Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #32: August 1, 2006 to August 31, 2006 entries)

For Bob McKelvey: How about the term "PIG ALLEY". When I was a kid in my neighborhood on South Jackson Street most Blocks had alley's that went all the way through the blocks. I'll never know why but We referred to them as PIG Alley's. Also for Shirley, Enjoy your stay in "SLOWER De..
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol,com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 21:03:15 (EDT)

Fuddy - you're right about living the city. A great way to live. We stayed until the neighborhood became dangerous. I think it is a sin the way our town was allowed to be trashed by nasty people.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 16:11:34 (EDT)

Estella...I rode down 4th Street earlier this evening. The houses on your side of the street are mostly still there. My first husband lived at 417. HIs name was Jim Bender. My grandparents lived at 522. Their house is still there, but all the houses past it have been torn down. The church is still on the corner of 4th and Pine, where the "White Eagle Post" used to be. We're going away for a week, but I'll try to remember to take my camera with me the following week and take some pictures. My cousin in Atlanta asked for a picture of Grandmom Ritter's house, so I can kill 2 birds with one stone. I watched many of the circus parades from Grandmom's front porch. Those really were the "Good Old Days"! Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 23:00:21 (EDT)

Estella from Hartly and Everyone Else who remembers the great fun of living in an urban neighborhood during and just after WWII...what a great shame it was to have this whole way of life erode away as people mass-moved to the new suburbs after about 1955. This happened everywhere, not just in Wilmington. I caught the last wave of this in the 9th Ward of Wilm., on West 23rd Street near Madison, from 1949 to 1951. Back then, you couldn't count the number of small sub shops, luncheonettes, dry cleaners, grocery stores, liquor shops, druggists, hardware merchants, bakeries, shoe repair shops and general merchandise stores, on almost every corner within a 10-"square" radius just about anywhere in the city limits of Wilmington, unless you had a calculator. Today, developers have been trying to recreate the feeling of an urban neighborhood environment with "townhouses" in developments built into former cornfields 20 miles from town. They look pretty good, but they can't cut it until Mom and Pop and the old-style corner stores reappear and that won't be anytime soon. When you have to drive 3 miles to get the morning papers and a quart of milk....well, that's living? No, it's existing, and it's sucking up $3 a gallon gas just to get by. Do I sound like a fuddy-duddy here? Well, so be it.
Fuddy Old Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 22:11:26 (EDT)

Ok, thanks, Bob. Does anyone else have any expressions that are unique or generally limited to Wilmington and vicinity? I can think of a couple: "Square" for city block; "fire plug" for fire hydrant... but many more have slipped through the many cracks in my mind.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 19:31:59 (EDT)

BILL, I don't recollect that on my list. I will look for the list of sayings and add it to the others. ...Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 16:57:58 (EDT)

Hey, Bob McKelvey-- in your list of "Wilmington expressions", do you have "consensus of opinion"? When I moved out here to the left coast quite a few years ago, I used that saying and received a ration of you-know-what. Everyone said it was redundant, and the proper use is just "consensus".
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 14:13:04 (EDT)

Could someone tell me if the row houses in the 400 block of East Fourth Street are gone? I lived at 416 E. 4th and after we moved from there, I know they tore down the block across from us and built low income housing. I haven't been up that way in years. I checked out that block on the TerraServa satellite website and the last pics they took were from 1998. It looks like our block is now townhouses or condos. I sure would like to see a picture of that block. Across the street from us was Joe's and Tony's sub shop. And in the middle of the block was Katz's Soda Shop. Zelda's parents ran that and down on the corner was Sherby's Liquor Store. On the corner of our block was Buckmaster's Drug Store and across the street from him on the corner of Popler and 4th was Frankel's market. I remember my mom sending me down there with ration books for coffee and sugar. We were allowed 1 lb. of coffee a month and five pounds of sugar a month. We sure coudn't live with that these days. I also used to sit on my front steps and watch the Ringling Bros Circus march the animals up 4th street. They unloaded them down at the RR at the foot of 4th street and elephants and giraffes marched up the street. What a thrill for a small girl.
Estella <dizzy0924@comcast.net>
Hartly, De USA - Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 13:51:04 (EDT)

JEAN, I remember quite a few sayings from growing up in Wilmington, they are seldom heard now. A lot of the sayings were passed down from parents to children and were common place while we were growing up in Wilmington. I started writing them down a few years ago and have quite a list compiled. ...Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 12:11:47 (EDT)

My Dad was also a Block Warden during WWII. His biggest headache was a young kid on his "staff" who didn't always use good enforcement judgment. This kid once went up to an occupied parked car on a local lover's lane in the middle of a dark evening and rapped on the window because the car radio dial was glowing. The guy jumped out of the car and clocked the kid upside the haid. His date was the daughter of the Mayor at that time. Sheeesh!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 18:28:44 (EDT)

I also can recall when some of the car head lights were painted black on the upper portion. My father was a Block Warden complete with the Civil Defense arm band and whistle. Each block had a block warden to make sure the lights did not show during the air raid drill. There was also a sector warden for every four blocks to oversee the block wardens. Remember at the boardwalk on the coast the street lights were painted black on the ocean side. They called that condition a brown out. Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon,net>
Cape May, N. J. USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 17:12:00 (EDT)

I remember those "black-outs" during WWII. The middle room on the first floor was our dining room (do your homework room), and had one window looking out into an alley. It had a black window shade which was pulled down to keep the light from being seen from outside. We still had to do our homework. Does anyone remember the car headlights being painted black on the top half so the lights only shone downward? My dad was a civil patrol person. He really made us obey the rules....and do our homework! Ha-Ha Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 16:39:36 (EDT)

Bob, your comment "cost a pretty penny" bought back memories, my dad said it along with a lot of others that I can't think of right now because I am ready to sign off.
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 16:12:28 (EDT)

I remember when fire hydrants and mailboxes were painted olive drab. Was that because of the war? I remember black-out drills. They seemed to have them when there was a full moon and cars still went up and down Market Street, but with headlights out.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 14:00:46 (EDT)

The yellow stop signs reminds me of the little glass balls about the size of marbles that were used to reflect the sign at night. And then I remembered that next to the stop sign on the street where I lived the mail box was made of a cast metal, painted olive drab and attached to a concrete post. Thanks for triggering those distant memories Robert.
Tom Kolasinski <tkck@cox.net>
Glendale , AZ USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 13:46:07 (EDT)

Remember when all the "STOP SIGNS" were painted yellow? I was out of the country from 52 to 55 and when I returned all the stop signs were red in Wilmington and nearby States. That must have cost a pretty penny, but I guess it provided work for many. I believe red was easier to see than yellow for most people.
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 13:27:24 (EDT)

Yes, I remember Madame Zora! She did business on Route 40 just below Glasgow, I believe. I recall her sign saying, "Sees all, Tells all."
Larry Roszkowiak <larry.roszkowiak@ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 12:02:55 (EDT)

Does anyone remember the ads for MADAM ZORA? I recall seeing her 'shop' on route 40 years ago.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 08:51:13 (EDT)

Josh White WAS an early icon of Country/Protest Folk music (along with Dylan and Baez) and I still have a battered and scratched old LP of his from a Carnegie Hall concert. I never cared too much for his stuff. He was in vogue at about the same time as the Kingston Trio, and The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem were doing their sea chanties and Irish rebellion songs, and I was completely taken up by both groups (and also by Dave Brubeck and Ramsey Lewis, oddly enough). Is that eclectic, or what?
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, August 28, 2006 at 22:12:42 (EDT)

"John Denver experienced his first major break in the music industry when he was chosen from 250 other hopefuls as lead singer for the popular Mitchell Trio."
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 28, 2006 at 13:06:18 (EDT)

The Old Mill was on Brinton Lake Road, just north of Route 1. It was a great place to go. Wasn't John Denver originally in the Chad Mitchell Trio? Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, August 28, 2006 at 12:49:05 (EDT)

Bob that same Old Mill is where I saw the Four Aces sing. It was a swinging place. I went there after my Sallies Prom in '52.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@msn.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, August 28, 2006 at 09:52:03 (EDT)

I'll never forget going to a rustic place called the Old Mill (or whatever ???) up on Rte. 1 toward Media, and seeing Screamin' Jay Hawkins. What an act he had!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, August 28, 2006 at 08:39:05 (EDT)

re: The Brandywine Music Box. I rememeber seeing the Chad Mitchell Trio perform there in the early 60's when folk singers were in vogue. Josh White opened for them. I didn't know anything about him then but now know he was one of the icons of Country Blues music and probably more significant historically than the main act.
Tom Kolasinski <tkck@cox.net>
Glendale, AZ USA - Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 18:11:31 (EDT)

