oldwilmington_nostalgia_archive

Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #18: June 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005 entries)

Just wanted to tell everyone that one of the oldest Variety Stores in Wilmington has finally shut its doors. Clodi's on 9th and Walnut Sts. was open for business for 97 years. Clodi's was a family operated store. MS. Clodi is living now in the Kentmere Nursing home . Her son who operated the store for years lives with his wife in North Wilmington. A tribute will be given to the Clodi family on July 8th on Channel 22.
Stephen Armstrong <stephen.armstrong@sun.com>
Bowie, Md. USA - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 14:44:01 (EDT)

To Wayne: That 5&10 was Richardson's Variety Store in Newport.
Marge M. <scooter1120@msn.com>
wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 12:24:12 (EDT)

The 5 & 10 across from Willow Run was Wassam's.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 10:18:01 (EDT)

IS THAT THE SAME FATHER TUCKER THAT TURNED HOT DOGS INTO FISH?
CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 22:24:54 (EDT)

Wayne I believe it was called Hoy's 5 and 10 . The store across from Duponts was called Wassam .
Lillian <Jgagnon31@aol.com>
Rehoboth Bch , DeWayneWa USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 21:59:44 (EDT)

DOES ANY ONE REMEMBER WHEN FATHER TUCKER WOULD STAND OUTSIDE OF MOVIE HOUSE'S THAT WERE SHOWING MOVIES THAT HE DID NOT WANT HIS PARISHIONER'S TO SEE......HE WOULD MAKE YOU LEAVE THE AREA.........ALSO ON SUNDAYS BEFORE THE TEN OCLOCK MASS HE WOULD WALK THRU THE CHURCH AND TELL A LOT OF THE BOYS TO COME AND SIT ON THE ALTAR...FATHER TUCKER LIKED A LOT OF BOYS TO SERVE ON THE ALTAR AS ALTAR BOYS
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 20:46:28 (EDT)

What 5 & 10 was in Newport next to the firehouse before Panelrama moved in there in the 70s? Also there was a 5 & 10 across from DuPont Chestnut Run at Willow Run on Center Road, wasn't that one a Hoy's at one time too?
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, de USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 14:59:28 (EDT)

Wasn't there a Hoy's 5 & 10 on Route 9, New Castle Avenue, just before you go on into New Castle? It seems to me, that's the last one I remember seeing. I could be wrong. I was wrong once before. Shirl
Shirley Hudson Jester <UJEST110@AOL.COM>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 12:27:34 (EDT)

Dorothy,yes I was born and raised in the 40acres went to #13 school
Jean <usa de.>
wilmington , de USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 09:56:04 (EDT)

re HOY'S - as per the 1974 telephone directory there was one at 206 N Union, Cross Road Shopping Center, Boxwood Road Shopping Center, 2609 Philadelphia Pike, 2101 Concord Pike Fairfax, 4399 Kirkwood Hwy Kirkwood Plz, and Tri-State Mall Claymont. I remember the one at Fairfax and the one on Union.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 09:29:06 (EDT)

I remember the Hoy's 5&10 in the Boxwood Shopping Center.
Marge M. <scooter1120@msn.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 08:35:57 (EDT)

Anyone out there from the 40 acres?
Dorothy <ralcon@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 06:51:49 (EDT)

I was wondering if anyone remembers the Hoys 5 $ 10 store in Hockessin, Delaware. I believe it opened in the early 70's and went out of business in the early 80's. It was located on the corner of Lancaster Pike and Yorklyn Rd. If anyone has any information on the store, or even a picture, please contact me at bethany90125@aol.com. Thanks! :)
Ziegler <bethany90125@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 04:34:22 (EDT)

RE; OLD TIMERS; First of all to any Real Old Timer, The Brandywine is Crick,not Creek. Are you referring to Hagee's Tavern,when you mention the Bar across from Walker's Mill ? That is a private house now. My Mother mentioned knowing a family by the name of Tamone,years ago.Mother grew up and lived almost her whole life along the Brandywine.She died 12 years ago. Did you know a family by the name of Ferraro's? They lived in the row of houses, just opposite The Station (DuPont's) This was called Walker's Bank .These houses still remain there.
kburton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.net>
Pike Creek, De USA - Monday, June 27, 2005 at 20:08:59 (EDT)

OLD TIMERS FROM "UP THE CREEK",,DOES ANY ONE REMEMBER THE TAMONE FAMILY THAT LIVED BY THE BAR (TWO HOUSES UP ) ACROSS FROM WALKERS MILL
JPASQUALE <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Monday, June 27, 2005 at 19:28:46 (EDT)

