Old Chester, PA: Guest Book entries February 2002 - Part 2
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TomCHS76: Yes that was "The Judge". He wasn't so bad. Got me out of some scrapes early on. He lived with my aunt Mame & Leggy Smith between 8th & 9th on Highland Ave. Had a magisrate's in the garage out back. I used to bump into him (and that was hard to avoid) at the WEBC, whenever I went down there. He was a pretty nice guy though.. Regards, Mike Charlotte, NC.
Bud, the Paul and Sam you refer to where my uncles, they where my fathers brothers. Sam lost his leg in that motorcycle accident. All three of them have pasted away. I was born at 1103 Hancock in 1949 and lived there until 1971, when I got married and move to Claymont, De. and then back to 14th St. until 20 years ago when I moved to Brookhaven where I now reside.
The Sunset Ballroom - do you remember where it was located and anything else about it? Did they feature name bands, etc. and was it really beautiful? And, the Wilson line, of course. Did they hold regular dances there? It seemed to me it was a family thing and it was during the day, if my recollection is right. But it was wonderful, really wonderful - just to see my mother having such a good time, was in itself wonderful. Had no idea RC lived in Texas. So, RC, do you also miss hoagies and scrapple? I know I do - really do. Also, your contribution to the site here regarding Media HS '35 yearbook is extraordinary - just exquisite. I for one, want to thank you for sharing that with us.
Jim Minshall:
Could that be the same Zoll Collins that we speak about? Both you and Zoll would have graduated "58 from CHS. You wondered what happened to him. Scroll down to the following post and read the message:
louis collachi Date: 2/28/2002 Time: 2:46:54 PM
Talked to RC today. She lives in Texas.
Pidipat, I remember my parents taking us on the Wilson Line, where they did a lot of dancing. Oh what fun. A lot of firehouses also had dancing. Oh the fun we had riding that ship.Sometimes all my cousins and Aunts would come over from New Jwesey, get on the Wilson line in Phila, we would all get on down by Scott paper and go to Riverview. Why can't it still be there. The Marian Clark was our age and she lived right in that area.
PIDIPAT.... Sunset Beach Ballroom?
Glad to see RC back. It has been tough trying to get on this board lately.
Talking about dances, does anyone remember dances that were held on a ship that was docked - probably at Delaware River? I clearly remember my mother taking me to a dance on a ship. I think it may have been immediately after WWII ended. I remember all the adults being gloriously happy and dancing and laughing. My mother was a good dancer and so she really had a ball that day - I think she even danced with me! Does that ring a bell with anyone? Also, one time I was taken on a date to a wonderful ballroom, took a while to get there from BV - and for young teenager me, it was the most exciting, glamorous place I'd ever seen - and a famous orchestra was there - don't remember who - and I think they had that huge revolving, brilliantly lighted ball on the ceiling that cast wonderful colored lights on the dance floor. Was it Riverside Ballroom? Don't remember. Any clues, anyone? I remember the name of the fella what brung me tho' - Paul Hefflefinger.
In my last post, I said Walter Clark. I found the pictures, and the boy's name is actually "Francis" Clark.
Florence - The "Marian" Clark I referred to, was a friend of my grandmother, so the one you knew, is not the same - could be a grandaughter tho'.
RHS75----------Yes I did know that. The Embert family has a family reunion in the summer and Jimmy was there this pass year.Also My Aunt Kitty and Jimmy are in touch quit a bit and more so since young Jimmy and Helen died. Thanks anyway just in case I did not know.
tom, i think your getting old.... maybe a little senile. the fight that i remember across from pic-way that lasted a few days was in fact...rocky lamey and phil workman....quite a few other fights went on there at bell also at our days from pulaski, but not as long as the rocky and phil.
Pam: I saw T.T. sister a few month's ago at home depot in Claymont and she never said anything, that was probably 3 or 4 months ago and Jack reads the paper everyday and lets me know stuff like that usually. So to answer your question. I don't think so unless it was recently.
Donna: I kind of remember a saying something like: Pic-a-trash pic-a-trash 2 pair 5 dollars cash.
Pam, yes, Paul and Michelle are my cousins.
I remember every year before school was about to start, that's when I went to Rez, my mom would drg me and my brothers to Pic-Way for new school shoes. Aghh! I used to feel so embarrassed 'cos I remember people would make fun of that place. There was some sort of teasing saying about Pic-Way my friend Brenda would say and I can't remember it?
Tom Got the 57 from your emale. My brother in law Tom remembbers you too. We heard that T.T. passed away, true?
Nicole Are you related to Paul or Michelle Scarpato? Sheree Ida taught @ the Leopard from 67 until the fire. When did you skate?
Does anyone remember the Mae family from Potter St., there was John, Eddie and Joe. Eddie Mae was a police officer, Joe was retired from the army then went to post office and John was a magistrate in Nether Providence. Any stories about the Mae's?
Betty Did you know that Lois passed away last year? Dee is married to Dr. DeAugustine and they live in Peach Bottom and still practice medicine.
Yeah, I remember going to PicWay getting my 2 pair of shoes for 5 bucks wearing them out by the time I got to Gino's for my Gino Giant and having to buy 2 more pair for the walk home.
Charlie Landis: Well you made me get out a map and you are correct, it was Ridley Ave That went to 14th St and not Vaulclain. I lived at 1418 Hancock St in 1927 then we moved to 1133 in the Court and then 2 houses away to 1129 Hancock where I lived until 1952. So we must have lived there at the same time. I would not want to live there by the spring, back then you could get in there by going on Sun Drive and under the B&O trestle. They dug pits of some type there or built up banks to contain the goo that they hauled in there for quite a while. Also I remember there was another spring which was near the intersection of Melrose Ave and I think it was 16th, the old beat up road that went over to Bullens Lane. Are you any relation to Paul or Sammy Landis, I knew both of them. Sammy was in an accident while riding on back of a motorcycle with Pete Peterson.
Bud - Yuma, AZ
Wow, this is pretty cool. I was just scrolling down the comments to see if anyone responded, and I saw someone mentioned Pic-Way shoes! hahaha Man, I hadn't thought about that place in a loooong time. Thanks 'cos that made me think of another old memory I had forgotten about too. Anyone remember Gino's?
Mike Mangan: I was reading in the police dept page and I seen that you note where you uncle was magistrate Smith. We use to call him Judge Smitty down at the W.E.B.C. if in fact he is the same guy. I think I was the only name of any of the kids he knew...Tom can you get me this or that, he was not real nice to the bus boys but I worked in the kitchen and he was always nice to me. But anyway I always thought he was a nice guy but a lot of the kids didn't and they were afraid of him, especially the new kids we use to tell them that they called Smitty the hanging judge back in the day. :)
Harvey: Sunnybrook is still there on Ridge Pike. It still looks the same. But oh the construction that is going on there. Houses starting at $200,00 plus. It ain't country anymore and now rich country at that. I think the actual location is Sanatoga. They still serve dinners there, etc.
Patti: if I didn't tell you before and happy to see you got the bands picture on the site. Thats a real bit of Chester History.
Lynn Thanks again for your reply. Joan already contacted me and we will be corresponding. Like I said, a number of old friends contacted me: Zoll Collins, Larry (Moose) Jones, Lou Calverese, Allie Ayres, Al Meekins,and Harvey Fellunbum (sp?). If there is anyone else out there that remembers me, please drop me a line. Graduated CHS in 1958, was a member of the band (played bass drum and others),was a member of the key club, was in Machine Design Class 57/58. This is a great site and again, Al Meekins thanks alot for turning me on to it.
John: Mae's was across from Vesuvio's next to Rube's.
Niki : Let me know what Paul says I forget who he was fighting it was behind PicWay shoes and across the street in the Bell Tel yard but then again he may not remember because we are so old and tell him I said Hi.
Hi, RC, Welcome back! South Media Fire Co...That was only a few blocks away for you. I was like your mother. I didn't dance but I sure did like to watch. I took my friend, Mary Croall Ridgeway to a dance once and when I got her home she said, "Harvey, the next time I go to a dance with you...I won't go!"
I used to go to Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown though cause a lot of big bands played there. I know Louis Armstrong was there in June of '61. I saw him and Benny Goodman at the Academy too. Saw Stan Kenton at Steel Pier a couple of times.
Tom: Oops, sorry! Ok, he's my slightly older cousin. How's that? He really fought a guy for four days?? Good Grief, I can't wait until I see him again, just so I can bring that up to him!
nicole i guessed right, you were off yesterday. i'm up to my ears in paperwork today but i will check in from time to time.
tom, where was mae's at?
