Old Chester, PA: Guest Book entries March 2002 - Part 2
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I' m sure it must be near Tyson's corner & a lot of people on here could tell you, I only know it is in Aston.
Hi, Can anyone tell me where Tyson Heights is/was located? I think it was a development in Aston. Harvey
HOLY CITY
Bill T.
Holy City was 8th street right next to the armory. It was only one street length long with tall shade trees lining the street on both sides. I once asked my mother why it was called Holy city and she replied that the trees arching over the street made it look like a church. I'm sure she didn't really know the answer but who's to say she's wrong.
Philly in the Fifties...including the Charles Antell Formula #9 jingle.
http://www.time.com/time/sampler/article/0,8599,166670,00.html
Bill the next get together is April 10th a Wednesday. The one after that is Sept. 11th.
Dr. Deprophetis's first name was Nino , also a Rocco Deprophetis
Does anyone out there know when Scott Paper retires are having their next get togeather at the V.F.W.
Caroline:
That was a test! ! ! ! ! You Passed.
I use to live at 204 Booth St, in the apartment house on the trainer side of the street.
I understand that Janice D was living in elkton.md and doing ok sellibng hot dogs from a vending card in the area.I heard that a few years ago. Perhaps the person who wrote the comments about the Exton Church may have come across her selling hot dogs and could coment
I still have a picture of "PollY' taken in his house about 1954.
And Connie, she married me on May 12, 1956 at St Hedwigs Church!
She now has seven grandchildren! and an old, but a very funny husband!
I printed out your Easter egg remarks which she loved reading. We shared it with our oldest daughter today. Thank you so much for that article and the additional comments which I just read.
I just had my Bakka, Kielbasa, etc, but it will never be like her Mom fixed for everybody when they lived on Thurlow St.
Connie could not place you, but if you wish to write her, she can be emailed at Connie@bee.net
I think holy city was between 6th & 7th St. near Burky's Bar & sea food house. Near the city parking lot.
For those that have sent me emails and asked the symbolic meaning of the egg designs and some of the tales told, here is a condensed version of my collection.
Symbols on the Easter Eggs….
(The Cross - any form of- signifies the Resurrection of Christ, death and suffering; also the four corners of the World) (Ribbon or Belt - either around the egg or lengthwise means the endless line of eternity. Everlasting life. Water.) (Animal's -wealth and prosperity, The animals are usually those found in and near the Carpathian Mountains) (Bird - fertility and fulfillment of wishes ( the bird is always shown at rest, never flying) eternity) (Hens and chickens symbolize fertility), (Roosters are identified with masculinity and strength, as are oak leaves). . (Poppies - the beloved flower of the Ukraine - symbolizing joy and beauty). (Dots - Symbolic of Mary's tears during the Crucifixion. stars, or constellations) (Hearts - love) (Deer, Horses, Rams - wealth and prosperity), (Vine - new life and growth), (Fish - symbolic Christ, of Christianity) (Little Sieve or Net - symbolic of Christ, fisher of men)
LEGENDS of Pysanky/i
The tale of the Cyrenian peddler goes, One day, as a poor peddler was on his way to the market place to sell his wares - a basket of eggs - he came upon an angry crowd. They were mocking a man staggering beneath the weight of a heavy cross on which He was about to be crucified. The peddler, taking pity on Him and leaving his basket by the roadside, ran to his assistance. Upon his return, he found his entire basket of eggs had been transformed into exquisite pysanky. The man was Christ, the peddler, Simon. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + During the agony of Christ, it is said, the Blessed Virgin Mary decorated some pysanky to offer to Pontius Pilate when pleading for her Son's life. As she prepared them, her tears fell on the eggs. Forming dots of brilliant color. When she came to Pilate, Mary dropped to her knees in grief. As she did so, the pysanky rolled from her apron across the floor, and continued to roll until they were distributed to commemorate His teachings of Peach and Love. ___________________________________________________________________________________ One romantic tradition associated with the making and giving single girls who would carefully decorate an egg for a special young man. If the young man accepted the pysanka, then an engagement would follow after Easter. ___________________________________________________________________________________ An antique belief is that the fate of the world depends on the making of Pysanky. Should the custom cease, evil in the form of a chained monster will burst his fetters and devour us all. In a year of few eggs, his chains loosen and evil spreads. In a year where eggs are plentiful, the monster cannot move. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In times past it was the traditional Russian Orthodox greeting on Easter morning, to turn to your husband upon waking and say "Christ is risen." And kiss him three times. His response also by tradition was to give his wife an egg. When Tsarina Maria Fedorovna woke on Easter morn and greeted her husband Alexander III, she did not receive just an ordinary hen's egg, but an egg made by the master goldsmith, Carl Faerge. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Another story goes if the yolk is left in the Blessed egg for a 100 years it will become a rare and most beautiful diamond. ______________________________________________________________________________________
Funny everyone should be mentioning those pink curlers. My mom just gave me a container with a bunch and blue ones, too. I asked her what she whats me to do with "those things". She said I could use them on my daughter Kelsey's hair. I had to contain my laughter since my 4 yr old will not keep any barette or bow in her hair for any length of time if you can get them in at all. She has naturally curly hair which I would love to have-I a not one for ironing my hair straight! Then my mom pulls out the Easter dress of lavender for her to wear with a hat and matching purse. As soon as she had it on she started doing that dance- you know the itchy/uncomfortable dress one. She announced she was not wearing this. I had to pull out the Dutchmaid slips my mom sent me home with and I thought finally these things have a purpose. If the purpose is only to convince her to keep the dress on until we get to the West End to visit the family! I kept thinking of those Easter Sundays at Rez while I was singing "I am the Bread of Life" at Immaculate Conception here in Elkton and the priest kept saying the word resurrection. The 12:00 Mass had standing room only and the ushers were trying to get people to scoot over. I thought it was a pretty large size Church but we sure could have used some of the many pews we had at Rez.
HAPPY EASTER!
Just wondering.... My gram used to send me to Sadie's store to get ZITNER's brand eggs. I always thought the peanut butter ones were the best. One year I purchased one in the little plastic package at a WaWa and just wanted to dispose of it. The peanut butter was NOT what I remembered so I have vowed that it is Reeses brand for me from now on.
HAPPY EASTER to all my fellow chesterites, its times like this I miss my family and friends and delco.
Shirley, I do remember the Cunninghams.I know that their were 2 sisters and 1 brother. The parents were lovely people. I think the names were Margare,Mary and John. I know that he was very quiet, but other than that I don't know about that. I was wondering what happened to the couple who lived over top of Perski's store on the corner of 16th and Walnut, Her name was Joan Sakers and his name was Bob Galvin I think. They had a daughter and a son. Joan was in a lot of classes with me at Chester High.
Paul: Charles Antell!!! What a great commercial. He could sell anything to anybody (the fellow who did the spot--not Antell) That commercial should be in the "hall of fame." I remember hearing "pitchman" on the boardwalk who were as good. Here's to lanolin!
Florence do you remember the Cunningham`s that lived across the street from you, they lived in the house on the corner? I am trying to remember if Mrs. Cunninghams children were named Agnes and Jack. Was Jack Cunningham the hold up man they called the phantom burglar? I don`t remember but my friend thinks this information is correct. Do you know? Thank you.
I certainly do remember the "Easter Parade" in Atlantic City. The boardwalk was so crowded. They gave prizes for the the best hat, outfit, handsomest couple and family. The pictures were in all the papers the next day. It was hard on the feet ----you wouldn't be caught dead in flats!! Hope the skies are sunnier in your part of the country than they are here. The eggs haven't been hidden for the hunt yet.
Donna , as my sister Joy and I did my Grandmother's hair, and also my great Grandmother's hair. my Grandmother we called MOMMOM, and great Grandmother we called GRandmom Orphan Annie. Wish everyone a lovely Easter. All the families from 911 still have a long way to go. May God teach them how to live with it, because I know that they will never get over it.Peace to all Say a special prayer for our Armed Forces and our countrymen.
Jack: Have not seen Janice or heard from her in years. Connie, you brought her back to my memory. As for Polly "John T" he died about a year ago. I saw it in the Daily times. He was young. Had so much fun as kids. I always thought he would be a great country western singer. I moved away after 8th grade so lost track of that part of my world.
