Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #30: June 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006 entries)


THE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HAD THE BEST FOOD BAR NONE.THE DELAWARE HAD THE BEST NURSES ( MUST SAY THAT I MARRIED ONE )
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Friday, June 30, 2006 at 19:24:14 (EDT)


there was a spring at 4th & franklin it was in the sewer on franklin [at the top]
frank zeke zeccola <fazfaz36@hotmail.com>
wilmington ., de USA - Friday, June 30, 2006 at 11:47:32 (EDT)
Barb, I always thought the Memorial Hospital was a great hospital. My first born was delivered by emergency C-Section there. One of the nurses arranged for my son to receive the rite of Baptism as they did not believe he would live , as he was born dark from lack of oxygen, The cord was around his neck, they took a man out of the operating room and moved my wife in there. I always wondered what went through that mans mind when he woke up and nothing had been done. I remember going and buying candy at the small store ran by, I believe "the Junior Board". I also used the telephone booth there as during the second world war we were not able to get a phone. In 1945 we got a phone that was taken out of the hospital, a candle stick phone and all we could get was a party line. I of course was not there for the birth of my first son as I was with the Air Force in Texas. ..BOB My son was born in 58. R.J.M.
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 20:31:42 (EDT)
Robert McKelvey, One of the aromas coming from Memorial could have been the heavenly honey buns which were served every morning to the student Nurses, Interns, Residents & Staff. I have always been convinced that those "buns" were an incentive for us to be front & center @ 6:30 am, after chapel & inspection. As students, and after graduating. the one lingering memory we always talked about, was the incredible meals served to the patients & to us, the students. I purchased 3 egg cups which are blue & white china & used one this morning. I treasure the memories elicited here. Happy Fourth, everyone.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 19:40:52 (EDT)
Pies, Cakes and bakeries! I can still recall the smell of the bakeries drifting over my neighborhood. We could always smell the bread baking at Friehoffer and Huber baking companies. We lived across from the Memorial Hospital and when we would sit on our porch and smell that great aroma. When the wind was right we could smell PennyHill donuts baking. My Dad drove us to Penney Hill to buy donuts and sure enough it was the same great aroma. They used to put real whipped cream in the donuts when you purchased them. The other good donuts came from Sunrise Bakery on Vandever Ave. The smell of the bakeries was welcome, as the hospital would open the operating room windows and we could smell the ether. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 14:30:42 (EDT)
Bruce - The Federal Bakery on Market Street has been closed for awhile, probably since the late 80's or early 90's. I know there was another location in Wanamaker's but I don't know when that closed. Can anybody narrow this down?
Art <artajjas@yahoo.com>
w, DE USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 11:13:17 (EDT)
Sandy, the reunion is the 50th the class of 1956.
Joe <WILM USa>
DE, de USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 10:02:04 (EDT)
I WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SALLIES REUNION. MY HUSBAND WENT TO SALLIES AT 8TH AND WEST AND HE GRADUATED FRON THE NEW SALLIES IN 1958. HIS NAME IS AL LENKIEWICZ
SANDY LENKIEWICZ <leelenkie@yahoo.com>
Claymont, De USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 03:35:10 (EDT)
we are now planning our class reunion (sallies) 50th the last class of 8th and west.
Joe <usa>
wilm, de USA - Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 21:03:20 (EDT)
Sallies @ 8th West.... Annex @ 8th Adams..... New @ 18th Broom...... Father Burkenhauer pull your sideburns...(:>)
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 17:16:37 (EDT)
Remember that little blue cart down by Dry Goods sold horseradish. Climb up the steps and close door he'd grind it and you'd come out crying...(:>)
arnie <arnysher@bellatlantic.net>
townsend, de USA - Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 17:12:06 (EDT)
Sandee, Sorry to hear about the health violations for the New York restaurant. Like you I loved their Banana Cream pie. When I was a kid I had my parents get me the banana cream pie for my birthday instead of cake. If I remember correctly, before I found out about the pie, my parents would get me a B-day cake from Federal Bakery on Market Street. They used to display the cakes in their window decorated with toys for kid's birthday. I used to pick the cake based on what was on top - cowboys, soldiers, etc. Does anyone know if the Federal Bakery is still there ?
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 12:47:04 (EDT)
Re: New York Restaurent - I loved their Chicken Cattitore. I don't think I've any as good since I moved from Wilmington in 1968.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 11:08:18 (EDT)
As always, enjoyed reading everyone's Wilmington memories. Didn't Braunsteins also have a "tube" system when paying for merchandise ? I also remember the yummy banana cream pie mentioned. I believe it was the "New York Restaurant" that served it. I remember what a treat it was to eat there and I always ordered the pie for dessert. Years later I learned from someone who'd been an inspector with the board of health that the restaurant had received an awful lot of fines for health code violations. Oh well, I guess it's true that what you don't know can't hurt you!
sandee miller <sandeem@udel.edu>
North East , MD USA - Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 10:44:16 (EDT)
Morning John. It doesn't look like Sid Culver is a direct relation. Could some sort of cousin. My grandfather had 5 brothers, one of which owned Culver Florist in Wilmington. I think that was Chester Culver. Most of my Culver branch were lower Delmarva and Houston Texas.
Phil Culver <jpculver33@msn.com>
Layton, UT USA - Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 09:40:41 (EDT)
PHIL CULVER: ARE YOU ANY RELATION TO SID CULVER WHO WORKED FOR CAPITAL BAKERS ?
JOHN MEDKEFF <medkeff@yahoo.com>
newark, DE USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 22:58:03 (EDT)
Ray Jubb, I agree. Structured activities? What a load of crap! In the late 60's, I ran the streets of Wilmington, walking from 36th and Washington to the Dry Goods. We traipsed all thru the woods around the Brandywine and Matson Run. My favorite was rock jumping in the rivers. Remember the carp in the Brandywine that you could see when you crossed over the Washington Street bridge? Us hooligans would drop rocks to see if we could hit them. Hanging out at Matson Run after school was a social highlight. We tobagganed down hills on cardboard. Parents never worried about us. There are very real reasons for things today but this is not the forum. I had a blast living in Wilmington as a teenager. If kids would only get out of the house, away from computers, Ipods, game console crap, etc... they'd probably be a lot happier and healthier.
