Visitors
Nostalgia & Memories
(Archive
#27: March 1, 2006 to March 31,
2006 entries)
Hey George, Your correct about the spring before Indian
Rocks. If you pass "Bear Canyon", cross the tracks and head
straight down the hill you'll find an old spring on the right.
The area is covered with vegatation. At the end of the pipe
there is a tub or basin made of granite. This tub has the
year 1908 carved in it. There is an unbelievable history
located in that area about the landscape. I could go on and
on.
Dave Schofield <Schofieldd@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 20:39:00 (EST)
Enjoyed hearing the greeting about Ralph Pryor. He was a
friend of mine and my wife's brother, Drexel Paisley and a member
of Theta Phi. I have a great picture of the Theta Phi group
on the bleachers at some game that was displayed at our 50th
reunion. He may be interested in seeing it. Ralph was a well-know
police officer at the same time as my brother Terry. If he is
interested tell him to e-mail me. Jim Rambo we remember Billy
Jarrell very well and he was a great friend and a guest at our
home many times. We still have a tape of his singing at the
Defiance minstrels in Wilmington. His family hired a big band
to celebrate his 70th birthday at the DAP in Wilmington. My
wife also says he was one of the most charming man that she
had ever met.
Jim(Googie) Patton <pattonpj@msn.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 17:37:34 (EST)
Harry Brand, thanks for the news about Ralph Pryor. I don't
know him personally and don't know if I've ever commented on
any of his posts (or he, mine), but I like reading his posts
and, like a lot of others here, miss him; so it was nice to hear
that he'll soon be back online with us here on the site.
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 13:43:33 (EST)
Does anyone remember Dr. Stephen W. Bartoshesky? He was in
solo practice of family medicine for nearly 50 years on Wilmington's
east side. He passed away this week in Wilmington.
stephen Armstrong <stephen.armstrong@sun.com>
Bowie , Md USA - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 12:49:52 (EST)
Mrs. Wille Mae Bruton, the sister of former Major Leaguer
Billy Bruton died in Wilmington this week. Billy Bruton is married
to the daughter of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and former
Delaware resident ,Judy Johnson
Stephen Armstrong <stephen.armstrong@sun.com >
Bowie , Md. USA - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 12:27:21 (EST)
Just wanted to let everyone know that Mrs Irene Roles , the
mother of Earl and Jimmy Roles, two of the best football players
ever to play at Salesianum died this week in Wilmington.
Stephen Armstrong <stephen.armstrong@sun.com>
Bowie , Md USA - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 12:15:22 (EST)
We used that spring up until the early 80's, just past Thompson's
Bridge. Another spring was behind the Granite Run Mall, near
Penncrest High School I believe. That one was used I think up
until 1990 or so.
SpeederMurdoch <SpeederMurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 10:26:06 (EST)
Bob, I know where you are talking about, I knew all of the
roads out around Smith's and Thompson's Bridges pretty good back
when I was a kid; if, when you came down the hill from getting
your water, and crossed over Thompson's Bridge and gone a little
more than a quarter mile up the other side, you would have come
to the spring that Bruce and I are thinking of. I took a ride
out there this afternoon, and the houses are still there, and
the pump house, and the old low wall where the pipe was is still
there; but the old pipe is gone. There is a bigger, about 3" PVC
pipe in the same area, but no water was coming out of it - I
have no idea if that is still hooked up to the source. Next time,
I'll stop and check it out. But Bob, you were "that close" to
the good spring water, and you wouldn't have had to carry your
water all that way, and purify it; just a few steps farther......
Bruce D <burp369atyahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 21:35:21 (EST)
Hi: for the spring afficianados, I was here earlier mentioning
the indian head carving in the stream at Canby Park woods. I
just realized there was a great spring in the woods on the way
to the stream if you were coming from the east or the Cleland
Heights neighborhood. It too is gone, I believe. What do you
think Dave S.?
George <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 18:10:01 (EST)
Bruce, I don't remember how long it took us to haul the home
made wagon to the bridge. we left Happy Valley and arrived at
bridge at dusk. When we were walking along the Brandywine we
heard what sounded like someone paddling a canoe. We did not
see anyone there as it was pretty dark. What it turned out to
be was the water splashing in our canteens! We always stayed
out in those woods for four days. I remember it was pretty cold
sleeping on the ground even in June or July. We only took the
wagon back an forth one time,we back packed after that ordeal.
BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <Windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 16:56:56 (EST)
There was a spring across from Breck's Mill. There was a pull
out right there and you could drive your car in and fill your
bottles. There was another one if you stayed on that road and
at the bridge going to the Experimental Station you would turn
left and as soon as you went under the RR to the left was another
spring. I worked down in that area and got water there all of
the time.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 15:30:24 (EST)
Bob and Bruce - Thanks for the reply about the spring on Thompson's
Bridge Road. Good to know some of my brain cells stayed behind
after the sixties. It was a good place to stop for a cold glass
of water before we worried about the crud in our water. Bob,
that's a pretty good haul from Del. Ave. to Thompson's B. Road
with a wagon. How long did it take ? I spent many nights on Rt
100 going and coming from Chadds Ford Tavern to my apt. in Monroe
Park.
Bruce <bcheather@rr@houston.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 15:29:12 (EST)
BRUCE D, The spring water was the best, no chemicals in it
back then.There was an old wagon road that ran next to the Brandywine
from Concord Pike to Smith's Bridge. I drove it once from Thompson's
Bridge to Smith's Bridge,a terrible road full of rocks and ruts
and had to go very slowly. There was a crossroad at the top of
Thompsons bridge road .Turning right after coming up the hill
there was a farm house with a pond , this is the source of the
stream we used to catch the water just before it went in to the
Brandywine. We always camped between there and the Brandywine,
and The Concord Pike and Thompson's Bridge. BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <Windsorme2@verizon.net>
Ca[pe May, N.J. USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 13:56:31 (EST)
Bruce & Bob, the spring was on Thompson's Bridge Road, about
a quarter mile west (?) of Thompson's Bridge (heading towards
Rte. 100). I don't know why you don't remember it, Bob, it was
there forever. There was a house close to the road on the right
side, and a spring pump house just a little bit farther. The
pipe with spring water was there back in the early 40's (and
probably earlier)all the way to sometime in the late 70's early
80's, I believe, until some branch of the state gov. health service
made them shut the spring down when the spring water failed the
current test standards. The house, pump house, and the spot where
the pipe came out to the road are all still there, but the pipe
has been sealed (or maybe removed by this time), but the pipe
came from the pump house, it was overflow from the pumphouse,
and always ran, except sometimes during extended drought periods.
People from all over Wilmington used to go there and fill jugs
of delicious, cold, spring water - especially on hot summer nights.
Bruce D <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 12:46:51 (EST)
BRUCE, When we were starting High School a few friends and
I used to go camping near Thompson's Bridge. I never found a
spring in the area, this was 1947 and 1948. We built a home made
wagon to carry our gear and food and pulled it out Delaware Ave.
all the way to the bridge. We got our water from a stream that
ran into the Brandywine. We put purifing tablets that we got
from war surplus into our canteens, and it made the water taste
like clorine. Never recall any spring in the area ,maybe it was
on Beaver Valley Road . BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <Windsorme2@Verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 12:20:55 (EST)
The item about spring water reminds me of a spring that was
located in Beaver Valley -maybe Thompson's bridge road - where
people would line up with gallon jugs to fill and take home.
Does anyone know if the spring is still there ?
Bruce <bcheather@houston@rr.com>
Sugarland, Tx USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 10:39:54 (EST)
Jim Patton: My favorite singer was a Defiance guy, Billy Jarrell.
Nice, nice man and he knew all the Irish songs ever written.
When you see Sam DiFernando again, ask him if he didn't have
a damn good catcher at Delaware Park! I never broke the varsity
at Conrad in '59 with Nate and Pete Cloud, Mike Brown, Charlie
Neal and others going on to win the state championship that year.
Did spend the last 20 years putting the bad guys in jail for
the Attorney General though. It's been a good run....
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 22:25:21
(EST)
I had lunch today with Ralph Pryor and he told me to say "hello" to
everyone back in Delaware. He said that his nephew has rebuilt
his computer and will be on line again about June 1 when his
sister in law will bring it down to him. Ralph looks good and
is trying to stay in shape. He jogs every day and still likes
his beer. We will be having lunch again before I head back to
Wilmington.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 19:21:16 (EST)
The spring that came out of a pipe in an area behind Baynard
Stadium was deemed 'poluted' in the 50s or 60s. My parents used
to take us there to bring it home before it went bad.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 16:21:02 (EST)
Jim Rambo: Yes, that is the Joe Kane that refereed and worked
at Delaware Park.Joe and Bobby grew up with me on the east side
of Wilmington. Our parents both came over from Ireland about
the same time. When I retired from duPont I bartened part time
at Defiance A.A. in Brown town and Joe was a regular.Also remember
Sam DiFernando(a very good basketball player), Billy Reardon,
and his brother Dennis who was a lawyer in Lewes, De. I have
seen Sam down here a few times at social functions. What school
did you attend? You are a long way from home and hopefully enjoying
yourself.
Jim (Googie) Patton <pattonpj@msn.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 13:43:51
(EST)
I remember the Park area that ran from Van Buren St, to the
B&O railroad,just below Warner School. There was a place to get
the best drinking water when we were hot and thirsty at a spring
in the woods. It was located near a large shelter and picnic
area. There was apath below the shelter that led down to the
beginning of a tiny stream and the spring water came from an
old iron pipe that came out of the rocks. I believe it may still
be there as I can not think why anyone would dismantle it. Just
wondering . BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <Windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 11:48:57 (EST)
Jim, Makes me wonder if you're talking about the "Joe Kane" who
worked summers at Delaware Park....in recreation?? Great guy
who could always be heard! Worked with Jock Labelle, I think.
