Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #46: October 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007 entries)

Mulrooney's has been having specials almost every night. Fridays is seafood; Tuesday is Lasagna; & almost every night they have a special soup. The shrimp & sausage gumbo is exceptional. We have been going there for years & I don't remember anyone mentioning it as O'Briens, but I will check with Brian Mulrooney the next time I see him. By the way, Connie, the big round window at the Polodoro Restaurant (nee: The Tub), is still there. They have stucco'd the building a few times so it's hard to make out the rest of the washer. Happy Halloween.
Jim Batty <travelcompany@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 18:25:09 (EST)

Does anyone remember a man named "Mr. Margolin" ? He used to come to my grandmothers house when I was a child. Was he an insurance collector or a huckster ? We lived on Harrison Street between sixth and seventh streets. There was a grocery store run by Laskins (I think their son was a musician) at the corner of fifth, and an ice cream store called Tessies at 6th.
Phyllis <ccont@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 11:23:03 (EST)

For Bruce : Mulrooney's Bar is located alongside the Elsmere Bridge as your leaving Wilmington. Brian Mulrooney no longer owns it now, but still tends bar there. Good food on a Friday night and friendly folks, usually crowded.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 09:52:43 (EST)

Where is Mulrooney's? A bar?
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 08:55:57 (EST)

Jim, I have been going to Mulrooney's for about 50 years, when was it called O'Brien's?
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 19:22:50 (EST)

after the tub, it was the "catina" - a mexican themed restaurant. and across the street was a little pizza shop that just happened to make the best sicilian pizza in wilmington - "furio's" and if you wanted a cold beer to wash it down with, you had your choice of "casa angelas" or "goody's" across the street from one another on union street.
oldeschool55 <oldeschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 12:54:45 (EST)

Aynyone have any pictures of Mulrooney's when it used to be called O'brien's?
Jim <jim@YAHOO.COM>
Elsmere, DE USA - Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 11:16:48 (EST)

Hi. I'm new - a bit younger than some of you... I grew up in the Concord Pike area in the 50's-60's. Yes, there was a Hoy's 5&10 in the Fairfax Shopping Center at the far south side. We used to buy our 45rpm records at either Mitchell's or Hoy's back then.
Steve Walker <s-walker.3@onu.edu>
Bluffton, OH USA - Monday, October 29, 2007 at 09:21:56 (EST)

Wasn't there a Hoy's in the Fairfax Shopping Center? I know Mitchell's has been there forever. Merchandise Mart had a toy store - Paulens, I think they were also located on 9th street close to Bag and Baggage.
Bruce <Private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, October 29, 2007 at 08:35:47 (EST)

Someone mentioned Borden's ice cream. That stirred my memory of a billboard type sign that was over top of the Warner Theatre on Delaware Avenue. It was a sign advertising Bordens and it had a cow and I think the head moved back and forth. Anyway, I had a relative who worked for Hessler Sign Company who painted that sign. He was fired from his job because somebody saw him swinging from a rope attached to the cow out over Delaware Avenue. It caused quite a fuss among the people in the street passing by.
Jingles <JJohnson@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 10:58:35 (EST)

Drive in on Naamans road Nicks Pizza on Phila. Pike Sharpies Sub Shop Radnor Green Swim Club Watching construction of I-95 coming through our woods in Radnor Green Beaver Valley Claymont High School Football Holy Rosary Street Hockey Fishing in Branywine River Rope Swing near Thompsons Bridge Bowling Alley in Holly Oak
Joe Labonne <jhlvike@aol.com>
Claymont, De USA - Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 00:24:39 (EDT)

Connie, I certainly do remember Frank, the Diamond Ice and Coal driver. He was our iceman for years and always gave us ice chips. He was a great guy; everybody in the neighborhood loved him.
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 16:40:28 (EDT)

Does anyone remember a Diamond Ice driver named Frank? He used to let us kids have the chips of ice that had fallen off the chunks of ice in the back of his truck. Can still remember the smell of the ice.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 11:17:32 (EDT)

The odor was from the ammonia refrigeration system.___The same odor was around the old Diamond Ice & Coal Co. ice plant when they were located near 11th & Grant.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 04:12:07 (EDT)

Does anyone out there remember the stink in the air when they walked past Borden's Ice Cream a block from the A & P on Market near 29th Street? Does anyone remember being beside the building just as the air raid siren test went off?
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, October 26, 2007 at 21:44:43 (EDT)

Bob Wilson - No relation to Bobby Manolakis. Our name is spelled with an "o" at the end. My husband and his brother went to P.S. duPont. There is a Manolakis family, Mary is an artist.
Paula Gilbert Manolakos <pmanolakos@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, October 26, 2007 at 19:10:39 (EDT)

OK........I messed up....the Hoy's on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk closed several years ago, but, at least, there was one there. The latest incarnation at "The Tub" location at 8th & Union, is Pomodora, an Italian restaurant (not as the Polidoro on duPont Hwy).
Jim Batty <travelcompany@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, October 26, 2007 at 17:17:24 (EDT)

Joe, correct.___Hoy's was on the east side of the 200 block of Union Street - about in the middle.___The Tub was on the west side of the 700 block of Union Street at the corner with 8th Street.___9th Street is the one with the B&O brige up from Huber's.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Friday, October 26, 2007 at 17:00:45 (EDT)

THE TUB WAS AT 8TH. & UNION.......HOYS WAS NEAR 2ND & UNION
JOE "BUBBLES" PASQUALE <jnpasquale@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Friday, October 26, 2007 at 16:28:24 (EDT)

Does anyone remember the laundromat in a building shaped like an automatic washer on Union Street?
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, October 26, 2007 at 15:51:18 (EDT)

My home away from home is Ocean City New Jersey. There are actually two (2) Hoys stores in OC NJ. One one West Ave at 34th street, the other on Asbury Ave near 7th street. There is not a Hoys on the OCNJ boardwalk.
Erik <Erik@mail.com>
Newark , DE USA - Friday, October 26, 2007 at 12:45:43 (EDT)

Re: Horn & Hardarts in the Merchandise Mart, the location was also used by Jimmy Boines as a restaurant, very nice. Forget which was first. Budo
Budo <budmar53at poolesite.com>
Wilm, DE USA - Friday, October 26, 2007 at 08:37:17 (EDT)

Around l970 there was a Hoy's Store in the shopping center where Kohl's, A. C. Moore and Pathmark are now. It was approximatey where the current Hallmark store is located. Bill Fisher, glad you remember the old Horn & Hardart in the Merchandise Mart. Loved that place.
Phyllis B. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 21:06:41 (EDT)

The Hoy family still owns the stores in Oc, Avalon, and Stone Harbor. David HoY, the grandson of BJ Hoy owns and manages the stores. Bumped into him stocking shelves in the Stone Harbor Hoys store in August of this year. His father was Bernard J. Hoy Jr. From Wilmington.
Look out <che-east.org>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 20:31:15 (EDT)

Just a quick note in reference to Hoy's 5 & 10. There are still 3 Hoy's (1 on the boardwalk)in Ocean City, NJ. Also, 1 in Avalon, NJ & 1 in Stone Harbor, NJ. As always, they still carry almost everything you need from clothing to toys to housewares to you name it.
Jim Batty <travelcompany@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 17:41:57 (EDT)

The September Flats reunion was terrific! The organizers did an outstanding job. Can we expect to see some photos posted?
jpzIII <zebs@comcast.net>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 16:26:41 (EDT)

I always thought that Elsmere was literaly broken down in spanish as "El" meaning "The" and "mere" meaning "marsh or swamp". Elsmere has always been prone to flooding. It kind of makes sense. The marsh. Not sure though.
Jim <Jim@yahoo.com>
Elsmere , DE USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 16:15:29 (EDT)

for Jingles, seems Elsmere is a Family Surname, havent found a connection to the the towns name yet, perhaps he/she was the owner of the land there at some point
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 15:19:19 (EDT)

Yep, the supermarket was an Acme. At the far north end of the row of stores was a Horn & Hardart restaurant (no, not an automat, just a regular sit-down restaurant.) They featured jazz music, and on Friday nights they let folks "sit in" with the band. I remember one of Wilmington's Finest, Lem Winchester, playing there quite a bit. As you may or may not know, he was a Wilmington Police Officer who played the vibraphone. He was an outstanding talent, and was destined for greatness until a tragic accident snuffed out his life at a very early age.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 14:04:06 (EDT)

