Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #53: May 1, 2008 to May 31, 2008 entries)


Danny, I have to agree with you about the Deerhead hot dogs. No way are they the same as the original. I really don't think it's our taste buds either. For one thing you have to order them with extra onions to get anywhere near the taste. The ones they serve now taste as if they took beans and ground them up in the secret sauce. It has a pasty taste to it, and is not the same. Whatever it is they added to them about fifteen or twenty years ago, after closing the annex out in Little Italy, they changed the consistency. It was around the time the new people took over. I don't think the real sauce recipe was ever passed on to the new owners, or if it was, they changed it because of cost or for some reason we will never know. Whatever the reason, I truly believe that the original recipe is lost and gone, and we will never experience the true Deerhead hot dog again.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 17:22:54 (EDT)


I was in Wilmington a couple of weeks ago and stopped in at the Deerhead at Cannary Row on Lancaster Ave. Somehow the hotdogs don't taste the same as when we ate them on Shipley Street in the 1950's and early '60's; maybe it's my aging tastebuds but I do believe the sauce has changed. Breakfast at the Post House on Union St. was also disappointing. This is just a "heads-up" for those of you who may be tempted to relive those particular culinary memories from our earlier days in Wilmington. On a happier note, I also dropped in to the library at the old Wilmington HS just down the street from the Deerhead. The librarian at the school library there is very helpful and has quite a collection (not complete, but a very good sampling) of old WHS class year books. I also sat for a while on a park bench on the Brandywine in front of the zoo. The fountain there (erected in 1931, I believe) is working again and the riverside setting retains all of the old charm from when we knew it in years past. If you want an authentic taste of the Wilmington we once knew, please take a moment to sit on one of the benches in the park there. You can relax into the memory of the music made by our city's old river; if it has changed, it's for the better.
Danny Stat <daniel@statnekov.com>
Salt Spring Island, BC Canada - Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 16:39:22 (EDT)
GM Boxwood Road: My Uncle Louis Burris worked there for many years. He started out on the line like most, around the time the plant opened, and somewhere along the way went into the office ordering paint, as I understand it. My cousin, another of his nephews, Preston Burris was there too. He was a guard. He was better know as Earsie. He played football for WM. Penn in the late 50's. and was an All Star. He also played in the Blue and Gold games. They are both retired now, however, my uncle passed away about three years ago.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 09:14:50 (EDT)
I am one of the silent visitors. When visiting the page,, I am learning from the ones, who lived The City life. Being an Ardenite, my life in the city was usually on one Saturday a month We would board the Arden bus, then start visiting the farmer!s market on King St or go to Ben!s for shoes, or Buster Brown for dress -up shoes. Behave, you got hot peanuts .Yum! Other Saturdays,it was watching monster double features at the Grand, or Rialto [before it became an Art film theatre ] Lowes Aldine ? was too fancy .First time in the Warner, was to find out what air conditioning felt like... One soda, one bag of popcorn was the limit. Also, before Easter and Christmas, was the visit to Wilmington Dry Goods. If I was a good boy, I mean good, it was over to Deerhead for a shared hot dog... If you go back to when you were a child, the city holds so many good memories. Different perspective, I guess. The Silent Visitor
browny <brownys828@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, de USA - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 21:50:26 (EDT)
Drufo .... my uncle, Clint P. West, worked at the Boxwood Road GM plant along with actress Valerie Bertinelli's father. I grew up across the street in Gordy Estates ... I miss those old days.
Roy C. Pollitt <pollitt941@comcast.net>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 19:04:27 (EDT)
good to see others in here...funny storry...i am italian and grew up a few blocks frm robinos but never went there because i think my mom would have killed me if i payed for italian food. on another note...did or does anyone in here work at gm on boxwood road? my dad retired from there.
drufo <private>
wilm, de USA - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 17:11:30 (EDT)
SORRY, hit the wrong key! Anyone who used to go to Robino's restaurant, I found their site listed in a local flyer today. It's www.mrsrobinos.com It includes their history and pictures of the original owners as well as a current menu.
Connie <nospam>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 14:28:33 (EDT)
drufo, One of us in Sugar Land, TX. I was wondering the same thing. Two and 1/2 days and no posts? We must of beaten the dead horse out of Old Wilmington.net. Maybe the Webmaster needs to open the second half of the century to the posters.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 14:14:15 (EDT)
The organ installed in the Queen Theatre in 1915 was a three manual ten rank Moller, Opus 2049. The cost of the installation was $4500.00. It had a one horse power blower that operated at five inches water pressure.(Ref Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ, Vol. I)
Paul W. Harris <jopaharris@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 12:44:30 (EDT)
Connie, The yellow building on the right as you look at the Queen from the King Street view was Woolworth's 5 & 10. At the risk of being accused of repeating myself, the Queen had the best hot dogs in town with the exception of those at the Deerhead. They were on some sort of a rotisserie rack inside the refreshment area on the right. I always made sure I had enough money to buy one when I went to see a movie there. Anticipating the next question, I believe after buying meat from George Haldas in the 80's what he had told me. His uncles had been offered the building when it went up for sale, because they had their butcher shop in the lower level. That would be the glass store front that you see in the King Street picture questioned above.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 12:37:15 (EDT)
The Dickinson organ came from the Boyd Theater in Philly: http://www.dtoskimball.org/dtosmain.htm
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 12:10:22 (EDT)
I only discovered earlier this month that my mother's Jackson folks descended from a long line of Quakers from Londongrove Township in Chester County PA, back in the 1700's, only a few miles from Wilmington, and that she unknowingly lived, back in the 50's and '60s, that close to her own father's ancestry. (In fact, she loved Sunday drives out into the Chester County farmlands back then. hindsight, no wonder.) Looking at the transcriptions of the old Chester County (and also New Castle County) Friend's Meetings records, which have been remarkably well-preserved over the past 150 years, I see that many of her Jacksons married people named Brumbaugh, Worrilow, Windle, Cooper, Hoopes, Yarnall, Harlan and many many others from the Chester County townships. In all of my years, I've never known hardly any of these family names before, except as I remember them when I lived in Wilmington and Newark. My mother is now spinning in her resting place, I'm sure...it turns out that her last Quaker ancestor converted to Catholicism when he married a young Irish widow in Illinois back in 1855.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 11:30:53 (EDT)
RE: THE KING STREET PHOTO OF THE QUEEN - what is that yellow building to the right?
Connie <nospam>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 10:42:22 (EDT)
Web Master, Great pictures! You mention that the Queen is being renovated. What is it going to be? From what I've heard of the state of Wilmington it seems like a gamble to open a business there. What is the current progress with the Cool Springs resouvoir? I lived across the street on Frnaklin St. and spent a lot of time being chased by park police for fishing in the resouvoir. I echo the comments about the great job and time you spend keeping the Web site going. Thank you.
Bruce <Private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 10:11:18 (EDT)
If I am not mistaken, I heard that the organ at Dickinson High School is the one in question.
Mary Ann <MacCbc2003@aol.com>
Hockessin, DE USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 09:51:36 (EDT)
QUEEN THEATER:: 'Thank you' for your comments!___I do not know what happened to the organ.__They had to have had one for the silent movie era.__However, like all organ pipes that you can ‘see’ – even in churches – they are not the pipes that generate the music.__The real pipes are usually behind the scene and are not attractive.__In this photo, you can see stairs leading up to the pipes, but understand, walking around was unsafe in some areas.__I would like to have gone up the circular stairway to the small rooms on the back wall.__If you look at the King Street photo, there are seven windows and a fire exit door on the upper level.__CLICK ON THE 3 PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

The Simplex projector in the photo is of the carbon arc type.__Today, Xenon bulbs are used.__Ebay list Simplex projectors in the thousands of dollars – mainly for collectors and museums.__I found some clips of projectionists ‘striking the arc’ and running the projectors on ‘YouTube’.