Our Admissions softball team was usually a contender with Sam
DiFernando doing the fastpitch thing; I was his catcher. The
Reardon boys, Dennie and Billy, and Jim Hanley (now a Deputy
Attorney General) played with us too. Good times!
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 10:54:44
(EST)
For Harry Brand: Yes, I did umpire ASA softball for 15 years
and also basketball. Sonny Delucia was a Sacred Heart playground
basketball player and lived in the neighborhood. Sure hope he
recovers completely. Also refereed with Art Shelley but haven't
run into him down here.I worked 40 years at duPont myself mostly
at the newport Holly Run plant. I also officiated softball and
basketball with Tom Mason. Joe Young lives in our development
and did basketball. Joe Eckrich is a good friend of mine from
way back. Also Bobby Kane and his brother Joe. We rolled up many
a tablecloth with Bobby enjoying that last pitcher.They are both
gone but not forgotten. Nice to hear from you. P.S. I hope there
are basketball courts in heaven and everyone is 6'.
Jim (Googie) Patton <pattonpj@msn.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 17:56:44
(EST)
Hey Begley, You got me in trouble, I'll be afraid to go to
my place in Rehoboth after Googie found out I siad that Burt
was as good or maybe better than him. I hear that the biggest
claim to fame for Googie is that he never passed a ball in his
life Ha Ha, see you at the club Googie.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 23:06:21 (EST)
Ray, Indian Rock is still there. I know exactly where it is.
Dave Schofield <Schofieldd@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 22:59:54 (EST)
For Harry Brand : Harry I go to Myrtle Beach every November
with Tom Mason. Great guy. He is now in charge of the Delaware
Spots Hall of Fame down there at Frawley Stadium. Also play golf
with Joe Eckrich down in Rehoboth. He and my Brother have always
been close friends and they both live down Rehoboth now. We go
to Myrtle with the HFGA (Hudson Family Golf Association)You probably
know Jack Hudson, he was just as bad a Ref as Mason Ha Ha, wait
till they hear I said that. Going down to my place this week,
I'll tell Joe you wre mentioning his name.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 22:58:51 (EST)
For Ray Jubb: You just gave me a great idea. Maybe I will
go back to the stream in Canby Woods with 8 or nine of my grandchildren
and tell them to start splashing. If the rock is still there,
we they will find it.
George <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 20:19:56 (EST)
Googie I was in your class during your short lived stay at
Sallies. Sonny DeLucia was in my class also. Art Shelley lives
in Rehoboth now he used to referee basketball the same time you
did I think. I worked with Art at DuPont for 25 years, also Tom
Mason. Didn't you umpire softball games also? I remember Ed Young
who officiated and I think he lives in Rehoboth also. Do you
know Joe Eckrich? He also lives in Rehoboth. Timbers used to
umpire softball. And then there was the colorful Bobby Kane and
his brother Joe. I think they both passed away didn't they?
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 20:07:35 (EST)
Hi old Wilmington High graduates (1952) and Sacred Heart.
I am new to this site but enjoyed reading the comments. Enjoyed
Ray Jubb's comments and also Ed Begley, Ray Zelano. We now live
in Rehoboth Beach and pal around with Ray Querey class of 1950
and swap stories about how we used to beat P.S.(my wife's alma
mater). As far as comparing basketball players each person had
different talents. I was considered by most people as the best
shooter and held Wilmington High scoring record for 30 years.
Coach Wills told me if you think you can make the basket, shoot
it and I did. I lived at 10th and Monroe and the school yard
of Sacred Heart was my second home. We moved to Rehoboth Beach
9 years ago and we are enjoying our retirement. Memories are
great and all the guys I played with were good guys. I relive
these stories if anyone will listen. Bernie was a great personal
friend and I have found memories of playing with him.
Jim (Googie) Patton <pattonpj@msn.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 18:32:04 (EST)
Sean, Thats the area, S.Park Drive about a forth of the way
above the Van Buren St. bridge. There also used to be a wooden
pavilion below that area by the race. The Park Drive fom the
bridge met up with Lovering Avenue at the far end.
Robert J. McKelvey <Windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 17:29:36 (EST)
Is the Indian rock on the Brandywine on the Lovering Avenue
side of the river, where the Park Drive runs up against Lovering
Avenue, at the foot of Hancock Street? Just curious, because
I jog with my dog regularly along the Brandywine, and there is
a whooper of a rock there, near a gazeebo with a fireplace built
into it-Sean
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Trolley Square, De USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 17:14:17 (EST)
Hey George, I was raised in the Hedgeville area of Wilmington
and I remember the Indian Rocks you are talking about, I went
there myself as a kid and I'm almost 72 years young. I also took
my Children there when they were small and showed them the rock.
however when taking their children there I could not find it
either. Don't know wether the old memory is going or like you
said maybe it has been destroyed by storms and/or construction.They
have had a lot of bad floods there in recent years. The last
time I tried was about 3 years ago with one of my grand-sons.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 11:25:28 (EST)
Hi I grew up in the browntown and south broom street sections
of Wilmington and there is or was another " Indian Rock". It
was in the stream that ran through the woods behind Canby Park.
AS kids, we would go to the stream and try to find a rock that
had and Indian head carved in it, I'm talking early fiftys and
back then you had to splash water on the rock to see the carving.
I went to that site about 4 years ago but could not find it.
It has either worn away or was moved due to construction in the
area. Have a good day, Old Wilmingtoneers
George <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 10:25:54 (EST)
Ed Begley, I don't know if we are talking about the same people
or not but all of the boys in our family hung out at the Chocolate
Shop. My uncles who would be 70 now had a friend that they just
called Begley. I never heard his first name. We lived on 9th
St between Madison and Jefferson. My uncles were the Schaeffer
Twins, Carl and Ken. Ken passed about five years ago.
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Monday, March 27, 2006 at 09:27:11 (EST)
I also remember basketball players, Jim Hamilton and Kaker
Blakely and Bernie schnider?? not sure of spelling.
BFan <usa>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, March 26, 2006 at 16:09:35 (EST)
Hey Ray, Yoy might know my brother his name was Jim begley
Age (69)went to Scared Heart then to Brown Voca. He used to hand
out at the ChocLate Shop at 9 and Madison St.He played football
at Brown. Do you remember the coffee shop across the street from
Wilmington High School call Jimmey's. Had the best Hot Dogs in
the world.
Ed Begley <epangels_2002@yahoo.com>
Santa Fe, Tx USA - Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 23:10:02 (EST)
Your right Ed, I forgot about Burt. He as a matter of fact
was probably as good or better than Googie. I remember Sonny
only vaguely.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 19:25:48 (EST)
CONNIE, Thats the area alright just above Van Buren St. bridge
the kids in Happy Valley refered to the rock as INDIAN ROCK.
Not so high but smooth faced.Climbing was the thing to do when
we were kids. I recall my brother and some friends climbed the
high wall from the Brandywine not far from Market St bridge and
when we neared the top some men helped us up over top like we
were in need of help..WE had everything under control and never
thought it was dangerous. ..BOB
Robert J.McKelvey <Windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 15:55:05 (EST)
Was Indian rock that rock in a cove type area on the side
of the road opposite the creek side and just a short distance
from the Van Buren Street Bridge? We used to climb the rocks
between Market Street and the zoo all the time. I almost fell
backwards off them once, but I've had other close calls so I
must be charmed.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 15:32:17 (EST)
INDIAN ROCK had a very sheer face and hardly any hand or foot
holds to aid a climber. The bottom was largely big rocks which
made it extra scary. Anyone falling from just half way to the
top would be severely injured. I tried it when I was about 12yr's
old and scared the daylights out of me ,although I did get back
to the ground . There was path that went to the top on the left
side of the face, but no challange of dare. There was a picnic
building there with a fireplace for making lunch. This was just
above where there used to be a large fountain on the South Park
Drive ,There was a trough for watering horses I belive it was
made of marble. When I was a kid we played cowboys and indians
in the area. BOB... The fountain is most likely removed that
area now.
Robert J. Mc Kelvey <windsorme2@Verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 08:50:06 (EST)
Is INDIAN ROCK the huge rock that people used to try to climb?
I remember we tried it a couple times but it was too steep. I
read years later that an experienced climber had fallen off it
and received fatal injury.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 08:16:42 (EST)
Scared Heart: Remember Jimmy Patton and Sonny DeLucia also
a guy name Burt Sheing was also one of the Best to come out of
there.He played for Sallies and the went to Mt Saint Marys in
Marland also tried out fot the phila warriors.I guess I could
have played against you or with you ray.There were some really
good games in that yard.Also at 3 and Madison in the summer time.We
lived at 4 and Madison over the hardware store.
Ed Begley <epangels_2002@yahoo.com>
Santa Fe, Tx USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 17:57:07 (EST)
Ray Jubb I think Sonny DeLucia was playing basketball for
Sacred Heart at that time.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 14:13:02 (EST)
If I remember right the first recorded murder in the Wilmington
area was at the site of the Jackson Inn when there realy was
an Inn there.
Patrick <pc410@alltel.net>
Mt. Olivet, Ky USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 14:03:50 (EST)
Ray: The Jackson Inn is still there. I've been there a couple
of times in the past few years. Apparently, the Inn portion does
not always open when they are supposed to. We tried to have lunch
there last fall and it wasn't open. However, the package store
was. We asked the clerk, but he knew nothing. We ended up at
Mulrooneys in Elsmere. I think that place has been there since
Columbus discovered America.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 13:48:52 (EST)
For Ed Begley : If you went to Sacred Heart School and played
basketball in their School lot, You must have known Jimmy(googie)Patton,
probably the best basketball player to ever come out of Sacred
Heart, in my time anyway. I graduated St. Paul's about the same
year that googie graduated Sacred Heart. Also used to cut class
at WHS and go down to that School yard and play basketball. I
was doing just that one day when the WHS called my Mother to
find out where I was. SHE FOUND ME AND WAS I SORRY. Can laugh
about it now, but it wasn't funny then. Still good memories.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 13:41:14 (EST)
How about the Jackson Inn. Is it still there? I know it was
family-owned for many years. The story I heard was that they
took their name from the fact that Andrew Jackson had stopped
there during one of his journeys. For a while it was a routine
to play golf at the Green Hill golf course, then stop at the
Jackson Inn for a steak sandwich smothered in mushrooms. They
were the absolute best. They would get their mushrooms fresh
and directly from Kennett Square.
