oldwilmington_nostalgia_archive

Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #15: March 1, 2005 to March 31, 2005)

Chuck, I'm betting that the Duncan Yo-Yo Company hired thousands of Filipinos just after WWII was over, and sent them around the USA to corner drugstores and kids' hangouts, setting up "yo-yo contests". I remember them in several different locations in Wilmington, and I'm sure they were all over the country. The Filipinos had a knack for handling yo-yos quite well, and everyone marveled at how good they were with them. The marketing ploy seemed to work; everyone had a yo-yo back then, and to have one with a row of "diamonds" on each side was the mark of a champion! I was never good enough to win one of those little black beauties, but I drooled over them right along with lots of other kids my age. Today I probably couldn't even "walk the dog"...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 22:52:04 (EST)

Speeder, a lot of that land belonged to Highland Stables, which fronted Chestnut St., which runs through the woods from Marsh to Darley Rd. The rest of it belonged to an estate that I can't remember the name of, at the moment (more in an email tomorrow). My thinking is that the state bought the land of the riding academy when it closed, to keep it from being developed. The estate part, where the fire co. substation is located, had restrictions on it that it could not be developed - except for that fire substation, and if the fire co. decides to cease it's use of the land, it will revert back to undeveloped.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 20:07:41 (EST)

Does anyone know what the woods across Marsh Road from Lancashire development are? It's been undeveloped forever. It says "State Owned". Probably bordering Arden and maybe Indian Field.
SpeederMurdoch <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 18:20:48 (EST)

Who can recall the little "Yo Yo" man that would come to the corner store at Jackson and Elm streets. He would carve palm trees in your "Yo Yo". Carve out little holes in the Yo Yo and put cut glass in the holes to look like diamonds. He would also have Yo Yo contest and give the winner a new Duncan Yo Yo.
Chuck <Bigbass@udel.edu>
Bear, DE USA - Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 14:04:42 (EST)

Ray, if my uncle that was one of the architects of the Gardens was still living he would have been 100 on March 16th. He died 4 years ago at age 96. He was very proud of what he helped to create.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, De USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 22:15:44 (EST)

YOU WERE RIGHT ABOUT FR. BURNS LEAVING THE PRIESTHOOD TO GET MARRIED.HE MARRIED ONE OF HIS FORMER STUDENTS,A JOANN SAKOWSKI[SPELLING) FORMER MISS DELAWARE.I BELIEVE.
K BURTON <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKECREEK, DE. USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 17:44:24 (EST)

Father Burns was the priest who got married. We use to go to a sub shop on 2nd street sometimes after the dance. Once one of us was able to drive we would sometimes go to Browntown & go into a wedding reception in one of the Polish Social clubs because by 11:00 they didn't know who was invited & who wasn't. We would get a sandwich & something to drink then go home.
Mike Snyder <kmsins@msn.com>
Newtown, Ct USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 17:20:17 (EST)

Chuck ; St.Elizabeth'dances were the very best.I don't think I ever missed one while Bill Haley appeared there.Remember how crowded the dances would get? At times you would even see a few parents from the neighborhood,sneak in to watch,from the back of the room. Remember the large mirrowed ball that hung above the dance floor. It would spin,creating a colored pattern on the floor.
KBURTON <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKECREEK, DE. USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 16:53:53 (EST)

To Sandy Paski Conner: Sandy, your right about the time RE: the Gardens. I can very vividly remember my Father talking about planting the Cherry Trees in the Gardens during the Great Depression for 10 Cents per hour. He would be 106 if living today.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wil., De. USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 16:43:06 (EST)

Regarding the priest that used to separate couples at the St. Elizabeth's dances -- isn't he the one that got married in the 1970s?
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 16:38:03 (EST)

Thanks to all who have sent me E-mail re: the ID tags. I have replied to you a reply via your e-mail addys.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 16:23:55 (EST)

Patty, I missed Bill Haley. But I do remember the last dance it was the best one of the nigt because by that time Father was always gone
Chuck <bigbass@udel.edu>
Bear, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 16:10:35 (EST)

Chuck - I went to the dances at St. Lizzies in the early-mid 50's. Did you get to see Bill Haley when he played there? And Sandy, Fr. Burns was separating couples then too! The rule was he wanted us dancing far apart enough so that he could see light through the couples. We had some really good times there, but remember how horrible it was if you didn't get asked to dance the last dance? (Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight).
Patty <pattywerk@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 16:00:19 (EST)

Jo Ann - Re the ID tags. Altho I remember them, it's not in detail. By the way, we got them in Catholic school too : ) I'm going to ask around to see what I can find out. Hope to get back to you soon.
Patty <pattywerk@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 15:55:34 (EST)

Chuck, we didn't really hang out after the dance, since there was only one bus left that late to get us back to 4th & Market, so that we could get the #4 bus out to 27th St. At that time most of us had to be in the house by midnight, and there better be a good reason if we weren't. When some of the boys in the neighborhood got their licenses, we would usually head for the Dan-Dee at 30th & Gov.Printz Blvd. We still had to be home on time, but it gave us a little more time to hang out, than having to wait for buses. Lucky you though having to go to Casapulla's all the time. They had the best subs in the area. Years later when I worked for the phone company, one of my supervisors was Betty Casapulla Moore. She would take orders and have 40 or more subs delivered from her Dad's sub shop for us at lunch time. I can still remember how good they were.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, De USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 15:50:23 (EST)

TO: Sandy Paski Conner, Where would you guy's hang out after the dance? We would all go to Casapulla's sub shop in Elsmere. Then we would eat our subs as we walked home.
Chuck <bigbass@udel.edu>
Bear, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 15:26:18 (EST)

Is ANYONE as old as I am? . I'm seriouslylooking for any information relating to those little, round, gray ID tags that public school kids in Wilmington were issued during WW2? You can post info on here or e-mail me direct, please? Thank you-Thank you-Thank you.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 15:22:11 (EST)

I can remember going to the St. Eliz. dances in the late '50's. My friends and I still laugh about Father Burn's walking around and separating couples who slow danced too close. We also talk about having to take 2 buses to get there from 27th & Market and back.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, De USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 15:00:56 (EST)

To those interested in the Josephine Gardens: As long as my family has talked about the gardens it has always been called the Josephine Gardens. My uncle Bud Stirlith was one of the architects that worked on the design of the fountain and the gardens. I don't know the years however, but I believe it was in the 1930's.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 14:57:05 (EST)

Who can recall going to the dances at St Elizabeth on Saturday night during the mid 50's?
Chuck <bigbass@udel.edu>
Bear, de USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 14:44:50 (EST)

Thanks for the Josephine Gardens information. I do remember now.
John Haug <jhaug@udel.edu>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 14:14:55 (EST)

What a great loss for the city to lose Gerardo's pizza shop at 2nd and Union..it was the best pizza around and what a great family to have run it..we will miss all of you Casale's...good luck and thanks for all the great pizza's
Nora Jubb <svan402@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 13:24:47 (EST)

To Donald Kreston...when I lived in that neighborhood, we called Patsy's at the Boulevard and Van Buren, Toner's, after the man who ran it then. His wife and several of their kids were often working in there as well. Playing pinball machines was a big thing back then, in the very early 50's, and Toner always had TWO pinball machines installed there. Some of the local teenagers you'd be apt to run into there were some of "The Garfield Boys", including Skip Hance, Ted Hobbs, Billy Hoerner, John Fleming, Don Walker and Don Rodenhiser. Walker, Rodenhiser, Hobbs, Hoerner and I all graduated from PS Dupont in 1952.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 12:39:41 (EST)

Butch Shilling...are you the same family that hung around with the Fleming boys,Jack and Brian and Mickey Grady and the Mace's....Grady's had big parties on Halloween in the big house across the tracks on Silverside road...the Flemings lived on the grounds of the Caupuchin Monastary.
Nora Jubb <svan402@aol.com>
wilmington , de USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 12:35:42 (EST)

The rose garded was Josephine Garden, however a lot of things in Wilmington have been re-named and I think Josephine Garden is one of them.
Richard <MightyTaskMaster>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 12:19:33 (EST)

I belive the name of the rose garden along the Brandywine is The Josephine Gardens. I met my first love there on an Easter Sunday when somehow she wrangled a seat next to me, almost tearing the door off the car. A bunch of us went down to the Brandywine and walked along, winding up crossing under the Vanburen street bridge. A very romantic and beautiful spot at that time of year.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, de USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 10:25:08 (EST)

Question: What was the name of the Rose Garden along the Brandywine River, between the swinging bridge and Van Buren Street?
John Haug <jhaug@udel.edu>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 09:59:33 (EST)

Mr Kreston: Terrific store! Great Selection of Beer and Wine...Your store is one of my staples...Sean
SEAN KIRKPATRICK <EKN64@AOL.COM>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 09:10:19 (EST)

I did not see our liquor store listed. Kreston Liquor Mart 904 Concord Avenue Same family for 72 years. also, there was a candy store at the corner of van buren street and baynard blvd. called Patsys. Have not seen that listed How about Reeds grocery store at the corner of concord avenue and van buren sts.
Donald Kreston <donkreston@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 07:03:07 (EST)

Mr. Deakyne: I attempted to reply to your e-mail. However, it wanted too much personal information and I declined to give it. However, the answer to your question is: No, I am not the person you seek.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 00:03:38 (EST)

Herky, I sent you an e-mail regarding my brother, Kenny. We moved from Vandever Avenue in 1954. The four older kids all went to George GRay, Warner and P.S., but my two younger brothers, Kenny and Richard, went to Mt. Pleasant. I remember you. I answered your e-mail and think I put Wilmington instead of Newark, but you know who I am anyway. Those were surely the "Good Old Days"! I love this website. Remeeting so many old friends and acquaintances. Thanks....Shirley
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 23:14:30 (EST)

This is a great web site.It brings back fond memories of my growing up years at Price Run Park and Speakman's Pond, and the Bull Dogs.The Bull Dogs were a large section of woods I believed owned by Sellers Farm.The Shellpot creek ran thru it,and there was a dam where we would swim off of and fish from.There stood part of an old stone house of some sort at the dam.We used to hunt and shoot our BB guns at targets we made up.My father who was a wilmington police officer would take a group of us kids from the neighborhood camping and fishing on weekends or during summer vacation.I also spent a lot of time at the Price Run Pool during the hot summer days.East lake was one of my favorite hang outs back in the early 50's.In fact,my first girl friend was from east lake.Her name is Joanne,and she lived on E 28th st right across from Speakman's Pond.I went to George Gray Elementary School,then on to Warner Jr.High,then to P.S duPont for a short time, then transferred to Brown Vocational at 14th and market streets.Does anyone remember the Robert Hall Clothing store across from Brown ?
Herky Deakyne <edeakyne3@earthlink.net>
Manheim, PA USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 22:45:18 (EST)

In Reference to Ring Worm : Sunday night's episode on Desperate Housewives was about Head Lice.This brought to mind a few boys having Ring Worm in my class in grade school.Just last night I mentioned this to my Son,who is 32.He had never heard of Ring Worm.Hopefully this is a thing of the past.
KBurton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 22:01:13 (EST)

INKWELLS-Our school desks were all one piece. The chairs could be raised or lowered. The desk tops opened to keep books and papers inside. There was a hole in the right hand corner where the inkwell went. Our inkwells were glass. That opening was always empty until Penmanship class. Then the teacher gave us the inkwells with black powdered ink, and she added water. We stirred it with pens that came separate from the pen points. There were slots in one end of the pen handle for the pen point. After Penmanship, (push pull, spiral spiral) we wiped the pen piont with a small cloth that was passed down the row then turned everything back in, or the inkwells became a problem...haha. However, anything you left in your desk, or in your "unlockable hall coat locker", was safe all year. A book that got dropped would lay there forever before some custodian would finally pick it up and return it to a classroom. And there was a huge lost-and-found box in the cafeteria, that was always filled with lost clothing. Back then, in public schools, supplies seemed plentiful. If an item did get lost, you just asked for, and got, a replacement. My daughter graduated from St. Marks High School; there, if she so much as put a book on the cafeteria table and looked away, someone had stolen it! In public schools today, they still don't steal books. Now, they steal your clothes.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 21:07:48 (EST)