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 06:49:54 (EDT)


Well Webmaster You out did yourself again with the Info on the Queen Theater. Another Fantastic Job. I tell you what I remember about the Queen, in the Forties the cost of admission was .09 and they also had the contests for the Duncan Yo Yo. Duncan would have contest in front of Stores like mine(across from the old Shortledge School) and the weekly winners were invited to the Queen Theater at the end of school and the one that one the big contests won some pretty neat prizes. The winners of the weekly contest in front of the Stores won a Diamond YO YO.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 22:32:05 (EDT)
Thank you, Webmaster, for the wonderful, tho' sad, photos of the old QUEEN. Did you happen to hear what became of the pipe-organ?? I see the old pipes are still in place..!! And, do you know if there are plans to save the movie projectors?? I spent many pleasant hours, munching popcorn and [musketeer] candy bars in that old theater...Also enjoyed the DAM photos. I remember hiking up the path to the top with my parents many times, before it was closed to the public... And, also, thanks for the great shots, in the trolley car section. I rode #10 to work at Family Court, and the Bellefont run, after school, from Harlan. Anyone remember the old guy who drove the Arden Bus? He was a really nice guy..Ah, Old Wilmington, 1950's... such a great place to grow-up!!!!!
Buz Peoples <whimsywoman@fastmail.fm>
Sequim, WA USA - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 17:02:33 (EDT)
TO HARRY OUR WEB MASTER. SIR ,YOU ARE TO BE COMMENDED ON THE GREAT PHOTO,S YOU TOOK OF THE OLD QUEEN THEATER, SIMLPY GREAT HARRY ! I AM A HISTORY BUFF, AND WHEN YOU MENTIONED THAT THE QUEEN HAD BEEN A HOTEL BACK IN THE 1800,S AND PERHAPS A MUSIC HALL AFTER THAT , WELL I ALMOST FELL OFF MY COMPUTER CHAIR ! FOR MANY YREAS I ENJOYED MOVIES AT THE QUEEN , SAW MOVIE STARS LIVE ON STAGE ( MY FRIEND BOB WISON CAN VOUCH FOR THAT ) AND AS A POILICE OFFICER I WALKED A BEAT IN THAT AREA . BUT NEVER KNEW THE GREAT HISTORY BEHIND THE GREAT THEATER . IST A SHAME THAT IT COULD NOT BE RESTORED. BUT LIKE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THEATERS IN WILMINGTON. VANDLISM WAS THE BIG REASON FOR THERE CLOSING. OH TO LIVE THE GOOD OL DAYS AGAIN ! BUT HARRY AGAIN THANK YOU FOR THE PHOTO,S AND FOR THE HISTORY LESSON !AND HARRY WE DO APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK YOU DO ON OLD WILMINGTON.NET .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 16:43:10 (EDT)
I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. Let's all spend just a moment of our time to thank all of those that have served in our armed forces. If it were not for them we would not have the freedom to be able to express ourselves in websites like this one. Have a good day.
Mary Ann <MacCbc2003@aol.com>
Hockessin, DE USA - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 10:19:29 (EDT)
A great Memorial Day wish for all of you OW folks, and a well done to the webmaster on the Queen Theatre photos. I was unaware the interior still exisred as it does. Take Care George
George <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 09:37:41 (EDT)
(DAM )FINE JOB ON THE HOOPES RESERVOIR.YOU DO GOOD WORK.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 08:55:08 (EDT)
NICE JOB ON THE QUEEN THEATER WEBMASTER. MANY A DAY I GOT PEANUTS HOT FROM THE ROASTER AT 5TH AND KING AND WENT TO THE QUEEN IT WAS A NICE THEATER IN THE LATE 40 AND EARLY 50 THE FIRE DOOR COULD BE OPENED TO LET IN GUY'S THAT DID NOT HAVE ANY MONEY.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 19:25:31 (EDT)
In repeating a story that I originally found amusing, I've stoked a fire. As far as the 4th in bridge, that will remain a mystery. I now exit.
Bill <mcgonigal9@verizon.net>
Townsend, DE USA - Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 19:00:46 (EDT)
At the risk of bending the rules I just can't help but make a comment on the item listed Thursday on the forum. My tongue is getting sore from biting it. In 1964 when my enlistment with the Air Guard was about to run out, I received a letter from the commander. He invited me and my family to go for a ride on one of their planes. At the next meeting I asked about this very unusual invitation, because for my entire six years in the Air Guard, I had tried to hitch a ride on the C 47 for my wife. I had always been told, it was against government policy, and regulations to put a civilian on board a military vehicle of any kind. They were now however, bending the rules in order to get the unit up to full strength, and making this offer to those who might be leaving the unit. It has made me wonder ever since reading the other post just how they got around that regulation. The other curious note in that posting, unless there are special rules for mile-high bridge, down here on earth it is played with four people. I'm not trying to say anything here but, rather wonder how these people got away with making up their own rules for everything in their lives. I'm at an age now, and feel that I've earned the right too, to become a member of that club. Is it like AARP, and if so, where can I sign up?
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 10:53:42 (EDT)
141st Wilmington Memorial Day Parade The parade lines up 5:15 p.m., steps off on Delaware Avenue at Woodlawn Avenue, marching down Delaware Avenue to the Civil War Monument at Broom Street, where the dead of all wars will be honored with a memorial service. Lineup 5:15 p.m., step off at 6 May 30. Anyone been to one of these lately?
Bill <mcgonigal9@verizon.net>
Townsend, DE USA - Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 18:59:40 (EDT)
Phyllis B. Mrs. Detweiler was a teacher at George Gray School. Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 16:27:28 (EDT)
Phylis B, classmates.com may be a source of info for what your looking for!
Tom Brejwa <tbrejwa@yahoo.com>
Slower Lower, De USA - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 19:24:01 (EDT)
Seems I can't quite place Mrs. Detweiler at a certain school. She was the art teacher at either George Gray or Warner Junior High. This would have been in the era of l944 - l949. Anyone remember her?
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 13:44:43 (EDT)
RE WHS. Are you thinking of Mrs. Cloud? I think she was the Dean of Girls, but councelled students also.
Patty <pattywerk@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:46:37 (EDT)
Thanks, Don. It was Mrs. Gause. I still cannot remember the other lady's name, but the two of them once told me that they used to accompany Clifford Hall in an Air Guard plane. As I remember it, the three of them played bridge during the flights.
Bill <mcgonigal9@verizon.net>
Townsend, De USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 20:13:31 (EDT)
RE: WHS Counselors Referring to my 1955 WHS yearbook there was a Mrs Gause and Mrs Green listed in faculty section. However, no job titles.
Don Wood <DCW545@yahoo.com>
Charlotte, NC USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 17:49:16 (EDT)
I remember a Ms. or Mrs. Green as a counselor at Wilmington High in the 60"s. Does any one remember Mrs. Dougherty , a teacher at George Gray in the 50"S? She was a muched loved Aunt.
Reenie <private>
Bear, De USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 17:33:01 (EDT)
Re: Miss Goss. Wasn't there a guidance counselor at WHS also named Goss? There were two counselors, her and a lady whose name I can't remember, but they were there from the 40's and well into the 60s.
Bill <mcgonigal9@verizon.net>
Townsend, DE USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 16:48:12 (EDT)
The Old Values and Common Courtesy are the things that made Old Wilmington a good time to remember.
