Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #39: March 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007 entries)

Delaware Hitchhiking Story: Once hitched a ride from downtown Newark to Pittsburgh with a buddy. First leg got us to the PA Turnpike at the Denver exit, then we got a ride from there all the way to where we were going. On the way, a tire blew in the middle of a tunnel, a very scary experience while we changed the wheel in there with the opposing traffic barely missing us. It was May 15, 1953. That night, at a bar in Pittsburgh, we went to see a heavyweight fight on TV with some other guys. It was Marciano vs. Walcott. I got up from the table just as the fight started, to get a pitcher of beer. When I got back to the table with the beer, the fight was over. Rocky had KO'd Jersey Joe within a minute of the first round. You could look it up.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 05:52:02 (EST)

I too went to the Grady & Hurst Show,but only one time. We went straight from school. We took a change of clothes,because being on a dance show in our St. Elizabeth uniform,was a No,No. We would have been in trouble deep,as the old Eberly Brother's song goes. You are right about the long bus ride. That is why we never went back. It was raining when we came out,instead of waiting in the rain for the next bus,we thummed a ride,bad idea. Two older guys gave us a ride. We were lucky,nothing happened to us,but it was scary enough that we never tried that again and never went back.
Kay Burton Wells <breckslnkid12@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Friday, March 30, 2007 at 20:40:36 (EST)

Tony Undorf taught me how to ChaCha to the Diamond's song "Little Darlin". We lived around the corner from each other at 27th & West. A group of us would get the bus to the Grady & Hurst show at the corner of Concord Av. & Washington Sts. Jerry Hare and his sister Betty were regulars for a while. we Others that I can remember that went to Wilm. High were Cookie Covelli, Anne Bartholmew, Bubbles Alpern, Mary Ann Sevinski, Bertha Nichols. Joe Nedwick went from St. Eliz. Bob Clayton was also there until he started to go to Bandstand in Phila. All of these kids went on "the show" in 1955 - 1956. The bus ride seemed to take forever and we thought we were way out in the country by the time we got there. Lots of good memories.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, De USA - Friday, March 30, 2007 at 18:33:06 (EST)

I was on the Grady and Hurst show several times. I have searched my memory but cannot remember any of the regulars on the show, if in fact there were any. I don't think the teens were as dedicated to that show as they were to Bandstand when it was in Philadelphia. I did know quite a few of those regulars as some of them came from our area. Anyone who was never in the studio would have been shocked to see how small the dance area actually was. The camera angles always made it look like it was a large room. My memory tells me it was not much more than a 20 x 20 area to dance in. Of course, we didn't need a lot of area because we didn't have arms and legs flailing all over the place. We actually knew who we were dancing with.
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Friday, March 30, 2007 at 11:34:27 (EST)

Back to the old Camp Arrowhead; I went there for eight weeks each summer from 1948-1953. This was before the Episcopal Diocese took it over. Col.Ralph Sasse, a Wilmington native, West Point graduate and later head football coach there and at Mississippi State, ran the camp which featured such as crafts (think wood shop), archery, boxing, indian lore, folk lore, riflery(sp), any sport involving a ball, horseback riding (Sasse had been in the cavalry), sailing and swimming. We even had a salt water pool with water pumped in from the Rehoboth Bay; never seen such before or since. Sanford Secor, out of East Stoudsburg was the head counselor; we began each day with Reveille and ended with Taps. Stripes were given to campers for "excellence" in various endeavors and were awarded Saturday nights at an "indian council fire." The stripes were yellow for horsemanship, green for crafts, blue for "aquatics," red for athletics plus the coveted white "gentleman's" stripe - the only one you could lose for commission of nefarious deeds. If a camper received all the stripes,he received a "Major 'A'" and was thereby eligible for a trip to Ocean Downs Raceway. Some Wilmingtonians I remember at the camp, besides Undorf, included Frank Bunch, Bill & John Walker, Peter Kortman, Tom Keller, Jebby Charamella, Bob Burton, and the Claymont contingent, Ed Lieberman, Virgil & Nick Romito. Each summer the campers erected a totem pole, of which there were several and, for all I know, they may still be there. Excuse the rambling, but I have many fond memories of my summers there.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@adairhorneassoc.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Friday, March 30, 2007 at 08:49:01 (EST)

Roy, Ed Hurst made a commercial that was shown in my area just a few months ago and I was surprised to see he was still with us. I recall talking with Grady and Hurst in the parking lot near the old roller coaster in Wildwood. I believe it was 1956, before we were married in 1959, that my wife received a personalised autograph for her kid sister. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, March 30, 2007 at 08:09:05 (EST)

CHIEF HALFTOWN IS NO LONGER WITH US HE PASSED AWAY A FEW YEARS AGO.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Friday, March 30, 2007 at 06:01:37 (EST)

THE GRADY AND HURST SHOW--BOY THAT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES. MY FRIEND BETTY & I WERE ON THE SHOW ONE TIME. WE LEFT FROM SCHOOL,ST.ELIZABETH'S .WE HAD TO TAKE A CHANGE OF CLOTHES---DANCING ON T.V.IN YOUR UNIFORM WAS A NO,NO. IT WAS A FUN TIME,BUT A LONG WAY TO GO.THAT'S WHY WE WENT ONLY ONCE.
Kay Burton ,Wells <breckslnkid12@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 21:57:21 (EST)

I know that Sally Starr (my gal Sal)is still riding high. She does a radio show every Sunday morning on 92.1 FM WVLT out of Vineland N.J. She has a web page: http://www.sallystarr.net/ The radio station has a web page too: http://www.wvlt.com/index1.html. I live in Pike Creek and I pick up the radio station frequency just fine. You'll also find Jerry Blavet (the Geator with the Heater)on the same station. I would like to know more about Gene London's where-abouts. He was the best! I know that he moved to New York and became a fashion designer and also a collector of movie wardrobe. At least that is what I have read. I miss the days of the General Store, Debbie Dibbly, Quigly Mansion, confetti boxes and Gene opening the show with this song: Come right on in to the general store We've got licorice, gum drops, sour balls, Anything that you're hankering for You'll find in Cartoon Corners General Store
Jim <Jim@yahoo.com>
Wilm, De USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 20:45:42 (EST)

Does anyone know if Sally Starr, Chief Halftown, Grady and Hurst and Gene London are still alive ?
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 19:39:10 (EST)

As for the Grady and Hurst TV show on Channel 12 ... my cousin, Karen Pollitt, was on that show (how many times I do not know). That was "before my time"! Channel 12 was located where WDEL/WSTW is located now, by the way.
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 19:35:49 (EST)

The name of the organist at the Printz Roller Rink was Vic. A big burly guy with a very deep voice & a shock of white hair. Thanks for putting that one back in my memory bank...........All Skate.
Jim Batty <travelcompany@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 15:49:44 (EST)

The webmaster has a link on the RADIO/TV page for a bio of Ed Hurst. Nothing on Grady.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 15:19:09 (EST)