Florenc, Happy Easter! I don't ever remember hearing about click waivers. I do however remember my granny Ruth and my neighbor Betty (aka) my second mom , telling me the stories about the rags in their hair with the curlers. I still have some of my granny's curlers. Why, I don't know, I don't ever use them anymore. Maybe cos the last 10 years of her life I used to do her hair and nails for her. Take Care
Happy Easter Everyone! I'm grateful to say every memory I have about Easter is a great one! I just got finished coloring eggs and making some baskets. I don't even have any kids yet either. Some tradional things will never change. I don't really remember this, I must of been way to young, but my mom @ dad tell me that it was a popular thing to do and they did it alot with their friends from Chester every Easter for a long time. Before I came along and for a couple of years after I was born. They said how much they enjoyed going to Atlantic City for the Easter Day parade. Did anyone else go there for Easter? Tomorrow is my first official Easter Dinner being cooked at my place, with loving guidance and directions from my mom, thank God for wonderful MOM"S
Trisa:
Sorry everyone ignored your question about Holy City. It was 8th street in center city. That's all I know but I was hoping some of the more knowledgeable Old Chesterites would respond to your very pertinent "Historic Chester" question. Good luck.
caroline:
Interesting post. Whatever happened to janice"s friend connie.
and how about "polly", from second st,just above booth st.?????
caroline:
Interesting post. Whatever happened to janice"s friend connie.
and how about "polly", from second st,just above booth st.?????
HAPPY EASTER to each and everyone of you. Every Easter I pray that more attention will be focused on the resurrection of our dear Lord from his burial in that cave and the suffering he endured at the hands of his enemies. I never quite understood how his "resurrection" could be possible, now I understand fully.
May his everlasting grace guide and protect us through these perilous times and heal all those suffering from the 911 disaster. Those who perished in NYC on that dreadful day have been resurrected in what we call "heaven" and I also dedicate this day to them.
Happy Easter to every one here, please don't ever forget the wonderful times we had in and around good old Chester. Thank you John for giving us this opportunity. God bless.
Happy Easter to all. It is a wonderful time of the year. To all my old neighbors from 15th st and Walnut St. and 16th ST. I wish we could wake up and be back where we were. A lot of my friends from that time have passed on, but their still are a few of us left.
hello all from chester!.....i was a safety at the corner where the newstand in downtown chester stands....i remember the hotdog stand there..they use to give me free lunch while i was a safety...i really miss the old chester..was a lot of fun growing up there....hope to see some of my old friends soon..bye for now...and GOD BLESS THIS WEBSITE!
I would like to wish everyone a very happy Easter, It's a special day to enjoy in each one's own way. I remember dressing up our children in their new easter clothes, and going out to Glen Providence park in Media. Although we lived in Chester, they liked to go out to the pond and feed the ducks. We went as a family, enjoyed our afternoon the came back to Grandmom's to eat dinner. I really miss those times. The kids are grown, And grandmom's gone now, but thank God for the memories. Happy Easter to all Doris
Congrats on the two year anniversary of this page! Cheers to all!
No one is going to get an endorsement or sympathy from most who frequent this board. It has become a burden to most readers. Let the venting end.Maybe more will contribute if the board becomes less critical and aggressive. Perhaps those who enjoy stirring the pot will find another pot to stir.
To Pam
I vaguely remember a DiPaola family that lived there. Was there a Mary Ann or Mary Jane or a name similar to them? Didn't they move to 9th Street in Eddystone right next to the Bridge?
U.W glad you said it about the ISP i was thinking that just the other nite and yes it can be done i myself have had to check on ISP'S via some emails i was getting and also a site i manage... Donna geeze i remember those dang gone curler's lol yes i hated em to as a matter of fact when my Maria was in kindergarten i used mommom Nancy's (Aunt Nancy) to you to do her hair for her picture's and wow it came out sooooooo curly it was funny.Well that little kindergardner will be graduating this year and how i wish Nancy could have been here she was the apple of her mommom's eye she was always with her but she'll be with us from up above God love her.Well i gotta go dye ege's with the little one and then off to work.... Happy Easter everyone Becky
Pierdomenica----Do you remember the DePaolo family rom 3rd & Franklin? They belonged to St. Anthony's for many years & went to school there also.They lived there from approx. 21- 50.
Donna--- I hated those pink curlers!! They were also hard to get out. They would get stuck in your hair! They did make good Halloween costumes for my girls though. They'd wear arobe & slippers & I'd put put white cream on their faces. The older folks really got a kick out of it! We got alot of compliments. HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
Donna I cant say I know the feeling of pink curlers. However I've said it befor and I'll say it again you were thr prettiest girl on people st, and if you dont beleave me just ask any of the boys in Feltonville, yeah girl we all knew. would like to see what you look like now. happy easter.
How about CHARLES ANTELL FORMULA NUMBER 9 ! Anyone remember that stuff? Ever see a bald headed sheep?
When I was a litrtle girl, my Mother used rags to tie up curls, as things went on we went to some funny hard rubber curlers that kind of worked the same as rag ones, and then to hard wire rollers and then to hard plastic and now the soft foam. The only think I don't like about the foam, is that I think they dry your hair out a little. What do you think about them.She used to roll my sister's hair in finger curls and bobby pins, also she used click waivers in our hair. Just click one on and llet it dry and you have a wave,also some really hot curling iron.
To Jim regarding Old St. Michael's. Yes, unfortunately the church has been closed for several years now. All the Catholic churches in Chester have been consolidated into the old St. Robert's which is now known as St. Katherine Drexel.
BTW, check out the reunion page for St. Mike's and, if you know any of the classmates from the class of '52 that we're looking for, i would be grateful if you would let me know their whereabouts so we can contact them for our 50th reunion.
A blessed Easter to all.
Mary Ann
This being Easter Saturday just made me remember something that I didn't particurly care for when I was a little girl. I wonder if any of the ladies in here felt the same and remember. the nite before Easter morning my mom would put those pink sponge snap curlers in my hair and I would whine about how they hurt my head and couldn't sleep with them in. Then my granny would tell me that I was lucky that they came out with the soft sponge ones because in her time they were real hard. Any way ya wanna talk about some curls! Does anyone remember those pink curlers?
To all that post. I don't know if you are aware that your internet server has what is called a ISP number. When a message is posted on a message board it will show an origin number (the service provide for the computer you use). This number is available to the webmaster. Some webmasters with message boards have in the past shown this number. It will not show the exact computer that a message comes from, but it will show the provider number -if needed, the provider service has a tracking service that can locate. Now if I send 10 messages in a row or slightly scattered, my (xxwwxxwwy) will appear that many The webmaster can see that these came from the same area. They came from either the same computer, or one that has the same ISP. We can change our post names a hundred times, but our ISP will be the same. I sign in as U.W. John knows who I am by my ISP.
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE...
NOW FOLKS, LETS GET BACK TO CHESTER. I GREW UP IN THE WEST END AND CAME FROM A VERY LARGE FAMILY, EASTER IN OUR FAMILY WAS A TIME FOR NEW DRESSES AND ONE HUGE EASTER BASKET FOR ALL 10 OF US, WE ARE ALL GROWN AND THANK GOD I STILL HAVE MY MOTHER, BUT I DECIDED TO PULL OUT THAT OLD EASTER BASKET AND FILL IT EXACTLY AS MY MOTHER AND FATHER DID, WE WERE RAISED TO CELEBRATE THE TRUE MEANING OF EASTER, BEFORE THAT BASKET WAS TOUCHED. LIFE WAS AND CONTINUES TO BE LOVELY IN THE CITY OF CHESTER. MAY ALL OF YOU HAVE A SPLENDID PASSOVER AND EASTER. EASTER IS A CELEBRATION OF HOPE AND SPRING(NEW LIFE).
Becky if you have messenger my name there is chevair if you have msn my name there is chevairrs2000 PM me please.
Happy Easter Everyone, Becky P.S Becky's still thinking we could pull off that Feltonville reunion let me know people...
WOW! I just stopped by to see if anyone would take me down memory lane again, and I almost don't want to post it. After reading the recent posts, how it made me feel. Geez, a not so good but true memory of growing up in Chester for me is somebody always fighting. Someone always bickering back and forth. Someone always holding a grudge against someone. UUGGH! Man, "All My Children" isn't even this bad.Yea, I can just ignore it "cos I don't have no extra time for negativity,just keep scrolling down past it, but it's like every other posting is ridiculous. Why don't everyone just kiss and make up. I'm gonna go color easter eggs and have fun! I hope eveyone has a happy and safe Easter! Remember the reason for it!