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 12:33:19 (EST)
I made a mistake the INDIAN ROCK was located on the South
Park Drive. I guess my hand and brain got tangled. BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <Windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 11:35:43 (EST)
Does anyone recall the time they had fishing as a recreation
near the cherry trees by the zoo? I remember going there as a
small child with my grandfather sometime in the middle to late
30's. I believe for five cents they rented a fishing pole, and
anything that was caught had to be returned to the water. This
area was flooded to make the pond near the North Park Drive .
Also I remember the old dye race that seemed to change to a diffent
color every day. It also smelled bad, and my Parents said to
stay clear of that area. They told us kids that it was bottomless!
Anyone recall INDIAN ROCK that was near the North Park Drive,
from the top you could look down toward the Brandywine. BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <Windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 10:37:07 (EST)
When I was a kid the trolley ride, whether #5 or not, was
always an adventure. My grandmother usually accompanied me. There
were usually one of the following on board: l./ The drunk who
wouldn't shut up. 2./ The baby that wouln't stop crying. 3./
A sick person who threw up. In later years, when I worked downtown,
I decided to try the buses again....once. Right next to me, at
the rear of the bus, a drug deal went down. That did it!!
jim rambo <rammymex>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 10:13:27 (EST)
Thanks to all re TROLLEY ROUTE 5. After receiving an email
from webmaster, I tried to download the map from this site. I
couldn't do it because I already had it in my file about Wilm
De! Like DUH. Guess I should view my file more often.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 06:43:13 (EST)
Yeah, well...and I shuda said the #5 trolley turned RIGHT
on 9th Street - not left. Sorry 'bout that.
TheKid <nospamwanted@comcast.net>
wilm, de USA - Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 15:06:10 (EST)
All you people have to do is select 'TRANSPORTATION' from
the Pull-Down Menu at the top of THIS PAGE and near the bottom
is the 1952 map showing all of the Delaware Coach trolley & bus
lines. If you have XP, the map can be enlarged greater than your
monitors can handle. Amazing...
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 14:22:46 (EST)
I have a 1952 map of the Delaware Coach routes, of which I
just sent Connie an enlarged section showing the Rte. 5 line;
you've basically got it, Kid. After turning on Market, it went
up to 23rd, then turned right and went down to Jessup (?) or
Pine (?) and turned right, back to Vandever, back to the Printz,
and back downtown.
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 12:47:44 (EST)
Re: #5 trolley. Once in the city, (arriving back from Newport/Silview
area) it went North on Market Street - Turned left at 9th Street
(heading East). And stopped at every corner to pick up or drop
off passengers - Turned left at Bennett Street - Right again
at E. 11th Street - Crossed 11th Street Bridge - Turned right
again at 12th Street for a few blocks - Turned left again at
Heald Street, on to Vandever Avenue continued on Vandever Avenue
until it arrived again at Market Street - Turned right, continuing
out Market Street. I'm not sure where the line ended. Maybe someone
else can pick it up from there
TheKid <nospamwanted@comcast.net>
wilm, de USA - Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 12:36:45 (EST)
Hi all Scared Heart folks. Yes the Church is still there.I
was in Delaware last year and still say Mass there. My sister-in-law
also went there,Lois Lamborn you all might know her. Great person,she
maarried a guy my the name on Bob Fuqua who also went there.
we use to hang out at 9 and adams.Super times were had by all.Wish
I could go back haha
Ed <Begley>
Santa Fe, Tx USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 22:51:49 (EST)
Connie, check out the map on the Transportation section of
the main page of this website. There's a map of most of the trolley
routes. There are also other maps with trolley routes on them
in other sections. Here's a shortcut to the map on the transportation
section: http://www.oldwilmington.net/DE%20Coach/de-coach-map-1952.jpg
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 17:52:02 (EST)
I remember taking the 5 trolley to get to 22nd and Market
from 9th and Market during a bad snow storm. Apparently the 4
got stuck on Penny Hill. My question - does anyone remember the
route the number 5 took? Which streets it went on? I think it
came up Vandever Ave and then went down 23rd. Completely forget
the rest.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 17:13:46 (EST)
Ed, I went to Sacred Heart in the late 50's, but my brother
and sisters both went there in the early to mid 50's. Does anyone
know if the church is still there ? I remember, Father Paul was
the pastor.
Bruce <bcheather@rr@houston.com>
Houston, TX USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 13:22:44 (EST)
Speeder - No pix of Chadds Peak but you might enjoy the thread
at http://www.dcski.com/lostareas/viewlostprofile.php?id=30
Jeh <jeh@netzero,com>
Newark, De USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 12:05:22 (EST)
Ed I went to Sacred Heart and graduated in 1955. Then went
to Wilmington High.
Mike Snyder <kmsins@msn.com>
Newtown, Ct USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 10:46:30 (EST)
anybody out there from the saint anthony of padua area (little
italy)? anybody attend st anthony's in the 60's, live around
there in that time? anywhere from 1960 - 1975?
oldschool55 <oldschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 10:21:58 (EST)
I received this e-mail from Willie Gaylord that I want to
share with you...
***********
"I just became aware of your excellent web! My name is Wil Gehlert,
but you might remember when I used the name Willie Gaylord during
my broadcast years in Wilmington during the 50's and 60's. I
spent 1950 to 1954 on WTUX and moved to WAMS in 1954. I had the
privelege and fun of doing the "Wake up with Willie morninig
show" until 1964, when I was fortunate enough to have a friend
named Frank Robino become my partner in purchasing WCHE AM in
West Chester Pa. I retired from broadcasting in 1986 and since
then have been enjoying life in Rehoboth Beach. Thanx for
some wonderful memories."
**********
Dated 3/8/06
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 10:06:42 (EST)
Does anyone know if there are any remnants of this building
remaining in Summit? "March 22 This day in Delaware: 1791 President
George Washington lodged at the Buck Tavern at Summit as he began
his tour of the southern states."
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 09:20:27 (EST)
Hey is there any out there who went to Scared Heart in 1953
.Or used to hand out in the Playground, Lots of good basketball
games there also stick ball.
ed Begley <epangels_2002@yahoo.com>
Santa Fe, Tx USA - Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 22:06:26 (EST)
To Sandy and Lorraine: Just wanted to drop a line and say
that my sister also gratuated from Wilmington High School in
1958. Her name at that time was Patricia (Pat) Brumbley.
judith I (brumbley) Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 11:56:27 (EST)
Although this place isn't super old, I was wondering if anyone
has any pictures, or nostalgia for sale of the old, Chadd's Peak
Ski area.
SpeederMurdoch <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 08:47:46 (EST)
FAKE BOOKS are not nostalgia. They are still around and being
used by lots of working musicians.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights`, OH USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 21:25:56
(EST)
i only worked there one summer, 72? maybe? i dont remember
the white room, i was down with the big bleaching machines.
oldschool55 <oldschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 21:00:30 (EST)
I was visiting friends in Wilmington last year and we had
adult beverages & dinner at Gallucios. It was very good.
Swifty <wwswift@suscom.net>
York, PA USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 18:00:54 (EST)
Before it was Gallucio's, the place on Lovering Avenue was
the Embassy, that's what it was in the 60's. I don't mean this
as any reference to the private club you're writing of; I just
mentioned this as Gallucio's wasn't always the name of the place
on Lovering. But I think the full name was the Embassy Club,
or Embassy Lounge, or something like that, but it was just a
regular bar, with food.
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 16:57:48 (EST)
Larry, the light bulb in my head that has been dimming over
these last past days suddenly began to shine when I read your
post about Fake Books. I had tons of them and kept them hidden
away for fear of being arrested. Funny thing is, when we were
playing we didn't follow the music or the lyrics that closely
anyway. But I used to read them while others around me were reading
comic books. Strange kid!!
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 16:41:48 (EST)
Bill and Oldschool - Thanks for the Info. Oldschool, when
and where did you work there ? Maybe we know each other. I worked
on one of the machines next to the White Room and was then moved
to the Purchasing Dept. where I worked for Al Paine, a great
guy.
Bruce <bcheather@rr@Houston.com>
Houston, TX USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 16:24:50 (EST)
Bruce from Houston: Gallucio's is still on Lovering Ave, and
is thriving. My high school class (Mt. Pleasant, 1954) has had
quite a few "mini-reunion" luncheons there in recent years. I
haven't been able to attend as many as I'd like to because of
the rather long commute, however. They have a website: www.gallucios.com
in case anyone is interested.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 15:54:22 (EST)
the private club was called Staplers, i believe it even had
rooms upstairs that were rented out on a monthly basis.i think
its still there. wilmington finishing is long gone, condos now.
i worked there too, i remember walking on those catwalks folding
the cloth, i was alot younger then.
oldschool55 <oldschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 15:38:06 (EST)
Anyone out there from the southside, 3rd Street Bridge area?
Anyone remember the store at 300 block Claymont St. My wife is
disapointed because she has not read about that area. She attended
school at Saint Mary's . 1940 to 1948 and then went to Wilmington
High School. She worked at the Electric Hose until 1958.She also
lived on Boxword Road during the 50's. Thank You,...Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 15:37:32 (EST)
Bruce, Thanks for the info I'm sure that land is worth a fortune.
Ihaven't been to Wilm. for a few years - Forty Acres used to
be mostly working class people - wonder if the area has also
changed. There used to be a private club there that a lot of
the Wilm Finishing CO employees belonged to - I think it was
mostly a place to drink beer. I used to go to a place called
Gaullucios (sp?) on Lovering Ave. I wonder if it's still there.