The addresses of the Mart stores you are mentioning: ...Fanny Farmer #4427; Mario's Hair Salon #4429; Hoy's #4431; Eckerd's #4433; ACME #4435; Horn & Hardarts #4439...
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 14:04:03 (EDT)

Connie-As I remember the Hoys store was in what they called the "east wing" which was closer toward Edgemoor. The years have faded my memory somewhat but I believe it was where Eckerds Drug later stood. Fannie Farmer Candy then a Hairdresser shop and Hoys. Maybe someone else can pin it down better COnnie Budo
Budo <budmar53at poolesite.com>
Wilm, De USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 13:06:38 (EDT)

Budo - do you remember where the Merchandise Mart Hoys was located? I remember on one side was a drug store, Strawbridge outlet, Woolworth, JC Penney, and Leroy's Style Shop. It seemed the other end had a high turnover of merchants.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 11:02:14 (EDT)

Paula Mano - I assume you are related in some way to my (and Phyllis Boyd's) old PS DuPont classmate from 1952, George "Bobby" Manolakis. Did he ever become a dentist?
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 10:57:04 (EDT)

I was born and raised in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High in 1967. I saw a post about the windows in the DuPont Building lit up in red to form a cross, which I remember very clearly. We used to go to Wilmington High School dances on Saturday nights and transfer buses at 9th & Market at midnight without a worry in the world. Those were the days!!!
Paula Gilbert Manolakos <pmanolakos@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 22:10:14 (EDT)

At one time there was a Hoy's in the old Merchandise Mart
Budo <budmar53at poolesite.com>
Wilm, De USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 21:21:20 (EDT)

There was a Hoy's store in New Castle that I can remember. I think there was one in town..one on Union Street....I don't know where else. Maybe someone else does.
Phyllis <ccint@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 20:27:21 (EDT)

Most of the 5&10'S in De That were Independent were started from ex WoolWorth's Managers. A very good friend of mine was the mamnager of the Woolworth's at 5th and market and had introduced me to all of the manager's that he worked with. His Store was Scott's True Value on Marsh Road.
Jerry Lank <transworld@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, Fl USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 19:52:51 (EDT)

yes I rem Hoys, also found out the first 15 houses in Elsmere sold for $200.00 each!
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 18:21:00 (EDT)

Speaking of old 5 and 10 cent stores....Does anyone remember the Hoy's stores? There were five of them. We live in the house that B.J.Hoy built for his family in 1938. It is still a wonderful house.Of course we have added to,improved upon and at times struggled with for over 30 years. Old papers found in the attic said that the cost to build our home ( with steel i beams, three fireplaces, etc.) was a whopping $ 16,000.
Phyllis <ccint@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 17:48:02 (EDT)

I'm always curious about names and their origins as you may have guessed from my earlier posts. My newest curiosity is where did the name Elsmere come from or originate from?
Jingles <JJohnson@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 10:57:20 (EDT)

I remember when the variety store in the Parklynn Shopping Center was Wasaams. I worked there during high school. Not sure what year it became Wasaams, but I was there in 1970 and 1971.
Mary Roepke <mbcold1@aol.com>
Bloomington, MN USA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 16:48:21 (EDT)

A topic I can respond to: As a junior at Salesianum in 1959, I was the Richardson Variety store truck driver/stock boy. I walked to the Market St. store to get a filled truck to make deliveries at their 6 other stores. The DiIorio family owned them, Tony, Bill & Nick. I was highly paid at 75 cents an hour. After a year I got a raise to 80 cents. Also remember going to the closed Belanca airport on Good Friday between noon and 3pm to drag race on the air strip. The store I worked in actual closed for the 3 hours. Not to respectful, huh.
Mike <mgo.trans@yahoo.com>
Townsend, DE USA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 15:17:26 (EDT)

Linda, I did a google for Sterling Furniture and got this back,,,Results 1-10 of about 6,033 for Sterling Furniture Company near New York, NY
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 13:40:55 (EDT)

Tom, there definitely was a fair grounds at the present Wawaset Park locale. The following quote,"After two weeks' training at the fair grounds (now Wawaset Park) in Wilmington, the regiment was sent to guard the railroad between Baltimore and the Susquehanna River.", referred to National Guard troops during the Civil War. See http://www.ngef.org/tier.asp?bid=75. The picture of the Wasaset grandstand appeared to be identical to the one in the Hagley photo in so many respects that it made me question the locale. Must have been a standard design.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 13:31:21 (EDT)

for Tom Wood, if you look at the post card of the state fair, the location and date is on the postcard, the caption of what it is it at the top, I think thats where it was.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 12:46:57 (EDT)

Anybody remember the Dupont building in Wilm. having selected windows lite up in red to form a cross at Christmas? I doubt that could happen today, might offend someone. I wonder where all of these people that are now offended were years ago?
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 12:14:14 (EDT)

When I lived in Elsmere Manor on Dover Ave in 1949 and 50 there was nothing developed on Linden Street below Baltimore. Clear across toeither Locust or Tamarack there was an open field where the kids used to play. I was told at that time the area was part of the old fairgrounds. How true it is I don't know, but I do know that section was developed along with the lower (toward Prices corner) end of Dover Ave. at a later time. Dover Ave ended in the 1000 block as far as houses went, and then only on the east side (Rail Road) of the street.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 12:13:53 (EDT)

If the State Fair didn't move to Elsmere until 1917, then perhaps the 1913 Wawaset location is correct. Be nice to pin down the Wawaset site as accurately as the 1937 aerial survey photos did the Elsmere site. Probably no aerial photos exist for that era.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 00:03:38 (EDT)

I found this at the town of Elsmere webpage: During the late teens, the Delaware State Fair Association purchased land and built a new fairgrounds within Elsmere;s town limit. The grounds, including a racecourse for horses, cars and motorcycles, were located south of New Road and Wilmington Avenue and west of the previously established streets. It was hoped that this new location would prove more profitable than the fair's old location in Wilmington. The modern facility, site of the Delaware State Fair from 1917 to 1928, providing a large parking area and had ready access from the nearby trolley line. Agricultural exhibits provided the backbone of the fair, but in addition to the races, the summer attraction also included horse and dog shows, vaudeville acts, music, and fireworks. After 1928, the State Fair had moved to Harrington, but the grandstand and the races remained until 1943 when the location failed
Terri <LilSis923@comcast.net>
Hugo, MN USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 22:26:51 (EDT)

Wasn't there a Sheaffers (sp?) at the old Hearns site? And then it moved to where the Dry Goods is now and became Shop Rite. I am not sure, but thought it was a Sheaffers too before it became a WAWA.
Laurel Major <rlmajor224@aol.com>
Fort Myers, FL USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 20:40:35 (EDT)

it was hearns, then colonial tv and carpet then WAWA!, dont remember the years tho!
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 19:27:22 (EDT)

Art:: The site that you mentioned does show the racetrack in the 1937 aerial, but it is gone in the 1954 view.___This is a very interesting site, it is like traveling in a time machine.___I picked out several areas and advanced through the decades and watched them change.___This could tie me up for days...
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 19:26:06 (EDT)

My first memory of what was there was Hearns. I went to Corpus Christi School so we went by there all the time. I can't remember what came after that though. Scary. Does anyone remember what years it was Hearns?
Mary Roepke <mbcold1@aol.com>
Bloomington, MN USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 19:25:23 (EDT)

I'm still new to your site - and you may already have this info - but the University of Delaware Library has a digital collection (1,000's) of old photos and postcards. Not much info provided, but fun to look at the pictures. http://fletcher.lib.udel.edu/
Lyn Stipo <Lynstipo@aol.com>
Ormond Beach, FL USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 19:21:48 (EDT)

I recall a Hearns being there, then it burnt down and a furniture store was there briefly then the WAWA ,hope thats correct!
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 14:54:43 (EDT)

speaking of elsmere, does anybody know what was on the spot where the wawa is now, the wawa right down from the firehouse????
oldeschool55 <oldeschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 14:29:10 (EDT)