Hey Niki watch it Paul's only a year or 2 older than me maybe 3. LOL
John: I was off yesterday. I didn't tell Tom you were on here, it was just a coincidence. The last time I saw Lizzie was at my Uncle's (hers and Frankie's dad) funeral. I saw Frankie a little over a year ago, at his wedding!
Tom: Paul is my cousin! My much, much, older cousin ;)
Sheree: Paul is still very nice looking!
What happened to everybody? Now that I'm, don't tell me I have to talk to myself. I did a lot of that before I got this gadget! I know The Stanly Ballroom was before your time but if any of your folks danced, you've heard of it. It even had a dance step named for it--The Stanly Slide. You always tell SB regulars by their style. There were quite a few places to dance then-the '20s. DEl Rio, on West Chester Pike and Chez Vous in Upper DArby to name a few. It was a good time for musicians because all of these places had big bands. Of course they probably had a "day job" if they wanted to eat. Practically every organization around had an annual "Ball" with a grand march led by the dignitaries and their ladies with everyone dressed to kill. When I was little my mother took me to the dances at South Media fire house. She didn't dance but she liked to watch. That gave me an early interest in dancing. A great Saturday night out for a little kid. Some of the young fellows in those days were called "cake-eaters". I don't know why but they did wear trousers with really wide bell-bottoms.
There was an earlier post re "The Bald Headed Nine". Can anyone fill in the details about this West End gang?
RC- glad you are back. Pidipat-- I went thru Smedley with a Marian Clark, but she doesn't go on to the high school.
Bud you got the location right for that spring. Your years are different from mine because I was born in 37 but the spring was there through my growing up years. I was born and raised on 15th right up that hill. They filled that area all in somewhere along the way and now has a low income apartment buildings sitting on it,also on the 15th st side Crozer has there extended care unit there.Thanks for the response Bud
To RHS75, Rose Embert was also my Aunt through the marriage. Jimmy,Delores,Lois and Bobby are also my cousins. Your Uncle Jim and my father were brothers. Never really knew Aunt Rose's side of the family but knew the last name. Ask your Grandmother if she remember's Kitty that is a Aunt of mine on your Uncle Jim's side I'm sure she will remember.
I'm back! Thank God! It was a very frustrating couple of days. Thanks to the efforts of John Bullock and Harvey I can join all you nice people again. Nighty night now. Talk to you in the morning.
Bud, if you followed Ridley Ave it became 14th St. When they put in I-95 they tore down the houses on the one side of Hancock St. and moved the railroad tracks closer to the back of the houses on 14th st. They then removed all the dirt to lower the road bed down so that it would be level, all the dirt they removed they put in the quarry that was in eddystone. I lived on Hancock St. from 1949 till 1970, got married lived a short time in Claymont, De. and then moved back to 14th St. The area across from the store on 14th st was a practice softball and lacross field when I lived on 14th. also at that same time was when the Eagles held their preseason practice at Widner University.
TO George: I live in Drexel Hill, not too far from Chester. The weather was in the 30's today - about 34 degrees when I left work at 5pm. It was certainly winter weather today.
I grew up in Sun Village and graduated from Chester High in 1964. Any other class of '64 people out there?
Welcome back Lou Warfel - so glad to see your writings again! You gave a beautiful and loving tribute to Betty. God has surely blessed you in all aspects of life - art, music, literature and many, many children who love you. There was a post by Tom, the fellow who found all those old photos, and this weekend, he is going to generously work on them more. Your knowledge of old Chester is so valuable here - I started to type "invaluable" - somehow that word doesn't make sense. I am tickled that you are once again with us.
To Anonymous who asked about the Clark Family. My grandmother left me many old photos and identified everyone. I am not able to find them at the moment, but I remember people by the name of "Clark" being in some of the pictures. I was born on Potter Street - 1100 block. I remember perhaps Marian Clark and a young boy by the name of Walter appearing on a couple of those photos - blond-headed people with full-sized faces. I got the impression that Marian was a friend of my grandmother, Myrtle Hampton, and Walter was Marian's son. I think the house I was born in was my aunt's house (my grandmother's sister), and my aunt and uncle were Frank and Zeruiah "Ruie" Weber. If any one of these names sound familiar, let me know and I will find those photos. Good luck! Strangely, enough, I always wondered who the "Clarks" were. They appeared to have some kind of house at the beach somewhere. Long Island, NY is also mentioned, as is the Delaware Gap.
What was the weather like in Chester today, heard it was 70 yesterday???
To Tom: I meant to say I had a big crush on Paul as a kid.
Too much typing for me at work today, fingers just don't want to cooperate with me anymore!
I had caught a couple postings in reference to an Ida, I believe from the Great Leopard. Did she use to teach skating there?
I practically grew up at the Great Leopard, as did my Mom (Joan Pollock) and her cousin (Floss Brush). I remember my mom got me skating lessons from an Ida at the Great Leopard.
Anybody remember those "dolls" you would attach to your skates and skate with them?
To Tom: What's up with Nancy these days???? Also Sandy, Sharon and Linda??? I saw your posting about Niki's uncle Paul, I had a big crush as a kid.
Does anybody remember the Clark family from 8th. & Potter St., one of the brothers was George, if so what can you tell me about the Clark family?
RHS75: Hi Pam. I got a couple emails from Jackie today. Funny she thought I was talking about Pam Silva when I copied her in on the email I sent you, also I saw your post I don't know if Pam S. checks the board anymore, haven't seen her post in a while but yes she is the one from the west end. Tom
P.S. the board has been running slow today and I'm actually on a lan network so it is probably super slow by modem.
Florence: Yes, He was always quiet. Then you did know my father, his brother Totta but I think we went down this road already.
Harve Sometimes I can't either. I think that you have to keep trying one after the other till it happens.Sometimes it's just too busy.
Tom, I remember spider bulger, he lived down the street from us. Very quiet man.
Anyone remember Lawrence "Spider" Bulger worked I think at Baldwin's lived across from the Armory in Chester for like 50 years. Never married but I hear he was quite the lady's man.
Harvey, I just had the same problem as RC, I rebooted my PC.
i gotta go will check back tommorrow seeya
RC hasn't been able to get on this Bulletin Board since day before yesterday. She can get on other sites and send and receive email but she can't get on here. She uses Webtv. She is suffering from withdrawal. Does anyone have any suggestions or solutions?
Yes, we probably do know a lot of the same people, although I'm probably a few years older than you. I've been seeing your post to Niki. I know practically her whole family I used to live across the street from her grandparents, uncle Paul, aunt Patsy and John Gallagher... Saw her uncle Paul fight a guy for like 4 days straight everyday after school they would go at it. I think they eventually gave up kicking each others a-- and became friends.
Never really hung at T&E's though I was more at Mae's that's where I learned how to shoot pool.
Hi, Lou Warfel, Thanks for sharing memories of Bette with us. It gives all us married folks something to shoot for. I remember Bette telling us she used to sing with Julie De John when they were working at Scott Paper. Seems to me she even had you shaking your adam's apple at some of the variety shows at Our Lady of Charity.
i meant back to the eastside of chester, sorry 'bout that .
tom i bet we have some mutual aquaintences, i grew up on 9th and highland from about'78 on up to the late 80's. that's when i moved back to chester for a littla while, then to clifton heights then to lester then to eddy"rock" and so on and so on and now in claymont, DE.
Yes, I grew up in Chester. Born on 22nd Edgemont then moved to McCaffery when I was 6 lived there most of my life before moving to Eddyrock. Now in Propect Pk.
nicole
haven't heard from you today, off?
tom: i think i remember jack but only vaugly(don't jump on me about te spelling) so. by the way did you grow up in Chester?
Man I really messed up that last comment. That's what happens whe you type to fast.
Sheree: I ran into my cousin Nancy. She living in Eddystone.
John Barton: You know Jack he was the guy I always hang with dirty blonde hair. Another good shooter. But don't tell him I said that :)
Pam Silva Read your posting looking forCindy Sawyer. If she's the one I'm thinking of my son worked with her brother Kirk last year. He lives in Oxford, Pa. Are you from the West End? Also, are you related to the Pam Silva that graduated from Eddystone HS in 1955 ? I am named after her, my mom went to school with her.
I have to write this before I forget. I was remembering when hats were such a big part of outfits. I loved hats. Everywhere we went . To weddings,Church,Sunday School etc..
I have to write this before I forget. I was remembering when hats were such a big part of outfits. I loved hats. Everywhere we went . To weddings,Church,Sunday School etc..