Bruce <bcheather@rr@houston.com>
Houston, TX USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 15:15:42 (EST)
Hi Bruce. Sorry to say, Wilmington Finishing is gone, just
history now. I worked there when it was Jos. Bancroft in the
early to mid 60's. There are plans to build condos where the
site was - I haven't been there lately to see if anything is
being done, as far as tearing down or building, but I know Wilm.
Finishing is closed.
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 14:24:44 (EST)
Anybody remember Wilmington Finishing Company along the Brandywine
(the old Joseph Bancroft Co). I worked there in the mid to Late
seventies and wondered if it was still operating.
Bruce <bcheather@rr@houston.com>
Houston, TX USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 14:11:11 (EST)
Here's one for the senior musicians. Remember Fake Books?
It was a mid-20th Century form of illegal file sharing. We had
several around the house at all times. They were a great way
to learn the chords and lyrics to thousands of tunes but not
a dime went to the songwriters.
Larry Roszkowiak <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 12:14:54 (EST)
Sandy, I was in the class of 1948. Lorraine
Lorraine Bandiera Wasik <wasikf@bellsouth.net>
Dickson, TN USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 11:46:53 (EST)
Bob, Living where you did, I would assume you went to Warner.
Did you graduate from H.S. in 59? If so, I remember you. I remember
also a Jack McKelvey. First off it must have been right in front
of your house that I very first laid eyes on the 1956 Lincoln
Continental. It must have belonged to a doctor there at the hospital,
as it was truly a car that only the rich could afford. The first
I had heard about it was from Pete & Bob Rickards twin classmates
(of ours?) and themselves sons of a local Doctor. I looked the
Lincoln up in Mechanics Illustrated and its' list price was $9507.
Such an impressive number that I still remember it after all
these years. I know that one of the brothers went on to be very
big in the banking industry here in DE. I have no idea what happened
to the other. Warner was a school with a total mix of the community.
Every socioeconomic, ethnic, and before we left race was in attendance
at that school. It was a mixing pot, and I for one have always
been grateful to have been able to attend. Although I lived in
Bayards district for 1 1/2 years I was still allowed for some
reason to go there. Not only was it a mixing pot for people,
it was the same in its ciriculum. I remember the Kalvinski's
who taught music. I'm sure they exposed many children to classical
music for the first time in their lives except for cartoons and
The Lone Ranger. I could go on, but I've already spent too much
time with things only a select few would be interested in. To
the rest of you I'm sorry and will try to limit myself in the
future. To others, write me, and we can reminisce on our own.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 09:29:09 (EST)
Lorraine, I graduated from Wilmington high the class of 58.
I remember Mr.. Bamberger. what class did you graduate in. sandy
Sandy <leelenkie@yahoo.com>
Claymont, De USA - Monday, March 20, 2006 at 02:01:44 (EST)
I remember the Memorial Hospital during the Christmas holidays
when the student nurses would file by column from the Nurses
Home to sing Christmas carols in front of the hospital. They
sang to the patients. They would face the hospital singing while
holding their song books. My family lived just across the street
on Van Buren Street , and I can remember the nurses wearing caps
and great looking cloaks. I believe their cloaks were dark blue
with a bright red lining. I don't know if anyone but those living
across ever knew about this tradition. beautiful memories! BOB
R.J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May , N.J. USA - Sunday, March 19, 2006 at 22:24:50 (EST)
I was well aquainted with the emergancy rooms at both Delaware
and St Francis in the late 50's and early 60's. Very well aquainted.
The problem with the access to the St Francis ER, as I remember,
was because of construction, not due to design. It seemed to
last forever but I thought it was due to a big construction project.
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Sunday, March 19, 2006 at 17:54:26 (EST)
Speaking of hospitals, the News Journal once printed an original
recipe for a holiday cake that was served in the Delaware Hospital
coffee shop every December. It was baked by one of the ladies
who worked there. I still have the recipe and have made this
cake many times (with applesauce and marischino cherries). I
guess you wouldn't find hospital workers baking their own cakes
for the coffee shop these days. For some reason, I'm now thinking
it may have been the Memorial hospital. If anyone is familiar
with this hospital cake, please let me know.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 18:23:37
(EST)
Yep, Carol, that's the period I'm speaking about, early 60's
- through the coffee shop, that was the only way a stretcher
could get from the drive-up door to the emergency room. Walk-ins
could access the emergency room easier than patients on stretchers.
This is old Wilmington nostalgia.
Bruce <burp369atyahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 17:29:41 (EST)
No wait! I got that all wrong (I hope my amino acids start
to kick in). I worked on one of the floors as a volunteer dish
washer and I took my breaks in the coffee shop and remember the
stretchers rolling through. I developed achilles tendonitis from
standing in one place on the hard floor without the proper shoes.
One of the Orthopaedic doctors at St. Francis treated me for
free (those were the days). He gave me a Jello cast. It was pink.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 17:15:00
(EST)
Wow, Bruce. That comment really hit home. I had an after school
job in St. Francis Coffee Shop and I can see the stretchers going
through there right now. This was back in 1960-61.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 16:58:48
(EST)
I was born at the Memorial, and I remember they couldn't have
been nicer, hehe. Seriously, I was a patient there for a couple
of different procedures, and was much better cared for than at
the Delaware Hospital - and the food WAS better. Also, later,
as an EMT ambulance attendant, we knew that the Memorial emergency
room was much better equipped and staffed by people who really
cared for the patient's well-being. Bringing patients in to the
emergency, or taking to or from rooms in transporting bedridden
patients in or out of the hospital, the difference in care was
noticeable at every level. Ambulance crews used to often eat
at the cafeteria there, too. Remembering ambulance crews taking
patients to the old emergency room at St. Francis Hospital, we
used to have to go through the coffee shop with the stretcher
in order to get to the emergency room there. Not too convenient
for patients, or conducive to good eating in the coffee shop,
either; especially if we had a car accident patient onboard,
bleeding all over the place. True.
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 12:04:37 (EST)
THE ONE THING I REMEMBER ABOUT THE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL THE TIMES
I STAYED THERE IS THEY HAD GOOD FOOD .TEN TIMES BETTER THAN THE
DELAWARE AND WILMINGTO GENERAL.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 09:47:11 (EST)
Jean, the point I was making was in reference to Sean saying
the old timers referred to the Memorial Hosp. as the old homeopathic
hospital. It was referred to as that because that is what type
of hospital it was; I was just making that point clear. And that
is a part of old Wilmington nostalgia which maybe some people
didn't know. The Memorial Hospital was a Homeopathic Hospital.
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 09:21:26 (EST)
Well, I know a little something about the Memorial Hosp. Mrs.
Grace Little was Dir. of Nursing when I was there. Dr. James
Spackman was Chief of Surgery. Harry Rafel was Chief Resident.Bruce
is correct. It WAS the Homeopathic Hospital, and regardless of
the philosophy, while I was there, we did a heck of a lot of
curing. As students, we had private student rooms, had "honey
buns" for breakfast that were to die for. Many very well known
Wilmingtonians had all kinds of surgeries, fractures, babies,
Cancer and everyone received superlative care with loving attention.
We should all be so lucky today. The Interns & Residents contributed
a lot and are practicing Nationwide today. When I graduated,
the proudest day I can remember, I was prepared to be a City
Health Nurse, then, after a stint @ U of Penn. I carried proudly
the things I was taught by so many of the Physicians who taught
us. Yes, we had MDs teach us as well as great, stern, RNs who
were well schooled in the Art {and Science} of the value of individuals.
We, the personnel, called them Patients.
Barb <barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 23:20:02 (EST)
I found a good reference to the difference between coventional
thinking and homeopathic philosophy, from the "National Center
For Homeopathy": An important basic difference exists between
conventional medical therapy and homeopathy. In conventional
therapy, the aim often is to control the illness through regular
use of medical substances, even if the medication is nothing
more than vitamins. If the medication is withdrawn, however,
the person returns to illness. There has been no cure. A person
who takes a pill for high blood pressure every day is not undergoing
a cure but is only controlling the symptoms. Homeopathy's aim
is the cure: "The complete restoration of perfect health."
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 14:35:10 (EST)
Sean, the Memorial Hospital was a Homepathic hospital, meaning
that they believed in the principles of homepathy, which is,
as near as I can remember and explain, a practice of stimulating
the body to repair/recover itself. While this was the philosophy
that they endorsed, they didn't follow that path exclusively,
they also followed conventional practices.
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 14:28:55 (EST)
Swifty, I lived on Tatnall St. Linda,a cousin, lived 606 Hillcrest
Ave.
Norm Buckalew <buckenae@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 10:16:03 (EST)
My mother became seriously ill in the Fall of 1963, just before
JFK's assassination, and was very well-cared for by the folks
at Memorial Hospital. She made a complete recovery. During the
time she was there, my Dad and I became good friends with the
wait-staff at the Charcoal Pit on Concord Pike. I was working
in midtown NYC at the time and living in Union, NJ, so I spent
many miles and hours on the NJ Turnpike during that period, back
when the traffic on that route was "manageable." That was a looooong
time ago...
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 10:11:17 (EST)
Connie: I was born at the Memorial Hospital in 1964. The "real
oldsters," of which there are fewer and fewer left, refer to
that former hospital as the "old homeopathic hospital." My mother,
before me was born there in 1931. I think she was the first person,
in all the generations of my family up to that time, to be born
in a hospital; not at home. My dad was born at home, but that
was in 1923.
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Trolley Square, De USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 09:24:54 (EST)
"March 17 1985 The former Memorial Division of the Wilmington
Medical Center on Shallcross Avenue and Van Buren Street was
leveled by an implosion which took 7 1/2 seconds. Condominiums
were intended for the site."
In my time this was called the MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 08:05:07 (EST)
To Norman: did you live on Hillcrest Avenue and have a sister
named Linda?