Phil Culver <jpculver33@msn.com>
Layton, UT USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 13:13:02 (EDT)
Does anyone remember the large Hires Root Beer Barrel at Kresges department store? It was on the left side of the lunch counter and dispensed fountain rootbeer. I remember it was so creamy and tasted so great on a hot afternoon. They served it in a large frosted mug and I believe it cost just five cents back in the latter part of the 1940's. It seems like we got so much more for the price when we were young. I believe the store was located between 6th and 7th on Market Street. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 12:58:59 (EDT)
Re: Wams Radio, does anybody know what happened. Was thoroughly enjoying our old radio station on a daily basis both on the radio and online. But for the past week or so have not been able to get it.
Ray Zelano <RZelano@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 10:24:47 (EDT)
Pat LeVan: I am so glad that you remember Helen. I have many, many fond memories of her. I don't remember the cashier, but then again Helen always paid for my food. LOL Judy
Judith K Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 08:23:34 (EDT)
Judith, I do remember Helen. She was a wonderful lady. Also, do you remember Mary, the cashier for the fountain? She was always dressed beautifully and had the longest nails I had ever seen.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 07:16:06 (EDT)
To Jim Rambo and you other guy's out there talking about the games we used to play, especially Buck Buck how many horns are up, I remember that one vividly. And wire ball was a favorite, Does it strike you funny that the kids today need million dollar parks to have fun in, they can't use their imaginations like we did, your always hearing there is no place for them to go or nothing for them to do, it seems a shame they have to have structured activities or they have nothing to do, I don't know the answer, don't know if anyone does.
rAY jUBB <GOLFOPERA>
wILMINGTON, dE. USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 21:57:37 (EDT)
Thank you Harry for a great site. Lorraine
Lorraine Bandiera Wasik <wasikf@bellsouth.net>
Dickson, TN USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 20:12:52 (EDT)
Judith and Jim: Thank you for your comments about our old neighborhood. My brother Howard and I used to go to Banjo's all the time. A small soft roll sub was 35 cents!! I remember Ben's very well. I actually I knew the family. One of the sons still lives in the Wilmington area. Years later the store was called Roses. Was there really a spring at 4th and Franklin where people would get water. Do you remember the Berger family? Joe Riccio was a great guy. My brother Howard was a good friend of Jim's and the other boys around 3rd and Connell. They were a bit older and I was a pest (but Jim was very nice regardless). Jim, I would like to see your article about being a bat boy at the 1955 spring training game. Was that the game where Ashburn and Ennis collided in the outfield? Richie Ashburn talked about that for years when he was a broadcaster.
Ed Simon <edsimon51@hotmail.com>
Milfrod, DE USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 20:10:35 (EDT)
The post about wire ball reminded me of Step Ball. I lived on 7th between Clayton & Rodney, but we always played at Jay Pierce's house on Rodney because the street was wider. We would play that game for hours.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 15:53:14 (EDT)
Ed and Judy, Wire ball was one of my favorite games in the old neighborhood. And how about relievio (sp?) "Buck, buck, how many horns are up?". Basketball with the peach basket rim attached to the telephone pole between third and fourth on Connell was fun too.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 15:13:13 (EDT)
Swifty, My brother worked for Mr. Klein then Eddie for all the years he was in junior high and high school, as far as I can remember. He graduated P.S. in 1950, one year before I did. So he was there before you, and is lots older. Oh well, we are all getting older. I see Eddie's brother, Bill, at Fraim's Senior Center once in a while. Yes, John, was the Mayor after Jack worked for Eddie. We used to Eddie and Viola at the bazaars at St. Stanislaus for years. He always sold his Polish sausage there. Lots of good memories from back then. I'm at work so had to answer on the website, not email. Sorry about that! Shirl
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 14:04:04 (EDT)
Pat Levan: I remember a lady who used to work in the restaurant at Eckerds on Market Street. Her name was Helen. She was a little heavy set, and a wonderful woman. Many times I would stop in there, and she would make me a grilled cheese, and a vanilla milk shake. That meant a lot to me, since my family really didn't have two nickles to rub together. Judith K. (Brumbley) Harrington
Judith K. Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 09:07:00 (EDT)
Ed Simon: I remember Mr. Manno. His barbershop was on 4th & Franklin Streets, right next to Ben Balloon's drug store, a couple of doors up from Banjo's Sub Shop. I used to live over top of that drug store (then we moved across the street to 401 N. Franklin.) We used to play on the second story roof, which had no protection around it. Boy were we stupid! Also, did you know a boy named Michael Maloney? He also lived in the middle of the 1300 block of 4th Street, and a thin, elderly woman named Mary (I can't remember her last name.) I also remember Mr. & Mrs., Green who live on 4th Street right next to Ricco's Store. Also, if you ever see Jim Rambo chatting on this site, I believe he was raised on Connell Street. How about the Malloy's, do you remember them? I could go on, and on. Judith K. (Brumbley) Harrington
Judith K. Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 09:03:38 (EDT)
To Shirley: When did your brother work for at Eddies Market. I think I was there around 1958 which would have made me 16, not 14. Also, thanks for Eddies last name. I did remember it, but I had no idea of the spelling. When I was working there, his brother was the mayor of Wilmington.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 23:01:14 (EDT)
To Mike Degnar: I remember hearing the Degnar name when my grandparents, Sam and Lena Cutrona were living in the 70s. They lived on South Lincoln Street. I'll ask some family members if they remember the name. Seems I remember hearing about the Zap bakery being sold to Del Campo's, too. And, for the lady who asked about a doll hospital on Marsh Road, I'll ask a different family member, Louise G., who still resides on Marsh Road, about such a thing. Seems I remember dolls at her house while growing up. And, although a tad younger than most of those who contribute to this sight, it still helps me to remember a time when my grandparents were alive, since some times, I miss that era as well, and all my grandparents and neighborhood people that were a part of my life growing up. I have relatives (Fagans) on Elm Street who will be relocating after 48 years on the street, across from where I grew up, and my father still remains. It has brought tears to my eyes thinking about their impending move since it chips away at a neighborhood that has seen its changes over the past 10-12 years. Although good people have moved in, it saddens me at times when I glance out my father's kitchen or bathroom window and see the backyards of former neighbors and just thinking how neat it could be if I could see it in action as it was in, say, the 70s, even. We had a blessed neighborhood. And, I thank the Webmaster and everyone else for helping to keep these memories with us.