Jean, Thanks for letting me know about M&M...that will be the first place I head to on Wednesday morning...I can't believe it is still there, that's awesome after all these years...so much for my diet...:)
Rose Culver <reculver71@aol.com>
Layton, UT USA - Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 13:57:23 (EDT)

Sharon, I believe that was the "Brandywine Music Box"... they used to have some pretty decent shows there. I seem to recall seeing "Pajama Game" there starring Rosemary Clooney 'way back when...
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 12:04:25 (EDT)

For Jim, There was a tented theatre in the round at Christy's Corner that I remember going to. I can't remember the complete name but I do remember "Music Box" was part of the name.
sharon <shar646@aol.com>
weston, fl USA - Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 11:29:32 (EDT)

Brother UDelaware Delt Jim Rambo - Where is that article you wrote for publication in that local English language newspaper down there in Mariachi Land? We are all waiting to read it with baited breath! !Olay!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 10:47:30 (EDT)

The intersection at Rt. 1 & 202 I always heard it referred to as "Painters Crossroads since the late 1930's. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 08:41:26 (EDT)

I can recall when the Rt 1 & 202 intersection was known as Birmingham Corner because of the Diner.___Now it is called "Painters Crossroads"...
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 05:03:14 (EDT)

At Christy's Corner there was a theatre in the round in the mid-50's. I remember seeing the Dukes of Dixieland play there with my family then. The production was well done; quite professional, as I recall. I didn't see any other shows but I'm sure that someone else remembers them.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 22:05:57 (EDT)

Christ Our King class of 1956 is planning a 50th year reunion. If you were a member of our class or know someone who was, please email your (their) name, address, telephone # and email address. to me. We would like to contact as many classmates as possible. Also, any memories of our years at COK would be welcome. Thanks, Sandy Paski Conner bsconne@msn.com
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, DE USA - Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 20:06:26 (EDT)

the corner of rt1 and 202 was known as "christy's corner" LONG after christy's was gone. what i most remember about it were the multicolor neon lights ("red" -really more orange, yellow and green) all around the roof line. it was a real attentiongetter. i always preferred to go up foulk rd, thru boothwyn, and on up to rt1 above wawa, rather than through christy's coener. i used to commute to st joe's that way.
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 16:30:28 (EDT)

Rose, yes M&M is still on phila pike and yes they still have the pizza, just had some last week. MMMM good
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 00:45:44 (EDT)

Route 202 and Route 1 was known as Christy's Corner - back in the day. The Longhorn was further east on Route 1, farther up than the Concordville Inn. Thenit was Pulsations, and now it's no longer there. Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Friday, August 25, 2006 at 22:22:16 (EDT)

I am coming back to visit in October and wanted to know if the M&M Bakery is still there on Philadelphia Pike and if they still make that awesome square pizza with only sauce??? I also remember eating their rolls just right out of the bag...mmmm...
Rose Culver <reculver71@aol.com>
Layton, UT USA - Friday, August 25, 2006 at 20:21:48 (EDT)

Joe, those animals just inside the main entrance to Christy's were live alligators! I remember them well; there were about 4 or 5 fairly small ones in there, and they were in a round pit with a low wall to keep them in. I think the wall was made of bricks, and recall thinking that it wasn't high enough... I could just picture them getting out and crawling out to the dining room! Never saw them on the menu, however.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 22:13:58 (EDT)

Christy's Restaurant was on the southwest corner of Route 1 and Route 202, diagonally across from the much later Birmingham Diner. Christy's was there for years, back in the days when the best route from Wilmington to Philadelphia was Route 1 through Media. As you walked in the front door, there was a small pond built in the reception area with some kind of living animal in it. It was a decent restaurant and a longtime landmark of the area, long before Concord Pike became "civilized."
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 20:09:13 (EDT)

Pat, Check out the bottom of the Restaurants Page.___There you will see the list of restaurants that occupied 2020 Naamans Road.___My info was gathered from the DHS and Xavier Teixido himself whom I contacted by E-mail about 18 months ago.
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 19:55:46 (EDT)

I know that I have asked about this before; however, the restaurant that seems to be currently Savoy and was before that called Kings Inn was possibly the old Cedar Inn. My husband and I spent many a wonderful evening there sipping libations and playing the jukebox. Our favorite waiter was a guy called "Greenie". This was back in the middle and late 50's. Anyone recall the place and especially Greenie?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 19:12:59 (EDT)

Jim, Thanks for the info on the Monkey Hill stop sign. I had a very good friend that lived just across the way from that stop sign. We would see little ladies' stall there cars on that hill and we would bring their cars over the crest for them on several occasions. I believe we were about twenty years old and it made us feel good helping someone get out of trouble. I did my horseback riding out between Centerville, De. and Fairville,Pa., it was called the Flying U. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 18:48:27 (EDT)

Bob....believe it or not the stop sign at the top of Monkey Hill is gone & the stop signs are on 18th now..just wanted to keep you current. I'm still remembering the real cream that used to stick to the roof of you mouth long after finishing your Lynthwaite's ice cream cone.....wow! Wasn't there a horseback riding stable there also, or, near there??
Jim Batty <travelcompany@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 17:43:08 (EDT)

I've heard of Christy's but I don't remember where.___I remember a diner at that corner called Birminghams Diner.___It was on the Northwest side the same side as the Brandywine Club.___Going North on Rt 1 there was The Longhorn on the right that later became Pulsations (sp).
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 17:35:16 (EDT)

webmaster, you mentioned rt1 in pa. do you remember "christy's resturant" at 202 an 1, all decked out in multi color neon lights?
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 17:25:47 (EDT)

After the first big snowstorm of the winter, I used to love to watch cars trying to get up Penny Hill. They'd start out with a burst of speed, hoping the momentum would carry them to the top, but it rarely did. The hill started at about Edgemoor Road near the old quarry, and if you made it to Lore Avenue you were pretty much home free. 99% of the cars pooped out at about Hillcrest Ave. and would slowly back down the hill, trying to avoid collisions with other cars that didn't make it, and were abandoned at the side of the road. It's funny, but I don't recall anyone on the hill offering chains and/or installation; could have probably made a lot of money back then.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 15:05:55 (EDT)

We arrived carless in Wilmington in 1949. That was soon remedied when my Dad bought the first in a long series of Buick Specials that ended when he retired from Uncle Dupy in 1966. There was very little lot parking in Downtown at that time, for mid-level managers anyway, so from Monroe Park and later Fairfax, he would drive me in to high school, then go down and fight the battle of finding workday-long curbside parking space in that neat old neighborhood in the vicinity of 12th and West Streets. Every day he had to park in a different spot, and had to remember where the car was when he was coming home in the evening. I have no idea of how he remembered where it was from day to day. I do remember one time in midwinter riding with him from Fairfax down the long hill on the Concord Pike north of the city line by the B&O overpass. The road was a glade of ice, and the car spun through a complete 360 degrees going downhill without him losing control (more or less) or ramming another car. Again, to this day, I have no idea how he managed to do this with that heavy, rear-wheel drive lump of a bulging Buick without killing us or causing a serious accident. Wow! Wotta guy!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 14:28:27 (EDT)

TO SWIFTY::___I lived in Longview Farms 1966 to 1977 then moved down here to Cecil County.___Naamans Road was so much slower then I think.___Whenever I need to go up to Concord & Naamans way I always take I-495 to Claymont just so I can drive the whole length of Naamans.___Since you lived across from the Kings Inn, did you see under 'Restaurants' from the Pull-Down above - at the bottom of the page is a listing of the restaurants that occupied 2020 Naamans Road??___And, if you are not aware of it, Toll Brothers is building homes where the Brandywine Raceway use to be for $500,000 and up!!!!
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 13:42:36 (EDT)

My father used to make the daily drive from Old Windybush Road through Bringhurst Woods to Washington St. to work for "Uncle Dupey." His car was a 1940 Plymouth, the cheap model with no bumper guards, radio or heater and a speedometer that never worked. The car was so memorable that I got one of the porcelain plates with the number 28996 on it; it's now hanging over the door of one of the bathrooms.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 13:35:01 (EDT)

Remember the "RAT RACE" trying to get to work in the late 40's? Under Powered heavy cars and everyone seemed to start work at 0800 hrs. South Park Drive would back up traffic from the Market St. Bridge stop sign. Everyone in a hurry and you could not catch a break to cross that wide intersection. So many lanes of traffic trying to merge into Market St. It seemed that the guy with the oldest car or the most guts would pull out, helped by the honking of horns from behind. Van Buren St. bridge was a narrow bridge when the oncoming traffic wanted their half of the road in the middle. Also who thought up the idea of the stop sign at the top of Monkey Hill? ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 12:22:00 (EDT)

