Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #22: October 1, 2005 to October 31, 2005 entries)


Regarding the magic foot ray machines that they had in the shoestores in the 1950s - does anyone know specifically what technology was used in those machines? Xray? Fluoroscope? Were the store employees exposed to higher levels of something unknown at the time? Did shoe salesman have fewer kids?
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 14:45:47 (EST)
To Larry (Rush). Just wanted to respond to your comment about the Catholic churches in Wilmington. I live in Italy and believe it or not, along with all the beautiful cathedrals and churches with glorious bells that ring all over our city, we have a couple of those basement deals too. My friend sometimes drags me on Saturday evenings to the one near her house and the Mass is always full. But I think it's used as an "informal" church where you can just pop in if you're in a rush and not have to worry about getting dressed up. Italians are well dressed even for the grocery store. They wouldn't dare go to one of the cathedrals not wearing their very best clothes.
Carol Merlini <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 15:52:35 (EST)
THANK,S JIM FOR THE INFO.AND THANK YOU FOR THE WRELCOME BACK !I HAVE KNOWN BOB FIORETTI SINCE JR. HIGH. JUST HOPE HE OR SOME ONE IN HIS FAMILY GO TO OLDWILM. NET OFF AND ON. AGAIN, THANK YOU.BY THE WAY, I HAVE NOT PLAYED A GIG IN 15 YRS. I MISS IT. . BLUES AND DIXIE LAND JAZZ!
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 16:31:38 (EDT)
Ralph, Lou Gross was a friend of both my dad and I. I was also a trumpet player back in the 60's/70's and Lou was helpful..always. I don't know if he is deceased but I have to believe that either Bob Fioretti, and accountant, or Tim Swarbrick, a bass player, would know. Glad that you got your computer problem solved.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo..com>
ajijic, ajijic USA - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 17:21:42 (EDT)
I WANT TO THANK EVEY ONE FOR WELCOMING ME BACK ON THE INTERNET. FOR ALMOST 3- MONTHS I WAS LOST WITH OUT YOU ! . I HAVE BEEN ASKING AROUND ABOUT A OLD FRIEND ,WHO ALSO PLAYED THE TRUMPET IN AND AROUND DEL.. HIS NAME --LOU GROSS. . WE KNEW EACH OTHER FOR MANY YEARS, AND PLAYED MANY GIGS TOGEATHER. I HEARD THAT LOUIE PASSED AWAY, I HOPE THIS IS NOT TRUE.IF ANY ONE CAN LET ME KNOW IF HE IS ALIVE OR PASSED ON I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. WE PLAYED SOME BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TOGEATHER. THANK YOU .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 16:53:29 (EDT)
Dr. Lotz was my father. He had a practice in Wilmington for more then 50 years.He used to love to see the blue ricks play. I was lucky to go with him I remember when Robn Robrts7 Curt Simmons pitch for the Blue rocks.WE also like to fish in the Delaware bay.I went to A.I. high school,for 12 years. The Koeen war was going on and I always wanted to be a pilot. So I aolied to get into the A..F. by the time I got ny wings, the war was just about over, so I never saw combat.When I go to a doctors office to day, I think of how my father ran his officeall by himself, He to careof the records, chared $ 3.00 for an office visit. Th othe doctor I remember was Dr. Powel the dentist,after filling your cavities he would give you candy.
A. King Lotz JR. <contrail02@aol.com>
New Port Richey, FL. USA - Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 14:39:50 (EDT)
I agree McCabe is a lovely ediface. My choice as a beautiful church was the original West Presbyterian @ 8th & Wash. It's organ, stained glass windows and it's devotion to young people was what made it so valuable to so many. Had an elevator, a basement where we had church suppers and put on plays. I recall that during the war, there was an Assistant Pastor who became a Navy Chaplain, named Vaughn Lyons. Never heard about him after the war. Young people were very blessed.
barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody,, Ma USA - Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 14:05:45 (EDT)
All these comments about beautiful churches. WELL, I was raised at McCabe Memorial United Methodist Episcopal Church, which I believe is now known as Peninsula McCabe, and for me, that is the most beautiful church!! In my dreams I can still see that gorgeous Sanctuary, smell the wood inside the church and remember where every room was. If I ever get back up that way, I am heading straight for it - when I attended there I wanted to be a missionary, I turned into a United Methodist Minister whose life was greatly influenced by the people who raised me in this church. God bless all the churches for their physical beauty and care of us all!