Good Old Days; Here's a new subject : " Up-The-Crick Reunion." This past week a few of us UP-The-Crickers,got together along the Crick to share pictures,memories.and to get re- acquainted,after many years. This was Fred Best's idea,and what a great idea it was !!!! This all came together by way of oldwilmington.net "Nostalgia." Glad we have this site.
kburton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.net>
Pike Creek, De USA - Sunday, June 26, 2005 at 18:59:31 (EDT)

what is there now$ this is about something a "little south" of wilm. in the 40's iwent to a place on indian river there were 2 buildings a 30 or 40ft. pier a large boat was anchored there.when you looked across the river oak orchard was to your right.i believe the property and the boat belonged to the townsend family.i cant pick it out on maps. thanks zeke
zeke <fazfaz36@hotmail.com>
wilm., de USA - Friday, June 24, 2005 at 14:31:20 (EDT)

I remember standing along the Kirkwood Highway near the Verterans' Hospital watching the walkers go by. I was 12 years old at the time and I remember how stange the leader looked with his race walker style but at the same time his determination (and lead) were very impressive. Also how much fun those following him seemed to be having. Thanks for bringing up a long forgotten memory and putting a date on it.
Tom Kolasinski <tomkolasinski@prodigy.net>
Glendale, AZ USA - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 14:06:07 (EDT)

Cappeau's drug store in Willow Run (where the Mexican Grocery store is now, just off of Center Road) had 2 Ps in the name, not one.
Randy <ranran19701@yahoo.com>
Wilm, DE USA - Monday, June 20, 2005 at 09:19:59 (EDT)

Re: Long Walks in Delaware...Back on a balmy Saturday in April, 1954, the REVIEW newspaper of the University of Delaware sponsored a reenactment of a walking race that an old-time alumni and school official named Charles Bush had taken in 1905 from the B&O Station in Wilmington to Old College in Newark, down the Kirkwood Highway for the most part, over a distance of somewhere between 12 and 15 miles. About 25 students participated, and a tall and long legged Swedish grad student was the winner by far. Roughly 15 of the participants finished, and yours truly came in in a tie for 6th. In one of its last issues, the SUNDAY STAR covered the event. The next morning, I could barely move, but it was a fun, if really exhausting, experience.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, June 17, 2005 at 19:22:01 (EDT)

And the name of the law school over the coffee shop in the "Y" was the Delaware Law School. That's where classes were held in the first year, 1971. Now affiliated with Widener University, the tuition is about $20,000 per year. The first year students paid $2,000 per year and the last year was free. That's why they call 'em the "good old days".
jim rambo <jrambo@comcast.net>
wilm, De USA - Friday, June 17, 2005 at 11:19:58 (EDT)

I don't think this one was to go to Dover. If I recall, one of the Kennedy's said Americans should be fit enough to walk 50 miles, so everybody started doing it. Or attempting to do it.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 17:04:32 (EDT)

After re-reading my response to Connie, I realized what the first question on everyone's mind was going to be. NO I DID NOT NAME HER PEBBLES! Ha Ha, Wayne
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 16:35:28 (EDT)

Connie, I remember that march very well. Although I didn't participate, I had hung around at WILM after school in the late 50s and got to know Ty Finch (aka Dean Tyler) very well. I mention him because he and WILM had something to do with sponsoring the march. It was supposed to go to Dover, however I don't remember the purpose. The reason I do remember it so well was the because my daughter was born that night (next morning). It was February 15, 1963. Ty Finch didn't make it all that far either. I caught up with the group just outside the city limits past the Kent Manor Inn and he had a terrible bug. It was obvious he was not going to make the 50 miles to Dover. Another historical event happened that same night. It was a Friday and Pebbles Flintstone was born to Fred and Wilma on that very night. Talk about triva questions, that one will stump most everone. Wayne
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 16:09:44 (EDT)

Does anyone remember the 50 mile walk back in the 60s? It was on a night when the temperature was in the single digits and the wind was in the double digits. It started at the Wilmington Court House on King Street, went out 40 to Basin Road (which was then a practically deserted road)and who knows where it ended. The wind chill on that open road must have been phenomenal. We made 8 miles to Old Capital Trail where Michener's auto parts was. We called home from a pay phone at a gas station across the street from them. We were so cold, even our blisters were frozen.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 14:02:31 (EDT)

Bill, Bruce & Pat: You are all right with the location of the old Odd Fellows Building. Don't know why I said it was between 8th & 9th. Must be an age thing. The name of the Coffee Shop in the basement level of the Y was Stan's.
Pat Rambo <wheelsrambo@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 09:09:33 (EDT)