Our WebMaster, the fantastic Harry, mentioned Naamans Road. I lived right off Naamans Road at the Cedar Tree Apts. when they were brand spanking new. The Kings Inn was right across the road and Naamans was just a 2 lane road back then. I could walk across it safely. Everything I needed was within walking distance of the apts except for the Horse & Buggy. I had to drive there, but there are some nights that I probably shouldn't have. A lot of great memories from that time.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 11:44:44 (EDT)

Joe, I think you are correct.___I now remember there being an Ice Cream place with the name 'Breidlablik'.___During my next visit to 'Downtown' for research, I'm going to look into it.___In the mean time, I'll add it on the "Ice Cream" Page of my site so we will never forget it.___There is a Breidlablik Drive in Centerville - maybe it has something to do with a family name.___And Joe, don't worry about the 'Senior Moments' - it's part of the fun we are all having here!!
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 10:47:40 (EDT)

The ice cream stand at Lancaster Pike and Centerville Road was not Lynthwaite; it was Breidablick (or something like that). Regardless of the name, it was good ice cream. Perhaps this forum should be re-named "Senior Memory Moments -- Hits and Misses."
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 10:12:58 (EDT)

re KIRKWOOD HWY - I can remember when there was a putt-putt golf course on the side opposite the Midway Shopping center. Behind the course was a farmer's field with cows! re CONCRETE ROADS - there's still a section of concrete road on Rte 71 just off Summit Bridge on the Newark side of the canal that's the same as it's been since the 60s. Remember when 896 was a two lane road all the way to Middletown?
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 09:40:57 (EDT)

I'm almost sure I've told this story here before, but the discussion about when most of the highways near Wilmington were two lanes at best, recalls for me the time on a Saturday in the Spring of 1954 when the weekly "Review" newspaper of the University of Delaware sponsored a student "walk" from the B&O station in Wilmington to the gates of Old College in Newark...a trek of about 15 miles. Most of this walk was down the Kirkwood Highway from Elsmere via Price's Corner all the way down onto East Main Street in Newark. At that time, the late Glenn Dill was the editor of the newspaper and a fraternity brother of mine, so he managed to convince a group of about a dozen or so of us at the fraternity house to participate. Another fraternity brother and participant was the late Jack France, who was from the Martin family in Wilmington. His grandfather was the editor and publisher of "The Sunday Star" at the time, so the "Star" covered this event with a photo-illustrated story the next day. Ironically, the "Star" folded its tent and went away forever only two weeks after the story ran. I wonder how many others of us here have ever walked every foot of the way from Elsmere to Newark on the Kirkwood Highway when it was reasonably safe to do so? Note: although the walk was not a strenuous one per se, I could barely move my legs for 24 hours following this leisurely walk. I'm not in much better physical shape today than I was back then. Then, I could blame it on Diamond State and Goebel beers. Today, it's just plain old age!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 08:01:38 (EDT)

You folks who live North of the city (I lived off of Naamans Road at the time)should remember when I-95 was paved beyond the Brandywine Bridge, it was paved with concrete.___But the contractor used a bad mix and in no time the surface was cracking up.___I remember seeing the larger stones in the surface when the top wore off.___Then they repaved it with asphalt concrete - I think this was done in the mid-80's.___This talk about highways and roads - I should make a page about that topic...
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 06:30:26 (EDT)

I can recall my riding on that road a very long time ago and my father called it a suicide highway because of the center passing lane. I can not remember if it was a concrete road or not. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 05:51:50 (EDT)

Using the "Site Search" on the "Home Page" for 'Lynnthwaite', Nostalgia Archives #13, 15, 19 and 28 all repeat this same topic.___I can't recall anything being on Lancaster Pike once you passed Hercules and arrived to the Yorklyn/Valley Roads area.___At that point, the state line is about 1 mile away.___Limestone Road (Rt. 7) was another 2-lane road with nothing on it past Kirkwood Highway until the Valley Road area.___I think that was North Star.___Wasn't there an auto repair shop at that intersection?___Limestone Road was a concrete paved road with heavy tar expansion joints.___Rt. 7 was well known for being a drag strip.___Kirkwood Highway was another 2-lane road all the way to Newark.___Does anyone remember US Rt. 1 in PA when it was a 3-lane concrete road?___The center lane was for passing in either direction!
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 03:15:23 (EDT)

My memory may be playing tricks with me, but I seem to remember, as a kid in the late 1930s and early '40s getting ice cream cones at Lynthwaite Farm on Lancaster Pike near Centerville Road. Am I confusing Lynthwaite with another ice cream stand? Or was it possibly located there before it was on Concord Pike?
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 22:52:29 (EDT)

I can remember going to Lynnthwaite Farm for ice cream cones when it was on the left side of the highway when going north. My Grandfather tooks us there when we were small kids in 1937. There was a small parking area and you had to walk to a window to order. I can also recall the nice highway was always stained from all the old cars that leaked oil. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 18:39:35 (EDT)

And, if you went a little further North on 202, you will come to Lynnthwaite Ice Cream on the right. However, before that, Lynnthwaite Farm was on the other side of 202. You had to go up to the porch of the farm house and place your order through the window.
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 17:40:28 (EDT)

I'm so old that I remember that the only commercial places on the old two-lane Concord Pike for a few miles, on the right side going North up the hill under the B&O tracks, was the little shopping strip at Deerhurst, the gas station at the corner of Murphy Road, a bank, and then the Fairfax Shopping Center with the Hearn's Market, a nice restaurant, Mitchell's 5&10 and a little later, the bowling alley.
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 17:14:23 (EDT)

Our attraction to SPEAKMAN'S POND was the frogs and tadpoles. And even as a child, I appreciated the beauty of the lily pads and flowers. We'd walk over the cute little stone bridge for the pleasure of it, not for necessity.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 13:55:27 (EDT)

Bruce, you are right,it was kiddle world and I loved it, now we only have toysRus.
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 13:25:13 (EDT)

About Pappy's on Concord Pike. I might be wrong, but wasn't there a toy store there before Pappy's ? I remember a toy store, Burger King and Your Home next to one another. The toy store had a slot car track that you could bring your own car and pay for time on the track.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 12:59:45 (EDT)

Connie, My mother never allowed us to swim in Speakman's, but we did anyway. Our preacher's son (Leslie Werner Jr.) got some kind of fever one summer and they blamed it on Speakman's Pond. Who knows? Kids get all kinds of stuff from who knows where. Mostly we liked ice skating there, but as you say, they took that away, too. Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 10:18:12 (EDT)

SHIRLEY - another "used to be" is Speakman Pond. In the late 60s or early 70s, after our good neighborhoods were taken over by nasties, parents demanded that Speakman Pond be filled in because it was 'dangerous to their children.' When I was a child, it was a gem for children.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 10:07:07 (EDT)

Do you know what was there, before Pappy's was Built?
Gene Solge <poppop822@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 08:45:36 (EDT)

It was a Pizza Hut, after it was Pappy's
SpeederMurdoch <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 15:30:20 (EDT)

My family used to also go there on Mondays For the $1.00 Spaghetti. Its a small world. I was sorry to see it close, because they put out some good food. Thanks again Shirley.
Gene Solge <poppop822@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 15:22:05 (EDT)

Gene, I really don't remember what was there before Pappy's. We used to go to Pappy's on Monday nights for $1.00 spaghetti. We were really sorry when they closed. I understand the younger family members didn't want to continue in the business. Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 15:06:36 (EDT)

Shirley, you know what was there before Pappy's Pizza was built?
Gene Solge <poppop822@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 14:25:09 (EDT)

There is a painting titled "Twin Lakes" that was done by Terry Newitt back in the early 80's. Terry teaches art at Archmere now. It is an excellent piece and gives a great view of skaters on the Lakes back then. I bought the original and then we marketed prints for a while. Made enough on the prints to pay for the original! You may have seen prints in doctors' offices, etc. It was quite popular at the time.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 12:26:28 (EDT)

I forgot, that there was a place called Kenny Rogers Chicken. Then after It became The Golden Castle. Thanks for the information Shirley.
Gene Solge <poppop822>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 12:25:39 (EDT)

Before the Golden Castle, there was a Kenny Roger's Chicken. Not sure what was there before that. Shirley
shirley hudson jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 11:57:58 (EDT)

