Old Chester, PA: Guest Book entries from the year 2000


Date:
7/22/00
Time:
7:51:22 PM
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First of all I would like to thank John Bullock for all the time,energy,and resources he has invested into this site! He has been most receptive to most everything I've sent! The number of visitors here is most impressive! It's well planned,most informative, and a great place to spend some time! I visit here almost every day and really enjoy it! Would enjoy hearing from any present or former Chester residents who have a minute to drop me a line! My e-mail address is pcrowther4@home.com


Date:
7/23/00
Time:
10:52:10 AM
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John! What a wonderful job you are doing! My dad, H(arry) Weston EYRE, is from Chester which is why I originally was drawn to this site. His parents were Frank Nathan EYRE and Eleanor Euphemia "Effie" URIAN. He was born in 1896 in Chester and died 1975 in Chicago, IL. His EYREs and URIANs go back to the 1600's in Delaware cnty. Dad left the area in the late 1930's to come to Michigan. If he hadn't I wouldn't be here!

Dad was usually called "Wes". There are tales of his having boxed, professionally or semi-professionally, in the Philadelphia/Chester areas as a young man until he almost killed a man. He quit boxing but NEVER lost his love for the sport. If it was "fight night" and we were on the road at 9PM we stopped at the nearest bar with a TV to watch "the fights". I got pretty good at shuffleboard during those "fights".

There is also a tale that he played baseball and was signed on by the New York Yankees farm team but his first season in spring training he tore all the ligaments in his right shoulder catching a high fly off third base which ended his professional baseball aspirations. He never lost his love for baseball - or the New York Yankees either. I grew up with the sound of baseball games and the boxing ring ringing in my ears from the radio and later TV.

Dad worked for Pure Oil, probably as an accountant as that is the profession he followed his entire life after I was born. While I was growing up he worked as a "trouble shooting" accountant for the REA (Rural Electrification Association) in Michigan and we moved around the state a lot.

But always there was Chester, PA. The drives across the Pennsy turnpike. That was in the days of HoJo's exclusivity - for which my dad never forgave them.

Frank Nathan EYRE's parents were Pennell EYRE and Eliza Ann HANBY.

Pennell EYRE's parents were Nathan Larkin EYRE and Ann LARKIN.

Nathan EYRE's parents were Adam EYRE and Sarah LARKIN.

Contrary to Jordan's supposition in his book, "History of Delaware County, PA" Adam EYRE was NOT a grandson of Robert EYRE, the original EYRE in Bethel twp, Delaware cnty, PA. He was a great grandson. Adam EYRE's parents were Robert EYRE and Ann PRICE.

Robert EYRE's parents were William EYRE and Mary DAVIS/DAVID.

William EYRE's parents were Robert EYRE b:1648 and Ann SMITH. This Robert EYRE settled in Bethel twp. circa 1683.

Joe HESSEN has printed a book on the URIAN family. Hans GEORGEN settled in the Ridley twp. area in 1665. He was from Sweden, hence the soft "g" giving the "y" sound and eventual spelling of URIAN.Joe's book is exellent, well-documented and gives many facts about the various URIAN lines. He is currently working on updating information to print a new and updated copy. The orginal is now out of print.

Judy Ardine downeast@concentric.net


Date:
7/23/00
Time:
7:02:07 PM
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Just thought I would include here that the NEWSTAND pictured here was once noted in "RIPLEYS BELIEVE IT OR NOT" as being the smallest City Block in North America! Paul D. Crowther St. Catharines, Ont. Canada pcrowther4@home.com


Date:
7/24/00
Time:
11:46:16 AM
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My name is Shirley Wilson Fazekas 3001 Fairway St. Lower Burrell, Pa 15068 bfaze@westol.com

I am wondering if there are any Boulden Families in the area as well as folks with the surname Monkhouse. Also: Surnames Alexander Crawford Boulden s/o William & Priscilla Crawford Boulden Purpose: Genealogy Research

Lovely website


Date:
7/24/00
Time:
12:18:38 PM
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Hi Chesterites, will you let a "little girl" from Media join your group ? My name is Mary Lynne (Nash) Clark and I graduated from the rival Media High School. My email address is: 2bostonsmama@msn.com My father and mother in law both worked in the crozer building for many years. She owned the J. Horace Witsil Agency and my father worked for metropolitan Life Ins. Co.I am researching the names - Yarnall,Osborne,Sharpless,Smith,Nash. Any help is appreciated- Mary Lynne clark


Date:
7/24/00
Time:
1:46:00 PM
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What a great site - I do genealogy but love the history part more. Am working on my Chester County ancestors - the Woodward family and have a site at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/4038 and will certainly link this site there. We have some old Chester County maps posted there too. Our ancestor Richard Woodward had his land split when Delaware County was portioned off but his residence remained on the Chester County side.

Nadine Holder nadin@C2i2.com


Date:
7/24/00
Time:
4:37:21 PM
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Hello John,and all visiting lovers of Old Chester. I was born and reared in Philly, but have lived in Delco. for 26 years. much has changed,especially Chester. I am researching my brother-in-law's family, surname- BAIL. His grandfather U. Grant was a barber there. Anyone with any info about the family, will be welcomed.

Pete Mooney parrid@webtv.net


Date:
7/24/00
Time:
8:07:35 PM
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What memories of the street corner, on the opposite side of the st. was Speare's Dept Store. And just down the street was our Old St, Michaels Church where we used to go to Friday night Dances. Also across the street was Laura's resturant it also was our favorite hang out it was Owned and operated by the DiMarcello Family and I went to school with Anita DiMarcello I would sure like to here from her. Diane Bottone Setaro Costa aka jamesdiane@juno.com Last I heard she was living in the midwest???

I came from a large italian family and most of my relatives are still living in the surrounding areas of chester. My grandpartents lived across the street from Chester Hosp. on 9th street, my dad was the only brother and had 6 sisters. My grandfather was a stone mason and he worked for Fizzano's and he helped build our home which is located on New Middletown Rd. It is located next to the Howard Faddis home we were neighbors. You mentioned the Faddis family in history of family names. I could give you our audiobiography, but it would go on and on.

One of my Aunt's who is now deceased, Dora Bottone Tremblay, married a prominent Dr. in the area of Media, he is still in practice @ Riddle Memorial Hosp. so many of the Chesterites have all moved out further into the suburbs of Chester. Most of my relatives, icluding my dad moved out towards Media, Pa.

I could also give some of the places that my grandfather helped build it has done very beautiful stone work around the chester area, also @ my old home on middletown rd. the split level house with the wishing well, and down the road in Wyncroft Dr. which used to be my uncles house and office.


Date:
7/24/00
Time:
9:35:06 PM
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Sure found this site useful researching my dad side Davis Fairlamb Rogers Wood all from Chester and Deleware co the Davis have been a hard bunch so many of them William Davis Sarah Evans lived in Deleware co Edgemont early 1800 had 11 children all born in Edgemont then moved to Willistown Chester co If anyone has any info on the Davis I would love to hear from you Dotty Davis mailto:mouserwitz@att.net


Date:
7/25/00
Time:
9:59:46 AM
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Hi - I am looking for the WALKER family that lived in Pennsylvania in the 1940's & 1950's. Their names were Betty WALKER,Helen WALKER & their mother. Their father died in aproximately 1948. This family lived in Chester PA at that time, although I believe they they moved from somewhere else. Betty got married in 1949 and moved to State College, PA.I met this family while i was in Valley Forge General Hospital. If anyone has any info, PLEASE contact me at:

rlauniere@aol.com


Date:
7/25/00
Time:
2:55:19 PM
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Hi John! I think I told you before that this is a great site! My family lived in Chester from about 1870 thru 1977 when my grandfather died. My Great Grandfather, David T. Christy Jr. was a builder, in fact he built his home which still stands at the corner of 22nd St. and Madison St. My Grandfather Ralph T. Christy Sr. worked for Sun Oil Co. and lived on Lindsey St., just up from Chester Park. Even my father graduated from Chester High School. It really breaks his heart to see what the city has become. This site is a great way to preserve the history and the glory days. Many a Friday night the family would go down and park in the 7th parking lot, cut through the 5&10 then go downtown to Speare Brothers, Woolworths, and L&H. Great times and great site, you've done a wonderful job! And for those who are reading, if you new the Christy family at any time and can share some information, I'd love to hear from you. Just send me an email. Thanks, Mark sandmark@netzero.net


Date:
7/25/00
Time:
5:34:46 PM
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This is a very nice site. I enjoyed looking at it. Surnames SHARPLES-TALBOT-NEWLIN dian350@aol.com A MICHIGANDER AT HEART


Date:
7/25/00
Time:
9:57:09 PM
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John, Great site! I really enjoyed it. The pictures are fantastic. I was able to print some for my genealogy files. Now my grandchildren can see places where their grandparents lived, went to school and worked. It will make them more real for them. Thank you. I am researching the RONAN name. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who may know the name or have info. Plase write to kaneca@juno.com. Thanks!!