Caroline......my mouth is watering!!! i would love to have some kelbasi and eggs Easter Morning!!! Can't get the real thing down here! I wish everyone a very Blessed and Happy Easter....John, maybe someday everyone will realize that you don't need to respond everytime someone says something on here. everyone here seems to want to have the last word all the time......so pointless.....anyway belated Happy Anniversary on this site....you have given us an enormous gift with this site and i'm so very grateful for all the shared memories and the found friends. To everyone involved in the back and forth bickering I am pleading with you to stop...such a waste of time, and an abuse of the gift that John has given us. When you respond in a negative manner you are only feeding the fire and making it worse.......if you ignore someone long enough they will go away or at least the behavior will. God Bless......
CAROLINE - As always you come through with a most beautiful message and a wonderful contribution to this board, during this holiest of holy days - Easter. May the Good Lord help me control my Irish temper, when it comes to dealing with adversity and bless me with the words he would have used.
Hi, RC
Miss Elizabeth Hall
Harv: Who was the teacher? Unless he taught shop, I must have had him or her. Happy Easter all you good people. Right now I'm looking at my old easter basket. My Mother used to fill it with delicious eggs. The best were the big hollow milk chocolate ones filled with hershy kisses. Now to bed. In the morning I'll look in th mirror and start another day with a laugh!!!
Thanks, Caroline!
CHILDHOOD EASTER TRADITION…
In our home, this was a joyous time. Mom would hard-boil the eggs in the morning of Good Friday as she was preparing her Easter Breads. This insured that they would cool by the time we were to gather in the kitchen and create our eggs. We dyed two types, one for eating (Krashanky) and ones for gifts and keepsakes.(Pysanky/i) Pysanki -means to write. A frying pan was placed on the stove with a mayo lid (lining removed) in the center of the pan. The bees/candle wax would be placed in to melt. We would all chose our writing tool. A pencil with eraser and a straight pin placed in the center of the eraser as the point (stylus). If you had several sizes of pin heads all the better, different size strokes would be formed. Then it would be the moment to make the beautiful designs. We start by dipping the stylus we made into the hot wax then quickly transferring it to our clean white egg. We put afew stokes on then dipped the egg. If we chose to put many colors on the egg we continue writing then dipping. Dad had a fluffy stroke to his dip and pull method. Mom's was finer.Many of my fathers Polish style eggs would have the word "Alleluja" or "Wesolego Alleluja," designs were of pin branches, lambs, pussy willows, cross's, dots (represented the tears of Mary) each color dye and design had a symbolic religious meaning. My mothers Ukrainian style was different.
We would be in a semi-circle around this little pot of wax yet we would share the space with no argument, this was a family time a time for loving and sharing. At about age 9 I saw a new method that Mary and old Mrs. Duman on Booth street were doing. They used this special tool (kistka) and drew these geometrical lines. They never showed me this method I was to embarrassed to ask and neither of my parents made their pysanky this way. I taught myself this method of making Pysanky .
Many kids in the neighborhood would come over as most did not do the eggs as we did. Janice, Wanda , Darlene, and so many others. One year we were doing them and a man passed the back window, giving us a fright, one of the girls got scared and spilled the hot wax on her. She was burned, so we learned that care at all times must be practiced when making eggs with a live flame and novice egg makers.
Easter Saturday morning mom would set the table in the sign of the PASSION (The Sign of the Cross) with the ham, kielbasa eggs, cheese, bread, honey, vinegar, salt, pepper, horseradish. The wheat broom for the Priest to Bless the foods and the bowl of Holy Water .. Holy water was used throughout the year to bring blessings to ones home.
The blessed foods and their symbolic meanings are. Candle. signifies the power of light over darkness. Fresh flowers represent new life. The egg (pisanka) would represent the tomb from which Christ arose. It is the symbol of life and rebirth. Meats: represent the animal sacrifice in the Old Testament And reminds us of our Savior Jesus Christ, who became for us "A Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world." The Roasted lamb is symbolic of Jesus. Paschal lamb. - symbolic of all the gifts that Jesus gives us. This can be the traditional butter shaped lamb, or a cake. Bread/ Babka Christ has been called "the Bread of Life." Jesus came down from Heaven and who in the Eucharist gives us everlasting life. Horseradish symbolic of the original Passover meal. To us it is the bitterness of sin and life's hardships we must go through because of the original sin. When red beets are added and sugar-- it is to remind us of Christ's glory in His Resurrection. Salt. sign of hospitality and fasting.. Represents Christ's words "You are the salt of the earth"..As Christians we must follow. Vinegar. Symbolizes the gall given to Christ at the crucifixion.
Christ is Risen" - " Khrystos Voskres The response is "Indeed, He is Risen" - ~ Voistyru Voskres (Ukrainian)
Wielkanoc Blogoslawienstwo (Polish)
Christos Voskrese ~ Voistinu Voskrese (Rusyn-carpath.lemko)
Colors:
White - purity, Red - hope and passion, Red & White together - Protection from evil Red & green - denote double happiness, hope, and innocence Yellow - youth and happiness, success and wisdom. Spirituality Blue - air and good health, Orange - endurance, attraction Green - freshness and innocence. Money Violet – High Power Pink – contentment Brown - happiness Black - eternity. Remembrance The addition of blue in the border - magic and good health
If you would like meanings for designs or some of the legends I have collected I will be more than happy to share them.
does anyone know what is going on at Old St Mike's Church, is it closed and how about the rectory, is anything going on there....
anyone remember "holy City" in Chester, i wonder how it got its name....
Hey Bud:: Yes my grandfather worked there. You may have known him. His name was Owen Keeth. He was a crane operator. His brother Walt also worked there. Let me know if you knew them. You are welcome for the info. Keep in touch......Laura
Hi, Trish, It is pretty amazing when a teacher like Sister St Martha can teach several generations of the same family. I had a teacher in high school who had taught my father and my older brother. I never went to school at St Michael's but I used to get there for the 12:05 mass sometimes. A lot of people who worked downtown went on their lunch hours. I liked Fr Mike Ryan when he was there. The rectory was getting to be a kind of dangerous place to live then and it could not have been too pleasant knowing you were there to close the place up.
hi, just went into biographies and found Sister St Martha from St Michael's school, she taught my Dad, my aunt Dot and my Son Mike, i think that is amazing......
Well, sounds like your mad at all the Chesterites that talked about the bars. well they were part of our entertainment, at that age you had left Chester. The entertainment that came from Chester was a big part of our life, so don't knock it You make up a lot of stuff just to have your name on this board & I know for a fact a lot of people agree with my statement. I will not continue to bore everyone by contributing to your rantings. Did you read the previous post. read it again, it "wasn't me".
Hi Pattie, see your in the same old mess again. How did that happen?You are such a good writer I don't understand why their is so much fuss. We know what this site is for, we have contributed a lot of Chester memories, and maybe some more will pop up.Harve is right.
I'm not very good at expressing my thoughts but I think some of you are being too fast at condemning Pattie and too slow at forgiving her. Whenever someone writes something, and Lord knows she likes to write, it is almost certain that someone is going to be offended even when there is no intention on the part of the writer to offend.
To U.W. Sorry, I'm not related to Maylene Scott. Jesse Phillips was born and raised in Chester (east side) and his wife, Shirley Dimm Phillips grew up around Broad and Erie Ave. in Phila. To the best of my knowledge there were no close relatives from out of the Delaware Valley.
TO ALL YOU FOLKS WHO HAVE TRIED TO HELP ON DR. DePROPHETIS'S FIRST NAME: Thank you. I did not want to stir up a hornets nest, especially because my memory cells are all clogged up. I am still confused as to the name he used on a day to day basis. Maybe its just the CRS acting up or the sphagetti in my skull that doesn't want to make connections. While I understand the anger at pidipats remarks, I felt they were not written with any ill intent. Life is too short to get overly upset about things we cannot control. RAY
The DeProphetis family, all of them, were true humanitarians who thought more about the people they served than their purses.
The DeProphetis family are above reproach. I for one experienced Dr Nino's skill for which I'm grateful & Dr Alfred who was so generous w/ his talent & time to make a mouth piece for my daughter @ no cost while he was treating my other daughter for braces.
JOKES! PLEASE! NO!