Mr. Warfel What a lovely story, and you are right, your love will always be with you.I am a romantic and it goes on and on, until the 12th of never, i'll still be loving you.
Betty Yes, RoseMcElwee Embert was my aunt ! My grandmom is Jane, still living in Eddystone. John B- She also worked @ Ranger Joe. I think she lost her wedding band there.
Richard Tinney I too remember Pop Johnsons. All I can remember is getting gas there. I believe you were in my 6th grade class @ Eddystone with Mrs. Bundrock.68-69.
Niki (Nicole)
read your post from yesterday,i will have to stop by one of these days just to see what it's like. did you tell tom i was on this site or just coincidence? do you keep in touch with liz and the family? if so tell them i said 'sup (what's up). looking to hear from you, seeya'
Jack Kerch.
i used to live on eddystone ave right off of 9th st. i'm having a little trouble remembering exactly who you are. for some reason i can remember things from twenty years ago better than i can thingsfrom six years ago ..go figure. if you would, give me some info to jog my memory. i don't recall getting picked up to go to pool. i've always had at least one car but that doesn;t mean anything. post back seeya'
Betty: Let me see if I can get my streets right. If you went up Vauclain St (I think) in Sun Village and crossed the B&O tracks I think it turned in to 14th St. On the right side was a small dump and next to it was a path down the hill to a spring were we got our water. There was store across the street that I think was owned by the Klotz(?) family. Right in the area of the spring was a swamp and later on, when I was still a kid, maybe around 1938 or so they brought in truck loads of a liquid tar like material and dumped there, It was a large operation and may have been done by Sun Oil. I can't help but think that whole area may be contaminated and often wondered what was there now. Pidipat: You crossed my mind the other day, my daughter and her husband flew out to visit me and brought me some Scrapple !!! Of course I did not mention this until it was all gone.
Bud Haynes - Yuma, AZ
Neat 1950's site.
www.fiftiesweb.com/music.htm
(Don't know how to put in the hyperlink.)
Hey Nicole Lizzie,Frankie and Jeannie are my cousins too!
Hi. I'm Al Bufano 3rd...from Sun Village. I live in NJ now but still proud of where I'm from. My father is Class of '48 Chester High, My grandfather had his barber shop on Providence Ave. My cousin, Bud still has the car wash on Providence. Thanks for this site! Alf Bufano St James Class of '76
Lou Warfel Phoenix, Az. Many thanks to everyone for your kindness and concern for me when my wife, Bette Jane Brooks Warfel died in January. My family and I have had wonderful support from friends and neighbors, from the members of our parish, and everyone with whom we came in contact with during this difficult time. Bette was an extraordinary woman and I am grateful for the 55 years that she and I had together. As many of you know, we had 15 children and Bette was a devoted mother. By her quick capable actions in emergencies she saved the lives of two of them, Patricia, who accidentally set her clothes on fire, and Paul, who suffered a severe electrical shock. Excellent with the sewing machine, Bette made many nice outfits for herself and for the children. A member of the Artist Guild of Del. County, Bette did many nice oil paintings for friends and family. With a beautiful voice and a love of music she sang at weddings and funerals at Our Lady of Charity in Brookhaven. She also sang with the church choir and performed in several amateur musicals and variety shows. She enjoyed Bowling, Billiards, Golf, Bocce Ball and swimming. Bette also loved crossword puzzles, Pinochle, and Dominos, and she and I spent many happy hours together playing Upwords. Bette loved children. When ours were grown she took a job at the Day Care Center at Neumann College. She and I together wrote an account of the very eventful first 25 years of our marriage. Our children and grandchildren have copies which they read and enjoy. In 1978 Bette and three of our daughters went to California where Bette appeared on the Game Show “Match Game 78”. In a book by Jonathan Gash he says, “……….if you’ve ever loved -- and I don’t mean just had a fond moment -- you can never be alone ever after. She may have ………vanished beyond your ken, but you are part of each other for ever and ever. I believe this is true and it is helping me to feel better day by day. I am tentatively making plans to visit Delaware County in July to visit friends and family, perhaps to do a little research and to look at some of the old familiar places. Lou Warfel
john, i also shoot pool at spada's. still do.. i think i remember you shooting there with us. did you live down off of ninth st. in eddystone, if so you even stopped by my house once or twice on 11th st. i remember stopping by and picking you up cause we were short on players.( still the case till this day)
hi pam, i remember you, didn't know you were related to debbie (kershinski) my sister jackies been on this sight but i don't think to much. tell dave i said hi.
Talkin about the Carusos does any one know that that might have had a daughter who was a teacher at william penn school in the early 7o's i think i was in 2nd or 3rd grade so that would have been 1972or 73...i also know she was a very nice teacher,
Tammy
The congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Chester voted to idssolve our church as of April 7,2002. This was done with much prayer,thought, discussion, and sadness. However, with an ever declining and aging congregation we felt we had no alternative. We would like to issue an invitation to former First Pres. members to come and worship with us on or before April 7th. Services are at 10:00A.M. After April 7th, The Way Through Christ Ministry will be holding services at the church.
Re: CARUSO BROTHERS: Thanks to John, a very big thanks, I spoke on the phone with VINCE Caruso. He is 87 years (I typed "tears" - first - can fit sometimes when it comes to memories); mentally very sharp. Marty is 85 and Tony is 77 (lives in Florida). He asked about my dad; figured he had passed away because Vince said he always came to visit Vince when he was in Chester. And, to my delight, he knew right away who I was. He is extremely busy with students all the time (said he had some at the moment). He does not have a computer but has friends who do. I told him where to find the photo and he is going to look at the picture and get back to me/us. I told him the leader of the orchestra was very handsome and who was the most handsome - him or Marty? (Tony would have only been 7 at the time, so we know it wasn't Tony.) Vince laughed so loud and said, "Well, that would be hard to say."
So, if any one of you or your children or grandchildren want the best in musical instruction, look up the Caruso Bros. Music Studio in Brookhaven.
However, now that I know Vince's age and Marty's - I WAS DEAD WRONG. Neither of them could have been the conductor - too young at the time. I had no idea my father was 6 yrs or so older than them. Not the last time I'll be wrong, so keep your eye on me - I'm getting older by the day.
I hope you found this to be of interest and maybe someone can identify the conductor - very handsome and suave - looks a little like Rudolph Valentino. Oh me, so many handsome men and so little time.
Hi, Donna Welcome to the Club!
Dorothy Shay...try this.
Scroll down, put Shay in the Search this site box, click Search
Hi fellow chesterites, I'm brand new to the site and the computer thing. Someone told me about this site so I had to come visit since I hail from the West End and am proud of it. One of my fondest memory of Chester was going to school at Ressurection Of Our Lord on 9th and Highland. Any of my ole' classmates out there or some ole' rezzers?
Hi fellow chesterites, I'm brand new to the site and the computer thing. Someone told me about this site so I had to come visit since I hail from the West End and am proud of it. One of my fondest memory of Chester was going to school at Ressurection Of Our Lord on 9th and Highland. Any of my ole' classmates out there or some ole' rezzers?
harvey, thankyou. You are a music master. Pat, that sounds great. I wish I could have seen him perform. I have learned so many things from this site.
Eveyone keep's talking about the springs in Chester and Deshong's park where they got water. Does anyone know that there was a little pipe coming out of the ground where you could get spring water between 14th and 15th street right along side a dump? The water was good though. I don't remember the side street but it may have been Crosby.
John, I was in Spada's Friday night. Steve and I stopped in after the Elton John,Billy Joel concert. We hadn't been there in a long time, either. I saw some familiar faces. Believe me, with that place, some things NEVER change.
to RHS75 did your Grandmother have a sister named Rose?
TOM - All of your work regarding those pictures is very, very generous of you and there are many who appreciate your efforts. So glad you saw that post.
FLORENCE - My father was my hero. I grew up just seeing him every few months, but spent all summer vacations, with him and many letters back and forth. After CHS graduation, I moved to live with him and his new family in NJ. Until the day he died at 77 in 1986, he was still performing. He is the one who always encouraged me in everything and started me in show business. His sense of humor has never been equalled by anyone I know, and at his funeral, he was eulogized as having brought laughter to more people than those famous on TV. He was humorous at home too. So quick with his wit (and oh, could he handle the "bullies" - they were afraid to tangle with him while he was performing). When he died, me, my two sisters and one brother fell completely apart for quite a while (even my mother, his ex-wife was distraught) - his loss was great and still is. He had a passionate love for Ireland - visited there 2 or 3 times and kissed the blarney stone (I have the picture). My brother, Michael, then wrote a song after Dad died - "Heaven Must be Ireland to Him."