Deborah Collins <revcollins@charter.net>
Lebanon, VA USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 23:14:11 (EDT)
Meyers Liquors, Stanton
Donna <dlklair>
Newark, de USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 18:02:30 (EDT)
IT WAS THE 1965 SEASON, SALLIES BEAT ARCHMERE 4 TO 0. IT WAS DIM MONTERO'S LAST SEASON AT SALLIES.
Jim King <KmailmanJ@aol.com>
WILMINGTON, dEL USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 23:15:19 (EDT)
What about Sacred Heart Church at 10th & Madison Sts. Those high steps would'nt pass todays ADA laws. I always felt that it was a beautiful church.
Mike Snyder <kmsins@msn.com>
Newtown, Ct USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 22:18:26 (EDT)
Welcome back, Ralph. Glad you're back on-line with all us old Delawareans. We missed your memories and comments. Shirl
Shirley HUdson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 18:12:41 (EDT)
Lost touch some years ago with a very dear friend in Delaware. She got married, and remarried, and I don't know her married names. Anyone know of a way to try and trace her by computer. Its been about 25 yrs and for some reason I have been thinking of her often recently.
mike miullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 17:03:03 (EDT)
The most beautiful Catholic church I remember was the old St Helena's in Bellefont. The old stone church, not the brick monster.
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 16:59:16 (EDT)
And what about St. Mary's at 4th & Pine. A very old Irish-Catholic parish church. Beautiful inside.
Frank <Frank.M@verison.com>
Colorado Springs, CO USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 15:35:32 (EDT)
Hey, good to see you back, Ralph! We've missed you.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 00:22:09 (EDT)
TO ALL MY FRIENDS IN DEL. AFTER ALMOST 3- MONTHS I AM BACK. LOST MY COMPUTER TO OLD AGE.THANKS TO MY NEPHEW BOB HOLT WHO MAILED ME A COMPUTER FROM DEL. PLUS A KEY BOARD AND MOUSE, I AM AS THEY SAY , BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN. EVERYTHING WAS ERASED FROM MY OLD COMPUTER. SO YOU WILL HAVE TO E- MAIL ME FIRST, AT LEAST MOST OF YOU WILL,A FEW I DID HAVE ON A OLD NOTE PAD. AGAIN ,ITS GREAT TO BE BACK/ FRIEND RALPH
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 16:45:10 (EDT)
I was in the class of 56 and don't remember getting two safeties in a game
Joe <usa>
wilmington, de USA - Friday, October 21, 2005 at 16:37:57 (EDT)
Christ our King Church in the basement. I was a pall bearer at a funeral for a great aunt at COK in 1961. Since the church was in the basement, being a pall bearer was not a honorary task. The stairs down were narrow, the casket went down them at a 45 degree angle, and it was really quite heavy especially for the guys leading the way down the stairs.
Walter Lafferty <Walter.Lafferty@NIST.gov>
Wheaton, MD USA - Friday, October 21, 2005 at 08:43:26 (EDT)
DOES ANYONE REEMEMBER WHEN SALLIES BEAT ARCHMERE 4 TO 0 IN FOOTBALL AND WHAT YEAR IT HAPPENED?
