTER/BRIDGEPORT FERRIES.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 18:50:41 (EST)
Here's another site with a few pictures of Wilson Line ships:
http://www.oldchesterpa.com/wilson_line.htm
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 17:33:14 (EST)
Wow, Browny, thanks for the interesting bit of nostalgia.
That's one of the old New Castle/Pennsville ferries, all right
- but not part of the Wilson Line. The Wilson Line ran passenger
cruise ships, but not car ferries. Check out this link: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/6484/wilson.html
Thanks again for letting us know of this piece of history, probably
the last one of those ferries around.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 17:29:42 (EST)
Don't forget the "Unnhhh" after each "fight", and the fadeout
of "Unnhhh"s at the end, after "Fight, team, fight!"
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 17:07:47 (EST)
Was visiting my son in Portland Me. and didn!t realize, I
was having lunch on one of the ferries [ Wilson line? ], that
ran from New Castle De. to Riverview NJ. The history plaque was
outside. Anybody remember being on this one?
visit http://www.dimillos.com/restaurant/index.html
browny <brownys828@yahoo.com>
Wilm., DE USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 17:06:15 (EST)
The way I heard it was "...wah dot'n fight." Thanks to Bill
Fisher for bringing this old PS chestnut back to life after so
many years. All I can say is "BE UPRIGHT!"
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, OK USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 16:34:42 (EST)
Wand out and fight. I think that is how it ended Bob.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilm, De USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 10:06:38 (EST)
Bo-bo ski wat'n dot'n...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA United States - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at
22:40:31 (EST)
P.S. duPont school colors changed to blue and white when the
school became an elementary school...not sure when that was.
The "Dynamiter's" were no longer polically correct, so they are
now known as the Dolphins. I still wear a sweatshirt that has
the old school colors (royal blue and gray) and the Dynamiter's
logo. Get many comments when I wear it. Came from Factor's in
Bear. A good way to let everyone know that some of the old duPont
Dynamiters are still around. Shirl
Shirley Hudson Jester <UJEST110@AOL.COM>
Newark, DE USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 21:21:38 (EST)
Who remembers the last sporting event to be held at the old
Wilmington Ball Park on the Gov. Printz Blvd and 40th Street?
In case you didn't remember, It was the Sallies Vs. Howard High
on Thanksgiving Day, 1955 and ended in a 7 to 7 tie. The next
day, construcyion crews began razing the park. Imagine that---50
years ago this weekend!!!!
Jack Duffy <shilelee@aol.com>
Freehold, NJ USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 13:43:54 (EST)
Today in 1909- Two new Wilson Line steamers, City of Wilmington
and City of Philadelphia, were launched at Harlan and Hollingsworth's
plant in Wilmington, Delaware.
TheKid <Nospampls@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 08:57:57 (EST)
Hi I am originally from Elsmere De and I was wondering if
anyone here knew my cousin Alice Okarski She went to PS Dupont
probably gruadted in the mid 50's
Sandy W <AnneMary47@aol.com>
Kalamazoo, Mi USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 00:55:00 (EST)
Hello Friends, Family of Ralph Pryor. I just got an e-mail
from my Aunt Hazel, a request from Uncle Ralph to please let
his friends, family know on the Old Wilmington.Net web site that
he is once again plagued by a computer malady!! perhaps a virus.
Perhaps it has crashed. He will be contacting a repairman on
Monday. Thank You Harry for allowing me to notify others of Uncle
Ralph's computer problems. Sincerely, Mary Kay Kennedy,
Niece.
Mary Kay Kennedy <mk.kennedy@sbcglobal.net>
Ottawa, IL USA - Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 22:49:26 (EST)
To Bob. I too checked out the site of school colors. My letter
in field hockey is blue & grey. When did the colors change? Anyone
know? OH MY! Maybe they retired the colors. My Husband's step-father
used to say he placed the last brick while the school was under
construction. He also said many of the workers placed pennys
in the cement??? I remember the bonfires, the rallys and the
crepe paper "thingys" we used use doing cheers before Thanksgiving
Day games. Here in Peabody, Thanksgiving Day football ganes are
VERY big. The Tanners are the PHS sports teams names, as this
town used to have leather tanning plants.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma. USA - Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 11:17:40 (EST)
To Webmaster Harry et al - Just had a look at the new school
colors page, and it is terrific. Along with me, maybe some of
the other PS duPont graduate readers here will remember the blue
and grey color scheme. The icon or mascot that PS used to symbolize
its "Dynamiters" teams was a cartoonish grey barrell of gunpowder
with a lit fuse, complete with scowling eyes, a nose and a grimacing
mouth, with stick-figure arms and running legs. On arriving at
PS in the Fall of 1949, one of my first projects in Miss Klund's
Art class was the creation of a poster, on board, featuring this "Dynamiter." To
my delight and surprise, Klund liked it so much that she had
it placed on an easel in the lobby of the auditorium for all
to see. That was my first brush with fame as a PS sophomore "cartoonist." It
would be neat to see that icon again, along with those for Wilmington
High, Brown Vocational, Howard, A. I. duPont and Conrad. Is there
a resource that Harry could tap into that might have those pieces
of "art" available today for posting here?
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 08:21:54 (EST)
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and a good shopping
day on Friday. It's not a holiday in Italy but our next holiday
will be December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception,
ushering in the Christmas season which lasts until January 6.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 17:12:59
(EST)
To Bob, but,but, the guys who were wearing their "letter" jackets
were just as cold and the weather was always a conversation starter.
In the summer, we girls had the advantage, remember halter dresses?
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 10:06:59 (EST)
To Barb Rhodes - In the "olden days", waiting for the #11
or #12 trolleybus by the gas station at 11th/Delaware Ave.-Washington
Street intersection to go to the 9th Ward from downtown was always
an interesting experience in mid-winter or mid-summer. I can
recall no place colder in Wilmington in the wintertime, nor anywhere
hotter and more humid in July or August. I was a pretty hardy
kid back in those days, but that location was enough to make
one curse for every minute that the bus took to arrive there.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 07:53:56 (EST)
Your right Veasey, if you beat Wilmington High, You must
be over 100.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 21:37:16
(EST)
I want to wish everyone in Wilmington a great Thanksgiving
Day. Don't eat too much. And watch out for the holiday shoppers.
It's that time of the year the bad side of people come out.
Bob Crawford (Buster) <buster1973@hotmail.com>
Fayetteville, NC USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 14:45:25
(EST)
Go to the above link to make additions/corrections to the "High
School Colors" page...
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 14:16:37
(EST)
Happy Thanksgiving was marhing in the P.S. Band from the Blue
Rocks Ball Park down Market Street, up Concord Avenue to Madison
and the school after beating Wilmington High. Now "that" gives
away my age!!
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wimington, DE USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 11:46:57 (EST)
Pat, Happy Thanksgiving to you too and all "former" Wilmingtonians
HA. ha! "old" is Thanksgiving football games between PS & WHS.
Old is riding the trolley from the 9th ward to the Cozy Korner
for cokes. Old is waiting @ that gas station on Washington St
across from the "Y" to go home. Tatnall School has that piece
of sculpture now. Cheers to our Web Master for this very excitng & nostalgic
site. We have snow here & my Welsh Terrier hates to get her feet
wet, but, for this "old" Pilgrim, the Indians are very friendly,
and we are blessed. PS: the place is smelling very aromatic,
the table looks sparklely, is that a word? and I wiped the TV
screen so as not to miss a moment of football.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma. USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 10:44:36 (EST)
Ralph - You moved Boss Tweed west by a few states and forward
in history by about 50 years, but he was indeed the corrupt of
the corrupt. That is not to say that there were no corrupt politicians
in Chicago in the 1920's. Or anywhere else in the US or the world,
then or now. Sad to say it, but for most of them, "corrupt" and "politician" define
the same word. It comes with the territory, unfortunately.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 09:18:08 (EST)
Happy Thanksgiving to all you old Wilmingtonians! Wish I could
go over the mountains and through the woods and celebrate the
day in that wonderful city. As it is, I will be celebrating with
my family of cousins who are all transplanted Wilmingtonians
who have relocated to Florida. Have a great turkey day!
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 08:13:03
(EST)
Carol, How interesting! I had a very close friend whose name
was Yolanda, met an Italian fellow on a ship during a crossing
to Italy They married 3 mo. later in Piedmont and they settled
in Pa. She would make tiny meatballs and serve them in chicken
broth with pastina. We called it "Manya" Yo soup. I was in Italy
in the 80s [Rome, Florence,Milano {the opera] & Monte Cassino].
I learned the most valuable culinary lesson ever in Rome @ a
resturant called Sagittarius: "enjoy the pasta with just a little
sauce". Was a guest of a family whose Cousin was a Physician
in De. I have never had a meal like it EVER!Three hours long
with pasta, chicken, beef, veggies, salad & fruit.And the wine!!
The cake was an Italian creme cake, which I declined. Soooo,
They boxed it up and insisted I take it with me. Warm, loving
and generous people , the Italians. Almost as everyone who has
been to Italy, I always wanted to go back, Sadly, didn't happen.
I recall, shortly before I moved, one of the Papa family opened
a bakery on the NE corner of 6th & Union Sts. Was very good.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 20:00:11 (EST)
Having noticed that the topic gets back to Italians, I was
born and raised in Wilmington but came to live in Italy four
years ago in the Abruzzo Region where most of the Italians in
Wilmington originated from, including my four grand-parents.
You might be surprised to know that while meatballs are considered
very Italian, we don't have meatballs in Italy. Occasionally,
they will prepare some Polpetti (very small balls) to put in
soup but the "meatball" as Italian-Americans know it does not
exist. Reason being that Italians have a 3-1/2 hour break in
the middle of the day, when they eat their main meal. So everyone
is at home around the table. There are no husbands or kids who
go off to work and school with a packed lunch of sandwiches so
there is no need for the mother to make a big sauce full of meatballs.
Italians don't eat a lot of meat sauces. Meat in the sauce is
an American thing because we always had abundant meat products
in the USA.
I remember the fruit store at 4th & King. My father used to buy
his grapes there to make wine in September. Then when it closed,
he bought them in South Philly. I also remember (this time of
year) my grand-father buying sweet dried figs. Maybe even some
chocholate covered figs. I am eating a few right now. I bet you
can't find them anywhere in Wilmington but we have plenty here
in Italy. About Olive Oil. The olives are harvested first week
in November. And by this time every year, families have their
stocks of Virgin Olive Oil for the entire year. If the oil is
really 100% pure and fresh pressed, the first taste will be peppery
and will burn the throat and make you cough as it cleans the
throat and removes any impurities. That's really how you know
you have the new oil and not a comination of old and new. What
you are buying off the shelves in the USA is a far cry from the
best. The best Olives grow in Genova, Umbria and in the Region
of Abruzzo, where I live. These are mountainous regions in North
and Central. The further South you go, the cheaper the price
of the olive oil and lesser the quality. And you can forget about
the Tuscany hype of Frances Mayes and Rick Steves too.