Connie <nospam>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 11:23:59 (EDT)
RE: The sign of the times. One might think that the large chains and low prices are what ran the 126 year old business into the ground. I beg to differ. Prior to their erecting the new building a few years back, the place was packed any time you went there. However, service was great and although you sometimes had to wait, there was always someone with a pleasant attitude to help you. It seems that once the new building was erected, the sales force also changed. The attitude of the personnel seemed to convey that "if that's all you want, why didn't you go to the hardware store?" Big ticket sales became all important, and the only ones to get attention. It was always more convenient for me to go there than anywhere else, and still would be. I stopped going because of the snotty attitude displayed by the personnel. Many of the helpful employees who had been there prior to the new building's existence were also gone. I'm sorry but if you can't control the attitude of your people then you deserve what you get. Seems to me, I remember some sort of saying about reaping what you sow. I'm sure the brothers have been rolling in their graves for a number of years now, after seeing what had happened to their business. I predict Sears to be one of the next to end in a similar demise. I worked at Prices Corner in the 60's and would have been fired if I treated Customers the way they are treated now. Like service stations being a thing of the past, it seems as though everything is becoming self serve. Next thing you know you'll be handed a raw burger at McDonald's and told to cook it yourself. Like old Wilmington, old values and common courtesy, too, seem to be a thing of the past.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:48:57 (EDT)
For those who attended George Gray Elementary in the 50's, Marie Goss, the art teacher passed away. Quite an obituary. http://miva.delawareonline.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?obits.mv+77280
sharon gorsen <sh646@aol.com>
weston, fl USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:38:34 (EDT)
Sign of the times. The News Journal • May 22, 2008. "Brosius-Eliason goes out of business. Closing of 126-year-old Delaware building supplier blamed on failed merger, market. A longtime Delaware building supplier has closed its doors, a victim of slowing business amid the dwindling housing market. New Castle-based Brosius-Eliason Co., a 126-year-old local company, suddenly closed last week leaving 39 people without work. The company was founded in two separate companies -- J.T. and L.E. Eliason Inc. and Brosius and Smedley Co. The two merged in 1966. Brothers James T. Eliason and Lewis E. Eliason had established their company in 1882 on Fifth and South streets in New Castle. In 1886, the same year the Eliasons purchased a lumber yard they had leased for five years, Lewis W. Brosius and Benjamin K. Smedley each bought one-quarter interest in Wilmington's Kent and Weeks Lumber Co. At its height, Brosius Eliason employed more than 100 people. The company operated home and garden retail stores in Wilmington, New Castle, Glasgow and Claymont."
Kevind <donohue11@comcast.net>
Ellicott City, MD USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 07:47:29 (EDT)
the exxon was owned by a guy named Bill Lampugh. It was my second job (after the post house next door) Nice gut. Taught me how to plug a tire and some other minor repairs. It was a great old building too. VERY thik walls. He used to say "it was panzer proof". I used to get rice pudding from next door, but because i would get busy, by the end of the night it tasted like gas.
drufo <private>
wilm, de USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 21:25:35 (EDT)
for those that dont know how to copy/paste a URL heres a short read:Haley was born William John Clifton Haley (some sources append "Junior" to his name, but his eldest son states that this is erroneous) in Highland Park, Michigan and raised in Booth's Corner, Pennsylvania. Many sources (almost universally predating his death in 1981) state that Haley was born in 1927, which is due to Haley knocking two years off his age for publicity purposes in the 1950s. A few recent sources erroneously give a birth year of 1924.
Tom Brejwa <tbrejwa@yahoo.com>
Slower Lower, De USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 19:53:28 (EDT)
I THINK BILL HALEY WAS A CHESTER BOY.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 19:46:24 (EDT)
The Esso/Exxon station was at 2nd and Union. Sunoco was at Lancaster and Union.
J. Riley <jckril@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 16:18:56 (EDT)
perhaps it was Donovan's?
Tom Brejwa <tbrejwa@yahoo.com>
Slower Lower, De USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 15:13:37 (EDT)
I seem to recall an Esso on second and union?
Tom Brejwa <tbrejwa@yahoo.com>
Slower Lower, De USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 15:00:23 (EDT)
I remember the Sunoco station on lancaster and Union, not the Exxon
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, De USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 12:35:02 (EDT)
1. Anyone remember the ESSO station at Lancaster and Union (1960s)? It's now a used car lot. 2. Re: BILL HALEY - years ago I heard that he was a barber from Milford Del. yet now I often hear that he was from other states. Does anyone know what's for real?
Connie <nospam>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 11:27:43 (EDT)
Anyone from the 1st graduating class at Colwyck School? Mr. Caum was the principal (was former principle of Conrad H.S.) How about Mrs. Jackle (algebra teacher) or Mr. Korn (art teacher).... How about Mr. George (gym... who later became football coach at the new Delaware H.S.) I was on the newspaper staff there .... "The Chatterbox". Would like to hear from some of you....
Orv <obursler@comcast.net>
Lincoln, DE USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 10:27:25 (EDT)
On June 21st, this site will be nine years old!___I have almost 100 new photos to post as well as the Nostalgia updates in which I am far behind.___The first group to be posted will be 25 never-before-seen photos of the Queen Theater, so be looking for them.
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 08:09:54 (EDT)
Bruce: The Rialto, closed in 1982 and was later demolished.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, De USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 18:13:31 (EDT)
Sorry to come into the present, but is the Rialto still there? The last I remember it showed X rated movies.
Bruce <Private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 17:25:29 (EDT)
Regarding the advent of R&R in the mid-fifties I became a fan of Chester's Bill Haley and the Comets. My Pop was a professional musician with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy during that era. Outside of classical music and opera, only Frank Sinatra, Mario Lanza and Perry Como recordings were permitted at our home. Pop would not accept R&R (he should see it today) as an alternative until Bobby Darin recorded "Mack the Knife". He looked at Darin as a junior Sinatra but by that time I had left the nest. I aasume that when I revealed that Darin was Italian that really sealed the deal.
tony d. <private>
Margate, NJ USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 15:56:16 (EDT)
Barb: depends on what year, RM made movies from 1929 thru 1960
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, De USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 13:52:11 (EDT)
The bagel store at Pa. Ave. and Lincoln was a Sunoco station in its prior lifetime. That was back in the 50's and 60's. I used to hang out there as a teen at nights. The owners son worked there (put in time, washing and servicing his own car) so he didn't mind when I would wait on a customer for him. Well a short time went by and his father got wind of what was going on. He read me the riot act, about customers expecting to see a qualified serviceman, in uniform, tending to the needs of their cars. In the future, I would be allowed to come down, and stay out of sight, but that was it. Any variation of the rules, and I was not allowed on the premises. Can you imagine any proprietor, demanding that kind of ethics, in this day and age? I think, therein lies the problem. There are no rules, no ethics, no morals, just plain no value, placed on anything which we once held as given. People run around our once beautiful city spray painting anything that doesn't move, leaving trash out on the street, and hanging out on street corners for a far different reason than the ones we had. They are murdering each other at a rate closer to that of the ghettos of Pennsylvania, and New York, than that of our cities. Is there anyone out there who might have a realistic proposal as to what can be done, before this nightmare takes over our entire state? We've lost Wilmington, let's not loose the rest of it, for the sake of those to come. All the high rise's and condo's in the world aren't going to change the real situation. We've been throwing good money after bad at Wilmington since the interstate went through. Wake up and smell the roses, address the real problem, and the rest will take care of itself. What can be done before it is too late to walk down any street in Delaware?
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 13:37:17 (EDT)
My Husband proposed to me in the Rialto Theater. There is memory. Then there are memories.I cannot recall the name of the movie, but Robert Montgomery was the star.
Barb <Barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 13:36:41 (EDT)
drufo, the Pa Avenue store I believe was called Bagels & Donuts. They also had one on Marsh Rd close to where I formally resided.
Tony D <private>
Margate, NJ USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 12:22:56 (EDT)
Two items that require DE natives' help: 1) I own the car that paced the races at Dover Downs in 1970. It's an Olds 4-4-2 ragtop. I've spoken to DD as well as all the previous owners (the first one, after the races, was Claude McClure, now of SC), but I would love to find out more on this car - especially photos! Anyone? 2) I know Miss Delaware rode in my car in a parade. As there are a few pageants out there, it could be Marilyn O’Neill or Linda Sue Hitchens, I believe. Anyone know either of these two women? Thanks! =dr=
Diego Rosenberg <euphoriablimpworks@gmail.com>
God-forsaken Place in, CT USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 12:14:49 (EDT)
The last movie I viewed at the Rialto starred Frank Sinatra in Von Ryan's Express sometime in the mid-sixties prior to moving from Wilmington. I recall the theatre was so small there was no lobby or concession stands. They usually replay that movie on TV a lot around Memorial Day. Really miss Frank.