DOES ANY ONE REMEMBER THE DESK'S IN ELEMEMTARY SCHOOL WITH THE INK WELLS IN THEM....ALSO THE PENS THAT YOU FILLED UP WITH INK WITH THE RUBBER INK WELLS IN THEM....WAY BEFORE BALL POINT PENS WERE AROUND.........AND THE POLIO EPIDEMIC.......THE TWO WING AIR PLANES SPRAYING THE CITY..ALSO THE EPIDEMIC WHEN MOST KIDS GOT RING WORM.....
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 20:30:53 (EST)

To Ray Zelano, I saw in the other format where you mentioned things happening around 9th & Madison Sts. and were talking about getting your shoes re-heeled between Madison & Morrow St. Some things DON'T change. You can STILL get your shoes worked on in that very same shop with the tile entrance. Yes belive it or not, the(a)shoemaker is still there on 9th between Madison and Morrow. I lived at 841 Morrow during WW II and even though I was only 3 when the war ended,I remember the Wardens telling people to keep the lights down, the black shades, the rag man coming up the alleyway and even some of the kids from that block. They called me Pauly then, I remember the girls down the block ratting me out when I was sweeping leaves of the porch roof. Somewhere around here I have some pictures of that particular block with trees on the side with houses and garages on the other side of the street. The pictures were taken around 1944, Wayne
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 20:05:56 (EST)

Wow, Ray, that brings back memories. My first car was a 47 Chevy Coupe, with the vacuum shift and vacuum wipers - remember them? Every boy in my neighborhood was just like you, always under the hood, tuning and fixing. I remember what the dime and the matchbook cover were used for: the dime perfectly fit the adjustment screws on the carb, and the matchbook cover was a about perfect fit for the distributor-points setting. Add a pair of pliers and some baling wire to that, and you could do just about any repair to a car, it seemed.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 19:17:21 (EST)

I haven't read anything about the cars of the 50s and early 60s. My first one was a 1951 Ford convertible. It was not running when I bought it, but the body was painted a baby blue and was perfect. I made many many trips to Casper's junkyard to work on my new treasure. When it was done, it had dual exhausts (glass packed mufflers), a Flathead engine that ran for ever on two dollars worth of gas. It was lowered in the back to the point where they exhaust pipes nearly dragged on the road. It was a popular car at the Greenhill and DanDee drive-in restaurants, where the waitresses brought your food to your car and hung it over the window. But, honestly, we all went there to meet girls/boys. All of the boys in our neighborhood worked on each other's cars. We all learned about engines that way. We could tuneup the old engines with a dime and a matchbook cover. Whenever any of our parents looked for us when we were teens, they always looked for the nearest open hood of a car. We would all be there.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 17:53:11 (EST)

I worked at Allied Kid Company during the summers from 1953 to 1958. I worked at 4th and Monroe, 11th and Poplar and 5th and Church. It was dirty, hard work but it helped me pay part of my college tuition and gave me spending money.
Phil King <Phil1437@aol.com>
Newark, De USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 16:57:27 (EST)

TO RAY JUBB: Actually it was the war of 1812! Feel better? So now everyone knows I'm older than you. To all the OLEO SQUEEZERS: Wasn't that fun???
Shirley Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 16:40:55 (EST)

HARRY R. I played the sound bite of Mitch Thomas. Thanks for adding that.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 15:00:57 (EST)

For those of us who grew up spending summers near the Chesapeake or it's tributaries, you should read this by our fellow poster, LarryK.( Rush ). I don't know how to get you there except for you to hand-type it in your browsers. It's well worth the trouble: http://vorticalmag.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=29&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0#author. Unless Larry has a suggestion?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 14:58:22 (EST)

Harry, I think Mitch Thomas passed away 5 or 6 years ago.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 11:43:06 (EST)

To Shirley Jester: Shirley, Was that the first world war?
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wil., De. USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 11:28:10 (EST)

Has anyone heard Mitch Thomas lately??
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 10:19:54 (EST)

SHIRLEY: I admit to nothing...haha. However, I can recall us getting those strange, edited V-mails from my four (much older brothers) who spent four long years overseas in that war! All returned safely, but my Mother used to cry if she hadn't heard from them in a while and then cry when she did; I was too young to understand why she did that at the time, but now I know...sigh. And we were so proud of our Four Blue Stars on the banner that hung in our front window.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 09:36:45 (EST)

Ralph, et. al, re: the oleo bags with the orange spot that held the color to be kneaded into the oleo itself...my understanding is that the dairy industry pressured the government NOT to permit oleo to be sold at retail in the same packaged form (and color) as butter...even though it was hard as hell to find any butter on the grocer's shelves of the day. Anyone else remember this as being true? (In my neighborhood in upstate NY during WWII, there was a local grocer where it was said you could get anything you wanted, including, butter, just so long as you were willing to pay him very inflated prices for it. Everyone in the neighborhood called him a Black Marketeer, but nothing was ever done to penalize him for this practice...to my knowledge.)
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 07:22:45 (EST)

RALPH & SHIRLEY I also remember the ID tags. In school, we practiced what to do in case of an air raid...get under your desk and cover your head with your hands...as though that would protect us! As kids, we used to argue over who was going to mix the orange color in the margarine bag. I wonder why it wasn't mixed prior to selling - unless it was just a marketing tool. Shirley, my dad was a warden too, and I vaguely remember the family gathering in one room & pulling the shades down.
Patty <pattywerk@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 07:11:22 (EST)

Ray, Roxie is a minister. I believe she is living somewhere in New England. I have never met her, but those that know her have all good things to say. My husband also remember the Speedway, but I can't say that I do.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 23:28:19 (EST)

Admitting to "old age", I do remember lots about the war - The Big One"...my dad was an air raid warden. We had black shades on our windows. We'd all sit in the dining room doing homework 'cause there was only one window that needed a shade, and no light could show outside. We had to use ration stamps for gas, sugar, and there were only certain days you could buy meat. Ah, the good old days!
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 22:29:37 (EST)

Connie, I went to Brandywine Methodist Church at 22nd and Market Streets from early 30's to late 60's. It's now called Harriet Tubman United Methodist Church. I'm not sure how old the church is. Have been in the parsonage many, many times. Going to take a look at the picture. Thanks for the info.
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 22:22:28 (EST)

They have their attorneys on the speed dial of their cell phones today...LOL
Sean <ekn64@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 22:19:54 (EST)

Thinking of that accident on the Augustine Bridge: Today those families would be suing God and the World! To say nothing of the City of Wilmington and the State of Delaware! Back then they didn't even get a "We're sorry", from whomever. And it wasn't against the law to ride in the back of a truck then, either...sigh.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 21:03:55 (EST)

RALPH: I remember those name ID's we kids had to wear during WW2. They were GRAY and made from some odd, hard material - maybe a forerunner to plastic? They were supposedly made by the duPont Company, and the schools imprinted our ID on them. You're right tho, they probably wouldn't have withstood much, except to identify us if we were found under a pile of rubble, which never happended, thanks to the brave men and women who kept the war 'over there'!
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 20:25:37 (EST)

My grandmother used to talk about the gas rationing and the butter rationing during WWII. My grandfather was a personal secretary for Irenee duPont,at Granogue, so they always had butter from the dupont estate. It was a perk that came with his job. My mom used talk about the black outs, and the black out shades everyone had to have. How there were wardens that made sure you were in compliance. I'm sure some of you remember some of those things. I just used to here the stories as a kid. Sean
Sean <ekn64@aol.com>
Wilmington , De USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 20:09:55 (EST)

Happy Dyngus (Ding us) Day to everyone out there. Yes it is a real holiday, not celebrated anywhere near as much as it used to be, but still a real holiday, Wayne
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 20:09:51 (EST)

DURING THE 2 ND WORLD WAR WE HAD TO DO WITH OUT A LOT OF THING,S . BUT WE DID NOT MINE AT ALL ,BECAUSE WE KNEW OUR BROTHERS , FATHERS ,COUSINS AND NEIGHBORS WHO WERE FIGHTING OVER SEAS HAD IT REALLY TOUGH . BUT I GOT TO THINKING ABOUT THOSE WAR YEARS , AS A BOY OF ABOUT 10 YRS. OLD I CAN REMEMBER WE ONLY HAD MARGERIN FOR COOKING AND FOR OUR BREAD. I THOUGHT IT A HONOR WHEN MY MOTHER ALLOWED ME TO SQUEESE THE BIG PLASTIC BAG THE MARG. CAME IN . REMEMBER IT WAS YELLOW WITH A BIG ORANGE SPOT THE SIZE OF A QUARTER . LOOKED LIKE A EYE !YOU WOULD SQUEESE THE BAG TILL THE ORANGE EYE DISAPPEARED. AND WHILE I WAS IN LORE SCHOOL, I AND SOME OF MY CLASS MATES WORKED ON THE GOVT. VICTORY FARMS PICKING VEGETABLE,S FOR TWO WEEK,S , AND IT WAS HARD WORK, HOT SUN AND SLEPT IN TENTS. . BUT EVEN AS CHILDREN , WE KNEW WE WERE HELPING OUR COUNTRY. . AND WE WERE PAID $5.OO FOR THOSE TWO WEEKS . AND A LOT OF MY FRIEND,S OUT THERE REMEMBER THE SCRAP DRIVE . I COLLECTED OVER 3000.OO LBS. AND ALONG WITH ABOUT TEN OTHER LORE SCHOOL STUDENT,S WAS GIVEN A PARTY IN MRS . DUGANS OFFICE. SODA AND COOKIES.THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME I WAS EVER IN HER OFFICE WHERE I WAS TOLD ----DONT COME TO SCHOOL TOMORROW UNLESS YOUR WITH YOUR MOTHER !AND HERE IS ONE YOU JUST MIGHT HAVE TO THINK VERY HARD ABOUT . REMEMBER THE I.D TAGS WE HAD TO WEAR TO SCHOOL ? THEY HAD OUR NAME ON THEM .WE WORE THEM AROUND OUR NECK ON A PIECE OF STRING THE I.D WAS MADE ( I THINK )OF THIN WOOD. IF A BOMB HAD KILLED ONE OR MANY OF US ,DID THEY THINK THAT I.D . WOUL;D HAVE SURVIVED ?BUT PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER ANY OR ALL THE THINGS I MENTIONED ABOUT THAT HORRIBLE WAR .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 19:53:39 (EST)

STEVE: I remember that accident on the Augustine Bridge only too well. One of the boys who was killed was the older brother of a friend of my son.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 19:50:37 (EST)

There is some pricey converted mill housing on the Brandywine at, or very close, to the location where Jessup and Moore would have been in business. The road to the site is along the Brandywine on the 9th ward side of the creek. I think it's called Black Gates Road. I'll have to reconnoiter the area on one of my dog walks. The early morning dog walks are getting more and more pleasant as old man winter retreats. The wind no longer has the bone chilling bite it had a month ago...Bring on the hot,steamy,and muggy Delaware weather. I do miss it! Sean
Sean Kirkpatrick <ekn64@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 18:43:22 (EST)

Bruce, I remember the the accident on the Augustine Cutoff Bridge . The kids you speak of were riding in the back of a pickup truck and were actually beheaded.
Steve Armstrong <stephen.armstrong@sun.com>
Bowie , MD USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 16:53:06 (EST)

Sean, that bar was erected to prevent large or heavy vehicles from going across the bridge when there was a weight limitation put on the bridge, due to structural cracks that were found during an inspection. The whole top deck of the bridge and some supports had to be replaced, and was removed and replaced with the current deck. There were at least two kids who lost their lives by hitting their heads on the crossbar; they were riding in the back of a pickup truck, and were facing towards the rear when the truck went under the crossbar. Both were killed.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 14:46:19 (EST)