Date:
7/27/00
Time:
11:09:56 AM
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Wonderful site !! I'm working on the Todd family of Chester. They owned a hardware store on 3rd. Street.Any one working on these Todd's ? My grandfather was William F.Todd b:1880 Lee leehost@yahoo.com


Date:
7/27/00
Time:
5:27:07 PM
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JOHN GREAT IDEA LOVE THIS SITE HAVE LOT'S OFFOND MEMORIES OF CHESTER AS A KID ANY ONE OUT THERE FROM THE 5th wardthat would be in the morton ave. area to hinkson street between 6TH AND 9TH STREET.I AM ZAC @dfn.com roswell n.m. let's hear from youR


Date:
7/28/00
Time:
4:52:47 PM
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I first encountered John Bullock through his database of burials at Chester Rural Cemetery. This information solved most of my problems regarding the U.S. branch of my family. He has done a most worthwhile job which is of benefit to all interested in PA family history. His "Old Chester" web site is of great interest and is another enterprise run with his usual dedication. I have CAIN family based on Chester and Media. These were descended from a William Cain(e) who arrived in the States from the Isle of Man in 1845. John J. Cain was sheriff and warden of Media prison. - John-Caine@Isle-of-Man.com


Date:
7/28/00
Time:
10:05:55 PM
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I just discovered "Old Chester" web site and can't wait to explore the history of this town. I never knew my Grandparents, Harry & Barbara Slachtoski(Slatowski),they lived at 627 McIlvaine Street. This web site will help me learn about the neighborhood they lived in, where they prayed, shopped. Hopefully, meet some of their neighbors. I am researching Harry Slachtoski/Slatowski, Barbara (maiden name Cupchak) Slachtoski/Slatowski,Nisturak-2nd marriage. Children: Stephen, Anne, Mary, Joseph, Lillian. Mr. Bullock, thank you very much for your time and knowledge in creating this web site. Email: Oma280@aol.com


Date:
7/29/00
Time:
11:12:06 AM
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PHIPPS AND PUSEY FAMILIES: This is a very interesting site and helpful. Janet Sheba16J@aol.com


Date:
7/29/00
Time:
11:17:16 AM
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Would like to find the names of publisher, editor, staff, et al for the Chester Times during 1904-1914 (I believe that's what the newspaper was called then). Thanks for assistance. D. L. Benner dlbenner@home.com


Date:
7/30/00
Time:
1:06:46 PM
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Who ever had his hair cut at Joe's Barber Shop at 9th & Morton Ave? Be sure to include your name. Thanks John Olinick. colinick@camden.gannett.com


Date:
8/1/00
Time:
11:55:50 PM
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Hello, First, we would like to thank John Bullock for this wonderful web site. We are really enjoying it. We were both born and raised in Chester. We have fond memories of the City. We now live at the Jersey Seashore. Our e-mail address is Zgulls@webtv.net Joe Zarnoski-graduated from St. James 1956 Lee (Laspina) Zarnoski-graduated Chester High 1959.


Date:
8/2/00
Time:
9:17:24 AM
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john, great site, i believe you and i are distant cousins, i can remember going inyour dads store as a child my father was william j garris and lived in chester and twin oaks my email is wgarris@ wmata.com


Date:
8/3/00
Time:
6:28:59 PM
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SOME THINGS I REMEMBER ABOUTCHESTER.HOW MANNYREMEMBER COMMISSION ROW.AND WHERE IT WAS END OF EDGEMONT AVE AT THE FOURTH STREET BRIDGE A OUT DOOR MARKET HAD FRESH FARM PRODUCE SEA FOOD LIVE CHICKENS DUCKS GOOSE SMSLL PIGS. AND GOATS I MEAN LIVE CAN IT GET ANY FRESHER?WHEN IN GRADE SCHOOL I WORKED PART TIME AT BENNETTES PET SHOPI THINK WE CARRIED THE LARGEST SELECTION OF TROPICAL FISH AND PET SUPPLIES IN CHESTER IT WAS LOCATED ON 9th street across from the polish american club.i am wondering if a couple of girls i dated or if someone may know of them a joan marie colantuno from folsom.and a mary beth short from chester high school.n G KNOW


Date:
8/4/00
Time:
7:27:10 PM
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IS THERE A MEMBER OF THE TREGO FAMILY THAT KNOWS OR HOW TO CONTACT AA JOAN MARIE TREGO??PLEASE CONTACT zac@dfn.com anyone recoginize the name zacniewskiwrite to zac@dfn.com


Date:
8/6/00
Time:
11:34:28 AM
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Where can I get information about the Chester Times (Record) now The Daily Times - specifically, names of editor, publisher, etc. for the period 1908 - 1914? thank you. D. L. Benner dlbenner@home.com Thank you.


Date:
8/6/00
Time:
7:02:15 PM
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This is proving to be a great site. I haven't lived in the area for over thirty years, but have been acquainted with Chester a long time. My original family was the James Lister family(about 1860). He worked as a butcher. My wedding dress came from Speare's Dept. Store (1968). Great, also, to see the old ferry on here. Spent a lot of time crossing on it to the Jersey Shore. I will be back. Gerry Tostenson (Mankato, MN) gerrytos@MCTCnet.net


Date:
8/8/00
Time:
6:42:25 PM
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BEING A YOUNG TEENAGE BOY IN CGESTER WHERE DOES A GUY GO ON A SUMMER DAY TO MEET GIRLS?THE VILLAGE GREEN POOLAND AT NIGHTWELL THIER WAS USUALLY A GOOD CROWD AT SHOOSTER"S DRIVE IN ON 9th and flower st.of course there was st. mike"s dances but thet were well patroled by the father"s and nun"si remember manny times keep your distance young man no close encounters of any kindall fond memeories better close before this getsxxxxxxx rated. zac@dfn.comr


Date:
8/9/00
Time:
11:56:12 AM
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I really enjoyed the site. Dave Trent class of 80. trent@mediacen.navy.mil


Date:
8/13/00
Time:
9:38:37 AM
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Hi to Zac it seems we used to hang out at the same places, St.mikes dances, Shoosters, where else would a girl go to look for guys??not Not sure how old you are, but time frame is about the same. I used to go to all the dances in town, St. James, Fire House in Boothwyn, Smedley High, I used to be a "Dancing Fool" thought I was it, but we had some good old fashion fun in those days. How about the Village Green swimming pool? Did you ever go there?? Would like to hear from you. jamesdiane@juno.com


Date:
8/14/00
Time:
10:06:48 PM
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I came upon this web site by accident. It is very informative. I love the picture of the old news stand, especially with the trolley tracks. I am doing my family genealogy. If anyone has information on James J. McKniff (1st Media Chief of Police),his siblings and decendants or Alexander McGurk (Chester & Eddystone), his siblings and decendants please share information with: Sarah Lines email at: lines.s@att.net Have a nice day.