There was a business right before Golden Castle was there, and I think it was a Pizza Hut, but I'm sure, but I do know, that there was something else, before Golden Castle. What was it?
Gene Solge <poppop822@aol.com>
West Chester, De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 11:44:18 (EDT)

I believe the "Golden Castle" is located where Pappy's used to be....near the Charcoal Pit on 202. The "Golden Dove" is where Pappy's used to be on the duPont Highway, and "Season's Pizza" is where Pappy's used to be on Kirkwood Highway. Isn't it strange how everything is "where it used to be"??? Shirley
shirley hudson jester <ujest110@aol.com>
newark, DE USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 11:13:55 (EDT)

About Twin Lakes. It is now a brewery www.twinlakesbeer.com
Donn <brownys828@yahoo.com>
Wilm., De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 10:48:10 (EDT)

I mean what resautrant was built, after Pappy's Pizza was closed, in the 1970's I think. Thanks.
Gene Solge <poppop822@aol.com>
Wilminmgton, De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 10:41:42 (EDT)

Can someone tell me what restaurant on concord pike, after Pappy's pizza was gone. This was back in the 1970's I think. Please respond asap Thank you.
Gene Solge <poppop822@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 10:37:31 (EDT)

We ice skated out on the Governor Printz Blvd, at Speakman Pond, out on Washington Street Extension at Matson Run Parkway, and any other little spot that would freeze enough to skate on. Always enjoyed the bonfires, and cooking hot dogs and marshmallows and hot chocolate. We were a little older before we went to Twin Lakes. I guess because we were too young to drive ourselves there. Did most of our sledding at Price's Run Park. Well, talking about snow and ice can cool you off in this heat! Thanks for the memories. Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 10:29:19 (EDT)

I believe the quarry is now the Avon Lake Gun club, or at least was back in 1990, when I was a member. Not sure if you can swim in the quarry anymore though.
SpeederMurdoch <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 10:23:25 (EDT)

Wayne, I can remember the great times skating at Twin Lakes in the winter. I learned to ice skate on the Brandywine above Van Buren St. bridge and just above the falls near Washington St. bridge. Also skated at the pool at Tenth St. Park. Got my skates as a Christmas gift in 1947, but after that year the water did not freeze enough for skating. I was out of the country from 1952 until 1955 so the next time I got to ice skate was about 1957 at the lakes. I enjoyed ice skating, but like you said it became to warm in later years. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 09:54:43 (EDT)

I remember my cousin who was a few years older taking me out to the sandpits in Hockessin. They were right off Lancaster pike. If you went to the main intersection (today's) at the red light and made a right to go toward Yorklyn, about a half mile up (if that far) a road went back off to the right. You would turn right there and on the right you cold park and swim. There was a floating pier there that you could dive from. It seems to me the pit ran almost all the way back to Lancaster pike at that time. I don't have any idea if it's still there or not. Speaking of things like that, who remembers twin lakes on Kennett pike just outside of Greenville? You could ice skate there most of the winter. Now it doesn't get cold enough in Delaware in the winter to freeze a rain puddle. What's that tell you about global warming disbelievers?
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 22:32:44 (EDT)

I also remember the quarry in avondale, I went there many times with my brothers and friends, I was really afraid of water, so therefore i stayed way back from the edge, also lived on west 4th street
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 20:15:30 (EDT)

I remember well the quarry at Avondale. My Dad grew up in that area. As teenagers, my friends and I used to go swimmin there. In fact, I still have a black and white photo of four of us out there in about 1951. The property was owned by a "Dew" Lafferty.
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 13:19:32 (EDT)

I don't know of the Sand Pit but I used to go swimming at a quarry in Avondale. The water was SO clean, your hair felt wonderful after you went swimming. Does anyone know of that quarry? Can you still swim there?
JEH <nospam@email.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 12:20:16 (EDT)

Speeder, It's been a few years since I've been in Wilmington. I'm sure 202 is filled with shopping centers. I go back to when there was a Fair Fax Bowling alley where the "hoods" hung out and played pool. Is Fair Fax shopping center still there ? I used to hang out at the Dog House and Charcoal Pit on 202.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 11:11:26 (EDT)

I Goldberg is gone, and the building is now a piano store, chiropractor (?) At least I think that's what's in there. You'd be amazed at 202 now....
SpeederMurdoch <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 10:55:57 (EDT)

The Talley Ho had a great restaurant and rooms for wedding receptions and meetings. It fell upon hard times and catered to a rougher crowd before being bought out and turning into a Army surplus store, I Goldberg. Is Goldberg still there ? I would think that corner would be high priced real estate.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 09:01:45 (EDT)

To Connie, If you want to see a picture of one of the ferries, that took you from New Castle ,DE to Riverview NJ., It is in Portland Me. They turned it into, a floating restaraunt. www.dimillos.com /floatingrestaraunt.html
Donn <brownys828@yahoo.com>
Wilm., De USA - Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 20:30:18 (EDT)

Back in the mid-fifties we used to go out the the "Sand Pit" to go swimming. Mrs. Truono (my friend's mom)would drive us out there from our neighborhood on West 4th St. I believe it was in the Hockessin area. I was wondering exactly where it was and what happened to it?
Ed Simon <edsimon51@hotmail.com>
Milford, DE USA - Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 15:25:35 (EDT)

Connie----Your letter was about The Wilson Line. My Husband & I had dinner at Timothy's on the Riverfront last week.There were pictures on the wall of The Old Wilson Line. It sure brought back lots of memories,from both of our childhood days.
Kay Burton Wells <breckslnkid12@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 15:21:32 (EDT)

Estella, The amusement park was Kiddie Town. It was next to the Ellis Drive-In.
Jack Riley <jckril@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 14:11:12 (EDT)

Estella, The barracks on Rogers Road was called Millside according to a post in the July archives. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 13:07:05 (EDT)

Does anyone know what happened to Doris and Margaret Johnson and their brother Harold? They lived in the 300 block of E. 4th street.
Estella <dizzy0924@comcast.net>
Hartly, De USA - Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 12:42:34 (EDT)

Nora, Thanks, now that you tell us I remember her. Hey, do you or anyone know the name of the amusement park that was across from the Old Shoppers Fair store on Rt. 13. And do you know the name of the old army barracks that were on Rogers Road that was turned into homes. It was Mill something according to my baby brother.
Estella <dizzy0924@comcast.net>
Hartly, De USA - Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 12:37:30 (EDT)

I used to visit the Tally-Ho in the early to mid 60's before I moved from the Wilmington area. They had a very good restaurant and I had many good meals and very enjoyable evenings there.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 23:33:26 (EDT)

The TALLY HO is listed in the 1975 Wilm tele. directory.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 15:55:19 (EDT)

Anyone remember during the late sixties and I believe early seventies the Tally Ho at 202 and Naamans rd. when they had a bar/lounge at the back part of their restaurant ? Great atmosphere with a raised stage in front of the bar. Had great groups that would sing there. Afraid I can't remember their names but they use to sing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" and "Proud Mary" and oher songs from that period. Paul Richardson and his wife use to play there also. Really miss that and especially the songs from that period. Bud
Bud <bu49atpoolesite.com>
Wilm., DE USA - Friday, August 18, 2006 at 18:32:51 (EDT)

I would like to put in a plug for my Biology teacher at Mount Pleasant, Mr.De Angelis. I took his course during the '54-'55 session, yet I remember a lot about him even to this day. If memory serves, we cut up a dog, identified the heart, and he would say, This is the (what) This is the heart. The heart goes lub (what) lub dub; even a dummy like me could learn science from this guy! He gave me a C and nineteen minuses or some such - I credit him for keeping me going at a critical time during my undistinguished academic career. Believe he also served as an assistant football coach. Think he retired in the late eighties after some 33 or so odd years. Anyhow, just wanted to give him kudos for being a great and memorable teacher.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 16:25:37 (EDT)

Anyone who went to a high school in Wilmington that no longer exists, and wants to be interviewed by email by a reporter from a local Northern Delaware weekly newspaper in the next few days, let me know and I'll forward you a copy of the questionnaire he is circulating. I think he'd get a big kick out of hearing from people who now live far away from Delaware.
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 20:03:51 (EDT)

Nora, thanks so much for the info on Roselie, i have wracked my brain trying to think of if. I also remember Gladys Norvell real well, wonder if she remember's me
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 19:30:29 (EDT)

How many remember church being held in the basement of St Mary Magdellan school before the church was built on Concord Pike and Sharpley Road ? My sister got married there on a very hot summer day, no A/C. During the ceremony my Brother-in-law (groom) started to faint. The priest (sorry forgot his name) had a smelling salt capsule in his bible that he broke open and very discretely put under the groom's nose. No one but us at the alter saw what happened. Talk about being prepared ! We were glad when the church was built, but us kids lost a good football field.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 09:09:12 (EDT)