Does anyone remember the old bridge over Augustine Cutoff. It was replaced in or around 1973. It had a height limitation that crossed both lanes with flashing lights...If I am remembering correctly. When we would go under it we'd duck so as not to loose our heads..Sean
Sean <ekn64@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 14:35:35 (EST)

Thanks for the Scharf Resource. It's very interesting. reading. Sean
Sean KIRKPATRICK <EKN64@AOL.COM>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 14:32:47 (EST)

If anyone is familiar with Brandywine Methodist Church at 22nd and Market Streets, the parsonage is up for sale on the Patterson Schwartz Realty web site. There is a photo of it.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 13:11:04 (EST)

Saw in this week's News-Journal obits that Charlie Foraker died. The obit had very little info on him. I recall him as a mechanic at Stokes' Garage in Elsmere in the 1960s with "old man" Stokes, Stokes' son and Jerry Blankenship. Charlie worked on automatic transmissions. I was a kid working in Suburban Auto Parts. Charlie was nice to me.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 12:57:38 (EST)

Re: Minquadale, Kiddie Town, Minquadale, Ellis drive-in, the Wortmouth's. When I moved out of the city, we moved into Minquadale. I went to school with Roxy and Paul Wortmouth. Their parents did indeed have the pony rides at Kiddie Town. Wilmington speedway had races every Sunday night. You could hear the roar of the engines all night long. I was not allowed to go there because it was the night before school. I did sneak in several times for free (we had our ways). Once, while there, a fight broke out in the bleachers. I had no idea why. I was to find out later that it was because of me standing up in front of somebody to see a wreck on the other side of the oval track. They told me to sit down and I did not. The next thing I knew someone grabbed my shoulder and spun me around and punched me square in the nose. It knocked me out for several seconds and when I came to my senses, I heard the track announcers keeping blow-by-blow descriptions of the fight. Suddenly the announcers said, "you boys better run, here comes the cops". We ran and someone threw me over the fence and I ran home. My father looked at the blood on my T-shirt and said that if I had not already been beaten enough he would give it to me. Roxie Wortmouth was one of my brief sixth-grade girl friends. I don't know about her but her brother, Paul, became a dentist. Also, our house in Minquadale became one of those urban legends. Some of the neighborhood boys robbed Kiddie Town one time and buried the cash box they had stolen in my father's unfinished dirt basement floor. Unfortunately for them, the next day he poured concrete over that dirt floor. If true, the cash box is still there.
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 12:16:04 (EST)

Reference to visiting churches on Holy Thursday. Me, my mother (late 70's), sister and my daughter went visiting churches this Holy Thursday, and I was surprised by the number of people who still follow this tradition. We visited Sts. Hedwig, Elizabeth, Thomas, Anthony and Ann. It was a nice thing to do and I felt like I was passing a bit of Wilmington tradition on to my daughter. My mother has the same memories as some of you, that is, walking from church to church to see the beautiful decorations. Of course, this year, we went by car! Unfortunately, the decorating part seems to have passed, none of the churches were specially decorated. We felt so spiritual that we went to the Good Friday presentation of the Via Crucis at St. Anthony's the next night! Another great Wilmington tradition! Thanks to everyone for the memories.
Art <artajjas@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 10:20:43 (EST)

Sean Kirkpatrick - I'm not familiar with Augustine Banks, but most mills at that time had villages within walking distance for their employees. J&M was across the river from Bancroft and would have been in the vicinity of the old Wanamakers. (Bruce - Thanks for the correction to Container Corp rather than Con Can - minor brain lapse) The link below is to an early history of Delaware by Sharf (I think). A lot of early history of manufacturing in Wilmington, including Jessup and Moore, as well as lots on shipbuilding, railcar building, tanneries and everything else the city was famous for, and the rest of Delaware - great reference. http://www.accessible.com/amcnty/DE/Delaware/delaware35.htm Larry
Larry J <lawrence.jones@state.de.us>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, March 28, 2005 at 09:56:22 (EST)

Before the Ellis Drive In, the Wilmington Speedway was there, and I think that was there into the early 50's, that's why I'm not sure about Kiddie Town being there in the 40's.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 21:08:06 (EST)

Bruce, You're right about it being there in the 50's. I'm 62 and I thought I was about 6or7 when my parents took me there, but I may have been a little older. Rose & Paul are related to my sister-in-law, and they had what looked like a 3 or 4 car garage where they kept the ponies in Minquadale. The Warmouths are now in their 80's and live in upstate PA.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, De USA - Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 20:51:26 (EST)

Sandy, I'm 63, and I remember Kiddie Town and the Ellis. I don't know about the 40's, but I'm sure this was there in the 50's, and maybe even into the early 60's.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 19:03:02 (EST)

Today, while my husband and I were visiting family in Minquadale, we passed the former home of Rose & Paul Warmouth, My husband reminded me that they were the couple that ran the pony rides at Kiddie Town on DuPont Highway near the old Ellis Drive In. I think this was in the late 40's and early 50's. Does anyone remember this?
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, De USA - Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 17:46:21 (EST)

A LITTLE QUIZ.....WHO REMEMBERS THE PRETZEL FACTORY....(LOCATION ).....WILMINGTON APPLIANCE CO.(LOCATION )...FORD'FACTORY..IT BURNED DOWN TWICE DURING THE DEPRESSION ( NO INS. ON BLD.LOCATION )...REPUBLICAN CLUB (NICK NAME HOT SHOT OR CHA CHA DANCE HALL CLUB )ON 6TH. ST.....SAINT MICHAEL'S CLUB ( LOCATION )..TURCAL'S FURNITURE STORE (LOCATION)...ACE CHICKEN STORE (LOCATION )...EARL'S DAIRY (LOCATION )
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 17:10:23 (EST)

Also, there was a Loft's Candy shop at 815 Market Street during the 40's. There was frequently a box of Loft's chocolates in our house during that period . My Mom loved chocolates.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 00:02:13 (EST)

Here's a bit of history re: Loft Candy Company: "In 1931, the U.S. District Court for Eastern District Virginia declares the National Pepsi-Cola Company bankrupt, the second bankruptcy in Pepsi-Cola history. The Loft Candy Company acquired the National Pepsi-Cola Company. Charles G. Guth, president of Loft, assumed leadership of Pepsi and commands the reformulation of Pepsi-Cola syrup formula. In 1941, Pepsi-Cola was merged into Loft, Inc. and then the name of the company was change to Pepsi-Cola Company. The Loft Candy company was subsequestly acquired by Briarcliff Candy Corporation."
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 22:43:53 (EST)

After cleaning the jars and inspecting them closer, the one that I called Lofs Fine Candies really says Loft Pure Candies. Any one ever heard of this brand of candy, where it was sold, etc.?
tanda35 <tanda35@hotmail.com>
wilmington, de USA - Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 17:54:53 (EST)

My two sons were rummaging around in our local neighborhood park today and brought home three old jars that they found partially buried in the dirt. All three are unique looking and one of them has printing on it that says "Lofs Fine Candies". Any ideas as to what this means. Was it a locally made candy?
tanda35 <tanda35@hotmail.com>
wilmington, de USA - Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 17:26:54 (EST)

Muggs, I remember visiting as many churches as we could on Holy Thursday. We started out at our home parish (St. Patrick's) and proceeded on to COK, St. Joseph's, Sacred Heart, St. Peter's, St. Anne's, St. Paul's, St. Elizabeth's, etc. Our mothers always gave us lunch money and we usually had a lunch of baked goodies at a bakery in St. Hedwig's parish. We spent the whole day walking from parish to parish. This was back in the 40's and 50's. We came home dead tired. We walked everywhere we went. On First Fridays, we walked to Mass at 7:00 AM, back home for breakfast, back to school, home for lunch, back to school, home after school and back to church at 7:00 PM for benediction and then home. No problem with childhood obesity in those days!
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 13:23:39 (EST)

Muggs---I do remember visiting as many churches as we could on Holy Thursday.This was a regular thing to do in the 50's.It was such a nice thing to do back then.Very Spiritual.
kburton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 12:06:08 (EST)

shakey jake's house out on limestone road was where we ( st. elizabeth boys) went to see a haunted house in the early seventies ..... the story went something along the lines of ... old man jake killed his family, and then hung himself from the "cellar" rafters..... does anybody remember visiting the beautifully decorated altars on Holy Thursdays at the great churches of the diocese of Wilmington ( st e, st hedwig , st ann, st thomas, st anthony.....) ?
Muggs McGinnis <themuggz@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 11:28:11 (EST)

Thank you for Mickey's obituary, Merle. It makes us feel as if we know her even better. I'm sure I speak for all on this message board in conveying our sincere condolences to the family and also heartfelt thanks to Mickey for being such a good friend to us.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Friday, March 25, 2005 at 13:35:16 (EST)

Charlotte Mickey Pulley,86,of Livingston,Texas went to be with her Lord on Monday,March 21,2005,at her home in Shelter Cove. Mickey was born July 10,1918,the daughter of Charles and Myrtle Heathcote in Wilmington,Delaware.She married Bruce Lewis Pulley on January 16,1937.They and two children moved to Houston,Texas in 1957. She was an active member of Shoreline Baptist Church in Nugents Cove,Tx.for over five years.Mickey was a homemaker and she raised five children.Mickey was preceded in death by her parents,her husband,Bruce,two sons,Bruce and Charles Pulley.Mickey is survived by her cat,Kwan,sister and brother inlaw Curtis and Sara Futty of Newark,Del.,son,Merle Pulley of Livingston,daughter,Alice Barbee of Jackson,Mississippi and son,Roger Pulley of League City,Tx.Daughter inlaws's,Gwen of livingston,Katie of League City and son inlaw Sarge Barbee of Jackson,Mississipi,Sixteen grandchildren,many great grandchildren,and many other relatives and friends. Mickey was a loving and wonderful christian,wife,mother,grandmother,great grandmother and friend to many.She loved her family,taking care of her cat,Kwan,growing flowers,crocheting,knitting,hand sewing quilts,church and Bible studies with her friends at Shoreline,and many hours on the internet with e-mail friends.She loved Delaware and shared her life and memories with friends on Oldwilmington.net as one of their oldest members and being active right up to shortly before her death.We will all miss you grandmom!! Final resting place will be at Red Top Cemetary,Shiro,Texas between her Husband and son,Bruce's, 3:00PM Thursday March 24,2005
Merle Pulley <merleep@livingston.net>
livingston, tx USA - Friday, March 25, 2005 at 02:48:27 (EST)

Carol Jane: I alway use Dan Hogan when I have a settlement. He was on Shallcross Ave., but now he's in a new location at 1300 and someting Delaware Ave. His phn is Olympia, I mean 656-7540. He recently purchased one of those 1870's mansions on Delaware Ave, and relocated his office. I have had 3 great experiences with him
Sean Kirkpatrick <ekn64@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 18:10:51 (EST)

Larry, the plant at the North end of Brandywine Park became Container Corporation of America, another paper and cardboard container manufacturer, after J&M. I never worked there, but did work upstream at Jos. Bancroft for a few years. (I think Continental Can was along East 12th Street?, next to Electric Hose & Rubber, another of my employers). :)
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 17:36:58 (EST)

HI CAROL - Re the estate attorney - I was recommended to F. Edmund Lynch and was very happy with his work. Other members of my family have also used him. He can be reached at: (302) 477-3200 3200 Concord Pike - Wilmington, DE 19803. Good luck & nice talking to you again.
Patty <pattywerk@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 15:27:49 (EST)

Jo Ann: I'm not sure when the word fell out of use. I know that all the old people in my family...ooops it's "seniors" now, used the term celler. Celler implies dirt floor with no solid base. In newer construction, after WWII, the term basement became more popular. An asside: The English word Celler is akin to it's German forerunner Keller.
Sean <sean.kirkpatrick@mbna.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 15:24:27 (EST)