Carol Merlini <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 18:29:35
(EST)
MARIO.... WHOOPS !!!!!I THINK IT WAS ABBOTTS DAIRY....FIERRO'S
GOT THEIR MILK FROM SEALTEST DAIRY
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILM, DE USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 17:34:56 (EST)
MARIO!...... FIERRO'S WAS ON 6TH. STREET ACROSS FROM PETER
PAPA'S GROCERY STORE.... RALPH PAPA WAS THE LAST OWNER OF THE
BLD....IT IS NOW A PARKING LOT FOR THE GROCERY STORE...WHEN FIERRO'S
SOLD THE BLD. THEY MOVED DOWN 10TH & UNION ST ( OLD SEALTEST
DAIRY)...VINNY FIERRO JUST PASSED AWAY THIS YEAR, I BELIEVE ONE
OF HIS SONS RUNS IT NOW
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILM, DE USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 17:32:21 (EST)
There is a series of articles in the paper dealing with the
Catholic situation in Delaware in the past. Very sad. They just
published my editorial letter today. However, the paper mistakenly
put me as living in Wilmington.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 13:51:13 (EST)
To Liz of Hartley, Delaware: thank you for your comments regarding
my grandfather's fruit market, the former California Fruit Market,
at 4th and King. To Donata Lewandowski Guerra: I remember my
grandfather talking about "ugli fruit" although I was a youngster
at the time. My grandfather lived on South Lincoln Street in
Wilmington, however owned the building which included his California
Fruit Market and the meat market next door. Most certainly the
man you spoke with back then was my grandfather, Samuel Cutrona,
the owner and proprietor. He came to Wilmington from Sicily as
a very young boy, with his father and other relatives. His father
was Salvatore Cutrona, successful as well, first starting out
with a trolley line in Wilmington, then entering the grocery
business.
Thank you all for the memories.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 10:11:38
(EST)
Speaking of HOME MADE PRODUCTS FOR SALE - my father lived
near 23rd and Tatnall and the family a few houses down, I believe
the name was Milan, made homemade ice cream and sold it out of
the back of their house. Does any remember that? When then went
out of business they gave away their equipment and my father
got a 'scoop' (a signle piece of pressed metal) which my mother
used for scooping flour. I still have it, and I use it for ice
cream.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 09:53:40 (EST)
Anyone remember Fierro's that made ricotta cheese in their
basement just off of Union street? The company has since expanded
as their ricotta cheese is sold across the country. I can remember
my father taking me to their house as they used to make the ricotta
cheese in their basement and all the tin cans filled with freshly
made ricotta were on shelves waiting to be purchased.
Mario <melepera@aol.com>
Harrisonburg, VA USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 07:16:12
(EST)
PAPA'S FOOD MARKET IS STILL OPEN.............THEY NOW MAKE
PIZZA...JOHN WHO WORKED FOR DI FONZO'S BAKERY NOW WORKS AT PAPA'S
AND MAKES THE PIZZA ( VERY GOOD PIZZA )
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILM, DE USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 06:29:03 (EST)
Comments about things & people Italian, is PAPA's Market still
on 6th, or 7th St off Union St? I loved everyone there and would
buy their sausage, Parm/ Reg. grated cheese and their porter
house steaks. Wonderful family and an important part of the heritage
of Little Italy. Oh, and their meatballs!!
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Monday, November 21, 2005 at 23:15:41 (EST)
Susan, I meant to say "grandfather" to you. Was he born in
Italy? The delightful older man we spoke to at 4th and King had
an accent.
Donata Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Monday, November 21, 2005 at 16:32:52 (EST)
For Susan Ciconte: I have a very distinct memory of going
into a fruit market around 4th and King in about December, 1973
with my mother where the proprietor, a delightful older man with
an Italian accent, introduced us to "ugli fruit". He was confident
we'd enjoy it, and we did. I'm glad to see this offering has
fulfilled his prophecy and is available today. I recall the market
had some import products, and we purchased a can of baba-au-rhum
that proved delectable. I'm wondering if this was your family's
venue and if this man was your dad or relative.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Monday, November 21, 2005 at 16:30:55 (EST)
Re; Mayor Babiarz (1961-1969) -- I checked with my mother
(now living in Houston) who reported that my father had always
been somewhat "leery" of Barbiarz. Were any charges of corruption
brought, or were reports of croneyism made? I only recall meeting
him once, when he passed by my table during lunch in the Hotel
Dupont back when Reagan was running against Carter. I asserted
that Reagan would win the election. Barbiarz rather unctuously
stated, "Oh, I believe the best man will win -- Carter." Without
missing a beat, I replied. "Yes, the best man will indeed win,
and that is Ronald Reagan." I didn't have a subscription to _National
Review_ for nothing!
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Monday, November 21, 2005 at 16:26:46 (EST)
On the subject of fruit and vegetable markets, how about Vassallo's?
Anyone remember that one?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 21:42:29
(EST)
Speaking of buying candy at Woolworths, does anyone else remember
the gum dispensors that sold celephane packets of chiclets in
twos,and (yummy) dentyne gum?
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 10:51:18 (EST)
about MCI Williams, one popular teacher was left, Mrs Laker,
1st grade and Miss Hackendorn, gym teacher, also remember Bayard
Jr. High, Mrs Warner, Science teacher
Liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 21:01:20 (EST)
with reference to the fruit market, i remember well going
many times to buy fruit because my dad worked at 5th and King,
Haldas Market, he was a butcher there, no longer called butcher,
or meat cutters, but associates lol, i used to walk there to
see my dad from 4th and adams to 5th and King, go to woolworth's,
buy 25 cents worth of candy and then walk to the public library
around 10th and Market, at least 2 times a wk
LIZ <elizabemari3@aol.com>
Hartly, De USA - Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 20:37:36 (EST)
Re:Submarines in Wilmington, not the sandwich variety... There
was a report during World War I before the US got into the war,
that a German U-boat landed at the duPont plant across the river
in Penns Grove?, NJ. Probably to dislodge a dyes expert that
the company was frantically in search of. Fact or fiction, I
don't know.
Bob Mosbrook <bobmosbrook@sbcglobal.net>
Pinehurst, NC USA - Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 07:59:45 (EST)
Re: World War II Submarine Lore -- There was talk by at least
one member of my father's large extended family that during the
Second World War German subs were wont to prowl the waters off
Wilmington, with an occasional "discharge" of "Hun" crew for
drinks in local taverns. I don't believe it for a second, unless
this was an original old Wilmington "urban myth" making the rounds
of bar crawlers and proprietors back in the day!
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 19:03:54 (EST)
Re: Porky Oliver Golf Club -- I believe there's a charming
Thanksgiving Brunch at that site... at least there was in the
early 90s. Fabulous pumpkin soup, and all made and served by
municipal employees.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 18:59:47 (EST)
Re: Wilmington Police discussion -- I recently discovered
my grandfather John S. Lewandowski's name in the 1921-22 Wilmington
City Directory and Business Gazetter. He was on the police force,
and is listed as such, from the early 20s until, I believe, the
beginning of the Second World War, when he retired and moved
to South Heald St. where my grandmother was the proprietess of
John L.'s Cafe (until war's end). I know that in the olden days,
policemen, firemen and teachers were far more respected. Family
lore has gifts being made at Christmas to my grandfather (nuts
and fruits). In all honesty, I think local folks liked knowing
that someone was protecting their houses and businesses. However,
true to the times, (in a story my father told me), there was
a certain area of Wilmington my grandfather would occasionally
not enter on Friday nights when people were getting drunk and
beating up on each other. I don't recall what route this was
in his "beat cop" days, but he "turned around and went the other
way". This brings to mind the famous line spoken to Jack Nicholson, "Forget
about it, Jake, it's Chinatown." in the greatest detective movie
of all time. However, I know there is an expectation that the
police will make Wilmington a safe city for everyone nowadays
(and equal protection under the law is an ideal to strive for,
without doubt). However, if one checks out the Wikipedia entry
on Wilmington, it is obvious that someone feels the city has
deteriorated tremendously. Local writer Dale Dallabrida alerted
me to this "hatchet job" on that site and sent a link to the
mayor's office. When I was lunching in the Hotel DuPont recently,
I noticed a group of uniformed officers celebrating someone's
retirement, and I took advantage of the occasion to speak about
this internet slam on the city and police force. One of the gentlemen
took the link down to look into it. I think police deserve credit
every day for the risks they take, and I certainly credit the
Wilmington Police Department for hiring my "Polish-surnamed" Delaware-born
grandfather back in the 1920s. Generally these areas were fiefdoms
for one particular ethnic or religious group, but someone chose
to overlook that and hired him without regard to parents' national
origins or religous denomination.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 18:55:58 (EST)
i lived in claymont during the early 70's---80's--a very good
friend of mine-michael r neff--1 green gate claymont behind the
church on philly pike- was recently killed by a homeless james
d cole--he is to stand trail for mikes death--mike was a heck
of a guy and there is no reason for him to die like he did--mike
left behind 4 children and a wife--living in texas it is very
hard to keep up with the trial--was hopping some one would email
me any info--on this matter--i have a deep pain inside-and looking
for some closure in this matter--thanks much bubba weir 7 marion
claymont de.19703
bubba weir <bubbaweir@yahoo.com>
kemah, tx USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 17:29:59 (EST)
A minor error on my part: I am still residing in Minneapolis,
however, I do welcome any historical notes about growing up in
Wilmington. Which leads me to the following: I asked the webmaster
to include in the drugstore listings Community Pharmacy once
located at Union Street and Lancaster Avenue.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 16:06:14 (EST)
A note to add about California Fruit Market: the brothers
Cutrona who ran the store also included Tony. I apologize for
the omission.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 14:55:51 (EST)
Dear Ray, Yes, Dick Hall's father-in-law was Johnny Cutrona.
John, Mike, and Sam Cutrona (Sam my grandfather) worked the store.
Tommy Ciconte, the "marvelous old man still performing good works" just
turned 78, is my father.
Thank you.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 11:35:45 (EST)
Again for Susan, Wasn't the Fruit Market Catrona's Fruit Market?
And are you related to a Tommy Ciconte who I later worked with
at the DuPont Experimental Station? The Tommy I speak of would
be in his 7o's and I still see and talk to him at least once
a week at a club we both belong to.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 11:02:36 (EST)
For Susan : Susan, I remember thr Fruit Market at 4th & King
very well. I used to walk the beat there from 1959 till 1962.