Camp Arrowhead! I went to camp there what seems like a zillion years ago, and it's still going strong! My son just registered his boys for a session there this summer. Anyone remember Camp Mattahoon out on Limestone Road? (long gone) That was my first camping experience. To a city kid it seemed like the Great North Woods at that time. Look at the area today!
TheKid <NoSpamWanted>
Wilm, DE USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 14:50:28 (EST)

Butch, I remember Ed Hurst had a TV show, kind of like, Ameerican Bandstand that was broadcast from the Steel Pier in Atlantic city in the summer. He always seemed too old for the show that had a group of teenagers dancing to the latest rock hits. I don't remember Grady.
Bruce <bc@rr.houston.com>
sugar Land, TX USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 14:25:26 (EST)

Does anyone remember the Grady & Hurst show on Channel 12? the only "regular" I can recall on the show was Tony Undorf; I went to Camp Arrowhead with him back in the early 50s. Anyone know names of other "regulars?"
Butch Schilling <fschilling@adairhorneassoc.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 14:13:31 (EST)

I believe the Bowling Center you are referring to on Marrows Rd. was "Brookside Bowl" When it first opened it was called "Bob Turley Bowl" (named after a baseball player)There was a restaurant attached to it and when you sat in a booth you could look through a glass window and watch them bowl.
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala, Fl USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 13:47:30 (EST)

Sean, The Smoke Shop is now a tanning salon!?!? Shows how long I've been away from Wilm. I guess the 40 Acres area is becoming the high rent district. From the Wilm. newspaper web site I see that the Logan House is still there.
Bruce <bc@rr.houston.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 10:07:14 (EST)

My husband and I had been bowling in a league at Fairfax Lanes for several years. We bowled on that Thursday evening and heard the next morning that the lanes had burned to the ground. I have been here in Fla. for 25 years (1981) so it has to have been around 28-30 years ago when the fire took place. Unfortuneteley, that same evening, a gentleman bowler in our league suffered a massave heart attatck and we found out the next morning that he had passed away. That was quite a memorable evening for all of us.
sharon <shar646@aol.com>
weston, fl USA - Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 17:00:09 (EST)

I also recall that a bowling center near Rt. 4 and Marrows Lane was destroyed by a fire.
Webmaster <web_master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 16:34:08 (EST)

Wasn't the Bowling Center in the Fairfax Shopping Center destroyed by a fire about 10 years ago - maybe more?
Webmaster <web_master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 16:31:43 (EST)

Bruce: The smoke shop at De Ave and Dupont St is now a tanning salon.
Sean <sknagel@msn.com>
Wilmingoton, De USA - Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 10:39:01 (EST)

The Grady's I remember was at 8th & Orange on the 2nd floor, when you got to the top of the stairs, if you turned left there were 6 Bowling Lanes, if you went straight in there were 8 Lanes, Allen Wolfe, owner of Briteway Cleaners, took it over in the early 60's, he got rid of the 6 lanes to the left. Grady went to Fairfax, and opened a Bowling Center in the Fairfax shopping center.
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala, Fl USA - Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 16:00:02 (EST)

Does anyone out there remember Grady's, a few doors down from the old Morning News/Journal Every Evening, between eighth and ninth streets? It may have been the first or nearly the first bowling alley in Wilmington. It was on the second-floor and there were about eight or 10 lanes. In those days we picked up a little bit of money by setting pins for the bowlers. When they were done bowling, they would toss some change down the lanes for you. The nationally famous Andy Verapapa, a trick shot artist, stopped in there fairly regularly to give demonstrations. There was also a few pool tables in a room to the side. We weren't allowed in there in those days. Adults only.
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 13:32:56 (EST)

I can recall one summer in the late 1930's collecting those pesky Japanese Beetles. Young kids in the neighborhood spent most of the summer picking the bugs from rose bushes and gardens and dropping them into a glass jar. The jar contained a small amount of coal oil and covered with a lid. The liquid I believe was kerosene or what ever was used in the old "FLIT" spray pumps. There was a rumor, there was a bounty on the critters but never heard anyone collecting. When picking up the beetles they tickled your hand as they tried to escape. The beetles seemed to have a preference for rose bushes and hollyhocks. The Japanese Beetle invasion was most likely something our parents "cooked up" to keep us out of trouble. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 09:30:03 (EST)

Is the Smoke Shop still located at Del. Ave and DuPont STs? Across from Trolley Square - used to be a very busy corner.
Bruce <bc@rr,houston.>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 07:41:31 (EST)

Re the new Applebees. I read somewhere that they will have old pictures of the Chuck Wagon hanging in the resturant, but I don't think any of the old coffee pot remains. I remember it well.
Linda <lac1053@comcast.net>
Wilm, DE USA - Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 01:24:07 (EST)

I remember having a wonderful time roller skating at the roller ring on the Govornor Pritz Blvd. I have been trying to remember the owner's name as he also played the music while we watched all the girls skating around the ring. We had a good time trying to show off for all the girls . I had many a fall trying to learn how skate. It was a good place to have a good time on a cold winter day with your friends .
Chuck Collins <Irishmurtha>
Hockessin, De USA - Monday, March 26, 2007 at 23:06:25 (EST)

Is there still a Flower Market every spring at Rockford Park? As a kid I used to look forward to it every year. I'm glad a developer hasn't found a way to build condos/townhouses on the park land.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, March 26, 2007 at 13:54:00 (EST)

One of the people stopped by the Candid Camera crew was named Betty (I don't want to post her last name). I think most of her response was beeped out. She didn't fall for the trick like most of the people they showed.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA USA - Monday, March 26, 2007 at 09:24:09 (EST)

THE PRANK On May 21, 1963, Candid Camera and the Delaware Highway Patrol set up a roadblock at the state line, roughly 25 yards from the highpoint, with a sign reading: "Delaware is Closed Today." Motorists were told that the state was under repair and that they should try again tomorrow. One driver meekly asked, "Is Jersey open?" Sorry, this is all I could find online. Perhaps the Historical Society has more...
TheKid <NoSpamWanted>
Wilm, DE USA - Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 16:04:28 (EST)

LIZ: I think I can speak for most of us here when I say, "We share your grief." There can be nothing worse for a parent, than the death of a child. Peace be with you.
TheKid <NoSpamWanted>
Wilm, DE USA - Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 15:53:48 (EST)

I started school in 1942 at Ursuline Academy in first grade. I did ride the bus the first year, but I do not remember a maroon bus. It could have been maroon, but I don't think so. Mr. May, who is now deceased would remember, but his daughter Janet could be of help. I spent 12 years there as a student, and another 12 years teaching there. Never do I remember a maroon bus. However I will ask if any of the nuns remember it. I am not contradicting, I am just not sure.
Helen Doherty <hmdoh@verizon.net>
Wilm, De. USA - Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 15:00:27 (EST)

havent posted for a while, I had a very sad happen to me, lost my daughter at age 44 pm 25 (was Toni Papillo Seward) Papillo being her maiden name, and my once married name, trying to get back on track now, love this site, since i grew up in wilmington and graduated school there
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 19:32:02 (EST)