Date:
8/15/00
Time:
12:43:49 AM
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Looking for Meredith's and Starr's. Will return to this very interesting page. Evelyn Hemphill Glenn in Oceanside, San Diego County, California.


Date:
8/15/00
Time:
7:04:35 PM
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IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT VISITED OR MADE PURCHASES AT BENNETTES PET STORE ON 9TH STEET ACROSS FROM POLISH AMERICAN CLUBI WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOUI WAS A YOUNG PART WORKER THERECONTACT ME ZAC@DFN.COM BE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU ZAC HEAR 8THH


Date:
8/18/00
Time:
10:15:10 AM
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Hello, John and all who love Chester. My name is Barbara Selletti (nee Frank) and I have (and still do) live in Chester. I have quite a few family members buried in Chester Rural Cemetery and many more living in the surrounding area. I am interested in geneaology and heraldry and I am currently researching my family's origins. I am employed as an Interlibrary Loan Librarian at a local college library. I would be pleased to offer any help to inquirers as time allows. Contact me at sellettb@neumann.edu I'm so pleased to see this site. I hope it continues to generate more interest in Chester's history.


Date:
8/21/00
Time:
1:40:21 PM
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This is a wonderful meeting place for us old Delaware County fanatics. When looking at the list of doctors & dentists - don't forget Chester doctors: Dr. Lachman (pediatrician, Dr. Wyman, who was like a primary care physician, and dentist Dr. Plafker.

Dr. Wyman was my mother's (Estelle Pierce Jackson)doctor. He had the greatest office(for an exploring kid to look over) with lovely hardwood floors, lots of oak and wood finish, bookcases and many knick-knacks to keep me busy while Mom was in with the doctor.

Dr. Plafker - one year on Christmas Eve my Dad took me to see poor old Dr. P. because I had a very bad toothache. Dad woke Dr. Plafker up and he kindly met us at his office in Chester about 10:30 PM (on Christmas Eve!). I was a sight with a swollen jaw and one arm in a sling (broken collarbone from playground rowdiness) and, here's the bad part, I wouldn't open my mouth once I was in the chair! I'll bet he was aggravated but he never showd it. Eventually we had the tooth out, the same night.

Tina Culbertson Cupatea712@hotmail.com


Date:
8/23/00
Time:
6:40:10 PM
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John,Thank You very much for taking care of the problem I was having with the Chester site. I could not believe you had it back and running so quickly. Now I can get even more enjoyment from this great site. We all appreciate the time and effort you put into this site for us all to enjoy. Again John, Thank You! Bill Crowther, Chester High class of "59"


Date:
8/23/00
Time:
10:31:27 PM
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Albert E. Warburton III Burke, Virginia aewarbur3@aol.com

love this website. Chester was a great city to grow up in in the1940's and 1950's. It is ashame so much of the city's heritage has been destroyed. Ninth street doesn't look the same without the high school and the bell tower. After all the effort that Dr Jordan put into saving the bell tower, it was ashame for it to be burned. I have been living in Virginia for about the last thirty years but I vist the city from time to time and see it from either I-95 or from an Amtrak train.


Date:
8/24/00
Time:
5:26:31 PM
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I use to live in Media Pa years ago. Would go to chester to shop and when younger to roller skateing rink.I need to sit and think about old chester and then come back and tell all i remember.

Eleanor Geno Langsdorf Pillp2 @aol.com


Date:
8/27/00
Time:
9:20:27 AM
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I really enjoyed the web page. Very informational and excellent research. I've lived in Chester all of my life and I like hearing old stories about the City. If I can help you with any current information please feel free to contact me.

Joe Pretti Chester Fire Dept. JMP2332@AOL.COM


Date:
8/27/00
Time:
11:50:14 AM
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Hello to all! I've recently returned from a visit to Chester. To those who don't get there very often or not at all I thought I'd offer some observations from my visit! First off,the streets are cleaner than I've seen them in a long,long time. The train station is being completely restored and will be the bus station as well. Looks great so far!. The Crozer Bldg. is completely empty of tenants![sad to see] The former Phila.Elec.bldg. on 5th. St. is empty.[the 1st floor is being remodelled to accomadate a day nursery] McCaffery Village is nearly completely gone. There are a few rows left.[Understand they will be left and redone for seniors housing] There is much new housing construction in many areas. A lot of people are working very hard to improve the City. Much remains to be done! Marcus Hook has several new homes in older neighborhoods! Huge uproar going on over property reassessmentin Del. Co.! Semi-confirmed rumors of Highland Gardens being demolished from 10th.St. to the I-95 to make way for an expansion of the Crozer-Chester Medical facitity. The Police Station has moved! John's Doggy shop still open! My Brother&I walked around downtown on Sunday. It was mostly deserted! Hoagies and Cheesesteaks stillTHEBEST anywhere!!! Tastykake Baking Co. has a huge expanded selection of products.Tried UTZ brand Potato chips. Still prefer HERRS! Chester was a very large part of my life. I have many memories of it[good and bad] and this site,along with now being able to read the Delco Times every day has helped keep these memories alive. I'm not altogether sure if we've strayed from John Bullocks original intention or not but he has managed to accomodate us.Thanks again John! I would enjoy hearing from any past or present Chesterite's who don't believe being sentimental is a weakness! Paul D. Crowther St.Catharines,Ont.Canada mpppdc@mergetel.com


Date:
8/27/00
Time:
11:59:13 AM
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After reading my previous posting I wish I'd taken more time to proof read it! Too late now! My apologies! I had the same problems at Chester High Paul


Date:
8/27/00
Time:
10:52:33 PM
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John Jack L Windsor EMail Smiling jack824


Date:
8/27/00
Time:
10:55:20 PM
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John Jack L Windsor E Mail 824@aol.com


Date:
8/29/00
Time:
10:51:43 PM
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We lived at 10th and Potter--quite a gang in those days. All the families had lots of kids--we had 8. We're spread out across the country now--from Florida to California. Larkin School, Smedley, CHS (Doc Jordan, Muldoon Sisters, et. al) Great place in the 40s-50s Kuhlman ginedk@innernet.net


Date:
9/6/00
Time:
10:29:31 PM
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hello my surname is margaret ann sherlock. I was born in 1946 at chester hosp. my father was frank sherlock and my mothers name was mary emma sherlock my grandfather was brookfield sherlock and his wife was named margaret also. he was in the army of the united states co. I 13th regiment in1869 and when discharged became a police chief but don;t know what city. I still have his sheepskin discharge any information you can give me to trace my family history would be appreciated pirish4437@AOL.COM


Date:
9/10/00
Time:
9:17:53 PM
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What a wonderful site for those of us who have a connection to Chester but live far away. I have been researching both of my great grandfathers on my fathers side. They are Dr. John M. Allen and John Shaw.

Dr John M. Allen arrived in Chester in 1841 and was employed in the drugstore of Charles W. Raborg. In 1845 he rented a house on Market Street and established a drugstore and praticed medicine. In 1861 he purchased property at the northest corner of Fourth and Market Street and continued his business until 1861. At that time he applied for appointment as a surgeon in the army. He served in this position until bring mustered out in 1864.He then returned to Chester where he served as Clerk of the Council for more than ten years; served fifteen years as alderman of the Third Ward; was the oldest member of Wilde Post No. 25, GAR; the last Charter member of Upland Lodge No. 286, I.O.O.F.; and was the last member of the building committee charged with the erection of St. Paul's Church on East Third Street which was erected in 1850. He was married to Sarah Bender on Feb. 18, 1841. He died April 20, 1891 and she died April 26, 1896. They are both buried in Chester Rural Cemetery.

My other great grandfather, John Shaw, was associated with Shaw, Esray & Company, Limited. I know very little about him except that he was married to Mary Buckly and their children were Hannah, Elizabeth, Anna, Mary, Thomas B., and James. Hannah married an Andrews, Elizabeth married a Hooper, Anna, my grandmother, married an Allen and Mary married a Price. John died Sept. 6, 1904 and his wife died Apr. 28, 1914 and they are both buried in Chester Rural Cemetery.