He was raised in the heart of Chester in a very poor family - loss of his father when he was a baby. He and his brothers also helped lay the foundation (bricks, etc.) for Resurrection Parish and school. He never got any further than the 5th grade - that's because he, a brother Bill, and 3 childhood friends went into vaudeville. He could take any situation and turn it into something hilarious. What a gift God gave him - and I told him so. Shortly, very shortly, before he passed away, he said, "Oh Pat, what have I done with my life?" I said, "Dad, are you kidding? You've brought so much laughter to so many people and without laughter, what a sad world this would be. You contributed more to this world than most." Love you - Pop - always will. I'm proud to be your daughter.
gotta go i'll check back in tomorrow. see ya
Yes, I do and I'm still the captain. They started a local Ridley league on Monday nights. We are in 3rd place and start playoffs in 2 weeks. This will be my last season. Getting married, got my daughter living with me now, you know all kind of personal stuff going on. Well I have to get back to work, so I won't be back on until tomorrow.
P.S. I'm still good...LOL
Also RHS75: It's Tom76 not Tom57 make me sound like a condiment LOL
Tom yes i remember. i guess my memory is fading in my old age. do you still go to spadas? i haven't been there in a looooong time. last time i was there i didn't know a soul. pretty busy but all new faces. oh wait, i seen al "eye" but he didn't recognize me at all. ii guess things change. post back its nice knowing someone on this site. hw long have you been on this site?
I was the captain you were on my team.... you know dark curly hair we used to shoot allll the time. I know you remember, now.
come on tom i need more than that. i mean nikki even told me her last name and i still didn't remember. were you on the pool team? when i think the best i keep thinking of myself LOL, so that doesn't help.
come on tom i need more than that. i mean nikki even told me her last name and i still didn't remember. were you on the pool team? when i think the best i keep thinking of myself LOL, so that doesn't help.
hey pam, i finally figured out that you are pam after reading a little. nice to hear from you. i live in de. and have 4 girls(including stacey). do you miss skating? keep me up on what's up. good to hear from you.
To Pat or Lou: It was I who found the pictures. I just snail mailed john 13 on a CD he should have them in a few days. Took me near 4 hours to scan and fix them the best I could, because they are so old and fading. I also inserted some text as to what where and who if it was written on the back. They are so old that when I take them out of the albums some of them cracked. I will try to send some more when time permits. I only have the weekends to do it because I work late and don't usually sit on the computer at home. So to the people who sent me email I have not forgotten.
Think pool Spada one of the best...:) Captain.
Yes, i am. that was a long time ago. i got out of the limo business and went into real estate. who is this?
pidipat That is a very nice picture and a goodlooking dad. How neat to have that. You must have been very proud of your dad.
To John B: Are you limo john?
To RHS75: Yes, I do remember you, we skated together(well not together) :( at The Big C... I was in the rink the night it was on fire. If I am correct I think you were, also. Ida was your dance and figure teacher. I also took dance and figure, but when they started the speed team I jumped on that. I remember a guy name Bobby was on the team, too. I am like family with the Kershinski's. I know Dave, too tell him I said Hi.. You use to go out with an old buddy of mine T. T. although I don't think it was to long. Question do you still have that long beautiful red hair?
Dorothy Shay http://24.25.20.4/SearchResp.asp
Somebody brought it up first so I don't feel so bad but the temperature in Denver this morning was 4 below with 5 inches of snow. I'll bet that makes you all feel better now doesn't it. George (Please, no jokes about brass monkeys, witches or well diggers, ok?) PS, the temp on Saturday was 72, man, ya gotta love it!!
68 degrees in Chester, Pa today.
People take a minute and click on the sites. Pidipat is telling you to do it. Controlling again?
Just a short "thank you" note to those people giving me "hugs" - made me feel warm all over. So, good does come from bad, sometimes, because the negativity that has been posted here, has just brought a lot of us closer and to a better understanding of each other.
FLORENCE - Don't ever knock your memory. Dorothy Shay (or is it Shea - not sure) the "Park Avenue Hillbilly". I never heard that funny song you printed, but if we know Harvey, he'll find it somewhere and play it for us. I'd really like to hear it. If you haven't re-heard Tem-Tay-Shun - "Well it were thisaway - you came, allerin' me on" (remember that) by Jo Stafford and Roy (or Ray) Engle - it's on one of the sites Harvey gave us. I laughed once again hearing it(after about 30 years).
I noticed on the Home Page here that John has an invitation to all to write about the current happenings in Chester. That would be interesting, especially about the young generation and their accomplishments, etc.
I received a reply to my email to Lou and he is doing better every day and says he will soon join us. He is interested in the names of those families found on the old pictures that were found in the tossed boxes. Forget who posted that, but I told Lou where he would find those posts. We are all grateful to the fellow who told us about those pictures.
Just a short "thank you" note to those people giving me "hugs" - made me feel warm all over. So, good does come from bad, sometimes, because the negativity that has been posted here, has just brought a lot of us closer and to a better understanding of each other.
FLORENCE - Don't ever knock your memory. Dorothy Shay (or is it Shea - not sure) the "Park Avenue Hillbilly". I never heard that funny song you printed, but if we know Harvey, he'll find it somewhere and play it for us. I'd really like to hear it. If you haven't re-heard Tem-Tay-Shun - "Well it were thisaway - you came, allerin' me on" (remember that) by Jo Stafford and Roy (or Ray) Engle - it's on one of the sites Harvey gave us. I laughed once again hearing it(after about 30 years).
I noticed on the Home Page here that John has an invitation to all to write about the current happenings in Chester. That would be interesting, especially about the young generation and their accomplishments, etc.
I received a reply to my email to Lou and he is doing better every day and says he will soon join us. He is interested in the names of those families found on the old pictures that were found in the tossed boxes. Forget who posted that, but I told Lou where he would find those posts. We are all grateful to the fellow who told us about those pictures.
YES! that's it. that's me. i don't think i ever knew your last name. or maybe forgot. do you still keep in touch with everyone from from the bar? i moved down to delaware about a year ago. i only come up to chester to collect the rent (remember?). ididn't know that lizzie was your cousin. last time i saw her was when i lived in collingdale about 5 years ago. i hope you are doing good. i can't quite remember the last time i saw you i would say about 2or three years ago? how's barb and chris doing? post back.
That's it! Columbas! In Eddystone, right? If you remember me, you probably know me as Niki. I'm sure you know my cousin Chris. He played pool for Columbas, and he worked there, too. He married Barb who also works there. The last time I saw you, you were living on 21st. St. You lived a few doors away from my cousin.
Frank, and Lizzie are my cousins.
John,
That's it!! Columbas! In Eddystone, right? You might know me as Niki. Chris H. is my cousin. He finally married Barb. I think the last time I saw you, you were living on 21st. St. My cousin lived a few doors away from you.
John,
That's it!! Columbas! In Eddystone, right? You might know me as Niki. Chris H. is my cousin. He finally married Barb. I think the last time I saw you, you were living on 21st. St. My cousin lived a few doors away from you.
Again for those interested in the Caruso family, John Bullock has now posted under "Recreation" on the left side menu, the photo I mentioned. Click on "Chester Radio Orchestra" and there's the photo. My dad (Tom McFadden) is to the right of the drummer holding his banjo. The gentleman standing to the left of the drummer is one of the Carusos (I am almost positive). If you can help identify some of the others, that would be wonderful. The faces are small, granted, but one never knows. Incidently, my dad was never that solemn - and I wonder what he's looking for in his pocket? Or, maybe he was just trying to look "dapper".
nicole
Yes i do play pool, very much so. i have played for several bars in the area, the columbas club, the alibi(now harry cats),the cliton inn and some others i'm sure over the years. i did know a scarpato growing up on the west end. it was lizzie and frank that's about all i can remember about them. i don't remember a nicole but the last name may just be a coincidence. give me some more information maybe we are or were friends at one time. see ya'
Harvey , Ruth, Piddipat is soooooooooright. It is beautiful. You always think of such wonderful things.
John,
No, that's not me. I think I know the Nicole you're thinking of. She lived on 16th St. My last name is Scarpato. I still think I know you. Do you happen to play pool?