I grew up in the city and don't recall ever seeing a school bus. When we moved in 1956, I began taking a school bus to Conrad from the Cedars. After all those years of trudging through rain and snow, it was like a miracle. The following year I drove my '48 Plymouth.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 11:34:29 (EST)

for BOB: I lived across the street from a girl who went to Ursiline Academy, and I remember a red or Maroon bus that used to pick her up. Are there any alumni of Ursiline who remember that bus. Take care George
george <george091639@msn.com>
ocean View, DE USA - Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 09:13:36 (EST)

Does anyone know if that Candid Camera clip is available anywhere? I've searched on YOUTUBE.com but haven't found it. I told my kids about it and I wanted to share it with them.
Jim <Jim@yahoo.com>
Wilm, DE USA - Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 08:39:58 (EST)

The only time I can recall riding a school bus was in 1937 at age five. My parents put my brother and I on the bus that took us to school at First and Central Bible School during the summer. The church was located across from the Hotel Du Pont. Through the 40's I never recall riding on any school bus, never remember seeing any. I do remember the school play area was behind a high wall. The Du Pont building and the Hotel Du Pont was the biggest thing around back then but there is no mention of it on Old Wilmington.
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, March 23, 2007 at 15:23:44 (EST)

On that Candid Camera Show, I remember Delaware being full rather than closed. Candid Camera set a railroad crossing type swing arm on the southbound side of Ebright Road. They stopped cars from entering Delaware from Pennsylvania and let them in one by one as cars left Delaware.
Fred Best <fred.best@usa.dupont.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 23, 2007 at 04:42:26 (EST)

Bob Wilson - I'm a Brandywine High '77 Grad. Larry
Larry Jones <lj106@comcast.net>
Newark, De USA - Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 18:24:05 (EST)

Roy: No, the site isn't down... it's just that Wilmington has been closed for the past 3 days. Sorry. That was inspired by that great video clip on the old "Candid Camera" show, where they set up a roadblock (I believe it was on Ebright Road) and told people driving into Delaware that they'd have to turn around and go back, because Delaware is closed today. A classic Candid Camera stunt.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 18:11:41 (EST)

Does have any photos of Silverside, Holiday and Fairfax Lanes?
Tom <tsilicato@hotmail.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 17:18:28 (EST)

Is this site down, as far as posting goes? There hasn't been a post for three days now.
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 17:07:30 (EST)

I sure do remember Kelly's. That place was my home away from home for a year or so. When I left the house and went looking for the gang, Kelly's was usually my first stop.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA USA - Monday, March 19, 2007 at 21:31:36 (EST)

This is probably off the Nostalgia topic (sorry Webmaster)but does anyone know Denise Trimble, she graduated from Brandywine H.S. around 1970 and lived in Newark for awhile. Her daughter Chelsi Smith became Miss USA and Miss Universe.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, March 19, 2007 at 12:10:37 (EST)

Harry, Kelly's on Gov. Printz was the first fast food restaurant I went to. It's hard to imagine getting a hamburger for .15! Even if it was thin.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, March 19, 2007 at 07:47:25 (EST)

talking about hamburgers, how about the new one-- 5 guys, the fries are the best--a new one is going to open in fairfax soon. the burgers are great also I didn't mean to just say fries.
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 19:57:09 (EST)

Anyone here graduate, or know of anyone who graduated, from Brandywine High in 1977?
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 10:53:48 (EST)

Talk about cheap hamburgers does anyone remember Kelly's in Edgemoor along the Gov. Printz?
Harry Brand <SALLIESBRAND@msn.com>
Wilmington, de us - Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 07:59:57 (EST)

Norman - re: the Strand and the Edgemoor. Back in the early '50's, they were e exactly to me as you described them, particularly the windowed smoking lounge at the E'moor. One thing I do remember liking about the Strand was that there was no balcony, but that the floor began to rise in tiers toward the back of the theater so you could get a good view of the screen if you sat "up" there.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 07:42:39 (EST)

Gene---Good ole Strand theater, I used to serve the circulars for upcoming movies, got a free pass and usually got tossed out, for oneryness by Libby the head usher. Another usher was Bubby Johnson? and her brother took the tickets. Irene Slez sold the tickets and Ben Seligman Owned the theater,or managed it. Gene, do you remember we used to go to the Edgemoor theater where they had high back lounge chairs in one section and I think you could smoke in there, it was glass enclosed.
Norman <buckenae@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 13:10:09 (EST)

Sorry, last post should have said "well fed for under two dollars".
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 12:02:13 (EST)

Connie: yes, I remember one of the first Gino's restaurants that opened on Dupont Hwy. at Wilmington Manor. Their hamburgers were $.15 or seven for a dollar. Fries were $.10. On Fridays I would take a family of 4 after I got paid as a treat and we were well fed for under three dollars. Of course, we weren't paying much more than a quarter for a gallon of gas either. I know the salaries have gone up along with the prices, but it seems to be more disproportionate now than ever before.
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11:57:40 (EST)

Yesterday, I saw a N.C.C. variance inquiry sign, in front of Italian Bistro. The old Chuck Wagon. It says it could be an Applebee!s We do need another one HA-HA ! Does anybody know if the old Coffee pot still exists behind the front facade, and will it be saved somehow, somewhere? Who do you contact? The county? De.history?
brownys <brownys828@yahoo.com>
Wilmington , de USA - Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 05:21:21 (EST)

Maureen and Dave, I recall going to the Ritz theater many nights and weekends while in high school. I remember the heat would be shut down as soon as the last feature started and it would get cold as a barn. I too remember dating a very nice girl who lived on Park Place almost directly behind the theater. We spent a lot of time at the movies about 1947 and 1948. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, March 16, 2007 at 23:16:32 (EST)

In the thirties,those in our neighborhood, the area of market st. 20-30 sts. and surrounding areas went to the Strand Theater on saturdays. We saw Two movies,assorted shorts,serials(such as tarzan or flash gordon)cartoons,and all for a dime.I was given 16 cents for the afternoon, as mentioned 10 cents for the show, 1 cent for fleers bubble gum and 5 cents for a double dip ice cream after the show. Those were the days,very good days in every way in a great city.
gene smith <genesjoys@bellsouth.net>
plantation, fla USA - Friday, March 16, 2007 at 18:34:46 (EST)

I WOULD GO TO THE RITZ ALOT AS I DATED A GIRL THAT LIVED IN BACK OF THE RITZ ON PARK PLACE. IT WAS A NICE THEATER AND HAD GOOD MOVIES, NEVER FIRST RUN ONES THAT WAS FOR THE WARNER OR LOWES.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Friday, March 16, 2007 at 17:42:29 (EST)

I went to the Ritz almost every saturday, sometimes would switch off aand go to he Ace on Maryland Ave, and if we really wanted to get fancy went the Arcadia on Market Street or the Grand, I lived at 4th and adams
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Friday, March 16, 2007 at 17:21:04 (EST)