Susan Cicontte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Milwaukee, WI USA - Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 21:28:36 (EDT)
This heavy rain in my area reminds me of walking to school in the late 30's and early 40's. All the kids wore black rubber sided canvas rain coats just like the police wore. There was a helmut made from the same fabric that reminded me of a giant steam whistle. It had a visor to keep the rain out of the eyes and face and two snap fasteners at the neck and chin. The coat had metal fasteners to keep it fastened, just like our goulashes. We boys also wore knickers made from corduroy, and had to endure tight rubber bands around our legs to hold our knee lenghth stockings up. In the spring all boys wore short pants and with us always running we always fell and received large scabs on our knees that seemed to take forever to heal. They made yellow colored rain coats in the later 40's so the wearer could be seen easier. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 08:22:12 (EDT)
As I mentioned earlier I grew up in the 1300 block of West 4th St. I graduated WHS in 1964. My best friend was Paul Truono who lived up the street from me. His grandfather, Mr. Manno had a barber shop at 4th and Franklin across the street from Dr. Moreland (Dentist) and Drs. Ethel and David Platt. Mr. Manno often obtained free passes to the Ace Theater for placing signs in his window. So Paul and I often were able to walk down to the Ace and see movies for free. When we were not at the movies we used to play ball and games in the street (usually Connell). Some of the games were wire ball, step ball, wiffle ball, wall ball. Sometimes we would roll newspaper and tape it to simulate a football. It was fun growing up in Wilminton!
Ed Simon <edsimon51@hotmail.com>
Milford, DE USA - Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 07:49:18 (EDT)
Pat LeVan- You are so right. It was Crosby & Hill. I believe Kennards was nearby. I join with u in wishing I could wear a size 5 but if we are healthy and try to exercise and eat right that is about as far as it goes. I remember an Eckerds at 9th and Orange right diagonal with the News Journal. When I was in High School I co-op at the Telephone Co at 9th & Tatnall. After riding the bus in from the Claymont area, I would stop for breakfast at Eckerds before going to work. I also remember the English Grill where we would go on Friday's and get a lovely lunch for $.85. Those were the days.
Pat Paisley Patton <pattonpj@msn.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 06:51:57 (EDT)
Hi young woman. Anyone remember Fisher's on Market St? They carried "upscale" women's ware. I saved babysitting money for 3 yrs to buy an angora sweater. It was pale pink. It cost 29.95$ Sooo, they sent me a charge account application, which I promptly filled out. I was 16 & needed parental signatures. Anyway, a young woman with my same last name charged her wedding dress, Bride's Maids dresses and a "going away suit" & Fisher's sent the bill to ME!!!!. I shall never forget my Mom & Dad's reaction. It took about a month to clarify the mistake. The Sunday after Dad straightened out the problem, he sat me down, and with his Scottish flare, cut my credit card up in $318.00 pieces and I never had a charge card again, until I married, much, much later. Great threads from former Wilmingtonians which I truly enjoy.To our WEB NASTER: just because some here don't comment frequently, doesn't mean we don't cherish the privledge of reading & participating.When the Red Sox are doing so well, I can't concentrate on my typing. They beat the Phillies twice so far but, I still carry the torch for Tug McGraw!What a HERO of mine.
Barb <Barbrhodes@Comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 23:06:42 (EDT)
Judith Harrigton mentioned 4th St hill (Franklin to Broom). I grew up at 1316 W. 4th half way up the hill. Yes I do remember the snowstorms and the older boys would push cars up the street. I uded to look out our front door and see what was going on. The ones that had chains could make it. Actually there are quite a few hills in the area. When we walked into town we would try to figure ways to go to avid the steepest ones. One thing that I remember was that we had to have a major storm before schools would close. I don't recall them being closed for more that one day at a time.
Ed Simon <edsimon51@hotmail.com>
Milford, DE USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 21:57:07 (EDT)
Mike Degnars, I went to Bayard School in the 50's with a great guy named Jackie Degnars. He went on to WHS and I went to Conrad. Do you have any idea what happened to Jackie? I never saw or heard from him after those early years at Bayard, a/k/a "Blackboard Jungle". Just kiddin'.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 19:38:42 (EDT)
Does anyone remember the chemistry lab at the old W.H.S. blowing up? If you do, what's your best guess on when it happened? Thanks.
Bill <mcgonig3@aol.com>
Middletown, delaware USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 15:49:28 (EDT)
I remember Kennard's; however, I believe the store that had the tubes that ran between and across the floors was Crosby & Hill. I bought the suit I was married in at Kennard's. I was married in May and the suits were pretty picked over after Easter; however, there was a beautiful navy blue suit in just my size there. Evidently, it had been ordered for a Kennard's vice-president's daughter and she decided she didn't like it. Lucky me, I got it marked down! It was a size 5 and I had to have the waist taken in. Wish I had that problem today! I worked at Eckerd's between 5th and 6th on Market Sts. during the summer and on weekends during the school year in the 50's. Think I made about 50 cents an hour and got a discount on merchandise. Loved to get a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich at the fountain on Fri. nights. What great memories.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 12:52:13 (EDT)
Correction on my previous comment. The 5 & 10 where I worked was H. L. Green at about 5th & Market.A trumatic thing happened to one of our fellow workers. She got stood up on her wedding day. Trumatic for a 17 yr old. (me) I think hername was Margaret Rhoades. We used to have something to eat before working on Fri. at a Greek Restaurant nearby where they had the best banana creme pie.