RE:ALL THE DEPROPHETISES
What we have here is a very caring, well known professional family of men who helped a lot of families, who in those days, were out of work, maybe lost their homes in the depression, and they, THE DEPROPHETIES made sure money wasn't the first thing on their mind when they provided their servises. Been there, know what I am saying to be true.
Jokes are out of order when referring to this great family. Professionals of today need to take a leaf out of their books.
Subject closed as far as I am concerned.
Rocco DeProphetis, in his later years, became a gynecologist.
I remember the May fairs @ William Penn.I went to WP up until the 4th grade.Had Mrs. Eckler across the street in the incenterator building...
Ray
Attilio DeProphetis was an Insurance Salesman, Nino was a Surgeon, Rocco was a MD, Julio was a Pharmacist.
Does anyone remeber the may fairs we had at william penn and the may pole?how about the summer program they had there?Does anyone remeber the nite the kkk went down 9th street?i dont know what year it was exactly,,,,early 70's ?
Ray - Isn't life interesting? When you were a little boy, I walked you to church and to school; and now that you're a grown man, I am able to help you again. How about the nickname of "Tito", because it's darn hard trying to shorten Attilio - maybe "Al"; certainly not "Tillie"; then again, maybe.
to: Beth
I just read your posting about St. Hedwigs girlscouts I remember Ms./Mrs. Conners she had a daughter Chris . I was also a girlscout through St. Hedwigs and my dad was a boyscout leader for a time.
thanks for that memory
Dr Deprophetis office on E 24th st is closed. It is now a day care center. Also Mays water ice at 2d & Parker is going to close in June unless they get an extension from PennDot,and all their equiptment will be auctioned off.
Sheree, Tried to upload pictures last night, but it seem to take forever and it was late. I'll try again tomorrow. To answer your question. Yes, I used to go to the playground almost every day. I remember building one of those box hockeys, also. I bet we even played. I was always in that line waiting because I could never win or is it that I just let the girls win ;) I also remember the swings. I remember a blind girl that I use to swing next to, but forget her name. She lived in the Gardens, I walked her home a couple of times and up to the picnic table by the school. I hate to admit it but when my mom pass away I found one of those multi color potholders we use to make. In reference to the tree it looked so big when we were kids. When I rode by it didn't seem that big. One other note they now have a big chain link fence surrounding the school and the feild behind the school was taken over by Murphy Ford and is now loaded with cars, all the way up to 95.
Laura: Thanks for the info on Ralph Fitzsimmons. I often wondered what happened to him. He had a real nice girlfriend. He used to have a convertible coupe and he and his girlfrind would take us for a ride in the country on weekends. That was a treat then as then many people did not have auto's. Did your grandfather work at Penn Steel?. I worked there when I was a kid in about 1944, I worked in their machine shop for a while and then with a crew as an overhead crane repairman. I quit there in 1945 and started sailing Merchant Ships. Thanks again for the info.
To RC: OK on Ralph's mom giving you your first perm. I imagine it was a real ordeal then and don't know if it would be much better now !!!
Bud - Yuma, AZ
Ray: Is Maylene Scott related to you? I seem to remember that either Mr. or Mrs. Phillips was her moms relative. I can remember when Maylene came up to Chester from I think VA.
TO RAY
I knew that the name started with an "A." It was Attilio. I was close to it. It knew it was an odd name. Guess there are a few cobwebs still there.
To all those trying to find my missing Dr.DeProphetis, I appreciate your efforts and I have a hunch that Pidipat may have hit the nail on the head. He probably used an americanized name instead of Attilio. But what???
To Paul - Jesse Phillips (my uncle) married Shirley Dimm who was a Home Ec. teacher at Dewey or Horace Mann. They are still alive and kicking in North East, MD. I'm in touch with them a couple times a month. Ray
RAY - I love quiz games. So, I went into the Soc. Sec. Death Index. There are 7 DePropetis people listed there - Attilio (1904-1980- Brookhaven,PA); Jules (1898-1977 - Phoenix, AZ) and Rocco (1907-1985 - Media, PA). The other 4 are female. I have a feeling it was Attilio and he probably went by an Americanized nickname. Just a thought.
Could it be?
ATTILIO DEPROPHETIS Request Information (SS-5) Residence: 19015 Brookhaven, Delaware, PA Born 28 Jul 1904 Died Jan 1980
Ok i'll probally confuse you more but my daughter see's a Orthodontic named Alfred DeProphetis he is a older guy so maybe he is one of the guy's you are looking for? Becky
A few months back, Dr. Nino's wife passed away (pretty sure it was Nino and not Rocco) and the obit listed Dr. Nino as one of her survivors. I don't see any reason, someone couldn't call Dr. Nino's home and get the name of that brother. Another name ending in "o" is Vito - means "life".
TO RAY AGENT.. Just the man to clear up an unanswered question that's been posed here. I believe it was your Uncle Jesse Phillips who was married to another teacher[phys. ed.] at Dewey-Mann. What was her name? Her maiden?
Ray,
I have been racking my brain thinking of one of the DeProphetis' brothers. For some reason I kept thinking it started with an "A".
When Harvey mentioned Alfred, I thought that might be it, but the cobwebs cleared.
Don't know if this one is the brother, but there was a Achille DeProphetis. Not sure if he was a MD.
To Tom: I can't believe that tree would be standing. Did you ever go to the playground in the summertime for the arts & crafts. I remember playing box hockey there. My friend and I even built our own. We used to lug it out every day in the summer to play.
I remember looking out my bedroom window watching 95 being built. Your cousin Nancy and I used to go ice skating when 95 was being built by her house, Chichester Ave.
I used to get the same thing from my Mom, "go play in traffic", "go flush your head down the toliet???" (which I was told I really tried to do at 3). I guess I knew how to get on my Mom's nerves. My son would just laugh at me also if I told him some of the things my mom said.
Can't wait to see the pictures. Again, thanks Tom.
Sheree
To the People St. People: I knew a bunch of the names I saw mentioned, The Ostan's Debbie was in my class (very pretty girl) one of them married a good friend of mine's sister Patty Rhoads. Denise Degraves was in my class in Pulaski (kind of remember something about a teacher and her?) Dave Chipolla and Sharon Anderson were in my class. Denise Poole used to hang with my friend Sara.
To Sheree: I just rode by the old willow tree by Wm Penn (it's still there) and I looked up and remembered the tree forts us guys always had up in that tree. I am forwarding you a picture of the building. I also have one of the back of your house. I remember when I was young my mother used to ask me where I was and I would tell her I was playing on 95, the truth, that was before it was opened we were always up there playing. Then when it opened my mom used to say "why don't you go play on 95." LOL I've even said that to my daughter. "go play on 95". She doesn't beleive I really use to.
Harvey, Good try but this guy didn't say open wide. He said drop your drawers and cough. Also, he must have passed away by now. He was over 65 in the late 60's. However, that address sounds close to where I think he might have lived.Ray
Could it be?
Deprophetis, Alfred, DDS 225 E 24Th St Chester, PA 19013 (610) 872-4444
For Donna: when i said i saw denise, i meant denise poole..
To Donna:I read your comment about the degraves on people st and am thinking this is blonde donna lewis...its been many years now but you will remember me, i was the guy who dated annette from brrohaven...As you might have guessed, i moved to key west,fla.several years ago but i too remember mrs degrave sitting in that window.....Donna, e-mail me and let me know whats been happening on People St.....saw denise about 8 years ago in brookhaven before i moved......mike silva
To Bud Hayes.....Yes I remember Ralph Fitzsimmons. My grandfather worked with him.He past away in the seventies. He was also a good friend of my brother in law.He lived in that house up in til the end.Still had an out house there.....lol
Pat, Thanks for the clue. I really don't know if Nancy was his daughter or not. Also, Potter street doesn't ring a bell either. For some reason I seem to remember that his first name was the only one in the family that did not have an Italian derivation.Keep racking your brain. There has got to be an answer out there. Thanks again. Ray
RAY - Did the DeProphetis you're trying to remember have a daughter, Nancy, and live on Potter Street for awhile? Nancy was in a wheelchair for quite a while - would have been 1934-35 - but she recovered beautifully from whatever the ailment was. I was only 3-4 yrs. but I remember going to visit with her and sit on the porch to talk to her. She was 1 yr. older than me, so she would have been born in 1931. Just a small clue - could help, couldn't hoit! Because the names end in "o" - maybe it was "Gino".