Any help on other info would be greatly appreciated.

Charles Allen in Florida, Call232@AOL.com


Date:
9/11/00
Time:
10:47:38 PM
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A pressing question from jokerjak908@yahoo.com!

Back in about 1956 there was a cemetery at 612 Edgmont avenue, which would have been on the south side of the street. The woolworth 5&10 was at 614 Edgmont Ave (Next door)I believe when they did away with the cemetery, the bodies were moved and interned at the Chester MM at 24th and Chestnut St.

I also recall a Historic Marker Sign at the curb in front of the cemetery. I went to Chester about a month ago, and made a point of going to the spot, but the Marker was no longer there. I seem to remember a stone wall about 5' above the sidewalk, and the cemetery ground was about that level.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me? And if I am correct, please send the information to John as well and he can include it on the chester site.

What was the name of the cemetery? Who ran it? Any known pictures. Thanks. s/jack Jokerjak908@yahoo.com


Date:
9/11/00
Time:
11:30:07 PM
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Dear John, Once again thank you for adding my brothers name to the Soldier circle at Chester Rural. David Benson 1936-1959 Regards, Juneleidy@aol.com


Date:
9/12/00
Time:
9:17:00 AM
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The Old Quaker Burying Ground.west side of Edgemont Ave. between Sixth and Seventh Streets.was established by the Society of Friendsin 1682. This is the burial place of many of the forefathers of Chester citizens,John and Agnes Salkeld,Grace Growden Lloyd and David Lloyd,who was the first Chief Justice of Pennsylvania;David Coupland,Henry Hale Graham and his daughter Henrietta Graham Flower,and many others. The last interment was Phoebe Ann Parry,3,28,1923,aet.89 At one time the gate key was in the posession of Charles Palmer,,Esq.,in the Law Building,12 East Fifth St. Jack, your description of this property sounds exact to me! It's my understanding that all remains were transferred to the Old Swedes Cenetary at 3rd. & Market.

Paul Crowther pcrowther4@home.com


Date:
9/12/00
Time:
9:49:34 PM
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I've become a regular visitor to www.oldchesterpa.com after researching our family that lived in Chester, PA. Great site for any history buff! Look forward to hearing from anyone who knew Anton and Theresa Newhart, Walter and Marie Vogel, and Ernest and Elisabeth Schmaldienst. Ernest was a merchant seaman for the Sun Oil Company; one of the ships he sailed on was the "Eastern Sun".

Markus Bischof / markbischof@hotmail.com


Date:
9/13/00
Time:
6:25:17 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

My name is Hubert M.Dewees, I was born in Chester on November 12, 1950. I presently live on Baldwin Street in Sun Village, right around the corner from Remmington Street where I grew up. I became a Volunteer Fireman with the Moyamensing Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 at 9th & Potter Sts in 1965. I Graduated from St. James High School in 1968 and entered the U.S.Air Force in September of 1968 and was discharged after 4 years in September 1972. In October of 1973 I married Mary Teresa Desmond, Daughter of Francis J. Desmond Jr., from the Moyamensing Fire Co. As a Volunteer Fireman, I fought many fires in the City of Chester, but the most memorable & one I will never forget is the Wade Dump fire in February of 1978. I have many more memories about Chester while I was growing up, but I will will have to tell them later.

My E-Mail Address is hubie911@aol.com


Date:
9/14/00
Time:
10:27:29 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I still believe in the truth of the old sign erected over the Philadelphia Electric Co.'s Sub Station on sixth street: "WHAT CHESTER MAKES, MAKES CHESTER!" Joe Hess and Helen Stauffer Hess frjoe73@aol.com


Date:
9/22/00
Time:
2:19:28 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

John - Great website! Keep up the good work!! My husband and I are both from Chester. It is good to see someone else who cares!!!!

Marilyn (Whitfield) Kurman squirrelymerylie@yahoo.com


Date:
9/24/00
Time:
9:37:58 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Dot Wood Ferrari's husband an old chesterite says to look in the left hand corner of the newsstand picture you can see a trolly. If you look above steet level you'll mot see any wires. It was horse drawn. Larry Wood Dot and Dave's Bro. woodldsr@aol.com


Date:
9/24/00
Time:
4:07:13 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

My sister and I took a nostalgic trip to Chester yesterday. We went by all the houses we lived in while growing up. I can not believe how narrow Ave of Americans was! It seemed so wide. Friday nights in down-town Chester was a special time. You would see everyone you knew and meet at Laura's for a hamburger. We stopped at old Chester High School and the Vocational Building. What memories this brought back! However we did get lost a couple of times. While in highschool I worked at Hills Luncheonette. That is no longer there. It was at 8th and Barclay.There also used to be a grocery store on the corner and I remember a kid would deliver "orders" on a bike with a big basket on front. We also took a ride through Chester Park. It looked beautiful and well cared for. Chester will always have a place in our hearts. Regards to all, June-Benson@webtv.net


Date:
10/4/00
Time:
7:57:15 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

4 Oct 00

Hello!!! Great website!!! My name is Dave Burman. Born in old Chester Hospital March 18th, 1958. For the past 11 years I have been a radio news/sports broadcaster in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

All of my family still lives in the Chester area. My brother (Steve) and father (Harvey) still own Burman's Pharmacy in Chester. My brother Marty owns Burman's Natural Foods in Brookhaven.

I went thru the Chester/Upland School District (Toby Farms and Franklin Elementary Schools) until the 69-70 school year, when we moved to Wallingford. I graduated from old Nether Providence High (which is now Strath Haven High) in 1976.

My radio station website is (www.goodradio.com), then click on sports to see my page.

My e-mail is chesterclippers@aol.com

Thanks

Dave Burman

540-433-5952

Harrisonburg, Virginia


Date:
10/9/00
Time:
4:40:59 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

JOHN HOPE THIS WILL BE OF INTEREST TO YOU AND ALLWHO VISIT THIS SITE DURING THE 40"SSUN SHIP WAS IN IT"S HAY DAYS100"S OF WORKERSTO HELP THE WORKERS AND THIER FAMILIES SUN VILLAGE WAS BUILTIT"S LOCATION WAS 9th steet on one side chester pike on the otherjust up from chester pike and melrose ave. was a small busniess district. mostly small busniessesand sun ship hay days continued thru. the50"s 60"s 60"s. mrEj


Date:
10/11/00
Time:
2:24:14 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

The discovery of this website has been a wonderful surprise! I have been away from the East coeast for 32+ years only to return for very brief visits. Thank you so much for all your work and dedication to this site and the fun and memories it has recalled for me. I was born in Chester Hospital in 1942, attended St. Michael's School and Church (class of 56). I have many long lost cousins and friends in the area. I graduated from Holy Child Academy, Sharon Hill in 1960,and Gwynedd Mercy College. My mother was a business woman in Chester for 30+years (Dougherty Sisters Dancing School), my father employed at Sun Ship Yard for almost as many years. They are both deceased. I was married at St. Roberts in 1968 and presently live in San Antonio, TX. I have lost touch with so many because we have lived all over the country and in Europe due to my husbands military career. If any of my kinfolk and old friends see this message please be free to contact me at my e-mail address. I would like to especially find Kathleen Battle (sister of Judge Joseph Battle) if any of you know her. I am sorry but I have lost her married name. I also have several Johnson cousins in the area.

Thanks so much for providing this opportunity to relive so many memories through the website. It is absolutely great!

Mary Ann Clark Rankin (awrtexmar@aol.com)


Date:
10/11/00
Time:
4:30:45 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

All the years I lived in Chester I never knew a lot about the history of Chester.

DAVID TRENT trent@mediacen.navy.mil


Date:
10/12/00
Time:
1:02:12 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Hi all, This is a great website. My name is Paula (Locowicki) Dryden and I was born at Crozer Hospital in Upland in 1946 and grew up on Remington Street in Sun Village (we had a large family - 8 children). Attended Jefferis, Smedley and Chester High Schools from 1952 thru 1964. I am currently looking for any information on family names of Lahowetzki, Fromal, Burrell and Cornish. Would appreciate any help.