To Estella and Liz: Finally a name for the girl in our yearbook. She was Rosalie Saienni. Met Gladys Norvell, classmate, last night at a viewing for the husband of Pat Baker who was also a classmate. Pat has been deceased 17 years. Put Rosalie's name in your yearbook so you can remember her next time you open it.
Nora Jubb <svan402@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 09:05:42 (EDT)

For Tom Re: Union Park Gardens. Tom the Wife and I don't recognize any of the names you mentioned however, you say your time in the Gardens ended around 1940 and I know the Burkeads bought their house at 2138 Linden (on corner) in 1918 when the houses were built. And the lot that you viewed via satelite actually has three brick row homes on same. Possibly those folks you mentioned by name had moved out prior to my moving in. I probably will be here till the undertaker gets me, just hope it stays as nice as it is till then, at least.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 16:53:01 (EDT)

Ray, I don’t remember the two names you mentioned. On my block on Linden, the neighbors that I knew had last names Mattaford, Fulmer, English, Tryon, and Stephens on my side; Funk, Krochenburger, and O’Neill across the street. On Sycamore south of Linden were Zimmerman and Stauffer; north of Linden were Dunn, Day (or Dey), Lownsbury(Lansbury?), and Cannon. There was an empty lot on the west side of Sycamore directly opposite Linden. The lot ran all the way back to the cemetery fence. All us kids would congregate back there with our toy trains and trucks, scraping tracks and roads in the dirt. There was a cinder block garage at the rear corner of the lot with just enough space between it and the cemetery fence for us to squeeze in to take a pee out of sight. The satellite image on Google maps shows that a house now occupies that space.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 15:42:25 (EDT)

Ray - that's what I thought. I don't give mine out because when I did 'way back when' I began getting a lot of mail from some unpleasant creatures that were visiting the site over a year ago. The webmaster has my email and he's free to give it to you if he will.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 07:39:18 (EDT)

To Bob Wilson and Tom Wood. 1st Bob, Your pretty much on the money with your observations however, You would not want to go around your old neighborhood,Concord Ave. & Jefferson these days especially at night. To Tom: I live right around the corner from where you lived. I live on Sycamore Street. Do you happen to remember people by the name of Burkhead that lived on the corner of Linden and Sycamore. They bought the house when it was new and still lived there when I moved in around 1961-62, they were a couple that never had any children. On the other corner,same side of the Street as you were the Hoods,do you remember them? And Yes it is still a nice place to live and raise children if you don't let them ramble too far.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 17:04:58 (EDT)

Harry - thanks for the input. And tell Skip that Bucky Bug says hello. If his memory goes back as far as 1950, he'll know who that is. If not, then that's just as well.
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 10:59:51 (EDT)

Bob I grew up at 29th and Washington St and I would not drive in that area with a tank these days. The whole area has deteriated, every now and tnen I go to Christ Our King Church on Sunday and that is the only time I go near that area. I have a friend Skip Hance who lives over in the area that you are talking about and that area around the 40 acres has not changed tnat much YET.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@msn.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 10:13:28 (EDT)

To Ray J. or anyone else "from the old days" still living in or near to Wilmington proper...for the past 10 years, I have had the occasion to visit town every couple of years, and check out the physical and cultural condition of my old 9th Ward neighborhood that centered on Jefferson and Concord. Physically, and to me, it looks pretty much the same to me as it did in 1965, although I've noted via news reports and other sources that there have been murders and other bad stuff there, one or two of them within a block (a square) of where my home was. One Wilmington area that hasn't seem to have changed at all is the area on the south bank of the Brandywine near Gallucchio's and Lovering, out Kentmere Parkway to Rockford Park and the area up near the end of Delaware Avenue. That neighborhood was too rich for my family's blood back in the 1950's, but it is good to see that, to my eye anyway, it appears to have remained the same. How do these observations jibe with your own?
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 09:38:01 (EDT)

Thanks for the update on Union Park Gardens. Nice to know something is still good up there. I would love to come home to New Castle Co. On another subject, this is from TODAY IN DEL HISTORY - 1941 The Wilson Line of Wilmington leaving 4th Street wharf, offered moonlight cruises on the Delaware River to Philadelphia with roundtrip tickets at 55 cents.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 09:21:33 (EDT)

Ray, where in the Gardens do you live? During my preteen years, 1934-40, we lived at 2127 Linden St. between Sycamore and Bancroft Pkwy. I attended the Chas. B. Lore elementary school. Two summers ago I had occasion to be in Wilmington and took the opportunity to take a short drive around the Gardens including my old block on Linden. I was impressed at how little it had changed since living there. Still looked like a pretty nice place to live.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 00:16:23 (EDT)

For Connie: Connie Union Park Gardens is still a pretrty nice place to live, take it from someone who has lived here for 44 years. Working for the City, I had to live in the City, So the Wife and I settled here thinking that when my time came to retire from the City We would move to the Burbs like everyone else. However, never having lived any place else but the City and having raised four Children here we found we were very satisfied with this style of living, where you know all your neighbors in the area on a first name basses and everyone here looks out for one another. But I must say this is one of the few places other than the 40 acres that is holding it's own. The most dangerous area here in Wilmington is bounded by DuPont Street East to the Delaware River and Lancaster Ave. to 9TH Street. And I am sorry to say that Browntown is LOST also. I would not venture on foot near Browntown day or night. Hedgeville is on it's way out also, although not completely bad yet, it's only a matter of time. I was raised in Hedgeville and during those days I didn't know we were poor but I knew we weren't dirty. If some of the old Polish people could see the Streets and sidewalks today they would have heart failure, sorry to go on so long, but Wilmington used to be pretty dear to my heart, now it's just a good place to saty away from.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 21:37:33 (EDT)

Speaking of Al Alberts. I remember the first label (Victoria. out of Philly) that "(It's No) Sin" with Al Alberts and The Four Aces, came out on. The 45rpm record got mucho play in Philadelphia, particularly on Bob Horne's Bandstand, and on Wilmington radio, then went national with I think it was Decca distribution. Wish I could remember what was on the flip side of that disk. I think I bought my copy in maybe 1950 at that big record store down on the south side of 4th Street just west of Market. "Take away the breath of flowers, it would surely be a sin....". Ah, memories!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 20:52:09 (EDT)

Remember the nightly news reports in the 1940's? There was Gabriel Heater and also Walter Winchell and they would try and leave the news of the day on a positive note. We also got the news reels at the theater once per week. Today the news comes at us with the speed of sight, and the more shocking all the better for ratings. There also seems to be a break down on checks and balances as far as crime and punishment in my opinion. Wilmington was great when I was living there and growing up. ...BOB
Ropbert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 16:27:35 (EDT)

Pat: Suburban flight is what happened to Wilmington. Now all we have left is dirty, crime filled streets and the memories of what it used to be. Everyday it is getting more crime infested. Savour your memories of how it used to be.
Kathy <RSweetness71@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 15:00:56 (EDT)

Pat LeVan: Whatever happened, happened all across the USA. We read the newpapers here and think: Wow! So much crime in Florida. :o(
TheKid <NoSpamWanted>
Wilm, DE USA - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 23:24:29 (EDT)

Dave ... thanx for the info on The Charcoal Pit. I miss that place! Being held prisoner down here in Florida and not being in Wilmington is the pits, if you will pardon the pun. Also, nice to know the Arden Sub Shop is still thriving ... what great subs and steaks I enjoyed there! Finally, to any of you who remember Al Alberts and The Four Aces ... Al lives down here in Port Charlotte FL and is a good friend of mine. He has appeared on my radio show and I talk with he and his wife, Stella, on the telephone a lot. Al, you may remember, had a 32-yr long stint on TV-6 in Philadelphia with his TV show, "Al Alberts Showcase". Incidentally, he celebrated his 84th birthday this past Thursday (10 Aug) and is doing well ... though he misses the Delaware/Philly/Jersey Shore area and people!
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 22:50:29 (EDT)

I have to agree, Wilmington was wonderful when i grew up there, 40's, 50's, and early 60's, I used to walk from 4th and adams to 21st and Market st to Hearn's restuarant to work, thru the Brandywine, now i doubt if i would even drive thru the brandywine
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 21:29:55 (EDT)

Mike Sharkey: I must say I feel exactly the way you do about Wilmington. It was magical when I was growing up there in the 40's and 50's. We kids were free to roam the tree-lined streets on our bicycles and rollerskates. All the neighbors knew one another and looked out for the kids. Reading the News-Journal on the internet and reading about the crime and dope on the very streets where I grew up makes me so sad. What happened?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 19:38:27 (EDT)