My beat covered from what was then called Front Street to 6th
Street and from Market Streeet to Lombard Street. Many times
I stopped and talked to the folks at the Fruit Market. If I'm
not mistaken, didn't Dick Hall(city Fireman)mary a Ciconte or
some relative of the folks who owned the Market and didn't he
work there for a time? And BOY did I love those hot roasted peanuts.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 10:55:49 (EST)
Sadly, I live for the time being in Minneaopolis. Does anyone
in the Wilmington area have any memories they liked to share
with me concerning my grandfather's store, the California Fruit
Market, at 4th and King, from the 1930s to the early 1970s. Those
thoughts would help me to remember some of the good times we
shared at his store - "boxed" seats watching the parades down
4th street (those "boxed" seats were sitting on the fruit crates);
his great empoloyee, Manny; and just the hustle and bustle that
we all took a part in during the great time so many light years
ago.
Thank you.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 10:34:17 (EST)
Well, folks, you've sold yet another Philly Cheese Steak!
The next time I'm back there, I will definitely try one with
Cheez Whiz. I don't promise to LIKE it, but I'll give it a shot.
Thanks for all the info.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA United States - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at
21:52:53 (EST)
To me, the difference between a WILMINGTON cheese steak and
a Philly cheese steak was that the Philly steak has green peppers
and tomatoes on it, whereas the WILMINGTON cheese steak offers
that as an option, not as part of the main ingredients. And,
Pat's prefers Cheese Whiz over real cheese, but does offer real
cheese also (always has). A WILMINGTON cheese steak is fine as
it is, with ketchup and fried onions.
Phil <pleasenospam@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 19:51:46
(EST)
Hate beating a dead horse, but as I have already mentioned,
the "original" Philly cheese steaks by Pat's, Geno's, Rick's,
etc. all offer and use any of three options: American cheese,
provolone cheese, or Cheese Whiz. Always have, and still do.
WILMINGTON cheese steaks, on the other hand, rarely were ever
made with Cheese Whiz; to a shop, they offered American or provolone
cheese. I can't remember one WILMINGTON steak shop that used
Cheese Whiz. I'm talking back in the late 50's and 60's, and
until recently (I don't know what they put on cheese steaks anymore,
as I haven't had a good cheese steak since "Jann's" (next to
the DanDee)closed (to me, the best of the WILMINGTON steak shops).
Phil <pleasenospam@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 19:44:09
(EST)
Thanks for the info, Carol. I could stand corrected, but still
can't imagine Cheez Whiz on a Philly cheesesteak. Maybe we should
start a poll of contibutors here who have ever heard of it...???
Count me in as the first who hasn't.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA United States - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at
17:52:23 (EST)
Bill Fisher. I DO believe the original Philly Cheese Steak
WAS made with Cheese Wiz. Also, the first Quiznos Sandwich Shop
was opened on "The Drag" in Austin, Texas near the University
of Texas, by a couple of guys from Austin. "Quiznos" is just
a name they made up. If you spent any time in Texas, you would
know that it's not a gourmet state and most Texans will eat anything,
including Quiznos sandwiches, which are far from delicious. Just
the opinion of a girl born and raised in Wilmington.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 17:10:35
(EST)
Erik, No. My husband had a brother who was frequently called
Dusty. He was a Baseball player on various teams in & around
Wilmington during the 50s & 60's.
barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 13:37:23 (EST)
Barb - Was your dad "Dusty" Rhodes? I used to play alot at
Louviers country club and seem to remember a very nice man named
Dusty Rhodes that worked on the grounds there. I thought I saw
him still working up at the DuPont Country on Rockland Road as
recently as a year or two ago. Is that possible?
Erik <heim2je@netzero.com>
Newark , DE USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 13:09:40 (EST)
Here's a gem for all you MIDDLETOWN fans - "1967 Coach Bill
Billings' Middletown High School football team's winning streak
of 53 games from 1962-67 ended with a defeat by Newark High School,
19-6." CAN YOU BELIEVE 53 IN A ROW!?!
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 08:45:22
(EST)
HI JUDITH, YES I REMEMBER YOUR MOM. SHE WAS A WOMAN WHO DID
HER JOB WELL AS A PREO. WITH THE WILM. POLICE DEPT.. AND MILDRED
ALWAYS HAD A GREAT SMILE. . SHE GAVE ME A TICKET ONCE . I WAS
IN A UNMARKED POLICE VICE CAR,I HAD LEFT IT PARKED IN A NO PARKING
ZONE.. WHEN I TOLD HER ABOUT IT WE BOTH HAD A GOOD LAUGH ! AND
THE STORE OWNERS LOVED HER. SHE WOULD GIVE THEM TIME TO MOVE
THERE VEHICLE. YES I REMEMBER YOUR MOM.----SHE WAS ONE OF THE
HAPPY TIMES I REMEMBER FROM THE FORCE !
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL/COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 23:03:24
(EST)
Missing Classmates Alert! We are having our 35th Class Reunion
for Pierre S. DuPont Classes of 1970 & 1971 I have a few classmates
that I have been looking for for months and have run into dead
ends. They are Class of 1970 Dennis (Digger) Donovan, Ellen Schultz
and from the Class of 1971 Myra Schreffler and Brenda Thomas...
Any help would be so appreciated.
Rose(Watson)Culver <reculver71@aol.com>
Layton, UT USA - Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 12:07:41 (EST)
Does anyone have a PS DuPont Yearbook that has any pictures
of the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders from 1965-1968. They use to
include them but when I graduated in 1971 the school was only
9th grade and up. I am particularly looking for Lynne Russell's
pictures and her classmates. She attended from 1967-1968 hope
someone can help me
Thanks :)
Rose(Watson)Culver <reculver71@aol.com>
Layton, UT USA - Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 12:02:43 (EST)
This is for Ralph Pryor: Ralph I was wondering if you remember
my mother? Her name was Mildred Brumbley, and she was a PREO
(Police Reinforcement Officer) for the Wilmington Police Department
in the 50's? Also, do you remember when Stella Scullion (not
sure of the spelling) was hit by a jeep while she was doing school
crossing? How about Audrey West, most people called her "Granny
West." Audrey and Stella were also PREO's? I remember in 1957
my mother fell down the steps of Prodigal's Furniture Store,(again,
not sure of the spelling)and broke her leg. She had went in to
let the employees know that she would be tagging that block,
so they could move their vehicles if they didn't want a ticket.
I remember that we had just moved from 4th & Franklin Streets
to Faulkland Heights, and a Sargent Hayes came out to our house,
and measured how far our house was from Centerville Road (at
that time was the divider line for the city/county. We were the
5th house off of Centerville Road, which made us 200 feet over
the city line. When he turned in his report, my mother was told
that she either had to move back into the city or resign. So
she resigned. Welcome to the Wilmington Police Department!!!
I also recall that she never had a visitor or telephone call
from anyone on the Wilmington Police Department to check on how
she was doing, etc. Once again, welcome to the Wilmington Police
Department! Reading these comments really do bring back a lot
of memories. Thanks!!!
Judith K. (Brumbley) Harrington
judith k harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 09:00:25
(EST)
In reference to "Porky" Oliver, don't forget he won the U.S.
Open in 1938 or 1939, but was disqualified because his group
started before their scheduled starting time.
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala, Fl USA - Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 08:29:30 (EST)
Bob, don't forget the Greenhill Golf Course. After the Wilmington
Country Club built a new facility farther out on Kennet Pike,
the old WCC course became the Greenhill public course. We played
Greenhill a few times in the '60s. Later it was renamed in honor
of Ed "Porky" Oliver, the Wilmingtonian who won nine PGA Tour
events in the 1940s and '50s, was the runner up to Ben Hogan
in the 1953 Masters, and was a member of three Ryder Cup teams.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 19:58:47
(EST)
For Ray Jubb (golfopera@aol.com), I believe the Porky Oliver
course was the original Wilmington Country Club.The entrance
to the old WCC was located off Pennsylvania Ave across from the
No. 10 trolley stop at Pennsylvania and Rising Sun and across
from Lamont duPont estate. I think the Porky Oliver is the same
course, but with its entrance off another road toward the North
whose name I have forgotten (Greenhill??). I remenber watching
Sam Snead giving an exhibition there once in the summer, and
what I remember somebody in the gallery was wearing a cheap red
wing for the first time, and the wig was sweating red dye profusely.
Also, the good golfers I remember in the 50's were Ed Ritchitelli
and Tony Dominelli from Hercules, in addition to Roy Marquette
from duPont. Also. we can never forget Patsy Hahn, who played
on the LPGA and grew up in Wilmington.
Bob Mosbrook <bobmosbrook@sbcglobal.net>
Pinehurst, NC USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 18:03:00 (EST)
AGAIN,for Bob Mosbrook: What happened that you didn't mention
the Ed Oliver Golf Course, I believe it has been there since
the turn of the Century, and I mean the turn of the last Century.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 16:06:55 (EST)
Thank you webmaster for keeping everyone in line--I think
we can do without the forum site also, just write on this net,
if you need to talk long and about some other subject other then
OLD wilmington, e-mail the person.
Jean <usa>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 12:25:46 (EST)
I took lessons at Brandywine Music Center from Mister Caroche
in the 1950s (Great store but Caroche had some - eccentricies.)
I've since written a short story about spending time with him.
If any of his former students are still around and want to read
it let me know and I'll send it.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 12:13:28
(EST)
My dad, Alfio(Al)Aloisi owned Brandywine Music Center located
at 20th & Market Street. He sold and repaired musical instruments
and worked closely with the Music Departments in the Wilmington
School District and the University of Delaware.
Ed Berkowitz <edberkowitz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 19:40:53 (EST)
BARBIARZ NOW THERE WAS A WINNER"
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 17:16:48 (EST)
Bob Wilson, wouldn't it be wonderful if Wilmington itself
had bred a William Kennedy who could pen an equivalent of _Billy
Phelan's Greatest Game_.? However, Kennedy (the writer, not the
politician) had good inspiration with the Democratic politcal
machine that obviously took hold in Albany loooooong before one
like it might have in Wilmington. If I recall correctly from
my childhood, Republicans and the business community dominated
city politics, at least up until the early 80s, I think. Then,
didn't Barbiarz break through the old elite GOP, opening the
way for many, many Democrat mayors? Likewise with the local newspaper.
As long as it was controlled (by the DuPont company, I believe),
demos had a harder time seeking office.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 14:49:42 (EST)
Our webmaster says:
The Kid <Noreply@nomail.com>
OldWilmington, DE USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 14:48:44
(EST)
Re: Wilmington drive-ins and the comment made to Barb -- I
think your friend may have been alluding to the fact that studios
probably designated most second rate flicks for drive-ins, knowing
the kind of crowd they were aiming to attract. The last drive-in
I patronized was during a "parking" date in Wilmington, and,
to be honest, I don't even recall where the drive-ins were located.