Anyone remember Ritz movie on Delaware ave. between Jackson St. and Adam St.? We would go every Sat. to the matinee for 25 cents. we buy these large lollypops for 5 cents and would last through all the movies, which back then you got to see a cartoon or two and it was a double feature. It was torn down in the early 60's for I-95, the freeway split our neighborhood in half and many moved out to the suburbs. Our church and school, Sacred Heart, lost so many people, it closed the school in 1969 and the church went down hill, so sad. My family moved out in 1967, it was a really rough time, 1968 riots and so much more happened to the old neighborhood since then. It is coming back slowly, but not to where it was, it was so wonderful growing up there, so many memeories. OK, on a hoodnote, Remember St. Pat's day parade this Sat. March 17, 12 noon.I hope all get a chance to stop down and support the parade. My family has not missed it yet! Rooneys Rest. on Delaware Ave. is having the Irish traditional lunch and McAleeh's Irish school of dance will there to dance. Happy St Pat's day to all!
maureen <dunningmod@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 13:47:23 (EST)

Louis was at 4th adams. I went to George Martin in the early 40's then moved to 816 W 4th st and went ot PETE'S between Monroe and Madsion on 2nd st. His place was burned out with the Wilm. Sash & Door fire, he then went to 6th & Monroe. Went to him for a long time.
BOB AUSTIN <bobaus1@sbcglobal.net>
NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS USA - Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 13:23:22 (EST)

Franny...wow did you bring up some memories of Hercules Hill. We went all the time in the 60's...You learned real fast that when you walked back up you stayed on the sides. My sister didn't learn fast enough. We heard the swushing sound of a tobaggan coming, a thump, a yell, and when we looked you just saw the outline of my sister in the snow a few inches padded down. No she wasn't hurt too bad, she survived, never did find her hat...another time we pancaked and headed down the left thru the trees. Every drop someone slid out from our pile. I was the last one on the sled and had a meeting with a tree. Just a jaw dislocation but what a blast...I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, they were the best of times...Monkey Hill was our other favorite but somehow you always ended up hitting a car or running under it if you didn't have too much padding...it just wasn't long enough. Gosh how did my mom survive with the stuff we did, but it was always good clean fun...
Rose Culver <reculver71@aol.com>
Layton, UT USA - Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 12:45:25 (EST)

Any one remember "Donato's barber shop" used to be located at 7th or 8th and Church St. The barber's name was Steve Donato, he was a promenate bowler in the area, Then he moved the shop to Holiday Lane's in Claymont
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala , Fl USA - Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 12:23:04 (EST)

there were 2 barber shops on 4th st. tom manno 4th & franklin another manno i dont remember the first name was at 4th & adams
frank zeke zeccola <fazfaz36@hotmail.com>
wilm., de. USA - Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 11:01:08 (EST)

THE GOOD OLD DAYS - March 15 1960 Len Dukart opened one of the first McDonald's restaurants on the East Coast on the circle in Newark. Hamburgers were fifteen cents, sodas ten cents, fries ten cents, and milkshakes twenty cents.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 08:10:02 (EST)

Years ago(60's)I remember sledding down the hills of the old Hercules Country Club until it became so popular that they put a halt to it due to the crowds and traffic.
Franny Green <green1104@aol.com>
Lewes, DE USA - Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 07:16:24 (EST)

hi butch- the only sledding hills i remember were waleston road from either end. using silverside was a little hairy. i remember using carr rd a few times. johnny's buddies used to tow everybody over to kinlynn apartments and use the hill from philadelphia pike to the gov printz. there weren't many places that were reasonable to get to that were any good. it was hard to find a hill that was steap enough, and a long enough run to make it worthwhile.
michael mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 17:08:56 (EST)

The Powdermill Inn building was converted into individual shops etc. (hair dresser, Einstines Bagels, etc.)some years ago. Cromwell's is across the parking area, on the west side, but in a separate building. Great spot, my wife and I go there at least once a week, frequently more. Good food, friendly owner and waitpersons. Some years ago it was Schoonovers.
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 11:50:35 (EST)

Michael Mullins, Help me out here; trying to remember any good sledding hills and all I can come up with is Schilly's back yard. My recollection is that it was kinda flat there except for the B & O Crossing on Silverside Rd., which wasn't tried real often. Butch
Butch Schilling <fschilling@adairhorneassoc.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 09:21:40 (EST)

I REMEMBER THE RESTAURANT IN GREENVILLE CALLED THE POWDERMILL INN.I LIVED IN THAT AREA. THE RESTAURANT IS NOW CALLED THE CROMWELLS--NICE RESTAURANT,ALWAYS BUSY. ON ANOTHER SUBJECT : THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE FLEXIBLE FLYERS,THAT MAKES A BODY WANT TO HOLD ON TO THEM.I STILL HAVE MINE. MY FOUR KIDS USED IT AS WELL AS ONE OF MY GRAND KIDS. I WILL NEVER PART WITH MY FLEXIBLE FLYER.BACK IN THE DAY,NO OTHER BRAND WOULD DO.
Kay Burton ,Wells <breckslnkid12@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 07:30:54 (EST)

Oh, those Flexible Flyers! Phyllis, I had my Flexible Flyer all my life, and my 3-kids used it all their childhood. Our daughter now has it, and pulled her first G'child on it this winter! It's one of the few things I have from my childhood. Who knows why? It's just something thing I dragged around with me as I moved through life, for whatever reason.
TheKid <NoSpamWanted>
Wilm, DE USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 22:21:35 (EST)

Does anyone remember a restaurant in Greenville on the west side of Rte 52 called the Powder Mill Inn? I was their as a young teen but I do recall the food being very good. I did not see it in the restaurant listins. I also remember a barber shop in greenville where they always seemed to have a card game going on.
john callaghan <jjctheiii@yahoo.com>
birdsboro, pa USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 21:02:05 (EST)

TO BRUCE ESDALE........ERNIE DELLEDONE STILL CUTS HAIR...HIS SHOP IS AT 10TH. AND DUPONT ST.
JOE "BUBBLES" PASQUALE <jnpasquale@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 19:00:12 (EST)

Phyllis: I was a Monkey Hill sledder - at 18th and Van Buren... I tried skiing down that hill the first time I was ever on skis (and the last!) and almost did myself in. Lots of fun back in those days. Now my grandson goes snowboarding at Heavenly Valley Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe and could run rings around whatever I did on skis at Monkey Hill... the downhill run is a bit longer at Heavenly, though- maybe I can blame it on that.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 18:47:20 (EST)

To segue from the haircuts & shops, for just a minute, and before we are too quickly whisked away from the beautiful season of winter(my favorite), does anyone remember sledding down the double hill at Prices Run? What a great park I remember in the forties. The double hill was facing E. 23rd St. between Church and Spruce and was located slightly west of the swimming pool. I remember as a child alway knowing that that particular hill was the BIG one. The one for the PRO's. At age 10, if you could sled off that hill, you had made it. When you came off the top hill, you were suspended in an airborne free fall for a brief few exhilarating seconds before your sled hit the next smaller hill. Just like heaven. The boys loved doing this and were good at it. The girls, more timid. An odd thing, I can't remember whatever became of my Flexible Flyer.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@ccomcast.net>
Wilm.DE, DE USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 17:47:47 (EST)