Date:
10/13/00
Time:
12:29:11 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Does anyone remember the apartment complex fire on Morton Avenue in Sun Village in the '50's or early '60's (can't remember the date or the name of the apartments). Below the row of apartments there were several small businesses and stores. I can't remember the name of the bakery there but they had great doughnuts. Does anyone remember the name? Also, there was a 5 and 10 cent store where my mother bought a lot of our Christmas gifts. Also, around the corner was the Melrose Restaurant (great cherry cokes and fries). Paula (Locowicki) Dryden, e-mail: padryden7@yahoo.com


Date:
10/15/00
Time:
8:56:11 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I enjoyed this site very much. My first job was with Swimmer Real Estate & Insurance on 5th Street. I am forwarding this site to many of my friends. Margaret (Pugh) Roland Rolpug@aol.com


Date:
10/15/00
Time:
9:40:26 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

What a wonderful site! The 'American Graffiti' of my youth...My name is Elizabeth Dewey Anzalone. I grew up in Eyre Park...moved to Florida in July of 1971, just before the flood. I attended St Michael's and Notre Dame.In my pre teens I skated at the Great Leopard...how I loved that place! Do you remember the organ and the hour the children sang on the radio...if you sang you would get to skate for free. Then there was the dances at St Michael's and St James and if we could get a ride it was the Lynwood dance!

Do you remember Officer Johnson on his motorcycle...he used to park by the newstand...then there was Laura's and the Welch Restaurant, John's doggy shop...(the best in the world) and of course Shoosters! Hey Larry I remember your 'Ford', what a great car! How about Chuck Taylor's 57 Chevy! If my Dad ever knew about the drag racing...as I said the 'American Graffiti' of my youth...and what great memories they were!

To all the neighbors I had in Eyre Park and all the people that touched my life while living in Chester a big 'HELLO', and hope your life is filled with prosperity and joy.

To John... thank you for taking me back in time to the place of some of my fondest memories...

Elizabethnow@aol.com


Date:
10/16/00
Time:
1:32:58 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

hello, Just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful site I grew up in chester Eyre park to be precise went to st mikes until the seventy one flood and moved to the west end after that.I now live in northeastern pa. but return to chester every couple of monthes to visit family so if any one remembers the woolavers please feel free to contact me Bobwool4@aol.com I have been searching for old friends and had almost given up but maybe now I will get somewhere thanks again bob woolaver bobwool4@aol.com


Date:
10/16/00
Time:
8:25:16 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Audrey Premetz: adamsrib@tampabay.rr.com. I used to love to shop in Chester - Weinbergs, etc. I loved the two for a quarter hot dogs at John's doggie shop. Pat's hoagie shop was a favorite of mine - I worked with Pat's daughter Louise. Chester's Steak House had the best steak I ever tasted and we used to go to Stotters to see Santa every year. I graduated from Eddystone High School (Audrey Pugh, class of '55).


Date:
10/16/00
Time:
10:20:52 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Hi Bowlers that bowled AT the "PENN REC", "WEST END", "CHESTER REC" and the "ARMORY" BOWLING LANES. do you remember BOB VANDEVER, the owner of the PENN REC. MITCH PERSKI, OWNER OF THE ARMORY Lanes and Sheriff Reyburn, the owner of the WEST END Lanes. Some of the hot shots back then were: Sam "Hap" Evans, Bill Cox, Eddie Rosenburg, Nick Varlan, Emper. Ed and Al Shay, Tony Fillipone, Jake Freidkin, Jim Vershinski, Ben Urban, Nick Francis Sr. and Jr., Edna Davidson, Ceil Moreland, Pop Winters, Joe Orbono, Jack Dalton, John Guarante, Irv Cox, John Miller, Tony Quattro, Babs Davidson, Angie Imburgia, John Tamavitch, Frank Schnaitman, Tank Newsome, and I could name 10,000 more. Remember the sign when coming down the steps at PENN REC that said "Dear Lord" please let me bowl a score so high that telling of it afterwards I'll never need to lie.

Nick


Date:
10/17/00
Time:
7:11:21 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

SPORTS WAS A BIG THING IN MY NEIGHBORHOODSPORTSMOSTLY BASKETBALLWAS OR BASEBALLPLAYED LITTLE LEGAUE. ON THE EAST SIDE TEAM NAMED SUBBURBAN LOANS FIELD LOCATED OFF EAST NINTH JUST BRFORE BRIDGE TO EDDYSTINE.ANYTEAM MEMBERS OR COMPETORS OUT THERE READING THIS?? OF EMAIL ZAC@DFN.COM


Date:
10/17/00
Time:
7:29:58 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

LET ME TRY THIS AGAIN IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD.SPORTS WAS A BIG PAST time TIME . BASKETBALL BUT MOSTLY BASEBALL ESPECIALLY ORGANIZED BASEBALL LITTLE LEGAUE EAST SIDE OF TOWN FEILD LOCATE ON EAST NINTH STREET JUST BEFORE BRIDGE INTO EDDYSTONE I PLAYED FOR SUBURBAN LOANs. ANY OTHERS OUT THERE THAT PLAYED THERE?? E MAIL ZAC@dfn.com


Date:
10/18/00
Time:
4:32:44 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Site looks great; brings back great memories. I'm now living in Indiana but visit the area often. Rita Ferrarelli Thomas "Ritaft@aol.com


Date:
10/20/00
Time:
12:33:03 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

JOHN I finally found you--10/20/2000-The name is ALICE RITTER-CHS-class of '51 and to all you avid Chesterites I hope to assist in LOTS of info -feel free to contact me to share wonderful memories of the Chester we all knew and loved. E-address- alice_r11@yahoo.com-- Put your thinking caps on-How many of your CHS teachers do you remember??How many do you know who are still living? As your mind strolls down Edgmont Ave- How many of the stores can you name-and people who worked in the businesses? Do you recall those holiday parades?How many movie theatres did Chester have. And as I E-Mail to John- Do you remember the large lighted sign our parents repeated would remind us of the slogan..-WHAT CHESTER MAKES-MAKES CHESTER-- that slogan can mean many things. From Chester came good people of many professions-sincere-loving parents-etc.-Each in their own way gave back to Chester and in your walks of life you are continuing to give what those of Chester had given to you. I'll look forward to hearing from you and sharing with John as much info about my ole home town-Chester. Alice Ritter


Date:
10/20/00
Time:
7:56:51 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Yvonne Fattie Williams MWilli3725@aol.com What a great site.


Date:
10/20/00
Time:
10:58:53 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

This is decent ! Thanks for sharing.

Angela Mitchell Dundeeadm@aol.com


Date:
10/28/00
Time:
2:46:48 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Hello all. I'm Hubert Marshall. I use to live in Sun Village, in the 40s,50s and 60s on Curry Street. I went to St Rose in Eddystone. I lived at 1126 with my mother, Agnes, brother Skip and grandparents, the Dewees. I'd like to hear from anyone who remembers us. I'm now in Chichester. I'm a Civil War buff and collector, if you have any old stuff from the 1860s, I'm interested. My email is <tgibud@bellatlantic.net>


Date:
10/28/00
Time:
2:54:27 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I've been doing alot of genealogy research and i happened to stumble upon this site! It became one of my best resources. I just happened to browse around and found at least 10 of my Taylor,Davis,Clayton,and Bateman ancestors buried in Chester Rural Cemetary. I'm on my way to the cemetary today to check out the gravesites!....and i'm taking my camera! If anyone else happens to be researching any of these names please contact me at LiteGirlfor2@aol.com Christina


Date:
10/28/00
Time:
8:26:21 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I went for a visit at Chester Rural Cemetary today. I happend to fall across this webpage just searching for my ancestors that i knew were married in Chester in the mid 1800's. I spent about 3 hours there just looking at all the old gravesites. I was looking for the graves of some of my ancestors which i have yet to find. But.....I will be going back this week!!! Thanks for helping me find some of my missing info!