Pat Paisley Patton <pattonpj@msn.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 11:50:09 (EDT)
I believe Kennards was the place on Market Street where my Grandfather bought me what was then called a snow suit. I was five years old and remember wearing it the to Thanksgiving Parade in Philly, and also when I started school.I recall trying it on and standing in front on a large low window that looked down at Market Street from the second floor. I can still picture the snow suit. It was grey wool and consisted of a coat, leggins with elastic straps that snapped under the shoes. There was a cap with a small bill and ear flaps and of course the elastic chin strap. While growing upn Wilmington I always heard the family speak of Kennards as the place I got my first snow suit. ..BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 09:19:04 (EDT)
Pat Paisley - I worked as an usher at Loew's Aldine in the Summer of 1951 for 40 cents an hour. If I was on the evening shift (5 to 10 PM) on a given day, I'd earn $2.00, gross. On days like that, I usually had a sandwich and a Coke across the street (was it a Whelan's?) which cost me $1.50, before I went into work. From that, deduct the bus fare on the #10 from Rising Sun Lane after a one-mile walk from Monroe Park on the way in, and the gas my Dad used to come in and pick me up after work. Guess I just wasn't cut out to make a fortune in show biz.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 09:08:22 (EDT)
HI all! Does anyone remember Kennards' also on Market Street. Remember the change tube that would run across the store to the office and they would make change and then it would return to the sales clerk? I worked at Silver's when I was 17 at the cookie counter and my friend worked at the candy counter. We had the best of both worlds. I remember my take home pay for Fri. night and all day Saturday was $8.16 which had to do me all week for spending money. Those were the days!!!
Pat (Paisley) Patton <pattonpj@msn.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 08:01:31 (EDT)
There was a deli on 7th St. between Market and King in back of Arthurs called Rubin's and later Gamiel's. This was in the late 50's. They had delicious Kosher hot dogs on twisted buns called "Twisters" as well as all kind of fabulous sandwiches piled sky high with corned beef, pastrami, etc. My personal favorite was corned beef with coleslaw and Russian dressing - all between two thick slices of delicious rye bread. Yum!
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 07:14:14 (EDT)
I remember Arthur's and Braunsteins well. I shopped at both places a lot in the early 1970's. Arthur's is where I got my first charge card.
Mary Roepke <mbcold1@aol.com>
Bloomington, MN USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 00:56:37 (EDT)
My daughter sent me the link to this site, and I have really enjoyed reading all the comments and seeing the old pictures of familiar buildings in downtown Wilmington. I got my first job in the Woolworth store on lower Market Street when I was 15, working part time in the men's sock department. My next part time was at Arthur's, the next Christmas, in the ladies glove, hosiery dept. on the first floor. I had really moved uptown, it was so nice. I bought some Woodhue perfume that I thought was wonderful, and have the empty bottle still. Does anyone remember Arthur's and Braunstein's next door? And the name of the deli behind Arthur's on King St.?
Norma Robertson Stroud <jakenorm@sbcglobal.net>
Arlington, TX USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 19:27:55 (EDT)
Swifty, my brother, Jack Hudson, worked for Eddie Babiarz, at 22nd and Spruce Streets. Eddie inherited Jack when Mr. Klein, (Manny Klein's father) sold the store to Eddie. He worked there for quite a few years. We lived on Vandever Avenue between Pine and Spruce Streets. Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 16:52:08 (EDT)
Judith's post brought back some memories. When I was 14, I worked part time at Eddies Market @ 22nd & Spruce (I think). I made 50 cents an hour. On a good Saturday, I could pick up a couple of extra bucks in tips making deliveries to homes or loading groceries in cars. Almost everyone gave me a least a quarter. However, there was one cheap SOB who never gave a dime.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 14:03:27 (EDT)
I was basically raised at Fourth & Franklin Streets. I remember how when it snowed a lot of the fathers in the neighborhood (not mine) would let us sled down Fifth Street hill, (between Broom and Franklin) and they would stand at the bottom of the hill and stop traffic when we came down. I also remember how when it snowed my mother would put a bucket of coal ashes and a small shovel outside of our house. A lot of cars could not make it up Fourth Street, (also between Franklin and Broom), or up Franklin Street so they would get out of their cars and put some ashes under their wheels, and off they would go. I also remember the neighborhood boys standing on the corner when it snowed, so if a car couldn't make it up the hill, they would run out and push it. They made some good tips that way. I along with others also used to go to the supermarket with our wagons, and would load other people's groceries in our wagon, and pull it all the way to their house. Many times, we even went in and put the groceries away for them, in hopes of a tip. But you never, never asked for one. Also, how about how the corner grocery stores actually delivered your goods right to your house, free of charge! Judith K. (Brumbley) Harrington
Judith K Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 08:23:29 (EDT)
Jean, You were most likely fortunate enough to have the shower head attachment that was used to save the water pressure. Uncanny memories , three years old and so young and small but I recall eating my first sunnyside-up eggs at the neighbors upstair apartment. When hearing the old songs on the radio I know all the words some how. I believe maybe setting words to music creates a better path way the the brain. Hey!, That is the way I learned my ABC's when in the first grade. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 16:12:25 (EDT)
Bob, I remember doing the same thing at the firehouse, the one on Gilpen avenue, it was blocked off at the corners so we play in the street and run under the fire hydrant, what great days in the neighborhoods back then.
Jean <usa wilm>
wilm, de USA - Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 13:03:25 (EDT)
My earliest memories of Wilmington was living across from a firehouse, I believe it was on Tatnal Street. I can remember my Dad holding me and sliding down the fire pole. Vivid memories of the fireman opening up the fire plug that was directly across from where we lived to cool off a few children during the heat of summer. The force of the stream of water was very strong and my Dad made sure I was several yards from the hydrant so I could stay on my feet. That firehouse moved to the triangle at 10th Street and Delaware Avenue I believe. I think there was a gas station right in that area too. I always thought the Nemours Building was constructed where the old firehouse stood. I must have been about Three and one half years old. That was a long time ago. I can remember the name of the people who lived above us, by the name Carrols.I recall falling in our alley and still have the scar. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 11:58:30 (EDT)
Lou, Are you any relation to Margaret and Chester Walls ? My parents (Arthur & Elizabeth Heather) were friends with them. Thanks
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 11:14:04 (EDT)
Bill: That's the same family.