BRUCE DO LIKE I DO WHEN I GO TO THE BARBER JUST TELL THEM TO CUT IT ALL OVER WITH A 1&1/2 NO MATTER WHAT BARBER YOU GO TO IT WILL COME OUT THE SAME.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 15:52:14 (EST)

Bruce of Sugarland, TX: Know what you mean about the 'whitewalls'. Whenever my dad took me to the barber and no matter how hard I tried to tell them I still wanted my hair long, it seemed like an unspoken agreement between my dad and the barber that my hair was going to be short!! Just like that. A knowing look and a grunt, that was all the barber needed. As I got older, when I was going to Ernie's, he cut my hair just the way I liked it. Trouble was, after my dad and grandparents looked at it, back I went until it was cut to their satisfaction. This was until I was 20 years old and went on my own! Although I still have my hair, barbers nowadays are called sylists and when I tell them I want a trim, I have no idea what I'll end up with.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 12:28:47 (EST)

Bill Regarding Mayor Walz he won by l43 votes against Gene Lammot the first time around and then Gene won the second time he ran. At that time the paper ballot was being used and some question as to the count but couldn't prove. August Walz then was rewarded as Postmaster for the rest of his life. The Mayor's term was originally two years and Gene was first for a four year which at the time he was elected he was also a State Senator in Dover which I believe no one else did that. Both jobs were not fulltime and salaries practically non-existent. Not like today.
Eugenia Bonner <eugenia5@verizon.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 12:25:09 (EST)

How about Joe's on Concord Pike? I remember kids being sent there with long hair by the vice principal of Springer Jr. High, Mr. Marsh. When Joe was finished with you you had white walls - close cut around the ears.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 10:59:33 (EST)

Erik, I do remember the great taste of those long cream filled powdered donuts from Penny Hill. The donuts were always warm when we purchased them as they did not stay in the showcase very long, there was such a demand for them. Back in the early 40's whipped cream was injected into the donuts when they were purchased. The health department gave them a hard time and said the cream was a dairy product and the donuts should be refrigerated. It was at that point that a non-dairy cream filling was used so the donuts could be sold warm. Actually everyone knew the donuts were consumed within one hour of purchase, they were that good. Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 10:58:10 (EST)

I didn't see any mention of Bill and Tony's barber shop which was located a few doors from the corner of Lancaster and Union Sts. My dad and I used to frequent this shop. They always appeared to be professional. Later, as a teen, got my locks shorn by Ernie Delle Donne.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 08:16:08 (EST)

Penny Hill Donut shop has been mentioned on this forum in the past. All I remember about the place were the long white cream filled powdered donuts were to die for. Does anyone remember, did they sell anything else there besides donuts?
Erik <Erik@nospam.com>
Newark, De USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 06:21:31 (EST)

The Kid, I recall the barber (Catinella) on 4th St right below the Cigar Store. Ralph Tribuani, the boxing promotor, had one of his many taverns a few doors down back in the fifties.
goodfella <oceancity59@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, March 12, 2007 at 21:11:34 (EST)

Fred, thanks, I remember Necastro now. When I was about 6 years old he had another barber in there we called, "Ty." Larry is a good man. He had the cheapest (in price) pizza around. I remember Jack's too. I used to walk up there at night and get french fries. Thanks.
P. Corcoran <pc410@windstream.net>
Mt. Olivet, Ky USA - Monday, March 12, 2007 at 20:34:43 (EST)

For Ray; Thank you for remembering the Ignudo name. That was exactly correct. My wife and I kept saying Panuto but knew that was not it. Tom was a bonafide NY YANKEE fan and had pictures of Yankees in the shop along with local folks like Al Neiger when he was a Phillie. Thanksa again and Take care
George <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Monday, March 12, 2007 at 16:53:43 (EST)

P. Corcoran Larry Necastro is still cutting hair at his shop on the north side of Lancaster Avenue between Cleveland & Gray Avenues. His wife ran the sandwich shop at the northeast corner of Lancaster & Cleveland for awhile. That used to be Jacks Luncheonette. Anybody who grew up in that neighborhood in the late 50s and early 60s or who went to Wilmington High School after WHS moved to Lancaster Avenue & DuPont Road will remember Jacks Luncheonette. I did not go to WHS but did feed my paper route earnings to the pinball machines in Jacks Luncheonette. Fred Best
Fred Best <fred.best@usa.dupont.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 12, 2007 at 13:50:42 (EST)

WAS AUGUST WALZ POSTMASTER OF WILMINGTON BEFORE OR AFTER HE WAS MAYOR ?
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Monday, March 12, 2007 at 08:57:09 (EST)

I read this past week, in the News Journal, where a 15 yr old boy downstate, was killed while being pulled on his sled, by a pickup truck. So sad. I remember every winter we did that same thing at night, if we found a car passing by; and every winter my parents threatening with: "You won't be allowed out of the house until the snow melts! If I catch you doing that one more time!!"
TheKid <NoSpamWanted>
Wilm, DE USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 22:17:14 (EST)

Does anyone remember Louie's (manno) barbara shop on 4th street, was there a long time
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 21:43:48 (EST)

I lived on 4th and adams st, and i remember ash days were always on wed, that why (not being catholic), i remember telling my mom and dad, when i was real small why do catholics only have ash wed once a year lol
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 21:38:57 (EST)

On the ash/trash discussion, I seem to remember that there were different pickup days for garbage and ashes. I can remember being at 7th and Madison one day and, as I passed a trash truck (they were still using dump trucks), I heard one of the chuckers givng another hell about how many times he'd told him not to pick up ashes on trash day. That's when I noticed that the truck was starting to burn. The paint really peeled off of that truck. Didn't stick around for the fire trucks though.
Bill McGonigal <mcgonig3@aol.com>
Townsend, DE USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 21:16:49 (EST)

My last should have said that "Gene Lammot was mayor from 1956-60. He was the FIRST mayor of Wilmington to serve a four year term. John Babiarz appears to have come in with the 1960 election. I'm still doing research, but August Walz shows up as mayor in 1954, so, with a two year term that would have taken him to 1956." Sorry.
Bill McGonigal <mcgonig3@aol.com>
Townsend, De USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 20:05:30 (EST)

I went to Larry's barber shop on Lancaster Ave. when I was a kid late 1960's early 70's. (Not as experienced in life as most of the posters.) The last time I was in Del. he was still there. Has an Italian name, can't remember it. Does anyone know if he's still there? I believe he owned a pizza shop for a while too.
P. Corcoran <pc4102windstream.net>
Mt. Olivet, Ky USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 20:01:04 (EST)

Gene Lammot was mayor from 1956-60. He was the mayor of Wilmington to serve a four year term. John Babiarz appears to have come in with the 1960 election. I'm still doing research, but August Walz shows up as mayor in 1954, so, with a two year term that would have taken him to 1956.
Bill McGonigal <mcgonig3@aol.com>
Townsend, De USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 20:00:22 (EST)