However, the movie shown was _Mash_ (not so low-brow but aimed
to the younger crowd, I guess). I also recall my family going
to see the turkey _How the West Was Won_ that opened in Wilmington
in a drive-in back in the early 60s. It featured an obviously
big budget and lots of name stars, but something went awry with
the script, and my mother complained all the way home. That was
the last time we went, en famille, to a drive-in!
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 14:44:17 (EST)
I remember a Sub shop in Newark, on main street, the name
was "New England Subs" they advertised a grinder sandwich, which
they said was a sub. heated in a pizza oven. That was in 1967.
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala, Fl USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 10:50:37 (EST)
I apologize to Barb and to the webmaster for dragging this
on, I was just having some light-hearted fun about Wilm. made
sandwiches vs. Philly sandwiches. Peace and enjoy.....
Phil <pleasenospam@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 09:29:01 (EST)
I am here all of the time and I read all of your comments.___You
may have noticed that I did away with the "No Chit-Chat" demand.___However,
your comments, etc., need to stay within the theme of this site:
OldWilmington.
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 07:35:39 (EST)
Phil, No offense taken. I "searched" the site in order to
tell Sophia about the Phila Steak. I even bought the Cheese Whiz
for her to heat in a pan of water. The first time I had a Phila
Steak was from PaT's after a Penn/Navy game. It was in '54 and
it was so cold, I'd have eaten it with Parm/Reg. Sohpia speaks
with a full Italiam accent and she calls my choice "A Wilmington
Steak with cheese in the jar melted".Kind of reminds me of the
way there has been an argument as to how to make a real Maryland
Crab cake: Mayo vs a rich crean sauce to bind the ingredients.
Cannot find "blue"crabmeat here, But I'm not about to pay to
have any FED Ex'd up here from Janssens. HA, I know I should
be "integrating" into the Society, but, I chat with Chefs, Propriators.
all the time to recommend changes to some of the dishes. The
CHERRY ST. FISH MARKET, uses garlic salt in their breadcrumbs
when preparing Lobster Pies.They were surprised , but now offer "With,
or without" Now, If I could only make my way to the MA. GOVT.
perhaps I could convince them to think "red" The Govenor's Mom
in-Law is my neighbor. It's a privledge to participate here and
will never violate the courtesy of out Host.
barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 00:17:31 (EST)
Barb, please read what I originally wrote: "no self-respecting
Wilmingtonian would make a cheese steak sandwich with Cheez Whiz",
I was speaking of Wilmington cheese steaks. Wilmington subs and
Wilmington cheese steaks are superior to Philly hoagies and cheese
steaks simply because Wilmingtonians improved on the flawed Philly
varieties. :) Also, when you mention the "original" Philly cheese
steak, why do you pick Pat's? There are many shops in Philly
which make "original" cheese steaks, and Pat's is just one of
them (Geno's and Rick's being two of the more popular ones).
By the way, I did google Philadelphia cheese steaks, and I don't
read what you read, all of the recipes I see (including Pat's)
state that either American, provolone, or Cheese Whiz is acceptable,
and all of the shops mentioned on Google offer all three choices.
It's a personal thing, now back to what I originally said.......
Phil <pleasenospam@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 21:47:34 (EST)
Donata - WILLIAM KENNEDY RULES! How could I have left him
off my list as authors of literature that can be read over and
over again, and still enjoy? I've read everything he's written
to date at least twice. He makes me believe that I could have
grown up in Irish Albany! And while I'm at it, what about UPDIKE
and Thomas Berger and that great author who wrote "Angle of Repose" and "All
the Little Live Things," Wallace Stegner? Magnificent stuff!
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 20:37:50 (EST)
For Bill, re: Phil steak sandwiches You may wish to google
Philadelphis Steak sandwiches. The "original" Phila steak sandwich
uses Cheese Wiz. The recipe for PATS ORIGINAL STEAK SANDWICHES
is right there. I doubt a Communist Plot was involved, but one
never knows. Wasn;t it John Kerry who asked for provalone?
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 19:32:22 (EST)
Err, let's try that again. To Phil: I grew up in Wilmington
from the 40's to the 60's, and remember well the term "grinder",
referring to what's otherwise known as a "sub", "hoagie", "torpedo", "zep" and
no doubt other names. I don't recall ever hearing about one of
those sandwiches being put in an oven until about 5 years ago
out here on the left coast when the Quiznos chain of sandwich
shops sprang up. I do agree, however, that no right-minded person
in the Delaware Valley would use Cheez-Whiz on a Philly steak
sandwich...! That must have been a barbaric practice introduced
by communist infiltrators or some such...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, Ca USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 17:42:49 (EST)
Phil, I grew up in Wilmington from the 40's to the 60's, and
remember the term
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 17:36:44 (EST)
A "Grinder" is a fairly recent name addition (20 years or
so) to sandwiches; it is a sub (or hoagie) that is placed in
the pizza oven for a minute or so after manufacture, to warm
the sandwich and partially melt the cheese, and to crisp the
roll a little, also. Too, no self-respecting Wilmingtonian would
make a cheese steak sandwich with Cheez Whiz, only a couple of
the Philly shops use that; a real cheese steak is made with slices
of real cheese (American, provolone, or your choice [even Velveeta])
melted over and into the steak - which should be chopped while
on the grill, not just fried flat, like a minute steak (there's
one Philly shop that doesn't chop the steak, and Claymont Steak
Shop doesn't, either, and you can tell the difference - they
don't taste right if not chopped). Long live the difference between
Wilmington subs and steaks and Philly hoagies and steaks!
Phil <pleasenospam@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 10:50:42 (EST)
So good to know that J. Pasquale remembered my uncle Hughie!
He was quite a character. One story that is told about him is
that while he was living at the Logan House some characters became
rather rowdy in the bar. Honie was renting a room upstairs and
decided he had had enough. Wrapped in his lovely flannel bathrobe,
he leaned over the banister and shouted in his great Irish whispher: "Why
don't you drunks get out of my living room and go home".
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 22:39:40
(EST)
For Bob Mosbrook RE: Rock Manor Golf Course. The Course has
just recently been closed and will remain so for 17 Month. Not
only will it not be shortened by construction on 202, it will
be longer in yardage when finished.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 21:42:41
(EST)
For Donata, No, I've never heard of "rock" I've been to Scotland
and ate my way from Edinburgh to Skye. Yes, I'm a Presbyterian
and was a member of West Church, then Westminster. My closest
friend is one of the originators of the fabulous cheese balls
sold annually @ the Christmas Bazaar. Would help make them in
her kitchen. Have YOU ever had "Cullen Skink"? A fabulous smoked
haddock chowder. Talk about Boston's chowder, this is so very
very good. Re: WASPs, White Anglosaxon Protestants, I first heard
the term from an aquaintance of my Husband, who, when I remarked
that "drive-in" movies were low-brow, that's what he called me.
It was "stinging", as I thought it had something to do with my
not being Catholic.
Barb. <barbrhodes@comcast.com>
Peabody, Ma USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 20:03:30 (EST)
PAT LE VAN...........I REMEMBER HONY (HONE-E) I CADDIED WITH
HIM HIM WHEN I WAS YOUNG...AT WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB....WHAT
A NICE GUY HE WAS...I NEVER REMEMBERED HIS NAME TILL YOU MENTION
IT....HE AS WELL AS ALL THE OLD TIMERS ...THEY CALLED YOU BY
YOUR FATHER'S NAME (FREDDY'S BOY )...YOU SURE JOLTED MY MIND
BACK A FEW YRS..........JOE "BUBBLES" PASQUALE
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
wilm., de USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 19:54:13 (EST)
Re: subs vs. hoagies -- I am fully aware, as others have pointed
out, that
sub" is more a Wilmington thing, whereas "hoagie" is a Chester/Philly
deal. The problem was in titling my screenplay. I felt "Hoagie
Wars" made more sense than "Sub Wars" which might be taken for
a ocean-set movie. Another thing: film titles can be changed
at the drop of a hat. I also did an alternate version of the
script using Philadelphia settings rather than Wilmington ones.
Thus, a madcap chase of my hero through Rodney Square (with my
mounted Puerto Rican female horce cop on his heels) ends up on
Rittenhouse Square in the other version, with the Wilmington
Country Club turned into, if I recall correctly, the Merion Golf
Club (or the one that would be the equivalent of Wilmington).
Another name I've heard for hoagies is "grinders".
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 17:58:06 (EST)
P.S. For Bob Wilson on Fitsgerald and O'Neill: I just remembered
that William Kennedy, a later writer, fabulously recreates early
Albany in his "Albany Trilogy". He focuses mainly on the working
class Irish and the Dutch/Protestant social elites. Lauren Belfer's
wonderful atmospheric mystery explores some similar terrain in
Buffalo in her _City of Light_. Lauren was in a Medieval French
Lit class with me at Swarthmore, and, although several folks
I know have published books lately, this one I could not put
down for a second!
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 17:51:19 (EST)
For Bob Wilson: Just as I was chuckling over your story of
Philadelphia area elites with their cigar cutters, I picked up
this month's _Philadelphia_ magazine which is carrying a feature
_The Rise and (Tipsy) Fall of the Philly Wasp_. I love that it
immediately references the noted Penn scholar E. Digby Baltzell
whose _Puritan Boston and Quaker Philadelphia_ sits in my library.
He coined the moniker "WASP" in his _The Protestant Establsihment:
Aristocracy and Caste in America_. One sentence in this article
has me been practically ROFL: "Whether they've been out-glitzed,
subdivided, and forced to learn the joys of al dente vegetables,
whether they're now wearing Seven jeans and Manolos, your average
Wasp can still drink you under your (inherited) Chippendale table." Come
to think of it, I recall the time, back in about 1970 when my
parents and I were dining at the Columbus Inn, and one of the "out
of central casting" Wilmington ones tipsily engaged me in conversation.
Right out of a film, I'll tell you! (At that time, I was practically
engaged and did not frequent watering holes, so I never rubbed
elbows with my just out-of-college generation at Buckley's Tavern.)
