Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #48: December 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 entries)

Does anyone remember Leo Marshall? Played basketball in Wilmington in the 50's
FRANK <FRANKCPA@HOTMAIL.COM>
BONITA SPRINGS, FL USA - Monday, December 31, 2007 at 18:52:53 (EST)

A little update on some of the former Wilmington policemen you've been talking about. John Mc Cool became one of the higher ranking officials at Citibank when it opened out at the old Airbase in the 80's. He has since retired. When he came there he brought two fellow officers with him. Ben Walsh, who has since passed away, and Stan Green who is still with the bank, and among other duties, is in charge of security for the entire complex.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, December 31, 2007 at 10:57:23 (EST)

Jerry, Your right, we must have crossed paths one time or another. We know a lot of the same people. I tried to e-mail you so as not to take up space here on personal chatter but it would not go through(rejected)for some reason.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De. USA - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 23:07:10 (EST)

Ray: Terry and I went to Sacred Heart together. He and Burt Sheing played for Sacred Heart, Bernie Schneider had also played with Terry and Burt he was a year ahead of us. They went on to play for Sallies. I know we ust have crossed paths at sometime in our lives. I was in Wilmington in July and August and I saw another colleuege of yours Jim Dianna, He knew me from my store on concord Ave. Oh by the way I was baptized at St Pauls.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 21:46:16 (EST)

Jerry, I was born on the East side and raised at Read and Jackson Streets. I went to St. Paul's and then to Wilmington High, graduating in 1953. I think I was a year behind Jimmy(Googie)Patton. I never heard of Terry till I met Him in the Police Academy. He and Googie were the complete opposites. Googie was very outgoing and friendly. Terry was very shy and aloof, quiet and seemingly unfriendly till you got to know him, if you ever could. I was probably too far ahead of Terry in School to have heard of Him. But I knew Googie from playing basketball for St. Paul's grade School and CYO and then of course his reputation as an outstanding High School player. The last time I talked to him and his Wife Pat they were thinking of moving back to Wilmington from Rehoboth. Haven't seen Terry sinse Googie and Pat's 25TH Anniversary and that's a long time ago.
Ray Jubb <golfopera>
Wilmington, De. USA - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 20:16:48 (EST)

Ray Jubb: Terry was great basketball player in his own right. Googie was a little ahead of him. Terry was in the same Era as Bernie Schneider and Burt Sheing. No I didn't mistaken Googie and Terry. Where did you go to school and grow up?
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 17:52:06 (EST)

For Ray Jubb... you mentioned Jimmy Patton.... I worked with Jimmy at Dupont in Newport. He was a lab tech.... Do you remember Paul Jones? He was also a standout athlete during the same era. I think he played baseball for John Hickman's Parkway team. Paul also worked at Dupont's Newport Plant (now Ciba). He was a darn good instrument mechanic too. Later on Paul coached girls' basketball (assistant) at Ursuline (I think).... he also was a good referee.
Orv <obursler@comcast.net>
Lincoln, DE USA - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 13:07:03 (EST)

To Jerry Lank: I think you have your Patton's mixed up. I went on the Police force the same year with Terry Patton, but it was his Brother Jimmy(Googie)Patton that was the standout basketball player for Wilmington High School.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@comcast.net>
Wilmington , De USA - Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 23:45:54 (EST)

Speaking of Law enforcement Officers from the City of Wilmington. How about the two generations of Officers John Smith ( Chief of Police) and his sons Kevin and Chip ( who was a member of the secret Service)Oh by the way Mr Rambo John was from the area of Madison Street and Judge Balick Parents owned the Liquor Store on Sixth and Madison ( i guess it wasn't such a bad neighborhood in those days. Oh by the Way Joe Biden was in the Balick Law Firm in those days. How about Bob Stevens and His son Bobby. Ray Scott, Terry Patton who was a great Basketball player from WHS in the fifties. Harry Manelski who was a great Football player from Sallies who became Chief.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 20:48:28 (EST)

HI BOB, BY THE WAY , THANKS FOR THE INFO. YOU E- MAILED ME . BUT GETTING BACK TO POLICE OFFICERS WHO WENT TO P.S. DU PONT. THERE WAS JERRY MACKEY. WHO MARRIED LORRAIN JOSEPH. . LORRAIN DIED IN THE EALRY 60.S (ANURISUM ) WAS A CHEER LEADER AT P.S.. JERRY WAS A SGT.. RETIRED EARLY, THINK IT WAS BACK TROUBLE. I AM NOT SURE BUT I THINK RAY CAMPBEL WHO WAS WITH THE W.P.D ALSO WENT TO P.S. DU PONT. AND FOR SURE . JIM WHITE , WHO WAS IN MC COOL,S GRAD. CALSS ? OR MAY BE ONE YEAR AHEAD OF HIM. AND WHO RETIRED A POLICE INSPECTOR. JIM ,JOHN MCCOOL AND I USE TO TAKE TURNS HAVING A NEW YEAR PARTY AT OUR HOMES. HAPPY NEW YEAR !
RALPH PRYOR <REPKJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 16:39:29 (EST)

Joyce, When I lived there,(till the mid 50's)the complex still consisted of three buildings. One, the Meeting House, which was on West Street between 4th and 5th. It shared the entire block from West to Washington and Fourth to Fifth with its cemetery. It was still used for Sunday services at that time. Across West Street on the East side, was a large three story building which housed apartments. I was always told, that this was the school. The building I lived in faced Fifth Street, and ran from West toward Tatnall. It supposedly was the gym. It also had three floors and probably had an additional use when the school was located there. It was the smaller of the two buildings having only 18 apartments, six on each floor. They were mostly 3 room apts with living room, an eat in kitchen, bedroom and bath. Utilities included they rented for $45/mo. The one on Fifth is the one that was gutted, rebuilt, and now called Quaker Hill Apartments. The larger building which I understood to be the school was completely torn down. The Meeting House remains intact.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 00:33:32 (EST)

for Joyce, William Shipley first settled Quaker Hill in 1738. In 1739, the Shipleys and other Quakers attracted to the area built the first Wilmington Friends Meeting House. By 1748, a new building had to be constructed to accommodate the increased population; the original meeting house became the first Friends School. A third meeting house was built in 1816 and still stands today at the corner of 5th and West Streets, and remains a place of worship and an active community center.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi>
ocean view, de USA - Friday, December 28, 2007 at 18:32:30 (EST)

Something's off about the time of the previous messages. It's only 1:45 as I type this. Wayne: what street was the Friends school on: 5th or West?
joyce knotts hartnett <buttercup316@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 13:43:40 (EST)