Tony D. <private>
Margate, NJ USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 12:11:42 (EDT)
To Barb at Peabody ET AL....your reminisces of going to the odd, little, and narrow Rialto Theater away down on Market Street would be interesting to have posted here. Strange that this small place was the first-run house in town for those high-quality 20th Century Fox films, including those big blockbuster wide-screen Cinemascope productions, back in the 1950's. My fondest memory of the Rialto is that they used to post, in print, the complete credits for the movie, including the actors' names for even the smallest roles in the film.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 11:26:23 (EDT)
When I was a kid in the late 50's for my birthday cake I would request a banana creme pie from the N.Y. restuarant. No wonder my Dr. wants to put me on Crestor now. I can't complain about Ted Munda's post since someone had said he died and he wanted to let everyone he was alive and kicking. Seems like a lot of whining though about a so so movie that could have been about a thousand other young bands in the 1960's. I don't think the story or song is unique to the Enfields.
Bruce <Private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 09:09:10 (EDT)
By far, the Penny Hill Donuts, the long cream donuts. I remember the NY Restaurant for their grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, after a film @ the Rialto. My Sorority @ PS got our Parents to pay for 2 dozen "miced" and we woild sell them for 5 cents extra to make money for our treasury.Hey,was that legal?
Barb <barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 22:27:02 (EDT)
ah donuts...penny hill donut were GREAT. Infact all donut in the old days were great. Today they are massed produced. Dunkin Donuts certainly has a lock on the market and they arnt so good. I was terribly sick for two days a few months ago, and I swear it was one of the dunkin donuts that did it. there was a palce on PA. ave, under the RR overpass across from the old Rustlers (now grotto pizza) what was that called? It is a dunkin now, but I remember it being a family owned place...any cops out there wana help?
drufo <drufo1@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 21:44:11 (EDT)
What was better - The Bannana Cream Pie at the New York Restaurant or the long cream donuts at the Penney Hill Donut Shop? No worries re cholesterol or calories back then.
Tony D. <private>
Margate, NJ USA - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 21:29:51 (EDT)
For those of us who live so far away, many posts trigger memories, nostalgia, if you will. Our Webmaster has provided a "salon" in which we may share our memories. Love it when I read about the Ninth Ward, old artifacts, no longer where they used to be. The Brandywiners, Flower Market,Wilmington Dry Goods, Gavatos Candy, the "Greasy Spoon" @ Del. Ave. & Washington.. Learning to drive!! Dec.7, 1941. Anyway, hugs to all out-of-staters and to those who by design or choice, remain in the "First City of the First State".
Barb <Barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 13:06:46 (EDT)
To Cousin Ruth: Anne Peoples Munda was my Mother, not my wife. She and my Father, Don Munda, HAVE both passed away. I am her son. Also: a Note on the Post about doing a Screen play like "That Thing You Do, by Tom Hanks. Whe I was in LA doing the songs for Smokey Robinson I worked as a songwritre for Producer George Tobin who found Tiffany, Produced Smokey,Natalie Cole, Robert John(Sad Eyses). The other song writers included Gary Goetzman. Gary Goteztman become a Movie Producer and did Silence of the Lambs, and "Philidelphia" with Tom Hanks and Produced, That Thing You Do. He told me, as we were friends, that he used the Enfields history and pictures to show Tom Hanks the idea for "That Thing You Do", that Hanks supposedly wrote. I was told he did not actually write it. "The Wonders" came from "The Enfields" Basic Garage Band History and "That Thing You Do" came directly as a rip off of my song with the Enfields "I'm For Things You Do". They even had me go in a recording studio and re-record," I'm For Things You Do". I recieved NO credit for any of this, so welcome to Hollywood! Just thought you'd like the REAL story behind the Story. Ted Munda
Ted Munda <capstonevortex@hotmail.com>
elkton, MD USA - Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 12:22:31 (EDT)
To Wayne et al re "Art Instruction, Inc" - Not much more for any kind of pay, but it probably helped my drawing and cartooning skills as an art editor of the 1952 PS duPont HS yearbook, an editorial cartoonist from 1954-1956 on the staff of THE REVIEW at UDel, and a years-long hobby of doing caricatures of friends at parties and drawing posters for my kids' activities during their school days. My PS classmate Mary Lou Ponsell (of the 9th Ward drugstore family) also once HIRED ME FOR PAY!!! to do a published cartoon for a radio-TV industry trade magazine editor in New York, where she was an editor back in the early 1960's. I ended up spending most of my working life writing and placing PR and publicity stories for ad agency clients, and found out that THAT was my true professional destiny.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 09:32:59 (EDT)
Bob Wilson, Did anything ever come from your taking that course? My daughter at age eight did a fantastic job drawing the deer, and I sent it in. I was very skeptical when I heard back and never followed up. She was quite talented but lost interest.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:15:24 (EDT)
I was raised on w/4th street, 2 doors up from Patsy's Sub shop, you are certainly true, the best subs in town, was forced to move because of I-95
Liz <elizabemari3#aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 21:09:09 (EDT)
To Jerry Lank et al re: Hearn's Market at Washington St and Concord Av...Back in 1949, Hearn's was on the corner, and right next to it in the same 'square', at Washington and 23rd, in a separate building, was Brown's Bakery. Within the next two years, the Hearns bought out Brown's, tore its building down, and expanded their bigger store onto the former Brown's space and reopened it as their own Bakery Department. Across Concord from Hearn's was Al's Barber Shop, and Al gave me my first-ever-paid job of creating a small sho-card ad to put in his window. I think Al did this out of kindness, because he found out that I was taking an art correspondence course from Art Instruction, Inc in Minneapolis at the time. (Remember them? They had those matchbook cover ads that showed the sketch of a pretty girl and which said, "Draw Me, and try for a FREE correspondence art course!" I've always wondered if they ever DID give out any 'free' courses. My late father, who ended up paying for it, certainly was aware that I never won the free course.) And by the way, back then, a young Charles Schulz was one of my cartoon art instructors by mail, who went on to create "Peanuts" shortly after that.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
BEAUFORT, SC USA - Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:11:42 (EDT)
If Ted Munda was married to Ann Peoples, I'm sad to say he has passed away. Ann is a first cousin of mine.
Ruth "Buz" Peoples <whimsywoman@fastmail.fm>
Sequim, WA USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 22:28:03 (EDT)
Bob Owens: Everyone in Wilmington remembers Hearn Bros. Stanley Hearn bought a Deltona Franchise in the 60's and wound up marketing Fla R E for about 15 years. Me and my family owned the Store up the Street from Hearns on Concord Ave. I went to work for Stanley in 1969 and then eventually moved to FL. Luther settled in Rehobeth and his son owned the country Squire down there. I think he now owns the Starboard. Stanley and his wife Betty is working for Frank Robino RE and have been with them for about 20 yrs or so.
Jerry Lank <transworld@delaware.usa.com>
MARCO ISLAND, FL USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 19:52:07 (EDT)
VINNIE RAGO JR. SPEAKS! Had a long talk Monday afternonn with Vinnie Rago Jr. of Franklin Street in Wilmington, who worked under his dad with Richie Records in the '60s. Richie Records was run out of the Rago house at 10th and Jackson (now I-95). Turns out their masters got either lost or dumped after his dad got divorced from his mother, who apparently was the brains of the business operation. After the divorce, the company fell apart and the masters got handed off to Rago Sr.'s step-daughter Kathy Rago. Vinnie Rago JR. says he thinks his sister either lost or inadvertently dumped the masters, not realizing their historical and commercial value. He said he'd check with her to see if any of the masters remain. Rago Jr. has few remnants of Richie Records. He says that to his knowledge, his father was never written up in the local paper or any music magazine. Vinnie Jr. says there's a guy named Harry Crowley from Wilmington who sells 45 rpm original Richie Records over the internet. He's not sure if Crowley is digitizing the songs before he sells the last copy of each record, but he's interested in trying to create a digital catalog of the label's releases. Rago also says that someone has issued a "Best of Richie Records" CD, put under the "Richie" label (even though the family has nothing to do with the re-issue). Apparently, members of the Enfields, who were Richie Records artists, did their own deal with Canonsberg, PA based Get Hip Records, which is selling an Enfields/Friends of the Family CD. I talked to one of the principals of Get Hip, and I'm trying to gather up records put out by '60s era Wilmington bands, since the label is interested in doing a compilation CD featuring examples of the Wilmington '60s music scene. Rago Jr. says he and his brothers wantvto see if they legally retain rights to these records. (I've been told that if the copyrights were not duly renewed, copyright law generally gives the writers/performers of the songs precedence over publishers in the event of copyright disputes (but I'm no lawyer.) In a real sense, Rago is an unsung hero of Wilmington's cultural history. He was a tough, no-nonsense guy who demanded that his groups cede control of their work to him. But he also professed a real love for the music; many of his biggest acts, such as Teddy and the Continentals, were blacks, and Rago was a tireless promoter of black music as well as garage band rock ranging from soul and avant garde/psychedelic to proto-punk. His legacy deserves to be memorialized. I'm in the early stages of putting toether elements that could be used in a TV documentary about the Wilmington '50s/'60s local music scene, using the Vince Rago story as a central theme. When I was writing for the News-Journal, I did music reviews and features, but I never considered doing a story about Vince Rago. But now, years later, I recognize that the Vinnie Rago story deserves to be told, and that, at least posthumously, we should give him his propers.