JIM KING <KMAILMANJ@AOL.COM>
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE USA - Friday, October 21, 2005 at 06:18:15 (EDT)
Would Like To add corbetts market Lancaster Ave.& Delamore Place
William Bolt <wbolt607@comcast.net>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 19:08:24 (EDT)
Would Like To add corbetts market Lancaster Ave.& Delamore Place
William Bolt <wbolt607@comcast.net>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 19:08:24 (EDT)
How about St. Patrick's at 15th and King? It was a real oldie and quite beautiful. There were lots of old Catholic churches in Wilmington - certainly not all in basements. I live in Florida now and we are attending a church that is made up of 11 trailers hooked together. I agree that education came first in our day. Build the minds and then the churches.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 19:08:01 (EDT)
Haven't either of you been in St. Anthony's or St. Thomas's churches? They were, and still are, beautiful.I remember as a teen going with a friend to her church. It was as you explained. The atmosphere was so stark thatI didn't feel as tho I had gone to church.
pattywerk <pattywerk@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 16:47:46 (EDT)
Larry - Up until the mid-1950's, Christ Our King in the 9th Ward also functioned as a "basement basilica" in the school building. Maybe it was characteristic that the local Diocese priorities back in those days favored religious education first, and a comfortable house of worship second. By the late 1950's, just across the street, the new COK church was erected. By that time my family had moved from the 9th Ward to Fairfax.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 16:20:27 (EDT)
One of the strangest contrasts I recall about Old Wilmington was the churches. The Protestant churches were all stone and steepled classics with big wooden doors, stained glass and heavenly grounds. The Catholic churches were in basements and firehalls. True, there was St. Hedwig's, St. Peter's, St. J-on-B, St. JtheB, and others. But not for me! I spent ten years of Sundays going to Corpus Christi's "basement basillica." During the Summer months that space was spectacularly unventilated. During Stations-of-the-Cross for the elementary school kids there would always be at least one drop-over fainting before the Jesus fell the Second Time. I remember Fr. Mcgee growling from the pulpit about the state of the "building fund." Whatever happened to the Corpus Christi "building fund?" The next years of my childhood's Sundays were spent at St. Catherine of Sienna (aka Cranston Heights Volunteer Fire Company and Banquent Hall.) The men and boys wre expected to stay after to help fold and stack the five hundred or so steel folding chairs. Years later they make a TV show about a Wilmington priest who robbed banks. Whenever they wanted to film a scene in front of a "Catholic" church it was alway one of the Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist or Episcolpalian beauties. Later, St. Catherine's had their own church - with a real organ. During my senior year of high school I volunteered to play organ. They gave me a key to the organ room. I'd slip in at night when no one was there, turn on the organ and wait. Before long someone would stop in for a "visit." A minute or so after they got settled in the pew I'd start playing quiet, barely audible, wavering ethereal sounds on the organ. When I noticed the person look up from their prayer and look around I'd quietly taper off and stop the sound. I've always hoped that I helped to strengthen the faith of those few parishoners - but I'll probably never know.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 13:00:05 (EDT)
I saw mention of the teachers at Warner Jr. High. I too, had all the same teachers. I took one of Mss Van Olinda's kittens home and it lived until she was 19 yrs. old! Mr. Dillion was one of my favorite teachers out of that group.