Thank you Larry. The Augustine location for Jessup and Moore, would that be behind the old Wanamakers Store at Augustine Cutoff? I heard there was a mill settlement there. I think it was called Augustine Banks. My great-great grandfather was a watchman at Jessup and Moore. I think my family lived in a mill settlement behind near the Wanamakers store that is no longer there. I'm talking they would have lived there till about 1889. In 1889, they moved to Gilpin Ave Does anyone know about Augustine Banks? Maybe you Larry!
Sean Kirkpatrick <sean.kirkpatrick@mbna.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 15:11:15 (EST)

In reference to Sean Kirkpatrick's March 23 question about the Jessup and Moore Paper Company - Jessup and Moore had several mills in Wilmington. One (the Augustine Mills) was located near the northern end of Brandywine Park and I believe became the Continental Can Company. The Delaware Mills were located along the Christina River near the Mill Creek, south of the present day riverfront outlet malls. At one point, I think J&M also owned the mills at Rockland. Larry
Larry J <lawrence.jones@state.de.us>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 14:59:21 (EST)

CAROL: I've e-mailed you info on where to start in settling an Estate in DE. Pehaps you have someone local (in DE) who can make the phone calls?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 14:47:38 (EST)

I remember police officer's (Park Guards) at Hoopes, banging on the car doors, telling us to: "Find some place else!" And by-the-way, when did cellars' turn into basements? Everyone had a cellar when I was growing up. Just the other day my G'childen had no clue of the word 'cellar'.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 14:35:20 (EST)

On the subject of haunted houses there was one next to the old G. Sellers Smith home on the north side of Silverside road between "new" Windybush and the old B & O Railroad in Brandywine Hundred- lots of squeaks and other strange noises. Also there was an old hermit who lived approximately between Green Acres and Carrcroft in the woods in a tar paper shack which it looked like he hastily erected. He was very protective of his privacy, scaring us kids off whenever we got anywhere near him.
butch schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
mount pleasant, sc USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 13:32:24 (EST)

Hi everyone. I'm looking for a Delaware attorney who can assist me with an estate problem in Wilmington. It involves selling a home that is owned by three siblings. Please contact me if you know of someone who can help. Carol
Carol Merlini <caroljane.merlini@aliceposta.it>
Pescara, PE Italy - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 13:12:22 (EST)

It seemed the hookman was on every road in New Castle County where a guy took us to 'get better aquainted.'
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 13:11:34 (EST)

Ashland House. My grandparents, Warren and Mary Mendenhall, owned the large yellow house just after the Ashland Covered bridge as you head toward the Railroad tracks at rt82. I'm not sure of the exact dates, but I know they were living there from 1946, and were still there when my mother graduated from the Tatnall School in 1949. The house is on your right as you go over the tracks. It's very run down these days, and has been for as long as I can remember. My mother told me growing up that the house had two cellers. A sub-celler for vegetable storage....
Sean <sean.kirkpatrick@mbna.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 12:28:30 (EST)

Bruce, I believe you are correct on the ship's docking right there. Out the window of the Riverview Inn you can see a sort of rocky peninsula that looks to be what you are talking about. I'm still not sure, so I'll head over there, have a couple of beers, and read that article. Maybe I should read the article before the beers....Speaking of Ashland, we often would jump from the bridge by Ashland by the railroad tracks. I have also seen some pretty crazy kids jumping down in Alapocas. The craziest thing I've done is to walk on the pipe which hangs underneath I believe the Washington Street extension? Pretty scary walking on a small pipe, holding the cable above you.
Speeder <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 12:10:38 (EST)

And then, there was the headless horseman that could be seen late at night, down in the Valley, coming down off of the hillside along Beaver Valley Road, near where it intersected with Ramsey Road. There's still a horse path in that area. Sometimes when we were parked out there, we'd get out (if we weren't doing anything else) and go bang on the sides of other people's cars that were parking and scare the H*** out of them. That was back in the days before everyone was packing a gun, or knives, etc. You couldn't do that now-a-days without risking your life.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 11:44:06 (EST)

Haunted House In Beaver Valley: There used to be an old, vacant/deserted house on Brackenville Road, a short distance after crossing the Ashland covered bridge, that was said to be haunted, back in the early 60's, when I used to frequent the Valley a lot. Our gang went through the house a couple of times, but it just appeared to be deserted to us - not at all haunted. It's driveway was a great place to park, however! :)
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 11:37:35 (EST)

Ref. Hoopes reservoir and environs: The kids who attended A.I. duPont HS had an "urban legend" about "the Hook Man" who supposedly roamed the roads around the reservoir at night chasing people, swinging his arm that had a hook on the end of it. Story was that he really liked to go after couples "parking".
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 11:34:29 (EST)

Speeder: Without any facts or material here, I'm just basing this on what I've heard and remember: I haven't been to Riverview Park since it stopped operating, but I thought that the Riverview Inn is the old restaurant, or is at (or near) the same location as the restaurant used to be at Riverview. That is along the river, at a point near where the Wilson Line boats used to dock. Is that correct? If so, it doesn't seem likely that the rings from the carousel would be under the restaurant, as the carousel used to be in the middle of the park, away from the river. And, they were both operating at the same time. (remember, now, I'm just basing my observation on old memories, no facts). Perhaps, a further reading of that newspaper article is in order. :)
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 11:21:36 (EST)

A comment on Hoopes. Back in the late 80's, a friend of a friend of a friend was teaching nightcrawlers to swim late one night (that's fishing, shhhh don't tell the law officers on here!). "He" claims that he started to see bright lights coming at him from about 50 feet offshore, under the water. Before he had a chance to turn and run, the lights suddenly broke the surface and came lumbering out of the water. At first "he" thought, Swamp Thing?, Creature from the Hoopes Lagoon? But no, to his amazement, it was 3 scuba divers doing a little night diving. Strange story, but true, true, true. A question for anybody here in the know. Back in high school, we used to cruise Beaver Valley, to a place affectionately known as the Cult House. On Cossart Road, off Route 100. I know my dad, granddad, everybody knew this place. Anybody have any real history on it???
SpeederMurdoch <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 10:52:04 (EST)

I've seen some older posts about Riverview Park in Pennsville, New Jersey. I am a frequent visitor of the Riverview Inn, and it's bar, was also married there. If you go into the foyer of the restaraunt, there is a framed newspaper article about an archaelogical discovery there. It seems when doing some work on the floor in the kitchen, alot of brass rings were unearthed. These were speculated to be from the old Carousel at Riverview Park.
Speeder <SpeederMurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 10:41:37 (EST)

We swam at the dam in the 50s and 60s, not legally of course. We were always on the lookout for the police. We swam at the head gates too. It also was not legal. It hardly seemed fair to fish at the dam since you could almost reach in and pick up the fish. They were so accustomed to people feeding them that they came right up to you.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 09:40:56 (EST)

In the early to mid 60's, you could still walk up to the top of the dam and across, and there were paths around the edges of the water, and it was ok to walk them, but swimming wasn't allowed. But at night, there was a lot of swimming going on, by people sneaking up that side road past the main entrance, and around on the back-side, along Owls Nest Road, and anywhere they could [ark a car and walk through the woods. I don't ever remember legal swimming there.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 20:29:30 (EST)

Hey Speeder, There may have been a time you could swim at Hoope's legally, but I don't think it was in the 70's. I use to work overtime assignments for the WPD patrolling there at that time. It is owned by Wilmington and they were having too many drownings there so the Mayor put OT patrols there in the summers during the 70's.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wil., De USA - Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 20:03:59 (EST)

THAT'S THE FIRST TIME I EVER HEARD ABOUT SWIMMING AT HOOPES LEGALLY...AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER YOU COULD NOT FISH- SWIM OR HUNT THEIR.....
JNPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 19:08:36 (EST)

Anybody remember when you could legally swim in Hoope's Reservoir? Early to late 70's maybe?
Speeder <speedermurdoch@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 16:16:41 (EST)

Can someone please tell me where the Jessup and Moore Papermill used to be located?
Sean <sean.kirkpatrick@mbna.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 09:45:06 (EST)

I want to send my sympathy to Mickey Pulley's family in the loss of their mother and also to all OldWillmington readers who knew Mickey through either email and/or her interesting posts on this site. She certainly had a great memory about Wilmington in the years before a lot of us were around, and, yet, she was always interested in keeping up with the current happenings in Wilmington. I enjoyed reading about her cravings for Wilmington cinnamon buns, Wilmington subs and Wilmington's Joe Biden. She told me several times in email that when she would see Biden on TV she would yell...HI JOE so loud that it would scare her cat. So, when ever I saw him...Joe not the cat...on TV, I would send her an email to let her know that she needed to switch from her webtv to regular TV. Last but not least, I was impressed that she had the interest to learn how to use her webtv and keep up with all things old and new. Finally, a note of interest for cuz Bob Veazey...In comparing memories with Mickey via email one time, I discovered that either Mickey's mother or her grandmother (I forget which) lived next door to OUR Grandmother Veazey when they were both children and living on Buena Vista Street. I was able to confirm the info by searching the census records and have the details in my genealogy file...somewhere. Last but not least, HAPPY EASTER to all. Goodby Mickey.
Patricia Kearney Lodge <Phototravl@aol.com>
Key Biscayne, FL USA - Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 04:29:00 (EST)

Here's to Mickey Pulley! What a great gal. She was an absolute treasure trove of Wilmington memorobilia. I am sure all of us will miss her. God bless her amd keep her.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 20:53:41 (EST)

Dick Holmes is a cousin of mine and I remember during his radio days he did a skit called "Hubcap". Very funny. Anyone remember?
nancy <nflynch@netzero.net>
wilm, de USA - Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 13:55:56 (EST)

I received a email from Merle stating that his Mom passed away last night at 9:50. She will be surely missed on this web site but is now in the ultimate web site upstairs/
Harry Brandht <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 08:01:47 (EST)

Bill, you are absolutely correct about Clifford Brown. The Howard High School graduate was one of the all-time best trumpeters. Unfortunately, he was killed in a traffic accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in June of 1956 -- at the age of 25. He is still remembered world-wide by jazz fans.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 23:23:44 (EST)

As the song says, "We'll be seeing you, Mickey", in all the old familiar places."
Jo Ann <crosssan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 23:22:30 (EST)

Liz: I have to disagree with your selection as the best trumpeter around in the early 50's. Ever hear of a guy named Clifford Brown, or another one called Mario LePera?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
West, CA USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 23:15:16 (EST)

Here's to you, Mickey! From your posts, it sounds like you had a full life. We hope you are sitting at the right hand of the Lord. Godspeed to our electronic friend.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 23:13:10 (EST)

Mom {Mickey)went home to the lord about 9:50,they are celebrating in heaven right now,God bless,Merle
Merle Pulley <merleep@livingston.net>
livingston, tx USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 23:00:23 (EST)

Mickey says hello to all,thanks for the emails,kind words,prayers and postings.I read every one to her.She asked me to save them so she can read them when she gets better.Her memory is sill great but her body is not.We will lose a great person but Heaven will gain a great spirit and her spirit will be back there and with us all.Thanks to all,God bless,Merle
Merle Pulley <merleep@livingston.net>
livingston, Te USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 21:15:56 (EST)

The "Lions Cage", "Indian Rock" and "Bear Canyon"
Dave Schofield <Schofieldd@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 20:57:02 (EST)

BOB: What a fine posting you wrote for Mickey Pulley.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 20:34:38 (EST)

Ref. "Snapper" McAllester: He and Spruance were taking off from Scott Field IL in the 142nd's T-33. They had refueled there and apparently picked up some bad fuel, flamed out and crashed.He was called Snapper because of the connection with the Philly turtle soup of the same name. He worked at All American as a marketing consultant, and tried to get me to sign on in the DE Air Guard. My plate was too full at the time. The T-33 and the F-80 had a fuselage tank, and if you didn't make sure the cap was on, fuel could be sucked into the engine thru the "plenum chamber" doors on the top of the fuselage, with dire results! That is what killed Richard Bong, a WWII fighter triple ace after the war. Checking that tank was a "must" on all flights. That may have been the problem with Snapper's accident.
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 19:30:37 (EST)