Date:
10/29/00
Time:
8:27:49 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Henrietta landis cook upper providence pa class of 60 jim landis wallingford pa class of 56 greg landis valleyforge mountain class of 64, renee landis platt ridley, pa class of 49' Let"add something about the east end of yhe city. Great school Morton elementary Principle Mrs Miller Teachers Miss brown, Miss lawton Mrs, anderson Mr volzone. How about Minka's bakery best hot bread in town Davids penny candy. Hill's pet shop minkas gas station Landis restuarant meal tickets fo 5 dollars ,Stick ball double dutch and kick the can right in the alleys no car pooling.


Date:
11/1/00
Time:
9:30:36 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Hello, I just wanted to send a note to anyone out there that may know my mother's family. I did see the message from Diane Costa, she is my cousin. My mother's maiden name is Ferrarelli, and she is Josephine Alderfer. She has two other sister's, Rita, & Linda. Their mother, my grandmother, was Mary Bottone Ferrarelli. My mother had asked me to leave a note here, due to the fact that she does not own a PC. My mother married Ken Alderfer M.D., in June of 1957, and lived in Swarthmore, Pa. Till the death of my father in May of 1995. She now resides in Wallingford. If any old friends would like to get in touch with her, please feel free to email myself, KAOM63@aol.com , I will be sure to get any messages to her asap!


Date:
11/1/00
Time:
3:50:02 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Wonderful, Wonderful site. It really inspires to be able to do the same thing. I lived in Delaware Cty most of my life, I am sorry I have nothing to contribute about Chester, except that my brothers were born at Crozier Hosp. Kim McELVENNY Paterson, kim@edgar-online.com


Date:
11/7/00
Time:
12:46:01 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

attended first grade at St. Anthony of Padua's on West Third street. I forgot my nun teacher's name but have vague memories of huuging her and other Italian,affectionate nuns.The time was from 1958-1959,when in May of 1959 made my first Communion. We lived on Kirlin st nearby Robert Halls and remember seeing crenolin little girl's slips my mother couln't afford to buy me. I remember Frank and Lina,the kindly Italian couple who owned agrocery store across from our Apt. Thanks to these wonderful people my younger brothers had full stomaches due to our father's taking off for days and no money in the apt.We had perpetual credit with frank while we lived nearby,once even sending food in a cab to another apt we lived in close to downtown. Probably due to not having paid the rent we moved to Maple Shade Apartments next to a bowling alley(around 5th and Crosby). Around that time there was a BIG fire at Scott Tissue plant(1959) Also I remember the MAC movie theater. I remember seeing a multi storied grey building while facing downtown. I remember a fire station and a Baptist Church on the end of our street where once the pastor took me up to the pulpit and based a sermon around my smile.(I was always smiling!:)Does anyone remember that 3 or 4 storied building on 5th ave,downtown Chester.? It was across the street from a 5 and 10 store? I think there were lots of John's Bargain Stores(or was that in later in Philly?) Anyway I remember seeing dolls in boxes for 50 cents. I remember a bridge downtown and seeing a creek underneath and seeinwith piles of clam shells pilled up along it's banks. I remember my mother and us kids going to HI-LOW'S store, sadly looking around because we had no money to buy any thing. Our Maple shade apt. house was across the street from the train tracks where passenger trains slowed down to the downtown train station. Later we moved to 9th and Ward,so my mother could be closer to where my father got a room.(He took off to the Park Hotel near Highland and third when we discovered his new digs. We lived across (Vetrens Memorial Park?) very close to a new catholic hospital which was being built called Sacred Heart Hospital. I went to Resurection school,attended 2nd grade,from 1959 to 1960,for one year.(Eventually we moved to a Philadelphia Housing Project) I have memories of going to the LYRIC movie theater on third street where I saw the BLOB!The movie terrified me! Across from the small movie theater was a drug store with with cardboard plaque or poster explaining the evolution of herbs to medicine. My Brother remembers(he was 6 then)of seeing Vikings on the poster. In the area was St. Hedwigs school and church and a restaurant called Sloppy Joes. From Sloppy Joes you could see t6he refineries of Marcus Hook. I have a memory of being on a ferris wheel around spring of 1960. It was at a carnival at St. Hedwigs Have memories of soft pretzels sold at school recess at Resurrection.Wish I could remember my second grade teacher's name,then in 59-60. :(But happy memories of walking on Chester ferry for a nickle. Also remember snowstorm in April of 1960 and floods of summer of same year. Fran in San Diego,Ca Fran24331@aol.com

Fran24331@aol.com


Date:
11/7/00
Time:
12:59:49 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

For those who read my childhood memories of Chester,PLEASE forgive my spelling and tying mistakes:( Here are some more memory jolters!:)

Nabisco factory near railroad tracks Delicious hoagies at Frank's grocery store on West 6th PETCO power plant near Delaware River Remembering hearing lots of polka music around Ward Street LIVE pastel colored chicks being sold in 5 and 10's around Easter time.

Fran24331@aol.com


Date:
11/7/00
Time:
1:00:53 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

For those who read my childhood memories of Chester,PLEASE forgive my spelling and tying mistakes:( Here are some more memory jolters!:)

Nabisco factory near railroad tracks Delicious hoagies at Frank's grocery store on West 6th PETCO power plant near Delaware River Remembering hearing lots of polka music around Ward Street LIVE pastel colored chicks being sold in 5 and 10's around Easter time.

Fran24331@aol.com


Date:
11/7/00
Time:
1:23:07 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I attended first grade at St. Anthony of Padua's on West Third street. I forgot my nun teacher's name but have vague memories of hugging her and other Italian,affectionate nuns.The time was from 1958-1959,when in May of 1959 made my first Communion. We lived on Kirlin st, nearby Robert Halls, and remember seeing crenolin little girl's slips my mother couln't afford to buy me. I remember Frank and Lina,the kindly Italian couple who owned agrocery store across from our Apt. Thanks to these wonderful people my younger brothers had full stomaches dispite my father's taking off for days and no money in the apt.We had perpetual credit with frank while we lived nearby,once even him sending food in a cab to another apt we lived in close to downtMoving was probably due to not having paid the rent. We moved to Maple Shade Apartments next to a bowling alley(around 5th and Crosby). Around that time there was a BIG fire at Scott Tissue plant(1959). Also I remember the MAC movie theater. I remember seeing a multi storied grey building while facing downtown. I remember a fire station and a Baptist Church on the end of our street where once the pastor took me up to the pulpit and based a sermon around my smile.(I was always smiling!:)Does anyone remember that 3 or 4 storied building on 5th ave,downtown Chester.? It was across the street from a 5 and 10 store? I think there were lots of John's Bargain Stores(or was that in later in Philly?) Anyway I remember seeing dolls in boxes for 50 cents. I remember a bridge downtown and seeing a creek underneath and remembered seeing piles of clam shells pilled up along it's banks. I remember my mother and us kids going to HI-LOW'S store, sadly looking around because we had no money to buy any thing. Our Maple shade apt. house was across the street from the train tracks where passenger trains slowed down to the downtown train station. Later we moved to 9th and Ward,so my mother could be closer to where my father got a room.(He took off to the Park Hotel near Highland and third when we discovered his new digs. We lived across (Veterns Memorial Park?) very close to a new catholic hospital which was being built called Sacred Heart Hospital. I went to Resurection school,attended 2nd grade,from 1959 to 1960,for one year.(Eventually we moved to a Philadelphia Housing Project). I have memories of going to the LYRIC movie theater on third street where I saw the BLOB!The movie terrified me! Across from the small movie theater was a drug store with with cardboard plaque or poster explaining the evolution of herbs to medicine. My Brother remembers(he was 6 then)of seeing Vikings on the poster. In the area was St. Hedwigs school and church and a restaurant called Sloppy Joes. From Sloppy Joes you could see the refineries of Marcus Hook. I have a memory of being on a Ferris Wheel around spring of 1960. It was at a carnival at St. Hedwigs Have memories of soft pretzels sold at school recess at Resurrection.Wish I could remember my second grade teacher's name,then in 59-60. :(But happy memories of walking on Chester ferry for a nickle. Also remember snowstorm in April of 1960 and floods of summer of same year. Fran in San Diego,Ca Fran24331@aol.com