Swifty <wwswift@suscom.net>
York, PA USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 07:44:28 (EST)
Jean, I was in the Class of 1953.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 21:23:32
(EST)
OK Pat, what year was that? let's see just how old you are.
I was in the class of 58
Jean <usa>
wilm, dw USA - Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 21:19:48 (EST)
OK, all you old radio junkies - does anyone remember the "Brauns-Teen
Club" sponsored by the old Braunstein's Dept. Store? It was held
on Saturday mornings in the basement of the Odd Fellows Building.
Seems to me that Johnny Cornwell was the MC assisted by Dick
Aydelotte and occasionally Harvey Smith (Mr. Goodwill). They
spun records, all the highschool kids danced and once in a while
a celebrity was present. The celebs were sometimes appearing
at the Playhouse. I remember Ezra Stone (Henry Aldrich) and even
Alan Alda (who was about 12 years old). Actually, his father,
Robert, was the star in those days. I remember Alan as being
a little fat kid. We even had a spelling bee once on air. I fell
down on the word "precipice". Still not sure I spelled it right.
I would hate to tell you how I spelled it! The rewards were in
cents. A 25-cent word, a 50-cent word, etc. Kids from Wilmington
High, PS, Ursuline, Sallies, etc. showed up at 10 AM to have
fun. Actually, it preceded Philadelphia's TV's Dick Clark show
and I like to think it was a spin-off. All this occurred in the
50's. I wrote about this one time before and nobody remembered
it. Maybe I am just too old for you kids.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 20:24:41
(EST)
I wasn't at WDEL in the early 50s; I was still in high school.
But I do remember listening to Dick on Saturday nights. In fact,
I remember his theme song then, "Celery Stalks at Midnight." I
didn't start working at WDEL until 1961.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH USA - Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 19:35:53
(EST)
To Bob Wilson--Yes Dick Aydelotte was there with Harvey Smith
and Gorm Walsh. I think Joe Mosbrook was there also.Dick had
the Saturday Night Dancing Party, I remember answering the phones
and taking request, as Dick was my brother-in-law.
Norman Buckalew <buckenae@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 16:28:16 (EST)
Wow! I was surrounded by Clooneys growing up in WIlm. and
didn't know it. Now I'm surrounded by them again! Is it a small
world or what? In Maysville every year on Rosies birthday they
have a festival at the theater where she performed. It's about
two blocks from her home which is now open to the public. Celebrities
always show up rubbing elbows with the common folk. The festival
which is in the middle of the street is free. It's never too
crowded, there's no security other than the local P.D. It's kind
of neat for this part of the world. The county I live in Robertson
is like still in 1950. You pump gas b4 paying, doors are kept
unlocked and if there's a shoplifter it's big news. But I still
miss New Castle County sometimes that's why I like this site.
Patrick Corcoran <pc410@alltel.net>
Mount Olivet, Ky USA - Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 22:00:49
(EST)
I remember meeting Betty Clooney a couple of times, once at
the Dupont Country Club when the Gene Krupa Orchestra was playing
for a dance. It was about the time that Betty was doing a local
TV show on WPTZ (channel 3) in Philadelphia with a host named
George Skinner and announcer Roy Neal who later became the space
reporter for NBC News. It is not generally known that Betty recorded
the singing voice for actress Vera Ellen in the movie "White
Christmas" which starred Rosemary and Bing Crosby. Betty died
in 1976 at the age of 45.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH USA - Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 20:37:53
(EST)
Forgot to mention. My aunt and Betty Clooney were working
in the Philly store in 1948-49. Wanamaker's in Wilmington wasn't
built yet. Even MORE of a big deal back then for girls from Wilmington.
Working as BUYERS at the Philly Wanamakers!!! They used to commute
by train.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 15:50:20
(EST)
For Pat Corcoran. Pat, my aunt who was good friends with and
worked with Betty Clooney is yet another sister of Bailey. I'm
sure you know her son (WPD). WPD runs in my family.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 15:42:26
(EST)
Rosemary Clooney and her sister, Betty, came to Wilmington
around 1947 with their mother, Mrs. Stone (second marriage) and
their younger half sister, Gail Stone. Mrs. Stone owned a lingerie
shop on Market Street called Nugents. During this time, Rosemary
was already off doing her singing career. Sister Betty was good
friends with my aunt and they worked together at Wanamakers as
Buyers. It was a prestigious job back then to be a buyer for
a big department store. I remember both my aunt and Betty being
really into fashion. The Stones lived on Harrison Street in a
very nice brown-stone type house. I vividly remember attending
Gail Stone's 4th birthday party at that house because she and
I got into a dispute over a rocking horse, LOL. Those were the
days! I also remember sitting on the Market Street curb with
Gail at night (it was pitch black and freezing) watching the
Thanksgiving parade. And I remember my aunt propping me up on
the counter at Nugent's so I could sing "I'm Looking Over The
Four Leaf Clover" for Mrs. Stone.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 15:16:39
(EST)
Rosemary Clooney I always liked, and Betty, even more so.
She was a featured regular on Tennessee Ernie Ford's noontime
TV show back in the early 1950's, which would have been about
the time that Nick was at WDEL. Funny, but I don't remember him
from back then, but I do remember Harvey Smith and Gorman Walsh.
Wasn't Dick Aydelotte also there at about the same time?. Nick
Clooney only came to my attention when the AMC Movie Channel
first went on the air. I've since traded in watching AMC for
Turner Movie Classics since AMC went "commercial." Another great
cable channel is IFC, especially for those great foreign flicks
that I always seem reluctant to want to pay for at a theatre.
Has anyone seen "Tango", out of Argentina? Very artsy, and kind
of Fellini-ish, but such dancing you've never seen!
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 11:01:46 (EST)
I was born and raised in Wilmington, just retired from Newark
P.D. I now live in "Clooney Country." North Kentucky just 22
miles from Mary Clooneys home town. 50 miles from Cincinnati.
We have a Clooney festival every year. I don't like their politics
but it's hard to go a day without hearing something about one
of the Clooneys. It's strange now to know that Nick Clooney had
a connection to Delaware. I never knew that.
Patrick Corcoran <pc410@alltel.net>
Mount Olivet, Ky USA - Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 08:21:53
(EST)
Nick Clooney, a longtime TV anchor in Cincinnati, the brother
of singers Rosemary and Betty, and the father of actor/director
George, wrote an interesting article in the Cincinnati Post about
his experiences as a young announcer at WDEL in the early 1950s.
At the time, Gorman Walsh was the station manager and Harvey
Smith the program director. Clooney recalls the time he tried
to ask presidential candidate Dwight Eisenhower a tough question
about Senator Joe McCarthy. It is particularly interesting in
light of George Clooney's recent movie about McCarthy and Edward
R. Murrow. You can find the article at: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051012/LIFE03/510120334/1008/LIFE
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH USA - Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 20:40:03 (EST)
Phil - I certainly remember "party lines". My parents always
had one when I was young. It saved money but I seemed to be the
only one of my friends that had one. It was a pain because often,
when you went to make a phone call you would pick the phone up
and the other party was using it and you had to wait until they
were off. And, I certainly remember hearing the "click" when
I was on the phone when they wanted to use it. Looking back it
seems like such a strange concept.
Erik <heim2je@netzero.com>
newark, de USA - Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 12:57:01 (EST)
Also, tell Ralph and fans to stop typing in CAPS.
John Rollins <nomoreralph@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 10:53:34 (EST)
Remember party lines, when you couldn't make or receive a
phone call until the other people on the party line got off.
It could be a problem at times, but it also was an easy way to
keep in touch with your neighbors (or to listen in and hear some
juicy gossip). :)
Phil <pleasenospamatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 10:52:11 (EST)
Ok, "enough", is there something you've been waiting to tell
us, that our discussion of a friend's woes has prevented you
from getting your post in? I've never been denied access to posting,
but if you have, now's your chance to get that important message
to us, the line's clear now............. :)
Phil <pleasenospamatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 10:49:13 (EST)
Mary Kay, Many thanks for the up -date about our good friend
Ralph. Barb.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Monday, March 13, 2006 at 19:51:58 (EST)
Harry Brand: Please tell Ralph that he's missed here on the
board, and that we all look forward to his return. Susan Ciconte
and Bob Wilson: I remember Theresa Ciconte from P. S., but only
by that name. I never heard her referred to as "Tessie", but
maybe that's because I was only a lowly underclassman, and wasn't
in the "IN" crowd... Anyway, I always thought she was a pretty
foxy chick.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, March 12, 2006 at 19:37:23 (EST)
Susan, your grandmother is the sister of my friend's dad -
Regina Gianonne. This site is far reaching, but I love that it's
still a small world!
Patty <pattywerk@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 16:08:04 (EST)
To Bob Wilson: You mention a Tessie Ciconte in your high school
class. I'll ask my father who this person is, being that he is
a Ciconte and I think we're all related in some way.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 13:59:43 (EST)
Harry Brand -----No No No, it was ME who went to school with
Nancy Casey, cheerleader captain par excellence for the Dynamiters
in the Class of 1952. I never thought of connecting her to Ed
and Dan Casey, but she certainly might have been in the same
family. What a team of cheerleaders we had at PS that year....the
lovelies Peggy Truitt, Tessie Ciconte, Snookie Moore, Nancy,
and who could forget Simmerin' Sue Landy???? Wow!
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Friday, March 10, 2006 at 22:34:26 (EST)
sue: i'm a little older than you, so you might not remember
blairs. it was right before the drugstore, it was on union st,
its been a dozen different names and is still there under some
other name. i'm a st anthony person, but knew alot of people
in that area. your right, things have changed, but good memories
are forever!
oldschool55 <oldschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 15:11:34 (EST)
Bob Wilson, was Dan Casey's father a dentist? I went to grade
school with a Nancy Casey who had a brother Dan who played football
at PS.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 14:27:01 (EST)
Old School, cont.: I don't remember the Blairs, sorry. The
Giannone's are my cousins, on my maternal grandmother's side.