Correction on the website: http://datamil.delaware.gov/website/mapprod
Art <artajjas@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 10:37:19 (EDT)

For anyone interested, the State of Delaware and the University of Delaware operate a web site that has a database of historic aerial photos. The website is http://datamil.delaware.gov/website/mappod. The site features aerial photos from 1937, 1954, 1961, 1968,1992, 1997 and 2002. It is a rather complicated site to learn how to navigate, but if you're interested in this informaion, and patient, it is well worth investigating. Good luck and good viewing!
Art <artajjas@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 10:34:19 (EDT)

BACK TO THE FAIRGROUNDS......I WAS ALWAYS TOLD BY OLDTIMERS THAT THE FAIRGROUNDS WAS WHERE UNION PARK GARDENS IS.......READING ABOUT ELSMERE'S HISTORY....IT SAYS THAT THE LAND WAS PURCHASED FOR A NEW FAIRGROUNDS...SO BACK TO STAGE ONE...LOCATION OF THE OLD FAIRGROUNDS ?(UNION PARK GARDENS )
JOE "BUBBLES" PASQUALE <jnpasquale@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 07:04:34 (EDT)

Teri, I can tell you a couple of the Clark girls approximate ages. Sara (or Sally) - she is about 66 or 67 Sue - she is about 64 Marylynn - she is about 61 or 62 Hope this helps
Laurel Major <rlmajor224@aol.com>
Fort Myers, FL USA - Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 20:17:30 (EDT)

Hello Everyone! I am Tom Brejwa's younger sister. I don't know anything about what all of you are talking about (haha) because I am 9 years younger than Tom, but, I was just talking to my mother about living on Ayre St. in Newport and she does remember the Clark family. My question is for Dorothy. You mentioned that there were four daughters. Do you remember their ages and names in the mid to late 50's?
Terri <LilSis923@comcast.net>
Hugo, MN USA - Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 18:08:37 (EDT)

RE:The photo. Based on the shadow cast by the grandstand on the track, the sun was directly behind the grandstand at an elevation of about 30-degrees. The trees were leafed so the season was likely summer. For the sun to be that low in summer at this latitude, it had to be early morning or late afternoon. I would opt for the later. So I agree the view is probably looking south. At first, I thought that dark depression(?) running across the middle of the photo just a block or so south(?) of the track was a stream. Maybe not. Could it be the B&O right-of-way? It's not reflective like the distant stream, probably the Christina, in the upper left corner. The two streets at the bottom intersect the main street at an angle that makes me think they may be Filbert and Birch at Wilmington Ave. If that be so, then the next little cross street in the photo is Baltimore Ave. My sister and her husband lived on Baltimore between Filbert and Birch from the mid-40's until just a few years ago. I wonder if she knew she was living on the site of the old fairgrounds? So, Tom, I agree with your location.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 16:40:10 (EDT)

Correction: The map I copied of that locale was from 1927. It shows the intersection of New Road and duPont Road with the intersecting RR lines and the Diamond State Fiber plant near by. That plant burned down one summer evening around 1935, the smoke plume clearly visible from our home in Union Park Gardens.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 23:42:47 (EDT)

Regarding the 1925 aerial photo of the Wilmington Fair Grounds, I believe Google maps is in error as to the location. If it were where they say, the photo would show the B&0 and Reading(?) tracks that intersect right there. And what about what appears to be a large stream on the far side of the fair grounds? The Diamond State Fiber plant was at that location according to a 1925 map of that area that I copied.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 23:11:08 (EDT)

For A. Campbell and Tome Brejwa : It has always been my understanding that the Fairgrounds you guy's are talking about was on the grounds where I have lived for the past 45 years, "UNION PARK GARDENS". The Gardens is located between Union Street West to Cathedral Cemetary, Lancaster Ave. South to Barrett Street. I have no first hand knowledge of this, it's just something I've heard from the folks who have lived here as long and some longer than I.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 22:49:23 (EDT)

Webmaster is absolutely correct, as usual. Mr. peanut from the VA talked about 4th St and I assumed he meant fourth and King streets. I got my memories mixed up with remembering the aromas coming from that location while probing my old brain about smells and sounds from the past. I walked past that location so many times to get to the bus stop.
Jingles <JJohnson@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 12:48:33 (EDT)

Jingles et al - In some year in the early '50's, I was assigned a window to paint on Market Street in the 800 block on the west side. I think it was at the front of a jewelry shop. I did a 'cartoon' of the artwork on paper first, blocked it off into inch-squre units, then blocked the window off into foot-sqaure units, then outlined it on the window before I began painting it. It was a great technique to use, and I used it again and again to create and execute fraternity house decorations in Newark during my stretch as a U of D student later in the 1950's. My only problem during my brief career as an 'artist' was that I was and still am color-blind.........making it very difficult for me to see green from brown (and sometimes certain shades of red), and purple from blue.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 10:42:05 (EDT)

Does anyone know of any "Delaware Days" in Florida, especially on the West Coast? I see quite a few Delaware license tags during the season. Would be great to meet up with Delaware friends and make new ones. I went to Conrad High School and worked at DuPont until 2002. We now live in Fort Myers and love every minute of it.
Laurel Major <rlmajor224@aol.com>
Fort Myers, FL USA - Friday, October 19, 2007 at 23:48:52 (EDT)

Does anyone remember the Wilmington Fairgrounds located near the Elsmere/ Wilmington border?? I believe it was also known as Diamond State Fairgrounds. I am looking into finding it's exact location and possibly some photos. The only photo I found was dated 1925 and did not help much in guessing its former location.
A. Campbell <Purewhitemp5@aol.com>
Bear, DE USA - Friday, October 19, 2007 at 19:45:42 (EDT)

Jingles:___The two Mr. (Planter's) Peanut stores were located at unit block W. 4th Street and the 800 block Market Street.___The store on the corner of 4th & King Streets (401) and sold roasted peanuts was the California Fruit market.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Friday, October 19, 2007 at 16:31:29 (EDT)

Dottie, I meant to say that peggy's daughter is my niece and also my best friend
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Friday, October 19, 2007 at 15:20:11 (EDT)

Dottie, Peggy remarried after her divorce from my brother, and is living in chestnut hills, Joyce is still around the alapocas area, retired from police dept and has since had a stoke, my niece nancy (peggy's daughter) and i speak every day, we are not relatives but best friends, and by the way Mildred was Peggy's aunt, Margaret was Peggy"s mom
liz <elizabemari3@aol.om>
hartly, de USA - Friday, October 19, 2007 at 15:18:29 (EDT)

I also remember the windows painted on market Street very well. I was both a painter in my younger years and many years an observer. I also have literally hundreds of 33 1/3 LP albums. Could never get myself to give away or throwaway any of them over the years. Being a music lover they were always a welcome gift to me by all of my relations. On the subject of Mr. Peanut. Sadly, I met a man who was in terrible condition at the VA hospital during the 1980s. He had multiple sclerosis and through conversations with him he told me that he was the original Mr. Peanut from 4th and King Street. Don't know how true his statements were but his memories and mine sure were the same.
Jingles <JJohnson@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Friday, October 19, 2007 at 13:36:03 (EDT)

Sandy, I remember the painted windows at Halloween. I had forgotten until I saw your post! We would walk the length of Market Street after school (WHS), down to 4th & Market, to catch the bus near the Mr. Peanut store. Remember the life size Mr. Peanut outside their store & the smell of roasted peanuts? Lots of memories there - all the places we would stop to get sodas & fries. It's awful there now, and workers don't often go out any more because of the bad elements.
Patty <pattywerk@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, October 19, 2007 at 05:29:53 (EDT)