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, Nc USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 17:43:00 (EST)
For Barb, re: things Scottish -- Sounds like you have a fascinating
family background. Have you ever tasted Edinburgh Rock? I brought
a few cans of this back from Scotland in March and practically
ate one whole can! Were you raised Presbyterian as well? BTW,
Westminser Presbyterian at Franklin and Pennsylvania was a great
church. I remember the white elephant sale/church bazaar they
held in November and also organ concerts in the church proper
from the late 60s/early 70s.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 17:29:07 (EST)
Bob, re golf courses: I have to mention that my Dad supervised
the building & was grounds keeper of Louviers. Remember "cardiac
Hill? He was an experienced professional with such courses as
Aronomink, & the back nine of WCC. I know also, that as kids
we were allowed to go to the Pennsyvannia site to watch tennis
matches there. Alice Marble! Before he died in '59, he was employed
@ Atlantic City CC, redesigning the greens. He came here from
Scotland @ age 16 & apprenticed with a Scotsman named Aneas{sp}
Ross. Built courses here in NE then moved us to Pa. when I was
very young. He hardly ever played golf, but used to run up the
Lennark {sp}Pa on Rt.30 & play golf with a Scotsman named Robert
Pollock, who was greenskeeper there. I remember everyone my parents
knew spoke like my Dad. To this day, the Scottish Brogue to me,
is the most lyrical sound in the world
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 15:20:15 (EST)
Speaking of golf courses around Wilmington in the 50's. Do
any of you golfers remember a fellow named Hugh P. Mulherin,
nickname "Hony" (rhymes with boney, as stated in his News-Journal
obituary). He was groundskeeper at Tower Hill School, lived at
the Logan House and caddied at many of the courses. He was quite
an athlete in his day and taught many people about the game of
golf. Once tried out for the Philadelphia Athletics in the days
of Connie Mack and often entertained at the children's parties
at the duPont estates.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 14:57:31
(EST)
Barb, New Bedford, MA is about 45 mins. northeast of Providence,
RI. It is the whaling capital of the World. The movie Moby Dick
was partially filmed there. The scene of the men at the Whaling
Hall is actually the Whaling Museum in New Bedford. It is right
off the docks where the whaling vessels use to come in. New Bedford
is also known as the base of Cape Cod. It is a city about the
size of Wilmington. I was also a large textile city. Haven't
been there is several years, but heard that it is growing and
upgrading. Most of the old mills are being either torn down or
renovated. Lots of interesting sights to see if you ever go there.
Sandy
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, DE USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 12:58:42 (EST)
Let's reminise about the golf courses in Wilmington during
the 50's. There was only 1 public course, Rock Manor, which now
may be shortened by an Interstate. Also Cavaliers was just opening.
The most populous courses were duPont , which consisted of duPont,
Nemours, Black Gates (a very good 9 holes), and Louviers, my
favorite.Also, there was Wilmington CC off Pennsylvanis Ave with
it's sister course Concord CC. Rounding out the list was Brandywine
on Concord Pike, and Hercules out Hockassin way. Also, Mr. duPont
had a private 9 hole course at Winterthur. A friend of mine,
Charles Montgomery whose father was curator of the Museum, let
me play a round out there. The original duPont course before
1950 had stone masonry walls behind the greens, and if you were
stymied, you could always ricochet a ball off the wall onto the
green if you were lucky. At duPont, there was Terl Jones who
was the pro, his assistant Joe Mazur, and Johnny Long at Louviers.
The top golfers back then were Roy Marquette and Glen Hager from
duPont, Tony (can't think of his last name) at Hercules, and
Wally Sezna from down state. Lots of memories evolved around
the golf course back then, and the awful turmoil involved in
trying to get a tee time before 3:30 in the afternoon.
Bob Mosbrook <bobmosbrook@sbcglobal.net>
Pinehurst, NC USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 11:58:37 (EST)
re SUBS VS HOAGIES - I once bought a 'hoagie' at a Woolworths
in Wilmington and asked what the difference was between a hoagie
and a sub. They said subs had dill slices and hoagies had sweet
relish. I don't know if this is true, or if that was just the
difference in their store.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 09:26:52
(EST)
Does anyone recall a family named Blatman who operated a bakery
somewhere in downtown Wilmington in the late 1970's and 1980's?
Was the name of the family part of the name of the business?
The webmaster doesn't have it on the existing list.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 06:38:52 (EST)
Sandy, Is New Bedforn near RI? Sophia was willing to please,
she literally wants to please.Sophia splits the roll, sprinkles
EVOO {extra Virgin olive oil} Then begins to build. Sliced lettuce
strips, sliced tomatoes, the Provalone, ham, Italian meats, sliced
pickles, Italian spices LIGHTLY for me, lastly pepperoni then
one more light sprinke of evoo. Cant hurt to ask!! Mangia! I
pay "$4.70 "plus that damn tax. Most Sub Shops here tend to chop
the tomatoes & pickles. NOT GOOD,
Barb <Barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 00:51:00 (EST)
Barb, Several years ago, I was visiting my in-laws in New
Bedford, Mass. when I got a taste for a sub. After calling a
cousin to find out where there was a decent sub shop, my husband
and I went there with mouth watering for a good sub. When the
deli person asked if we wanted mayo or even worse butter on the
roll, I knew we were in trouble. I told her oil and she wanted
to know what kind of oil. I told her never mind and went to the
local grocery store, bought all my own ingredients and went home
and made subs. You definately can't find a good sub out side
of this area. Casapulla's, Tom's and Philomena's made some of
the best.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, Delawer USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 00:16:37 (EST)
Gee, I really am homesick! Bless all who Served/serve in our
Military. I was here about a month and was out & about getting
my bearings when on a side street in the town of Danvers, I spotted
a shop with a sign which read " old fashion Subs, Hoagies & Gyros" {my
Welsh Terrier needed a pit stop anyway} so after she did all
her good things, & back to the car], I went in. I ordered an
Italian Sub. She started with mayo on the roll, I said "please
I prefer oil" She threw the roll in the trash & then said " you
tell me, please" Long story short, Sophia & I worked out the
PERFECT sub, just the way I remember them from Cassapula's. Oil,ham,
sliced tomatoes, sliced pickles. onions & of course those lucious
Italian meats & cheeses & cut up lettuce. Sophis is a friend
now & occasionally I'll stop for a Phila Steak. She calls them
Wilmington Steaks with the Cheese in the jar that's heated. She
shared her "red sauce" with me & it's perfect!
barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 21:23:26 (EST)
Joe, I've been in the L.A. area for 41 years now and STILL
haven't found a decent sub... although the fare at a hole-in-the-wall
place called "Philly's Best" comes close. They even have Amoroso
rolls flown in. It's the only place west of the Mississippi that
has birch beer. Most people out here have never even heard of
it.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA United States - Friday, November 11, 2005 at
20:02:23 (EST)
re:subs and hoagies - And don't forget "Zeps", a less common
name for the same sandwich that I remember seeing in Chester
and Bridgeport. I read once that the word "hoagie" is derived
from a slang for the the sandwich that Italian workers carried
with them to Hog Island, on the Delaware River between Philadelphia
and Chester. Dont' know if that's true but makes an interesting
story.
Tom Kolasinski <tkck@cox.net>
Glendale, AZ USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 20:01:10 (EST)
When I was growing up in Wilmington, we ate "subs" or "submarine
sandwiches." We understood that a "hoagie" was something similar,
but in some foreign language in some far off place like Chester
or Philadelphia. When we came to Cleveland 38 years ago, it took
us a couple of years to find a place that made subs even vaguely
resembling the ones we enjoyed in Wilmington.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 17:10:06
(EST)
Point of order: as I remember things in old Wilmington, we
had sub (submarine) shops in Wilmington, hoagies were a Philadelphia
sandwich. What's the difference? Just the location as far as
I remember. Anybody else remember it as that way, or is my memory
playing tricks with me again?
Ronald Joral <nomailathome.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 16:39:20 (EST)
Bob and Barb, you do raise a reality concerning demographics
in Wilmington, but I believe many of these lines have blurred
substantially over the past decades. However, these various social
types do exist, and I have encountered a few in Wilmington who
are right out of "central casting". That was in my mind when
I wrote my screenplay _Hoagie Wars_. The story is about Tony
DiMarco, a newly minted Italian American architect who tries
to "social climb" out of the family hoagie shop (called "Home
of the Hoagie and located, in my mind, right in that flat iron
building across from Trolley Square) into a blue-blood architectural
firm while he romances the boss's daughter, equestrian rider
Clare Clothier. When a dead "businessman" leaves a million dollar
prize in a hoagie competition, my architect is forced back into
the kitchen to make the sandwich after his sandwich maven older
brother mysteriously disappears. Scenes are set along Delaware
Avenue, the Wilmington Country Club, the Delaware Art Museum,
a Chateau Country mansion, the Plaza high rise, and at the Italian
Festival. I have created a competitor for Tony at the architectural
firm, called Alan Talley. In one of my favorite scenes, a group
of wise guys in Atlantic City take baseball bats to poor Alan's
Land Rover. Also, Alan ends up arrested by a Puerto Rican woman
cop along the waterfront, and in a twist, the whole thing is
televised. Sweet, sweet fun!
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <Oldwilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 16:15:29 (EST)
Barb, I have been published in odd places -- _The Florida
Arts Gazette_ and _New Oxford Review_ (poetry, long ago), some
travel essays for a paper up in New England, and there's an architectural
tour piece about Delaware Avenue I wrote that was published in
the _News Journal_ back in about 1993 that had been on the Court
of Delaware Avenue website. I tried to access the link for you
but it's gone now. Recently the Ursuline _Serviam_ magazine published
my poem about the Ursuline drama closet (which is on my poetry
website http://journalscape.com/The Wilmingtonian). However,
after my children got a little older, I begain to write dramatic
pieces; my play _Caged_ premiered at Sarah Lawrence College in
1998, and I was hired to write, on assigment, screenplays for
independent North Carolina producers. I have plenty of spec screenplays
I've written. Ideally, I'd like to produce one (even the one
based in Wilmington.) It's titled _Hoagie Wars_ and is a comedy
of manners in which denizens of Little Italy rub elbows with
the kind of set you reference that might be found in Chateau
Country, St. David's, or at the Devon Horse Show.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 15:58:11 (EST)
Gang - I had never realized the truth of Fitzgerald's famous
line from "Gatsby" I think, and here I paraphrase, "The rich
are different from you and me...", until long after I first read
it in college, and actually fell into contect briefly some 10
years later with a wealthy Pennsylvania clan from up near "O'Hara" country
(Pottsville, PA). I suppose that circumstances might have been
similar had I suddenly become an invited guest at a Granogue,
Longwood, etc., "cottage" and family branch of the duPont's.
I was raised in middle-class neighborhoods, went to a middle
class state university, and always have had great middle-class
friends. Then through circumstance I was suddenly thrust into
surroundings that were far above my social "class". During that
time, I learned that there were different forks and spoons that
were to be used in a formal dining setting; that, in the midst
of male company following dinner, I had no idea how to use one
of those cutters that chop off the intake-ends of cigars; and
that I had absolutely nothing to contribute to conversations
that surrounded me, even though among close friends and peers,
I had always been able to hold my own, and even "shine", during
times of routine chat. I also learned that the "poorer" you dressed
informally, the "richer" you were likelier to be. I had the opportunity
and potential to become "involved" with a young lady from this
clan. Then I recalled Fitzgerald's observation, realized the
truth of it, and beat a path back rapidly to The Comfort Zone.