Hannah Helm Walraven <fenwick61@comcast.com>
fenwick island, DE USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 15:34:42 (EDT)
Bruce, I remember those Bayard teachers you named. And how about the gym teacher, Sam Pratt? He also wielded a size 14 sneaker for paddling purposes, as I recall. I don't remember Ms.Arthur being intimidating at all, although she didn't allow any fooling around in class. The teachers at Bayard were a good lot. Problem was, by the time I left there in 1956, the student body was becoming more and more on the "rough" side.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 14:54:40 (EDT)
Sounds like "Ma" Green at P. S. duPont... toughest teacher I ever had, but to this day she remains one of my favorites.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 13:46:17 (EDT)
Anyone remember "Doc" Dougherty, who taught mechanical drawing at Bayard when I went there from '60 to '62? His measure of discipline, when we got out of line, was to have us bend over and he would whack us on the derriere with a big t-square. Before swatting anyone, he would entertain us with some wacky story thereby heightening the suspense for the poor unfortunate soul. Also, Mrs. Arthur, art teacher, was another one who took no gruff from anyone. Short and built like a fireplug, she would make us tremble with fear when walking into the room.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 11:32:34 (EDT)
There was a Pike Theater at the NE corner of Phila. Pike and Myrtle Ave. in Claymont, just past Archmere Academy. I don't know when it ended having shows, but it was torn down in the early-mid 70's. It used to be where the Exxon station is now, and just north of the Pike Theater was the Pike Restaurant, which used to serve good meals. I believe that building still stands, but the restaurant has been gone for years. As I noted in an email to Donn, the theater site he mentioned is sorely lacking in the list of theaters in Delaware, they only list five for al of Wilmington, so the reason the Pike isn't listed could be because of lack of information supplied to the site.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmiington, DE USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 20:50:08 (EDT)
For D. Brownlow. Maybe you mean Pickwick. It was located at 504 Market Street from 1908 to 1919.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wil., De USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 18:12:34 (EDT)
I just ran across a website at www,cinematreasures.org. If you go to page 2,and click on Delaware, it lists 15 theatres/drive inns in Delaware. It lists some of the dates ,seating capacity, closing dates,locations etc. But no Pike theatre
Donn Brownlow <brownys828@yahoo.com>
Wilm., DE USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 14:57:06 (EDT)
FOR RAY JUBB: I TRIED TO SEND YOU AN E-MAIL UPDATE ON UNCLE RALPH BUT IT WAS RETURNED. ALL IS WELL, WITH HIM, JUST COMPUTER BEYOND REPAIR. ONE IS BEING SHIPPED TO HIM TODAY BY NEPHEW IN MIDDLETOWN, DE. HE SHOULD BE BACK ONLINE, SOON.
MARY KAY KENNEDY <MK.KENNEDY@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
OTTAWA, IL USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 07:31:25 (EDT)
The Deer Park Tavern in Newark has a website: http://www.deerparktavern.com/
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, Ca USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 12:21:48 (EDT)
"1962 Harry Levine of Wilmington founded the Discount Center on Marsh Road. Three years later, he renamed it Happy Harry's." BUCKLEY'S TAVERN = www.buckleystavern.net
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 10:58:15 (EDT)
Bob, I had out of town guests a few weeks ago, and we had a wonderful dinner at Buckley's. Still going strong, and no doubt still as you remember it. If you Google Buckley's Tavern, you'll find that there is a website for it - I don't have the URL at hand. Logan House is still there, I had lunch there about a month ago; still same-same. Constantino's House Of Beef is closed, but George's son (nephew?) has a place called Walter's Steak House on Union St., and I understand George is often there. I haven't been there yet. Deer Park is still open in Newark - I know no more about it, haven't been there in years, but many friends who frequent this site are familiar with it.
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 10:10:56 (EDT)
Are any of the old restaurants still around? George Constitino and Constitino Restaurant, Logan House near the Trolley Barn, Chadds Ford Inn, Buckley's in Centerville, Deer Park Inn in Newark? Also I went to grade school at Alexis I where they had football games on Saturday afternoon and dressed up like U of D. Whatever happened to classmates Bob Jack, Lawrence Whitten, Harold Springer, Tommy Moffit, and Elaine Sweede. Also remembered "Stinky" Dunkelberger who went 3 years wearing the same gym clothes to gym class. Also remembered the Blue Bombers at Sallies gym and had Art Heyman from Duke playing for them. Also the Blue Rocks in the late 40's with Curt Simmons, Robin Roberts playinf short stints before going to the Phillies.
Bob Mosbrook <bobmosbrook@sbcglobal.net>
Pinehurst, NC USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 09:42:50 (EDT)
Mary Kay, What's up with Uncle Ralph, haven't heard anything in too long a while. Hope everything is O.K. health wise.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, October 07, 2005 at 10:25:27 (EDT)
JACOB BROOM really got around! "This day in Delaware: 1775 Wilmington had its first post office with Jacob Broom as its postmaster."