IT WAS A PARKING LOT BETWEEN THE Y AND ODD FELLOWS ENTERING FROM THE BACK
SAM <SAM1@MSN.COM>
LAS VEGAS, NV USA - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 08:52:28 (EDT)

I'll bet Joe Mosbrook remembers what was there... You out there, Joe?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 02:16:01 (EDT)

Well, there was that small coffee shop (remember, you had to walk down steps off the street level) that was attached to and run by the Y between the YW and the Odd Fellows Bldg., can't remember anything else. The data list says "Courtland Pierson Co." was there, but I don't remember that, whatever it was.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 20:43:41 (EDT)

Yep, I remember the Odd Fellows Building as being close to the YWCA, but for the life of me, I can't remember what was between them... Anybody? Bueller? Bueller?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 20:29:51 (EDT)

Re: The Odd Fellows Building. It was between 9th and 10th Sts. on King. Very near the YWCA. Does anyone remember back in the late 40's and 50's going to the Saturday morning "Brauns-Teen Club? at the Odd Fellows Building?
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 19:21:26 (EDT)

Bill is correct, the Odd Fellows Bldg. was on the SE corner of 10th & King Sts. Harry has King St. addresses on the website, under "Historical Data"; that page lists the Odd Fellows bldg. at 920 King St. The two other businesses listed with higher numbers had offices in the Odd Fellows Bldg.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 17:36:55 (EDT)

I could be mistaken, but I remember the Odd Fellows Building as being between 9th and 10th Streets (closer to 10th), and was the home of both WDEL and WILM radio back in my day...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 14:05:30 (EDT)

When I first started my job in downtown Wilmington in 1976, I worked in the old Odd Fellows building. It was an oldie but goodie, we had only one elevator in the building and it actually had an elevator operator. We got stuck in that elevator, between floors, several times and the fire department had to get us out with ladders. Anyone remember the building? It was on King Street between 8th & 9th Streets.
Pat Rambo <wheelsrambo@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 13:41:17 (EDT)

Lorraine Franco posted a message re: a Wilmington High reunion . She indicated that she graduated from Wilmington High in '67 To Lorraine : : My name is Steve Armstrong : I didn't go to Wilmington High. I graduated from Salesianum in 1967, : I think I remember you from either St. Peter's Cathedral or Sacred Heart in Grade school. : Am I correct?
Stephen Armstrong <stephen.armstrong@sun.com>
Bowie , MD USA - Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 12:21:25 (EDT)

John's Body shop has built several of these double ended cars. the last one I remember seeing was a Toyota pickup truck. The bed was in the middle and had a "front" on both ends.
Dave Ziegler <dziegler3@comcast.net>
Newark, De USA - Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 16:13:28 (EDT)

I think the car that John's Auto Body built was the front of two Chevorlets. They may have been around a 62 or 63. And you could drive it either way.
Bob Crawford (Buster) <buster1973@hotmail.com>
Fayetteville, NC USA - Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 12:41:10 (EDT)

YES! I remember that car from John's Auto Body, you couldn't tell if it was coming or going until it moved. I think it was a little deuce coupe.
Connie <vivalconnie@yahoolcom>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 09:06:52 (EDT)

I BELIEVE THE FIRST "COFFEEHOUSE" IN WILMINGTON WAS ON ORANGE OR TATNALL STREET...MAY HAVE BEEN CALLED THE ATTIC...WAS OPENED BY TODD BRECK. HE'S STILL PLAYING FOLK MUSIC (ASIDE FROM BEING AN ARCHITECT). YOU CAN CATCH HIM AND SOME OTHER FOLK MUSIC PLAYERS ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT "UP THE CREEK" AT THE FOOT OF 7TH STREET. IT'S A GREAT ACOUSTIC MUSIC EVENING. SHIRL
SHIRLEY HUDSON JESTER <UJEST110@AOL.COM>
NEWARK, DE USA - Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 00:34:40 (EDT)

I was just reading the "foods and fun stuff" - remember Cloverdale sodas, they had the best cream soda anywhere.
m mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 16:06:04 (EDT)

You want to remember cars. I rememeber when the gas wars pulled the price down to $.10.9 per gallon, when Exxon was ESSO. Remember the car from (I think it was John's Body Shop) that had 2 front ends, and got a new OUTRAGIOUS paint job about every 2 months.
m mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 15:55:12 (EDT)

Somebody mentioned "Lehman's". We went to Lehman's several times a week for frozen custard while they were open for the nice months. Does anyone have a picture they could post for old memories sake?
T. Lambert, Jr. <aatljr@juno.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 15:20:59 (EDT)