My grandmother was a Giannone (married a Cutrona) and her brother
is Angelo, whose son, I believe, owned or ran the deli. I went
to St. Elizabeth's, grade school and high school, as did my mother,
her sister and brother for grade school (then went on to Sallies)
, and, presently, my nieces and nephews. They're known as family
legacy students. (A nephew graduates this year from the high
school, on his way to the Univ. of Delaware in the fall, and
the other ones are in grade school.) My class is celebrating
its 25th reunion this May; I'll be attending.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 11:07:14 (EST)
Dear Old School: I remember the drug store - Community Pharmacy
- very well. We had an "account" there, like back in the old
days, and would go up there with our Mom to buy cards, a watch
at times, or other stuff. I remember the female in there - very
nice, but her name escaped me. The pharmacist, was it a Joe,
I saw working at a Rite-Aid near Lancaster Avenue several years
ago. We also used Avenue Pharmacy quite a bit on Maryland Avenue.
Ritchy and Rudy were my next door neighbors. Good family. Rudy,
we called him little Rudy, died in 1994, as did his mother. Their
father died in 1989. It was a tough time for all of us, since
we were very close. The younger sister, Rosanne, is doing well.
A good family - on both sides, mother and father.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 11:00:40 (EST)
I noticed in todays obits that Mr Bamberger died . He taught
Enlish at Wilmington High. Does anyone else remember him? He
was also married to my kindergarten teacher at Lore School.
Lorraine Bandiera Wasik <wasikf@bellsouth.net>
Dickson, TN USA - Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 21:15:04 (EST)
It's been said here before Re: local Wilmington radio stations,
but when I was at Udel in Newark, one of the great frustrations
was trying to bring in any local station, especially after about
6PM. I do remember Willie Gaylord on WTUX in the morning from
the 4th floor (way up) of Harter Hall, and "Wakeupwith" did seem
to come in loud and clear at that particular spot. I've always
believed that the large, magnetic iron ore deposit at Iron Hill
down near Glasgow warped the local radio signals, which were
inherently weak, but did not interfere with the 50,000 watter
clear channel stations out of NYC, Philly, Baltimore and Wheeling,
WVa. And by the way, I remember when Dan Casey and his brother
played football for Rae McGraw at PS back in the very early 1950's.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 19:50:34 (EST)
Sorry for the mistake on the WAMS frequency, I musta had 1290
on my mind since they also USED to play good music. It is of
course 1260 and every time I've tuned in it was oldies. I must
admit i don't tune in often, I'm stuck on the "fifties at 5" on
XM radio. All 50's music and no commercials (except 1950's commercials
i.e. Wildroot Cream oil, Sinclair and Texaco gas, Burmashave,
Gillette Blue Blades and the like. They do all the remembering
for me, I don't have to think
dave Ziegler <dziegler3@comcast.net>
newark, de USA - Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 15:14:07 (EST)
"March 8 1940 The Ogden-Howard store at 5th and King Streets
in Wilmington offered a self-powered portable Emerson radio for
$12.77 or 50 cents a week."
Those were the days.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 09:29:24 (EST)
Sean, I remember tutoring Puerto Rican students at St. Paul's
elementary back in the late 60s as part of an Ursuline Serviam
project. They were amazing intelligent children from stable family
backgrounds. I think the State of Deleaware did a terrible thing
to the neighborhood around the church and school with the placement
of I-95 back in that time period. The government took the heart
out of many historic neighborhoods and probably had a hand in
demolishing significant domestic architecture where I-95 was
sited. When was the period of priestly vocations greatest at
St. Paul's? I don't recall the name of the priest you mention.
Most of the ones I knew about have probably passed away or gone
into retirement. I do remember the bishopric of Hyle which I
believe was through the early 60s.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 21:13:12 (EST)
sue: the garden deli was owned by the giannones, and it was
furio's pizza @8th and union, where walts steak house is now.
furio was a cousin of the gerados. i do remember the rubini's,
rudy and ritchy, and i believe they also had a sister? do you
remember blairs, the bar up the street and the pharmacy on the
corner? we used to hang out around the deli when i was younger.
did you go to st anthony's or st thomas's or padua???
oldschool55 <oldschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 19:32:11 (EST)
Old School: Yes, I do remember the Garden Deli well. The proprietor
was a Pat with blonde hair I recall. I believe she was the former
wife of my cousin, a Giannoni (sp). I don't remember the ice
cream store as well, but do remember the sporting goods store
very well. For awhile they had a sign in the window, "Come Hell
or High Water." And, Corbin's Liquors on the corner, too. Yes,
it was Donato who ran the Union Street Gerardo's and there was
a brother Furio who had a pizza place somewhere nearby. Good
times back in those days in that neighborhood. We had a pretty
tight block, good neigbhors (anyone know the Rubinis?) and lots
of good times spent together. I look back with somewhat sad fondness
since many things have changed since when we were growing up
there, in an era which now seems light-years away. Although my
father still lives in the neighborhood, and some of the original
neighbors are still there, and I visit several times a year,
it can never be the same since we can't go back to the time and
live in it again. Coming from a person who studies history on
an academic level, sometimes I feel it's easier to go back to
a time and try to experience it if you've never lived in it (say
Colonial America period).
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 18:53:21 (EST)
Listening to the streaming WAMS now, great oldies music! Thanks
again, Tom, for making us aware of this streaming site, and to
Dave, too, for first bringing this up. *** http://www.1260wams.com/
*** This music brings back lots of good memories, but I miss
the 1380 WAMS commercials, and the original DJ's, and I wish
the music was a few years older, late 50's - early 60's (Can't
have everything, Bruce!!). :):)
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 18:03:43 (EST)
Thanks, Tom, for the information about WAMS; I did check 1290
and it was talk radio when I tuned in, but I didn't search further.
I've just tuned in the website, but so far, just commercials.......
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 17:38:43 (EST)
Remember that '62 storm well! For some reason Joe Dougherty,
Buddy Boucher and I went to the Jersey shore looking for work
in the aftermath of the storm, but were turned down in favor
of locals. Instead, we ended up in Chapel Hill, NC, doing some
construction work; Buddy and I later went to New Orleans and
a very short stint with Wearever Aluminum, while Joe stayed in
Chapel Hill playing some gigs. Eventually we "surfaced" in Wilmington
and had another short tenure driving ice cream trucks for Ed
Szubielski's Snow White Ice Cream until it was time to go back
to school.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 15:28:25
(EST)
susan, you must remember the garden deli?? and the guy next
door who sold icecream? and the sporting good store on the corner
thats now a chinese restaraunt?
oldschool55 <oldschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 13:23:55 (EST)
WAMS is AM 1260, not 1290. They are bradcasting from Newark
over East Coast Broadcasting, Inc. I'm listening to it right
now streamed over the internet. I doubt I could receive it by
radio here on Long Island. Maybe at night. They have a web site
under construction at http://www.1260wams.com/ .
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 13:14:08 (EST)
As I remember the AM radio station frequencies in the mid-50's:
WDEL 1150; WTUX 1290; WAMS 1380 and WILM 1450.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 12:13:17 (EST)
We used to refer to WNRK as 'radio free Newark' because it
was so hard to get their signa.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 11:37:42 (EST)
Thanks for the info about WAMS, I haven't checked yet, but
will do so today. But, wasn't 1290-AM the home of WTUX? I don't
have any memory of what WNRK's frequency was, as we had a hard
time hearing it in north Wilmington. and, (as I don't follow
these things too closely, so am not sure), but didn't/doesn't
WJBR-FM use that frequency for their AM station? I'm just a fishin'
for some answers (help!) about these frequencies. I do remember
that sometime after "Dancin' Dan" Casey left WAMS, he showed
up on WNRK, which was great for me, as I really liked "Dancin'
Dan's" show. Any station that plays oldies is all right in my
book, more power (literally) to them!! :):)
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 10:48:20 (EST)
It may interest some of you to know that WAMS is back on the
air at AM 1290 playing oldies. The name's the same but the frequency
is the old WNRK frequency. The music is good though, fifties
and sixties music.
Dave Ziegler <dziegler3@comcast.net>
newark, de USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 10:38:44 (EST)
Yes it is good the know gerardo's is back, I think it was
Donato was one of the brothers he also ran the one downtown,
I think around 9th street. one of the other brothers opened the
one in hockessin.
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 19:30:29 (EST)
For Robin and P.S. duPont Yearbook: Try the public library.
Re: Gerardo's, which has always been up the street from where
I grew up on the 1900 block of Elm Street. I believe it is still
run by the original owners: Bruno and Larry Casale (St. Elizabeths
High School, 1981 - we are all celebrating our 25th reunion this
May, coming as far as Arizona and Minnesota) and family members.
But, back to the real original - take out only.
Susan Ciconte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 17:05:25 (EST)
Re fear of German invasions - I've read in DE 'this day in
history' of at least 2 occasions when it was discovered that
German subs were off the Delaware or Jersey coast.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 14:06:57 (EST)
Mention of the Warner theater on 10th street brings back memory
of an occasion during WW2 when my dad and I were standing in
line to see a movie there. It was noon on a Saturday, when the
huge air-raid siren atop the Nemoirs building across the street
sounded its daily test. It was ear splitting. That siren, installed
when fear of German air raids was real, could be heard all over
Wilmington and nearby suburbs. I think the movie that we saw
was "The Fighting Lady", a beautifully made color documentary
about out aircraft carriers in the Pacific theater, issued in
1944.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 13:44:01 (EST)
Donna: I forgot to mention St Pauls at 4th and Jackson. It
was an Irish Catholic Powerhouse. It's still functional today,
but the strongest influence in the parish today is latino. Fr
Bill Jennings, 66yrs a priest, and baptised in St Paul's, in
1913, recently told me that more priestly vocations have come
out of St Paul's parish than any other in the Diocese of Wilmington.
That's an impressive statistic!