Victor Livingston
Yardley, PA USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 18:05:28 (EDT)
In reference to Kara Green, Inquiry Letter dated May 5, If you are serious about doing research about the old Forty Acres, you could place the same request in ST.ANN!s Catholic Church bulletin. Also, as far as I know, the firehouse, Stapler AA etc. are still there. You could also make contact with Gilpin Hall, [Home of Merciful Rest ] Luther Towers 1 and 2, or Ingleside Anymore suggestions, anybody?
Donn <brownys828@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 17:58:13 (EDT)
KEN-DEL RECORDS, ANYONE? THE "STARBLAZERS"? "ALEX AND OLA BELLE"? In my quest to discover what happened to Wilmington's Richie Records label and its master recordings of garage bands from Wilmington in the '60s, I recalled recording with my group "The Starblazers" the 1965 obscurity, "You Better Change," backed with "Starchant." "You Better Change" was a rock song I authored at the tender age of 15 while a student at Mt. Pleasant Jr. High. The lyrics went like this: "I thought you loved me / But you put me down / Because you thought I was the kind to be led around / But I told you / that wouldn't do / You better change / your mind / about me." The flip side, "Starchant," was a weird instrumental that was half voodoo-rock and half Klezmer. It was recorded it at the old Ken-Del Studios in Wilmington. (Anyone know what happened to their masters?) I convinced our eighth grade class to make the record a class project, and we sold copies in school to raise money for the class. Instead of singing the vocal myself, I recruited Dickie Roseman, who was the BMOC in those days, to sing the lead, which he did in a "bosso profundo" voice that sounded, well, operatic and out-of-this-worldly at the same time. I figured Roseman had the "star power" to move more records. (I think Roseman is a cop these days and he had a sister, named Carol, I think, who was in our school, too.) The band featured a guy named Norm Isaacs on sax; Charlie Topkis on drums; myself on guitar; a keyboardist named Rusty (forget his last name, but he had red hair, of course) and an upright bass player whose father was a bone doctor in town (Klein, I think, was the last name). I'm wondering if anyone out there has the record. I am talking to a record label in Pittsburgh about putting out a compilation CD of garage band tracks from Wilmington bands of the 1960s. Does anyone have any suggestions for contributing bands? Do you have any locally-produced records that would fit the format? Post your ideas here, or email me. And let me know if you have "You Better Change" on 45 (Ken-Del Records). Another more famous group to record for Ken-Del was "Alex, Ola Belle and the New River Boys and Girls," an old-timey group that used to hold court in Campbell's Corner, Kennett Square, PA and at Sunset Park near Kennett Square. It was a favorite weekend jaunt for Wilmington lovers of old-timey music. My old friend Carl Goldstein, whom I think is still a judge in Wilmington, used to go there to hear bluegrass bands like Jim & Jesse and of course Alex & Ola Belle et al.
Victor Livingston
Yardley, PA USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 14:09:58 (EDT)
All this talk about Vinnie Rago made me go look through my old 45's. I have a 45 on the Universal label which I believe was owned by Vince Rago. The song is 'Che Nome' by the Jay-Notes. The song was written by Jay Pierce (group leader) and published by Vince Rago Music Publishing. It was released in 1959.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
Middletown, DE USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 13:58:35 (EDT)
Bruce, Thanks for the 411. I wonder if Ted Munda is still around. If anyone knows, tell him to check in here. Also, I have learned that the son of Vinnie Rago, the late head of Richie Records, is still in Wilmington and working as a DJ. I believe his other son, Richard, is an attorney. I am trying to find out what happened to his dad's masters. If anyone here knows Vinnie Rago, please get him the message that there's interest in Richie Records and what happened to the label's master tapes. Thanks.
Victor Livingston
Yardley, PA USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 12:46:17 (EDT)
Bob Owens, I lived in New Castle in the 50's and do remember Hearns Market in Collins Park Shopping Center. I remember getting bread there for $.15/loaf! I also remember a "milk store" in the same shopping center that sold their milk in 1 gal. glass jugs for $.50 (with a returned empty). I rode my bike from Simonds Gardens to Hearns and milk store for my stepmother (we didn't have a car) and back again.
Orv <obursler@comcast.net>
Lincoln, DE USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 11:00:31 (EDT)
Victor, I think I saw the Stairways as an opening act at the Amory. I'm not sure who the headliner was, maybe Mitch Ryder? Maybe Gary Lewis? I remember The Enfields. I think Ted Mundy was in the group. He either lived or visited someone that lived in Woodbrook. He drove a Shelby Cobra Mustang. Pretty impressive for a local rock star. I think Lindsay Lee played keyboards for the group. Do you remember Sin City? I knew their keyboard player, Chip Eanes. I think Chip died some years ago of a drug overdose. He was very talented, but his demons won. Too bad.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 07:58:08 (EDT)
BOB OWENS ,CHIEF ARTIE WILSON WAS A GOOD MAN , AND A DAMM GOOD POLICE CHIEF !. CHIEF WILSON LOVED MUSIC, AND WHEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN WILMINGTON REQUESTED THAT PAUL RICHARDSON AND I GIVE CONCERTS HE THOUGHT IT WAS A GREAT IDEA . AND GAVE HIS O.K.. THEN THE CHIEF CAME TO ME , LEM WINCHESTER, AND PAUL PENNELL AND ASKED US TO PLAY AT THE CHIEFS BALL IN MARYLAND , AND OF COURSE WE AGREED.ONLY ONE PROBLEM, ALL THREE OF US WERE WORKING DIFFERANT SHIFTS ! THE CHIEF TOOK CARE OF IT, THERE WAS OVER 400 PEOPLE AT THE BALL ( PRIVATE BALL ) WE WERE A HIT. AND THE CHIEF WILSON WENT HOME PROUD AND HAPPY. BY THE WAY, ARTIE WILSONS BROTHER WAS ON THE FORCE AT THAT TIME ALSO. BUT LIKE I SAID ,THE CHIEF WAS A GREAT GUY.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 21:32:38 (EDT)
Does anyone remember Hearn Brothers Markets? My grandfather Paul Owens worked there for Stanley and Luther Hearn until his retirement in 1966. He worked at about everything there during his career but he was a manager for the chain at his retirement. Relative's of the Hearn's ran Hearns Restaurant on Market Street. Also in the late50's and early 60's Paul's and my cousin Arthur Wilson was police chief of Wilmington. He had been on the force since the 1930's.His widow is still alive and lives in Va. She speaks fondly of thoe days and various members of the police force.