Quack-Quack also had a pretty good arm and straight aim with bricks. You would see her and take off running. A half hour later, after feeling you were safe, she would suddendly appear from nowhere, and the chase would begin all over again. I guess in reality we were pretty cruel, but we had a lot of fun. I often wondered if she enjoyed it as much as we did? One things for sure, we all got a lot of exercise. I lived at the old Friends School that had been converted into apartments at Fifth and West. She must have lived somewhere nearby, because we saw her all the time.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, de USA - Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 07:06:07 (EST)

Wayne - I remember Zelda Quack-Quack well. We would walk from WHS to 4th & Market to catch the bus, and she was usually there, ready to chase someone with her umbrella. I remember the others you mentioned too. You didn't mention the peanut shop on 4th & Market - with the larger than life size Mr. Peanut outside, & the wonderful smell of roasting peanuts!
Patty <pattywerk@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 04:49:22 (EST)

Ray Jubb: Did you remember Johnny Burns Sister Theresa, she was a beauty. She was very good friends with my Sister. We lived around the corner on Sixth street. When I was talking about Jack Diffenderfer and his Drums, He had told me that Ramsey Lewis used to ask him to play in his band when his drummer wanted a break and He would pay all his expensese to go to the gig. I know Diffy played in his band quite a few times over the years. He passed away last year.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 03:04:59 (EST)

There was a Moon Mullins that graduated from Sallies in 1955 with me who retired from Del Marva Power and another one that went to Sallies that owned the Automotive shop on Gov Printz near Edgemore. The one that worked at Del Marva has a Son that is in the Heating and Air condition Business in Wilmington.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 02:49:27 (EST)

One of the Wilmington policemen I remember with admiration was Don Melvin. I went to school at Warner with his son. He always seemed to be at the corner of Fourth and Market with the guy from Delaware Coach. I have no idea what his job was,(the guy from DE Coach) but he always seemed to be there having something to do with the busses and possibly their schedules. At young Donald's 13th birthday his Father was called away for one of the practice Air Raid drills they had in those days (54 ?). It was night time and everyone was supposed to keep their shades drawn. That's about the last time I can remember that drill happening, although it was common practice ten years earlier. Speaking of those times and familiar sights, my stepbrother jumped on the rag mans wagon when he was five years old (56 ) still drawn by a horse and rode around town with him for a while. Jake the Broom man was still selling his wares, and Big Nose Sammy was hawking papers at Eighth and Market. Does anyone else remember Quack-Quack? The guys from around Madison Street in the early 50's should. Rambo, that name would probably jog your memory too.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle , DE USA - Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 09:55:49 (EST)

Steve's is still on Centerville Road across from GM. I always thought it was Steve's Crab House, but I looked it up in the directory and it's listed as Steve's Tavern. In any case, it's still there and it still has the sign "Steve's" on the building. It looks the same as I remember from the mid 70s, but memory isn't always on the nose.
Connie <nospam>
Wilmington , DE USA - Monday, December 24, 2007 at 15:35:25 (EST)

PS duPonter's here from the 1950-1954 era may remember Jack McCool from the Class of 1952. I know Phyllis will. He and Ralph Pryor are the only people I knew/knew of back in the old days who later became Wilmington police officers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that, sometime in the 1980's or even before, Jack became the youngest Chief ever. I'm not sure how great he was in that job, but he was a really nice guy back at PS. Merry Christmas 2007 to all who read and post here!!!
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, December 24, 2007 at 09:30:19 (EST)

Bill Fisher, thanks for the info on Lem Winchester. For years I had read on album covers that he died in a "tragic accident" but there were never any details. He also recorded with Oliver Nelson and other Prestige label guys.
larry roszkowiak <larry.roszkowiak@ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 19:52:00 (EST)

Thank you for all the responce about Johnny Burns. I had lost touch since I've been out of Wilmington for some time now. I wish we had alot more cops like him around today. He was tough but also a lot of fun. The only "Moon" i knew was my brother, and that is **ins not **in. There was a **in at Salies with him. The reference to "Books and Things" brought back a lot of memories. I used to go there to kill time waiting for the Arden bus. I still have a couple of cookbooks i bought there for my mother. I loved to spend hours down in that musty basement.
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
walkill, ny USA - Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 16:24:45 (EST)

To Jerry Lank : I don't know about being the best drummer in the Country but Jack taught me to play the drums when I was in St Paul's Drum & Bugle Corp. He was our Band Leader until He decided to remarry and Father Lee fired him because of that(how times have changed, for the better I might add) For the person calling Shaggy Sharp flirtatious. I think you may have been taking his outgoing personality in the wrong way, he may have been a lot of things but flirtatious was not one of them. I knew him all my life. My Father broke Shaggy in as a painter before He became a Police Officer. Shaggy used to take our family down to Lewes Delaware when I was 4 or 5 years old. He was the only one in those days that had a car, a good old Model T Ford. I have a picture of myself and Shag standing alongside of same. They used to kid Shag after He retired saying He was probably the only person to have spent 20 years on the Police Force and never locked anyone up. Just a joke of course, but it was few are far between arrest for Shaggy, he was definitely the gentle giant, and to get arrested by him you really had to be a jerk. I had the good fortune of going on the force before He retired and renewing our friendship.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 11:02:17 (EST)

I knew John Burns Well, He was born and raised on Fith and Monroe His Sister Theresa and My Sister were very good friends. I was also good friends with Jack Diffenderfer who was one of the Best Drummers in the country. Jack was Partners with Jim Salvatore. They owned the Drum shop on Delaware Ave together. There was anther cop by the name of Hall from that Era, he was married to Carol Kershaw who was also a very good friend of mine. If John is still around tell him you were talking to me. here is a some more Nostalgia for you guys.John Smith, who was the chief of Police sponsored me in the first Pushmobile Derby with another guy by the name of Jack who was a Fireman at that time. I don't remember his last name. The name of the car was called Triple J. Bill Sheing was my brother-in-laws Brother. How about Bill Hare, I think he moved to Baltimore.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 03:21:14 (EST)

Carol - I was born in 1934 and lived at 22nd & Church Sts. til I was 18. My memories of Shaggy Sharp are that he was handsome, flirtatious and pretty funny. I remember him mostly from the late fifties, early sixties.
Phyllis B. <P.Boyd52 @comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 02:19:28 (EST)

Yes,, I remember shaggy and his dad which was also a police officer and I remember kenyons candy store----about what age are you phyllis or I guess I should ask what years are you talking about?
Carol <oldtimer>
city of , de USA - Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 23:25:38 (EST)

Does anyone remember Books and Things, owned by an English couple. He had been a barrister in England. There was a store cat named Picklepuss. He would push the books back in place when he was held upside down and bottom in. It was a magical place for me - a lovely musty basement where everything was a treasure. This was in the '60's.
Kay Crosso <kaycrosson@kc.rr.com>
Kansas City, MO USA - Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 22:15:04 (EST)