Doesn't anyone fly kites anymore??___There have been some good winds the past few days.___I remember flying my kites at the Woodlawn Park by Lore School or we would go to Rockford Park.___There was a time in the 1940's when my dad helped me make a kite out of newspaper, but later I went to Pete's 5&10 on Lincoln Street to buy them.
Webmaster <web_master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 16:56:38 (EST)

Remembering Ash Day in Wilmington, the ashes were set out curbside along with the "peach Baskets" that contained the cans and bottles. This was just once a week and the receptacles were removed from in front of the property after they were emptied. This was a time for exploring the curbside trash as we kids always walked past on our way to school. There was one occasion I recall one of the kids rescued a broken umbrella from the trash and stripped it of its covering and ribs. Then with the handle and shaft and the imagination only a kid could come up with he proceeded to strut and swagger to school entertaining us. First he would use it as a cane and then as a swagger stick tucked under his arm. He also went through the motions of using as a sword like one of the Three Musketeers. Some of the other kids would stomp on empty milk cans so they would attach to their shoes and make a lot of noise clunking to school. Back then Ash Day was something kids looked forward to. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 15:02:08 (EST)

For George: I remember Tommy very well, His last name was Ignudo, I believe. And your right He died very young. Took my own Children there a couple of times.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 11:53:29 (EST)

the memory trips that are started while staring at this screen - the mention of edgemoor started me remembering the edgemoor theater and it's saturday specials of cartoons, serials, and a double feature, wirh a big box of popcorn just 25cents. edgemoor iron reminded me of the booming from the rollong mills of worth steel in claymont. Rob McKelvey made me think of just growing up in those times. i hate waiting for or on buses, hate it. i used to take the "arden tincan" from 10th & washington to veal & marsh to get home from school. but if i was slow walking, and i often was, i'd miss it and have to wait an hour for the next one. i'd walk (well, hitch hike really). that's how i got to know "union jack" (today he would be public enemy #1). it wasn't recomended, it wasn't legal, but we still did it. you didn't have to be affraid going out of your house. the people you met were more likely to smile and say hi, than rob you. the streets and roads were reasonably clean and free of litter. we walked, or rode our bikes everywhere. we all had our chores to do, and we did them. i was going to say or else, but there was no "or else", you just did them. i think, in a way, our chores were a "rite of passage". we were eager to be big enough, old enough, to do such-and-such. a different world. and only 50 years ago.
michael mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 15:15:27 (EST)

strange, we all seem to have gone to our father's barber. in my case i can't remember his name. he was a little old italian. he had a a shop on shipley st near my father's architectal office. he moved out to the suburbs, to a little house next to "suburaban hardware", across from gailey's esso at silverside and marsh. i went to him for years. (and the guy that took over the shop, right up till i got married - gone to my wife ever since).
michael mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 14:50:55 (EST)

For Ray Jubb: Hi Ray .I used to go to a barber at 2nd abd Harrison whose name was Tom. I can not remember the last name, but he lived in Cleland Heights by Canby Park. He was a funny guy who passed away fairly early in life. Take Care George
George <George091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 10:40:21 (EST)

I MUST BE GETTING OLD. IS H.L. GREENS THE OLD SLIVERS 5@10?
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 08:11:37 (EST)

Webmaster ------ THANKS for the post of the WDG record concession. I never knew his name, but he was very kind to me when others would have just blown me off as a pain-in-the-you-know-what 13-14 year old kid. I don't remember Green's 5 & 10 ... was that what I was thinking of when I said Woolworth's down around 5th or 6th on Market??? Also ... my first paid job in radio was at WILM ... who was the personality ??? They had some very nice guys there when I was there in 1967-1968. Ray Freeman was my boss. Seems like yesterday instead of 40 years ago !
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 07:30:43 (EST)

Hi, I was born in OLD Edgemoor by the Edgemoor Iron works, in 1928, moved to Wilminton in 1935, went to George Gray, my first and only barber for years other than my Father was Jimmy Ficka who's shop was on North Claymont St. one block below Van Dever Ave-- He was like a father too, when sideburns were the rage, parents weren't pleased, well you went for a trim & he removed the sides too, like I said he was almost your father. GOOD OLD DAYS, and I've been around quite awhile--grew up around Price's Run......Aubrey
Aubrey <aubandclaire@verizon.net>
Lewes, De USA - Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 05:37:40 (EST)

ROY:: Mr. Milton Pomerantz was the Record Department Manager at WDG in the early 60's.___It was located on the first floor balcony opposite the Toy Department.___You could enter the department from the first floor side stairs or the 5th Street door.___Also, I used to go to H. L. Green’s 5 & 10 at 610 Market Street for my records.___And, when I DJ’d in 1960-1961, I would go to WILM where a certain on-air personality would give me their extra copies of records – the ones with the “White Promo Labels” on them – which I STILL have…
Webmaster <web_master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 03:04:07 (EST)

ROSIE YOU MUST NOT REMEMBER ALL THE ASH AND TRASH CAN WE PUT OUT YEARS AGO.GARBAGE WAS TAKEN FROM THE BACKYARD BUT WE HAD TO LINE THE SIDEWALKS WITH ALL THE OTHER JUNK.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Friday, March 09, 2007 at 22:15:31 (EST)

Well due to the fact that most of you who post here are from North of the Brandywine or at least North of 4th Street, you probably wouldn't know the Barber who gave me my first Haircut. He was located on Lancaster Ave.(We called it Front St.)between Jackson St & Adam St, on the South side of the St. His name was Joe Allison. Later when Joe kicked the bucket a guy named Joe Morano took over. After that I never had a steady Barber, I would get it cut in the Shop least crowded. The first time I went by myself to get a haircut it was 35 cents.
Ray jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Friday, March 09, 2007 at 22:11:26 (EST)

I'll second that, Bob!! We take so much for granted...
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Friday, March 09, 2007 at 21:32:29 (EST)

I want to express my appreciation to the caring parents and Grandparents who maintained our neighborhood communities, and provided the legacy of safe neighborhoods in which we grew up. Many are no longer with us but they were instrumental in our having a safe childhood experience. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, March 09, 2007 at 20:22:04 (EST)

The city of Wilmington is looking like one big garbage dump with all the large cobalt blue trash containers in front of all the properties. This is probably the only city in this great country that looks like this. A disgrace to the leaders of Wilmington. I go along with recycle but this has gone too far. A better way could have been devised to handle the situation. It has taken away from the looks of the lovely homes in this city that are not in the slum areas and making them look like slum properties. I feel fortunate that I do not live in the city anymore and that saddens me because I was raised in the city and considered moving back but not now. Such a shame to have that happen and I guarantee you that it will deter others from moving into the city. Wilmington A Place to be Somebody. Hah! A place to have blue garbage barrels for free. When I drive through the city I just close my eyes and remember it how it was years ago. Lovely tree lined streets, kids playing ball and neighbors chatting to one another about their daily chores. That was a great time in our lives. Get rid of the garbage barrels and the people who make the city look like a slum Clean streets and homes are what make a city, not blue garbage barrels.
Rosie <rsweetness71@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Friday, March 09, 2007 at 19:03:02 (EST)