Bob Owens <bobowens75@gmail.com>
Cambridge, MD USA - Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 17:39:07 (EDT)
Kevin D, George was indeed our bass player, and I haven't seen him for years. That WAS a good read! I'll have to email George, I see he's still in Wilmington. I was Chuck Aaron's replacement in the band... I bought his cherry-red Gibson Les Paul SG and then sold it to a guy named Norm Lewis and I've been trying to find him for years and buy it back! (I had bought a Fender Jaguar, the hot "axe" back then, which is featured in the 1968 Mt. Pleasant H.S. yearbook in a picture of the Stairways). Reading George's post reminds me that I WAS in the band when Eddie Stair was fired from his own group. I now remember Nino calling and saying Eddie's out, and me saying something like, "but the band's named after him." And Nino says, "Not anymore. It's Nino and the Stairways now." Very heavy. Anyhow, I'm sure we did play on the same bill as the Enfields and, of course, George Thorogood and Wayne Watson (they were "The Turfs" and the Stairways BEAT them at the Battle of the Bands! What a night that was. I remember that we all went back to the Charcoal Pit and announced that there would be an "after-party" at my house in Green Acres (since my parents were away visting my sister at college). About a hundred kids jammed our house, broke a window or two, and then the folks came home early and the pary was over. I think there's a chance we once played on the same bill as the Castiles, too, Bruce Springsteen's band... but he was a nobody back then. Maybe George remembers for sure. To complete the story, The Stairways cut "Don't You Care" before I was with the band. I guess it was Chuck who taught me the lead lick he used on the record. That record was did receive airplay on WAMS, and maybe one of the readers of this site still has a copy. I think I still have mine, I'll have to check. Well, after Eddie was fired, Vince Rago of Richie Records took us back into the studio to cut two more sides. It was at Frank Virtue's studio on North Broad St. in Philly. Virtue had a big hit in the late '50s with "Guitar Boogie Shuffle." Again, I digress. We went into his studios and cut a new song called "All Souled Out," which was a pretty good record. But it never came out. Vince Rago wanted several hundreds of dollars for "promotion" of the record. I remember Nino saying that a legitimate record company executive would invest in the promotion on behalf of the company. Rago held firm: No promo money and the record sits in the vault. Nino called his bluff on behalf of the band and refused to pay. Guess what? The record never did hit the stores, or the radio. Rago meant business. As I remember it, the original tape did sit in Frank Virtue's vault. Some years later, I called Virtue studios to inquire about the tape's fate. I remember being told, perhaps by Frank Virtue himself, "Oh, we just got rid of a lot of old stuff that was sitting around." So here's the upshot: If Nino had agreed to pay the "promo" money, maybe our record would be a cult classic, too... and if I had called Virtue sooner, perhaps I could have salvaged the tape and brought the record out as a "from the crypt" special! Ah, what could have been! But now, I'm thinking, maybe I should put the first Stairways record up on the 'net. (The song was written by Eddie Stair... would he still own the copyright after 42 years?) Well, I'll have to compare notes with Rick and George Curtin on this. And Bowersox, when he's not "in the kitchen" on QVC. One thing I didn't mention was that I really liked that Enfield tune, "Eyes of the World," and I still remember the lead guitar part for it... it was very Beatle-esque. Oh, here's more... when Nino died, I was so upset that I couldn't bring myself to go too the funeral. The News-Journal ran huge news stories about his murder, and accompanying one piece was a photo of the Stairways with Nino, Ricky and me in the middle (listed by the paper as "unidentified"). I later went to a memorial benefit for his children, hosted by Nino's widow, and I met Nino's son, who looked EXACTLY like Nino did when he was in the band. It really freaked me out, but I was so happy to meet Nino's family and contribute to his kids' college fund. For all I know, some of the other band members may have been there and I didn't recognize them, I don't know. I do know Ricky wasn't there because I asked for him. After reading this post, I'm thinking maybe I should do a screenplay and send it to Tom Hanks, you know, another "That Thing You Do" type '60s flick... Anyhow, thanks for the shout-out. The site has inspired me to renew some old acquaintances and share some fond memories with my fellow Wilmingtonian natives! Feel free to shoot me an email if you've got more. Victor Livingston
Victor Livingston
Yardley, p USA - Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 00:07:01 (EDT)
Victor, Brandywine High School Class of '67 George Curtin played in several bands of that era, (you may even know him). George remembers the Enfields and other bands-click on link below. Great Read. Wilmington Garage Bands of the Sixties Remembered (more) http://www.kevin67.com/Wilmington%20Stories%20Page.htm#The%20Enfields
KevinD <donohue11@comcast.net>
Ellicott City, MD USA - Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 22:48:32 (EDT)
IF YOU REMEMBER 'THE ENFIELDS' THIS ONE'S FOR YOU! Was thinking about the Wilmington rock groups that were around when I was lead guitarist of "Nino (Puglisi) and the Stairways" from around 1966-68. A tune by "The Enfields" popped into my head a few months ago. It was called "In the Eyes of the World." Just on a fluke, I did a Google search and found that some indie record company actually has a CD out with their "greatest hit" and some other sides they cut, along with songs from "Friends of the Family," a band that succeeded the Enfields with the same lead singer, I think his name is Munda and he may still live in Wilmington, I don't know. I think they were on Richie Records, owned by Vince Rago. And in fact, the Stairways did a record on the same label, called "Don't You Care," a song written by Eddie Stair, who was bounced from the band by Nino before I joined in 1966 (I think). Nino, many of you remember, was tragically murdered some years back. But I digress. I didn't know the guys in the Enfields, but I believe we were in a battle of the bands with them at either Elsmere Fire Hall or the Lions Club on DuPont Hwy. Anyhow, here's the link, just type in "The Enfields" in the "artist" box and it will take you to samples of their compilation album. I'd like to know how this obscure band, that probably was played only on WAMS, got memorialized 40 years later with a CD. I understand that it's something of an underground hit in the world of '60s psychedelic bands. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll Can someone confirm that the Enfields were, in fact, on Richie Records? Does anyone out there remember seeing them (or seeing The Stairways, for that matter)? I found this site tonight quite by accident (I was looking for an mp3 of the Teddy and the Continentals' song, "I've got to learn to Pony b/w Tick Tick Tock." And somehow I got here. Brought back some memories, especially those photos of the Dry Goods, where I'd buy my albums ($2.77 for mono, $3.77 for stereo, I still remember useless info like that). Oh, anyone remember Sherby's Liquor Store at 4th and Poplar Sts.? That was my grandfather's store. I started my journalism career at the News-Journal on Orange St. as a college student at U of D. and I still visit the old hometown to see mom... I learned guitar from Frank Baldo, whose son of the same name is a guitarist and band leader down there now... Well, let's see if any fellow baby boomers will respond here... Victor Livingston
Victor Livingston
Yardley, PA USA - Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 21:33:55 (EDT)
Does anyone out there remember Carol Murphy, Dale Katz, Keith [Renni], or Jerry Resnick, from Harlan School??? Years would have been from 1953 - 1956...
Ruth "Buz" Peoples <whimsywoman@fastmail.fm>
Sequim, WA USA - Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 20:53:23 (EDT)
RE Crusin: There was a loop that we used to run. It was up and down Market Street from Fourth to Ninth, much like they do in Newark now. Then you would go out Fourth Street and you had to pass Artcraft Electric between Orange and Tatnall. They had a glass front that you could watch your car in as you rode by. You would go on out to Lincoln Street and do the same thing there as you did on Market That is from Pennsylvania Ave down to Fourth on Union and then back around. Once in a while you would take in Delaware Ave. That would be especially if you were crusin in the afternoon when all the other kids were getting out at Wilmington High. Mostly though it was out Fourth Street. All the girls knew it and would make a habit of either sitting at steps along the way or they would walk along the street in hopes of meeting some nice guy, who was out crusin. It was an acceptable practice then. I wouldn't advise it now.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 17:41:41 (EDT)
Union stree crusing no but from what i have heard, my father in law...Rick Finney had a MONSTER of a car on Maryland Ave. Back in the day. I believe it was a 69 or 70 BOSS 302 Mustang...orange...and I believe he also took it down to Maryland to race.
drufo <drufo1@verizon.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 17:00:47 (EDT)
it also can be read here for those that dont get the paper,,,http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805080305
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, De USA - Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 16:12:53 (EDT)
I just thought I would mention it for those of you who had talked about him last month when he passed, there is a write up in today's paper (Thursday 5/8) about Frank Shahan. It is almost a full page back in the crossroads section on page NC26. Its' title reads: Frank Shahan:"He was a guy everybody loved". It's an article of appreciation written by Jack Ireland of The News Journal Papers.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 15:47:06 (EDT)
I spent those years, 65-67 in the P.I.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, De USA - Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 15:21:22 (EDT)
Does anyone remember cruisin' on Union Street in the 60's('65,'66,'67)? Does anyone remember Ben Rose and his Chev.SS or Tank and his GTO ? I hung out one summer with both and several others from that area. Went with Ben and Tank to the Cecil County Dragway where they both raced, but not that night. Thoroughly enjoyed the Funny Cars, the Dragsters and the odors of the fuels. I met Ben when he worked full time for my sister-in law's dad, Ed Reusing, who owned Resilient Tile on N. Market St., almost directly across from the Fire Station (forget the address). Ben was 20, I was 18. He worked full time. I just worked as an apprentice for the summer (mostly loading and carring boxes of tile on the job sites). Ed was a great guy, knew how to bid and did expert work. He landed some big jobs at Sallies, Archmere, the U. of D. etc. A good summer.