Thanks for the try on the third DeProphetis brother who was a doctor. The man I'm thinking about worked for a number of years as company physician at Sun Ship and had his examining room and office right next to mine and we would bat the breeze quite regularly (I didn't believe in working) and he often mentioned his brothers - Nino and Rocco. Remembering his first name has me going batty. After all, this is one of THE important questions in life. I can assure you that he was an M.D. and not a Pharmacist. Thanks again Patty and Harvey.
Becky lol He was always a moose we were in the same class for years and he was bigger then the teachers lol and trust me when I say I see stars just thinking about it lol hey I'm on messenger under chevair if you want to PM or vioce chat.
WOW she's still in that window lol. nice to know some things never change. I always liked going up there and siting on the lawn and playing My guitar and singing. In fact the first band I was in was Larry, Steve Ostin and Myself. Larry was the drumer but had no drums so he bet on old pots and pans. Steve played guitar as did I and I sang. We only knew (and I say knew loosely lol) one song DEEP PURPLE'S SMOKE ON THE WATER. LOL those were the days. It's funny how I could not wait to get out of town back then and now here I sit here wishing I could go back.
Donna i had not heard about Peanut's wow tho geeze i remeber him wow i'm getting old i used to babysit his daughter Tina up on Bethel Rd i saw him a few years back tho in Bonner's i stop in there once in a blue moon it has been about two years tho so i'll have to pop in there one nite and see how it's going there...Becky
Ricky forgot to add i'll be sure to tell Bryan he was bad lol i wouldn't want a punch from him today tho he is a big man lol if you would like i'll scan a pic of him and send it via email let me know... Becky V
Ricky that would be the Dupla clan Rose,Domink, and John i'm gain for a feltonville reunion what do you all think we could pull it off i'm sure uhhhhh i say leave the beer out lol... Becky P.S. i was one of those none drinkers lol i drink i puke i want no more hehe so i was lucky for that ttyl Becky
Oh Becky,what did you start? Do ya think we could pull off a FeltonVille Reunion? Yea, I heard that rumor about Willy too! All I know I haven't seen him in a long long time. Did you hear ole Peanut passed away too? He was too funny!
Spanky,hi I just read your posting about the DeGraves.They lived right across the street from me all my life on Peoples Street. I don't live there anymore but my mom's house still there. Last week I was there to clean out my old room, and I saw Betty (their mom) up in the window. That's her favorite spot! HAHA I believe Richie still lives there, and I saw Larry about a month ago. He got married and has another child. He's the same. Last time I saw Annette she had just gotten married again and had a couple more kids. Her first boy I used to babysit when she lived in Crum Lynn years ago, well he is about 20 something. Their sister Denise works at Shop n Bag in Aston. Those boys were always at our house, or around it. I used to I say used to always stop over and have a beer with Betty and Rich,back in the day!
Becky Vail first off let me say I'm so sorry to hear of Your lose. John was and is a good friend. Try and remember that none are lost as long as We remember. Tell Bryin that I forgive Him for clocking me on the bus and that my face feels much better now lol. YU If You are talking of the larry DeGrave that lived on people st two doors up from Dave & Steve Ostin. I was thinking of him last night also but like manny others I could not remember his last name. It's funny what time can do. I was also trying to remember someone else from People St and not remembering Her last name really makes me feel dumb. Remember Rose? She had a little Brother and I think it was her dad that could not get outa bed.
To Ricky just wanted to fill you in here John Vail whom is my brother passed away in May of 2001 he died of a seizure.I see George Lombardo once in awhile he lives near Hershey and is with Buffy Burns,I heard recently that Willy Walker passed away also not sure how true that is.I see the Montgomery crew once in awhile and i see Bryan Kiliany everyday lol that's who i am married to and if you ever get down this way and go into Bonner's bar you would probally see Mike Butz he plays shuffle bowl there also the Adam's brother's go in there.Several of the Rubeck's live here in Delaware i talked with the youngest daughter a few months ago as for the other's on the list i am not sure where they have gotten to if i find out i'll be sure to let you know. Becky
To Bud Haynes: I don't remember Ralph Fitzsimons but I do remember his mother. She gave me my first Perm when I was about 10. That was real torture in those days!!!
THERE WAS A YOUNG BLONDE DEGRAVE, HIS NAME WAS LARRY , THERE YA GO SPANKY
Re; Beth the same goes for me to talking about scout masters,,,well i was a girl scout in mrs,riveras troop along with sally west and my mother lillian ritzel...i went to whats new and saw apic of st. hedwigs where we had the meeting at,,,what a great time we had there .also me and my family lived in mcaferty village at ganster place,,,,so when i drive by there now all the wonderful memories i have there come rushing back to me,,,,and even when i read the board i remeber some to like,,,,,ted,,,did anyone else get him to sign his name on your arm?we all did:)and to think we thought that was the coolest thing,,,,anyways happy belated birthday to oldchestrepa.com and to john many thanks to you for the wonderful site you made...and to all the great people here keep on posting!!!!god bless you all,,,,,,,Tammy
Betty BB: if you go into churches..click on St. Hedwig's you will see the altar you speak of.
talkin about felotonville reubion, what ever happened to the DeGraves? Annette and rich,think they had a little bro with blonde hair too...anyone seen em?
Thanks John....TN
Feltonville reunion?????? I'm so there. I'd sure like to see Lennie & Michelle Rueback, Richie Russ, Mark & Debbie Elingswreth, John Vail, Richie Crowther, Joey Jardean, George Lumbardoe, Tubby & Cheryl Thortin, Donnie. Debbie. Jimmy & Mikey Butts, Donna Lewis, Brenda & Daveid Borden, Steve & Willy Walker, Cheryl. Sharon & Kimmie Carey, Dave & Steve Ostin, Billy Bosher, Johnny & Lisa Kritter, Jimmie. Dawn. Robbie & Timmy Mcgomery, Ross & Robbin Coons, Holly Otte, Pattie Mister, Jeannie & Debbie Duke, Jimmy. Mikey & Lisa Perferry, Andy. Robbie. buffy. Gary and Pottie Adams, Bryan killyany, kris Willaver, and manny manny more.
No, I don't know.
Meant Nino
Harvey, do you know if he was a brother to Nini & Rocco?
Thank you Harvey. Was going through the alphabet trying to remember his name. You saved the day again!
Julio deProphetis owned pharmacy
There was another DeProphetis that was a Pharmacist at a drug store on 3rd and Pusey Streets. Can't think of his first name.
While browsing thru Doctors/Dentists, I noticed the names of Nino and Rocco DeProphetis.I worked with a third brother, also a doctor, at Sun Ship in the late 60's and early 70's, but I can't remember his first name. Can anyone help?
I saw on the Delco Times website today where the son of Lorraine Richie (married name - Lilly) passed away. He was 46 yrs. old. Lorraine was one of my classmates at Rez and when she married Fred Lilly, my mother sent me her picture that had been in the paper. I still have that picture. Proof that our memories are so important to us. She was (and I'm sure still is) very beautiful.
It's very interesting how, no matter how many years have passed, we remember our childhood friends and things we did together almost as if it happened yesterday. Strangely enough, I can remember almost all the names of the boys and girls in my class at Rez, but can't tell you who I worked with two years ago. It's as though during your growing-up years, your spirit seems to meld with all the ones you're growing up with. So, when I extend my very deepest sympathy to Lorraine on the loss of her son, it comes from down deep inside me.
On a happier note, did anyone see where Gebhart published the name of the 5th orchestra Killy Kallen sang with? Surprise - it was Bobby Sherwood. Someone on the board guessed him, but I don't remember who it was. Anyway - congratulations to him or her.
Beth, I enjoy reading about your youth in Chester & I sOOOOOOOO agre about the rantings on here that don't belong, we should not pay any attention but it is hard not to
Harvey, the song by Jim Croce was very apropriate, he even taught school in Chester.
Thank you John for this site.
Sorry for the ramblings but I figured someone might want to read that instead of rantings!!! Please, if you can't say something nice then don't post. It's bad enough some of my family is offended that I post my HAPPY memories of Chester, so I will have to TRY to avoid mention their names in future posts since so many people read this wonderful board! You can take the girl outta Chester but not Chester (and the memories) outta the girl!!!!!
Happy Birthday 2 this wonderful site, its' originator, and contributors!!!