As long as we're remembering and paying tribute to Wilmington cops, there's one I will never forget: Lem Winchester. He was usually on traffic duty at 11th and Market, and had a friendly wave and smile for everyone. He's probably better known as a jazz musician, going to the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and playing rings around the likes of Terry Gibbs... He met his end in a tragic accident, stemming from a "trick" he used to do when he was on the police force. He'd come into a club right after his shift was up, hang up his coat and pistol belt on the hat rack, take out the pistol, empty the chamber except for one bullet, put the gun to his head and pull the trigger. Somehow, he always knew where that bullet was going to wind up. One day in Indianapolis when he was on tour with Gerald Wilson, he asked the club owner if he could borrow his revolver. He did his trick, and unfortunately blew his brains out right on stage. The thing he overlooked was that his police revolver was a Smith & Wesson and the club owner's gun was a Colt. The chambers apparently spun in the opposite directions. What an immense loss to the jazz world; he was destined to be a superstar. It seems that musicians from Wilmington die young -- Winchester was 32; Clifford Brown was killed in a horrible accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1956; he was only 25 and an already-established star. I was fortunate enough to see him at Basin Street East in New York City back in about 1955.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 20:12:13 (EST)

Do you all remember a cop around 10th & Market named Shaggy Sharp? He was in love with all females (and they in turn with him.) He was one handsome dude. Also, does anyone remember Harry Kenyon's warehouse at 2nd & Market? Dozens of different candies at Christmas & also wonderful fruit cakes. Yes, I am one of the people who do like fruit cake.
Phyllis B. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 17:59:27 (EST)

HI MICHAEL, IN REGARDS TO JOHN BURNS , AS RAY STATED ,HE WAS A HECK OF A GUY AND A DAMM GOOD COP. WHEN I WAS ON THE VICE SQUAD . . I HAD THE HONOR OF WORKING WITH BURNSY . THE DETECTIVE DIVISION AND VICE SQUAD HAD SENT SOME OF THERE MEN TO SCHOOL . I ALSO WENT TO THE SCHOOL WHICH WAS HEADED BY THE F. B. I.. BUT A FEW WEEK,S LATTER.---SO AS I STATED I WAS JOHN,S PARTNER FOR A WEEK. WE WORKED GOOD TOGEATHER, AND I ENJOYED THE WEEK I WORKED WITH HIM.. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 12:42:59 (EST)

Speaking of WIlm. Police Officers does anyone remember Palmer Walls ? If I remember right he use to ride around in a motorcycle with a sidecar. Most of the he seemed to be around 10th & Market st. He was someone you didn't argue with. Later he worked as a security guard at the Merchandise Mart. Much more friendler then. Budo
Budo <budmar53at poolesite.com>
Wilm, DE USA - Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 08:38:09 (EST)

P.S. To Mike Mullins, Are you any kin to a Mullin I served with on the Wilmington Police Department? They called Him Moon Mullin, His real name was Ronald.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 22:45:57 (EST)

To Mike Mullins: John Burns was a good friend of mine. We lost him to cancer last year. He had moved down to Lewes Delaware, I guess He had been down there 10 or 15 years before He passed away. He has a Son on the Police Force now. One hell of a great guy. Whenever I go down that area and go the the VFW I still miss him, He was an Officer in the VFW.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 22:36:48 (EST)

The little establishment that I am thinking about had a bar in the back, table in the front and large windows that you could look out of and see the street...I don't think it was San Souci - I thought it had a good old Irish name...and I believe there is a PARKING garage in its place now....
Barbara <barbaraanntaylor@yahoo.com>
WIlmington, DE USA - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 21:25:01 (EST)

ralph pryor, do you know johnny burns? back in the day her was a three wheel patrol officer in wilmington. later a detective, and the last time i saw him, a magistrate out on 202. he is my god father. i lost contact when i was in the service in the 60's. do you know if he is still around?
michael mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 18:01:49 (EST)

Orv: I would always vist the Churches in the City every time I was near one. I was good Friends with Father Paul the Pastor of Sacred Heart. I stopped in to the Church one day and the doors were closed, I then went to the Rectory and asked for Fr Paul(he was still living at that time) He told me that they locked the Doors because the Convent was Broken into and some people even broke into the Church. That was the main reason for the Lock down. When we were growing up even the worst of the criminals would not break into a place of Worship.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:46:56 (EST)

Barbara - There was a nice little "drinking" establishment on King St. in the seventies named "Sans Souci" (Latin for Without Care). This might be the one you are trying to recall. In the same area in the sixties, there was a place called Joe Dorris'. Probably the name of the owner.
Phyllis B., <pboyd52@ comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 13:36:00 (EST)

Orv, thanks for the info. I had wondered if anyone remembered that phenomenon. For a brief period in high school I played organ at St. CofS. At night I'd slip in to practice. Sometimes I'd sit and wait silently until I saw someone coming in for a "visit." They would think they were alone then I would make some very low, wiggly, ethereal sounds on the organ, raise it slightly into a barely audible chord then fade it away.
Larry Roszkowiak <larry.roszkowiak@ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 11:54:19 (EST)

There used to be a very pleasant tavern / bar near Market or King street --- I had very fond memories of meeting folks there after work in the early 70's - does anyone remember where it was or the name - it was close to The Embers, but over and up one block I believe.....
Barbara <barbaraanntaylor@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 00:43:13 (EST)

Larry...referring to RC churches open 24/7 in the city.... no they're not. Each has different closing times. Even those in the suburbs close and lock their doors in the evenings when there are no services. The city churches' locations prohibit me from ever visiting after dark and I'm pretty certain that's the feeling of most folks. It's a real shame. We used to look forward to visiting (and walking to) all the city churches on Holy Thursday evening. Now each parish has services with a start/stop time for those services and then close afterward (but not immediately). The area I was from, we walked to St. Peters Cathedral, St. Pauls, Sacred Heart, and if we were really ambitious, we would go to St. Hedwigs and St. Elizabeths! Back in the late 40's and early 50's (as I recall) there were no "actual" evening services, but just a beautifully decorated altar filled with flowers. The only Holy Thursday service I remember in the evening was at the Cathedral which was the washing of the feet and blessing of the holy oils. There could've been more, but I don't recall them.
Orv <obursler@comcast.net>
Lincoln, DE USA - Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 19:31:57 (EST)

In the '50s the RC churches in Wilmington were always open, even late at night. Are the churches in Wilmington still open 7x24?
Larry Roszkowiak <larry.roszkowiak@ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA - Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 15:26:35 (EST)

One Christmas a group of my friends and I thought it would be funny to "kidnap" the Virgin Mary from a Nativity scene on Sharpley Road a couple blocks off 202. A few days later one of the human interest reporters wrote a column in the News journal about the missing Mary. Seeing this in the paper scared us so much we returned Mary to her rightful place next to the crib. Merry Christmas All!
Bruce <Private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 12:56:30 (EST)