Jerry T. <sandybeach1@mchsi.com>
Dagsboro, De. USA - Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:22:36 (EDT)
Could you tell me when Fraims Dairy closed?
Millie McGillivray <billmillie@verizon.net>
Hockessin, DE USA - Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 21:45:06 (EDT)
Ray Zelano: Isaw that U mentioned the Pizza at Serpe's Bakery Sicilian Pizza better than them and even tyo this day noone makes better sauce than T0ommy, who still works in the Baker. MY GOOD FRIEND RALPH YOU HAD MENTIONED ABOUT THE RESPECT THAT u RECEIVED AS POLICEMAN FROM THE BOOKIES. THAT WAS THE WAY IT WAS IN THOSE DAYS WHEN U WERE A COP. COPS,TEACHERS,OLDER PEOPLE AND ANYONE IN AUTHORITY THAT IS THE WAY EVERYONE WAS BROUGHT UP IN THOSE DAYS.
Jery Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.co>
Marco Island, FL USA - Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 01:09:35 (EDT)
I remember being in grade school in the late 40's when Harry Truman was running for President. He came through Wilmington on a whistle-stop tour. His train stopped at the B&O station on Delaware Ave. very early on a week-day morning. There was just a very small crowd there. He asked if anyone had any questions and for some reason I asked: "Where's Margaret?" He said that she was still sleeping. That was a big thrill for a little school-girl.
Pat LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 13:38:23 (EDT)
My memories of seeing Presidential candidates in person is not so great. I saw (and shook his hand) Bobby Kennedy in a motorcade on Chestnut St. in Philadelphia. About a week later he was shot & killed.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
Middletown, DE USA - Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 11:35:05 (EDT)
Ralph - Your particular memories of associations and connections to Past US Presidents are great! Yhe most memorable connection I have had personally was shared by many thousands of people in the bright, sub-freezing and snow-bound cold of 1/20/1961, watching and listening to JFK become inaugurated, then much later in the afternoon, in close-up in the bright sunshine, standing right across Pennsylvania Avenue from the official Reviewing Stand, and seeing JFK and Jackie, Bobby and Ethel, Joe and Rose, Teddy and his wife, Peter Lawford and his wife, and LBJ and Lady Bird, all drinking coffee(?) and watching the passing parade. (My pocketed pint of Seagram's helped to keep ME warm.)
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 11:25:22 (EDT)
I remember hawking newspapers at the New Castle airport in 1951 when then-candidate Dwight Eisenhower paid a quick visit. He just made a quick stop and speech at the airport outside and left. That memory is still quite vivid in my mind and how impressed I was (and still am) that I had a chance to see him (from a distance).
Orv <obursler@comcast.net>
Lincoln, DE USA - Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 07:40:01 (EDT)
HEY JOE, THANK,S , YOU SOLVED THE MYSTERY FOR ME. ALL THESE YEARS I THOUGHT I PLAYED HOOKIE . JOE, WISH I HAD BROUGHT MY SISTERS OLD BROWNIE CAMERA. AGAIN THANK,S.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Monday, May 05, 2008 at 15:29:50 (EDT)
Please, if anyone out there is willing to share family photographs taken in and around the Forty Acres neighborhood... Please contact me! I am having a picture book published on the Forty Acres neighborhood. I am looking for images of families & children, buildings, clubs (Stapler Club, Knights of Columbus gatherings, picnics, May Queen processions, Memorial Day parades, the Water Witch Fire Station, H&F Brewery, Cann Publishing, people getting on and off buses, sitting in the Logan house - getting hair cut inside the old barber shop of the Logan house ground floor, the B&O station, your mother talking to a friend over the back yard fence... ANYTHING) No picture in inconsequential! They can be very old (from the 1900s or earlier) to taken just yesterday. Thanks in advance for any help!
Kara Green <kbgreen@udel.edu>
Wilmington, de USA - Monday, May 05, 2008 at 08:52:33 (EDT)
RALPH !.... You did not have to cut class to see F.D.R. MRS. DUGAN (Principal) had the whole school (LORE )out at the fence by the B&O tracks to see him....Funny how some thing like that you never forget...
JOE " BUBBLES "PASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Sunday, May 04, 2008 at 23:42:36 (EDT)
My lingering memory of Presidential appearances in Delaware is vivid. One week before his assassination in Dallas, JFK dedicated the Kennedy Turnpike, just north of Newark. I was fascinated that he mingled with the crowd and I worried about that close contact all the way back to my Newark dorm. His exit from the helicopter to the band's playing Hail to the Chief was riviting but, up close, his tanned face (in November) and white, toothy grin were charismatic, for certain.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Sunday, May 04, 2008 at 23:30:54 (EDT)
BUDO, I WAS AT THE B&O RAILROAD STATION ALSO, ON THE DAY F.D.R. STOOD AT THE BACK OF THE TRAIN. I MUST HAVE CUT CLASS AT LORE SCHOOL TO SEE HIM, NOT SURE. BUT I DO REMEMBER , HE WORE HIS FAMOUS CLOAK OVER HIS SHOLDERS. AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS JUST A KID OF ABOUT 11 OR 12, I COULD SEE HIS FACE HAD MAKE UP ON IT, AND EVEN WITH THE MAKE UP , HE DID NOT LOOK WELL.IN THOSE DAY,S , THEY CALLED CAMPAIGNING FROM A TRAIN----A WHISTLE STOP. I ALWAYS LOOK BACK ON THAT DAY AS A BIG DAY FOR ME IN MY LIFE. NEVER THINKING , I WOULD HELP TO PROTECT SEVERAL OTHER PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES ! AS A POLICE OFFICER I WAS ON POLICE DETAIL WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE W.P.D. WHEN VICE PREST. NIXON WAS IN RODNEY SQUARE CAMPAIGNING FOR PREST. IKE AND HIM SELF. WHEN V.P JOHNSON WAS IN WILMONGTON ,DE ,(OLD SWEDES CHURCH ) I WAS A VICE SQUAD DETECTIVE. BUT WAS ON A DETAIL ALONG WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE W.P.D. TO PROTECT JOHNSON. . AFTER I WAS OFF THE FORCE , AND HAD MOVED TO TARPON SPRINGS , FL . I WAS SUPERVISOR OF SECURITY AT A 1000 ACRE GOLF RESORT CALLED INNISBROOK, V.P. GEORGE BUSH CAME TO SPEAK, THEN TO TO THE TARPON SPRINGS SPONGE DOCKS TO CAMPAIGN. WELL , I TELL ALL MY CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN THAT ALL THESE VICE PRESIDENT,S ---NIXON, JOHNSON AND BUSH BECAME PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. WHEN I CAME TO FLORIDA , I THOUGHT I WAS THROUGH GUARDING VICE PRESIDENT,S TWO OF MY MEN AND I WORKED WITH THE SECRET SERVICE ON THAT DAY IN TARPON SPRINGS.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Sunday, May 04, 2008 at 19:54:23 (EDT)
Barb, it's a good chance my mother Mary Bursler or my Uncle Jim Wicks had a hand in making your trays. In those days, as an employee, I took pride that my mother and uncle were two of a very few select employees that Mrs. Lundy (a task-master) would allow to make those trays.
Tom Bursler <Doverbaldy@comcast.net>
Dover, DE USA - Sunday, May 04, 2008 at 15:39:06 (EDT)
Very interesting story about Hoopes Reservoir here: http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080328/LIFE/803280311/1005/life#pluckcomments
Terri <LilSis923@comcast.net>
Hugo, MN USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 22:57:29 (EDT)
Back in the 60's when I worked for the telephone co. at 39th & Washington Sts., a group of us would go to Jack Lundy's at the Miller Rd. Shopping Center for lunch at least once every other week. We all ordered C43 or the C50. One was corned beef and the other was pastrami. Sometimes we took a couple of pickles back to the office to share with everyone in our group. Boy did the office smell good on those days. Does anyone know if there is any place in the area to get sandwiches like that any more?