Re: Mass and Scouts I saw someone post about a scoutmaster and it reminded me of my days in the Girl Scout Troops at St. Hedwig's. I went to Rez and we did not have a troop so I would go to Ms Conner's junior troop and then to Mrs. Riveria's cadette/senior troop at St Hedwig's. I was one of the students that was in the choir and was a lectern for Mass throughout my years at Rez. Our troop had certain Sundays when we had a member do the reading at St Hedwig's. Well, my turn came and I was a bit nervous since I felt I "wasn't supposed to be at this Church." I entered through the sacristy and followed the instructions of where to go and when. This was actually my first view of the inside of St Hedwig's and I was busy noting all of the differences, including the fact that there were no kneelers in front of the seats for the readers. Then I became more nervous wondering what else might be different. The reading went smoothly and I returned to my chair and when the time to kneel came I followed the others up to the steps of the alter to kneel. I was taking in all of the decor on the back alter which I was unaccustomed to seeing at Rez. I jumped up and backward in an effort to dodge the plate that fell for no apparent reason from the back alter. The priest turned and looked at the breakage, then the alter boy, and continued on. The alter boy swept up the debris and Mass went on. That was the 1st and last of my visits to that Church since I felt God was telling me I was in the wrong place and I belonged at Rez since I was Roman Catholic and not Polish Catholic. I know that it was a silly interpretation of an event but as a kid it was a big deal to me. All these years later I still think of that when I am entering a new Church. Someone probably didn't set the plate right when cleaning the dust off!!! No one else probably even remembers that it happened. LOL! I am very grateful to have been able to be a part of those troops and I still buy at least 2 boxes of Samoas(Carmel Delights) regardless of the price to show my support of the GS of USA
just wanted to get my birthday wishes in too. it's been fun reading on here. thanks john. thanks again harvey for all the great sites. I check them out, just as others do. one of these days I may put in my memories of growing up in chester, they are all good. I wouldn't trade them for anything. happy birthday. doris
IN FACT WE HAVE ENOUGH TO WORRY ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN AMERICA. OUR BOYS AND GIRLS HAVING TO TRAVEL THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY FROM HOME TO CONFRONT THE ENEMY AND TO GUARD THE HOMEFRONT TOO.WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN COUNTRY FIRST. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
What does what is going on in Ireland got to do with Chester? They are killing their own people right in Ireland. We have enough to worry about in Afganistan, iraq, north korea, etc. STICK TO THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOARD. ON CHESTER'S BIRTHDAY WE DON'T NEED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN IRELAND.
Backing up a few days...and backing up Pidipat...
ENGLAND, GET OUT OF IRELAND!
The rest of you, (R2 and the others that don't get it) WAKE UP. What Pidipat said is not a hoax, but the very truth about the abuse of the Irish children she speaks of. I'm guessing that those of you with your heads in the sand aren't even native of Chester and have not understanding of the local's Irish roots.
Happy Birthday to the oldchester site. Great job John!
Thanks for the memories, John, & Happy 2nd Birthday for your site. Please keep up the good work, it does not go unappreciated. Regards, Mike Mangan Charlotte, NC
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY "OLDCHESTERPA"!!! Thanks John for all the wonderful memories and getting folks together after lots of years of not being in touch! And most of all thanks John for putting up with all of us! Keep up the good work!
John
Thanks for this wonderful site, it is truly a delight....
"Happy Birthday" to *oldchesterpa* website. *Cheers* Thank-you John for all the time you have put into this site making it truely *awesome* and bringing back the memories then and now that I hold so close to my heart. Sharyn :o)
Happy Birthday to the oldchesterpa website! To John, the Webmaster, our gratitude for the excellent site.
Sheree, I will dig the pictures out of some very old albums, most are around W11th St, some you can see the bldg.s in McV, to tell you the truth I might have quite a few ..give me a few days & I'll get to it. Your welcome, Kate
Happy birthday to "oldchesterpa". Hope you have many more and thank you John for all your work
Tom: That would be great, even if it doesn't come out clear it's better than what I have (nothing).
Kate: That would be fine, I don't mind if there are people in the pictures. By the way, what part of McCaffery?
Thanks to both.....Sheree
First of all, Happy Birthday Oldchesterpa and Thank You John
To U W
I don't recall the name but I will ask around. Hopefully someone on the board will remember. Will get back to you if I find out anything. For some reason, homemade candy canes ring a bell.
P
Paisano : A memory from down around Franklin. A friend mentioned a former classmate of theirs -Catherine Cracenza (?)her parents owned a grocery/candy store? but what the friend remembered most was that the father made home made candy canes during the holidays and sold them at the store. The candy cane remains a vidid memory as to the best tasting ever. Maybe someone else remembers them.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLDCHESTERPA....John lit a candle in the window and it has guided us all back home -- if only in our memories. Thanks John...
Just reading through,Dr.Levin was at 9th & Highland, then he moved to Woodlyn. The new homes being built in old Mc caffery villge will go to low income renters, screened very carefully as the Wm Penn & Ruth Bennett homes. If you have not seen any of the projects since their renovations, you should take a ride through, they are very lovely. I also was raised in the west end and i still live in the east end of Chester, we are still considered neighborhoods with neighbors who care and care for their properties.
Sheree, I have some pictures around the Village but they have people in them, if you want I can get copies .
Sheree: I have a couple of pictures of the community building. They are pretty dark tho, because the film was damaged. I will try to scan them into my computer and lighten them up.
OK, I admit it..."There's no running away from some memories" By DAVE KOMARNICKI brought tears to my eyes. Thanks!
Becky, hello again, I hope this doesn't appear twice. I never got a message before when i tried to submit an entry that the page was real busy and to try again. Well I was waiting 10 minutes for the conformation and I hit refresh and everything I wrote you disappeared. So I'm trying again and hoping there will only be one entry. Here's my email address. Feel free to email any time you want. There are some things I won't post on here,You'll know what I mean. Some of your gueations I don't feel comfortable answering here. Anyways for me Becky I'm really, really HAPPY. My whole life has completely changed and I'm proud to say all for the Better! I'm really enjoying my life today I feel I real alive and well! I also am living in a condo in Brookhaven and my family members come here to see me and go to the pool that is when it 's open. Yea, Beck. Ican just imagine what a FeltonVille reunion would be like! That'd be a for real Trip!
Happy Birthday to John's site & I wish you many more.
Happy birthday oldchesterpa ! Barb-- sorry I spelled your name wrong.
Regarding the website Harvey chose for us in celebration of the board's 2nd anniversary, I chose Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" - for reasons obvious to many and that this board will survive for years to come.
John the Birthday Cake animation is great....HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN.
Does anyone have a picture of some sort of McCaffery Village? I grew up there but have nothing showing what the outside looked like.
Sheree
Barb Dychla--- Did you live near Pulaski & work at JC Penney's in 76?
If I offended everyone, I am truly sorry.
God Bless America, Pray for peace
Does anyone remember Ralph Fitzsimmons(?)?, He was my old Scoutmaster for Troop 1 at St. Pauls Church. He lived on E. 4th, if I recall properly his mother had a Beauty Parlor there. He worked at Penn Steel. He was a great person. That would probably been around 1939 or 1940 when Rev. Wilcox was at St. Pauls.
Bud - Yuma, AZ
Betty RM: You made 2nd page of the Delco news today. "Other Times" column.. 50 years ago.
"The bowling club at CHS got off to a good start with such stars as Samie Jessie, Midge Grayson, Shirley Smith and Betty Ratliff."
Hello All. Some of You may remember Me use to post here from time to time. And still pop in every day to read the posts and hope a long lost Friend may pop up. Anyway I've been away for a few days and I've just been reading up on all I've missed. and OMG. People I feel I know and love You all but this fighting simply MUST STOP I think We are all old enough to know that when someone rubs You wrong most of the time the best reply is no reply at all. Please forgive Me if My words typeing or post have pissed You off but I just had to say something. again I love You all and I love this site. So please lets all try harder to be friends and keep this a fun place to be......thank You for Your time.
To celebrate our 2nd Anniversary. I had in mind Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce but you can pick whatever song you want.
http://www.trellis.net/users/gstarcher/realplay.htm
Kate and Paul: If you go to the home page you will see the geneaology search window, type in MV and it will bring up the posts that have been written about.
Paul C. You have said it all -for all of us. I will add .Thank you John -OLDCHESTERPA- IS ALIVE on this board for the world to see.