Liz, I do know Joyce and Peggy Nixon, they lived just behind the firehouse in Newport. I knew Joyce better then Peggy. I was the youngest of all of them but I think joyce was a year or 2 older than my sister Nancy. I also remember in the real early years there were 2 sisters Sandra and Anita Himber. Their father owned Himbers Meat Market. I often wondered what happened to them after they moved. Back to Joyce...Last I knew of her, she worked for the Wilmington Police Station. I,m thinking her mother's name was Mildred. Not real sure. Other names were Schrader,Cunningham,Campbell, Hendrickson, Colmen Harris,Edwards,Dibou,Benoit,Shannon,Deputy,Hartist,Porter,Carter,Alexander, also Carol and Dallas Green, Tommy Seeds. These were some of the kids names I remember, It would be nice to hear any thoughts or memories of any. Thanks for getting back about Peggy and Joyce....Good Memories!!!
Dottie Lardani <dandrlardani@yahoo.com>
Edgewater, Fl USA - Friday, October 19, 2007 at 00:07:37 (EDT)

Tom, I really don't remember you.... but do you remember Gordon Mays and Happy Jack who both lived on Ayre St. during the same time period? Also how about the Clark family with 4 daughters on Ayre St? I lived at 24 N. James St. across from the firehouse. I have an older sister, Nancy Bramble. Did you know her? How about Tommy Blackiston from Silview...remember him? There was a large family (the Edwards') Doris, Carolyn (and about 5 more siblings)on S. James St. Remember them? What about BEAS Sub Shop on James St. Remember Toby Craig whose father owned the market on the corner of James and Market Sts. in Newport? Remember Massey's Drug Store? Very interested in any old Newport news. Waiting your reply. Thanks, Dottie (Bramble) Lardani
Dorothy Lardani <DandRLardani@Yahoo.com>
Edgewater, FL USA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 20:58:11 (EDT)

Does anyone remember walking down Market St. the weeks before Halloween and seeing the store windows all painted with Halloween scenes by High school students? That was a real special time when my mom would take us downtown just to see the windows. Another special time was before Christmas when Borden's Ice Co. at 26th & Market would put up the big Santa and Sleigh on their roof. My grand father would call us and tell us to hurry up and get to his house because Santa was coming. What fun we use to have enjoying the simple things in life.
Sandy Paski Conner <bscone@msn.com>
Bear, De USA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 20:54:59 (EDT)

Tom, I really don't remember you.... do you remember Gordon Mays and Happy Jack who both lived on Ayre St. during the same time period? I know there was a family named Clark who lived on Ayre St. and had 4 daughters. Did you know them? I lived at 24 North James St. directly across from the firehouse and have an older sister Nancy Bramble. Do you remember any Schraders or the large Edwards family on South James St.? Let me know. Thanks, Dottie (Bramble) Lardani
Dottie (Bramble) Lardani <DandRLardani@yahoo.com>
Edgewater, FL USA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 20:49:39 (EDT)

I went to school at St. Patrick's with Lois Bramble during the 40's. Any relation? I do remember the Bramble twins - two handsome blond young men who went to Sallies. Also, during Hurrican Hazel, I walked home from the duPont Bldg. across Market St. Bridge to Vandever Ave. and Market around 5 o'clock. I also weighed in the 98 lb. range and it is a wonder I wasn't blown under a bus; however, the winds seemed to be concentrated from 10th & Market south. Everybody else in the office left around 3:30 or 4:00 PM. However, my boss had a hot project that had to be typed up IMMEDIATELY so I was the only one who had to stay. How insane was that? Today's kids would have told the boss to go jump!
Pat LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 19:36:41 (EDT)

Dorothy, Are You any relation to the late Danny and Bo Bramble?
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 13:20:32 (EDT)

I lived on W Ayre st from 47 to 56 then moved to S Jackson st
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 13:20:02 (EDT)

Any one from the Newport/Silview Area? I lived there from 1940 until late 50's. Attended Krebs and then on to Conrad where I graduated in '58. Would sure like to here from someone around that area! (lived on James St. across from the old firestation and next to Wilmington Trust Bank) Waiting anxiously!! Dorothy (Dottie) (Bramble) Lardani
Dorothy Lardani <DandRLardani@yahoo.com>
Edgewater, Florida USA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 12:54:44 (EDT)

To Larry R. re: Monroe Park in 1951 - 1953...For the short time my family lived in Monroe Park, I spent hardly any time hanging around there. I was in high school then, and most of my friends were still living in thr 9th Ward. So, during the day, I was either in school, at the downtown library, or hanging out with my friends 'The Garfield Boys' at Concord & Jefferson, or working at Loew's Aldine or Wanamaker's. I can't recall anyone my age at MP. When I left for the U of D, my parents moved to a brand new rental in Fairfax. When we left 23rd Street, my parents sold off or abandoned a lot of furniture so that we could 'fit' into the MP apartment, and then when they moved from there to Fairfax, they had to buy a lot of new stuff to make the new house feel like a home. Same thing happened with me 10 years ago, when we sold our home in Riverside CT and moved to a condo in Stamford CT. I often wonder whatever happened to the old upright piano we gave away back in 1951 when we moved to Monroe Park.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 07:47:16 (EDT)

To Patti: I also went to Sacred Heart and so did Bruce. I have the Seventy Five Year Annuiversary Book. We used to go swimming in the Pool at 10th st Park all summer and ice skating in the Winter. We also used to Ice Skate before washington St Extension where the Gas Station is now before Matson Run.
Jerry Lank <transworld@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, Fl USA - Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 17:08:28 (EDT)

Patty, I remember the fish pond with the metal fence around it - had large gold fish if I remember right. I'm pretty sure there was a large round concrete shallow pool. I don't remember swimming in it, but I remember the ice skating. Could be one of my senior moments. :) Anyone remember the ice skating?
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 09:06:43 (EDT)

Bruce - I never went sledding at the park, but we went there often to play. walking the stone "steps" on the way. Swimming pool? I don't recall a pool - do you mean the goldfish pond?
Patty <pattywerk@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 18:59:55 (EDT)

Tom - the structure you asked about is a fairly new warning system. There are several around the city, but I don't know all the details. When they tested it, it sounded a recorded warning. I imagine in the case of a terrorist or other alert, it would be a live message.
Patty <pattywerk@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 18:55:17 (EDT)

For Bob Wilson - I saw that you lived in Monroe Park in the early 1950s. There's half a chance we played together. We lived there then and I recall running with a group of boys trying to cadge ice cream bars from the vending machine in the laundry room. Some of the older kids found it adventuresome to put themselves in a clothes dryer for a few turns.
Larry Roszkowiak <larry.roszkowiak@ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 17:21:44 (EDT)

Patty - Cool Springs Park - on the park side I remember sledding there as a kid. A great place to be in the winter. The swimming pool would freeze and would be used for ice skating. I went to Sacred Heart School a couple of blocks from the park. Once The Adams/Jackson Freeway construction started the area went down hill fast.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 16:39:33 (EDT)

About the Cool Spring project. I can see it from my condo, & it seems to change daily. Now it's covered with dirt to just above street level. I keep hearing it will be an extension of Cool Spring Park, but no one seems to know. It's also on a much higher level than the existing park. Does anyone know?
Patty <pattywerk@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 16:02:51 (EDT)