RUTH and HARVEY - Oh my gosh. What an exquisitely beautiful and exceptionally done site for the Media Class of '35. People, take a minute and click on the sites (haven't gone to the second one yet) provided by Harvey. I understand Ruth is in her 80's (hope she doesn't mind me saying this - she appears to be as proud of her age as I am of mine (70). The opening page just took my breath away. This is one of the things that makes this site such a treasure. Thank you Harvey and Ruth.
To John Thank you so much for starting this site. As you can see I am really enjoying it. Sorry for so many entries but I'm new! Someof the articles make me proud to be from Chester. My whole family & my husbands' were from Chester. My great-grandfather had asuitcase store? and ajunk shop, downtown I think. His name was Pasquale DePaolo. His sons all went to St. Anthonys on 3rd St.. They lived on 3rd & Franklin. MY grandmother lived on Patterson St. near Penn St. She is a McElwee. Anyone remember any of those names or places? Thanks again!
RC's Class Photos...(Ruth Wingate)
http://www.mediahighschool.com/class35/35students.htm
http://www.mediahighschool.com/class35/35reunion.htm
To Jack & Jackie Kersinski My cousins' cousin is married to Rocky,Debbie. Jackie & I both took skating lessons from Ida Grande in the late 60's early 70's. I am still in touch with her.Jackie and I were good friends. Whatever happened to Charlie & linda? Remember roller derby?
To Tom57 You must know my husband & I because I saw back in Dec. that you were telling someone we were married, Pam Kline and Dave Watras. We were from Honan St. in the Gardens. I also lived in Sun Village & Eddystone. Are you the same Tom that posted under tradgedies that you were in the rink when the fire started?
To Floyd I figure if you know Ed Gebhardt, you might remember my dad,Russ Kline. He was a fast ball pitcher in the late 50's early 60's for Fat'sBar & I think Moyamensing. Ed has written many nice articles about him. Thanks to Ed. Dad is in the Delco Softball Hall of Fame.
To Ruthann Do you remember my mom, she graduated from Eddystone in 55, Mary Jane DePaolo ?
Pidipat will keep on posting because she has a lot of interesting things to say and she truly has true grit as Harvey has said. (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Pat my friend)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) that was a good idea. One day the wind told the breeze, Their is no one strong as I, I can uproot yonder tree, with ease I raise a roof on high.The gentle breeze said in reply, that you cannot replace the the joy I bring in spring to girl and to boy, And so I am as strong thee. something from childhood. Who ever heard of the New York hillbilly Dorothy Shay. I never knew that our romance had ended, until that bottle hit my head, and I tried to be aloof, when you pushed me off the roof, I feel our romance is dead, etc, from the 40's.We must have had that record at home on Walnut st, 15th.I can see it so clearly and I wish that when I pass on, I will wake up where I began. But of course noboddy can go back. I do know that. RC how are you doing today? Keep on telling us what we want to hear.
Dave Sorry about that, must have hit the wrong button. Haven't seen you since Sandys' wedding in 81. I think we went to Harrys Savoy Grill on Namans Rd. after. I graduated with your ex and went to Jeffries with Steven. Remember the dances at Linwood Fire house and of course St. James? {take your shoes off!} I also skated at The Leopard. Did you figure me outyet? Are you still with Pepsi? Dave & I are still married. We have 4 children & agrand daughter.My grandmom still lives in Eddystone. Message back.
Dave Thanks for the info. I haven't seen you since
Dave Thanks for the info. I haven't seen you since
Dave Thanks for the info. I haven't seen you since
Dave Thanks for the info. I haven't seen you since
To FLOYD: Speaking about doctors, did you know Dr. Plafker? I may have the spelling wrong...he was a dentist and a very patient one! When I was in 2nd grade I had the misfortune to have broken a collar bone and have a very bad toothache. So, Christmas Eve comes and my mouth is hurting badly - Dad calls Dr. Plafker at 9:00 PM and asks him to get my tooth out. Dr. P. met us at his office, me a pathetic sight with a sling on my arm and a puffed out cheek. Once we got in the office I was scared and wouldn't open my mouth. He never fussed but talked to me and waited patiently - finally got me to breathe in "hoagie juice" as he called the gas and the tooth came out. That wouldn't happen today - I mean having a dentist meet you at night without a helluva emergency fee.
Nicole
ido not know your boyfriend but i did know a nicole in sun hill. if your last name begins with or used to begin with a "j" let me know. did you used to work at sears? post back.
Actually Marge, before you prounce on me, I had started to ask a question but changed to a sentence. Didn't catch the mistake on time to correct it.
Now getting back to what this board is about. Chester. It doesn't look too bad at night.
There still are some nice areas in the daytime too. From Providence Ave. to Melrose, from 18th to 21st streets. Those big old homes still look good.
Years ago, those homes were for the Professionals who eventually moved out to Swarthmore, then on to Nether Providence, then Media, then Upper Providence, going farther away from the city blight.
It would be nice to see some Victorian homes built in Chester. That period in time seemed to be the most loving, peaceful and beautiful. It might rub off again. They didn't have too many conveniences at that time but they took pride in their homes. You can tell by the ones still standing in that part of the first ward.
Hope the city does turn around because the location is prime.
Whoops! I used a question mark instead of a period. Ten demerits!
Only kidding, not really a teacher. If I was, I wouldn't brag about it.
Hey Marge, if you were really a teacher, you wouldn't use a preposition to end a sentence?
You did! "the best internet hug I can come up WITH?"
Marge: In our school district after 12 years you have tenure and the average salery is $56,000.00. I believe where you are with a masters degree it is at $26,000. We start higher than that. Maybe your the wrong Marge, but teachers here can make big bucks and get paid during breaks.
mary ann could you please write in chinese for my ancestors
George, if you e=mailed me I didn't get it...having problems with my server tonight...K.
Where is all this going?????
Hey Teach, if any of us were in your class we'd be too stupid to be on the internet in the first place.
If some of you were in my class, we would be staying in at recess to discuss manners and honoring other's feelings. I am thoroughly disappointed at the lack of tact some posters have in regards to other posters. Say what you will about my post... I am a teacher, you can't scare me!!!! haha!!
((((((((((Pidipate)))))))) <--- that is the best internet hug I can come up with. PLEASE keep posting.... I know you said you would... and I like your spunk! :)
repmujyks loa@56potder
Does anyone remember the Four Aces in 1951?
Does anyone remember the concert in Chester Park with the Four Aces in 1952?
MaryAnn I'm dyslexic so I would enjoy your contributions much more if you would please write them backwards. Thanks for your consideration.
Well, MaryAnn, Picky, Picky, Ican't believe it. the nerve of some people.
Floyd Murray
I love reading about your recollections of the past in Chester; it brings back so many memories. One suggestion, however; could you please make a few paragraphs in your writings. It would be so much easier to read. Thanks and keep up with the memories.
Mary Ann
Kate: I'm having problems e-mailing you, please e-mail me at the above address and we'll try again. Some folks have had problems getting set up but most slide right through. Ditto on dealing with AOL. G
George, I did get to the site, left & when I tried to go back it would not let me, said I had to be invited again...maybe others are having trouble getting on...I don't have AOL as they are a pain to deal with ...
Floyd Don't worry about awakening memories. I moved a long time ago. Life must go on. thanks
Kate you are welcome
Floyd Don't worry about awakening memories. I moved a long time ago. Life must go on. thanks
Kate you are welcome
George, Thank's for all your help....Florence, nice of you to help me out...Thanks.Kate
Floyd,I went to school with Joanne News Notre Dame '65 is she related to you? She was a friend of mine...When did you graduate? Kate
to rhs75chs75, there is a skating rink in nj(riverside) that still has live organ music. it is called holiday and they play tuesdays and sundays,fyi.
Kate: Yes, believe or not, there still is a Chester "chat room". There was some excitement about it in the beginning (last August) but activity and participation have dwindled to almost nil. It requires an invitation to join, but this is just to keep it "Chester" oriented and not intended to keep anyone from joining. Of course it is free and requires the downloading of a program called "AIM", also free. AIM is not required if you are an AOL subscriber. There were several requests to start Neighborhood nights, so I started with West End on Monday eve and East End on Tue eve. No one shows up. There was some interest in having High School nites, so I asked for suggestions and only got two replies. In discussing the lack of participation of the chat room with several cyberspace friends from Chester, I think we understand why it's not being used. I will not go into that here, as it would probably start another verbal fued. If you'd like to join the chat room or would like any other information on it, please email me at gpmalick@wideopenwest.com and I'll get you all set up....George
Floyd I remember you from when we went to CHS. I use to walk from Hancock St. in the Village to CHS going up 12th to Edgemont to 9th, along the way I would meet up with a friend of mine named Vince Healy, he lived at 12th and Walnut, did you know him and have you ever heard of or from him? The schools I attended where Jefferies, Smedley and CHS.