Geneaolgy research helped John to conceive this website, it has evoled to a site better than most on line. Many of you are here at first because of your roots to Chester. Many do not know where to start. There have been several good links posted for online research. Start at home within your own family.
I am attaching a condensed version of the letter which I have used for my family research. Use it as a guide to create your letter and have fun getting to know your family.
These are free sites.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgwkidz/ http://www.rootsweb.com/~wgwkids/
PERSONAL HISTORY SHEET Of
Full name_____________________________________________________________________________ Place of Birth:_________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________State________________________Country________________ Date of Birth:________________________Time:___________________Dateof Death_______________ Spouse's name____________________________Marriage date___________Church_________________ Father's Name_________________________Date of Birth_________________Date of Death_________ Mother'sName_(maiden)_______________________DOB:___________________DOD:______________ Cemetery buried:___________________________________________________________________ Occupation_____________________________________________________________________________ Current or last address: Street_________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________State____________________Country____________ In what country or countries did this name originate?_________________________________________________ Has the last name ever been changed or misspelled? Other versions are:____________________________ This Surname or last name means:________________________________________________________ _ Schools attended: Name , place, and year's attended Militery:_______________________________________________________________________________ Baptism:Church_______________________________________________date_____________________ God parents 1 t Communion:___________________________Confirmation:__________________________________ Memory of childhood house,family, neighborhood._______________ Other:_(add sheets if necessary)__________________________________________________________
Please use as additional pages for other family members - Include relationship. grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles. Etc.
Please add: Any other information you may want to have in the Family Book. (ex. Awards, hobbies, favorite recipes, funny family stories, etc. REMEMBER ALL INFORMATION IS OPTIONAL. I AM NOT INTERESTED IN FAMILY SECRETS, FUEDS, ETC. just want to make sure we have names and BD/DD correct. THANKS FOR HELPING…. SHARE OUR HISTORY. Write your own biography...it's your story each person as you want it to read. Please label who's who on photos…
Kate, I was a friend of your brothers Chuck,Jolly and Wee. I lived at 11th & Booth from 1958 to 1978 when I got married. My Mother still lives in McCaffery Village. There are 2 of the old buildings left standing. The new buildings will vary from rental apts. to rental houses to houses that will be sold to private owners. McC. was the last project to be rebuilt. William Penn & Lamokin were razed and rebuilt and look very nice. All are being managed by a private co. I hope this is a sign of better things to come. I live locally and visit my Mother twice a week so if you have any questions the old neighborhood let me know.
Befor Dr Gruzka, Dr Lavin was in practice next to Grzka's store
Becky Vail::: Becky, I had Bobby Gruzkza work on me while his dad still had the store. He had an office setup on the back side & 10th st. part of the house. He was also teaching Dentistry at the University of Penn. I made all my appointments in the early evening.
Becky Vail::: Becky, I had Bobby Gruzkza work on me while his dad still had the store. He had an office setup on the back side & 10th st. part of the house. He was also teaching Dentistry at the University of Penn. I made all my appointments in the early evening.
McCaffery Village
http://www.delcotimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=2553036&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18171&rfi=8
Becky, you are correct about Dr.Robert Gruszka (son of Joe the store owner) He started his practice in an office connected to the house. The steps up to his office were right next to the front door of the store. After Joe closed the store, his son moved the practice into the old store. Think he is still there.
Paul:: I moved to McCaff as a small child, maybe 4. I beleive it was about 1943. regards, Mike...
HAPPY, HAPPY ANIVERSARY to John Bullock's website - dedicated to the history of Chester, PA. As a young girl growing up there, first 10 years on the east side, next 8 years on the west, I had no idea how historical my place of birth was. In school, we were taught about American history, most of it happening in the New England States. In my ignorance, I felt New England was "the happenin' place" - not so!! Chester (especially Upland) is one of the most historial cities in the US and could be a model for the "typical American city" during the early and mid 1900's.
If it were not for your insight, Mr. Bullock, not only would a lot of the history of Chester be lost, but you have enabled old friends to reunite (some romantically), and people my age to once again be in contact with old friends and make new ones - our age - with similar interests. Every city in the US should have a website such as yours because it can give new life to seniors, lots of whom have lost their zest for living and long for someone to talk to about their "memories".
May God bestow blessings upon blessings on you because you have contributed so much to the lives of so many people. If I were still back in PA, I would try my damnest to give you the biggest anniversary party anyone has ever had.
So to end, I very "humbly" say, Thank You to our "humble" webmaster.
Pat McFadden
Paul, I think it was Harvey who put the link on here about McCaffery a few months back & it told the whole story, maybe he'll do it again.
Becky, grad. Rez61 & Notre Dame65......I remember Gruzka's store & the dentist was Levin, all he ever did was yank our teeth out....we lived on West 11th St. I'm now over 50 & the oldest of 6 so you might know some of my younger siblings. I left the area in the late 60's & had a home in Eddystone where my son's grew up. I am now in Panama City Beach, Fl.
Does anyone know what year McCaffery Village was built? I moved in Highland Gardens in 1943 and started 1st. grade at the Community Bldg. there in 1944. It must have been built a couple of years before Highland Gardens?
Kate i think they will be sold as home's not low income a lot of the old ones were boarded up for some years now slowy but surely all the residents left if i find out the full facts of the new homes i'll be sure to let you know. Kate how old r u and where did you live my Exhusbands mom lived on Pulaski Drive for some time and i knew some girls that i went to school with lived on Pulaski and my Aunt Kitty and Uncle Norby lived there for years also.Becky
I was checking out the link to Doctor's and dentist and it states there that Dr Gruzka's dentist office was in the previous store well i very clearly remember leaving Rez going to the dentist in a home connected to the store and then after the dentist i would go in and buy penny candy in the Gruzka store boy oh boy my mom would get soooooo mad when i got home with all that candy right after leaving there and she would say what dentist would have a pratice and then sell candy lol right next store.So i just wanted to say i believe they were both around together meaning the store and the dentist office. Becky
Happy Anniversary to the oldchesterpa site! Once again John,many thanks for all you have made possible. I remember when I first checked in here almost 2 yrs. ago, and was amazed that there were about 600 "hits". Watching it grow has been a real pleasure. The count now is well over 7,500. There is a big difference in submitting a post here as opposed to a one on one conversation. Many things can be misinterpreted easily. Some people have the knack for expressing themselves in print,others don't. Even though the topics sometimes seem to stray off course at times,I find most of them interesting. Granted,many things can be discussed by e-mail. Those of a personal nature should be! Many times I read of things that jolt my memory. I'm glad that others feel the same. For the past couple of years I've been able to recapture a tiny part of my childhood. Sentimental? Yes indeed I am! The sum of all that went before is an important part of all our lives and makes us what we are. As we age,we reflect more on the very things we took for granted. We all come to realize that time really goes by very quickly[in spite of what the Al Hibbler song says.] and this site seems to have stopped the world from spinning quite so fast! On a different note: I was very happy to receive a birthday card yesterday from the Dewey-Mann class of 1952. Wow! 50 yrs. ago! It was signed by many former classmates. Thanks to all! I see some of the names here. Thanks to all who contribute here,but especially thank you to John Bullock.
Becky, Who is going to be living in these homes, is it based on income?? Are they rentals or are people going to buy? And what happened to the people who were displaced? If you know, thanks, a former mcCaff resident
Just wanted to let you all know i drove thru chester the other day up Highland Ave and what was once the village i'm sure you all heard it was torn down a few months ago well they started the new building it looks like some homes are going up i'll post when there done to all that don't live close anymore and let you know what goes there with the homes if anyone is interested i could take some pictures if Mr Bullock would like to post some pic's of the new development.It is nice to even have the thoughts of the area being brought back to a nice place.I would move back in a heart beat if they are ever able to do it.Becky
Thanks Becky! You said it right...Tomorrow is the two year anniversary and we don't want to be bickering tonight. Thank you ever so much John Bullock. I've really been enjoying this Chester Community Bulletin Board. Harvey
Donna I was wondering about you all day and thinking of all the good times in the old neighborhood and also how is your brother Jack doing i have not seen or heard from him in a long time.Where are you living now and what have you been doing with yourself all these years geeze were getting old lol i often think of having some kind of Feltonville reunion it would be pretty cool.Ttyl Becky
Becky, you are so right. God bless the USA.