SPEAKING OF TRUMPET PLAYERS, JIMMY CARA WAS PROBABLY THE BEST AROUND IN THE EARLY 50'S
LIZ <FRIENDS OFWILM53>
HARTLY, DE USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 18:36:51 (EST)

does anyone remember the "CIGAR INDIAN" AROUND 4TH AND MARKET STREET
LIZ <friendsofwilm53>
hartly, de USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 18:23:21 (EST)

This is information from Dick Holmes, who worked many years with Mitch Thomas at Radio Station WILM::__"Mitch passed away in the late 90’s and his wife, Odessa, passed away a short time later.__He lived in the vicinity of the old Wilmington High School.__Their son, Michaelangelo (Mike), had a successful career with Coca-Cola in Atlanta.__Dick thinks he is still living.__ Mitche’s last job was working for the U of D at the Wilmington Campus handling A/V material for events at the Goodstay Center."
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 17:58:13 (EST)

Bill Re: Mitch Thomas Mitch Thomas died sometime in the 90's. His son Michael went to Salesianum and played basketball.Michael gaduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Michael now lives in Atlanta.
Stephen Armstrong <stephen.armstrong@sun.com>
Bowie , Md USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 10:03:33 (EST)

During the past day or two, I've thought deeply about the many contributions that MICKEY PULLEY has made to this Board over the past several years. As apparently the eldest of all of us, she has memories that go back further in time (even further back than Bob Veazey...just kidding, Bob), and was more than generous in sharing them with us. She should be honored and remembered forever for that, and I know that all of us feel the same way. Merle, thanks for letting us know about Mickey, and Mickey, we shall never forget you.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 09:18:35 (EST)

Merle - that accident, 'wrapped around a tree,' what that on Basin Road down from Wilmington Manor? I remember that. They had the remains of the car displayed somewhere and we saw it. This was before seat belts became mandatory, I don't think even seatbelts could have done them much good.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 07:10:05 (EST)

With the talk about comics in the newspapers, I remember the well-drawn "Prince Valiant" series in Sunday editions. "Joe Palooka" was also a particular favorite of mine. Of ice cream, Lynnwaithe Farms on Concord Pike, judging by those who remembered, was a great place for our family to go to. Haven't had any that matches the taste since. However, there is a shop on a dairy farm near Yorklyn Farms/North Star area (name escapes me at the moment) that comes close to it.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, March 21, 2005 at 06:24:22 (EST)

JPASQUALE, YOU BROUGHT BACK SWEET MEMORIES, A FEW YEARS BEFORE I WAS ON THE W.P.D. I WAS IN THE PRESS CLUB. I RECALL THAT THEY HAD A GOOD PIANO PLAYER . AS I RECALL, I WAS UNDER AGE , HAD A NICE TIME . BUT NEVER RETURNED -----TILL I WAS ON THE FORCE . AND WITH A RAIDING PARTY WE ENTERED AND CLOSED THE PLACE FOR A SHORT TIME , ST, ANTHONY,S CHURCH ., THE BIG HOLE BOY JPASQUALE YOU SURE ARE TAKING ME WAY BACK ! I LIVED AT 9TH. CLAYTON ST. . THAT HOLE AS YOU CALL IT , IN THE REAR AREA OF THE CHURCH GROUNDS GOT FILLED UP WITH WATER FROM CONSTENT HEAVY RAINS, AND WE HAD A LAKE TO PADDLE RAFTS , ETC. . AND IT WAS DEEP . .IT,S A WONDER NO ONE DROWNED. AS FOR THE OTHER NITE SPOTS IN WILM. I GUESS I AS A MEMBER OF THE VICE SQUAD HIT THEM ALL. IF THEY DESERVED BEING HIT. . SOME ONE MENTIONED MITCH THOMAS . MOST OF YOU KNOW MITCH WAS A BLACK DISC JOCKEY AT W.I.L.M. . I USE TO HIT THE BABY GRAND AND BASIN ST. EAST WITH MITCH AS WE BOTH LOVED JAZZ. SOME TIME PAUL RICHARDSON WOULD BE IN OUR COMPANY. MITCH SON AND MY SON WERE IN THE SAME SCOUT TROOP ,#19 AT SILVERBROOK METH. CHURCH . MITCH MARRIED A BEAUTIFUL GIRL FROM DOWN STATE DEL.. I LOST CONTACT WITH MITCH YEARS AGO. . HE WAS A GREAT DISC JOCKEY , AND LOVED HIS WORK.. .MITCH LIVED IN THE GREEN HILL AREA. . I AM SURE HE IS DOING WELL WHERE EVER HE IS .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 23:04:35 (EST)

The black after hours place was on 12th Street between Orange & Tatnall Sts. I believe it was a Mosanic Temple as I use to deliver papers to them. On rare occasions the Manager would let me up in the balcony on a Sat. night to see the performers. Fats Domino,Loyd Price,and many others.
Mike Snyder <kmsins@msn.com>
Newtown, ct USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 21:23:05 (EST)

Here's another business for the list: J.E. Rhoads & Co., a leather belting firm located near Bancroft Parkway. It was the oldest family owned business in the U.S, was started in Phila. and opened in Wilmington sometime in the 1950's.
Lynn Decker Brentlinger <lfbrentl@hotmail.com>
Elkton, MD USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 21:21:46 (EST)

I'll have to check with Dick Holmes, he would know what became of Mitch Thomas of WILM Radio 1450.__Dick has his own Web Site:__http://www.richardbholmes.com/
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 20:40:20 (EST)

Does anyone know if Wilmington DeeJay Mitch Thomas is still alive? If so, what's he doing now?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 19:56:49 (EST)

ANY ONE REMEMBER THESE PLACES....IANNELLI POST--WOLHARS GROCERY STORE AND THE POST HOUSE ALL ON PENN. AVE...THE ACME AND THE PRESS CLUB ( AFTER HRS.CLUBS DOWN TOWN IN WILM )..CLUB 14(NOW KID SHELEEN'S...THE AFTER HRS. CLUB AT THE (T&C)BLUE HEN ARENA..THE BIG HOLE ON THE SIDE OF SAINT ANTHONY'S CHURCH...AND THE WHITE BLD. WHERE THE SMOKERS WERE...WHICH IN NOW THE PRIEST'S HOME....WHEN FATHER TUCKER AND THE OTHER PRIEST LIVED ON DUPONT ST. ACROSS FROM THE CHURCH...RALPH P. WILL REMEMBER THE TWO CRAP(DICE ) JOINTS DOWN TOWN....THE BABY GRAND...AND THE OTHER (BLK ) AFTER HRS. CLUB AROUND 14 & TATNALL ????NOT SURE OF THE LOCATION ON THE LAST ONE...AND THE AFTER HRS GAY BAR (REN-AS-CENCES OR RENAISSANCE SPL)
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 19:41:55 (EST)

Thanks, Merle, for passing on the information about your mother, our friend here at the oldwilmington site, and for sharing some of your memories with the rest of us. We all enjoyed hearing from your mother and sharing our thoughts with her. I hope she has been able to have some old fashioned sticky buns that she has been looking for so long. God Bless Her, we all love her, and we miss seeing her notes here. God Bless You for updating us all. I hope she is resting comfortably and in no pain or suffering. God Bless.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 18:24:01 (EST)

Man awoke old memories,talk about going back in time,living on Lincoln St in the 50's,street racing in my lowered '50 Ford contvertible,drive in movies with the top down,sneak your girl friends in,(in the trunk).Hung out on the corner in Forty Acres by Rockford Tower and Bancroft Mills row houses.Most of my friends worked at the Bancroft Mill.Diving off the waterfall behind the mill where the water wheel is.Hung out at Pantano's sub shop,my girl friend Jerry Chambers father owned Chamber Garage and gas station across the street from the sub shop and he let us work on our cars there.I left to go into the U.S.Marine Corp. in '57,while there i lost five of my gang in a car accident wraped around a tree.If i had been there i would have been in that car. Hope this also brings back memories. God Bless, Merle
Merle Pulley <merleep@livingston.net>
livingston, tx USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 15:09:23 (EST)

Hi,this is Mickey Pulley's (mickey710@webtv.net) son,Mom will not be on the internet anymore.We have disconnected her internet access as she is no longer able to use it.She is ready to go home to the her's and mine LORD JESUS anytime but has not left us yet.She asked me to let you know how much she enjoyed the time you spent communcating with her and you are in her thoughts as she prepares to go home.She treasured every minute and we heard many story's about you,Delaware and your web site. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending so much time for an old lady.We are with her twenty four hours a day now as she is totally bed ridden.You can contact her through my email address and i will pass it on to her as long as she is here.thanks and God bless,Merle
Merle Pulley <merleep@livingston.net>
livingston, tx USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 13:54:14 (EST)

HARRY: Since your site made the News Journal I've had four 'lost' friends, and two use-to-be-neighbors, contact me via e-mail. It was both a surprise an a joy to have them recognize my name (e-mail name plus Jo Ann, I guess) after all these years, an inquired if it was indeed me. I've had lunch with two of them :o). I suppose some people are more cautious or private with their e-mail than I am. The only thing I've ever been asked not to do, is by my children: "Please, Mother, don't put our kids' pictures, or last names on the Internet!" However, as I'm long divorced, and took my maiden name back, their last names no longer apply, and I'd never put my g'kids pics on the Internet. Many people enjoy your website, Harry, I hope it gives you as much pleasure reading the posts as it does us? Thanks.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 13:42:37 (EST)

HARRY: Posting a correct E-mail addy is not a problem for me. However, I suppose some people are more cautious or private than I am. Since your site made the News Journal, I've had 4 'lost' friends, and two use-to-be-neighbors, contact me. It was both a surprise an a joy to see they recognized my name (email name plus Jo Ann, I guess) after all these years, an they inquired if it was indeed me. I've met and had lunch with two of them :o). The only thing I've ever been asked not to do, is by my children: "Please, Mother, don't put our kids' pictures, or last names on the Internet!" However, as I'm long divorcedm and took my maiden name back, their last names no longer apply, and I'd never put my g'kids pics on the Internet. Many people enjoy your website, Harry, I hope it gives you as much pleasure reading the posts as it does us? Thanks.
Jo Ann <crossan3@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 13:11:29 (EST)

I believe the ice cream place on Lancaster Pike was called Breideblik's. I can remember when dad took us there he said he worked there part time as a kid.
Dave Ziegler <dziegler@comcast.net>
Newark, DE USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 10:04:20 (EST)

As I'm just catching up on the posts: My favorite comic book was the Katzenjammer Kids. I think their names were Hans and Fritz? Anyone else remember them? ( Hope I spelled it correctly ). SPY: I thought I figured out the 'at' vs @, and sent you e-mail re: Camp Mattahoon, did it arrive?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 09:23:56 (EST)

A picture of the last 'Flatiron building' in Trolley Square was in the news journal the other day. Does anyone remember the other flatiron building that sat at Delaware Ave. & Jefferson St? I remember it well because I was just a rookie on the Wilmington Fire Department (Wilmington Bureau of Fire at that time) when it burned. It was a Saturday in 1972 a little past 5pm. I had just reported for duty when the first alarm was banged out. The first arriving fire company was from 12th & Washington ST. and they reported heavy smoke while pulling out of their fire house. Quickly a 2nd alarm was called and I remember my officer telling me to
Joe <sgtpepper2122aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 08:46:34 (EST)

Not real sure but I think the Press Club was down around front and French. I am sure Ralph would know.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 08:14:02 (EST)

I, too, remember an ice cream place called Bridle Bleck, or something like that, with an "L" in the second name. I can't recall where it was located, other than it would have been to the west of Wilmington. Incidentally, "Terry & the Pirates", created by Milton Caniff, first appeared in 1934. You can read a detailed history of this, and other cartoons, at http://www.toonopedia.com/.
Tom Wood <twood@hoflink.com>
Albertson, NY USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 00:47:13 (EST)