I remember when buying your first car usually meant choosing between a Ford or a Chevy. My first was a 2nd hand 55 Chevy hardtop from Delaware Olds on the Printz. During the early 60s gasoline price wars in Elsmere brought the price down to .24.9¢ a gallon! And does anyone else remember when a pound of coffee weighed 16 ounces? Potato chips were .05¢ a bag and a double dip ice cream cone cost a dime. The Strand Theatre near 25th and Market had nickle night every Wednesday for children during the summer.
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 11:21:59 (EDT)

Fuller Brush Man
Erik Heim <j-erik.heim@usa.dupont.com>
Newark, De USA - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 12:44:28 (EDT)

How about the after hours clubs in Wilmington? I remember the old Firemens Club at Sixth and Scott (?) and "Barney's" down on the East Side. I think that Barney's last name was Lofton. Just like the 1930's. You'd knock on the door and Barney would look through a peephole and let you go on upstairs. Joe Davis, a bass player in a band I was in at the time, introduced us to Barney's. I think it's now an abandoned storefront down there. I also remember that the Vets Club near Richardson Park seemed to always be open too. Any others?
jim rambo <jrambo@comcast.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 10:43:32 (EDT)

My memory banks seem to remember something about a musical bar, but can't connect anything with that, I have to kick the after-burners in.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, June 10, 2005 at 10:15:59 (EDT)

does anyone remember a coffee house called "the attic". it was where the brandywine building is now. in the early 60's they had some really good music (if you were into folk).
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 17:18:58 (EDT)

I beleive there were 2 other bars on 9th St. if my memory serves me right, which it does not always do, I beleive one was a gay bar named "ANDYS" musical bar, and the other one was just a couple blocks away, it was "COZY MORLEYS" bar, this is going back to the 50's.
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala, Fl. USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 14:02:37 (EDT)

This subject matter has nothing to do with the intent of this website, so we better get off this before we bring the wrath of Harry down on us. One last thing, does anyone remember Shooster's Drive In restaurant that was on 9th St. and Flower, in Chester (where the ramps for the Commodore Barry Bridge are now)? That was a popular place in the 60's, and was a clean and open all night drive in (no car hops, though). Also, the ice cream store on 9th Street that had something like 28 flavors (like HoJo's), which was across from where Sacred Heart Hospital was later built.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 12:11:48 (EDT)

Pat, the location sounds like it was the hotel bar that I spoke of (George's), that might have been the Star Hotel. I was only in that place once, and it was sleazey, as you remember, but I don't remember a lady on a swing, haha. Butch, I don't know any names of streets, or the bars in Linwood, except the Village Inn, which might have been in the next township north, on 9th Street. Across the street was a big pizza place (Vesuvio's (sp)??) with outside seating. There was another bar in Linwood, on the right side of 9th Street, just be Congoleum that I was in once. Marcus Hook had a huge fire in the early 70's(?), that wiped out most of the downtown business district, I can't give exact locations, as I don't know the street names, but from the main intersection - the north side of that east/west street and up the west side of rte. 13 to the RR tracks at tthe theater all burnt down, so that is all new since then. Could that be where the hydrangeas are? The only other place I could think of would be on the road down to the docks, which has a median strip, with trees and shrubbery.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 12:03:46 (EDT)

Bruce, Now that you remind me, I remember - terrible thing, those cobwebs! Now that I've expanded my memories to Linwood, wasn't there a Dominick's Rainbow Room at or near Harvey Avenue? Off the bar subject, but in 1998 my wife who's from Nashville, TN and I took a cook's tour of that area and the first thing she noticed in the Hook was what appeared to be a hydrangea tree on one of the side streets. It looked like they had gussied up the area somewhat from how I remembered it in the late fifties.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, , SC USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 10:42:14 (EDT)

Back in the 60's, I remember going to some sleazy bar in The Hook once (which was enough for a lifetime) and there was a woman on a swing over the bar. She had fishnet hose on with holes in them and more makeup than I had ever seen on one woman. Does anyone remember this place? Seems that when we entered The Hook, we took a left at the main intersection light and it was somewhere in that block.
Pat Rambo <wheelsrambo@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 10:39:51 (EDT)

Butch, that was/is the PRR/Penn Central/Amtrak bridge that separates Marcus Hook and Linwood; the B&O tracks are father west, out around the Meetinghouse Road area, whatever neighborhood that is. Delaware Count Supply (lumberyard) backed up to the B&O tracks. That lumberyard was there in the early 60's, so you should remember it.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 10:29:15 (EDT)