Web Master, Thanks for the picture of the Cool Springs resouvoir update. My memory is lost since I moved away from DE. What is the brown brick building on the far right in the picture. I think it is/was an apartment building - The Rodney? Also what is the red roof building? I recognize the Ursuline buildings since I lived across the street from it. Thanks again for your great site. Re: "Hazel. Believe it or not I was Chairman of the Annual Memorial Hosp. Alumni Dinner Dance that night to be held @ the Hotel duPont, nnd we had a band, prepaid dinners and flowers from Boyds. We lived out off the Kirkwood HWY & my husband, ever the optomist, got on the phone and called all the Committee members, while I called the Hotel to say "it was still on" I remember driving over & around tree branches {no lights anywhere} to the Hotel. At about 10:30 pm, approx. 20 couples arrived. The Band was there, 'cause they couldn't leave. The Dining Staff stayed & served cold salads, bread,sliced roast beef, chicken and Choc. Cake. Candles everwhere and the flowers were there froms Boyds. The candles on each table [ 5 tables in all} made it very romantic. Was one of the best dances ever.The Band was very generous and played any & all requests. Most of us stayed all night.
Barb <Barb@comcast.net>
PeabodyMA, MA USA - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 19:37:13 (EDT)
Phyllis, If you can remember her name I am certainly not going to try and match memories with You. I only wish I had a memory that good. I don't know how far reaching that storm was but it sure did smack us good. My Brother was working down in Lewis Delaware on the edition to the BeeBee Hospital, He had moved his Family down there to a rented house a block off the Beach. When the storm hit He and some friends had to move all the furniture to the 2nd floor and then evacuate the Family. Good thing he did because the first floor was completely flooded. Don't care if I never see another storm like that.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 19:31:46 (EDT)
Ray and all WHS grads from 1951-56, the class of 55 started this reunion last year and hope to do it every year. It will be around the month of Oct and yes because our class is getting smaller it was decided to hold a reunion every year. The webmaster did have it on the web.
BOB AUSTIN <bobaus1@sbcglobal.net>
NEW BRAUNFELS, tx USA - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 14:49:39 (EDT)
Ray Jubb - I too was on Market St. on 10/15/54, waiting for a bus at llth & Market. I have never seen such a storm since. We were all dismissed from the office and told to get home asap. I was sickened when I heard about the lady being thrown under the bus. If my memory serves me correctly, her name was Martha Vandever and she was connected with Vandever's store in town. (It may have been a hobby or sporting goods store.) Did that storm primarily hit Delaware, or did it hit the mid-atlantic states in general?
PhyllisB. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 12:44:43 (EDT)
Bob Wilson, Thanks for the Monroe Park info. I haven't been there since the name has changed and the intersection at 52 has expanded. I guess rent is hight than the $219.00 a month I paid back in 1978. Do you remember the Swartz or Paine family back in your Waverly road days?
Bruce <private>
Sugar :Land, TX USA - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 12:40:40 (EDT)
Connie, I don't know where you obtained your info on the wind velocity of that storm in 1954 but it sure seemed much stronger than what you say. I was working part time in the Acme Market in the old Merchantdise Mart. We were in the process of closing one in the center of the Mart and opening a new one at the North end of the Mart. All the front windows blew out sounding like a bomb went off, the manager(Jim Teoli)told everyone who had a way home to get there as quick as they could. I remember very vividly being at 10TH and Market behind a bus trying to get home and the wind was rocking our car so violently that we were afraid it was going to turn us over. The bus didn't seem to want to move and we noticed a lot of comotion towards the front of the bus, so I got out to find out why we weren't able to move and observed a body under the wheels of the bus. I think it was later the next day when I learnd that the wind had blown an elderly woman out in the street in front of the bus where she was killed. It may not have been the nastiest storn we have had here in Delaware but it was the nastiest I have ever had the displeasure of being caught in.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 10:27:43 (EDT)
When Hazel hit back in 1954, I was sitting with a gang of others on the front porch of a fraternity house on South College Avenue in Newark, across from Hullihen Hall, at around 8PM. What an exciting and dangerous scene that was...especially from the several power lines that had snapped and were sparking and dancing in the wind and torrential rain only a few yards away and just behind the Mitchell Hall auditorium at the UofD. I'll never forget that evening! Wow! That was 53 years ago? Tempus Fugit!
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 10:14:13 (EDT)
My husband (1956) WHS and I (1956) Ursuline went to the reunion. It was great--- five classes , old hit songs, buffet, dancing (slowly) LOL, and the best part talking to old friends we haden't seen in years. We had a really nice time. I just happened to to notice the announcement for it on this web site. Incidentally, we were in the youngest class there.
Phyllis <ccint@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 12:46:36 (EDT)
I'll bet that there was some kind of small shallow-draft ferry crossing the Brandywine at either or both Market and/or Church Streets...back in the days that Brandywine Village was first built up and settled, and before the stream was first bridged.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 11:15:49 (EDT)
Just puzzled. WHERE could a ferry possibly have crossed the Brandywine? Where or when was the Brandywine ever deep or wide enough for a ferry? Market St., VanBuren St., further up? On another note, I am a medical driver for LCS and one of my elderly passengers asked me yesterday if I remembered Blatz Bakery on E. 2nd St. Does anyone? I don't.
Phyllis B. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 17:51:47 (EDT)
Yes, Phyllis B. I did live on E.4th St. and walked from 4th & Pine, pu kids frm aro 8th & Spruce then over the bridge, pu a few more frm Vandever Avenue area & on to 34th & Van Buren Sts. I guess it didn't seem far to us since we were having so much fun. On some bad weather days, I may have taken the trolley's home tho. I still enjoy walking whenever I get the chance, especially the boardwalk (after tourists leave). The kids today are missing alot. They can't walk upstairs without groaning & moaning. Thanks goodness some of my grandchildren play sports. We support them when we can!
Peggy Millman (Everett) <pegmillman@msn.com>
Milton, De USA - Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 15:24:14 (EDT)
Click HERE to view a photo of the Cool Spring Project...
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 11:02:32 (EDT)
To Sugar Land Bruce - We lived at 3C Thomas Drive at Monroe Park from about 1951 to 1953, not too long after it was developed and opened. It is called something different now, and so is Thomas Drive, and I think it was condo-ized some years ago. I drove through there a few years ago, and it looked basically the same....except that the Barley Mill Road - Kennett Pike intersection is now one of those mega-overpass connections, and what was then Monroe Park is virtually in the shadow of the 'new' intersection. Back in the 1950's, Monroe Park was really out in the sticks compared to 23rd and Madison, and when we moved to Fairfax on Waverly road after Monroe Park, I almost felt that we had come back to town, remote as Fairfax even was back then! These moves that my family made back then were the beginning of Urban Flight, I guess, and ever since then, I've truly missed the experience of living in town, walking a few blocks to school, to the store, to the movies and whatever else. Those neighborhood days are gone forever, regrettably.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 08:48:13 (EDT)
Ray Jubb, you are so right! You know me too well. Just kidding! Phyllis B, we really had some longs walks to and from school, but many good friends to share the time. Sometimes I spent my lunch money to ride home on the bus. I could stop at Whelan's Drug Store, then use my transfer for the #5 Vandever Avenue bus. Of course, I didn't always have lunch money, just brown bagged it, but they were still the "good old days". We even walked to school at night for dances, when my dad let us go, and home again after the dance. Things were mighty different then. Carol, I don't think I know you, but wonder why everyone is always on your case. I firmly believe that all of us have a freedom of choice about many things, one of which is where we choose to live. I agree with the Webmaster, this website is for "remembering the good old days", not picking on others. We had all better read again the posting on "respect". Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Friday, October 12, 2007 at 13:49:32 (EDT)
Where are all the Wilmington High Graduates? The Wife and I came up from our beach place in rehoboth to find out that there was a WHS reunion for those who graduated between 1951 and 1956. I think it was held last Friday, I know it was held at the Delaware Association of Police Hall on lancaster Ave in our fair City. Also heard that they are going to try and hold this every year, hope I get wind of it before the fact next year. Some of those in attendance told me that there were at leat 150 grads and their spouses there and everyone had a great time. I guess the numbers of those who graduated during that period are declining so they get a better attendance combining the years--good idea. Did any of You out there attend this function? I know Shirley(Hudson)Jester will say I didn't know about it because no one wanted me there.(Beat you to it Shirley)
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Friday, October 12, 2007 at 11:38:26 (EDT)