I'M BACK! I've had a very ill friend and little free time to spend online. KAY: I too have had my e-mail to Mickey in Texas, returned. If anyone hears from her please let me know also. HARRY: AOL protection works for me. I can have it throw "unknowns" in a spam file for me to check later, or just permenently delete it without even seeing it. SPY: Camp Mattahoon was owned bye The Boys Club of Wilmington. My son went there for two weeks every summer. We thought he was soooooo far away. I think the community of Arundel is there now. Also, anyone remember where The Press Club was in Wilmington? (rolls eyes).
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Valley, DE USA - Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 00:12:23 (EST)

I might very well be wrong about Lynthwaite being on Lancaster Pike. Maybe I confused it with another name. But, I do have great memories of ice cream at a small roadside shop on Lancaster Pike near the Hercules golf course back in the 1940s, when we used to take "rides out in the country." Okay, here's the challenge: what was the name? Was there something like (sp?) Bridle Brick?
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 23:32:28 (EST)

For what it's worth, this old geezer remembers Lynnthwaite Farms Ice Cream as being only on the Concord Pike... perhaps they opened a branch office, but I sure don't remember one.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 21:50:56 (EST)

Joe, you're older than me, and I respect your memory, but I think you're wrong about Lynnthwaite's being on Lancaster Pike. Their big dairy farm was alongside the southbound lanes of Concord Pike, and their ice cream store in their barn was there in the mid 40's, I believe, and later (late 50's, early 60's?) moved to a new store on the Northbound side of Concord Pike, where the Double Tree Hotel is now. I know a person who worked for Pusey Passmore (the owner) there and at the Sunoco gas station he also owned, at Foulk and Silverside Roads. I'll try to get a firm clarification on the date). He was always North of the city, as far as I know. Myself being from North of the city, I don't remember much about Lancaster Pike, but don't believe it could of been Lynnthwaites - but wait! Where does the name come from? Mr. Passmore could have bought the name and business from the original Lynnthwaite, couldn't he? Maybe I should shut my mouth, hehe. :)
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 21:45:14 (EST)

To all of our friends and readers who may have moved away from the area. Or anyone, for that matter. Tasty Kake has an amazing web site. You can order tasty cakes and have them delivered to your door in gift boxes or whatever. I have done this and they come to my door the second day. Of course, I'm still in the area, but it hardly seems worth going to the store. The easiest way to get there is to use Google as I can't remember the exact spelling. They are as good as I ever remember, though not cheap.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 21:40:16 (EST)

Lynthwaite Farms ice cream was mention a while back. I remember it was located on Lancaster Pike not far from the Hercules Country Club. Perhaps that was earlier and perhaps I'm dating myself. But, I remember the ice cream was great back in the days when we would take rides
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 20:38:35 (EST)

Ray, would the horse riding stable have been Rick's Riding Academy, which was about where the Outback Steakhouse is, in Glen Mills? Or maybe it was McDonalds, which was on Snuff Mill Road (or around there), off old Kennett Pike? At both places, it used to cost $0.50 an hour to ride. After both of those places closed, there was Truitt's on Milltown Road just before Limestone Road - where you rode the horse out of the stable, and down the road to the boy scout camp (Camp Mattahoon?) and behind there, into the woods. Truitt's charged $1.00 an hour. To all that don't know that "at" is the same as @ in an email address, but FOILS SPAM ROBOTS, let this be known - it's a very simple substitution that everyone ought to easily figure out when they see such an email address and wish to reply to same.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 18:50:19 (EST)

To Wayne Butler, going back over old posts, I see that you were a student in old number 24 school. I was there as well, from 1949 to 1951. I remember the round rooms, one was an art room. The playgrounds were in back of the school. A higher level was for grades one to three, the lower-level for grades four to six. I was always on the upper level. My first little girlfriend, Joyce Grier, used to kick my shins every time I got close to her.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 16:57:58 (EST)

IN REFERANCE TO THE ICE CREAM PLACE ON CONCORD PIKE,I REMEMBER IT WELL.THAT WAS THE PLACE TO GO IN THE EARLY 50'S.THE ICE CREAM WAS TO DIE FOR,LONG BEFORE THAT EXPRESSION WAS EVEN KNOWN. I COMPARE IT TO WOODSIDE FARMS IN HOCKESSIN ,'PRESENT DAY. THIS IS OF COURSE ON A SMALLER SCALE TODAY,BUT ABOUT AS GOOD. MY FAVOTITE BACK THEN WAS RASBERRY AND BANANNA.
K Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 16:49:57 (EST)

You're sure right about Felix. I got my cats mixed up, I guess. We went to the same ice cream place on Route 202. It was usually after the family had great fun playing putt putt golf. It seemed like such a long way. We also drove much further down, I believe, when I was a teenager in the late 50s, to ride horses. My memory is not sure about that one, only that my uncle, who took us there boasting about being a good rider, did not hold on to the reins tightly after he was in the saddle. The horse took off running for the barn and he had several knots on his head from hitting overhead doorways and board. We laughed about that for many years. Hope he still smiles abound it in heaven. They seemed like such innocent times.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 16:42:42 (EST)

TO: Bruce-> spyderxlatcomcast.net::___Maybe it did not get entered because I had a question about it but could not e-mail you.___Others (Connie, Jean, Sean, Mary Kay and Sandy) are also using non-e-mails, erroneous or wrong e-mails as well.___How can other visitors 'network' with you if you do not provide your e-mail address (remember - no chit-chat allowed!)___There is software out there to protect you - a lot of it is free.___And AOL users - I thought AOL is suppose to protect you?
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 15:29:30 (EST)

Ray, you're mistaken about Felix the cat going "X" rated. It was Fritz the cat and he was probably copied loosely from Felix, but Felix himself remained pure. GGGGGGG
Dave Ziegler <dziegler3@comcast.net>
Newark, DE USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 15:14:30 (EST)

Thanks, Richard, for mentioning the Pike Theater, it may be that you and I are the only ones that remember it. I've mentioned it previously and the name never raised any eyebrows, and my attempts to get it listed in the Theater section of the site didn't accomplish anything. I was beginning to think it was my mind going South (well, it is, but that's another tale), what were we talking about? :)
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 13:55:04 (EST)

I remember a movie theater in Claymont,the Green Lantern,It showed foreign movies and "adult" films.Probably in the early Forties.It later became the Pike theater. At the corner of Philadelphia Pike and Darley Road. Also, I remember Walt Poiriers at 11th and West.Walt also owned the Spic-N-Spans at 31st and Market St. and at Philadelphia Pike and Bellefonte Blvd.
Richard Little <flatty@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 13:42:56 (EST)

To: K. Burton.....about Mickey Pulley...Like you I have been concerned about Mickey since she has not posted on OldWilmington for awhile..also, she has not sent me email as she did from time to time. Like you, I sent her email and it was returned. The last time I heard from her was about a month ago after I sent her an email asking her if she saw Joe Biden on CNN one night. Mickey was a big fan of Joe Biden....A few days after I sent the email she did answer me saying that she had not watched TV or been on her webtv because she was feeling so poorly and did not have the energy. This was not at all like Mickey as she loved reading OldWilmington and keeping up with politics. Although I do not know Mickey other than OldWilmington and email, I do know that she was on oxygen around the clock. She also enjoyed her garden and going to church but those activities have not been possible the past, probably, six months. Oh, yes, she also said her daughter and son were bringing her meals to her. So, obviuously, she was still living alone. I hope that the reason we do not hear from her is that her webtv is not working and that she is ok.
Patricia Kearney Lodge <phototravl@aol.com>
Key Biscayne, FL USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 12:35:38 (EST)

MARY KAY...THE NAME OF THE PLACE WHERE YOU GOT YOUR ICE CREAM WAS (SPL) LYNNTHWAITE FARMS... IT WAS ON CONCORD PK. (202) ACROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM BRANDYWINE GOLF COURSE
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 10:19:01 (EST)

Here I am! Re ROTO COMICS - they were in that Wilmington Sunday paper that went out of business years ago. Here's a site where you can browse all the old comic strips. "Guide to The San Francisco Academy of Comic Art" (SFACA) Collection is the life work of author and collector Bill Blackbeard, whose goal was to establish a complete collection of cartoon art from American newspapers....
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 07:54:52 (EST)

One more comic comes to mind: "Maggie & Jiggs". I, too, have been wondering about Mickey since she has not posted anything lately. Also, Connie, where are you?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 07:43:16 (EST)

Has anyone out there heard from Mickey Pulley ? She used to be a regular on this site. She is in her 80's,lives in Texas. All of my e-mail to Her comes back,as undelivered. I am worried about Her.
K Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 07:06:44 (EST)

Here's one I'll bet a lot of you don't know. The comic strip Terry & the Pirates was based on the escapades of Lt.Col. David F. McAllister, head of the Delaware Air National Guard 142nd Tactical Fighter Sqd. It was about he and his fellow airmen and their times during the Korean war. His life was cut short around 1962 when he and Brig Gen Spruance crashed on takeoff in a two seat trainer. They were in Colorado (I belive) trying to keep the 142nd as a fighter sqd rather than convert it to its current status of transport sqd. Brid Gen Spruance survived the crash. Col Mc Allister's plane, the F86 named Cindy Lind 9th is the one you see on display at the airport, within the Air Guard Section of the base.
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 06:59:57 (EST)

I remember back in the '50s & early '60s we lived in Willow Run and my granmother would take us kids out for a drive in the "country" on Sundays and she would always tell us we were lost. But we always ended up at this wonderful family owned ice cream stand that put Baskin Robins to shame. We would eat our treat and head home. In the late '60 we moved from Willow Run to Branywood. Upon exploring our new area (the Concord Mall) the was that ice cream stand between the mall and then Brandywine College!
Mary Kay Wilcoxson <kwmk@earthlink.net>
Chrlottesville, VA USA - Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 06:32:32 (EST)

More comics: Has anyone mentioned these: Terry & The Pirates; Little LuLu; Moon Mullins; Ignatz; Krazy Kat; and one I don't even want to mention, as I thought it was sooo boring, but - Mary Worth.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 22:17:24 (EST)

I was mistaken about Dondi, I knew he was a war orphan, but thought he had been 'adopted' by Sad Sack. After Googling, I got my scrambled brains back together and my story is now straight - he was a war orphan, but was 'adopted' by one of the soldiers, "Corporal Ted Wills, later known as "Uncle Ted", and came back to the states with him after the war, and etc.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 22:11:07 (EST)

Bill, you are so right. It was Smilin' Jack not Flyin' Jack. Dondi was definitely his own comic strip. I know because I married a guy named Don and my pet name for him was "Dondi". He wasn't from Wilmington (unfortunately, and didn't get it). Guess they didn't have Dondi in his hometown newspaper.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 19:09:43 (EST)

FRAN SHARP, NO FRAN , MY DAD WAS NOT A POLICE OFFICER IN WILM.. HE DROVE A BUS FOR 38 YRS, IN WILM. FOR THE DEL. COACH CO. WHICH IS NOW DART. BUT MY UNCLE JOE MC CORD AND HIS SON PHILIP BOTH RETIRED FROM THE WILMINGTON POLICE DEPT.. MY UNCLE RETIRED ABOUT 1950, AND MY COUSIN ABOUT 1970 AS A SGT. .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS , FL USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 18:57:15 (EST)

I know you're getting tired of seeing my name, I couldn't help this one. I was just going through the archives from December last year. There was much discussion About Mr. Peanut. This is a sad aside to those discussions. I met Mr. peanut in person in 1988. I was in the veterans Hospital Therapy Clinic when the discussion turned to old Wilmington and how Mr. peanut would walk around his base of operations at fourth and King. Suddenly, a very old gentleman spoke up and identified himself as Mr. peanut. He had pictures and he still owns his costume. Unfortunately, at that time, he was ravaged with the advanced symptoms of chronic multiple sclerosis. The only faculty left to him was his voice.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 17:41:39 (EST)