MARY - thanks for the info. on your uncle. He lived next door to my aunt Ida in Union Park Gardens. Am always happy to hear of his recollections of Wilmington when it was still a wonderful place to live.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 16:17:47 (EDT)

Mary Kay, never attended the church but, did go to summer bible school at north baptist. It is now a parking lot for Doherty funeral home.
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 08:48:07 (EDT)

Does anyone, from The Forty Acres, during the 1940's, and 1950's,remember attending North Baptist Church, which was then located on Lincoln Street, off of Delaware Ave? If so, kindly reply. It was such a wonderful time to be young and brought up in that wonderful church. I vividly recall, Pastor Stanley Bean, and a Sunday School Teacher, Laura Zebley. I was Mary Kay Dunlop at that time. I remember being baptised in the Baptismal Font, there, at age 16. The church moved out off of the Concord Pike area, many years ago. I wondered what the old site's building is used for, today. Thank you.
Mary Kennedy Schauer <MK.Kennedy@sbcglobal.net>
Ottawa, Il. USA - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 08:20:35 (EDT)

FYI: This is addressed to anyone interested in knowing about the absence of my Uncle, Ralph Pryor, from the Nostalgia Forum. He will be off line for a while, due to pushing the wrong key on his keyboard. Once again, thank you, Webmaster, for allowing this post. Uncle Ralph is filled with a great deal of nostalgia info, from the past, and his contributions to this site are most welcomed. Thank You. Mary Kay His Niece.
Mary Kennedy Schauer <mk.kennedy@sbcglobal.net>
Ottawa, Il USA - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 07:21:08 (EDT)

Wilmington, Delaware is a very special place, I'll even say, it's a magical place. I have travelled most of Europe and much of North America (the one that includes Canada), but no matter, be it, Rome, Italy, or Montreal, Quebec, although they are all fascinating places, Wilmington takes my heart any day, my heart is stuck in Wilmington. You all living there are lucky. :)
Mike (Little Sharks) Sharkey <mike@rmsharkey.com>
Bradford, ON Canada - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 01:54:17 (EDT)

Roy, The Charcoal Pit on Concord Pike is still going strong but the one on Maryland Ave. is gone. Other locations are Pike Creek, Kirkwood Highway and Rt 40 at Fox Run. All seem to be doing good. Dave.. .
Dave Ziegler <dziegler3@comcast.net>
newark, De USA - Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 21:12:24 (EDT)

Nora, I can't remember her name either but I know she died in her senior year. If I find out I'll let you know. Do you remember Doris Coney? She is pretty good about remembering our school days, maybe she will remember.
Estella <dizzy0924@comcast.net>
Hartly, DE USA - Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 19:13:23 (EDT)

I have seen a lot of posts about the Charcoal Pit ... I used to LOVE going there ... to the one on Concord Pike and to the one on Maryland Avenue. Since I have been away from "God's Country" for almost 30 yrs now, is the Charcoal Pit on Concord Pike still there?
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 18:11:25 (EDT)

If Bill fisher would have put his correct e-mail address on his post' He would have found out the story behind "Bruick".
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 14:47:37 (EDT)

Mike Yes the Arden shop is still going strong. Everytime I ride by there is always activity. Bud
Bud <bu49atpoolesite.com>
Wilm., DE USA - Wednesday, August 09, 2006 at 12:55:08 (EDT)

Great to find this website, lots of fond memories of Wilmington. Does anyone know if the Arden Sub Shop is still around? Was on Marsh Rd as I recall. I recall great subs, cheese steaks (which nobody in Canada has ever heard of, sadly), and playing lots of pinball there in mid '70s.
Mike (Little Sharks) Sharkey <mike@rmsharkey.com>
Bradford, ON Canada - Wednesday, August 09, 2006 at 12:43:41 (EDT)

Re: Johnny's Market. Bernice no longer works at her late father's market. She sold the business to a man named norm. He's been letting it go. They still have the good fresh garlic kielbasi. Bernice has the rights to the recipe still. She also sold many of the houses on Maryland Ave just up from the market. She has moved to the Bear area, and she works part time at Delaware Park. I see her quit frequently at a mutual friends house.
Sean <eknagel@msn.com>
Fenwick Island, De USA - Wednesday, August 09, 2006 at 11:47:37 (EDT)

Stanley's is still alive and kickin. I frequent the place, quite frequently!
Speeder <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, August 09, 2006 at 10:04:44 (EDT)

Keith....you're right Talley's Garage was the place to visit. What a joy watching Talley's efforts with his flower garden.....I lived in McDaniel Crest and we hunted those woods for years up and down Shipley Road.... between Foulk and Naamans Roads.
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Wednesday, August 09, 2006 at 09:03:17 (EDT)

bruce, simpsons hobbies is still on murphy rd. and stanleys is still on foulk rd. the biggest thing to change as of late here in brandywine hundred is talleys corner at the corner of shipley and foulk. mr talleys house used to always have a beautiful garden planted and always had a perfectly manicured lawn. they tore the old house down and built 3 or 4 houses on the property that look terrible. no one cuts the grass on the corner anymore and the weeds and tall grass are an eyesore now. mr talley must be turning in his grave.
keith <keithsauls357@aol.com>
wilm, de USA - Tuesday, August 08, 2006 at 20:42:32 (EDT)

Does anyone know if Simpson's Hobby Shop is still around. It was originally in town on Orange or Tatnall St. and had moved to Faulk Rd. behind the gas station where Foulk and Murphy Rd. (I think it's Murphy) intersect. I'd be interested to hear anything about Brandywine Hundred. Is Stanley's Tavern still on Foulk. I remember a terrible accident years ago in front of Stanley's. Mr. Cloud (had many children - I knew Rusty) was pulling out and got broadsided by one or two cars that were drag racing. Mr. Cloud died and one of the boys in the cars racing also died.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Tuesday, August 08, 2006 at 15:01:11 (EDT)

To Liz and Estella: Do either of you 2 classmates from 1953 WHS remember the name of the girl whose picture appears on the Memoriam page of our yearbook. When they did the yearbook they neglected to add her name to the Memorial photo and I cannot remember who she was.
Nora Jubb <svan402@aol.com>
WIlmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 08, 2006 at 14:36:43 (EDT)

re Browntown: Neighborhood guys , myself included delivered circulars to the houses in Hedgeville and Browntown for Johnny's. I think the pay was .50. Anyway, I was there about four years ago at Christmas time to buy some kielbasa. The store has different owners, but Bernice, Johnny's daughter was working behind the meat counter helping to deal with the long line of folks buying the kielbasa. Take cre
George Klein <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Tuesday, August 08, 2006 at 11:06:55 (EDT)

In my comments about DuPont's Work/Study Plan, I believe I made $140 a month not $40 a month!
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, August 08, 2006 at 07:33:13 (EDT)

Johnny's Market....Clem worked there in day and nites worked @ Post Office.....he was there years. Johnny K. was a good man.
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Tuesday, August 08, 2006 at 02:14:44 (EDT)

60's or 70's can remember the 1.00/stock Farmer in Dell.....Tonik's there's a name from the past.
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Tuesday, August 08, 2006 at 02:12:03 (EDT)

Re: Goldey-Beacom - I attended Goldey-Beacom from June 1953 to April 1954. At that time, it was located on Jefferson St. between 9th and 10th (I think). I was in a program called the "DuPont Plan". Graduates (female) of high schools from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey who had completed college prep courses were interviewed and tested for acceptance into the plan to train executive secretaries to work at duPont. We worked half a day at the duPont offices and attended classes for a half day at Goldey-Beacom. It was a concentrated course. We completed a two-year course in ten months and received an AA in Business. We were paid $40 a month out of which we paid our own tuition to Goldey-Beacom. After one year with "the Company" we received a refund of half our tuition. After two years, we received the other half. We gals thought it was a great deal!
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 22:14:57 (EDT)

re: Browntown, I lived there on 5th ave, and my dad and brother worked at Johnny's market, on the corner, dad was a butcher there and could make some mean keilbasa
liz <elizabemar3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 22:14:25 (EDT)

Estelle, dont know if you remember me, i graduated in l953, and i think you did also, i also live in hartly
to estella slaughter, <elizabemari3@aol.com>
Hartly, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 22:01:13 (EDT)

TO Rick: Moleman, I well remember St Pauls school, l lived at 4th and adams all my life until they tore down the whole block to start I-95, then moved to Brown Town
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 21:56:18 (EDT)