Bob Wilson - I lived in Monroe Park in the late 70s on Thomas Drive, 250B. I guess it is now gone or something else. That's pretty expensive real estate. My brother and sisters went to P.S., last name Heather.
Bruce <Private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Friday, October 12, 2007 at 09:52:35 (EDT)
Back to Wilm. news - Has the Cool Springs resouvoir repair been completed? I lived across the street from it on North Franklin as a kid and spent many a time being chased by the park police for fishing in it. Thanks and hope all have a good week-end.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Friday, October 12, 2007 at 09:47:32 (EDT)
Talk about long walks or trips to school...back when I was going to PS, my family moved from 23rd and Madison to Monroe Park out on the Kennett Pike at Barley Mill Road, but I wanted to continue to go to PS in spite of the distance. My dad would drive me to school most mornings on his way downtown to the Nemours Building, but he occasionally had to travel overnight. On those days, more often than not, I'd walk down the pike to Rising Sun Lane, a good mile and a half, catch the #10 bus at the end of the line, and transfer to the #11 or #12 bus at 11th and Washington for the trip up to 34th and Van Buren. But sometimes, when my timing was right, I'd get the Kennett Square ShortLine bus at Barley Mill to get downtown. I know this sounds like one of those tales told to grandkids about "walking five miles to the little red schoolhouse in a blinding snowstorm in the middle of Winter with no shoes on..." but I thought I'd just throw it into the hopper here.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Friday, October 12, 2007 at 09:40:42 (EDT)
About the Old Riverside Hospital, I had two of my kids there, one at the Delaware Hospital and l at St. Francis, and of all three, the riverside made me and my family more comfortable and welcome to be a patient in that hospial.
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 22:25:28 (EDT)
Re dances: How far back should we go? I can do the minuet. HA.HA This past Sat. Night, my Community had a "Roaring 20's" dance. Flappers everywhere, but trying to do the Charleston was NOT EASY.Lots of beads, pearls,feathers and short dresses, but most of us were breathtakingly breathless. The guys, all looked like they were from the cast of the Sopranos. {Hope the last sentence is not too "Politically Incorrect"}
Barb <Barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 15:50:23 (EDT)
Shirley, speaking of long walks to and from high school. Did you ever stop to realize we walked 26 (at least) blocks one way each day to get from where we lived to P.S. High School? Sun, rain brutal heat or snowstorms. You, Shirley Singleton, Janet Olliver, Janet Cahall, Pat Paisley, me, just to name a few. No complaints. We just did it. I remain very proud of that fact and that we all survived and graduated. Also, if Peggy Everett lived on E. 4th St. (I think she did) and made it to and from P.S. every day, that was an even bigger accomplishment. I don't know of any kids doing this today.
Phyllis B. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 14:18:24 (EDT)
Jim Rambo, you piqued my interest when you mentioned Peter Rambo as being a former magistrate in Wilmington. After very little research I found that Peter Rambo could in fact be considered a founding father of Wilmington. If you have not yet seen this web site,www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/kalmar., I encourage you to go there. There is quite a bit of information about the Rambo's in Wilmington. It takes patience to read the entire article but it is well worth reading.
Jingles <JJohnson@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 14:03:09 (EDT)
Mary Pat..you mentioned you went to St. Marys @6th & Pine. I lived across the street from the church for many years. Did you have a brother, Cookie? I played basketball with him at People!s Settlement. I preferred pu games with the boys, which I feel helped make me a better player in the girls games later. Let me know if you are not his sister. Would like to know what he is doing now.
Peg <pegmillman@msn.com>
Milton , De USA - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 13:20:20 (EDT)
Wilmington attempted to lure people downtown when the Market Street Mall was created. In my experience it was dismal failure. One could not escape the panhandlers and the menacing looks of the denizens of the street. Many shop owners kept the doors locked against the petty thieves and the whole atmosphere was discomforting. Result-I have not been in downtown Wilmington for years. In my high school years I worked at 4th and Market and at 4th and Shipley. My girlfriend (now wife) would meet me after work on Friday night and we would walk-fearlessly- home to the 9th Ward. It is politically incorrect to really place the blame for the current conditions, but I am sure old time Wilmingtonians know the answer, and nothing will change that situation.
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 11:57:06 (EDT)
The original Riverside Hospital was behind Clifton Park Apartments (now Paladin Club). They moved to Lea Boulevard, now an extended care facility. It was a small hospital, but they treated you like a person, not a number. Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 11:44:29 (EDT)
Oh I do remember the ambiance of shopping on the Market Street Mall for xmas with wonderful stores: Kennards, Braunsteins, Arthurs and on and on and having someone help you upon entering these stores; they even wrapped your purchases free of charge..yes those were the days..and the hospital that was imploded was the Memorial Hospital on North Van Buren street. It was great to see the recent photos of the Wilm. General Division...
ladyyoung <ll9034@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 10:35:10 (EDT)
The City Hospitals were The Memorial on Van Buren St, Delaware Hospital @ 14th & Washington. Wilmington General on So. Broom St and the Riverside Hospital on Lea Blvd. I remember when "neighbors" of the General some times brought their pets to the ER.& the Residents on call would suture, bandage, etc. Then the 3 Hospitals merged and became The Wilmington Medical Center. Then the Memorial & General were demolished and the Christiana Hospital was built. Today, the Delaware @ 14th & Washington Sts. remains & the rest as they say, is history. Today, the "old" Riverside is part of Christiana Hospital.
Barb <Barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 22:04:16 (EDT)
In the late 40s,while cruising market st,one of the cars(a convertable)at every stgop light would throw out an anchor. I thought that was so funny but I am easily amused.Does anyone remember that? It still makes me laugh.
rich loyd <lostnote@juno.com>
san diego, ca USA - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 18:51:53 (EDT)
Bruce. It was great to hear from someone who also went to Sacred heart I graduated from there in 1951. I was also reading what Bob Veasy was saying and I noticed that the person that critisized him didn't quite understand what it was he was saying. He was saying we were taught that just because you didn't agree with somone in authority didn't mean you still didn't give them respect. I remember when I was growing up I never would talk back to my parents, teachers, police or anyone in authority if I did and my Father found out I was in trouble . Today it is just the opposite because the people who you are suppose to respect don't even respect each other. I think that the word respect has been taken from the language.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 17:02:33 (EDT)
What were the city hospitals? I only remember Wilmington General, Riverside Hospital, Delaware Division and St. Francis Hospital. Wasn't there another one or two that got raised? Thanks, Jim
Jim Kelley <asd@aol.com>
Pike Creek, DE USA - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 16:35:55 (EDT)
the publisher of the Carol Hoffecker book "Wilmington a Pictorial History" was the Donning Company
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 14:35:32 (EDT)
Jerry, I too went to Sacred Heart school and walked everyday from N. Franklin St.& Pennsylvania Ave. to the school by myself. Never a problem and my parents didn't seem to worry about me. I remember the area changing for the worse once the construction of I-95 started and the houses became condemned. As our Webmanster once mentioned, I-95 and the riots after MLK was assasinated was when Wilm. started to go downhill. It seems Wilm. hasn't been safe after dark for many years. I guess that's why the suburbs became popular. My family moved to Brandywine Hundred in 1962 for the schools and safety.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 08:26:50 (EDT)
I see people talking about walking in Wilmington brings back quite a few memories for me. I was born and raised on 6th between Madison and Monroe. I Walked to School for eight year to Sacred Heart on 10th and Madison. After Sacred Heart I walked to Salesianum at 8th and West After i graduated from Sallies I walked to Goldey Beacom on 10 and Jefferson. We would walk to Mary C I Williams to the dances on Monday night. I joined the Naval Reserve and walked to their meeetings where the Ball Park is today. You didn't need any transportation when you lived in the City you could walk anywhere down town. When u told my children this story it was hard for them to believe.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 01:28:24 (EDT)
when i was raised in Wilm, i never heard of a high crime rate, i walked from west 1th street to 21st and Market to work, thru the brandywine, and by the races and was never afraid, also we never knew what it was to lock our doors on our house that was a wonderfultime to live in that city l939=l963)
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly hartly, de USA - Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 23:27:09 (EDT)