One of my earliest Christmas memories is the parties that my parents threw at 224 North Connell, an apartment house that's now a childrens'playground. One of my gifts was a trumpet that year but it was no surprise. It seemed that everyone at the party tried to play it that Christmas Eve.....emphasis on "tried"! The next morning we all huddled near the gas stove and opened our gifts, laughing about the guest musicians' efforts.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 11:18:32 (EST)

HI BRUCE, I WENT ON THE FORCE IN 1956, WE HAD OUR PROBLEMS OF COURSE , BUT VERY FEW SHOOTINGS. THE GANGS BROKE EACH OTHERS JAW OR NOSE, ---NOT SOME OLD MAN OR WOMANS FOR THERE FEW BUCKS. WE HAD LOTS OF CUTTINGS . BUT LIKE I SAID ,, THE SHOOTINGS BY A GANG MEMBER WERE RARE. MOST SHOOTINS WERE STORE HOLD UPS, AND OF CORSE A FEW MURDERS A BOY FIRND SHOOTING HIS GIRL FRIEND - OR THE GIRL FRIENDS NEW BOY FRIEND WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE.---BELIEVE IT OR NOT , SOME OF THE SCUM BAGS WE HAD TO PUT UP WITH WERE CROOKED POLITICIAN,S. AND ONE WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN JAIL WAS A MAYOR IN THE EARLY 60,S. HAVING CASES DISMISSED WHILE THE ARRESTING OFFICERS KNEW NOTHING OF THE DIMISSLE. ONE CROOKED JUDGE WENT TO JAIL, ALWAYS TRUSTED HIM . I WAS SHOCKED. THERE IS A OLD SAYING , COMES FROM A GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERETTA. ---A POLICE MAN,S LOT , IS NOT A HAPPY ONE ! AND OF COURSE ANOTHERE ONE, NOT AS OLD , ,A THANKLESS JOB, ---BUT I LIKE TO THINK THAT AS LONG AS THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE BEING SAVED BY POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREMAN THAT IT IS NOT A THANKLESS JOB . BUT A HONORABLE ONE . AND YOU MIGHT SAY .A COP IS A MODEREN KNIGHT ! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 15:51:03 (EST)

I have some pleasant memories of Christmas from the good old days. How about when you walked down the street and everyone you saw said Merry Christmas. even Even Willie Bronstein from the hardware store on Madison Street would wish you a Merry Christmas. The Legend goes that Willie even gave a donation to Sacred Heart Church during the Christmas Season. I never remember anyone in those days saying Happy Holidays during that season. Everything was more Festive During that period. How about Fred Sauerwein from Fred's Tavern going out in the Street and throwing money to the Kids on Christmas Day. By the Way Fred's was on Madison Street between Sixth and Seventh next to Serpe's Bakery. How about Fred putting his TV in his Window so the Kids in the neighborhood that didn;t have one coyld watch it, this was when they first came out. I DON'T KNOW A PERSON FROM THAT ERA THAT IF YOU SAID MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THEM THAT THEY DIDN'T SAY IT BACK TO YOU (NO MATTER WHAT NATIONALITY OR RELIGION THEY WERE) WITH THE SAME ENTHUSIASM THAT YOU SAID IT. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AGAIN.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, Fl USA - Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 13:38:08 (EST)

Ralph - Back at you with the Merry Christmas. I enjoy your posts of being a policeman back in the "good" old days - I was born in 1950 so you are a bit ahead of me. I would assume being in the law business is a lot trickier today with all of the laws to protect the bums.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 08:16:04 (EST)

Jerry - no I wasn't related to the Hartnett's that had the meat market. My name was Knotts at that time. Nice to hear that you remember Fell's and Sisofo's; haven't heard them mentioned before. I really appreciate this website, especially after coming across it by accident. Who is Harry the webmaster? Merry Christmas all you guys!
joyce knotts hartnett <buttercup316@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 21:09:12 (EST)

Bill McGgonigal, my e-mail is broken down, so am taking this opportunity to thank you for all the good stuff you sent regarding the Schillings & O'Tooles - have enjoyed learning all the new info! Merry Xmas & a great New Year to all
Butch Schilling <fschilling@adairhorneassoc.com>
Aiken, SC USA - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 16:46:35 (EST)

BRUCE, IT CHEERED ME UP TO HEAR ABOUT THE CAR DEALER IN TEXAS. GOD BLESS HIM. AS FOR YOUR PRAISE OF THE WEB MASTER ,I 2ND. THAT MOTION. BRUCE, HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY HAPPY NEW YEAR ! IN FACT TO ALL THE OLD. WILMINGTON CROWD. ---THOSE WHO STILL LIVE THERE ,AND TO THOSE ALL OVER THE WORLD . MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR ! .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 16:45:07 (EST)

Hey Ralph, I don't know you personally, but I thought of you at lunch today. On a major street in Houston (Westheimer, near the Galleria) there is a sign advertising a car repair business and after the tel no. is Merry Christmas! How good it is to see a merchant who "gets it". Merry Christmas to all and a great big thanks to the Webmaster for this site. We all know most cities have become garbage dumps, but thanks to the Webmaster we can remember when things were less violent and when life was a bit easier.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 14:26:40 (EST)

DAVE AND RAY AND THE WHOLE GROUP. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. WE HAVE ALL COME A LONG WAY FROM THE EARLY YEARS AND SHOULD NEVER FORGET WHERE WE CAME FROM. THANK THE WEBMASTER FOR BRINGING US ALL BACK TO OUR ROOTS SO THAT WE NEVER FORGET WHRE WE CAME FROM.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, Fl USA - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 12:50:38 (EST)

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy and Prosperous New year. Thank you Webmaster for this great Website and all the work you put in it. Joyce: Yes I remember Sisofos and Fells. Are you related to the Hartnetts that had the Meat Market between sixth and seventh on Madison. To Wayne: The main reason why Victor never got in in fights was because everyone knew if they beat Victor they would have to fight his Brother Tony. One other thing that Ray and I have experienced from that area is that the people that live there protecte each others back. They had respect for the Police, Churches, Teachers other adults and expecially their Parents. Not all did but I knew most of the people fro Madison Street and Most of them Knew me and i was not afraid to walk anywjhere around that area. I can't say that now.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 01:57:13 (EST)

SOMEHOW PART OF MY STATEMENT WAS SENT BY MISTAKE. HERE IS THE REST OF IT. TO ANSWER SOMEONE'S QUESTION ABOUT THE DR.'S OFFICE ABOUT A BLOCK FROM CASAPULLA'S SUB SHOP IN ELSMERE, IT WAS DR. JACK GELB A GP. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER FELL'S PET STORE ON 4TH ST. BETWEEN MADISON & MONROE OR SISOFO'S FORMAL RENTAL ON 4TH BETWEEN MADISON & JEFFERSON?
joyce knotts hartnett <buttercup316@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 13:10:08 (EST)