To Florence - You wrote "Floyd That was my father and yes my baby brother drowned at Woodland Beach.Yes, my father never got over that. It just ran him down. My mother was pretty much the same." Florence, I am so sorry - I hope I did not bring back any painful memories. But John was such a nice kid, and a good friend to me, that I remember his friendship even after all these many years. Even though his early death was a true tragedy, this is a testament to the nice boy he was and the very good man he would have become. And this is something to be VERY proud of. Smile now, OK? :-) Life always goes on - but we always keep the family and friends we care for in our hearts. It is a gift from God or Nature or whatever you prefer. But it is a gift from "wherever" and we need to be grateful for it. Gotta run. More later. And thanks to everyone again for this great page. :-)
Addendum - Quickly, to Tom - no sir, Phil News was not a minister, not that I knew of anyway. He was certainly not in Buckman Village circa 1974, and I know this. He and his wife - the former Mary Bradley - my Mom was a girlhood friend of hers ever since she came over here from Ireland in the late 1920's - Mary settled in Chester - were just very close family friends. Long story, but I was not baptized as a Catholic until I was 13 years old - Dad wanted me to be a Protestant, Mom wanted me to be a Catholic - anyway – Mom won – and since I had something to say in the matter, I asked for "Uncle Phil" and "Aunt Mary" to be my godparents. Mom had more - shall we say - "sedate" - friends than Dad did ;-) Anyway. Mary came to America from Ireland in the late 1920's and married Phil in the 30’s, I think. They lived for many, many years in a row home on Melrose Avenue - - RIGHT across the street from the Widener football field. Phil was not really my "uncle" but when I was a kid - I guess it was something to do with being an only child - I named my older cousins and people whom I liked - as "Uncle" and "Aunt". Mary was a tough, old Irish lady. But at my Mom's funeral - both of my parents are buried in Chester Rural - she tried to be brave but broke down at the gravesite and I comforted her. She had lost her life-long friend, you see. Me too. :-( Anyway. After Mom's death, I squirreled away in Media to start a new life, which I did. Made a LOT of good friends here. But one night, not too long ago, not quite a year I think, but I forget the date – I was in the West End Saloon with some friends and there was a copy of the Daily Times on the bar and I picked it up and browsed through it. Checked the obits – yeah, I know the joke – “to see if my name was in there” – but then I saw that Phil News had died. It was in that paper, on the bar, that I randomly picked up. Life is strange, etc. The obit said that his wife Mary had died several years before. I did not know that. We certainly never had any problems but they never called – even though I was something of a “public figure” at the time, as my home phone number was published in the Daily Times every Friday - and I never called - and we just lost touch over the years. My fault, really. I thought of them many times over the nine years I have been in Media, but I just never called. I do not know why, but I never did. Phil was quite a prominent person in Chester at one time – and when I was a kid, and even beyond, into my early 20’s, since we both used to love old horror films, he would always call and tell me that he saw that the original “Dracula” or “Frankenstein” would be playing on TV at such and such a time. He was the subject of a lengthy Daily Times interview circa 1977 or so – I took a secret pleasure in this, thinking something like “And THIS is the guy who calls me when a Karloff film is on!” When I was about 7 years old he took me to a science fiction film at the Mac Theatre on 9th St. OH! – An aside – Does ANYONE here remember Herb’s newsstand RIGHT next to the Mac theatre? – I have a LOT to tell you all about THAT place later on – :-) - anyway – and I freaked out at a scene of some guy melting or something and he had to take me out of the theatre. He was a little perturbed but very cool about it – Hell, I was only about seven or so. We laughed about it in later years. But I never called Phil or Mary when I left Chester – and now it is too late. And such is life. C’est la vie.
To Floyd Murray: My brother-in-law was a member of the "Bald Headed Nine". For some unknown reason he called himself Mat Sullivan. Really Harry Marin owner of The Gateway. Another member was Bud Laury.
kate
If you go to whats new in chester on the home page, there is the information
Floyd
That was my father and yes my baby brother drowned at Woodland Beach.Yes, my father never got over that. It just ran him down. My mother was pretty much the same.
Hi Everyone - Just popped in for a minute. To buffyk@fast.net - My Dad worked with another paperhanger whose last name was Smalley. I forget the gentleman's first name but I went to Smedley with his son, John Smalley, a very, very nice kid who drowned when he was only around 15-16 or so. I graduated Smedley in 1965 so this was around that era. I remember Dad talking about how devastated - obviously - his friend was over his boy's death. John was really a hell of a nice kid. Please feel free to answer privately, via email, if you wish. Later will write about that great Smedley reunion about 12 years ago. Rummaging through my stuff while packing, I found the class picture we all had taken. I also kept the videotape made of the reunion. That was a great reunion and quite a night - I got to see the girl I had a TOTAL and HOPELESS crush on ALL throughout Smedley and Chester High also. After the reunion, we all went to the Wharf Tavern in Aston and since she did not have a car (her brother had driven her to the reunion) I had the privilege of driving her to the get-together we “Smedleyites” were having. :-) I won't give her full name, but her first name was Ellen. She was still beautiful, and she does not live in the area anymore but I noted that she was quite the "keeper of the flame" - she showed up at the reunion with all sorts of Smedley memorabilia from those years. Pictures, papers, yearbooks, etc. It was the first time I had talked to her since a long-ago day in Chester High when I saw her walking home up 9th St. (she lived on East 22nd and I was still on Dupont street) and (GULP!) I actually got the nerve to ask her if I could walk with her. We had a nice chat on the way, but I still never got the nerve to ask her out ;-) Young love, eh? Ah, well. Anyway. Tina - I do not know if Dr. Deprophetis is still alive. Wish I could give you a better answer. Maybe someone else here could help? He was one hell of a great surgeon, I know that. Later he told my Mother and I that Dad's gall bladder was like "mush" when he removed it. My parents had me later in life and Dad was around 70 then. In the hands of a lesser surgeon, considering how truly serious this emergency was, he probably would not have made it but thanks to Dr. Deprophetis we had him with us for another six years. I think I saw Dr. Lachman once as a child and I know I did - when I was VERY young (I am blessed - or cursed, if you will - with what is called a "photographic memory") - see Dr. DeLaites a couple of times. However, my main pediatrician was Dr. Richard Barr, who had an office in the Smedley area. I forget exactly where. I switched to the family doctors (we had two) when I hit adolescence but I remember reading an article in the Daily Times about Dr. Barr - one of his own children had died and he talked about how it hit him so hard - naturally – and how he had saved so many other children in his career but his own was lost. Very, very sad. I often wonder – guess this is a syndrome for those of us on a site like this – where he is today. Still alive and doing well, I hope. Anyway. BTW - the files of the Daily Times - called "the morgue" in the trade - are open to the public by appointment. There is always a librarian there to help you. It used to be Peggy Chance, a nice lady who had the job for years - do not know who has it now. But they are invaluable and the “newer” files - say from 30 years ago, probably longer - are carefully indexed by name, subject, etc. They are clippings and Peggy would spend many an hour carefully cutting them out of the paper and carefully indexing and cross-indexing them. Virtually all of the older files are also on microfiche, both at the Times and the Widener Library. They go back for over a hundred years. I have not used them in ten years – but back ten years ago, a girlfriend and I were researching the Media serial killer of the 1940's - yes, there was a serial killer in Media back then, but I guarantee you won’t read about it in any Media “Everybody’s Hometown” PR releases - and the Times files were invaluable in our research. I recently gave my personal file collections to a friend - there are a TON of them - but somewhere in there should also be something about my search for the Chester Liberty Bell. Yes, my friends, there WAS a Chester Liberty Bell. It was cast at the same time as the much more famous - and MUCH larger - Liberty Bell we all know so well, and apparently by the same business which made Philly's Liberty Bell. Hope I can see those old files again but I am sure they are in there someplace, as I was pretty meticulous about these things. Bob O'Neill, who, back around 15 years ago, was the public relations representative for the Chester School District, and I worked on this one. He lived - and hopefully still does - in Springfield at the time. There is a belfry in the old Courthouse and even though the police station was also right there, the door to the Courthouse was left open one day and - well - :-) :-) ;-) - Bob and I stopped by the Courthouse one day - and - uh - :-) - well, I sneaked in and climbed up to the belfry to check out the bell. Not easy, as I'm pretty large to start with and was also