The early settlers on the Delaware included Peter Rambo, Magistrate on the Delaware. Rambo was thought to be a Swede but later accounts suggested that he might have been a Finn. Some of my "friends" have joked that I probably knew him as Uncle Pete. Fact is, the Rambo Family owned about one fourth of Philadelphia in those times. It's now called Fairmount Park and then included the Rambo farm that William Penn toured and recommended as a model for other settlers. Maps in the Swedish Museum in Philly spell it all out. Unfortunately, I have received none of the proceeds from the Philly clan....and not much otherwise for that matter. Thanks for the question, Bob Wilson!
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 20:52:53 (EDT)
Lynn could it have been Goldenbergs (dry goods) on Governor Printz Boulevard that had an airplane on the roof?
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 18:56:15 (EDT)
An excerpt from an 1888 history of Wilmington bringing to light yet another name for our city: Christianham. At least for a brief period of time at approximately 1655. "Around this Fort fifteen or twenty houses were clustered when the Dutch captured the settlement. By them the name was changed to Fort Altena, and a little town laid out West of the Fort, called Christianham, now Wilmington."
Jingles <JJohnson@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 17:26:08 (EDT)
here ya go! That airplane on the roof was a "Fleet" bi-plane. It was once owned by the infamous Joe Pine and old friend Tom McBride. It was banished from DuPont Airport because the noise from it's un-muffled engine annoyed the Westover Hills people.It's a shame that this antique airplane met such an end. Bob Veazey Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 08:19:15 (EST)
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 16:50:08 (EDT)
In the 50"s there was a building on Gov. Printz, just north of 30th street that had an airplane on the roof. Does anyone remember what it was?
Lynn <Hannahmetta@aol.com>
Ormond Beach, FL USA - Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 16:35:26 (EDT)
Hey Jim Rambo, I see that there were some Rambos listed as among those late 17th Century 'Swedish' (or maybe Dutch) settlers at Fort Christina and Willingtown. Are you connected?
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 16:04:46 (EDT)
Tom, in fact, that is exactly what Vandever did. He built a toll bridge across the Brandywine. I'm not sure about the facts, but it seems like it was built either where the present day Market Street Bridge is or where the railroad bridge now is further upstream.
Jingles <JJohnson@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 12:14:43 (EDT)
Tom's earlier post about Jacob Vandever running a ferry across the Brandywine Creek piqued my interest. I googled his name and there is some fascinating accounts relating to that part of Wilmington, then called Willingtown. I can only assume that in those days the creek was much fuller than it is now, thus requiring a ferry.
Jingles <JJohnson@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Monday, October 08, 2007 at 14:42:29 (EDT)
Jerry Lank- I think the book you are looking for was by Carol Hoffecker called "Wilmington, A Pictorial History". You can find it at Alibris.com, Oak Knoll Books in New Castle and sometimes on EBay. It's out of print but not too hard to find. Happy hunting.
John Medkeff, Jr. <delawarebeer@prodigy.net>
Glasgow, DE USA - Monday, October 08, 2007 at 11:50:52 (EDT)
Ruth I graduated in 1952 and our class donated a room at Salesianum called the Archives Room and it is located next to the book store at the schooll. In that room there are all the old year books plus many, many pictures of the past.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@msn.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, October 08, 2007 at 09:16:42 (EDT)
Someone asked a question about the name of a tile store on 4th Street near Greenhill Avenue.___It was "Art Stone & Tile"...
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Monday, October 08, 2007 at 07:28:04 (EDT)
This appeared in the N-J today as approved by Wilmington City Council. Anyone know where Howard street is? 'The removal of Howard Street and part of C Street in South Wilmington to make way for the new Shop Rite grocery store.' Not in Mapquest.
Bill McGonigal <mcgonig3@aol.com>
Townsend, de USA - Monday, October 08, 2007 at 00:04:05 (EDT)
Ruth, If you go to Salesiamum's Website you may be able to find someone to help you find the picture. Salesianum.org If you can't find someone there,but I'm sure you can you can go to the School and they would gladly help you. Oh, by the way is that the same Joe Dugan that used to go the Bruno's Barbershop on Madison St.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Matco Island, FL USA - Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 21:33:49 (EDT)
What a fantastic Website. In reference to the Lady that was looking for some old pictures of Wilmington, there was a book published about 15 to 20 yrs ago that had quite a few pictures of Wilmington of years back. A friend of mine had it and yesterday i was trying to find out from my Cousin if he knew how to get it. If there is anyone out there that knows what I was talking about maybe they can help us find this book. It would be a great book for the webmaster. The person who had the book was Bucky Carver who was from Madison Street back in the 40's and 50's.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Matco Island, FL USA - Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 21:28:24 (EDT)
Was wondering if anyone has any photographs of Katie's Restaurant at Sixth & Scott Sts.?
Ruth Corey <coreygenealogy@yahoo.com>
Newark, DE USA - Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 16:38:44 (EDT)
Does anyone have a yearbook from 1937 Salesianum? I am hoping to get a copy of a photo of my mom's cousin for our genealogy records. His name was Joseph Dugan. If anyone happened to know Joe would love to hear more about his connection to my mom's family the Walsh / DeLacy families. His grandmother Mary Walsh Hayes & my mom's grandfather Joseph Walsh (cigar store owner) were brother & sister. Any info would be appreciated.
Ruth Corey <coreygenealogy@yahoo.com>
Newark, DE USA - Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 15:42:10 (EDT)
I worked for Braun Engineering, the company out of Alhambra, CA., (the company who built Getty Oil) in their Exc. office at Delaware Ave & West, during the 2.5 yrs it took to build the refinery. The pay at the time was astronomical, only because we were hired knowing most of our jobs were temporary. When completed, the went on to build in Germany, several of us were offered permanent jobs, but at that time, moving to Germany was not for me. Of course, upon hindsight....
Charlie <private>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 15:00:19 (EDT)
In the eastern United States, Tidewater was absorbed by the Getty Oil Co., but the Flying A brand lasted until 1969, when it was replaced by Getty. Getty was acquired by Texaco in 1984.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
o, de USA - Saturday, October 06, 2007 at 18:43:41 (EDT)
Tom -- Good info on the Delaware City refinery--The only difference being that although GETTY owned it - it was known as TIDEWATER the first few years!! Matter of fact they had the 50th anniverary 2 weeks ago open to the public. Nice job Tom - Aubrey
Aubrey C. Fisher <aubandclaire@verizon.net>
Lewes, De USA - Saturday, October 06, 2007 at 18:28:14 (EDT)
the refinery was commissioned in 1956 and Getty Oil operated it up until 1984, when Texaco bought Getty. In 1988, Star Enterprises, a company started when Saudi Aramco bought half interest, took over the refinery until 1998, when Motiva Enterprises, a joint venture between Star(Saudi Aramco) and Shell, operated it. Motiva's operation was the most controversial, with many lawsuits resulting from an explosion and many federal emission regulations violations. Premcor Refining Group bought the refinery from Motiva in 2004, but Valero, the current owner, acquired Premcor a year later.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
ocean view, de USA - Saturday, October 06, 2007 at 12:07:36 (EDT)
I found this site quite by accident and think it's terrific. It has brought back some wonderful memories of the city we used to know. Every market day riding the #5 bus from Newport with my grandmother. Starting at Wilmington Dry and working up King Street for the fresh produce and eggs. It seemed she knew most of the vendors by name; always stopping at Federal Bakery and Leo & Jimmy's (which was then in Kresge's lower level), and then over to Gavatos Candy. Sometimes we would have lunch at Reynold's and sometimes at the New York Restaurant. Saturday Matinees at the Aldine with my chums was always a summer pastime. As for Brandywine Village, yes it's history does extend back to before the Revolution. Most of the area between the rivers and shellpot creek belonged to Jacob Vandever before 1690 and up until the late 19th century. I would be interested to know if anyone has any photos of the area just over the 12th Street Bridge. I'm looking for a photo of the old Vandever house to use as reference for a watercolor. He and his sons operated the ferry and later a toll bridge across the Brandywine at the location of the present bridge. In the early 1700's the stone houses were built by some of Wilmington's leading citizens, Joseph Tatnall was among them. The old Academy was built on Vandever Avenue in 1803, I think. Thanks again for the memories.
Tom Bullen <tom@eastburnstudio.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, October 05, 2007 at 11:47:08 (EDT)
Barb...yes it is the same gentleman who did the sharpening from his truck. He has long passed and the business never was taken over by anyone else in the family as far as I know...He and his wife had no children to take over. Those little conveniences from people like him and his father were great back in those days.
Nora <svan402@aol.com>
wilm, de USA - Friday, October 05, 2007 at 09:56:26 (EDT)
Nora, Is it possible that Mr. DiLena was the gentleman who had the mobile business I wrote about? As I recall, he had a sort of panel truck and he never minded when my brothers wanted to see the "grinding machine" My knives could use sharpening and the only place recommended is Sears. I laughingly remember my embarassment when I took one to Stop & Shop meat Mgr. and he said "Lady,we send ours back to corporate". No more artisans anymore, I guess. Though, we have several bakeries which produce incredible "Artisan" breads. As an aside, just today, I placed an order @ Gavatos to send to my Grandson, a freshman @ Hofstra U.