There was a wonderful lady barber in Wilmington named Josephine Leggio. She had a shop on the west side of Market St. between Concord Ave. and 22nd St. Later she moved to east 22nd St. just east of Market. She did men, women and children. She even came to your home if you were house-bound as was my father. She cut his hair for many, many years. A wonderful lady.
Pat LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, March 08, 2007 at 19:54:59 (EST)

Bruce: I, too, used to "hit" Woolworth's every Saturday afternoon after the TOP 30 ... both Woolworth's on Market Street. I headed straight for the 39-cent used 45RPM record bin, bought what I wanted, and then headed to the Dry Goods where the record store owner knew me. He used to hold back the latest 45's so that I could get first pick. I rarely, if ever, bought less than 10 from him each week, and I would also get my "official" copy of the WAMS TOP 30. I can still picture that Dry Goods record store as if I had been there this morning. What fine memories.
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Thursday, March 08, 2007 at 16:57:23 (EST)

Roy, I did the exact same thing on Saturdays listening to WAMS. It would take hours to do the countdown. I probably should have been studying, but I loved the early rock and roll. As a young kid I remember going to Woolworth's on Market St. and buying my favorite 45's - the ones I remember were Ready Teddy by Little Richard and I'm all shock up by Elvis. Wish I knew where they went, probably collector items now. You are right about being simpler times.
Bruce <bc@rr.houston.com>
Sugarland, tx USA - Thursday, March 08, 2007 at 15:16:10 (EST)

I remember my dad taking me with him to get our hair cut at a place just around the corner and down some steps, at 4th & Market (eastside)___ I think the guys name was Catinella. Anyone recall?
TheKid <NoSpamWanted>
Wilm, de USA - Thursday, March 08, 2007 at 13:48:24 (EST)

Earliest remembered barber shop was Barber Bill Boyle on the west side of Lincoln just north of Delaware Avenue in the early 50's. Earliest barber shop out of my own earnings was George Martin on the South side of Lancaster Avenue at Atkins Avenue just across from Foster Park Apartments. Cost me $1.25 in hard earned paper route money. Enjoyed reading the latest copy of "The Polce Gazette" every time I went to George Martin for a haircut.
Fred Best <fred.best@usa.dupont.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 08, 2007 at 12:49:46 (EST)

My local barber in the 9th Ward back in the early '50s was "Al", who had a shop on the west side of Concord between Washington and West next to a beauty parlor where Ola Whitcomb worked. Ola also worked behind the counter at Sam Lisakoff's cafe at the corner of Concord and Jefferson. Al gave me my first-ever paid work for making a show card sign for his shop while I was enrolled in a correspondence course in Art (remember those "Draw Me" art instruction matchbook cover ads?)...and Ola was the first person in Wilmington who ever called me "Honey" at first sight, but she was certainly not the last. People in shops back in my old home town up in the Hudson Valley of NY State never did that. I thought that was kind of neat!
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, March 08, 2007 at 08:13:44 (EST)

I remember Blackie very well. I lived at 29th and Washington and would walk up to his shop. Would not go to that area now.
Harry Brand <SALLIESBRAND@msn.com>
Wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 15:26:39 (EST)

When I was a child I remember getting my haircut where my Father and Grandfather had patronized. I don't recall the price but I remember there were three barbers. Back in those days the barber always thinned my hair with special scissors and applied a heavy jell with the hair brushes to keep the hair neat. This was the late 30's and early 40's. The jell actually made the hair hard. There was one treatment I saw performed a few times of men getting their hair singed with a small flame. I never knew what that was supposed to do. The smell of burning hair reminded me of when my Grandmother would hold a fresh turkey over the gas stove to burn off the pin feathers. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 11:33:49 (EST)

I was born on the Easter Shore of Maryland and haircuts there were 25 cents. This was until 1952 when we moved to Wilmington. I love the Easter Shore but growing up in Wilmington couldn't be beat.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA USA - Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 10:12:55 (EST)

The earliest haircut I can remember in Wilmington cost me 50¢. Anybody remember any that were cheaper? Who remembers "Blackie" the barber? He had a shop on 30th Street between West and Washington, and later moved out to the Edgemoor Theater building, on the south end of the "mini-strip mall", on the opposite end from the Edgemoor Drug Store (which had great cherry cokes, by the way.)
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 22:37:42 (EST)

Budo, you're right, Frank Pingitore Sr.'s shop was in the Delaware Trust Building, site of my first haircut. Like your dad, mine was a customer too. Oh for a Frank Pingitore haircut!
Butch Schilling <fschillling@adairhorneassoc.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 15:28:12 (EST)

Frank Pingatore Jr did the arrangement for Bill Haleys "Rock Around The Clock" Don't know if he did anymore or not Budo
Budo <budmar53atpoolesite.com>
Wilm, De USA - Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 08:00:41 (EST)

Just musing .... does anyone remember Roger Holmes' Saturday Morning Top 30 Countdown Show on WAMS back in the 1950's/1960's? He had a great very distinctive theme ... "Boogie Blues" from, believe it or not, Bobby Vinton's first album (when he had a big band) called "Dancin' At The Hop". A couple of years ago I told Bobby that I had bought that LP back in 1963 ... he was thrilled as it sold VERY few copies! As a little tyke I used to live for Roger's show as he played the TOP 30 from Number 30 to Number 1 in reverse order. I used to copy them down as he played them, trying to predict what would be Number 1. Those were simpler times, and I miss them.
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 00:02:22 (EST)

About Frank Pingatore ... I went to him for haircuts way back then. I have been told that Frank, or his brother, or whatever ... had something to do with "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets. Speaking of BH & The C's, I believe their great sax player, the late Rudy Pompelli, used to own the "Drum Shop" in Wilmington, where my ex-next-door-neighbor bought a Mosrite electric guitar (put out by the Ventures) back in the 1960's. IF he still has it it is worth thousands ... what a sweet guitar it was !
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Monday, March 05, 2007 at 23:57:15 (EST)

Ray Jubb - Say or not say what you will about Jack McCool, he may have been the youngest Chief of Police ever in Wilmington. When I heard about that, I was kind of proud that I had been a classmate of his at PS duPont, Class of 1952.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
In Transit, SC USA - Monday, March 05, 2007 at 20:11:16 (EST)

Butch, My first barber was also Frank Pingatore Sr (my fathers also) if I remember right he had a shop in the Delaware Trust building at 9th & Market St. I later went to his son, Frank Jr for my haircuts. He had a shop on 202. Frank Jr played a great trumpet and he and I were in the band at PS as was Bob Palese on drums, Bob Veazey on clarinet, Elmer Potts Jr on tuba and many others. Great times ! Budo
Budp <budmar53atpoolesite.com>
WIlm, De USA - Monday, March 05, 2007 at 14:52:29 (EST)