Speaking of the Farmer in the Dell, I actually have Stock Certificates dor the Farmer in the Dell ($1.00 each).
Franny Green <green1104@aol.com>
Lewes, DE USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 19:45:25 (EDT)

I believe the Farmer In The Dell was on Naamans Road where the Kirkwood Fitness Club was. I'm pretty sure they opened another one down around Peoples Plaza. Besides the great friday nite special on clams..I think they had the best onion rings of anyone, and, oh yea...the BEST roast beef sandwich's! Also, funny how in those days we never even thought about nude boys with adults...my the times have changed. You're also right about coal ashes for the snow. I remember the nasty coal bins at the back of the house in Eastlake. Many a cold nite when I forgot to fill the coal bucket, I had to trapse outside to get coal for the rest of the nite & then when it was snowing, throw the ashes on the sidewalk in the morning. Incidently, does anyone remember Ben Tonik's on 6th Street, when they had fresh crabs, the truck would come & they would dump them on the sidewalk & the kitchen help would grab any that moved to go in the cooking pan. I lived next door so this was a real exciting treat when I was 6, & we would be able to help them.
Jim Batty <travelcompany@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 18:11:04 (EDT)

YMCA...It's still there and doing well...lot's of upgrades. The downtown office crowds use facilities lunch time....you can see them running outside down around 95 and the hospital...along the creek. ...I used the facilities when in high school and after I got married. Use to run and swim daily and pump iron Wed/Fri--would take my 3yr. old son with me.....Their handball and racketball courts were always popular.....Kozy Korner is gone motel built there....new bank across street.
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 16:52:35 (EDT)

Farmer in Dell on rt. 202 caught fire years ago....it was next to a Volvo dealership. ....your right about the clams....(:>)
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 16:44:34 (EDT)

The Yearsley Farms butted up to Wilhemina Scott Dupont. The properties were on the east side of rt. 7....Woodcreek-Weatherhill- Northpointe-are part of the plot....stoney batter wasn't a road back then where it is now---it was moved when Deldot widened Limestone. The Limestone Hills Development is where the old stoney batter road was. Did you live on the estate?
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 16:41:23 (EDT)

when was "farmer in the dell" on naamens rd? where was it? when i knew it, it was on 202 just a short way above rt 1. that was a favorite food stop on a date. on friday night they had a great special on steamed clams.
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 16:38:12 (EDT)

To Arnie, I don't know which properties you are talking about in the area of Goldie Beacom College. I was raised in that area and knew the families that owned most of those properties. The Pennington and Evans families owned those properties at the Mermaid and up and down both sides of Limestone Road up until about 40 years ago. Most of the other properties in that area were owned by Donald P. Ross who was married to a former duPont. He had horse farms and apple orchards throughout most of that area, including properties along Stoney Batter Road and almost into Hockessin. Mrs. duPont may have owned property behind the Pennington properties. We went to school with children of some caretakers who I believe lived on her property.
Mary Ann <MacCbc2003@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 15:32:53 (EDT)

Connie......I can remember the pile of ashes out back in spring I'd sift the chuncks through a screen and Dad would use the ash for potatoes....we'd use the chuncks for winter. I can remember we put the old army blanket on the 50 Buick to keep it warm so it would start. Those old furnaces would really heat up the house. Just keep the basement door open and heat would climb upstairs take the chill right off.
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 14:26:59 (EDT)

Arnie, Your comment about the YMCA brought back a memory. I learned to swim there and my first lesson I brought my bathing suit (not knowing). The swim instructor saw me changing in the locker room and asked if I had a deformity that required me to wear a suit. After seeing the other kids nude walking out to the pool I caught on. I wonder whose bright idea it was to have nude young boys being instructed by an older person. I guess the Village People knew what they were singing about ! Is the Y still there ? Do people still live there ? It was a large building and I'm sure the land is worth millions.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 14:13:11 (EDT)

Wilhemina Scott DuPont married Randolph Scott......sold land in Pike Creek--Robino started building and Goldey's bought the site. Her properties are now Woodcreek bordering Goldeys and shopping center across from Goldey's....Weatherhill Farms is on fringe of property. I can remember Goldey's downtown on Jefferson St. and the YMCA... they were the days we swam with no clothes. They started to bring girls in and dress code changed....some guys would forget and wear nothing like the old days and girls would try grabbing @ them while they swam....funny sight....(:>)
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 14:00:09 (EDT)

Does anyone have a picture of the Farmer in the Dell on Naaman's Road they could send me? Also any other vintage Naaman's Road pics would be appreciated.
Speeder <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 10:17:13 (EDT)

Goldey Beacom is still in operation, but at a new location. Go to this site for inf. http://www.ncbl.com/archive/08-98education.html Also, a search of Goldey Beacom School of Business will give a list of sites to visit.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 09:57:22 (EDT)

Speaking of commercial 'schools' in Wilmington, I know it was technically a college rather than a school, but whatever happened to Goldey-Beacom? Any old time graduates out there who can describe what it was like, attending G-B?
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 09:37:12 (EDT)

As a kid I carried morning route in Altoona Pa.....all hills and valleys. Then in Wilmington pulling wagon with Sunday Papers making 3 or 4 trips back home to reload and haul more......My 1st wife would drive our son on his route much to my defference....we lived in Deerhurst...He turned out OK even though he was pampered.
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 06:23:12 (EDT)

Rick...... 1990 was seriously considering a move to your area. Had a home picked out in Peterborough and job in Nashua. God didn't want me there. Really wanted Vermont.....but opportunity came up and figured be closer living in NH.....
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Monday, August 07, 2006 at 06:16:55 (EDT)

For Rick...regards to st. Paul's commercial school....Many great office workers came out of that school including my sister in law, Margaret Jubb (Primrose), now deceased. Myself and my husband left St. Paul's in 1949. There was never another 2 year commercial school after they closed. And yes it is really sad that children today need to be driven to their schools. Those were the good old days. When we went to St. Paul's the principal was Sr. Arch Angel. And memeories of her or Sr. Marie Venard, Sr. Louis, Sr. Philatheia, Sr. Rita Thomas. Perhaps they were after your Aunt.
Nora <svan402@aol.com>
WILMINGTON , DE USA - Sunday, August 06, 2006 at 16:44:45 (EDT)

Hi all. I am posting this note on behalf of my Great Aunt Frances McKenna. Has anyone ever heard of the St. Paul's Commercial School? Well, I graduadted from there in 1940. I lived on East 17th St. I walked from my house, over the 11th St. Bridge to Spruce St. Down Spruce St. to 4th St. out 4th St. to Jackson St. I walked this rain, snow, hot or cold twice a day. Now kids need to ride the bus 3 or 4 blocks to school.
Rick <zmoleman@yahoo.com>
Nashua, NH USA - Sunday, August 06, 2006 at 14:37:32 (EDT)

Arnie - and the coal ashes used on snowy sidewalks were cheaper than salt. On another subject - MORE BLACK CAT TRIVIA - This day in Delaware August 6 1936 Owner Joseph Engel announced a boldly ambitious plan for a family oriented recreational center at the Black Cat road house at the Routes 40 and 13 split near New Castle. The "Casino" would continue its programs as a center of night life with floor show entertainment and excellent dance orchestras.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, August 06, 2006 at 09:19:49 (EDT)

The huckster from Browntown was my grandfather. His name is Charles Laubacher. That horn that I hope you remember fondly, is still at my mother's house.
Ann Bukowski <Bukowski10@msn.com>
Wilmington, de USA - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 19:52:07 (EDT)

Before electric......remember the coal oil lamps? .....Ice for "ice box" refrigeration?.....pencil, paper and stamp?.... Wash board in sink for laundry?....Clothes line outside?.... Hand pump for water?.....Out house outside?....Coal furnace and ashes?.....Wood burning stove inside @ kitchen?
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 14:44:26 (EDT)

I never knew where it was but there was frequent reference to it in our house..mostly when my mother went shopping. Dad's complaint: "You're gonna send all of us to the Poor House!"
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 12:14:46 (EDT)

I found this on the net re POOR HOUSE - "In 1889 the name of the almshouse in New Castle County was changed to “New Castle County Hospital;” the State assumed responsibility for the care of the insane, leaving the New Castle County Hospital to care for the aged, infirm, and the chronically ill.25 (The State Hospital for the Insane officially became the Delaware State Hospital at Farnhurst in 1891.)26"
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 04, 2006 at 16:38:06 (EDT)

Connie .... I do not know where the Wilmington Poor House was in 1849, but my experience with genealogical research over 36 years now leads me to recommend checking the 1850 US Census ... usually you can get the entry for the Poor House in these census returns.
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Friday, August 04, 2006 at 15:29:03 (EDT)