But I've often wondered what would have happened had I not "chickened
out." Probably nothing...sooner or later, I probably would have
been cast out, anyway..........But I still do enjoy reading about
folk like these, and fantasizing a bit, even in my old age.
Bib Wislon <wilso126@yahoo.com>
Stanford, CA USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 07:20:38 (EST)
Donata, are you published? I really appreciate your posts.
My Dad, the "hard-drinking" Scotsman designed & supervised the
building of Aronomink golf course & we lived in Newtown Square
during that period. on the grounds. I was a "wee" one & don't
remember it at all. My Mom used to love for me to drive there,
to St David's and to visit a friend who lived on a road called
Paxon Hollow. I also remember the "grand" homes which, by Wilmington
standards were "cottages". Chateau country, remember it? YES,
I admit that there was a "certain something" about Wilmington,
it's society and unspoken habits.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 22:06:36 (EST)
Bob, I agree that those authors you name, specifically, had
a gift for evoking that other era that, to me, was typified by
certain parts of Wilmington, or the Main Line around Bryn Mawr
and St. David's, if I recall correctly, or Princeton. There are
probably many of these towns in the Mid-Atlantic area that could
serve as settings for the plays and novels cited. In fact, a
few years ago, Todd Haynes' movie _Far from Heaven_ (the Dennis
Quaid character's predicament was much like that of the closeted
fellow in Williams' _Menagerie_) was tremendously evocative of
the mid-twentieth century era in this region. The story took
place in Hartford, Conn. among 1950s ad execs and their wives,
but could easily have unfolded in Wilmington among DuPont management.
In fact, many of the shooting locations were in New Jersey. I
think, without doubt, these writers reflected their own times
and milieus. On the matter of Hemingway, I finally started to
enjoy his work when I realized he was a master at creating a
dysfunctional family type of dynamics among his characters. In
a way, I find it easier to enjoy (funny word) Papa H's works
if I keep myself aware of his alcoholism at all times. It is
so obvious that he was a sick, sick man from the start. I couldn't
help be aware of this while reading _The Sun Also Rises_ and
one of his last works (set in Venice) _Across the River and into
the Trees_. There's always a fascinating interplay between protagonist
and waiters in fancy bars/hotels who enable the character's pursuit
of the sauce! I think this also played to that period when men
were "hard drinking" in public. Nowadays, the Puritan ethos has
come back to the fore and discourages this kind of behavior.
Not to insult Wilmington, but after having lived in many different
cities around the country, I thought Wilmington, at least in
the 80s, was a place where people would gather together expressly
to become inebriated. I'm so glad Barb and her colleagues developed
a much more interesting and educational manner of passing time
with fine dining. These great playwrights and novelists have
conjured up that other era completely for our imaginations just
as novelists like Evelyn Waugh and Anthony Powell (the latter
with his 12 volume masterpiece _A Dance to the Music of Time_)
managed to summon the early twentieth century aristocracy of
Eton and Oxford, while Pushkin and Lermontov do likewise for
early/mid-nineteenth century Tsarist Russa.
Donata Guerra Lewandowski <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 19:47:09 (EST)
Especially for Donata and Larry - Not that this has much to
do with "my" version of Old Wilmington, but one of the reasons
I enjoy, and read over and over, the works of Fitzgerald, O'Neill,
Williams, Steinbeck and even John O'Hara, is that they evoke
a long-gone way of life in America, for good or for bad. Not
that I personally would have enjoyed having a role in any of
their novels or dramas...
My favorites: from O'Neill, "The Iceman Cometh" and "Long Day's
Journey...";
from Fitzgerald. "This Side..." and "Gatsby"; from Williams, "The
Glass Menagerie"; and anything by Steinbeck and O'Hara. The one
great writer of the last 100 years that I've never been able
to "get" or even enjoy, for some unknown reason, is Hemingway.
Why is that, I wonder???
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 08:40:23 (EST)
Golly, the name "Cromwells" evokes a VERY happy memory. We
were 8 Nurses who met there for drinks & dinner one evening.
It was memorable in that we decided to get together once a month.
We formed {are you ready for this}? "The Thursday Night Ladies
Recreational & Gustatorial Society" We researched restaurants,
limited our choices to a 40 mi. distance and money was no object.
As a result, we learned about wines, tried dishes never before
tasted and cemented truly lasting relationshps. One of the most
memorable was a Christmas holiday dinner in the Brandywine Room.
4 different wines & I remember the Dover Sole I had. Some had
the Duck, one had Lamb Shanks. Our bill was in excess of $400.00
back then. The next month we had Chinese!
Barb <Barbrhodes@comcast.net>
{eabody, MA USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 22:46:16 (EST)
Re: Literature evoking Delaware -- Larry, I'm not familiar
with this play, but while working out on an elliptical trainer
at the Hotel DuPont, I was plugged into the Sidney Lumet-directed
version of O'Neill's _Long Day's Journey into Night_. I think
O'Neill, like Fitzgerald, was able to summon up a kind of late
nineteenth/early twentieth century kind of ethos that lingered
for a long, long time in parts of Wilmington. It wasn't until
this last trip I took to Wilmngton since one in January, 2003
that I could conclude that such a world is irrevocably dead.
There was a lot wrong with it -- secret family drinking, anti-Catholicism,
the "invisibility" of people of color -- but to some degree,
the breakdown in common civility and courtesy, a whole uneducated
and lost generation of young men, and increasing urban violence
can make one almost wish for the "good old days".
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 16:36:41 (EST)
Re: accents Barb, I recall well the so-called "Chelmsford,
pronounced Chelms-faahrd" up in Mass. It must be great for a
16 year old to attend high school in that area. Pondering what
I call a real "city of Wilmington" accent as described by several
posters, my guess is that it's derived from a particular area
of England to which most early English settlers in Delaware might
be traced. It is distinctive.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 16:23:28 (EST)
Does anyone know where I can find pictures of White Crystal
Beach? I am a 1956 graduate of H. C. Conrad H.S. I have been
living in Indiana for 31 years. I sure miss submarine sandwiches.
My favorite sub store was Tom's in Newport. Favorite steak andwich
- Charcoal Pit. Bette
Bette Shoustal <bettes1@hotmail.com>
Markle, IN USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 15:11:10 (EST)
Of restaurants I agree with Bob - can't eat such large portions
as some restaurants now serve. Shame some foods get wasted. Doggie
bags give us another meal the next day. Like Harry's but way
too noisy. Like the nice quiet places to relax while we eat such
as Cuisines on Rte. 202 accross from the new Wawa into PA. Great
food, service and nice atmosphere. Also relaxing background music.
Bud <bu49atpoolesite.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 13:41:07
(EST)
That play is "The Rainmaker".
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 12:52:39
(EST)
Theorizing on Wilmington's literary past - has anyone else
noticed that the characters in the N. Richard Nash play have
names that resemble the Wyeths?
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 12:51:39
(EST)
Though I've been away from Wilmington for almost forty years
there's one word to which the accent stubbornly clings. Dog.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 12:45:21
(EST)
Reference all the talk about restaurants: my wife and I have
enjoyed many of the ones listed in several postings, and agree
that “Harry’s” is great. Used to go to “Columbus
Inn” frequently, but lost interest when prices jumped and
familiar waitpersons were no longer there. Have tried “Walter’s” and
agree that it is excellent-but as I have aged I can no longer
eat as big meals (enjoy seeing George C. there!). We love “Cromwells” in
Greenville; close, friendly, good food, and you can get the smaller
meals that we now enjoy. “Back Burner” in Hockessin
is also a favorite, as is the “Bayard House” in south
Chesapeake City.
Mention the Wilson Line; my wife’s father, Paul Wilkinson,
and his band played on the boats for many years.
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 11:47:10
(EST)
Don't forget the word WUDDER (water) that one always gets
attention.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 11:17:57
(EST)
When I arrived in Wilmington as a teenager in late 1949, this
is how my ear heard some of the more common proper names, as
pronounced by natives in this part of the forest......... Wilmington
= WIMMINDUN Delaware = DULLWHUR Philadelphia = FIDDEDULLFIA Baltimore
= BALUHMUR Maryland = MERLIN By the time my roots and I had left
Delaware in 1966, I'm sure I was pronouncing these the same way.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 07:43:16 (EST)
Well Pat, the "pahk", the "caah" and the town in which I live
is pronounced "peebudee" So much for the excellent education
I received @ PSduPont. It's no d--n wonder kids can't spell.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 19:37:10 (EST)
The correct spelling of legal is "liggle" in Wilmingtonese
- just like eagle is "iggle" as in the Philadelphia Iggles. Let's
not forget "wooder" for water. We have to remember how to speak
even though we have migrated to far lands.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 19:23:30
(EST)
Thanks, Donata! Yes, it was Joe's Smoke shop. I moved up here
for the usual reasons: my husband died, I was retired, my Daughter
went to Bates College in Me., on to Boston College, married my
S-I-L,& have a wonderful son, 16y/o, soooo, I moved here to be
closer to them. 35 min. vs. 7 hrs. Plus, I was born in MA, and
have 7 1st cousins located here on the No. Shore, & the So. Shore.
I miss Wilm. very much & my neighbors of 27 yrs. @ the Condo
on Shallcross Ave. You are so correct about " the shut-down" in
downtown. We would go to the Playhouse & the Opera House and
things were jumping. When these places were not offering performances,
well, it is downright scary. Please, don't anyone here be offended.
Maybe things are better & I just don't know it.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 16:47:49 (EST)
If you select "Photos: Recent..." from the 'Pull-Down' above,
you will see a recent photo of Wilmington's last 'Flat Iron Building'.___Where
the pizza place is now, my best friend's father and his partner
operated the 'Penn-Del Luncheonette' during the 50's and 60's.___I
remember going there during the Summer of 1960 when my friend
was working the counter to help out.___He would make me the best
ice cream dishes I ever had!___Most of his customers were trolley
car and bus drivers.
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 16:21:01 (EST)
Hi, Barb! Was the bookstore on the corner the place where
Joe's Smoke Shop was located? I think it's now yet another Italian
pizza place. I briefly lived up the street at the Plaza apartments
while having a house built (this was back in 1991). I just went
back and visited the very wonderful men who monitor the front
desk -- Vernon and Gene Parson. Turns out they both are originally
from Davidson, NC (site of the very fine Davidson College) and
have been with the Plaza for 31 years (through 3 different owners).