Does anyone remember sledding down "Grassy Hill"? At least, that's the name that we kids gave to the hill at 18th and Tatnall that led down into the Brandywine. Connie might remember it. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 12:39:31 (EST)

I WAS IN ONE OF OUR MALL LAST WEEK, LOT OF DECORATIONS, LIGHTS , SANTA, ETC.. ----BUT NO MERRY CHRISTMAS SIGNS ! . EMPLOYEE,S IN THE STORES WHERE TELLING CUSTOMERS , HAPPY HOLIDAYS. IT REALLY GOT UNDER MY SKIN.. I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE BUSINESS OWNERS FOR REDUCING THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. THE EXTREME LEFT IS SUCCEEDING IN PROHIBITING THE DISPLAY OF NATIVITY SCENES FROM PUBLIC PLACES, AND ALSO REMOVING CHRIST FROM THIS BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY. IS OUR COUNTRY HEADED FOR A STALINIST MENTALITY. . I WAS IN THE LOCAL BANK FRIDAY. LOTS OF DECORATIONS ----LIKE THE MALLS . BUT NO MERRY CHRISTMAS IN SIGHT. THE TELLER WHO WATIED ON ME WISHED ME A HAPPY HOLIDAY, I COULD NOT CONTROL IT, I TOLD HER IN A LOUD VOICE , MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU , SHE LOOKED AT ME LIKE I SAID A BAD WORD. IT,S SCAREY, LIKE WERE LIVING IN THE TWIGHLIGHT ZONE.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 10:50:43 (EST)

RAMBO, I LIVED ON W.5TH STREET JUST AROUND THE CORNER OFF MADISON, FOR YEARS AND NEVER HEARD OF THE HOODS YOU MENTION. THEY MUST HAVE COME FROM UP AROUND 10TH & MADISON. IS CONNELL STREET NEAR WHERE MARY C.I. WILLIAMS SCHOOL WAS?
joyce knotts hartnett <buttercup316@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 16:32:28 (EST)

HI SWIFTY, WELL YOU DID IT AGAIG, YOU HAVE ME WALKING DOWN MEMORY LANE , BACK TO WHAT I CALL THE GOLDEN DAYS . IN REGARDS TO THE RESERVOIR AT 9TH. CLAYTON ST. WE LIVED AND OWNED OUR HOME AT 907 N. CLAYTON ST., MY KID BROTHER BILL AND I COULD WALK OUT THE DOOR AND BE UP ON THE TOP BANK IN ABOUT A MIN. IF THERE WAS A FULL MOON ( AND I AM SURE YOU KNOW) YOU COULD SLED TILL YOUR MOM OR DAD CALLED YOU HOME. IF IT WERE A FRI, OR SAT. MANY OF US KID,S WOULD BE SLEDDING TILL AT LEAST 10:00 P.M.. I PROBABLY RACED YOU DOWN THE HILLS SWIFTY ? THE PARK GUARD,S NAME WAS PRESS KENNEDY . I THINK HE ENJOYED OUR COMPANY. NOW SWIFTY THEYPUT UP THE STEEL WALL ( THE FENCE ) THEY SAY, TO KEEP OUT DOPE HEADS AND SEX PERFERTS. TAKE DOWN THE DAMM FENCE AND BRING IN UNDER COVER VICE COPS . ( I WAS PROUD TO BE ONE ). CLEANOUT THE SCUM BAGS . AND LETS HEAR THE LAUGHTER OF CHILDREN SLEDING ON THE HILLS AGAIN .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 14:39:23 (EST)

SEARS @ Lea Blvd and Market memory - I remember the weekend before Christmas when my father was trying to get out of a parking space, and then trying to get out of the parking lot. There was a steady stream of cars driving through the lanes on the lot and they wouldn't let anyone out of a parking space. That was the last time we went there the weekend before Christmas!
Connie <vivalconnie@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 14:12:09 (EST)

To Wayne Butler : Wayne, I read your post with amusement, I mean come on, you can not compare the violence of the past with the violence of today. What little violence there was back in the 50's,60's & 70's was nothing compared to what it is today. I grew up in this City and still live in it(I'm sorry to say)and I patrolled these Streets as a Police Officer from the late 50's till 1980. I can remember people being able to walk anywhere they wanted from Front ST.(MLK Blvd)clean up to the City limits North and from Market Street West to the City limits without a worry in the world. Today I dare you to try that. Today in many area's of the City if your not shot on purpose you could be unlucky enough to catch some lead meant for someone else. Even up to the time I retired there wasn't near as much gun violence as there is today. Someone mentioned something about gangs from Madison street causing problems in their neighborhood. Sure there was gang rivalry back then but when there were confrontations between the gangs it was generally fist fights, today they gun one another down like it was nothing, they have no respect for life what so ever. I would give anything to see the City return to what it was like back in those days. Well I'll get off my soap box now, sorry to be so long winded.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Friday, December 14, 2007 at 23:26:46 (EST)

Ninth and Madison was special to me. A place called The Chocolate Shop was where I spent many evening hours as a young teen. The scene from Happy Days TV show reminded me very much of the inside of The Chocolate Shop. If it were still there today, you could find mine and one of my first little girlfriend's initials carved in one of the wooden booths. Just up the street, we played basketball in the Sacred Heart playground. Just down the street we would get a slice of real pizza at Serpe's. When the streetlights came on we had to go home.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com >
New castle, De USA - Friday, December 14, 2007 at 12:08:35 (EST)

All this sweetness about Madison Street has me a bit confused. The markets, the hot chocolates, the old buggy house, etc. What about the Madison Street Gang?! My neighborhood peace, at Third and Connell, was intermittently interrupted by carloads of hoods from Madison Street, a few of whom had already served time. We had no hot chocolate or Dautels but things were much calmer on Connell, I assure you, in the mid-50's.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Friday, December 14, 2007 at 11:06:32 (EST)

Just about this time of year back in 1954, on Winter Break from UDel, and for the US Post Office, I was assigned to deliver the mail on a route centered around 4th and Madison, a neighborhood I was not very familiar with geographically. It was in the middle of a very cold spell, and most of the Christmas cards I was delivering had to be squeezed into narrow front door mail slots. To do that, I had to pull off my gloves. After a few doors like that, I'm not sure which was colder...my fingers or my ears. What saved the days for me back then was a shop on one of the 4th Street corners that served up boiling hot chocolate. Without that refreshment in that neighborhood at that time of year, I'd probably still be there, my boots frozen permanently to the pavement. The nest year, I was assigned a National Guard truck to drive to deliver the mail on Market Street, but that's another story altogether.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Friday, December 14, 2007 at 07:25:40 (EST)