Bruce, I don't know if Marcus Hook has expanded its town limits or what but back in the 50s there was a bridge which I believe went over the B & O RR; once you crossed it, you were in Linwood. There were a few bars in Linwood, most notably Frank's Linwood Tavern, but the crowd I traveled with went pretty much strictly to "The Hook." I think there was a bar down from Frank's and almost at the Delaware line called the Black Duck but can count the visits there on one hand; "The Hook" was the deal in those days.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 10:04:10 (EDT)

Well, Butch, we were talking about bars that were around in the 50's and 60's, so I wouldn't expect any of them to still be around today, although I think George's Bar, in a hotel on the main cross street in downtown "Hook" is still there. When I was frequenting bars in PA was in the late mid to late 60's, and some of those bars I know were there and popular in the early 60's and before (Ginsburgs, George's, Golden Ring (lesbian)) were in "Hook" proper, others, like Tony's, Hurley's, Galaxy, etc. were in the wider area. But, what are the town limits of the "Hook"? I didn't know we were limited to speaking of just "Hook" bars.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 09:56:02 (EDT)

I realize this obsession is getting out of hand but just for kicks I decided to check out "bars in Marcus Hook" and found the Corner Cafe and Christy's Tavern, both of which I think are in Linwood, leaving the Star Hotel and Bones & Co. as the only other ones listed in the town limits of "The Hook." One thing they all have in common - I never heard of any of them, but then again I haven't lived in the area since 1962.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mt. Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 09:15:32 (EDT)

THE BLUE LANTERN BECAME THE OLD HUNTERS DEN , NOW AT&T STORE
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Thursday, June 09, 2005 at 07:49:01 (EDT)

To add to the "Lantern" discussion: Back in the 50's, the "Green Lantern" was a tavern in the Kennett Square area. It was owned by the Traversa family. Anybody remember it?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 18:32:03 (EDT)

Pat and Bruce D: Thank you both for rectifying the name of this particular lantern. I had never been to that area where the "RED" Lantern was located during that time period which accounts for my hazy memory. However, it was a fun place to be for someone who rarely ventured anywhere outside of Wilmington. As I recall at that time, patrons, although teenagers, appeared to be 'rough'.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 12:15:35 (EDT)

The Blue Lantern was on the Kirkwood Highway just South of Newport Gap Pike. My father's band (The Aristocrats) played there many times.
Pat Rambo <wheelsrambo@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 11:25:43 (EDT)

Bruce, I think the place you're talking about is just past the underpass, on 13, south of the 13/40 split; a place now called Pockets. The area was called Black Cat, and in the past, there was a restaurant called the Black Cat on the northbound side of 13 in that area. But, I think the name was the Red Lantern. As my questionable memory relates, the Blue Lantern was on Kirkwood Hwy., westbound, just past the workhouse and just before the bridge. The place on Kirkwood hwy. was a nice place, the one on 13 was a rough crowd (still is). Jackson Inn remains just about as it always has been, not many changes over the years there.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 10:31:24 (EDT)

With the talk of bars and clubs, I remember a place in the fall of 1965 or winter of 1966, called the "Blue Lantern". It was somewhere past the Rtes. 13 and 40 split. For one week, they had a 'teenagers only' thing with alcohol prohibited. It seemed to be the big thing to do at that time. One memorable remembrance for me was that I could not meet my date one Saturday night because, being so crowded, management closed the doors. For many of us "West Wilmington Blue Steel Wild Men" Woodlawners, as we reached the required age limit, we frequented Jackson Inn and, then, slipped up to JP's (just off the Naamans Road exit of the I-95). C'mon, Woodlawner guys, dust off the memory caps!
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 08:52:19 (EDT)

We have been down this road - try "The Brandywine Club"
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 06:21:27 (EDT)

Thanks, Marge. For some reason, that name doesn't resound in my burned-out memory cells. Was it right at the intersection of 202 & rte. 1 (Christies Corner)? I remember, on the SW corner was the Birmingham Grille and on the NE corner was an Esso (?) gas station, I don't remember what was on the other two corners. Down a little bit (south) on 202 on the right was where the theater in the round was, and I even forget the name of that at the moment, and to the north, past 322, was the Longhorn Ranch, which later was Pulsations - but I think that was in the 80's sometime. Either I never went to the Continental Safari, or else I didn't have a good time there (I guess).
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 15:50:45 (EDT)

To Bruce: I see where you had asked me about the club on Rt. 1. The one that I was referring to was the Continental Safari. It was located at corner of Rt 202 and Rt. 1 (Painter's Crossing), Chadds Ford.
Marge M. <scooter1120@msn.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 07, 2005 at 11:26:35 (EDT)