Re GRAND THEATRE - when I was very small they had a 'nickle Wednesday' night for children.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 04, 2006 at 07:51:37 (EDT)

Hi again, Ray and Nora. I was at the 50th reunion too. But people have changed so much over the years, I wouldn't know anyone unless they had their yearbook picture on them. Which I was glad they did. Betty DeCecco hasn't changed much and neither has a lot of the others. I married the boy I met when I was 14. We married in 54' and have been married for 52 yrs. Do you remember the Grand Theater? You could go there on Saturday for a quarter and watch the westerns all day. You didn't have to leave when the movie was over like you do these days.
Estella Slawter Stanley <dizzy0924@comcast.net>
Hartly, De USA - Thursday, August 03, 2006 at 20:34:58 (EDT)

For Estella: I see that Nora already answered your Post but I will add a little. For one thing, yes, Govatos' is still there and I certainly do rememberthe P.S.& Red Devils Games at the old Wilmington Ball Park on Thanksgiving Day, I even played in one of them. Nora and I attended one of our Class Reunions (the 50th) in 2003. We decided we weren't going to attend anymore reunions with all those old people LOL. Glad to hear from you Estella, stay tuned to this great site and you'll probably hear from more of our classmates, I hope.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington De., De. USA - Thursday, August 03, 2006 at 16:15:58 (EDT)

For Estella: Ray Jubb and myself both graduated from WIlmington High in 1953. I was Nora Sullivan, now Jubb for the past 51 years. I had to get back into the yearbook to remember who you were. We see some of the classmates now and then and too many have passed on to greener pastures sorry to say. Nice to see familiar names come up on this website. I can see you no longer live in the Wilmington area as many have moved away. Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue and the class of 1953. Isn't it sad that there is no Wilmington High anymore. So we must cherish the memories. Shame on Delaware for allowing that to happen.
Nora Jubb <svan402@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, August 03, 2006 at 11:18:09 (EDT)

I think I found the answer to my previous question. It later became Farnhurst.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 03, 2006 at 09:27:09 (EDT)

This is from today in De history. 1849 Since June 29, 116 cases of cholera had appeared in Wilmington with 65 dead, and of those 44 were in the Poor House. QUESTION - does anyone know where the Wilmington Poor House was?
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 03, 2006 at 08:43:40 (EDT)

For Ray Jubb = Hey Ray what year did you graduate? I graduated in 1953. I remember you but don't remember if you were in the class of 1953 or 52. I remember the football games on Thanksgiving with PS DuPont HS and how we were rivals. I went with a bunch of my friends and didn't know a thing about football and still don't but I cheered for our team. Do you remember Govatos's candy store on Market Street? I think it is still there. Us girls used to go there after school for ice cream sodas. About three years ago, I decided to try to contact some of my classmates (all girls). I did and we meet twice or three times a year to talk about old times, our families, etc. I found this site by accident and think it is great, especially the pictures of things that are no longer there. It has made me remember things that I had forgotten.
Estella <dizzy0924@comcast.net>
Hartly, DE USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 22:17:37 (EDT)

Regarding the Holy Thursday visits to the parish churches throughout the city - because the Sacred Host was consecrated on Holy Thursday for the Mass of the pre-sanctified on Good Friday, a side altar was used for a repository. This side altar was usually decorated beautifully by our nuns. My parish was St. Patrick's and I can remember the beautiful white towering altar decorated with gold leaves. I remember Christ Our King having a maroon and white velvet altar. We children of the parish schools, of course, had the day off and after morning Mass started our pilgrimage. We visited our St. Patrick's, then COK, St. Joseph's, Sacred Heart, St. Peter's, St. Hedwig's, (had lunch at a little bakery there), St. Elizabeth's, and St. Anthony's walking all the way. By then, we were ready to go home for dinner. It was quite a tradition and we looked forward to it each year. I have mentioned this to several friends from the places we have lived throughout the United States, and none ever heard of this tradition.
Patricia Stillwell LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 21:52:59 (EDT)

Add Churches......./// 19805....St. Paul--St. Thomas....... Polish people did this but I recall seeing Irish nurse @ St. Thomas....
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 17:22:56 (EDT)

This practice goes on all over the country. I have seen it from the East to the West Coast.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@msn.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 16:15:48 (EDT)

On the subject of Catholic churches in Wilmington, when I was growing up people used to make visits to several churches on the Thursday evening before Easter. There was no formal service, just visitors offering their own prayers. Typically our family would visit Saints Anthony, Paul, Thomas and Elizabeth's Churches. A side altar would have some sort of pre-Easter floral display. I've often discussed this practice with people from other areas of the country but no one else recalls it. Is it still a practice in Wilmington and does anyone know more about its origin?
Tom Kolasinski <tkck@cox.net>
Glendale, AZ USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 14:06:18 (EDT)

Try using Zip Codes for picture of locations of Catholic Churches.... 19801.....St. Joseph--St. Stanislaus--Sacred Heart--St. Patrick-- Cathedral....///19802....Christ Our King....///19803....St. Mary Magdalen-- Immaculte Heart....///19804....St. Matthew....///19805....St. Hedwig-- St. Elizabeth.....///19806....St.Anthony--St. Ann....///19807....St. Joseph on Brandywine....///19808....St. John Beloved--St. Catherine of Sienna....///19809....St. Helena....///19810....Holy Child-----This is a start other posters fill in what's missed....(:>)
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 08:29:51 (EDT)

To Webmaster Harry et al, re Roman Catholic Church locations in 'Old Wilmington'........Any way any of you can help to supplement and complete Harry's list of street addresses (and add missing photos for) for the RC churches in the Wilmington City Limits that many of you attended, went to school at, or went to dances at, back in the old days? I enjoy reading the posts here that cite such places, but I lack a mental picture of the neighborhoods they served...particularly since Christ Our King in the 9th Ward is the only one I ever attended (admittedly rarely) during my brief time of living in the City. It would also be helpful to me to know the predominant ethnic make-up of the various congregations out in the neighborhoods. Thanks!!!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 07:24:41 (EDT)

Father Cremin.....there's a good guy. He was @ St. Mary Magdalen on Concord Pike... How many old Lucians read these posts?
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Tuesday, August 01, 2006 at 22:48:29 (EDT)

My goodness, I hadn't thought of the Lucians in years! Such memories are brought back by this site. I remember after we Catholic kids stopped going to CYO because we were too old and hadn't been married by age 18 that a group called the Lucians was started. Seems to me we did meet at St. Paul's and that Father Cremin from St. Patrick's was involved. Was Father Dewson from St. Paul's part of it, too? Help me out with my memories, please.
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, August 01, 2006 at 21:14:04 (EDT)

Thanks Lucians for Wally Tabasso info.... Remember Uncle Al Santella's basement with the parties?
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Tuesday, August 01, 2006 at 14:35:35 (EDT)

RAY JUBB, MY HUSBAND LIVED AT 309 S JACKSON STREET AND THE STEPNOWSKI WERE HIS COUSINS. I AM JOAN JANVIER SISTER. MY HUSBAND WENT TO ST HEDWIGS AND SALLIES HE LIVED ON JACKSON ST TILL 1959 AND THEN WENT INTO THE NAVY AND THEN WE WERE MARRIED AT ST. HEDWIGS CHURCH. I WAS 10 WHEN WE MOVED TO HEDGEVILLE AND LIVED THEIR TILL I WAS 19. I HAVE GOOD MEMORIES FROM JACKSON ST AND ELM STREET. HELEN SWEET SHOP ON ADAMS AND ELM. ACE THEATHER. MY HUSBAND ALMOST LIVED AT THE BOY`S CLUB ON ELM ANDJACKSON. TAKE CARE SANDY
Sandy Lenkiewicz <leelenkie@yahoo.com>
Claymont, De USA - Tuesday, August 01, 2006 at 03:28:30 (EDT)

Hey fellow Delawareans...Once again I need to call on you to help me out. Our next reunion for PS duPont we are inviting several classes and I need yearbooks. So if anyone has a PS duPont Yearbook of 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, or 1969 please, please let me borrow it to scan. I am making DVD's and Class Pictures and also badges for everyone. I promise to take good care of it and will return it as soon as possible. I have a printing business and will make you a great gift as a thank you... Thanks in advance for all of you helping me out. www.psdupont2005.myevent.com Rose Culver PS duPont Class of 1971
Rose Culver <reculver71@aol.com>
Layton, UT USA - Tuesday, August 01, 2006 at 01:58:01 (EDT)

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