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 09:50:14 (EDT)
Connie, The Wilson Line in Wilmington began in 1882, according to this website (for Chester, PA, which gives more information than the local Wilson Line site): http://www.oldchesterpa.com/wilson_line.htm
Bruce D. <spyderxlatcomcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, October 03, 2005 at 11:01:03 (EDT)
Speaking of old, seems the Wilson Line was around for a very long time. "This day in Delaware: 1885 A tornado passed over the Delaware River and sank the Wilson Line's steamer Major Reybold."
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, October 03, 2005 at 09:50:28 (EDT)
Ray Jubb: I moved from 6th and Jackson when I was 6 months old. Lived in the 9th Ward and later at Philadelphia Pike and Marsh Road. Left Wilmington when I married in 1961. Baptized at St. Paul's, went to St. Patrick's and Ursuline. Bill Lyons is my cousin. Our grandfathers were brothers who were born in Donegal, Ireland. Bill married one of my best friends, Anne O'Keefe. Were the Malone's you spoke of named Bob and Tommy? Still miss Wilmington. It was a great place to grow up in.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 20:46:58 (EDT)
Ray Jubb, oldest person on this site! Would I say anything????? Never! Especially since I'm a lot older than you are, AND haven't been married 50 years, even adding them all together! HA-HA! Heard you had a wonderful anniversary trip to California, compliments of your kids. I noticed Barb did not mention what year she graduated from PS...I was 1951....long time ago! Shirl
shirley hudson jester <ujest110@aol.com>
newark, DE USA - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 19:54:28 (EDT)
Sandy, have you tried looking in Classmates.com? I dropped my subscription or I would have checked for you. If she's not listed in her class, you could post a message like you did here.
Patty <pattywerk@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 18:57:08 (EDT)
Does anybody out there have a current address and married name for Kathy Bishop who went to Christ Our King school from 1948 to 1956. She then went to Ursuline. We are trying to locate her, since the mailing we sent her was returned as not deliverable? Our reunion for Ursuline is coming up very quickly and we would like to locate as many of our classmates as possible. Thanks, Sandy
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, DE USA - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 18:30:44 (EDT)
Well, Pat you must remember the Filliben's and the Donovan's, Malones, Carters, Bill Lyons and the corner store at 7TH and Harrison Streets. There are probably more people we each know if we jog each others memories. And I was born on the east side in 1934, moved to Jackson Streets in time to finish the 2ND grade at St Paul's and then on to WHS. Married my High School sweetheart Nora Sullivan and we had our 50TH Anniversary this past Janurary. Told her just today I would let her keep me for another 50 if she treated me right. And Don't you say ANYTHING Shirley Jester.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 01:15:16 (EDT)
STOP with the "old" stuff! We are experienced, knowlegable and well seasoned. We were taught well, learned respect of our elders and lived through WW 2. Thus, all of us are over 35 and are proud of the memories we value. Went to PSduPont, lettered in field hockey,married a guy who went to Wilm.High, "toured" in the war, came home, went to U. Penn and was a great Dad & Husband."Old" is a word. "Valued" is a better word. Not scolding here. Reminding all of what it was like when we dated DeMolay guys,went to bon fires, said "excuse me". rose when elders were in our midst and the neighbors knew us. Love this site!!
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, Ma USA - Saturday, October 01, 2005 at 21:03:30 (EDT)
I was born in the 600 block of Jackson St. in 1935. Seems I am really OLDER than you, Ray.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, October 01, 2005 at 19:58:43 (EDT)
AREN'T THERE ANY OLD JACKSON STREETERS OUT THERE FROM THE 40'S AND 50'S, WELL I SAID OLD DIDN'T I?
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Saturday, October 01, 2005 at 11:35:49 (EDT)
"1935 The first meeting of the Wilmington High School Red Devils football team with its rival the P. S. DuPont Dynamiters took place with Wilmington winning 19-7."
Connie <nospamwantedatyahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Saturday, October 01, 2005 at 11:04:00 (EDT)

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