Lou Walls <LOUWALLS@comcast.net>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 09:11:15 (EDT)
Wayne: I worked at Bancorft in the singe house back in 1955 with Ronnie. Just prior to going into NAVY. I knew Eleanor & Mary Ceil
Lou Walls <LOUWALLS@comcast.net>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 08:52:03 (EDT)
John Medkeff: I knew I remembered you from somewhere. Didn't you used to go to St. John's bingo? I remember Lilian very well. Every hair was always in place, makeup on perfect, and really did keep her figure. When you talk to Charlie, tell him that Judy and Raymond (Reds)Harrington were asking for him. He is one super guy. Judith (Brumbley) Harrington
Judith K. Brumbley Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 08:26:27 (EDT)
Hello, my name is Mike Degnars, I am the son of Mike and Dolores Degnars and the grandson of Richard and MaryJane Degnars. They owned and operated the Green Hill Deli since 1949. I was wondering if any one has any information reguarding my family history. I know my great grandfather came over from Italy and started the first bakery in Wilmington, Degnars Bakery. They sold that to the Zappitrini Family then later to Del Campo's. If anyone can help me with anything it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Mike Degnars <mdegnars@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:55:11 (EDT)
George, Thanks for your reply. Sorry about not spelling Loews right though. I did find the Select Nostalgic Topics on the top of the post page. I have used it before to check on theaters . I don't know why I had not remember the pull down topics. Maybe that is why the Webmaster has placed a moving crawl next to it. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:29:25 (EDT)
JUDITH: YES, MY FATHER-IN-LAW IS INDEED CHARLIE BOYD. HE LIVES IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA NOW. HIS WIFE,LIL, PASSED AWAY A FEW YEARS AGO.---- JOHN.
JOHN MEDKEFF <medkeff@yahoo.com>
BEAR, s c USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 19:26:01 (EDT)
For Bob: I do remember the Arcadia. My recollection was between 5th and sixth on east side of Market. The north end of the block had the Arcadia, the south end had the Queen theatre and across the street in the middle of the block was the Savoy later called the Towne. Take care
George <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, De USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 17:49:16 (EDT)
Bob, you're right. I may have confused the Towne and Rialto. (I think some of the cooties at the Rialto may have identified themselves as being originally from the Savoy.) Another theater memory: Being admitted into the Warner to see Bridget Bardot in "The Night Heaven Fell" at the age of ten. Wow.
Larry Roszkowiak <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 16:01:59 (EDT)
Lou Walls - Did you work for Bancroft in the Ban-Lon department back in the early 60's? The accident - I had heard it had happened in Beaver Valley where many of us as teens liked to ride. I guess because it was not travelled very much out there and the hills and curves made it an exciting ride. My ex wife Mary Ceil (Callahan) was very much in love with Ronnie (first love) as I understood. She had never told me but her sister Eleanor mentioned it. I often wondered if she ever really got over it. I had heard of the accident through knowing others in the Kenmere end at the time. I didn't know the Rockford Road sisters until much later. In those days, it seems that every summer tradgedy struck the young there. Either someone drowned in the Brandywine or someone was killed in an auto accident.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 15:33:32 (EDT)
Anyone recall a movie house called the Arcadia, it may have been on Market Street near the Grand. I spent much of my teenage years at The Ritz, saw a few movies when it was the Lowes theater. I always noticed that the cement facade over the marquee had the name Parkway inscribed on it. I don't know if it was the name of an earlier movie house. My mother told me during the depression there was a miniature indoor golf place within the building. Before my time. Also, there was a movie house called the Lowes Aldine that was near the Grand I believe. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 15:19:11 (EDT)
To Bob Wilson: I was also taught to drive at the Merchandise Mart on Sunday afternoons. And I agree with you about how it looks now. Very depressing.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 14:46:24 (EDT)
(CONTINUED)....was "The King and I", with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. Because TV was coming on so strong back in those days, the Towne didn't last very long. PS- my wife and I passed through Wilmington on Amtrak yeaterday on our way back down here from Harrisburg, PA. My wife was really impressed at the sight of that little park down at the foot of King Street that features the boat and ship-like sculptures. I, as usual, mourned the forlorn look of the deserted shopping mall on Governor Prinz where Strawbridge once held sway. That huge parking lot was one of the places that my Dad taught me how to drive on Sunday afternoons when stores were closed for the Sabbath (which in my crotchety old opinion, was a good thing to do).
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 14:12:48 (EDT)
To Larry R. in San Fo - I think you are mixing up the Towne Theater with memories of the Rialto. The Rialto was the little narrow place below Third Street on the East side of Market, which when I was a kid, ran new 20th Century Fox releases for the most part. If you elected to sit in the balcony, you had to pass by the almost always opened door of the projection booth which was a pretty warm place to work because the projectors back then required burning carbon arc illumination. The Towne on the other hand, was on the West side of Market between maybe 6th and 7th. The Towne had formerly been the Savoy, a rather large place which was the grittiest, cootie-filled movie palace in Wilmington back in the very early fifties, and showed double-feature B and C grade fare similar to what the Grand usually programmed. The Savoy closed down in about 1951, was completely refurbished, then reopened as the Towne. If I remember correctly, the first feature shown at the Towne was
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beautiful Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 14:04:22 (EDT)
John Medkeff: No, my father worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a machinist at the "Round House." My mother worked for the Wilmington Police Department, as a "PRIO" (Public Reinforcement Officer, which meant that she tagged cars, did school crossing, and traffic control at parades, etc. We moved from 4th & Franklin Street to Faulkland Heights in 1957. I would swear that I remember you from somewhere. Is your father-in-law Charlie Boyd? Judith (Brumbley) Harrington
Judith K. Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 08:53:56 (EDT)
This is for Lou Walls: You said in your post you were friends with the Craig family, was that the Craig's who lived on Ivy Rd. Lillian, George, and David?