I lived on w. 5th Street between Madison & Monroe and remember Orlick's drugstore on the corner of 4th & Madison. Across the street on 4th was the leather tannery. On Madison there was Cagnacci's produce, Dautel's delicatessen, Charlies subs & Sayers butcher shop. I also used to go in there with a note from my mother. For a while, there weas also a restaurant in that block that sold wonderful vegetable soup and that was my lunch sometimes when I walked home from Mary C.I. Williams at 3rd & Monroe Sts. On the other side of the street was a candy store where I bought Klein bars for a penny and I think it was Zeigler's. Also, on the corner of 4th & Monroe was the Blue Hen Diner(or restaurant). There was a "beer garden" on Madison St. called Tony's. I heard that he was robbed upstairs where he lived. He used to give us kids a cold drink at a window in the alley.
joyce knotts hartnett <buttercup316@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 19:34:24 (EST)

I too, seem to remember someone being killed or at least very seriously injured at the Hercules golf course off Lancaster Pike. It seems to me it happened in the late 50's or the early 60's (most likely the 60's). Something about a small stream running through the sledding area at the very end and a kid hitting a rock in the stream, and splitting their head open. Someone else mentioned how we got more snow back then. All you have to do is go out to Greenville today and look around. People used to ice skate and even build fires out there at what was called twin lakes just outside of town. You don't even see either pond freeze over any more let alone get solid enough to skate on. When it got cold, around the middle to the end of October, and Indian summer had passed, the ground froze and stayed frozen until late March. Now if you see a few days in a row where the tempreature is below the freezing point it is something of a cold wave and gives the local weatherman something to stress out and have a hissy fit about. It really tickles me when I watch the forecast and they tell me that today it will be close to normal for this time of year at 48 degrees. Just back in the 60's that would have been considered a heat wave for this time of year, but now they claim it is normal. Yes Virginia, the world is getting warmer, and you can prove it by walking outside any winter day in Delaware.
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle , DE USA - Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 18:29:13 (EST)

Talk about sledding, We would start at 3rd and Broom, come all the down 3rd street to Adams and make the turn onto Adams down across 2nd and front street clean up to Reed street.I go way back to the late 20's and 30's very little traffic,Family members would watch intersections. They sledded in droves.all evenings till 11--12oclock. I'd also swear we had more snow all winter long 10-15-18 inches at a time.Fran
Frannny Rizzo <frannyrizzo@aol.com>
wilm., de USA - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 15:28:07 (EST)

Olde School and Swifty - I remember sledding at cool springs park. Not a big hill, but fun for little kids. I remember sledding on the Hercules golf course. Very steep hills leading to Lancaster Pike. I think someone got killed sledding there - does anyone remember that?
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:12:51 (EST)

oldschool - I remember sledding down the hill at the resovoir very well. We would get there 1st thing in the morning and not leave until we absolutely had to. The people that lived on 9th street were great. They would let us come down the hill and end up on their porch. What a great memory. Thank God there were no video games to keep us inside.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
Middletown, DE USA - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 11:09:07 (EST)

I remember sledding from Second and Broom all the way down to Jackson Street, through intersections, and surviving it. We would look for headlights and if we saw them, the trip was over. Couldn't do that during the daytime. Parents allowing that today would probably be arrested.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 10:28:35 (EST)

how many remember sledding down the hill of the the resovoir @ 9th and clayton????
oldeschool55 <oldeschool55@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 09:16:36 (EST)

Maybe, at 50, I'm still a bit too young for full-blown nostalgia, but still ... I can recall going to the YMHA downtown when I was a kid (I can't recall the street, but have this vague recollection it wasn't far from the train station). Long before the JCC complex was built out off Concord Pike, we would go there on school holidays. The locker room was more humid than any hothouse, and the swimming pool, with its low-slung ceiling, had a permanent smell of strong chlorine. During summers, there was a day camp at the Sellers estate, which seemed absolutely huge to me at the time. It has been years since I've been back, but on a drive through Delaware, I did take a spin through what was the property and I think it had become a public park.
Ray <rfrager@gmail.com>
Baltimore, MD USA - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 08:11:32 (EST)

if you remember palmers market @ 10th and clayton then you must surely remember rays steak shop on 1oth and dupont and bianco's market on holland and dupont???
oldeschool55 <oldeschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington , de USA - Monday, December 10, 2007 at 13:04:01 (EST)

about Palmers Market, I also remember that store, my husbands family were raised on loth and clayton, and i spent alot of time going to palmers for them, good old days
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Sunday, December 09, 2007 at 23:01:36 (EST)

ralph, your right, carter took or from his father and ran the store until it closed in the early 80's?? great family, also remember mike the clerk that worked there forever?? and roland the delivery man???
oldeschool55 <oldeschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Saturday, December 08, 2007 at 17:58:29 (EST)

HI OLDESCHOOL55, IN REGARDS TO PALMERS MARKET AT 10 TH. AND CLAYTON ST. I LIVED AT 9TH. CLAYTON MY FAMILY DID BUSINESS WITH THE PALMER FAMILY FOR MANY YEARS. I REMEMBER MR. PALMER A BIG STRONG LOOKING MAN , BUT GENTLE , NEVER HEARD HIM RAISE HIS VOICE, OR ANY OF THE PALMER FAMILY. AS A SMALL BOY GROWING UP IN WILM. MY MOTHER WOULD SEND ME TO PALMERS FOOD MKT. WITH A GROCERY LIST. WE PAID OUR BILL AT THE END OF THE WEEK. ONE DAY MR . PALMER CALLED ME ASIDE. AND WHISPERED TO ME, --- DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM WOULD LET YOU HAVE A HERSHEY BAR ? AS YOU KNOW , THEY WERE HARD TO GET DURING WORLD WAR TWO, I RAN ALL THE WAY HOME WITH IT. OF COURSE MR. PALMER PUT IT ON OUR BILL. CARTER PALMER , THERE SON DROVE THE DELIVERY TRUCK. . ONE SUMMER I WAS ASKED IF I WANTED TO BE THERE DELIVERY BOY FOR A FEW WEEKS .( DELIVERED GROCERIES IN A WAGON ) OF COURSE I SAID YES AND MY DAD GAVE HIS O.K.. THAT WAS MY FIRST PAYING JOB I EVER HAD! I THINK CARTER TOOK OVER THE STORE AFTER HIS DAD RETIRED. IT HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR MANY YEARS. THANK,S FOR BRINGING BACK A GOLDEN MEMORY OF MY CHILEDHOOD.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Saturday, December 08, 2007 at 13:51:54 (EST)