Fran24331@aol.com


Date:
11/7/00
Time:
1:26:48 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I attended first grade at St. Anthony of Padua's on West Third street. I forgot my nun teacher's name but have vague memories of hugging her and other Italian,affectionate nuns.The time was from 1958-1959,when in May of 1959 made my first Communion. We lived on Kirlin st, nearby Robert Halls, and remember seeing crenolin little girl's slips my mother couln't afford to buy me. I remember Frank and Lina,the kindly Italian couple who owned a grocery store across from our Apt. Thanks to these wonderful people my younger brothers had full stomaches dispite my father's taking off for days and no money in the apt.We had perpetual credit with Frank while we lived nearby,once even him sending food in a cab to another apt we lived in close to downtMoving was probably due to not having paid the rent. We moved to Maple Shade Apartments next to a bowling alley(around 5th and Crosby). Around that time there was a BIG fire at Scott Tissue plant(1959). Also I remember the MAC movie theater. I remember seeing a multi storied grey building while facing downtown. I remember a fire station and a Baptist Church on the end of our street where once the pastor took me up to the pulpit and based a sermon around my smile.(I was always smiling!:)Does anyone remember that 3 or 4 storied building on 5th ave,downtown Chester.? It was across the street from a 5 and 10 store? I think there were lots of John's Bargain Stores(or was that in later in Philly?) Anyway I remember seeing dolls in boxes for 50 cents. I remember a bridge downtown and seeing a creek underneath and remembered seeing piles of clam shells pilled up along it's banks. I remember my mother and us kids going to HI-LOW'S store, sadly looking around because we had no money to buy any thing. Our Maple shade apt. house was across the street from the train tracks where passenger trains slowed down to the downtown train station. Later we moved to 9th and Ward,so my mother could be closer to where my father got a room.(He took off to the Park Hotel near Highland and third when we discovered his new digs. We lived across (Veterns Memorial Park?) very close to a new catholic hospital which was being built called Sacred Heart Hospital. I went to Resurection school,attended 2nd grade,from 1959 to 1960,for one year.(Eventually we moved to a Philadelphia Housing Project). I have memories of going to the LYRIC movie theater on third street where I saw the BLOB!The movie terrified me! Across from the small movie theater was a drug store with with cardboard plaque or poster explaining the evolution of herbs to medicine. My Brother remembers(he was 6 then)of seeing Vikings on the poster. In the area was St. Hedwigs school and church and a restaurant called Sloppy Joes. From Sloppy Joes you could see the refineries of Marcus Hook. I have a memory of being on a Ferris Wheel around spring of 1960. It was at a carnival at St. Hedwigs Have memories of soft pretzels sold at school recess at Resurrection.Wish I could remember my second grade teacher's name,then in 59-60. :(But happy memories of walking on Chester ferry for a nickle. Also remember snowstorm in April of 1960 and floods of summer of same year. Fran in San Diego,Ca Fran24331@aol.com

Fran24331@aol.com


Date:
11/7/00
Time:
1:27:40 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I attended first grade at St. Anthony of Padua's on West Third street. I forgot my nun teacher's name but have vague memories of hugging her and other Italian,affectionate nuns.The time was from 1958-1959,when in May of 1959 made my first Communion. We lived on Kirlin st, nearby Robert Halls, and remember seeing crenolin little girl's slips my mother couln't afford to buy me. I remember Frank and Lina,the kindly Italian couple who owned a grocery store across from our Apt. Thanks to these wonderful people my younger brothers had full stomaches dispite my father's taking off for days and no money in the apt.We had perpetual credit with Frank while we lived nearby,once even him sending food in a cab to another apt we lived in close to downtMoving was probably due to not having paid the rent. We moved to Maple Shade Apartments next to a bowling alley(around 5th and Crosby). Around that time there was a BIG fire at Scott Tissue plant(1959). Also I remember the MAC movie theater. I remember seeing a multi storied grey building while facing downtown. I remember a fire station and a Baptist Church on the end of our street where once the pastor took me up to the pulpit and based a sermon around my smile.(I was always smiling!:)Does anyone remember that 3 or 4 storied building on 5th ave,downtown Chester.? It was across the street from a 5 and 10 store? I think there were lots of John's Bargain Stores(or was that in later in Philly?) Anyway I remember seeing dolls in boxes for 50 cents. I remember a bridge downtown and seeing a creek underneath and remembered seeing piles of clam shells pilled up along it's banks. I remember my mother and us kids going to HI-LOW'S store, sadly looking around because we had no money to buy any thing. Our Maple shade apt. house was across the street from the train tracks where passenger trains slowed down to the downtown train station. Later we moved to 9th and Ward,so my mother could be closer to where my father got a room.(He took off to the Park Hotel near Highland and third when we discovered his new digs. We lived across (Veterns Memorial Park?) very close to a new catholic hospital which was being built called Sacred Heart Hospital. I went to Resurection school,attended 2nd grade,from 1959 to 1960,for one year.(Eventually we moved to a Philadelphia Housing Project). I have memories of going to the LYRIC movie theater on third street where I saw the BLOB!The movie terrified me! Across from the small movie theater was a drug store with with cardboard plaque or poster explaining the evolution of herbs to medicine. My Brother remembers(he was 6 then)of seeing Vikings on the poster. In the area was St. Hedwigs school and church and a restaurant called Sloppy Joes. From Sloppy Joes you could see the refineries of Marcus Hook. I have a memory of being on a Ferris Wheel around spring of 1960. It was at a carnival at St. Hedwigs Have memories of soft pretzels sold at school recess at Resurrection.Wish I could remember my second grade teacher's name,then in 59-60. :(But happy memories of walking on Chester ferry for a nickle. Also remember snowstorm in April of 1960 and floods of summer of same year. Fran in San Diego,Ca Fran24331@aol.com

Fran24331@aol.com


Date:
11/7/00
Time:
1:44:42 PM
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Comments

I am trying to find some information about a ship built at the Sun Shipbuilders the 'Rio de Janeiro' I believe it was built for the US Navy in May 1941 & then given to the Royal Navy in July 1942 under the lend-lease scheme the ship would be renamed HMS Dasher & was to sink in March 1943 with the loss of 379 men, I am particularly trying to find pictures or information on its construction or before its hand over to the Royal Navy

Any help would be most grateful simon@marstonhome.fsnet.co.uk


Date:
11/9/00
Time:
9:33:49 PM
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It is interesting to see the old Chester on the web. You are doing a great job!! We are: Charlotte (Hardy)Lee and Albert Lee. We are from Upland and have been married 49 years. Our email: upland_51@yahoo.com.


Date:
11/13/00
Time:
5:40:12 PM
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It is a wonderful thing to Know the human family is a live in a small city like chester and I really give thanks to the founder of this web site. my name is shawn draughn(shawn.draughn@housing.gatech.edu)


Date:
11/13/00
Time:
5:48:28 PM
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Shawn Draughn (shawn.draughn@housing.gatech.edu) I need some information on a year book from Fredrick Douglass Junior High School 7th an Central Ave. Chester Pa. Iam trying to purchas one from the year 1966-67 year so if anyone can help me please let me know Thank You ever so much.


Date:
11/22/00
Time:
8:02:36 PM
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A great site! Enjoyed it very much.I hope to contribute some things to it in the near future.

Charles E. Ripka,III ceripthree@excite.com


Date:
11/24/00
Time:
11:13:40 PM
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Born and raised in good old sun hill

rbychkowsk@aol.com


Date:
11/25/00
Time:
1:37:14 AM
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I would just like to say a heartfelt thanks to John for this wonderful site.Using the search facility I found information on quite a few family members buried in Chester Rural Cemetery.I have a vast amount of pictures wich I am sorting through at the moment and scanning.A lot of them I believe to be Chester.Sadly though most of them are not marked.