Dondi had his own strip. Sad Sack was about an Army private, very similar to Beetle Bailey. The Sunday Philly Inquirer had "ROTO-comics." Presumably named after the "rotogravure" color printing process. (The word "rotogravure" also is heard in the song "Easter Parade.") Other comics popular in the 1950s: Smokey Stover, Our Boarding House featuring Major Hoople, Terry and the Pirates, Steve Canyon, Buzz Sawyer, Little Iodine, Nancy, Little King, David Crane, Brenda Starr, Ferdinand, Alley Oop.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 17:34:11 (EST)

Wasn't "Dondi" one of the characters in "Sad Sack"?
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 17:16:44 (EST)

I got to thinking about these comic strips and the characters. Lil Abner had to be my favorite and my grandpa's. He was so, so politically sensitive and the strips author, Al Capp, quite often would include current events or political figures in his cartoons. How he would love to have been here for the last two presidents. I just wonder how he would have handled the Clinton affair. Can't you just see "Captivatin Jones" as Monica Lewinsky!! Some Others I Remember (Hope They're Not from Comic Books), Hekel and Jekel, Mighty Mouse, and Felix the Cat (before He Turned X-Rated).
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 17:11:51 (EST)

Pat, wasn't that "Smilin' Jack" instead of "Flying Jack"? I remember Gordo, his sidekick, with the chicken always eating the buttons that popped off his shirt... I also enjoyed the Katzenjammer Kids - always getting in trouble. Guess I pretty much identified with them...!
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 16:01:08 (EST)

Harry, the magician comic was, I believe, "Mandrake the Magician". Also, remember "Flying Jack" and "Dondi".
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 15:11:45 (EST)

About the comics in the "funny papers" from the 40's and 50's: Remember Major Hoople, Freckles and His Friends, Alley Oop, Caspar Milquetoast, Boots and Her Buddies, Worry Wart and Mutt and Jeff? I'm sure there many more I've forgotten. Anyone else remember any of the others?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 15:09:27 (EST)

I always liked 'Blondie', Nancy' and the Magician one - I can't remember his name.____Which Philly paper had the 'Roto----' something comics?
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 15:00:28 (EST)

Newspapers. In the 50s I remember getting The Wilmington Morning News and The Journal Every Evening on the weekdays. On Sundays we went to the newsstand for our papers and our family always got The Star along with either The Philadelphia Inquirer or The Philadelphia Bulletin. Those were absolutely necessary because different members of our 12 member household religiously followed different comic strips i.e. L'il Abner, Joe Palooka, Dick Tracy. Who remembers the other strips? Some of them slipped my mind.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 13:22:38 (EST)

FOR BOB WILSON: YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS ABOUT NOT KNOWING WHY THE MERCHANDISE MART FAILED. IF YOU PLANTED THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ORCHIDS ON A LITTLE ISLAND IN A MARSH AND THOSE PEOPLE GOING TO PICK THEM WERE CONSTANTLY EATEN BY ALLIGATORS, THEN PEOPLE WOULD SOON LEARN TO GO ELSEWHERE FOR THEIR ORCHIDS, WOULDN'T THEY?
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 12:09:20 (EST)

BOB, You are remembering correctly. He was was a slight man. Light hair, no more than about 5'7". I still have a slew of nice wooden hangers that say Mullins store on them. I even have an old book of mathes, that strike on the front, with the Mullins logo. My great uncle passed on in 1984. John Mullins was still alive at the time, and I remember him attending the funeral.
SEAN <EKN@AOL.COM>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 10:28:35 (EST)

To SEAN: Re: Mullins...I think I remember your great uncle at Mullins when the store was located at 6th and Market, and then later in the Merchandise Mart. If I remember correctly, he was in the Young Men's Department. He was a very nice man, and my mother was always very happy with assisting him as a customer to help fit me in good clothing. If I recall, he was a somewhat slight man with sandy hair who always cheerfully remembered our names when we came to shop. And ah, alas, the Merchandise Mart. It was a great place while it lasted, with the big Strawbridge store as its anchor. (Back in the early 1950's, for an upscale department store, you either patronized Strawbridge's or John Wanamaker over on the Augustine Cut-Off, or maybe even both.) And the vast, and empty parking lot on Sundays at the Mart was the place where my father taught me how to drive in our 1953 stick-shift Buick. Why is it that the Merchandise Mart failed, and those places on the Concord Pike and the Kirkwood Highway bloomed and blossomed? Was it a matter of geography and or location location location? It is sad indeed these days to see the hulk of the Mart just sitting there like an ancient Irish castle...full of ghosts from the 1950's...
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, March 18, 2005 at 09:03:58 (EST)

I remember Lujo's; we talked about it a little bit a couple of weeks ago. Bernies is the only thing left in that whole block now. :(
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 19:20:42 (EST)

My dad owned a bar called Lujo's on the S/W corner of 2nd & King Sts. It was torn down around 1970 to make way for the curve of South King St onto Martin Luther King Blvd. It would have been two doors east of Bernie's Tavern which is still there. Sorry I don't have any photos.
Larry Agostini <la1129@comcast.net>
Wilm, de USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 17:52:46 (EST)

My great uncle retired from Mullins store in the Merchandise Mart in 1973. His name was Robert Kirkpatrick. He started in the store at 6th and Market back in the 1940's
SEAN <EKN64@AOL.COM>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 12:25:36 (EST)

Quite eerie to see the photos of the abandoned Merchandize Mart. When I was in high school in the mid '60s my parents would allow me to use the family car with the provision that I go out and apply for jobs. They told me to return home with a list showing every place I had applied. I spent the whole day watching the locomotives switching in the railroad yard across from the Merchandise Mart. I loved trains. One cheesesteak and three hours later I turned the car around, wrote down the names of a dozen or so stores in the Mart, drove home and showed my parents the list. I shook my head and mumbled that "Nobody's hiring." They patted me on the shoulder and said maybe I'd have better luck next time.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 11:26:48 (EST)

Harry. By chance, I just thought of the S&H Green Stamps yesterday. My parents bought my first baseball glove with those booklets they put the stamps in.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 09:55:34 (EST)

'TOP OF THE MORNING', TO ALL OF OUR IRISH FRIENDS AND FAMILIES, THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THIS AWESOME WEB SITE! IRISH BLESSING TO ALL.
MARY K. (DUNLOP) KENNEDY <MK.KENNEDY@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
OTTAWA, IL USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 09:20:38 (EST)

Sam C. mentions the Atlantic station built like a rotunda at 11th and Delaware. It brought back memories of standing at the bus stop there, in 1950 or 1951, waiting for either the #11 or #12 trolley buses to take me home the the 9th Ward, on days when it was either too hot or too cold to walk from there up to 23rd Street along Baynard Boulevard or Washington Street. Later, when my family moved to Monroe Park on the Kennett Pike, I also used to wait there for the #4 bus, take it to the end of the line, nd then walk the additional mile out Kennett to Barley Mill Road. Most vividly though, I seem to remember only how hot or cold it was every time I waited there. Brrrr! or Phewwww!
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 07:31:00 (EST)

VISITORS::____You will find photos of "Wilmington Today" by selecting the same link under 'What's New?' or by the on-going selection under 'PHOTOS'/'Wilmington Today...'____There will be photos of areas that have been mentioned here, but also of locations for out-of-towners to see what things look like today such as the Delaware Trust Tower being removed; the Swinging Bridge; the old Strawbridge & Clothiers Store, I-95, etc.___There are currently 25 photos on Page 1
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 07:25:49 (EST)

Holt's Quick Lunch, Stag Cafe or Hotel: During my research I found out that my 2nd Great Uncle Clarence R. Holt was self employed. The 1900 Wilmington Directory showed that Clarence and his wife Estella had a Quick Lunch business at 3 East 4th Street. The 1909 City Directory showed the name had changed to the Holt's Stag Hotel & Cafe located at 5 East, 4th Street. Sometime during the early 1900's they merged both establishments into one hotel named The Holt's American Hotel. This business continued at this location and was thriving up to 1946. During the lean years and during the great depression, Eugene's brother Clarence R. Holt the owner of the Holt's American Hotel provided work for the Holt family. Eugene & Clarence other brother William, was a Butcher and no doubt provided meat to his brothers restaurant. For the exception of Clarence Holt (Hotel Owner) the remaining Holt's lived at 1124 West 2nd Street. Later, Eugene & Clara's son Clarence R. Holt (My Grand Father) lived with his wife Selena (Lena) MacCord at 1123 Pleasant Street which was directly behind his fathers house which they both shared an alley way. Both residences still exist. During another search of the 1930-31 Wilmington City Directory, Selena was staying at 621 North Adams with her 2nd husband Ralph E. Pryor Sr. Does anyone have old photos of the Holt hotel cir 1900-1940 which they can share or some stories.
Clarence Holt <crholt@delanet.com>
Middletown, De USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 07:25:39 (EST)

I have photos of the 'Swinging Bridge' on the site!____You'll find the link on the 'Home Page' under 'Announcements', 'What's New?'...
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 07:12:04 (EST)

Getting back to parks, we used to go to 10 Street Park sometimes after dark. Then we would climb the fence and swim in the reservoir. Not for the faint of heart. The walls of the reservoir went down about a 45° angle. It was impossible to walk out. You had to swim to the very edge to grab something to help yourself out. Seemed like every year someone drowned in there. Fortunately, was never anyone that I knew. Summertime, daytime swimming was done at the head gates. We loved to wait at the "swinging bridge" for girls to start across so we could make the bridge swing. Great fun in those days. I understand that bridge is still there.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 21:56:19 (EST)

I remember Rudy Williams who owned the Gulf station at Prices Corner. He was a State Representative and the nicest man especially to young people. I think he married a teacher the taught at Conrad High. Also anyone remember the Atlantic station at 11th & Washington? It was built like a Rotunda and served as a divider of Del.Ave. and 11th. They gave small white footballs away during football season. I still have an "A" gasoilne ration stamp book from the War years.
Sam Ciroalo <samciroalo@comcast.net >
Bonita Springs, FL USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 21:24:07 (EST)

Bruce, It is my understanding from fellow members of the Corvette Club of Northern Delaware, that you can still buy the racing fuel at a Sunoco station in Kennet Square as we speak. However I wouldn't run out and put it in these lower compression engines like you said. I really don't know what would happen but you could put it in my Corvette but not in my Jeep. Thanks anyway, Wayne
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 20:45:01 (EST)

Ref: The gas station at prices corner was owned by a guy named Rudy who was elected to congress a few years later.Because of his friendship with my family,I was extended credit for a year while I was a senior at Conrad.Upon graduation,I went to work at the Del.N.J. ferry co.and for a year,half of my pay went to pay off that bill.I thought it would never end.Rudy was a neat guy.Anybody remember Lafaye Green who worked on the ferry at that time:1948,49 50?This ole guitar picker says"Hi".
Dick Lloyd <lostnote@juno.com>
san diego, ca USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 20:40:30 (EST)

Thanks, Ray. I worked at the Sunoco (owned by Jimmy Barone) in the early 60's, and that other station was a Spur then, and there was also a Spur in Wilm. Manor, where the Hess is now - right next to where Wilm. Manor Fire House used to be (now a hardware store). They must have taken over after Saveway, huh? The first station across the Market St. bridge, on the right, was an Atlantic, then the Sunoco, Spur/Saveway, Esso, and on and on. The Spur stations kept the vacuum cleaners too, they also had an air hose and a water hose on the islands along with the vacuum. There also was a Spur in Elsmere, on the right (SW corner?) going into Elsmere, just after coming over the bridge by Canby Park and going through the intersection of (Dupont Rd?). A couple of the other brands of gasoline also sold unleaded, but I think the name "White Gas" (for unleaded) was a trademark name of Amoco. Unleaded gas back then had no coloring added, so was clear, hence 'white'. I don't know if Sunoco offered unleaded back then or not. The different settings on the Sunoco pump offered increasingly more octane mixed in with the base grade, the lowest setting having minimum octane. There were about 8 different grades then, plus one grade that wasn't marked on the pump, and a separate key was needed to get that grade, and that was supposedly pure octane. That was racing fuel, and I was told that if you put that grade into a car that wasn't beefed up for it, it would burn the pistons out in less than a minute. That was enough to prevent me from trying that grade in my car.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 20:09:20 (EST)