Bruce, I almost forgot about the store credit that Palmers had, can you imagine a store trying that today??? I can remember running up to Palmers and grabbing a loaf of bread and just holding it up and the guy behind the counter would just add it to your parents tab! Then come Friday (payday) your parents would go up and settle the weekly bill!!!!
oldeschool55 <oldeschool55@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, December 06, 2007 at 10:52:34 (EST)

Old School - Yes I remember Palmer's Market. My friend, Randy Fantazier, and I got in trouble there. The Fantaziers had an account there and Randy and I would go and charge popsicles and candy on the account. Once the bill came the good times were over! I remember Palmer's delivering groceries to their customers in the area. Too bad the corner store is gone today and has been replaced by Wal Mart's.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Thursday, December 06, 2007 at 08:39:24 (EST)

Re: 1954 Refrigerator Bowl football game – Playing in the mud in Evansville, Indiana, on December 5, 1954, Delaware came from behind in the fourth quarter on two touchdowns by halfback Jim Zaiser to defeat Kent State University 19-7. Blue Hen QB Don Miller was voted the outstanding player in the game.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH USA - Wednesday, December 05, 2007 at 22:26:10 (EST)

does anyone remember Palmers market @ 10th and Clayton streets????
oldeschool55 <oldeschool55@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, December 05, 2007 at 21:29:56 (EST)

Wayne Butler: I don'tknow how old you are and really don't care but i will tell you this your Memory is fantastic. When you talked about the Parrot it brought some memories back to me of some of the Stores that were between Fourth and Madison and 10th. The parrot by the way belonged to Demedio's which was a shoe repair next to Bruno's Barber Shop and Bronsteins Hardware store was next to Bruno's. Starting at fourth Street Was the Drug Store on one of the Corner and across from them was the Hardware store that eventually moved to Marsh and Silverside Rd. Going up the Street was a Riccio's Produce stand and another one across the Street, There was a fish Market next to Angelo Riccio"s then on the corner of sixtth and madison was an American Store and Balicks Liquor Store was accross the Street. there was also a Bank I think it was Colonial on the corner across from rthe American Store and a Paint Store then there was a nother produce store Barones next to the Paint Store. By the way Jo Biden Was part of their son's Law firm (Ballick's) before he went to Washington. On the corner of Seventh and Madison was Uncle Bill's and Salvatore's Meat market. between Sixth and seventh was Shockely's where you could get fresh chickens and turkeys. There was Hartnett's, Phil's Sub shop and Mary's was on the corner of seventh and Madison. Serpe's Baker was also between sixth and seventh. when you got past seventh street there was Charlie's no 2 whoas the partner of Charlie on Fourth St at onee time. Dawson's Fish market then there was another Produce stand almostto ninth Street. There was The original Town & Country Cleansers on ninth and Madison and another A&P across the street. I'm sure there are some that I left out but When they come back to me I will Post the Rest. Oh yes Don't froget the Farmer's Market that was on Madison Stree on Wed and Sat. How many Important People used to shop on madison Street. Quite a few and some moved their businessess elsewhere. Suburbon Hdwre (4th & madison Street to Marsh rd), Town and Country Cleaners (ninth and Madison St to Concord Pike) Gary Greenberg is second generation).Serpe's Bakery from 618 Madison St to Kirwood Hwy. (the only Italian Bakery left in Wilmington from the old Days. Between Seventh and eight was Panaro's, Ccao's produce, Danny's Sub Shop
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Wednesday, December 05, 2007 at 17:12:51 (EST)

In response to Wayne Butler rememberances of 5th and Madison St. On the west side at the corner of 5th and Madison was a butcher shop / grocery store called "Sayers Grocery". I remember because my mother would send me there with a note on my coat and Mr. Sayers would get everything on the note and put it in a bag. I remember him getting those items high up on the shelves with a "grabber" on a long pole and he would sometimes knock items over and catch them! Watching him was fun!! There were American Stores on the corners of 4th, 6th and 9th and Madison. I would get my wagon and haul ladies'groceries for them for a dime (sometimes a quarter!) Another thing that amazed me in the American Stores was how fast the clerk could punch in prices on their registers without even looking! They did it almost as fast as today's scanners! I was born/raised on Montgomery St. so those areas were in my neighborhood. Went to school (walked) at St. Peters Catholic School as did most kids in my neighborhood. Still have lots of memories about that area and era. (both good and some not-so-good).
Orv Bursler <obursler@comcast.net>
Lincoln, DE USA - Wednesday, December 05, 2007 at 16:52:19 (EST)

LARRY thank you very much for the site for reading about the tanneries in wilmington
HarveyG <herveyg@comcast.com>
Dallas, TX USA - Tuesday, December 04, 2007 at 19:25:46 (EST)

Here is a weblink to a report on old leather tanneries in Wilmington. http://www.tetratech-de.com/tanneries/
Larry <ljlj@earthlink.net>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, December 04, 2007 at 15:46:00 (EST)

The American Stores became ACME. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company - A&P - is still around in other parts of the country. In this area, Super Fresh and Pathmark are part of the A&P.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Tuesday, December 04, 2007 at 13:30:37 (EST)

In response to Jerry Lanks question of what was on the North corner of fifth and Madison street, I remember a paint store with windows full of fish tanks. I used to wait in there for Barbara Schokley and walk the rest of the way to Mary C.I. Williams school with her. I was told by the older gentleman whom I always In response to Jerry Lanks question of what was on the North corner of fifth and Madison street, I remember a paint store with windows full of fish tanks. I used to wait in there for Barbara Schokley and walk the rest of the way to Mary C.I. Williams school with her. I was told by the older gentleman whom I always believed to be the owner the he was Barbara's relative, but you know how that goes. In reality I have no idea whether he was related to her or not. All I remember was it was a very nice place to warm up on those very cold winter days at about the halfway point for me on my way. The fish tanks were very entertaining. It could have been at Sixth and Madison but I believe it was at Fifth. I also remember the livery stables and the occasional horse or two still stabled there during farmers day when the farmers would bring their goods to Madison street. There were also many butcher shops and a small shop which had a shoe shine stand and a parrot. It was up on the West side between sixth and seventh. Also at Fifth and Madison was an A&P or I think they were called American stores at the time. It was the predecessor of today's modern grocery store or supermarket. It had a lot more than the typical Mom and Pop stores that dotted almost every corner but nothing like today's market. There was a variety store in the middle of the block between fourth and fifth on the west side. They had a lot of toys, and as a first grader I liked to stop there and make my wish list. An old lady owned the place and followed you around as if you were going to try to walk out with the whole store in your pockets, but when the old man was there he was much more considerate, and just let you wander. I believe on the North east corner there was a tap room, but not having frequented them till much later my memory is a little vague about that. A couple of sub shops, candy stores and of course tap rooms rounded out the area which also still found room to contain a couple of residential buildings. From Fourth up to Eighth Street, you could find almost anything you could want to maintain your daily existence. It was a mini mall without the covering, but one where everybody went on Saturdays to do whatever shopping they didn't do at the market down on King Street.
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Tuesday, December 04, 2007 at 13:12:27 (EST)