Barb <Barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 23:26:55 (EDT)
Speaking of the guy who sharpened scissors, knives and such was named Francis Di Lena. His father was the original owner of the business and they worked together as a father and son team until the father passed and Francis took it over. Many knives were sharpened in this city by them and scissors too. Does anyone remember them
Nora <svan402@aol.com>
wilm, de USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 22:27:48 (EDT)
There were several companies offering three tone color combinations in the late fifties, the most memorable (to me) were the Ramblers and the Dodges.
Dave ziegler <dziegler3@comcast.net>
n, DE USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 20:42:56 (EDT)
Just wanted to mention the 3rd bakery in Browntown was Figiels (Sp?). They have since closed just within the past few years. There was another bakery on 6th street in the middle of the block between Lincoln & Union, maybe next to where Crimson Moon is now. You used to walk up the alleyway & it was in the back. Maybe Bubbles can help with this one. Anyone know what's going on with Pala's place yet? It also seems to me there was a 3 tone car back in the day...maybe the Edsel?? God, I hated those car chains, especially when they would break, frequently, & bang the car. Just rambling....thanks.
Jim Batty <travelcompany@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 18:37:38 (EDT)
We had a Philco radio in the living room. I remember listening to one newscaster in particular, Gabriel Heater "Ah, there's good news tonight". The good thing about radio was that you could picture the people in your mind anyway you wanted. Each of us would have had a different picture of what our heroes looked like. Remember "The Lone Ranger"? On another subject, what were the names of those 3 wonderful Polish bakeries in Browntown"? Schelich's, Radulski's and what was the third????
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 16:19:03 (EDT)
One memory; my Mother going to Hannas gas station on Concord Ave near VanBuren to get gas which was probably around .20 cents a gallon, and Mr Hanna would pump the gas, check the oil and even check the tires if she requested. He even wore a uniform. On the windshield of our car was a sticker with the letter "A" which indicated our gas ration. In school during the war we would buy Gov. stamps and paste in a book and with so many books filled we could buy a war bond. I remember in the evenings listening to the radio to Red Skelton, Amos & Andy. There was no TV then. Remember when a ride on the trackless trollies was .08 cents ? Times have changed considerably but I still have great memories.
Budo <budmar53at poolesite.com>
Wilm, DE USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 15:43:34 (EDT)
Just found ths. Sounds: We lived in a row house on the eastside, I went to St. Mary's school on Pine St. I remember when it was rare to have a phone...and when our neighbor wanted to talk with my mother, she would knock on the kitchen wall and they would meet outside and talk over the back fence. Anyone else remember their mother doing that?
Mary Pat <none wanted>
Lexington, KY USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 13:39:50 (EDT)
Gee, I remember sitting on the steps of our W 37th home waiting for the fellow who offered to sharpen knives & hedge clippers. One of my fondest memories though, was the Fischers Bakery delivery man. They sold the best "chocolate roll" cake. Had real whipped marshallow cream. Sounds: when a neighbor brought home a new baby and one could hear it cry in the still of the night.
Barb <barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 13:18:25 (EDT)
From mid-30s thru the 1940s I lived on 23rd Street between Washington and Jefferson. The aroma of bread baking that exuded from Brown's Bakery is a fond memory of slower days. Brown's "Brownies" were the best! The wire back chairs are also a nice memory. This is before they were absorbed by Hearn's Super Market.
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 11:50:28 (EDT)
One of the many reminders of Delaware that is experienced here in the mountains of Mexico is the huxter. Every two weeks, on Mondays, the local fish monger knocks on our door at 8:30 A.M., asking us to buy his fish. Shrimp,salmon,scallops and more...and it's good stuff. We're also watching the Phillies, now that they've beaten the sad excuse for Mets.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 11:46:07 (EDT)
Phyllis, I surely do remember the huckster. Mother used to put me on the front porch when I was very young (long, long ago), and she would answer the huckster, "not today"..and I guess I heard that a lot, because my first words were "not today"! I don't remember his name, though! He came around for years. Board of Health probably wouldn't allow it today. Now we have to buy things loaded with chemicals of all kinds. Maybe they should ask me for the cause of cancer. I could tell them what I think it is! Have a great day, everyone! Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 10:50:12 (EDT)
The ‘Woodlawn Flats Reunion’ held last Saturday was a big success.__About 130 people attended.__All talk was about the 40’s and 50’s.__It was nice to see the ‘kids’ we all played with.__I’ll post photos when I get them…
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 07:07:51 (EDT)
It was 50 years ago today, October 4, 1957, I was in the 10th grade at Conrad.__Several classmates and I who were interested in radio and electronics talked for days about how we searched the bands on our short wave radio sets to hear the 'beeps' from the Russian Sputnik 1 satellite (Click Here to Listen).__I used my Heathkit AR-3 (which I still have).__It was the beginning of my staying up many nights searching for other sounds on short waves.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, October 04, 2007 at 03:38:33 (EDT)
Shirley - Do you remember Mr. Harris, the huckster? Drove a produce truck up the streets once or twice a week. You could buy a nice pepper from him for a nickel. Mr. Harris was rather gruff and had only one arm, but his wares were fresh and reasonably priced. Wasn't it nice when you could buy one or two of something, instead of 12 bars of prepackaged Ivory soap at the Acme, or no Ivory soap at all. Mass packages so the stores can get as much money from you as possible.
Phyllis B . <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 22:15:06 (EDT)
For a chronology of the Wilmington News Journal go to this site. http://www2.lib.udel.edu/subj/hist/resguide/delnews/wilm.htm - as you can see, it's a U of D site.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 16:26:23 (EDT)
Were the two newspapers: The Morning News and The Journal Every Evening...which later became the Evening Journal? My G'Mother prefered the morning papet, but my dad liked the evening one. Does anyone know the date they merged?
TheKid <private>
Wilm, DE USA - Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 13:16:40 (EDT)
Not only did we get mail twice a day, but we received the newspaper twice a day. We had milk delivered right to our front door, and the breadman came every day. Even in bad weather, so the markets weren't jammed during bad weather with people clearing the shelves of bread and milk. How did we ever survive those snowstorms without going to the market, and without having snow days at school?? Well, I'm still here! And, yes, I was around during WWII. (Pearl Harbor Day - 1941 - and Delaware Day, December 7th!) It's been a great ride, so far! Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 11:52:55 (EDT)
Kid, I don't go back as far as WWII, but I remember when my older brother was in Viet Nam we had a mailman who delivered the mail to our door in Woodbrook (Brandywine Hundred). When we received a letter from my brother he would ring the door bell and hand deliver the letter. I sure hope there are people out there like that today.
Bri=uce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 10:55:57 (EDT)
Yes, I remember the twice a day mail deliveries and even more frequent around Christmas holidays. Also the separation of cans, bottles, and ashes from garbage which resulted in separate pickup days (recycling is what they want to call it now) you know THAT NEW idea! Mailmen didn't have little trucks that took them to every neighborhood costing taxpayers ungodly amounts in purchase and upkeep, they rode the bus. City police and firemen also rode the bus (free in uniform) to and from work. Ah these ideas of utilizing public transportation and thereby saving gas, parking spaces, traffic problems, etc. What ever happened to these things Mr. Mayor? It seems to me we could save a lot of taxpayer dollars and in the same stroke of a pen subsidize the public transportation system by simply reinstating some of these old practices. But I guess those ideas are just too old fashioned to work effectively.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 10:47:32 (EDT)
Anyone else who lived in Wilmington around the years of WW2 remember getting mail delivery brought up the steps and dropped in our front door mail slots TWICE a day? And the miniature V-mail letters from loved one's overseas?
TheKid <private>
Wilm, DE USA - Tuesday, October 02, 2007 at 20:54:05 (EDT)
Does anyone remember a song about "Katie Dugan"? As a kid, I remember my Mother singing an oldie that went "On the 19th day of October, Katie Dugan left her home. She left her Mother and Father, brothers and sisters all alone to meet her false-hearted lover at the corner of 9th and Broom". It went on to tell about the lover plunging a dagger into Katie. My Mother used to sing this as she dusted the house! Many years later, I remember reading a story in the "Journal Every Evening" about this song. Anyone out there remember it?
Pat LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, October 01, 2007 at 21:55:08 (EDT)

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