Bruce, that gasoline station was for sure Saveway in the 1950s. It was the first station that I recall that offered vacuum cleaners to clean your car. Later, not sure when, that station changed and another Saveway appeared out near Wilmington Manor on US 13. Reference to Amoco gasoline having the white gas. That is absolutely correct. Trying to think back 50 years ain't easy.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 18:40:30 (EST)

D Rufo. Instead of Pizza Pies, I would think you could probably find Freedom Pies now that Italy is withdrawing it's troops. Just joking, of course.
Carol Merlini <caroljane.merlini@aliceposta.it>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 16:27:23 (EST)

Maureen, I always liked the 10th Street Park. I didn't grow up in that neighborhood but my Aunt lived at 6th & Franklin so I used to walk over to 10th street when I was visiting her. The Park just had a real kind of cosmopolitan city feel to it. Something about the trees in that area of the city, I guess. Now, when I think back on it, Wilmington had a lot of Parks. And I played in every one of them at one time or another.
Carol Merlini <caroljane.merlini@aliceposta.it>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 16:20:48 (EST)

DOES ANY ONE REMEMBER THE GOLF DRIVING RANGE (KENNEDY'S) OUT BY PRICE'S CORNER..ALSO AFTER THE WAR THE GENERAL MOTORS PLANT HAD GOATS AROUND IT TO KEEP THE GRASS SHORT.....BUBS
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 16:20:11 (EST)

Does anyone know how old the Flats are? My father lived on Ferris St. with his parents. I have an old photo of him, my grandmother and some other children in what I think is the rear of their unit looking down the alley. Other than the photo being in black and white, the area looks just like the photo taken recently which is on this site. I think my father looks like he may be two or three in the picture which would make it about 1915-16.
Richard Grayson <randjgrayson@hotmail.com>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 14:10:29 (EST)

Wasn't there a Marathon Gas Station once on US 13/40?___And most service stations gave out S & H Green Stamps.___And they even pumped the gas for you and checked the oil, washed the windshield and checked the air in your tires.___What happened!??
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 13:50:08 (EST)

With all this talk about gas stations, I'm suprised no on has mentioned the one at Sears (Prices Corner). It too had the dial your own octane pumps like Sunoco. Funny thing about it though was the gas came from Tidewater where they sold nothing but premimum. So no matter what you dialed in you got top of the line octane. Of course the people who worked at Sears were aware of this and always bought the cheapest and got the high octane at the lowest price. But alas all good things must come to an end. Somewhere around the late 60s early 70s (I'm guessing at that) an underground spring, washed out the showroom for the automotive section of Sears. It fell into the basement below. When they rebuilt the showroom the gas station was no longer to be. I don't know if they considered themselves lucky there wasn't a situation when the building collapsed or what, but the gas station never re-opened.
Wayne Butler <Twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 10:30:54 (EST)

Bill, one of the brands of gas that I remember that is no longer around is Phillips 66. I used to fill up on the way home from work on rte 273 and Airport road vicinity. I still have their credit card, it's expired tho'. Anyone on here from Claymont High School class of 1959??
Dave Ziegler <dziegler3@comcast.net>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 09:30:00 (EST)

We were members of the "Christian & Missionary Church" at 504 W. 5th Street from 1932 and forward until the church left that site in 1968. You could add this to your list of churches.
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Lambert, Jr. <aatljr@juno.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 09:17:51 (EST)

I remember a gas station at 24th and Market Sts. back in the 40's and 50's and I believe the brand was "Pure". There was a blue and white sign out front of the station. I hadn't seen that brand in years anywhere in the United States until we moved to the east coast of Florida. There is a little town called Stuart south of us and there is a Pure Oil Station there and for some reason the gas is always a few cents cheaper than the other brands. Anybody remember this station?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 08:38:19 (EST)

Ref. the Sunoco at 24th and Concord. During WWII model airplane builders could get a gas ration stamp for their engines. As I recall, it was a gallon a week. Rationale was that such guys would gain knowledge that would come in handy if they went into the Service. Guess that it worked in my case when I went into the Air Force pilot training program. I bought my white gas at that Sunoco station. As I recall it was 10 cents a gallon at first.
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 08:13:03 (EST)

Ray I've tried several times to e-mail your directly but your computer would not accept mail from my work computer. Sure would like to see that picture you have of my father. Jay thaks for the pictures of the St. Patty's day parade. Are you going to go to the COK beef & beer?? Ralph was your father also on the police force ?? Shaggy
Fran Sharp <shaggysharp@hotmail.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 08:03:24 (EST)

Back in the early 1950's, Sun Oil (Sunoco) had a couple of unusual marketing gimmicks. The first was a book of "Sunchex", which were IBM punch cards that the attendant filled out, gave you a copy after you signed it, and then Sun would bill you at the end of the month. This was back when only a very few companies had credit cards. The second gimmick was the opportunity you had, via a dial on the pump, to order about six or more octane grades to meet the specific needs of your car's engine, supposedly. In 1949 through 1951, my dad bought all of his gas for the new Buick at the Sunoco station at Concord and 24th Street, katty-korner from Fell's Drug store in the 9th Ward. The first gasoline credit card I ever had was from Gulf Oil.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 07:41:17 (EST)

HI BOB VEAZEY, YES I HAD HEARD OF THE O,LEARY BAND . AT THE TIME I WAS ONLY 13 YRS. OF AGE BUT GOT TO HEAR THEM AT A WEDDING IN WILM.. . FUNNY, LATTER ON WHEN I WAS ON THE WILM. POLICE FORCE I HAD MY OWN BAND , AND WOULD TAKE A GIG WHEN EVER I WAS OFF DUTY. WELL BOB PALESE PLAYED WITH MY GROUP A FEW TIMES . BOB WAS NOT ONLY A GOOD DRUMER, BUT A GREAT GUY. IN FACT , HIS SISTER DORIS ANN MARRIED A FRIEND OF MINE BOB MC DANIEL. -----IN REGARDS TO SHAGGY SHARP , I WAS ON THE FORCE WITH SHAGGY . I WAS A ROOKIE WHEN HE RETIRED I BELIEVE IN 1957. AND IT,S A SMALL WORLD .I WAS WORKING AT THE TARPON SPRINGS HOSPITAL IN FL.. AS ACTING SUPERVISOR I THINK IT WAS 1996 ,AND I BUMPED INTO HIS WIFE, SHE TOLD ME HE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL AS A PATIENT, HAD BROKEN HIS LEG. I WENT TO SEE HIM , SHAGGY AND I TALKED ABOUT OLD TIMES. I WAS SO HAPPY TO HAVE GOTTON TO SEE HIM, BECAUSE A FEW MONTHS LATTER SHAGGY PASSED AWAY ! I AM SURE THAT HE IS DOING TRAFFIC INSIDE THE GOLDEN GATES RIGHT NOW .---- AND KEEPING EVERY ONE IN STICHES 1 !
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 23:47:18 (EST)

I remember the days of the Grady and Hurst show .It was fun being on T.V. We would leave right from school.We had to take extra clothes,change when we got to the station.If we were ever caught wearing our uniforms on T.V.,we would be in big trouble.The uniforms were that of St.Elizabeth's.
K Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 21:28:45 (EST)

Bill, when you ask for other gasoline brand names that are no longer around, I take it you mean around Wilmington. Off the top of my bald head, at the moment, I can only think of one - Sinclair. There are others, such as Texaco is now a dying name, can you believe that? By the way, remember when kerosene (coal oil) and diesel fuel used to sell for about half what gasoline sold for? Since they've found uses for those products, all of a sudden, they became more difficult to produce, the oil companies said, so that now kerosene and diesel sell for more than gasoline.
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 21:24:18 (EST)

RAY JUBB, I am responding for Shaggy Sharp Jr, Your friend the 10th street Cop was Shaggy Jr's father. Young Shaggy is alive a kickin and can be seen around town at different events. He will be happy about your memory of his Dad, you are right, there was never a discouraging word about Shaggy Sharp.
Jay Brady <rcknjbrd@msn.com>
wilm, de USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 21:20:02 (EST)

Also, Amoco had white gas (meaning unleaded), not Sunoco. Flying A was the brand name of Tydol (Tydol Flying A).
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 20:01:12 (EST)

I used to work at the Sunoco gas station on S. Market St., in the early 60's - midnight shift. At that time, the station just past the Sunoco was a Spur station, not Saveway. I don't remember Saveway, was that earlier or later?
Bruce <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 19:58:19 (EST)

How about loading up the car to go to the Bandstand show. The host was Bob Horne (before he was caught messing with a teenage girl on the show). We started a lot of the original dances, especially line dances. I remember dancing with Justine, one of the regulars, when her boyfriend, Bob was not there. I remember doing, The Slop, The Stroll, etc., etc.. In our school gymnasium at lunchtime, music was played and we all danced. There was a dance done at that time called The Bug. It was strictly prohibited. We never knew why. A ring was formed and a dancer perform in the middle to the clapping of the observers. They did any dance steps that they may have invented on their own, usually ending with muscles quivering as if they were crawling with bugs. That person would then wipe the bugs from his body and flick them to someone in the circle. That person would be next. I suppose the body quivering is what made it so terrible to the teachers, but if caught, you would be suspended. Many times when we could not get out of school early enough for bandstand, we went to the Grady and Hurst show north of Wilmington. I guess we just thought we were really something because we were all on TV.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 19:45:08 (EST)

Speaking of gas stations do you remember when Esso would give you a Tiger tail with a fill up? Then you would fix to your gas cap to show you had a Tiger in your tank.
Mike Snyder <kmsins@msn.com>
Newtown, Ct USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 15:32:58 (EST)

To Bill Fisher regarding gasoline stations that we remember. S. Market St. (gasoline Alley) had Sunoco, Atlantic, Gulf, Saveway, Esso, Tidewater, and probably some others. Further south was Chevron, Flying A, etc.. My grandfather was thoroughly convinced that Sunoco's white gas was the best. And by the way, it was $.18 a gallon and $.20 a gallon. And when they had gas wars, it was even cheaper. They ran promotionals where children would get stuffed animals for a full tank. I can remember as a teenager telling the gas station attendant to, "give me two dollars worth and shake the hose. That would be a half tank in my father's 1953 Chevrolet. Sometimes, Saveway would have a clown holding a bunch of balloons to try to entice customers to come in.
Ray Zelano <Rzelano@aol.com>
New Castle, Delaware USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 15:06:16 (EST)

I'm sure most everybody remembers Atlantic and Esso gasoline stations. What were some of the other brands that are no longer around?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 13:57:24 (EST)

Bob. I neglected to say that the piece about lemon water ice happened during the early to mid-60's. Somehow, and I'm speaking for many of us, when writing about a nostalgic time period, it is easy to transport oneself to that time era as if one is actually there. Therefore, it also easy to forget to include a time and date. The locations to which I was referring to were Little Italy and the Flats. Sorry.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 08:32:32 (EST)

To Bob regarding the water ice stands, there was (not there anymore) a store between 4th and 5th Streets on Union (two doors away from Ryan's Furniture Store). However, their specialty was more sno-balls than lemon water ice. After playing baseball all day, my friends and I used to go to this store to slurp these treats ( price: 10 cents for small, 20 cents for large) with the obligatory grape, cherry, orange or lime flavor. We also used to drink the NeHi sodas they had. A water ice stand once operated between 5th and 6th Streets on Union but they were short-lived because they were competing, in my opinion, against th