Yep, the DWI habits of Wilmingtonians in the 1950s & '60s were lousy. We all know someone, maybe several, who didn't survive one of those nights. The rampant DWI was a part of the style as much as the clothing. Cars didn't have seatbelts and dashboards were made of steel. We didn't even think cigarettes smelled bad. It makes me wonder what we're being foolish about now.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Sunday, June 05, 2005 at 21:47:58 (EDT)

Thanks for the name of the bar across from Viscose, Jack. The name doesn't ring a bell with me, but I don't know that I ever knew the name, just how to get to the pool room in back. Thanks for naming it. And Jim, drunken driving is nothing to be proud of, or even to admit, but some of us did it when we were wild youth, so it is a fact. And, it's a wonder we survived, many didn't. Of course, back then there were lots less cars on the road, and the roads and speeds were nothing like we have today, and even the police had a different attitude about drinking and driving; if someone was caught by the police, they were told to dump whatever they had in the car, and to drive straight home and don't do it again. Luckily for all of us, times change, and we learn from experience, and the laws have gotten tougher and tougher - and need to be tightened more. It's abominable behavior, and it all too often has tragic results. For sure, there's a much smaller percentage, overall, of young people who do what we did back then, thanks to MADD and a changing attitude towards drinking and driving.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, June 05, 2005 at 18:00:24 (EDT)

To Bruce D., the bar across from the Viscose plant in Marcus Hook was called the Purple Grotto Lounge and later The Cameo Room.
Jack Riley <jckril@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, June 05, 2005 at 13:11:02 (EDT)

The comments about coming home in the middle of the night "half in the bag" are interesting in the context of law enforcement, 2005. You just don't do that anymore if you have any sense at all. The tone in the 50's and 60's was much more relaxed. Have to attribute it all to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.....and who can blame them? Many are those who have lost family, friends......... Interesting how things work on the "net". I posted an entry in OldWilmington several years ago and my friend, now in Florida, just had it forwarded to him in Jacksonville. Dropped me an e-mail at work, 50 years later, telling me about his family and job with Boeing in Florida. It's really great to have this forum, thanks.
jim rambo <jrambo@comcast.net>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, June 05, 2005 at 12:39:36 (EDT)

Richard Chamberlin (Dr. Kildair) showed up at the Anvil Inn one night with Jamie Wyeth, son of the famous Chadds Ford painter, Andrew Wyeth. Apparently Richard Chamberlin was/is good friends with the Wyeth family. Jamie Wyeth, by the way, painted JFK's official portrait that hangs in the White House.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, PE Italy - Saturday, June 04, 2005 at 10:25:21 (EDT)

For any and all Sally Starr fans, she has a radio show every Sunday on 92.1 FM (Vineland, NJ), from Noon to 3:00PM, playing old country songs and lots of chat.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, June 04, 2005 at 09:37:37 (EDT)

There was an evening in 1967 or 1968, I think it was 68, that my sister and I were going someplace in Wilmington (can't remember now). She was driving an Austin Healey, which was a stick, and stalled going up some road we didn't know. As soon as we stalled, cops were screaming at us to get that car off the street and get back to Jersey. We had taken a wrong turn and ended up at 4th and King Sts. When we found our way out, we did go right back to Jersey. It wasn't until the news came on the next day that we heard that a riot had broken out in Wilmington on 4th St.the day before. The 60's....good days and bad. On a lighter note....You can see a picture of Sally Starr at Kahunaville in April of 2004 and a pic of Sally Starr and Billy Harner in Vineland NJ in June 2004 on her website.....sallystarr.net
sally <po_ke_mom_mom@yahoo.com>
pennsville, nj USA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 21:28:15 (EDT)

And we wondered why our parents worried about us, when we were out half the night, and staggered in at 3:00 or 4:00AM. Sheesh, what was there to worry about?
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 18:05:07 (EDT)

I lived, and still live, north of Wilmington, and hit a lot of the bars in the "Hook" and Chester, but can't remember the names of most, or the streets or roads. Some I do remember are the "Old Mill", on Naaman's Creek Road, the "Galaxy" (later known as "JP's", now known as "Maxmillian's"), also on Naaman's Creek Rd., "Hurley's" on 452, I think (now named "Meeting House Inn), "George's Bar", in a hotel in 'downtown' Marcus Hook, "Ginsburg's", on rte. 13 intown, just north of the "Hook" diner, "Paradise", "Golden Ring", "Ward's Grille" in Chester (girls danced on the bar in next to nothing), "Silver Slipper", "Billie Ritchie's" (were you around when Billie Ritchie moved his bar (when I-95 was taking his old place) to Ridge Road, and called it the "Fun House"? What a place, 5 cent drafts on Wednesday nights, you could get drunk on less than a dollar, and take home some change from the dollar, too. Lot's of pool hustlers there. There was another bar in north "Hook", on 13, across from Viscose (sp) plant, if you went down the alley next to the bar, there was a pool room in the back - I can't remember the name of that one.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 18:01:28 (EDT)