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Trolley Square, De USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 13:15:50 (EST)
Thanks Connie, for the mention of the March '62 storm, I don't
think I saw any mention of it in the disgrace that they put out
as a newspaper now-a-days here in Wilmington. (If there was mention,
I apologize to the people there - you can't call them newspeople
or reporters, as all they do is take items off the wire, so what
do you call them?) As everyone remembers, the storm that March
was a horrible storm which just demolished most of the Delaware
coastline and towns along the coast. More damage to our state
coast was done by that storm then by any hurricane that has ever
hit the state. Yearly rememberance, with pictures, should be
made in the Wilmington news paper. Of course, I also think the
Wilmington paper should be run locally, by locals, with local
staff - not by some knuckleheads down in NC.
Bruce <inlimbo>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 12:19:53 (EST)
Re: Little Flower -- I had been surprised when first coming
on the name Little Floower, probably on an old map, because this
school was not functioning anymore in the 60s, was it? Interesting
that it was an offshoot of St. Patrick's. I think someone answered
a question I'd raised about it back in the archives -- can't
recall which month or year, though. Of course, during the 40s
and 50s there was a great proliferation of Catholic parishes
and adjoining elementary schools. These were probably the "golden
days" of parochial school education. It's telling that the Diocese
of Wilmington is behind the founding and mission of today's Nativity
Prep (a wonderful endeavor!).
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 11:44:07 (EST)
Several interesting tidbits from this day in DE history -
1881 The Wilmington SUNDAY STAR newspaper started publication
and would continue to do so for the next 73 years. // 1962 An
extratropical STORM hit Delaware beaches with 60 MPH winds. Rehoboth
Beach was a shambles with the entire boardwalk being ripped away.
In Bethany Beach 28 of 29 homes were destroyed and the Holiday
House was demolished. Seven people were killed, six of whom were
children at Bowers Beach. Governor Elbert Carvel declared the
storm the worst the state had ever suffered with damage placed
at $50 million. // 1978 The WARNER THEATER Theater, Wilmington's
last big movie house at 210 W. 10th Street, was RAZED to make
way for a parking lot. I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE WARNER!
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 11:20:30 (EST)
liz, is it still gerado's running the pizza place or is someone
else just using the name??? i thought they moved up to hockessin?
oldschool
oldschool55 <oldschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 09:04:33 (EST)
re LITTLE FLOWER - I heard it referred to as "Little Flower
Chapel." I remember passing by the back yard one day and seeing
a nun out there. I commented on how beautiful the yard was and
she told me it was where they went to meditate.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, March 05, 2006 at 15:55:01 (EST)
Dave, I remember Little Flower very well. It was sort of a
mission offshoot of St. Patrick's. There was a school through
4th grade and then the kids came to St. Patrick's in 5th grade.
I was at St. Patrick's in the 40's and some of my best friends
in those days went to Little Flower.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 19:56:01
(EST)
For all of you out there who do not know it already the Gerardo's
Pizza shop on Union Street is back. Take out only. Hurrah!
liz <gardens402@aol.com>
wilm, de USA - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 18:35:24 (EST)
YOU HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT ALL THE CATHOLIC PARISHES IN WILMINGTON
YOU FORGOT LITTLE FLOWER
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 17:52:57 (EST)
Re: Catholic parishes and offshoots -- Sean, as you've been
describing the foundings of St. Mary's, and other city churches,
it's coming to me that perhaps a number of these parishes come
in pairs (that is, with one being an offshoot of a first for
a particular ethnic group): St. Mary's and St. Patrick's (for
the Irish) and then as they became even more prosperous, St.
Anne's; St. Stanislaus Kotska and St. Hedwig's for the Poles
(who started, initially worhipping at the German-founded Sacred
Heart), and, for the Italian's, St. Anthony's and St. Thomas'.
Could you provide the founding dates of all these parishes from
your information? It is an amazing history of the immigrant and
assimilation experience that is unfolding here! Sincerely, Donata
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 11:51:13 (EST)
Re: Design of Tilton Park at 8th and Broom Streets -- Wayne,
your are correct in your assessment of the unwelcoming layout
of Tilton Park. In my mind, it's exactly as you described it,
both in design (an unappetizing "X" carved out in the center)
and function (encouraging cut-throughs but little else). By the
time I observed this area in the late 60s, it had become even
more unattractive due to the neighborhood's deterioration (and
dangerous overtones).
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 11:45:32 (EST)
Re: TILTON NAME and COOL SPRING SITE Here is the information
on the origins of the park's name from the Census Tract 15 document: "Dr.
James Tilton, a Revolutionary war hero, member of Congress, and
one of the country's first Surgeon General, suggested that the
area around 8th and Broom Streets would make an excellent site
for the nation's capital. As late as the 1960s, this section
was still called Capitol Hill... Other prominent residents included
Bancroft Woodcock, a Quaker silversmith, who purchased property
in 1760, which he later sold to Dr. Tilton in 1802... "Cool Spring" at
11th and Broom Streets was the home of H. Fletcher Brown, a DuPont
Vice-President and noted scientist ..."
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 11:42:15 (EST)
Thanks for the update Wayne. I thought that Italians lived
around Madison St. My great aunt, Ada Kirkpatrick, worked for
the DuPont Company from 1918-1961. She started in the explosives
department, and worked with two maiden sisters, that remained
her life long friends. They were Rose and Betty Cagnacci. They
were born and raised on Madison St. It was their brother that
ran the fruit stand. They were born there in the early to mid
1890's, so I figured that area must have been a site of early
Italian settlement. I think the great wave of Italians came around
1910 and after. I'm thinking anyway. There was a tendency to
move westward in the city, with original settlement closer to
the heart of the downtown.
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Trolley Square, De USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 18:52:14 (EST)
The reason you never heard of the Tilton Park is because it
was a nothing park. It was more like Rodney Square than a park.
It had sidewalks that formed an x in it. There wasn't even a
fountain or anything where they met. I can't ever remember anyone
doing anything in that park even though it had a couple of benches,
because there was nothing of intrest there. The only purpose
it servedwas to allow you to cut across the block and save a
few steps. It was still there when I visited someone at Tilton
Terrace in the 90's. Down the street near the resevoir was Cool
Springs which had a mini swimming pool, goldfish pond and big
trees to shade you if you just wanted to relax. Tilton didn't
even have trees. Just a big open square. As far as the Italians
go, they didn't live there. Little Italy didn't really begin
until you got down to Scott Street, but a large population of
Italians still lived on Madison Street and in that area around
Sacred Heart when I was growing up. Riccio still had a produce
place at 5th and Madison until the 50's. I remember going to
school with the Padavoni's who lived at 8th and Madison. The
Janvier (Jewelers fame) lived there too but didn't have a french
pronunciation to their name at that time. It was Janveer not
John-Ve'eh. In the mid to late 50's a lot of the older Italian
families moved to Little Italy, Vilone Village and other parts
of Elsmere. Others went out around Kirkwood Hghw & Limestone
Rd before it was built up.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 17:50:28 (EST)
Donna: Thanks for the info. regarding Tilton. The is a nursing
home on 8th St between Broom and Rodney called Tilton Terrace.
I wonder if that harkens back to Tilton Park.
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Trolley Square, De USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 17:03:56 (EST)
RE: Tilton Park - my family moved to Wilmington in April 1952
in the 1500 block of West 7th (between Clayton & Rodney). I too
have never heard of Tilton Park. There were a lot of Italians
in the neighborhood. It was something different for this little
old country boy. The small town we moved from in Maryland didn't
even have a catholic church. I quickly learned to like Italian
cooking. Those were the days. I would not trade them for anything.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 16:10:57 (EST)
RE: Locations of the Italian Commnunity -- The Cool Spring
Census Track 15 noted that "8th Street Park, or Tilton Park,
located at 8th Street between Broom and Franklin Streets, was
in the Italian community known as Little Italy. This area grew
rapidly after an influx of Italian immigrants in 1903 and 1904
swelled the population of Wilmington to almost 80,000."
I never heard speak of Tilton Park growing up in the 60s. In
fact, if we drove past this area on Franklin Street on the way
to Ursuline, it was obvious the area had become seriously deprived
and neglected. I'm sure by then the Italian populace and their
children were no longer living on this park.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 15:11:37 (EST)
Sean, you're a wealth of information! Thank you so much. I,
too, had attended a Mass or two at Sacred Heart. Actually, the
first one was in the autumn of 1966 when Urusline Academy held
its Mission Day, and the entire school trooped over to the church.
That was a beautiful walk through then safer neighborhoods at
a truly gorgeous time of year in Wilmington. The last time was
with my children in 1990 or 1991. I did note the presence of
a Benedictine priest then. (I think they were a good antidote
to the diocesans who were, naturally, too plugged into the hierarchical
structure of the Wilmington Catholic diocese and a little too
lock-step for my taste.) I'm glad the church has been preserved
as an Oratory at the moment and not completely lost. You are
right about St. Stan's. Its days are surely numbered. Another
question: did the German settlers in Wilmington come from a particular
area of Germany? I guess the simple solution would be around
Catholic Bavaria. I've travelled to Germany in '03, '04, and
'05 and find the differences between Protestant and Catholic
areas striking.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 12:25:33 (EST)
For Art: I noticed in some old phone directories that Polish-surnamed
families did not live immediately in the St. Hedwig's vicinity
but on streets that I take to be on the "East Side" -- I'll have
to locate those addresses. I'm sure this area was proximate to
leather factories, etc. who employed a good number of these immigrants.
Actually, my grandfather was American-born and served as a beat
cop for a period of years, so it may have been his father who
lived on the East Side.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 12:18:00 (EST)
Robin, if you don't have any luck anywhere else, put in a "Search" on
Ebay for anything related to P.S. or however you want to word
the search, then if anything comes up named thusly, Ebay will
notify you via email. That's what I do in order to see all manner
of memorabilia about Wilmington.