I was disappointed at the state of things in Rodney Square and
along Market Street during the day. When young men are not in
school, or not working, it is disheartening. I fear a whole generation
has been lost. The city shuts down at 4:30 promptly. That's the
moment the Brew-Ha-has closed up both on Market Street and inside
the hotel! The employees hurried to get out. What takes you up
to Peabody, Mass. (near my own stomping grounds outside Boston,
1988-91)? Sincerely, Donata --My Wilmington-inspired Poetry --http://www.journalscape.com/TheWilmingtonian/
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 15:20:00 (EST)
Re: the B&O Restaurant – Bruce’s visual memory sounds pretty
good. But, (and I could be wrong 60 years later) I seem to remember
the front of the restaurant being shiny black with white lettering.
The interior was wide open, one big room, with the same floor
plan as the later Constantinou’s House of Beef, but very bright
with almost no decorations, and booths with faux leather upholstery
and plain formica-topped tables. I remember a clock at the rear
over the kitchen door (apparently to remind travelers not to
miss the Royal Blue). Whenever our parents were going out at
night they would give my brothers and me money and send us to
the B&O for dinner, frequently hot roast beef sandwiches. While
we’re remembering this block, does anybody else recall those
funny little three-legged chairs at the tea tables at Cappeau’s
drug store down at the corner of Delaware and DuPont, or the
magazine shop where they seemed to carry almost every publication
known to man? As a kid baseball freak, I used to go in there
to buy The Sporting News.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 13:48:40
(EST)
OOPS!Not Del.Ave.& 14th. The corner which is kitty cornered
across from the Logan House. "leagle" is correctly spelled "legal"
barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 13:34:40 (EST)
Donata, Kudos! The rice pudding was exquisitly delicious.
But, their rum cake, sold by the slice was also memorable. I
lived in that area & walking there was easy. Edda would play
great music, opera, waltzes, German folk music & the like. Once
I took a CD of Edith Piaf {the little sparrow} singing French
songs, and she played it for a period of two weeks. Trolley Square
was such a great place to see neighbors & friends. There used
to be a store on the corner of Del. Ave. & 14th St where the
prop. would order any book & he would have it"snap", just like
that. His family had some leagle problems, & it closed. When
I left it was a tanning place, Incongruous in what used to be
a very well planned concept.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 13:22:17 (EST)
Regarding F. Scott Fitzgerald: While in Wilmington, I read
Fitzgerald's _This Side of Paradise_, his first published novel
based on his childhood, New Jersey prep school days, and Princeton
activities. The timeline of the story (1900 until about 1920)
captures so much of the Mid-Atlantic area's ethos that it stands
as a novelistic "time capsule" of that era -- one that has died
out since the 1970s and 80s. However, his observation and recording
of Jazz Age attitudes, particularly among young women, certainly
resonates today. If you walk Delaware Avenue, particularly in
the Kentmere Parkway area, it's almost possible to recreate the
feel of Fitzgerald's own boyhood (part of it passed in the MidWest)
among the monied classes and rigid social strata of the time.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 11:50:41 (EST)
Re Columbus Inn, Sezna undertakings, and Charles Raskob Robinson:
I haven't eaten at the Columbus Inn for several years, but the
sommelier at Harry's Savoy Grill told me that the 1492 Hospitality
Group had changed and that Teixedo was no longer involved in
Columbus Inn. I happened to visit the Carspecken Scott Gallery
on North Lincoln and fell in love with some prints of the local
area by Charles Raskob Robinson. I did a websearch on this artist
and discovered his name in an article about Davis Sezna, the
developer of Hartefeld. Apparently, Mr. Sezna is no longer involved
with that enterprise. The Raskob family is connected to Ursuline's
founding. I think this artist is outstanding, considering that
he is also involved in business ventures with regard to the Hartefeld
site.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 11:22:49 (EST)
Regarding Edda's Delicatessen: When I was in Wilmington the
week before last, I stopped in Trolley Square only to discover
Edda's completely gone. An employeee at Happy Harry's told me
the Cafe Verdi people had purchased her place and had attempted
something else (Edda's Bistro, I think they called it) that had
failed. No wonder! I personally think there is too much "Italian" in
Wilmington, and people desire variety. There's only so much pizza
pie one can eat. I also stopped at that flatiron building across
the street. In the back there used to be a Greek-run restaurant
with the best rice pudding in the world. This venue is now a
pure pizza joint. The young men working the dough didn't even
have a memory of the prior eatery, nor of the rice pudding!
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 11:14:45 (EST)
Joe, I can barely remember the B&O Restaurant on Delaware
Avenue from when I was a kid. My parents used to always travel
by B&O from the Delaware Ave. station, and we would often eat
at the restaurant before, or upon returning from trips. If you
can picture it, can you correct what I think it looked like?
I seem to remember it as being a white front with black letters
spelling out the name, and the face of the building was some
type of smooth, white tile or finish of some sort. And the windows
on the front were (two?) large rectangular windows, with rounded
corners. Is that correct, or just my imagination playing tricks
with me? Have a great day. :)
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 10:24:50 (EST)
Connie: Thanks for the input. I forgot that they also did
them then. The more I read the chatting, the more I want to read.
Also, to anyone that had asked questions about F. Scott Fitzgerald
stories. I just want you all to know that I sent an e-mail to
my uncle asking him to check this website out. I would imagine
that he would remember more stories about Fitzgerald than I ever
could.
Judy
judith k (brumbley) harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 08:31:52 (EST)
Speaking of German food. Edda's Deli in Trolley Square served
the best sauerkraut & knockwurst for luncheon. I know she sold
the business, but just before I moved, I went to Janssens in
Greenville to stock up on mustard, jams & "stuff" I knew would
not be available here. Mrs Janssen told me Edda was going to
be there part-time. If this is true, then one would probably
be able to purchase some awesome cold-cuts & maybe even Edda's
sauerkraut.
Barb <barbrhodes@cpmcast.net>
Peabody, Ma. USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 21:45:37 (EST)
WINKLER CLOSED HIS RESTAURANT WHEN HE TOOK OVER AS EXECUTIVE
CHEF AT THE HOTEL DUPONT. HE MADE ALL THE GERMAN COMMUNITY MAD
WHEN HE DID AS THAT WAS THE ONLY PLACE TO GET A GOOD GERMAN MEAL
IN WILMINGTON .NOW WE MUST GO TO HORSEHAM OR PHILLY.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 15:13:21 (EST)
JUDITH - I remember painting store windows at Halloween while
I was a student at Warner Junior High.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:42:23 (EST)
Winkler's goes WAY back. Do you remember Harvey Smith at WDEL
("Mr. Goodwill" and the longtime station manager)? Long before
he got into radio, Harvey worked as a waiter at Winkler's. I
also go back a way with George Contintinou, back to the days
when he was a teenager working at his parents' Sophie's subshop
(the best in town). When I was doing "Voice of the People" on
WDEL in the '60s, Constantinou's House of Beef was one of our
leading sponsors. Even before that, in the same location on Delaware
Avenue, across from the old streetcar barn, we used to go as
kids to the B and O restaurant which was pretty much a diner-type
operation. Maybe my brother Bob and I should start exchanging
e-mails about old Wilmington restaurants.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:26:37 (EST)
And...... Walter's Steak House is owned by the son or nephew
of George Constantino (of Constantino's House Of Beef, which
used to be on Delaware Ave.), so expect the quality to be the
same as Constantino's was. I also understand that George Constantino
is often at Walter's, helping out and greeting the patrons. I
haven't been to Walter's myself, yet, but am looking forward
to eating there soon.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 11:42:19 (EST)
Winkler's Restaurant has been gone for at least 15 years,
maybe longer.
Art <artajjas@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:32:02 (EST)
I see mention being made of Walter's Steakhouse in earlier
posts. One Saturday night, this past summer, my wife and I were
looking for someplace to eat around 6:00 p.m. We tried a couple
of the chain restaraunts on 202 and the wait was roughly 1 1/2
hours(hardly worth it for any of them). We decided to head to
Mrs Robinos, but there was a wait there as well. Needless to
say, we ended up at Walter's and walked right in, with no wait.
I actually thought the place was closed by the lack of people
there. Probably one of the best steaks I've ever had! Pricey,
but worth it. The waitress explained that during the summer,
they attract alot of politicians and high rollers who are usually
at the beach, thus explaining the lack of customers. By the time
we left at 7:00, the place was packed. Check it out.
SpeederMurdoch <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 08:28:23 (EST)
To Messrs Mosbrook and Fisher..........That surely was (or
still is) Winkler's. My Dad's retirement party from the duPont
F & F Division was held there back in August of Ought-66. I have
the pictures to prove it.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 08:12:16 (EST)
Does anyone remember at Christmas time, how the schools would
let some of their students paint pictures on the store windows?
I used to love walking up and down Market Street looking at those
paintings.
judith k harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 08:10:41 (EST)
Bob, could the name of the restaurant you forgot be "Winkler's"?
It was at 14th and French, and is (or was) pretty old. I don't
know if it's still there or not. Anybody? Bueller?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 23:46:26 (EST)
The Redcap at the B&O Railroad station Delware Ave & DuPont
St. Teddy and the Continentals. Great Rock and Roll band.
Sam Jacobs <sjacob5@tampabay.rr.com>
Port Richey, FL USA - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 23:09:24 (EST)
I worked one summer, 1959, at the duPont Edge Moor plant in
the R&D lab. It was in an old buiding right next to the Delaware
River. I remember the summer most, not for the work, but for
the noontime Volleyball games overlooking the river. That might
have been the Ellersbies Mansion. Also, is the Columbus Inn still
around? It was a nice restaurant, and a noted golfer, Wally Sezna
from Rhehobath was involved with it.There was another restaurant
around King or French, a couple blocks from 10th & Market. This
was a very old restaurant with large old time bricks and very
good food. Forgot the name of it.
Bob Mosbrook <bobmosbrook@sbcglobal.net>
Pinehurst, NC USA - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 12:50:24 (EST)
I agree the Green Room is good. The macaroons are the best!