Bruce, I remember well the days of coming back from Pa. in the middle of the night half or better "in the bag", but for me it was usually from Marcus Hook, since that was nearer to where I lived, at least until 1959, when we moved to Van Buren St near Gilpin Avenue. The bars I frequented at that time were Ralph's (later Mary's), the Delaware Valley and the Paradise. We would make an occasional foray to Billy Ritchie's in Crum Lynne, Pa., which was on Chester Pike. "Little Ernie" played the piano and it was the coldest beer on the planet! As for the NE Delaware area, I remember when Joe Dougherty's band played at the Naamans Road Hilton in 1981 - think Bobby Golden was in the band by then - the place was packed for a great show!
Butch Schilling <fschiling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 15:40:46 (EDT)

Speaking of things we did while "half in the bag" as youngsters, allow me to add this bit of Wilmingtonia. In August 1969, on the last night of my first big leave from the Navy, my friend Steve and I stopped our car on Market Street, near 9th, at around 3:30AM. We got out of the car and did the Mummers' Strut right there on Market Street. There wasn't a soul in sight.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 13:58:59 (EDT)

I've been doing some "PARK" research and have come up with some info and web sites. Growing up here, I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to come to Pennsville of their own free will. You never appreciate what is right in front of you until someone removes it. Most of my memories start around 1960-61, when I was old enough to go with friends or alone. Here are some of the items I found. Humming Bird - Riverview Beach Park Facts Amusement Park: Riverview Beach Park Name changes: Humming BirdDeep Dipper Type: Wood Status: Operated from 1920 - 1922 to 1968 or earlier Builder: Harry C. Baker Designer: John A. Miller Track layout: Out and Back Wildcat - Riverview Beach Park Facts Amusement Park: Riverview Beach Park Type: Wood Status: Operated from 1927 to 1960 SBNO(standing but not operating) from 1960 to 1968 or earlier Inversions: 0 History: Richard W. Munch's 1991 Roller Coaster Directory lists this roller coaster from Miller / Baker. However, it is thought that Miller and Baker ended their partnership in 1923 -- several years before this roller coaster was built.From a picture, the Wildcat looks much more like a creation of Herbert Schemeck. However, no reference to this can be found in various listings of PTC's roller coasters.The Wildcat closed in 1960 after an accident and never reopened. Some years later it was torn down. Riverview Beach Train When Riverview Beach Park closed in 1968, one of the local landowners, who was a lifelong visitor to the park, offered to buy the Riverview Beach Park train. After some negotiation, the park owners took his offer and sold him the train. It took Bob Stanton and several friends a month to remove the track and move it and the cars 15 miles to his farm. Bob then laid about 100 feet of the track in his pasture and put the engine and cars on it. Bob also owns the original railroad from his other favorite park, the old Woodside Park in Phila. So he combined the tracks and the useable cars and parts to create his own railroad. He then named it the Riverview & Woodside Railroad (after the two amusement parks). J G COOKS RIVERVIEW INN This magnificent Inn, rich in history, is conveniently located next to Riverview Beach Park. Its picturesque setting on the Delaware River offers a spectacular view. The building was the original home of the Carousel House of Riverview Beach Park. It later evolved into The Casino, an early bar and restaurant. In 1965, it became The Mariner. In 1995, after being lovingly restored, it reopened as J.G. Cook's Riverview Inn, offering a delightful setting for fine dining. http://www.petebyrne.com/tell13.html This is one persons memory of coming on the Wilson Line to the Park in the 1940's. Very good! Does anyone remember the Riverview Inn when it was The Casino? I remember it being the Mariner. I have some postcards with pictures of the Park on them. Hopefully I can find them and any other pictures I have packed away.
sally <po_ke_mom_mom@yahoo.com>
pennsville, nj USA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 10:50:17 (EDT)

here's a site that gives history of riverview beach park and pic of sally starr http://www.geocities.com/phillypioneers/sally.html
sally <po_ke_mom_mom@yahoo.com>
pennsville, nj USA - Friday, June 03, 2005 at 09:32:01 (EDT)

Oh my goodnes, do I remember the Sugar Shack!
sally <po_ke_mom_mom@yahoo.com>
pennsville, nj USA - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 17:24:51 (EDT)