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala, Fl. USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 08:27:26 (EDT)
JUDY: WASN'T YOUR DAD A MILKMAN ? I THINK I WORKED FOR HIM AS A HELPER.
JOHN MEDKEFF <medkeff@yahoo.com>
BEAR, s c USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 23:12:00 (EDT)
LOU: THAT ACCIDENT WAS ON FOULK ROAD. I WAS SUSPOSED TO GO WITH THEM BUT I WENT TO WORK INSTEAD. HOW IS EDNA MAE DOING ? DIDN'T SHE MARRY GEORGE HAGGER ?
JOHN MEDKEFF <medkeff@yahoo.com>
BEAR, DE USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 23:10:43 (EDT)
Jean I do have a sister Edna May and brother David. We lived across the street from the Lucey family
Lou Walls <LOUWALLS@comcast.net>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 18:04:07 (EDT)
Lou: I remember that accident very well. It was September 16, 1957, I believe on Weldin Road. I even wrote a poem about it. What a terrible loss. I knew Ronnie very well, and Wesley Swain's parents (Ralph & Stella Scullion)were very good friends with my parents. Skeeter used to come down to our house a lot. We lived at 401 N. Franklin Street. What a small world. Judy (Brumbley) Harrington
Judith K. Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 15:13:51 (EDT)
Lou, you have a sister Edna May? you lived across from the Luceys I think she went around with Susan.
Jean <usa>
willmDE, DE USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 13:03:40 (EDT)
Regarding old Wilmington movie theaters - no one has mentioned the Towne Theater. It was on the west side of Market around 3rd Street. It was a very narrow theater. Also, I believe the Warner was the last place in Wilmington that had the old style public telephones which had the semi-cone shaped, hand-held ear piece with a cloth covered wire. The microphone portion was attached to the main body of the telephone. As a kid in the 50's I had to kneel on the seat to be able to speak into the microphone.
Larry Roszkowiak <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 11:49:53 (EDT)
HI LOU, I REMEMBER YOU WELL. MY BROTHER JAKE HAS PASSED. I DIDN'T KNOW WESLEY WAS TO GO IN THE NAVY WITH YOU GUYS. GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU. JOHN.
JOHN MEDKEFF <medkeff@yahoo.com>
BEAR, DE USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 11:30:00 (EDT)
Was reviewing some of the prior posts, especially the ones that made mention of 40 Acres. I lived on the opposite corner of what is now Sweeney's Irish Shop, back then "Hi Neighbors". Even though I lived in the Forty Acres, most of my friends were from Rockford and Kentmere. Several of whose names have been mentioned here in past posts. I was good friends with the Fluharty family, Craigs, Connors, Marvin Crouse. Skeeter Carpenter, and Wesley Swain, to mention a few. Wesley, Jake Medkeff and I were to go into the Navy together and Wesley backed out the morning we were leaving for boot camp. A tragic car accident the next year took the lives of Wesley, Ronnie Fluharty and Jack Pierce; Skeeter, Joey Andrews and Harry Young were passengers.
Lou Walls <LOUWALLS@comcast.net>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 10:54:27 (EDT)
To Bruce, you are right on about the Rialto becoming an adult theater. But the name is AUBREY not Audrey.Thanks............
Aubrey C. Fisher <aubandclaire@verizon.net>
Lewes, De USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 10:54:11 (EDT)
Audrey, If I remember correctly, the Rialto became an "Adult" theatre after being a Art theatre before it closed up. At the time the area around the Rialto had become pretty rough. Since I've been away a few years I don't know if things have improved or not.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 08:20:36 (EDT)
My Mother would pack lunches and my brother and I would go the the movies at the Grand. It would be daylight on a Saturday morning, and when we came out it would be dusk. Ten cents a piece for "CHILD CARE". I do not have any good memories of the Savoy, last time I went there in the 40's there were mice pushing the discarded bags around on the floor at our feet. Not our bags as my mother ran us in the theater to get out of the rain. She would sometimes drag us up and down Market Street "WINDOW SHOPPING", and if we were caught in a rain shower she always found a store to try on hats or shoes. This was a shopping expedition, never bought anything until payday. I believe the Savoy later became the Town Theater. Once during the second world war I stood in line for over ten minutes thinking it was the movie line. Later found out it was a line for cigarettes which were in short supply back then.
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 08:02:35 (EDT)
Come on you folks with the old movie houses, how's about the Savoy about 5th or 6th on the Westside of Market and the Rialto below 4th street on Market, it ended up as an art type movie house. And as many have mentioned the Grand was the place, for a dime we would go all day on Saturday to see the serials, Terry & the pirates, Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon & the contests on stage, WOW now I know I'm getting OLD. Thanks for the memories, Aubrey.
Aubrey C. Fisher <aubandclaire@verizon.net>
Lewes, De USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 06:28:53 (EDT)
Barb: WHS is now the Charter School of Wilmington, and the Cab Calloway School for the arts. It has been split in half, so to speak
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 08:29:50 (EDT)
I thought the Warner Theater was very fancy, there was very plush carpeting. The use of red velvet covering the ropes that were held up by the shiny chrome poles that they held patrons behind until the previous show was completed. This I still remember as a kid in the early 1940's. The Loews before it became the Ritz when new. {before my time} They had larger than life statues behind drapes on the right side of the theater, and the ceiling above the screen had artistic paintings. George was right the place I worked just one day was the Park. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 17:42:05 (EDT)
George & Bob, Thanks.Yes, the Park! I often wonder what happened to the "trappings", which were so {to the eyes of a child} beautiful ie: chandeliers, wall sconces, etc. Lots of brass, velvet-like drapes and things that seemed larger than life.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, NA USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 14:05:18 (EDT)
Barb & Bob: the movie theatre on Union Street was called "The Park" There was a theatre on Maryland Avenue where I 95 crosses it today. It was known as The Ace. Take care
George <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 13:24:54 (EDT)
Barb, That movie house may have been the Ace, not positive of it though. I worked there just one day to learn to be projectionist.