lifting weights constantly then, but I got up there anyway. It was still a tight squeeze. Anyway, it was not the same bell Bob and I had in an old photograph from 1930 – it was in a picture with Mayor Ayres – Spelling right? – and the one at the Courthouse is much larger. I don’t think anyone had been up there in years. I spent the next hour wiping the dust off me. Will check with my friend this weekend, as my files on this research should be in there, but there are also a HUGE amount of files as investigating unsolved mysteries was sort of a hobby of mine since I was around 15 years old. Too bad I was never paid for it :-). Anyway, I forget exactly how we determined this, but we figured the Chester Liberty Bell was residing, packed away and gathering dust, in some long-forgotten storage space in Philadelphia. You see, it had been taken to Philly around 1935-40-45 or so for a Fourth of July celebration and it seemed to just disappear after that. Bob and I talked about taking the research further, but he was busy and I was busy and nothing else ever came of it. So the fate of the Chester Liberty Bell remains a mystery. Maybe Judge Crater and Amelia Earhart are making it gong once more, in some misty land beyond tomorrow and yesterday, and having a good laugh on those of us who investigated unsolved mysteries. Anyway. To ruthcarney@webtv.net - No, I am sorry - the name Bill Culbert does not ring a bell with me (no pun intended - really :-). My Dad knew a lot of people in his youth but the name Bill Culbert is one I do not remember. He talked about his drinking and partying buddies from "way back when" in Chester – 1930’s and beyond, since he lived all his life here after his family moved from Cincinnati when he was just a tyke. Some of the people he knew were quite notorious at the time. Dad, himself, made some extra money running liquor during Prohibition. Even as a boy, Dad was a brilliant pianist who was classically trained, starting at age 5, in Liszt and Chopin but he preferred jazz – I think he could have played Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag with his eyes closed – and he played piano in some of the “houses” in Bethel Court when he was around 14-15 years old or so. Not to denigrate the great Ethel Waters – but yes, her mother did work there. And yes, this is how she came to be born in Chester. Anyway. Moving on. Along with the other fun and games in Bethel Court, there was also a lot of gambling going on and Dad told me that the winners were always escorted to their homes, carefully and safely, by a couple of hulking bodyguards, to ensure that they got home OK and were not mugged on the way back. After all, they were “customers” and would no doubt be back the next week. Say what you will, but the place was run “right”. Anyway. One of Dad’s friends from that era was Johnny Traub, a small, slender guy with thick Coke-bottle glasses who Dad said was the best bar fighter he ever saw in his life. Bigger guys in bars would pick on this "funny-looking" little guy with the big glasses and Dad would recall how he slowly took off his glasses, set them carefully on the bar, and then all Holy Hell would break loose. He said he attacked like a wildcat and he never saw the guy lose a fight, no matter how big the opponent was. Needless to say - Dad always stayed on his good side ;-) Another was Jess O'Neill, a huge, red-haired guy whom I remember visiting with Dad when Jess and his wife - I forget her name - I think it was Ethel - lived on Bickley Place in Chester. He was friendly and nice as hell, but a bit scary to an 8-9 year old kid. He had hands the size of baseball mitts but a big Irish smile, lots of red hair, and he laughed real loud and I remember he gave me a big plate of ice cream and put a western on TV for me. Dad also knew some of the members of the infamous Bald-Headed Nine, an early Chester gang, from, I recall, the East End, around 9th St. I think. My Dad often used to talk about Chester back in the real old days and his memories, to an extent, also became mine. It fascinated me and it still does. My Mom, God rest her, led a much more quiet life. Anyway, gotta run – and thanks to everyone for such a great page about the great city of Chester!
To Floyd: Was your uncle Phil News a minister, too? Did he live in Buckman Village. I think he eulogized my brother when he passed away with MD in 1974.
To Tammy: I went to school at 5th and Waters St with Karen and we graduated together. I think we even dated for a couple of weeks. Tell her I said hi. Live on Pulaski Dr.
Today I snail mailed some pictures on CD from the 20's of old chester to John.
Can anyone tell me if the chat room is used by anyone ??And how to you get signed in. Thanks
Harvey, I remember getting a birch beer with my dad.How about Kresge's chili burger's.My mother loved Martha Washington candy store and so did I.
John B--- Your newest feature "What Chester Makes..." brought back many memories. I lived in a house at 5th& Madison and that sign on the other side of the Pennsy tracks shined in my bedroom window. Later in even harder times we moved across the street to a one bdrm appartment.I didn't have a bedroom and couldn't see the sign anymore. The sign was next to my best source of money in my pre-teens. The Junkyard on Crosby St paid for newspapers and scrap metal and I pulled many wagon loads there. In addition, in those days people would pay me to get gallon jugs of spring water from the springs at Deshong or Chester Park. The railroad siding was a great place to play because they sometimes left empty boxcars there for days. The Great Train Robbery was played out there many times. We even had batting practice under the RR bridge. Pitched on one side of the street and hit from the other. Those blacktaped balls really hurt your head when the bounced off the stone walls. This was before Little League. No ballfields nor anyone to organize so we did it ourselves.
Just a reminder that tonite is "West End" night in the chat room. It might be a good place to get some of this "hostility" off your chest. If you haven't joined, send me an email at gpmalick@wideopenwest if you need the link, its: http://prv-groups.aol.com/oldchesterpa
John B:
Really a good piece on your What's New section regarding the "WHAT CHESTER MAKES, MAKES CHESTER" . Don't know if anyone remembers, but Mrs. Mielke (5th Grade Dewey School) would have her students write an essay on those words and what the words meant to them.
Welcome Aboard Floyd - I look forward to more memories from you, too. All kinds of past history and little tidbits of information and help is posted here, and a lot of familiar names. Dr. DeProphetis was my doctor too - who was/is older, Rocco or Nino?
To Floyd and others interested in the Caruso family and music from old Chester:
I found the 8-1/2x11 picture of the orchestra my dad was in and it was taken in late 20's or very early '30's. The picture is labeled "Caruso Radio Orchestra - Chester, Pa. - Stations WIP - WFAN." Nine members in the band plus (Vince or Marty - no first name given) as the leader. It consisted of three sax/clarinet players, the piano man, guitar/banjo (my dad), drummer, tuba player, one French Horn/trumpet player, and one trombone player. It's a professionally-taken picture and I would really like to post it on our website. I think Harvey can tell me how to send this to John, or how to handle it. Unfortunately, no names are given for the members of the orchestra. Mr. Caruso is holding a baton, but not far from him on the floor, there is a violin - which possibly he played - don't know. If anyone knows who any of the other musicians were and would like to see this picture, I can email to you - not sure of the quality it would come out as. So, it would nice if I could post it somewhere.
To the folks who submitted information about the Post Office locations and the names of the postmasters: Could any of you tell me if the locations listed for the period of 1875-1880 would have covered Upland's delivery? I found info in obits and old newspaper articles that mentioned Joseph Dalton (Sr. and Jr.) were postmasters - but it didn't mention the location. I know they lived in Upland but wonder if the mail was handled through Upland or Chester? Where did find the info? I could use some help! Thanks.
John Barton, your name sounds very familiar. I'm 28 and I grew up in Sun Hill (I still live there). By boyfriend is closer to your age, he's 38 and grew up on Walnut St. His name is Steve Zalewski. Maybe you know him?
tammy, yes i did know karen from the west end and than met two other sisters when they lived on eighth st.
Hey Jack Scotts is still in Chester only called Kimberly-Clark...I should say the same plant is there...I worked in Eddystone plant after h.s.'65...Kate
NO ONE is dictating what is "ALLOWED" some have said personal use should be for e-mail's to your friends.
Is Scott Paper still operating in Chester? A corporate hatchet guy named Dunlap did a job on Scott in the 80s, I believe.
Worked at Scott Paper a few summers while going to college in the early 50s...ran a machine packing Scotties. Shift work too,7 to 3, 3 to 11, and 11 to 7.. Really had a negative affect on my social life.
Floyd Murray,glad someone new is on here with "good old memories" , to many have used this site for their personal forum..you know who you are...name blaming get's you no where on here cause they keep on doing it...so let the blame-game continue...
I was trying to stay out of the finger pointing but, geez, what is the big issue with some of you regarding Pitapat and "personal platforms?" I don't know about the rest of you but if the comments on a post aren't interesting to me, or I don't have anything to add, I move on. Quite a few of you seem obsessed with the comments of some of the regular posters. It isn't up to you or me to dictate what is "allowed" to be written on this community board. So now, if you want to flame me for stating an opinion - so be it.