Columbus Inn is & always will be my fave. There was Dick the
bartender some years ago who always treated "unescorted" ladies
with deep respect. Going through a bad patch, I walked there
from my home for dinner & waited for a table. The crab cakes
were memorable. I moved two yrs. ago, but still recall the the
ambience and courtesy.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 21:45:26 (EST)
Regarding Bob Mosbrook's wondering about old restaurants:
Constantinou's is no longer around, and I can't address the others,
except to say the Logan House is still in its old location. I
haven't dined at Buckley's for a few years. Last week in Wilmington,
for a visit, we tried, and enjoyed in this order 1)Harry's Savoy
Grill, owned by Xavier Teixedo, where the chef is brilliant and
(I think her name is Anne) the sommelier is a genius 2)Arsenal
on the Green, where an Italian-American woman chef makes great
American food (in fact, I won't need a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving
this year, since the one here compares to the best of my mother's)
and wine or brandy comes in generous portions in the glass 3)
Sullivans (yes, I know this is a chain, but the service and freshness
of the food was even better than the one down here in Raleigh)
and 4) the Deep Blue where the fish was good, but the picante
carrot soup a little too spicy and 5)The Green Room of Hotel
DuPont for lunch where the menu is a little too nouvelle for
my taste with this Asian fusion thing going on, but the pastry
selection is still the most inspired around!
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 21:29:21 (EST)
Regarding Larry's great comments about "basement" Catholic
services: I, too, recall Corpus Christi's downstairs Masses through
most of the 1960s with the extremely abusive bullying Fr. McGee's
complaints. What happened to the building fund? It went for a
gigantic gymnasium. All of that while the school remained unaccredited,
and most of the nuns teaching had no college degrees! My parents
were so appalled, they pulled me out and put me into Ursuline.
The miracle is that folks who went through came out at least
half-educated (or like Larry, attention-getting playwrights in
world class cities!) The worst part of the matter was that McGee
was allowed to bully and abuse parishioners with impunity. Nowadays,
he would be defrocked! ;-)
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 21:20:02 (EST)
Regarding Ellerslie and the F. Scott Fitzgeralds: The October
issue of _Delaware Today_ featured an article by Stephanie Merchant
on this connection. I thought the article was unusually scholarly,
and must commend the new publisher and editor of the magazine
for presenting such a beautiful feature (in fact, I think the
entire magazine has taken on a new direction and luster thanks
to this team)! There's even a photo of the house on page 90 of
the issue. One interesting fact was the Fitzgerald presence at
the Hotel DuPont for six months. I was just there for a one week
stay, and this information certainly captured my imagination,
because the Hotel is "old Wilmington" at its "1913-1950s" best!
Merchant's well-researched article states that Ellerslie was
built by William Sellars as a 27 bedroom manse, but that the
Fitzgeralds only "opened 14 bedrooms". I do recall reading about
this connection in a biography of Fitzgerald that I probably
borrowed from the Wilmington Public Library back in the late
1960s while studying this author at Ursuline Academy. I cannot
recall the name of this book.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary , NC USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 21:12:50 (EST)
For those interested in Fitzgerald, visit this site:____http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/chronology.html
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, dd USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 19:48:31
(EST)
Bob, if you can find a copy of Gertrude Dunlap's book, "Fox
Point Remembered", it has a drawing of Ellerslie on the cover,
and a photo inside, along with some rememberances about Ellerslie
and the area in the book. According to her writings, Ellerslie
was built in 1842 by a Mr. Robinson, to use as a summer home.
He was engaged to a Philadelphia woman, and when the engagement
was broken, he sold the house to a Charles Egnor, and it was
eventually sold to the Sellers family, a well-known name in that
area. I found my copy of the book on Ebay - very good reading
of the north Wilmington area (Penny Hill and there-abouts). Not
an official history, as she points out, just a collection of
memories of long-time residents.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 09:48:02
(EST)
We used to call the band shell across the Brandywine from
the Delaware Hospital "the Sugar Bowl". Anyone know where that
name came from? I recently learned that there was an entrance
to the zoo from there, but cannot for the life of me remember
it, and we used to play in that area all the time as kids. Also,
what is the memorial in the triangular park across Baynard Blvd
from the band shell? There's a rather tall monument, surrounded
by trees and shrubs. And across Washington Street from the monument
is the apartment where Anne Marie Fahey lived.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 22:03:03 (EST)
On behalf of Jo Ann C. and myself, thanks a lot to Ralph Pryor,
Ronald Joral and Joe Mosbrook for quickly clearing up the "mystery" of
where "Ellersbie", the Edgemoor mansion where Scott and Zelda
Fitzgerald partied for awhile in the late 1920's, was located.
Also credit is due to correspondent Walter Lafferty who confirmed
to me privately this morning that Ellersbie, in gutted form,
became the administrative office building for the DuPont Krebs
plant at Edgemoor in later years. Walter recognized the photo
of the building that Jo Ann found somewhere. It's interesting
to note that a Google hunt for "Ellersbie" turns up the names
of towns in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Georgia and in Maryland,
and to pages and pages of additional references, including one
for the name of a mansion of the same name up in the Hudson Valley
of NY State. But if you look for "Ellersbie in Delaware" at Google,
you come up with one single reference to the name buried deep
in a scholarly treatise on Fitzgerald's life and work. Amazing.
All of these years of me reading and rereading Fitzgerald's great
novels, and never knowing about his brief Delaware connection.
Webmaster Harry, I think you ought to add Ellersbie to oldwilmington.net
as another interesting old 'Wilmington' site that is no longer
there, and get a copy of that picture from Jo Ann C. The thing
I would STILL like to know is who built the mansion in the first
place? Was it a duPont????????????
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 21:49:11 (EST)
I believe that bandstand is still across the bridge from the
old Delaware Hospital, though it may not have the roof on it
anymore.
Ronald Jorel <nomailathome.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 20:48:03 (EST)
Mary C. I. Williams: Great memories. Principal: Miss Riggin
Miss Slaughter Miss Fisher (had 2 bulldogs with her in school)
Miss O'toole Miss Sturgis Mrs.Longobardi Miss Graham (kindergarden)
Miss Mahaffey (liked you to scratch her back) Have pictures of
the choir singing in the Hotel DuPont (in a window) Have a little
ceramic plate that we made with the year that we graduated
judy in Wilmington <judygems44@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 20:35:29 (EST)
I remember lots of teachers from Bayard Junior High: Mr. Foulk
- Principal Miss McKinney - English, Home Room Mr. MacGrory -
a hunk! Mrs. Frankel - Orchestra Miss Money - Gym Mrs. Arthur
- art (and she could be a character)
Really fun days -
Judy <judygems44@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 20:27:36 (EST)
My uncle, Warren Jamison, sang on the midnight cruises on
the Wilson Line. He made a model to scale of the Wilson Line
which is in one of the local museums....... Does anyone remember
the band shell that used to be located just across the bridge
by the Delaware hospital?
Judy from Willmington <judygems44@aol.com>
Wilmington, de USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 20:14:30 (EST)
From what I have read, it was Wilmington lawyer John Biggs,
Jr., an old Princeton buddy of Fitzgerald, who brought the writer
to Wilmington. Biggs later was the executor of Fitzgerald’s estate
and became the highly-respected Chief Judge of the 3rd Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 09:50:41 (EST)
The F. Scott Fitzgeralds rented the Ellerslie Mansion, which
was along the Delaware River in Edge Moor Village, where the
duPont Edgemoor Pigments plant now stands. When the pigments
plant was built, in 1935, I believe, it was Krebs Pigments, and
they used the old mansion for their offices; after duPont acquired
the plant from Krebs, they continued using that building until
the mid 60's, I believe, when they finally tore it down. The
Fitzgeralds only lived there for a couple of years, in the mid
20's, as Ralph mentioned. Edgemoor Road used to run right up
to the mansion, the house being the terminus of the road. That
should pinpoint where the mansion was.
Ronald Joral <nomailathome.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 09:09:28 (EST)
BOB, F. SCOTT FITZGERALD LIVED IN A RENTED MANSION ON THE
DEL. RIVER FOR TWO AND A HALF YRS. BACK IN THE MID. 20,S THE
MANSION WAS LOCATED BETWEEN WILMINGTON AND CLAYMONT.HE THREW
SOME WILD PARTY THERE. USE TO SEND HIS BUTLER INTO WILM.FOR FOOD
IF SOME ONE GOT HUNGRY . AS HE WAS MOSTLY ON A LIQUID DIET OF
BOOZE , THERE WAS HARDLY EVER ANY FOOD IN THE ICE BOX---FRIG,
WAS NOT INVENTED YET. HE WAS ARRESTED IN CLAYMONT. FIGHTING WITH
A POLICE OFFICER. HIS WIFE ZELDA DIED IN A FIRE IN A MENTAL INSTATUTION
WHERE SHE WAS A PATIENT. . HOPE THIS INFO . WILL HELP YOU .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AO;.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 17:09:03
(EST)
There is a photo of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis at the
DuPont Airport in 1927 at: http://www.airfields-freeman.com/DE/Airfields_DE_N.htm
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 09:40:09 (EST)
TO JUDITH HARRINGTON - Please recount any anecdotes here from
your family that you recall about F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda,
and their apparent residence at one time, somewhere in or close
to Wilmington. I am a big Fitzgerald fan, but don't recall ever
knowing that he lived around northern Delaware at some point.
Maybe I should read a good biography (?). And on another note
TO EVERYONE here...can anyone give me some personal input on
the possibility of moving to, and living in Beaufort, South Carolina,
as a potential place to retire? (Don't spare the negatives, if
you have any.) Thanks!
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 06:54:20 (EST)
Love this website! Does anyone remember the Blue Hen Restaurant,
I think it was on the corner of 4th & Monroe? My mother was on
the Wilmington Police Force, and was called a "PREO." They did
school crossing, traffic control at parades, ticketed illegal
parked vehicles, etc. My mother did the school crossing at Mary
C. I. Williams School. Also, who remembers the Grady and Hurst
Show, on TV? I used to go there. What about Vari's store at the
corner of 4th & Harrison Street? I remember Santa Claus coming
there before every Christmas, and gave out candy, sometimes on
a fire truck, helicopter, etc. What about Rice's Bakery, that
gave out comic books each month called "Peter Wheat"? I remember
sitting on our steps at 4th & Franklin just waiting for the breadman
to bring them. What about Greenhill Daries and the Chuck Wagon?
Boy did we have fun there. This is a hard one. Does anyone remember "Johnson's
Tea Room", I believe it was on Marsh or Naamans Road? Also, my
grandfather was F. Scott Fitzgerald's gardner, and oh the stories
my mother used to tell us about him. We also have some very nice
pictures of Charles Lindburg (with my father-in-law) when he
landed the Spirit of St. Louis at the old DuPont Airport on Rt.
141. I guess I could go on and on, but I don't want to bore anyone.
Just want to say, keep up the good work, this site is awesome!!!
Judy Brumbley Harrington
Judith K Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 13:13:28
(EST)
Those shoe store machines were X-ray machines. This was before
it was known that they could be "hazardous to your health." My
young brother had them one time at a shop on Washington Street
and the salesman did it over and over so everyone could have
a look at my brother's foot bones. He acquired a persistant rash
on his feet of 'unknown origin.' I wonder!?!
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 08:20:54 (EST)
END...