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 12:52:03 (EDT)
Connie, What is the school being used for now? Does anyone recall a movie theater on Union Street at about 2nd or 3rd? I remember going there to see Mary Queen of Scots, with Katherine Hepburn.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 10:25:56 (EDT)
June 17 1999 Sixty-one students graduated as the last class of the 39 year old Wilmington High School at North du Pont Road and Lancaster Avenue.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 07:59:23 (EDT)
AH, Reynolds. What fun to go to that wonderful place with my MOM, order cream cheese & date-nut sandwiches. THEN, buy a box of chocolate covered caramels to take home to my Dad & bros. & sisters.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Friday, June 16, 2006 at 14:00:14 (EDT)
Swifty, I too remember the Grand Theater as the movie house where I saw my first movie. My Grandfather took my brother and I to see our first movie in the late 30's. He told us to always sit in the balcony, because peanut shells and candy boxes could fall on your head if you sat downstairs. This must have been about 1937 as my Grandfather died of cancer in 1938. I remember that the film broke and he told us to stamp our feet on the floor to wake up the projection booth guy. That old building shook from all the patrons stamping their feet, scared me enough that I never would sit downstairs, as I was afraid the balcony might fall. I always called it the Grand , although my Grandparents called it the Grand Opera House. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May , N.J. USA - Friday, June 16, 2006 at 12:47:46 (EDT)
My grandfather and Milton Reynolds were evidently pals from their days in NY State. He persuaded my grandfather to come down to Wilmington because business opportunities were good, so the five Schillings moved to Wilmington; my grandfather had a dry goods store at 4th & Madison starting about 1897 and ending in the 20s when my grandmother contracted ALS. If it weren't for Mr. Reynolds, no telling how things would have turned out.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Friday, June 16, 2006 at 09:20:10 (EDT)
Regarding the Opera House. When I was a wee youngster, it was the Grand Theater. It was owned by the Masons and they conducted their meetings on the uppper floors. I was told that the Masons donated the building to the city.
Swifty <wwswift>
York, PA USA - Friday, June 16, 2006 at 09:15:47 (EDT)
Yesterday I had lunch at Cavanaughs, at 703 Market. It has fancy mirrors with inlay that have the letter "R". I found out that this building used to house Reynolds Candy. We decided to walk up and down market to take in the architecture of the buildings. I discovered the Queen Theatre at 500 market, and the Opera House is at 818 Market.
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, June 16, 2006 at 07:17:25 (EDT)
I saw the last movie at the Queen Theatre. It was HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL with Vincent Price. I believe that is the theatre that became the Opera House.
sharon <shar646@aol.com>
weston, fl USA - Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 22:03:05 (EDT)
For Aubrey - I certainly do remember Hall's. I lived at 22nd and Carter. I remember the penny candy in the glass case. Mint Juleps, Mary Janes, Dots on paper strips, red jelly hats, etc. And there was a soda fountain. I always stopped at Hall's on my way back from Price's Run. I remember when I found a penny it was such a big deal. I spent it at Hall's as fast as I could.
sharon <shar646@aol.com>
weston, fl USA - Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 22:00:27 (EDT)
Re Bancroft Mills: My father, Franklin E. Stillwell, started working at Bancroft straight from the farm in Hockessin. He was about 16 and started as a stock boy. He left during WWI and went to work at the Harlan Shipyards. After that, he served in the US army at Pea Patch Island and Fort Mott. Then back to Bancroft after the war. He worked his way up to foreman and met my mother, Catherine Mulherin, (a 40-acres girl), who worked in the office at Bancroft. He became ill with a paralytic disease in 1942. The president of Bancroft at the time was Ralph McIntyre, a wonderful man, who sent the company limo to take Dad to his doctors' appointments. Our neighbors at 2223 Tatnall St. were very impressed at the sight of a limo pulling up to pick up my father. Our first TV set was a gift from the foremen's club at Bancroft. How wonderful and caring people were in those days. Wish we had that kind of concern for each other these days.
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 13:17:03 (EDT)
Memory of a seven year boy attending #24 school in Wilmington, standing in line in the lobby awaiting to receive his vaccination. Several boys and girls were ahead of me waiting for the stick and scratch needle that would leave a tell tale cow pox scar. The line would shift to the left and back to the right as we stretched our necks to see what was in store for us. A girl in line ahead of us fainted, and there was a commotion of teachers rushing in to assist. Needless to say we were very nervous and afraid, but we were survivers. We were later told not to scratch the itch when the scab formed or the scar would be large. After a few days the girls were given a glass half bubble that was placed over the site on their arm until the scab healed. girls must be kept beautiful and not have a large scar they told us,as we boys were told not to scratch the scab if it itched, after all scars were part of a boys history of growing up. Never saw the glass blisters used again, as the girls seemed to be vaccinated on their upper thigh where it would not show. Clothing covered alot back in those days! ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 07:56:05 (EDT)
Fellow 1952 P S DuPont HS Classmate Bob Hines - Every goof I make leads to another story. Sam's Luncheonette was at Concord and Jefferson, NOT at 23rd and Jefferson...only thing in the latter location was the little triangular park with Garfield's statue. I've been told that Aschenbach's was at this same place before I arrived on the scene in the Summer of 1949. If I remember correctly (and I probably don't), Sam's sold Dolly Madison ice cream. Don Walker's Dad used to dine at Sam's just about every evening. At that time he was boarding nearby with the Fielder family of Dewitt and Clare fame. More than the ice cream though, for us Garfield Boys, was Sam's pinball machine. Ken Pickering, Nate Hall, Don Walker, Don Rodenhiser, Ronnie Grant, and sometimes Dewitt Fielder, Don McCormick, Bobby Hill, Johnny Booth, Jess Everett and even Jimmy Hamilton used to hang out with us around that machine. In fact, the next time you see Hamilton, ask him if he remembers winging that snow/ice ball into Louis' drug store neon sign across the street from Sam's. Boy, did we all catch Hell for that! By the way, what were the names of the two (I think) stores on Concord across from the school, and just beyond Van Buren on the Northeast side, and what did they sell? I seem to remember that one had sort of an interior balcony in it. (No, not Toner's, or what some called Patsy's...that was on the corner of the Boulevard and Van Buren across from the school.) And of course, who could forget the Save-Mor market at 23rd and Monroe for that quick loaf of bread or quart of milk?