Jerry, Yes I was there when John Gardiner was the comptroller. Al Bent was president and Tony Horisk was training to take Al's place when I left there in July of 1980. I had originally worked in the White room and then got moved into the purchasing dept working for Al Paine, who was a great guy. I'm sure you are right about OSHA, the place was an acident waiting to happen. I'm sure they have turned the buildings on the Brandywine into condos or houses. My last name is Heather, maybe I knew some of your family. The people who worked there were great.
Bruce <Private>
Sugar Land, TX. USA - Tuesday, December 04, 2007 at 08:27:41 (EST)

Butch Schilling, Schilling's dry goods was at 531 N. Madison street in the 1919-1921 city directory. All other Schilling listings that year: Frank Schilling, clerk; Ione M., stenographer, du Pont's; Frank T. (Catherine J) dry goods, all residing 821 N. Franklin street; Wm., foreman, Eastern Malleable Co., res 502 W. 31st.
Bill <mcgonigal9@verizon.net>
Townsend, de USA - Monday, December 03, 2007 at 17:36:53 (EST)

Bruce: Did you work at Wilmington Finishing when John Gardiner was a Director. My Wife worked there for a while and my Son worked there when when he was in College in the 80"s they were Demolishing some of the Buildings at that time. John Gardiner worked for My Dad at Lank's when he was going to Sallies. Tom Brauhn's (who was with Pepsi) Wife also worked there. I think that Osha force them to close.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Monday, December 03, 2007 at 16:24:50 (EST)

J. E. Rhoads & Sons was at 2100 W. 11th for decades. They made belts. It was around the corner from DMV, just to the east of Bancroft Parkway and west of the railroad. There are townhomes there now, I believe. The company moved to Newark some years ago. You can see it on the right just before the southbound I 95 exit for 896.
Bill <mcgonigal9@verizon.net>
Townsend, DE USA - Monday, December 03, 2007 at 14:30:02 (EST)

When I worked at Wilmington Finishing Company in the 1970s (Textiles - the old Bancrofts) I would have to go to a leather factory and pick up leather belts that were used on the machines in the mill. I can't remember the name of the company, but I think it was close to the motor vehicle dept on Bancroft parkway.
Bruce <Private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, December 03, 2007 at 09:33:45 (EST)

Well, there is no need for me to list my dozen tanneries. The NJ, in a report dated November 25, 2001, lists 53 of them...
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Monday, December 03, 2007 at 06:29:43 (EST)

My mom worked for a leather factory aro 11th & Poplar Sts during the late 40's & early 50's. The name was Beadenkopf's. I used to take her lunch to her sometimes. The women (& men) worked hard & long hours there. Mom was a seasoner and my uncle was a buffer (doing the hides). We didn't realize then how hard they worked!
Peg <pegmillman@msn.com>
Milton, De USA - Sunday, December 02, 2007 at 19:34:50 (EST)

I have a map that shows 12 tanneries - they were all over the place. Almagamated was probably the largest. I'll write all of them down and post them.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Sunday, December 02, 2007 at 18:56:28 (EST)

Hmmm... I have a friend who worked for Allied Kid Co. as a data processor... at 11th & Poplar. That was back in the late 50's.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, December 02, 2007 at 17:12:14 (EST)

THE LEATHER TANNERY AT POPULAR STREET I BELIEVE, WAS THE BRANDYWINE
GEORGE BENNETT <BENGB35THAPS@COMCAST.NET>
LAUREL, DE USA - Sunday, December 02, 2007 at 13:10:20 (EST)

there were at least 3 morocco shops(leather tanneries) in wilm. allied kid at 4th&monroe skluts maryland ave. & madison ? & 11th & poplar ?
zeke <fazfaz36@hotmail.com>
wilm., de USA - Sunday, December 02, 2007 at 12:59:43 (EST)

the hot dog place at 4th &market was johns better known as sloppy johns
zeke <fazfaz36@hotmail.com>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, December 02, 2007 at 12:44:32 (EST)

ANYONE REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE TINY SHOP WHICH MADE THE BEST CHILI DOGS I'VE EVER HAD. IT WAS AROUND THE CORNER FROM MARKET ON FOURTH ST., ON THE NORTH WEST SIDE OF FOURTH. IT HAD A BUS STOP IN FRONT OF IT, WHILE WAITING FOR THE ELSMERE BUS, I ALWAYS ATE AT LEAST A COUPLE OF THEIR CHILI DOGS. NO SPAM PLEASE.
GEORGE W. BENNETT <BENGB35THAPSCOMCAST.NET>
LAUREL , DE USA - Sunday, December 02, 2007 at 12:34:32 (EST)

In those days, families were glad to have a place where a living could be earned, no matter the putrid odor or other environmental danger. A morroco shop couldn't exist in the inner city today. I remember how fathers/ workers used to wander home, up Third Street, on Friday nights....drunk. They all stopped for more than one, for sure. And who wouldn't after working in that place all week???
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Sunday, December 02, 2007 at 11:58:55 (EST)

Well guys someone had asked me what happened to the scrap Leather from all the morroco Shops In De. There was a friend of mine by the Name of Bob Soltow who was paid by the shops to pick up the scraps and he then in turn took them to Phila to put them on a train and sold them to an outfit that made glue out of the Scrap Leather. Also about the Garage that I had asked everyone about on Sixth St between Madison and Monroe was called Lank's Garage that was owned by my great Uncle. As the Story was told to me it was Livery Stable before it was converted to a Garage. This of course was before our time but it was told to me by my Uncle and My Father.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Saturday, December 01, 2007 at 22:37:01 (EST)

Jerry, speaking of that neighborhood, my grandfather had Schilling Dry Goods somewhere around 4th & Madison - this would have been from approximately 1900-1920, so, of course, no one on this board has likely ever heard of it. He moved the family from Auburn, NY at the urging of his pal Milton Reynolds, the candy store guy. My father played ball for the Rookwood Club - among his teammates were Joe & Frank Horty, if I remember correctly. They used to play against a team from Kennett Square, so he faced Hall of Famer Herb Pennock a few times. He said he got one hit, a single, off Pennock (didn't say how many ABs); they got to be friends over the years and Dad got to meet the Babe at a party in Kennett Square - said he wwas a great guy!
Butch Schilling <fschilling@adairhorneassoc.com>
Aiken, SC USA - Saturday, December 01, 2007 at 13:24:38 (EST)

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