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, DE USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 19:32:06 (EDT)
Tom, How my family loved Lundy's everything. We had a family tradition of ordering Lundy's corn beef sandwich platter to go, every Christmas Eve. It included cole slaw and those delicious dill pickles. We lived out off the Kirkwood Highway, but that's what we did. The sandwiches were cut in triangles, skewered with toothpicks and the entire platter was wrapped in pink cellophane. A quart of potato salad was also a "must" Thanks for the memory.
Barb <Barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 12:12:43 (EDT)
"Friends share memories of Bellefonte in the 1950s" URL link (below) to article of note in the Delaware Community Newspaper, perhaps of interest to those on this bulletin board; http://communitypub.com/stories/04-21-2008/038_Bellefonte-50s-Reunion.html
Kevind <donohue11@comcast.net>
Ellicott City, MD USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 11:45:16 (EDT)
Webmaster re: B&O trains. Remember a great place to see the trains pass by was at the intersection of Lovering Ave and the bridge at the bottom of Augustine Cutoff. The rails were elevated and you had a great view of trains such as the "Royal Blue" go by. Also remember when I was a youngster my parents taking me to the B&O station to watch a speech by Franklin D Roosevelt from the rear of the observation car he was traveling in. Of course this was before the days of TV and the campaigners traveled usually by train to spread their word.
Budo <budmar53at poolesite.com>
Wilm, DE USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 11:12:44 (EDT)
RAY - Sorry to hear about St. Thomas, altho I expected it at some time. I graduated from there in '53, from the "old" school - can you believe all 8 grades were held in that small building? I still have the large class photo that was taken on the front steps of the church. 4
Patty <pattywerk@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 10:32:24 (EDT)
FOR ANY OF YOU OLDTIMERS OUT THERE THAT WENT TO ST. THOMAS PAROGIAL SCHOOL. WE, STILL IN THE PARISH, RECEIVED LETTERS FRIDAY THAT THE SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSING IT'S DOORS AT THE END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR AND WILL BE NO MORE. "SAD".
Ray Jubb <golfopera@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De. USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 10:19:37 (EDT)
I’m sitting here watching “Trains & Locomotives” on the RFD Channel. It recalls the time living in the Woodlawn Flats in the 40s, that whenever we heard a B&O steam engine coming, we would run to the 6th or 7th Street bridges and stand right over the track as the engine passed under us. As the caboose passed, we would wave to the trainmen.
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 09:25:36 (EDT)
I am a "youngin" compared to many here! But I did work with some wonderful folks at Jack Lundy's Delicatessan in the late 70s. Wondering if anyone else here has memories of the C43 or the lox, bagel and cream cheese sandwiches served there?
Tom Bursler <Doverbaldy@comcast.net>
Dover, DE USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 07:56:08 (EDT)
JUST WANT TO ADD TO THE UPCOMING SCHOOL REUNIONS; I DID NOT SEE THIS ONE LISTED HERE: P.S. duPONT H.S. REUNION MAY 14, 2008; 11A.M. TERRACE AT GREENHILL CLASSES 1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945 (WAR YEARS)
glo t. brown <goldeleah@aol.com>
wilm., de USA - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 01:04:54 (EDT)
DUFO______I didn't work at The Balloon, but I think I may have paid for Bill's house! ha ha
TheKid <private>
Wilm, DE USA - Friday, May 02, 2008 at 16:21:42 (EDT)
TERRI: Thanks. I had my streets mixed up. Mary's was on Beech, and Columbia Ave. was the name of the street I was trying to remember. I should have looked on the map. The shoemaker and repair store on Van Buren and Sycamore was owned by an older Italian man whose last name was Fortugno. He didn't speak English well, but was very friendly and had a great smile. I think Dominick was his first name. Good old world craftsmanship. I loved the smell of the leather and the polish in his store.
Jerry T. <sandybeach1@mchsi.com>
Dagsboro, De. USA - Friday, May 02, 2008 at 08:00:40 (EDT)
To help with Sharon Poole's request, her e-mail address is: blue_rum_two@yahoo.com
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, May 02, 2008 at 03:01:02 (EDT)
Jerry T: Van Buren and Sycamore was Koston's Market! And wasn't there a shoemaker across the street years ago?
Terri <LilSis923@comcast.net>
Hugo, Mn USA - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 23:25:03 (EDT)
Jerry T: I remember "Mary's" store. It was on the corner of Van Buren and Beech St.!She sold Hershey's ice cream and it was the best tasting ice cream I ever had! I used to get ice cream cones where she would take a pint of ice cream and "slice" a section and put it on a wider regular cone. She also sold chocolate covered banana's! Anyone remember those??? I also remember the other store on Harrison St. and Columbia Ave.! I don't remember the name of it though.
Terri <LilSis923@comcast.net>
Hugo, MN USA - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 23:10:24 (EDT)
Speaking of Patsy's I went to school with Terry Patton at Sacred Heart. Contrary to what a lot of People thought he was as good a basketball player as his brother Googie. Burt Sheing and Bernie Schneider also played on the team. Joe Remedio was his Brother-in-Law Joe was also partner of Remedio-Hearn where I had worked selling Fl R E.
Jerry Lank <transworld@delaware.usa.com>
MARCO ISLAND, FL USA - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 22:38:56 (EDT)
I was also surprised and saddened to see that Frank Shahan died recently. Not only was he a fine basketball player, he was a "good guy". I was introduced to Frank through my cousin, Charles Brice. Frank never patted himself on the back for his basketball ability and probably wouldn't have even mentioned it if my cousin hadn't. Later, as a Wilmington cop, he was balanced in his approach to law enforcement as well. RIP.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 22:23:31 (EDT)
Due to family estrangement I have not had any contact with my family for 28 years and I just want to know more about my family and my grandparents. When I had the time to get to know them I was too busy being 20 and missed out. Their last name is Delpizzo and they lived on Scott Street in Wimington DE. My grandfather's name was Albert and my grandmother's name was Mary. My father is Paul. Please e-mail me if you have any information to share with me.
Sharon Poole <blue_rum_two@yahoo.com>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 13:29:37 (EDT)
DRUFO : When did you work at Ferris School ? I had a brief stint there from 12/71- 6/72. STEVE K : Where are you ? C'mon back. What rank did you attain in the Scouts ? I made "Star" (2 ranks short of the coveted "Eagle" badge) before I ended my career with BSA Trp. #7. Did you make "Eagle" ? Did you go into the Explorers ? Do you or ANYONE else remember " Mary's ", a corner store at Van Buren and Sycamore Streets ? How about the grocery store in the 700 block S. Harrison Street. Does anyone remember the name ? It was, on a corner, on the other side of the street from Radulski's bakery,before Oak St.
Jerry T. <sandybeach1@mchsi.com>
Dagsboro, De. USA - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 12:28:50 (EDT)
Sadly I read in delawareonline yesterday of the passing of Frank Shahan. I didn't know him personally but while I was attending Conrad High School in the late 50's he played basketball at Wilmington High and was the most exciting player to watch of that era in my opinion. His obituary said that one of his heroes was Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics. I can see why. Shahan's game was a high schooler's equivalent.
Tom Kolasinski <tkck@cox.net>
Glendale , AZ USA - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 09:58:03 (EDT)
I thought a nice topic for the weekend would be for us to make a list of the places we worked at over the years...I would be honored to start...in order... Post House, Lampughs Exxon, jefferson ward, bradlees, kiddie world/liesure world, jamesway, turkes(concord mall, Cathedral Cemetary (1 Week..too depressing) Royal Exchange, Stone Ballon, Atilios, simply pasta, gerardos pizza, Wilmington High, Allens Chicken plant (1 Day i still cant eat chicken anymore) Ferris School, Delcastle....I think that it.
drufo <drufo@verizon.net>
wilm, de USA - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 08:34:47 (EDT)

END...