Phil <pleasenospamatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 09:07:07 (EST)
Donna: My info on the Germans came from a book I have on the
150 anniv of the Delaware Saengerbund. The saengerbund celebrated
it's 150 birthday in 2003. It's a wealth of info on Wilmington's
early Germans. Sacred Heart was called Herz Jesu Kirche by the
German speakers. The church was built in 1874, as a place of
worship for german speaking Catholics. The dedication Mass was
held on April 25th, 1875. Rev Fr Wendelin Mayer, O.S.B., came
from Germany to be the first pastor of Sacred Heart. He built
the convent and brought in Benedictine Nuns to teach in the school.
The Benedictines didn't pull out of Sacred Heart till about 1995
or later. I used to attend daily Mass there once in a blue moon.
It's now Sacred Heart Oratory. St Joseph's Church was started
by the Josephite Fathers, as a church for Black Catholics. It's
on Walnut or French. It's right next to one of the MBNA buildings.
It's still an active parish. As for St Patrick's I think it was
started as a primarily Irish parish in the 1870's. The actual
church building was built in the early 1880's. Today, St Patricks
and St Marys are one Parish. Fr Murphy is pastor of both. I hate
to say it, but I think St Stan's days are numbered too. I have
only ever been to St Stans for Midnight mass on Christmas eve,
and that was 15yrs ago. It doesn't seem to me that there are
many polish catholics living in the area of the church. If there
were, the steps and sidewalks would be cleaner!
Sean <eknagel@msn.com>
Trolley Square, De USA - Friday, March 03, 2006 at 07:46:46 (EST)
Does anyone know where I can get/find/buy a P.S. duPont H.S.
yearbook from 1976?
Robin <raldru@msn.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 23:38:16 (EST)
Sean, your comments are most interesting. Now, how does St.
Patrick's history play out with regard to St. Mary's? Was it
an offshoot in the other direction? I recall hearing of St. Mary's
when I was growing up in the 60s. I do recall that when Comptom
Park was built, the Catholics living there attended St. Mary's.
Didn't St. Mary's have a damaging fire in the past few decades
as well? Wasn't there also a St. Joe's parish?
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, De USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 23:08:46 (EST)
Donna, I think the same can be said for the original Italian
settlement in Wilmington. There wasn't much in the way of housing
in what is today "Little Italy." I think the orig wave of Italian
immigration settled in and around Sacred Heart and St Peter's
Cathedral. Then, in the 1920's St Anthony of Padua was built.
For example Cagnacci fruit stand around 4th and Madison. Not
in Little Italy. You are right Donna, Sacred Heart was built
and run by the Order of St Benedict, for the cities German Catholics.
Zion Lutheran, for the protestant germans. In the 19th century,
both churches had german school. St Stans is the original Polish
church. St Mary's at 6th and Pine, the orig Irish Church. St
Mary's has a plaque in the Narthex stating that it was consecrated
by Bishop Naumann, the Bishop of Philadelphia. Now he is St John
Neumann. Prior to 1868, the Diocese of Wilmington didn't exist,
it was part of Philadelphia archdiocese.
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Trolley Square, De USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 17:42:59
(EST)
I would also like to see the histories of the different parishes
in Wilmington. My mother's family lived on the east side of town
and were affiliated with St. Stans. My dad's family lived in
Browntown and went to St. Hedwigs. I don't think it was just
the Polish people going to these churches. 3 of my grandparents
emigrated from Russia. When my mother died in 1997 she was buried
from St. Stans even though she had been living in Elkton, MD
and belonged to Immaculate Conception.
Mary Ann <MacCbc2003@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 17:14:09 (EST)
Hi, Art, thank you for your help. My grandparetns lived for
a period on South Heald St. where my grandmother was the proprietor
of John L.'s Cafe during the WWII years. From what I know of
their church-going habits, they had been wed at Sacred Heart
(which I believe was a German congregation to begin with) and
then moved up to Broomstreet (Hedgewille), where they owned both
400, at the corner, and 421 across the street. They continued
with a St. Hedwig's affiliaton. I had almost been wondering whether
the St. Stan's people originated in a different area of Poland,
but it may just be a Wilmington geogrpahy matter. I wish the
various parish histories were extensive and on the Net!
Donata Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 16:00:23 (EST)
Donata - As I understand, from my Polish-American mother,
the east side was the original settling area for Polish immigrants.
It offerred available, inexpensive housing at the turn of the
century, before the Browntown/Hedgeville areas were built. My
great grandparents lived directely across from St. Stanislaus
and my mother remembers walking from her house on Elm Street
down to her grandmothers many times. As more and more Polish
immigrants came to Wilmington, they settled in the new Browntown/Hedgeville
area. In the early 1990's I had a neighbor whose Polish mother
still lived in the area. As I understand, she passed away in
the mid 1990's. I attended Mass in the church a few years ago,
and from an article I read in The Dialog, there are a few old
timers who are trying to keep the church going. Seems like a
big uphill battle to me, but I commend them on their spirit!
Art <artajjas@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 15:53:06 (EST)
I just checked on one of my favorite teams for futility, the
aforementioned 1954 A's; I had forgotten how bad they were. Their
record that year was 45-109, worse even than the 1961 Phillies
who lost 23 in a row. Bill Wilson led the team in homers with
15; the starting staff had a collective 30-66 record with a 5.11
ERA (especially terrible since they didn't have the DH then)& Arnold
Portocarrero led the team in wins with 9 (he lost 18 ). Their
attendance that year was just over 300,000, so no wonder they
ended up in KC!
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 15:26:07
(EST)
The funeral for the late Mayor Barbiarz's wife left me wondering:
how, exactly, did St. Stanislaus Kostka Church come into being?
I was under the impression that the Polish nieghborhood, dominated
as it was by St. Hedwig's, had the dibs on Polish and Polish-American
parishioners. I accessed the St. S.K. website today and saw no
parish history. I don't think I've ever seen the building for
this church either.
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 15:24:01 (EST)
The post about the jockeys from Delaware Park and their tall
blond girlfriends triggered a memory for me. In the late 50's,
my husband-to-be and I would sometimes stop for a drink at the
Kent Manor Inn. We were always amused to see the jockeys from
Delaware Park come in. They were always about 5 feet tall and
had their dates on their arms. The dates were always 6 ft. blonde
girls!
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 13:41:33
(EST)
The boxing matches at Delaware Park mostly involved the stable
hands, as I recall. Rare to see a jockey box; most were pretty
vain and their mostly tall blonde girlfriends likely wouldn't
approve. The man in charge of those matches was Jock Labelle
(sp?) He was an outgoing, really great guy to know. Brought a
spirit to the track that couldn't be matched. They have a big
race annually now named after Jock. The heavyweight champion
down there was a big black guy named "Baby Brother". That's how
I knew him. Befrieded him and he would take me down to hear his
real music at the Club Baby Grand. Good times and better music.
All of the jazz legends were playing there at the time. Afterwards
we might stop at Barney Lofland's after hours club at 9th and
???. Just like a speakeasy. You'd knock and then Barney would
check you out before allowing you up to the second floor. I was
just beginning to play trumpet professionally and that was part
of my learning process. I'd guess it was 1962. That's why they
call them the good ole days!
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 10:22:32
(EST)
Thanks for the information, Ed, but I was just questioning
when they moved to KC - I thought it was late 50's, early 60's.
I've since found out that the A's moved to KC after the 1954
season. The park you are thinking of is Shibe Park/Connie Mack
Stadium, which was their home park in Phila. throughout their
stay in Phila.
Bruce <burp369atyahoo.com>
Wilmngton, DE USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 10:04:23 (EST)
I remember the best fights at Delaware Park were between the
jockeys. They'd really take out their frustrations from the racetrack
into the ring. And Mookie wasn't the only guy at Delaware Park
that had a racket going. I used to work on the admissions gate
and some of the old-timers used to stick a self-made gadget into
the top of their turnstiles that would stop the number from advancing
when someone went through. This was back when you had to pay
2 bucks to get into the track. So when the gadget was in place,
each time a patron came through, it was another 2 bucks into
their pocket.
erik <heim2je@netzero.com>
newark, de USA - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 06:51:13 (EST)
Bruce,They left Philly and went to KCity then to Okland.The
owner was a guy name Charles Finley I think. He had some very
good teams but the went up against the Philles.The A's played
at ( Shiie Park) not sure about the spelling.
Ed Begley <epangels_2002@yahoo.com>
Santa FE, Tx USA - Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 22:46:52 (EST)
I remember going to the movies at Delaware Park when I was
a young child. We would park in the lot near Kirkwood Highway
and walk into the stadium. For a family with 9 kids this was
a great deal to be able to go to the movies for free. I don't
think they would show the movies if it rained. If I remember
correctly they had boxing on Friday nights too.
Mary Ann <MacCbc2003@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 17:28:06 (EST)
I believe Mondays were the fight nights at Delaware Park.
That was always one of the
erik <heim2je@netzero.com>
newark, de USA - Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 14:48:44 (EST)
Is the 'mayor's' wife? ADELE BABIARZ Age 88, widow of John
E. Babiarz, Sr., passed away on Monday, February 27, 2006. A
Saturday service is being scheduled, and a complete obituary
will appear in the Thursday and Friday editions of The News Journal.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 12:00:04 (EST)
I too remember attending one of those movie nights in the
grandstand at Delaware Park. I also remember attending amateur
boxing matches in the evenings involving some of the workers.
The winner received $10 and the loser $5. Not a whole lot of
pugilistic skill displayed but more than offset by a great deal
of enthusiasm and effort.
Tom Kolasinski <tkck@cox.net>
Glendale , AZ USA - Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 10:55:05 (EST)
Speaking about Delaware Park, as I recall in my early youth
tey used to show feature films in the grandstand section. I think
they were primarily for the benefit of the workers and jockeys,
but other locals were welcome to attend and see the films. All
for free!
Mario <melepera@aol.com>
Harrisonburg, VA USA - Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 09:30:25
(EST)
END...