His name is Marcel Forestieri and he was from New Castle; believe he may have had his own TV show years later. By the way, I forgot to mention Hugo's - near the Anvil Inn, as I remember, and Joe's bands played there too, if memory serves, but of course there are no guarantees!
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 12:21:28 (EDT)

Butch, you've helped me remember things that were drifting away in my memory, too. Joe and Frank were classmates and friends of mine back at Mt. Pleasant. When they formed the band, I often went to see them at the Cafe Continental, and that's were I first saw Little El; he was from the Newark area, I believe, and I think I remember his name, but not postive, so I won't hazard a guess now. The Anvil (or Hilltop, or Stonestep, etc.) was where we went after the Delaware bars closed, as the PA bars stayed open til 2:00AM or later, it's a wonder we never became statistics - driving home from the PA bars down the twisting back roads (Old Kennett Pike, for example)in the middle of the night, half in the bag, or better.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 11:08:23 (EDT)

Bruce, Thanks for the info! I left town for good in 1962 so this helps fill in some gaps. One of my stopovers was Redondo Beach, California and in 1975 Joe brought Little El to the Wolfman Jack show at Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA; - I remember well the "Wolfmobile." I drove to the show in the rain in my 1942 Cadillac which looked like a replica of Ike's staff car in North Africa - it was a great show!
Butch Schillng <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 10:54:34 (EDT)

Sally, yes that was Lord de La Warr High School. My dad graduated from there in '61.
Chip <ctwatkins3@yahoo.com>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 10:35:17 (EDT)

Bruce, thanks for the info; I left town for good in 1962 and this is helping to fill in some blanks. One of my stopovers was Redondo Beach, California and in 1975 Joe brought Little El to Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Vista, as part of the Wolfman Jack show (I well remember the "Wolfmobile") - it was a great show - drove there in the rain in my 1942 Cadillac, which was a near-replica of Ike's staff car in North Africa.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 10:05:30 (EDT)

It must have been a brown out....it was the Sugar Shack!!! Now my mind is working!!!
Marge M. <scooter1120@msn.com>
wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 21:01:04 (EDT)

I remember going into Jay Hurley's and Joe Fraser (or is it Frazer) walked in. It was great!! Anyone remember the Love Shack Iit was something to do with Shack) maybe Candy Shack down on Rt 40 (I think). I remember going there and seeing Kook E. Jar. Yes, and he was in his cape!!
Marge M. <scooter1120@msn.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 20:57:29 (EDT)

I remember going into Jay Hurley's and Joe Fraser (or is it Frazer) walked in. It was great!! Anyone remember the Love Shack down on Rt 40 (I think). I remember going there and seeing Kook E. Jar. Yes, and he was in his cape!!
Marge M. <scooter1120@msn.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 20:55:58 (EDT)

Butch: The Cafe Continental was in the Bowlerama building, and part of the time it was run by Jay Hurley, hence Jay Hurley's Cafe Continental. The club was, for all purposes, the home base of Joe Dougherty's band when he wasn't playing one of the other local clubs. Another longtime local favorite performer at the Cafe Continental was "Little El", who did a great impression of Elvis, and looked a lot like him too, except he (little El) was much shorter. Jay Hurley owned a variety of businesses at various times: used car lots, body shops, bars, etc. I believe the last business he owned was the used car lot on Kirkwood Highway, just west of Limestone Road. To Marge, which club are you referring to on rte. 1, as there were many clubs on rte. 1? What city, town, or area?
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 17:38:34 (EDT)

When you cross the bridge into Delaware, there is a school up on a hill to the right. Was that at one time Lord de La Warr High School? I went to a dance there in the early 60's.
sally <po_ke_mom_mom@yahoo.com>
pennsville, nj USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 16:38:53 (EDT)

I remember seeing the Dovells at the Tally Ho on Rt.202 in the late 70's.
sally <po_ke_mom_mom@yahoo.com>
pennsville , nj USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 16:35:14 (EDT)

Marge, you're right - guess I was thinking of Jay Hurley's Cafe Continental,which I think was over the 3rd St. Bridge somewhere. At any rate I think Joe Dougherty's band likely played there too.
Butch Schilling <fschillling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 15:38:22 (EDT)

The club on Rt 1 use to be the Continental Safari. Anyone remember going up there to see the Four Seasons!!
Marge M. <scooter1120@msn.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 14:11:53 (EDT)

Exactly right, Bruce; thanks for clearing out the cobwebs! Before the Velvet Britches they were Elfreth's Alley and I think the other band members were Joe's twin brother Frank, Harold Sheets, Nina Meyers and Tony Cianci.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mt. Pleasant, , SC USA - Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 09:00:11 (EDT)

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