Think "Union's" car was a black 1950 Chevy two door - maybe a fastback and with all the junk in in it. Wonder if he ever had a run-in with the cops? Remember Yahn & McDonnell cigarettes? I haven't seen them before or since. they may have been the first cigarettes I smoked save for possibly my folks' Herbert Tareyton cork tips. Who was your barber? When I was real little, it was Frank Pingitore, Sr, my dad's barber - then it was a guy named George something who was on Silverside Road right around the corner from Hearn's Market on Phila. Pike. I was in a car wreck at that intersection circa 1958; seems the driver (not me) at the last minute decided he needed to turn left onto Philadelphia Pike and the car, a '57 Ford, hit the light post on the opposite corner. Luckily, all escaped "literally" unharmed. If I'm not mistaken, the Holly Oak telephone exchange operators office, or whatever, was across Silverside Road on what would be the southwest corner with the Pike.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@adairhorneassoc.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Monday, March 05, 2007 at 13:59:59 (EST)

I seem to remember the first Pushmobile Derby winner being a boy named Tommy Whelan. Does anyone remember that? Wasn't the first derby back in the late 40's and held on Lea Blvd.?
Pat LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, March 05, 2007 at 11:42:44 (EST)

I can remember back in the early 60s, the Fischer brothers, Len, Billy and Bobby, dominating the Pushmobile derby for their respective age groups. Their pop, William Fischer, Sr., was a Wilmington policeman and a very nice guy.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, March 05, 2007 at 06:11:20 (EST)

Joe, I recall I had just made the age cut off, 15yrs. old. The building of the racer gave us young teenagers something to do and look forward to, and occupied our spare time. All the racers received a large plaque in the shape of a shield with a photo of their car and driver as a souvenir of the event. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, March 04, 2007 at 21:09:04 (EST)

A FRIEND OF MINE WAS IN THE FIRST PUSHMOBILE DERBY...I SEEM TO THINK THAT HE MAY HAVE WON THE FIRST RACE....HIS NAME IS DOM ROMANO...
JOE "BUBBLES" PASQUALE <jnpasquale@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, March 04, 2007 at 20:32:46 (EST)

The posting of Wilmington police officers brought to mind the Pushmobile Derby which the Delaware Association Of Police were instrumental in starting in 1947. Anyone recall that first race on Lea Blvd.? ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, March 04, 2007 at 16:43:29 (EST)

Bill : They say if you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything at all. So I won't say anything about McCool.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Willmington, De. USA - Sunday, March 04, 2007 at 14:52:58 (EST)

I believe there was another police officer that made it to the top position pretty quick. That was John McCool, he went on the force in 1957, and became Police Chief pretty quick,(if my memory serve's me right)
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala, Fl USA - Sunday, March 04, 2007 at 08:25:13 (EST)

Yes Dave I know Tommy well, He and I spent a couple years together in the Internal Affairs Division. I like your relative spent a few years walking the beat also. I walked from Market St. to Church St. and from Front St to 6TH St.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Saturday, March 03, 2007 at 20:52:32 (EST)

HI RAY DID YOU KNOW TOM GEARS,HE WAS ON THE FORCE A LONG TIME. WE GO WAY BACK BOTH OF US WERE EASTSIDE BOYS. I GAVE HIM MY GRANDFATHER SHIELD IT WAS A LOW NUMBER (32) I THINK HE WALKED A BEAT IN WILMINGTON FOR A LONG TIME HIS MANE WAS WILLIAM HENDERSON LONG BEFORE YOU. ITHINKS SMITH WAS CHIEF RIGHT AFTER WILSON.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Saturday, March 03, 2007 at 17:07:57 (EST)

Dave your right, Arty Wilson did live there, I know because whoever was available in the mornings had to go pick him up and take him into the Police Station, and sometimes that was me. Mr. King your also right about Inspector Rich however, it wasn't Wilson that broke his heart, I think it was John Smith. John went from being a Sgt. one week to a Lt. the next week and then I think He might have even by-passed Capt. when he made Chief, I'm not sure. Couldn't have been Politics or anything like that, or could it have? I don't think Rich ever got over the huge SHAFT. Rich was a good man and a good Policeman, much more deserving than Smith, but thats Politics.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington , De USA - Saturday, March 03, 2007 at 13:55:56 (EST)

JIM I THINK THE POLICE CHIEF WAS ART WILSON HE LIVED AT 27TH AND JEFFERSON ,MY BUDDY DATED HIS DAUGHTER IN 1954.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Saturday, March 03, 2007 at 11:59:07 (EST)

I GREW UP ON WEST 29TH STREET DOWN FROM CHRIST OUR KING. THERE WAS A INSPECTOR RICH WITH THE WILMINGTON POLICE WHO GOT BEAT OUT FOR POLICE CHIEF THAT LIVED ON MY BLOCK. DOES THAT RING ANY BELLS?
JIM KING <KMAILMANJ@AOL.COM>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Friday, March 02, 2007 at 23:02:00 (EST)

I have found a 1928 BlueChick Yearbook for Wilmington High School. I know everyone on this site is too young to be in this but maybe a grandparent or aunt, uncle, brother, or sister you would like a picture of them from high school. Let me know...
Rose Culver <reculver71@aol.com>
Layton, UT USA - Friday, March 02, 2007 at 20:13:47 (EST)

Mike Mullins..Your comment about fishing in the Suburban Water Works reservoir sure re-kindled many of my memories. I grew up (in the 40's) on the DuPont estate adjoining the Water Works. "Sneaked" over the fence many times to trap and fish there. Del Nicholson
Delmer Nicholson <Barnicho@msn.com>
Cincinnati, OH USA - Friday, March 02, 2007 at 10:36:38 (EST)

Hi Mike. You have a real flare for writing nostalgia. Yes, we were more trusting & trusted to be responsible kids{remembering, of course}, all the admonishments from those who loved us.I recall I was forbidden to ride anyone elses bike, but on a sunny Fall afternoon, my girlfriend & I went to Shallpot Park to explore and "spell"each other our Latin verbs.She let me ride down a hill & my foot slipped off the pedal.It didn't have much of a tread & dug deeply into the back of my leg. Lots of blood, a deep cut & a ride to the old Del. Hosp. ER with my Dad. "You learned a lesson today" "About trust" "I trusted you to trust me" A good and fair Dad, he was. I baby sat 5 times to reimburse him for that cost. Probably the hardest $30.00 I ever earned. You see, My Dad was a Scot & he took it!
Barb. <Barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Friday, March 02, 2007 at 00:11:07 (EST)

butch-i think you are thinking of the tunnel between harvey and darley rds. that was for the arden creek i believe. that was a beautiful valley to roam with a long island in the creek. we must have roamed over a home range of close to 20sqmi, mostly on foot. my parents would be arrested today for child abuse, the way they let me roam, and campoout. one summer i campedout almost every week for 3 or 4 days. i had a "cabin" between the b&o and carr rd, up on the top of the valley. i'd go fishing at the suburban water resivour(sp). when i think of the things that you and i used to do -regularly- and i listen to the people trying to "legislate" safty today, i have to laugh. we were very lucky to growup with the places to roam and the freedom to do it. remember "union jack" and his old cheverlet?
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Thursday, March 01, 2007 at 18:12:11 (EST)

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