Ok people we need to stop this nonsense and go in with the site in which it was intended for it sadden's me to read this nonsense and yes this comes from your younger generation gal.I was always told if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say it at all and yes living by that does make this world a better place.So come on everybody your only making it tough on Mr.Bullock because i'm sure when he reads all of it he also is very saddened to see that what he made is being torn apart just like Chester was.......And i would also like to add to you Mr Bullock if you ever need a hand keeping this site up and going give me a holler would love to help in anyway that i can.So people when you go to bed this evening say a prayer that we are still here on this earth and alive and breathing and that each day we can come here and read and enjoy what we are learning or teaching here at this site.Better yet i'll pray for all of you tonight when i turn in for the nite and Peace to all of you...Becky
I have two corrections to my last posting. 1) I meant to say "Man's Inhumanity to Man"; and 2) whether they be you're grandchildren, children, or anyone's child, they need to know they are loved. They are learning hatred, by being hated, and we must help them know that there is love in this world - especially for them. The violence in Ireland will continue unless the children are taught differently. Let's help kill the "hatred" and replace it with "love".
Last night I received a very disturbing email and I cannot get it off my mind. It concerns extreme cruelty and hatred towards some very young (4 to 12 yrs. old) children who attend The Holy Cross Primary School in North Belfast, Ireland.
I don't think John will mind me posting this because so much of the Chester area consists of descendants from Ireland, and the persecution that the children of descendants still living in Ireland is abominable. Inhumanity to Man.
First, the email was from "Michael Duffy" and he referred to two children in that school with the last name of "McFadden". I wrongfully assumed it was from "Duffy" who posts here. I emailed Mr. Duffy and practically begged him to post on our board here what he sent to me. However, after emailing back and forth a few times, it was obvious that Mr. Duffy had no idea what I was talking about concerning "posting", etc. So, I feel obligated to request your assistance in helping these poor, dear children - 4-5 years old - imagine - just imagine if it were your darling grandchild or child.
I am well aware that many people "drop in" on the board to see what's going on and they don't post. So, I feel this will reach a lot of viewers.
Perhaps many of you were aware of this situation, but I was not. It appears these children are running a "Gauntlet of Hate" just to get to school. They have had stone, bottles, balloons filled with urine, dog feces, firecrackers and one time a grenade. Their parents have had death threats. Many of the children have been so traumatized they are on medication and couseling. It's unthinkable to me that so-called mature adults can act in this manner toward wee children just trying to get an education.
I feel this is a legitimate story and to learn more about it, please go to www.ardoyne.com. OR, email Mr. Duffy at mduffy2@iopener.net He is not requesting cash, just cards be sent to the children "Thinking of You". If you email him, I'm sure he will send you the same information he sent me. He claims one of the mothers was on Oprah one day. There is also a petition you can sign.
Sorry to make this post so lengthy, but I feel so strongly about this horrible situation - abuse of children sets me crazy - and they are possibly related to many living now in Chester and suburbs. I also wanted to clarify that I do not think this is a hoax, could be wrong, but I think it's legit.
Please help. Most sincerely, Pat McFadden
Donna:
You are right, they were good times. I only hope I raise my child to have as many good memories as I have had.
I remember Ted's truck, if memory serves me right, being a big light blue truck, with the saying "Hey Mom Here Comes Ted". And you are right, it was ALWAYS nice to us kids. I think he not only came to our neighborhood to sell goods, but to see us all! He really seemed to enjoy his visits.
Sheree
Becky,since I haven't seen you or anyone in the family, I just wanted to say I was saddend to hear about what happened to Jackie. For me I believe he is in a better place. Take Care Donna
Sheree,I remember Ted but not Stan the man. I grew up in the Feltonville section over the highland ave. bridge. Ted always came to my house and neighbors Betty, and we would holler up to the widow "hey mom here comes Ted'! He used to sit on Betty's porch for a long time and talk to my mom Arlene and Betty. He was nice to us kids to, I remember he always gave me bubble gum. I don't remember a man coming around selling peaches but I definatly remember this man coming around selling "fresh fish' he had a bullhorn and would keep saying "fresh fish, fresh fish". Also Sheree when we were little kids my dad took alot of home movies of eveerthing and on one of the movies is me getting a ride on a pony! Right down the middle of Peoples Street. There were about 3 or 4 girls who brought the ponies! Thanks for reminding me of that memory! Life was so simple and FUN back then!
Saw several postings of "neighborhood" vendors, Stan the Man, Ted...definately remember those guys. Does anyone remember in McCaffery the man coming in the summertime with peaches? I remember him just driving through the neighborhood yelling peaches.
Also, does anyone remember people coming through the neighborhood with ponies to get your picture taken.
Sheree
Spanky yes that was my brother sorry to say tho he passed away in May 2001 he died on that damn corner he had a seizure late one nite and couldn't get to anyone.That was his hang out he loved it there we couldn't get him to leave there.Yes your right it was Debbie's bar and may i ask who are you? Becky Vail
I've had several request to post the various "theme" nights in the "chat room" so here they are: Neighborhood & School Nights Monday Nights - West End Tuesday Nights - East End Wednesday Nights - Chester High Thursday Nights - St. James Friday Nights - Notre Dame The chat room is located at http://prv-groups.aol.com/oldchesterpa/ It's a good idea to open that page then save it to your bookmarks or favorites. If you need to join and get set up, just e-mail me and I'll take care of it. George Starts at 5 PM Eastern 'til Midnight
for becky vail.,did you have a brother named jackie? remember him from the late 70s on the corner at highland ave and where that bar was there named debbies bar. is that your brother?
Hi Casper, Welcome aboard! You are Quinto's brother and cousin to Jim? Join in! Might meet some old friends.
Ok Donna lol Ike will tell you he saw Acey dance at Kathy and Kelly's Wedding he was good girl lol.We all went to Rez at one time or another Mary didn't tho she graduated St Hedwigs i was there only two Years then on to Pulaski. Jack went there also he had the dreaded Mr.Davis... Acey went down there after him cause he did something to Jackie i forget what tho anyway..No i do not talk to Jenny....She chose her path in life not me so we don't talk i love her tho always will i won't get into that here tho.......ttyl Becky
Hi, Becky haven't heard or seen you in a long time. Was surprised to see someone from the neighborhood.I never knew you went to all those different schools. I don't remember you from REZ But I do think your sister Mary went there am I right? or was that Notre Dame? How's Jenny doing? Do ya see her? Yo, I was always told that my dad Just Jack was the best dancer ever in Chester. Ask Mike and Ike they'll tell ya about some weddings. Gotta Go!
Oh sorry forgot to add i still get you can take the girl outta Chester but you can't take the Chester outta of the girl.
I have been reading the post here for month's and finally decided to add a little.I grew up in Chester Twp. on Green St.i also have very good memories of Chester. Was still a decent place it was only certain areas. During my years growing up i worked down at Gino's in 1982 and walked home all the way up over the bridge alone lots of nites and i will add i'm white and never once was bothered by a sole.I went to St hedwigs, Rez, Pulaski and onto Chester High, I am 35 yrs old now and i still visit my inlaws who live in Chester on Bethel Rd and they still have a very nice home there.My mother also was raised in chester twp on Bethel Rd she was married to my dear beloved Stepdad Ace O'Donnell and i will also say he was till the day he passed away the best dancer ever in Eddystone, Chester,and Sun Village i have been told that all my life from people whom knew him and i have video of him and my mom at my sister's wedding and boy the two of them cleared a dance floor.I read about all the places you all have spoke of here the bars,resturants, etc and i myself have been in almost everyone at one time or another i played shufflebowl for the Peppermill just a few years back and would still go in the bars up there and boy the same people are still there it's really neat to see the same old faces i actually miss my old neighborhood had many of good times there and i also enjoy reading the times that were before my time.And i would like to thank Mr.Bullock for this wonderful site i do have a paper article from a few years ago that a dear friend told to the Daily Times and i will be scanning it and passing it on to John it shows that even in the 70's and 80's it was our place..and it was not much different from when you older guys or ladies grew up there. I'll post some more soon and hope to see some more around here from my time... Becky Vail
http://www.nativeflair.com/PHILA-SUBS-CLUBS/CHESTER.html
Hey What's up
St Anthony's 1949
3rd and Parker
To Harvey.....I didn't answer you till I called Sher to find out who Harvey Martin was! He explained....and I'm glad to meet you. Sher drew a blank on the name of the piano player I asked you about. That's because he was watching the game but I was watching the people. Thanks, Harvey