I came across one picture wich has intrigued me since I first looked at it.It is a photograph of an attractive young lady I would say from around 1900 or thereabouts.Her age at the time I would guess to be around 18 to 20 years of age.Written on the back of the photo are the words Miss Annie Devilia Trainers Station Chester PA.Could anyone enlighten me as to what or where Trainers Station is or was? I would be most appreciative as in some way or another there is a link to my family.

I am researching the following names in Delaware County Broadbent Keen Grimes Wilhelme.I would be delighted to hear from anyone on any of the above.I can be contacted via E mail at: sirianofca@aol.com

Thanks again for this marvellous site. Ian


Date:
11/25/00
Time:
2:23:59 AM
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Another Picture I have is actually a newspaper cutting of Charles Gear with his Daughter Miss Betty Gear who christened the SS Missionary ridge on November 30th.There is no year but maybe someone will know of the SS Missionary Ridge and the year she was launched.Charles Gear was my Great Grandmothers brother.Charles I believe last lived in Upper Darby and died in 1966.Anyone knowing of the SS Missionary Ridge or the Gears in Delaware Co I would love to hear from you.

sirianofca@aol.com


Date:
11/28/00
Time:
7:58:19 PM
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I had many a haircut at Joe's on Morton Avenue EK


Date:
12/5/00
Time:
11:39:35 AM
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Hello Chesterites--- For the past month I have been visiting Marilyn Swanson Corbett in Florida.. She and her husband,James Corbett(of Buckman Village ) were in a serious car accident and Jim was killed..Marilyn was in intensive care for over a week--she is coping well at this time but while I visited with her--we put our heads together to compile a list of the businesses of Old Chester. From 3rd Street to 9th; From Welsh to Sproul(including Market,Edgmont) -- If you have any questions about any of the businesses--don't hesitate to E-Mail me-but after Christmas John will receive our list--along with some tasty tidbits. John--I'm anxiously waiting for your calendar--even if it has to go to 2002--I've read all the notes sent in-got a chuckle about the pastel chicks being sold- can't do that anymore--If Don Sparks or Ann Dunn Sparks read this--I've written you and tried to contact you about assisting with CHS'51 class reunion--WHAT GOES! !- Contact Marty -he can call me--- Alice Ritter--alice_r11.yahoo.com


Date:
12/17/00
Time:
10:24:04 AM
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Thanks to John and everyone who has contributed to the site. "Keep the info coming". I was born at the old Chester hospital and lived in Chester as a young child and then Trainer. I stayed with my grandparents alot on Rose St. and the old mill house at James Irving's Mill, where some of my relations worked. I am researching the names, Cheeseman,Gartside,Reed,McConnell,Talley,Timbler,Young,Ashworth, Fowler/Filler,Morris,and Poore. Would like to hear from anyone with info on these names. Thanks, georgia reber elliott reberjo@citlink.net


Date:
12/18/00
Time:
12:08:22 AM
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Searching for information on Harry Pierson Young. His wife was Alice B. Slack. They had one known child, Charles Cortland Young B. 1883. If you have any info please contact me at ccyironleg@webtv.net


Date:
12/21/00
Time:
6:12:43 PM
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YO GANG, STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM ANY ONE WHO SHOPPED OR VISITED BENETTES PET STORE ON EAST 9TH STREET ACROSS FROM POLISH AMERICAN CLUB. EMAIL GENE AT ZAC@DFN.COM LET ME HEAR FROM YOU.


Date:
12/23/00
Time:
7:22:42 PM
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John, the site is excellent. It had been quite a while since I last visited - and I'm really pleased with your efforts. I lived in Upland and was in CHS Class of 1946 - known then as "Challey." I'm still living in Tucson and doing well. I can be reached at: ccphill@earthlink.net

Chuck Phillips


Date:
12/24/00
Time:
5:27:30 PM
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This Mesage is for ZAC who asked if anyone shopped at Bennett's Acquarium on 9th Street. As a child, I bought my first tropical fish and fish tank from Bennett's Acquarium in the early 1950's (probably before ZAC worked there). I always enjoyed going there. Mr. Bennett usually would be sitting on a lawn chair on the sidewalk in front of the shop in good weather. I was fascinated by the alligator that he raised in the shop and the largest angel fish that I had ever seen (it would have made a nice size filet). I lived in Sun Hill at the time but later my family moved to 24th Street. I have been living around the world for most of my life since graduating from college. I was an Army Officer for almost thirty years before I retired. I live in Virginia now and am a lobbyist in Washington, DC. I regularly visit famly in Chester and Wallingford.

Al Warburton Burke, Virginia aewarbur3@aol.com


Date:
12/25/00
Time:
1:14:19 AM
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Charles Cortland Young ccyironleg@webtv.net I have been searching for info on my GGf, Harry Pierson Young,and his wife Alice B. Slack. They were believed to be living in the Chester area in the late 1800's. They had one son, my GF Charles Cortland Young who was B. in DE in 1883.


Date:
12/26/00
Time:
11:52:15 AM
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I found your site and had my 73 year old sister on it Christmas day ,What a thrill for her to relive the past. I am a 1955 grad of EDDYSTONE HIGH and remember the snake dances thru the stores in the middle of town during the football season. I am interested in any info on the Greenhalgh family that lived on Parker street from the late 1800,s until the 1960,s


Date:
12/26/00
Time:
11:56:00 AM
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Re my comments on the GReenhalgh family on Parker St. I forgot my E-mail address Johnkmccall@aol.com


Date:
12/28/00
Time:
6:06:44 PM
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Greetings CHESTER! Would like to know what happened to some of the Holy Ghost School class of 1972? George K. sony7600g@yahoo.com


Date:
12/29/00
Time:
5:25:49 PM
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Comments

This is a great page! Anyone remeber the Chester I knew in the 60's and 70's (I'm now 41 years young) of the following:

Wheel's of Soul Motorcycle club

Ernie's Record Shop by the main train station (great soul music)

John's Doggie Shop

Two J'S Hoagies @ West 7th and Highland

RJ the DJ on WEEZ 1600 (remember WEEZ as a country station?)

I'll think of more... kewel page!

Best in the new year to all! G2K

sony7600g@yahoo.com


Date:
12/29/00
Time:
11:56:58 PM
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The Chester County Website is very nice and I enjoyed looking at some of the pictures. I am interested in the Chester City Directories for the year 1888 & 1889. I am looking for my Great grandmother Kate Pearson and who she lived with at that time. Is her daughter Elizabeth listed as living with her in the 1888-89 Chester City Directory. Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to give me. Ruth Rocco RRocco170@aol.com


Date:
12/30/00
Time:
1:15:25 AM
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Old Chester seems like an interesting place to visit! Sandy Johnson snj@todays-tech.com


Date:
12/31/00
Time:
11:54:22 AM
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Hello, I am researching one of the early helicopter companies that was located inthe area, Platt-LePage Aircraft. Platt-LePage Aircraft built the first military helicopter, the XR-1 From 1940 till 1946 they conducted research into rotary-winged flight. If any one has any memories or information on this pioneering company feel free to contact me at: RotaryResearchJBH@att.net Thanks Jay Hendrickson Platt-LePage Aircraft Archives


Date:
12/31/00
Time:
12:07:43 PM
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I think your site is wonderful! My mother Emma Taylor STITT grew up in Chester,her mother Emma May Wheatley also grew up in Chester. My great greatgrand parents James and Mary WHEATLEY could have lived on Walnut St.There seems to be quite a few people in the house on the 1910 census, mostly WHEATLEY's and STEWART"s, I have been trying to find an obit. for Margaret WHEATLEY she died 1906 and is buried in Chested Rural along with my other WHEATLEY's, if anyone knows or connects with WHEATLEYS or STEWART please let me know, thank you Andrea acairo@webtv.net