FloydCHS48,we lived in that area many years' Floyd Murray. My father was also a paperhanger, S.D.Smalley. And Shae--I don't think it hurts one bit to be a little personal at times, sometimes that's how we help out people. I am sure a lot of us have put personal things out here. I know that this board is to try to bring back memories of chester.Their are a lot of people that should use e-mail, but they choose not too, and thats ok .Everyone has just found a lot of old friends and its hard not to say everything you want them to know. To err is human, but to forgive is divine
pidipat@earthlink.net: Please make your personal things private. Use emial, that's what it is for. This site is for all to post memories of Chester & surrounging areas, not your platform. You seem to have some social problem, could be too much time on your hands. You sound depressed at times. Please keep to purpose of this site.
Thank you so much, Floyd Murray. I'm more in your dad's era but you have preserved his memories very well. I saw Al Pike do his act a couple of times. He would bite a chunk out of a glass and chew it up--made your blood run cold. Do you have any memory of Bill Culbert(notsure of the spelling). He was a wonderful piano player with the most beautiful hands.
Good Morning all. To PITAPAT: You asked if anyone knew about cats like yours. I think the 6 toed variety are called Hemingways. That is what I have always heard, the author Ernest Hemingway had many cats of that sort. I've seen them but have never owned one. I have the "dumped off" variety - whatever ends up at my door!
Hello to Paul Crowther! I have been negligent in keeping in touch and I have always enjoyed hearing from you. Hope you are well.
To FLOYD: Is Dr.Rocco Deprophetis still alive? He delivered me back in 1956! I also remember Dr. Wyman (my mother's physician) and Dr. Lachman who was my pediatrician.
To BILL & MARY'S FRIEND: Last time I posted to you I screwed up and put your "handle" in where I should have typed Tina. Made the post look like it came from you - oh well....
hello everyone. i just finished reading ALL of the postings from over the weekend, busy site. i am still hoping to hear from someone from my "gereration" but it's not looking good. i still go to chester on a regular basis and would be happy to answer any questions about the neighborhood, as far as what is or isn't there anymore. i grew up in chester and didn't move out until i was 25. that was about 10 years ago. but my whole family is from chester. the Wrights,Thorntons,Bartons. my grandparents used to live next to joe(mayor)battle and his mom agnes. when i was growing up i stayed at my grandparents blanche barton and maurice(slim)barton house every weekend. they became very close. i was stunned when judge battle died last year. i remember alot of the stories my grandparents told me about how chester was when they were young. reading the stories here brings back those times. thankyou.
Carol52, I did live on Clover Lane in the 50s...can't recall Rostron family.
John, Thank-you for being able to add the *motto* of Chester to this site, for it brings back a lot of great memories to me. :o) Sharyn
Thanks for your memories Floyd...hope there is a lot more to come!
Hi Everyone – A cousin of mine, now living in Florida, told me about this wonderful page and I was amazed to see it, to say the least. It is fantastic! As a journalist by trade for over the past twenty years, I do tend to get “wordy” but will try to keep this first post relatively short. In the middle of a move from Media, where I live now, I took time out from packing to send in this post on this quiet and reflective Sunday night. I was born on Upland St. in Chester and my parents moved to 622 Dupont St. when I was about three or four and I lived there until I was around 20 and then we moved to 1119 Terrill St., in Sun Village. We lived there for around 20 years. My father was Floyd Murray – also my name – and my mother was Marie, a nurse at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Dad was a local musician in the 1930’s and ‘40’s, a pianist who had his own band, and he was also at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. My good friend from the Daily Times, Ed Gebhart, wrote an article about Dad in the December 7, 1973 edition of the paper. Dad was a switchboard operator at Ft. Shafter in the Hawaiian Islands. As Ed wrote, Dad “missed his date with destiny by 55 minutes” as his shift ended at 7 a.m. that awful morning and the next fellow on duty was the one who first saw the blips on the radar screen. The “blips” were the Japanese planes. Ed wrote “(Murray) was sitting in his tent writing a letter to the woman who would become his wife when destiny came calling”. Dad described the bombing to her just as it was happening and I still have that letter. It is perhaps my most prized possession – not as an invaluable historical document, which is it, but as my most valued of family heirlooms. I also worked as a reporter and columnist for the Daily Times for some years, starting as a Chester correspondent. Today, I seem to be best remembered for the weekly Bar Hopping column I originated for the Daily Times and wrote for about 16 years. Oh, well. Anyway, I based that long-running column on The Needler, the bar paper of local entertainment news and gossip, published by George Grieco, the printer for Crozer-Chester Medical Center for many years. George was a great guy and when I interviewed him for one of my columns, naming him as the originator of an entertainment tradition I was then carrying on in the Daily Times, he gave me some of the old Needler copies, which I still have today. George published The Needler from 1939 to around 1982, quitting only when his friend and columnist Hank Stafford (he wrote “Hanky-Panks”) died. Anyway - today Len Casterline, another friend, is doing a great job carrying that bar column tradition on in the Times. Later, I will write a longer message to the fine editor of this wonderful site but the people whom Dad introduced me to as I was growing up will no doubt jog some memories. As a boy, I met the Carusos, as he knew all of the members of that great musical family; Andy Bufano, the barber who was also a piano teacher; Skipper Dawes, music teacher at – I believe – Smedley Junior High in the late 50’s or early 60’s – please correct me if I am wrong. Dad told me that Skipper used to work with Lawrence Welk. Bill Wallace, the auto mechanic from 3rd St. and a great human being, to say the least; Joe Rentz from Joe’s Hardware which recently closed – I saw Joe last about two years ago at a restaurant in Swarthmore and we had a nice talk. Dad worked part-time at his hardware store for many years and yes, I still remember the little post office in the front and Joe’s green eyeshade which he put one whenever he went in there. Joe is a great guy who always gave Mom and me an American flag each Veteran’s Day for Dad’s grave. Also, there is the much-missed Vern Triboletti, a good friend who really loved music, from opera to bog bands, from Hutchinson’s Pharmacy, and many, many more. Dad would often talk about the incredible Al Pike, a close friend of his before Al left Chester, and I always wanted to meet this man whom Dad said was a musical genius, with a Ph.D – a college professor – But who also used to eat cigars and light bulbs as a party trick! I’m sorry that I never met him too. Dad was the first non-Irishman to join the Irish American Club, back when it was on Edgmont Ave. in downtown Chester, I believe. He took me there when I was a kid and I recall it was on the second floor. I think later it moved to the West End of town. He also belonged to the Polish-American Club (not bad for a fellow who was actually French and Scottish!) and years ago, when I was a little boy, he would bring those delicious hot dogs from the Polish Club, loaded with sauerkraut and mustard, back home to Mom and me. Remember “Highball” who owned the corner grocery store around 8th and Crosby, I think it was? Johnny Moran, owner of Moran’s Bar on 11th St.? Eddie Dodds, a childhood friend of Dad’s, who owned Ryan’s grocery store on Morton Ave.? And his son Bill? Bill was a teacher who helped out at the store often. Both great people. Henry Shapiro from Henry’s Wallpaper in downtown Chester? Dad was a paperhanger until he had a heart attack and then he went to work for the city’s sewage disposal plant at Front and Clayton Sts. His good friend for many years, the wonderful Ernie Burke – “Burkie” – a Chester alderman at the time - helped Dad get the job so he could support his family. Dad told Burkie what was happening and he told Dad something like, “Don’t worry about it, just come to work there whenever your doctor says it’s OK.” I am an only child and I was in high school then and Mom went back into nursing, taking classes again and getting a job on First Northeast Ward at Crozer. They were tough times, but we got through it all. We had each other and we also had a lot of great friends in Chester. There is so much to go into but this will have to wait for a later date, maybe next week when my regular work is done and I can take some time off from packing. Remember Gene Banta? Nice man, fine family – he was a neighbor of ours on Dupont St. Later, he owned the Golden Slipper. Please add to your list of physicians Wasyl Polischuk, who tragically died in a fire in his 9th St. office about 25 years ago. He was a good and decent man and an excellent doctor. You already have Dr. William Cook from Providence Ave. – he saved me from a very bad case of pneumonia about 10 years ago. And his great nurse, Eileen, who was always warm, friendly and very competent. Dr. Cook is since retired and I hope doing fine. He was another excellent physician. And also it would be nice to remember my godparents, Phillip and Mary News. “Uncle” Phil was a union representative at Sun Ship for many years. Sadly, they are