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 22:08:08 (EDT)
To Bob Wilson: I remember the Judge, but I was there 1943/44, the hot picture I remember most was 'Best Foot Forward". Lucile Ball, June Allyson , etc and the song I'll never forget " Bucle Down Winsocky, Buckle Down" by the end of the movie run, 1 to 2 weeks, I knew everybody's part in the show. Wow, long time ago, to me the good old days. Take care............Aub
Aubrey C. Fisher <aubandclaire@verizon.net>
Lewes, De USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 21:50:46 (EDT)
Bob- Don't remember Sam's at 23rd and Jefferson but do remember ice cream from Aschenbachs at Concord Ave. and Jefferson also 26th and Monroe St. They had their own as well as Hershey's.You could buy a half pint(pint box cut in half with wooden spoon)for 10 cents.
Bob Hines <RPH0834@AOL.COM>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 18:39:20 (EDT)
To Aubrey Fisher - I too was an usher at Loew's Aldine, in the Summer of 1950, cardboard dickeys, bow ties and all the rest. Judge Doob ran the place and I foget the name of the Assistant Manager, but my immediate boss was a kid named Hickman. For the life of me, I can't remember the names of the other guys who were part of the usher crew at that time. I do remember that "Show Boat" came to Loew's that Summer, and it seemed to go on forever and ever. Living at 23rd and Madison, my local neighborhood theatre was the Strand, fondly called the "Scratch," but the ice cream (by the pound, not the quart) came from Sam's Luncheonette at 23rd and Jefferson, unless we had access to a car to go out to Greenhill for a Chocolate Thick Shake..
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 17:55:40 (EDT)
I tried to ask this before, it never appeared on the board. Does anyone remember a drug store/ice cream place, Hall's @ 22nd or 23rd and Carter or there abouts or the Strand theater between 24th & 25th on Market street?? I delivered programs for the Strand & got free tickets and I also was an usher at the lowe's Aldine down the street from the Grand Opera House, the Lowe's was a real neat place, we usher's had Jackets & Bow-Ties, those were the days!! Have a great day, love this site, my niece Judy put me on to it, Love her...
Aubrey C. Fisher <aubandclaire@verizon.net>
Lewes, De USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 16:01:08 (EDT)
It really is a small world here in De. I bet if everyone on here mentioned 10 names we would all find overlaps.... Sean
Sea <eknagel@verizon.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 15:25:06 (EDT)
Sean, Yes, The Chapmans were our next door neighbors - we were at 1115 N. Franklin. Very nice people. This web site is an amazing memory jogger - I hadn't thought of the Chapmans for many years.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 13:53:55 (EDT)
Bruce, Did you know the Chapman's at 1113 N. Franklin St. Ginny, was a guide at Winterthur Museum, with my late mother. Mrs Chapman just passed away on 4/25/06. Sean
Sean <eknagel@verizon.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 09:16:40 (EDT)
Bruce, my mother worked with your motherat the mill, I think it was at the time your father was just becoming a dr. and also I remember our family going to see, Dr. Heather.
Jean <usa>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 21:17:37 (EDT)
Judith, Thanks for your comments. Bancrofts seemed to hire families to work at the mill. My Mother (Elizabeth Nestor (Heather)) worked there at one time. The buildings were a piece of history. I'm sure with their location on the Brandywine they have become condos or townhouses. When I worked there, Charles Parks, the artist lived in a condo next to the mill. The Woodlands is on the north side of Houston and Sugarland is on the SW. Your son lives in a very nice location.
Bruce <bc@HOUSTON.RR.COM>
Sugarland, TX USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 17:21:28 (EDT)
Bruce: I didn't know a Fluharty by that name, but if I am correct I think in the 50's most of the Fluharty's worked at the mill (Bancroft.) In those days, almost everyone that lived in Kentmere or 40 Acres worked there. Also, I see that you are in TX, my youngest son lives in "The Woodlands" (Houston). Judith K. (Brumbley) Harrington
Judith K Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 14:16:04 (EDT)
Bruce: I didn't know anyone by that name, but he is probably related. I think all most all of them (the Fluharty's)worked at the mills(Bancroft). If I'm not mistaken one of them somehow died at he mill by some type of pressing machine, back in the 50's.
Judith K Brumbley Harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 08:24:04 (EDT)
Knute is Knute McGonigal(spell)---have to run will get back later---
Jean <usa >
wilm , de USA - Monday, June 12, 2006 at 12:03:22 (EDT)
Judith, I worked with a Fluharty, his name was Ed, but he was known as Deb. I knew him at Wilmington Finishing Co - the old Bancroft's mill. He was in charge of security. I also remember another 40 acres resident named Knute. I don't know his last name but he was at Stapler's club a lot. This is all back in the mid to late 70's.
Bruce <bc@houston@rr.com>
sugarland, TX USA - Monday, June 12, 2006 at 10:53:18 (EDT)
Jean: I remember Donnie Shaw from the 40 Acres. He had a brother, but for the life of me, I can't remember his name. Do you remember the Fluharty's, Skeeter (Ronald) Carpenter, Wes Swain, the Skully's, or the Wolhar's from 40 Acres? There was also a guy names "Tex" who lived on (I think) Dupont and Pennsylvania Avenue? Oh to go back to those days! Judith Brumbley Harrington
judith k brumbley harrington <judithkharrington@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Monday, June 12, 2006 at 08:38:07 (EDT)
WAYNE BUTLER, Wayne you hit the nail on the head! When I was younger my brain was newer and everthing filed in a filled in comfortably. Then as I grew older I could recall memories of long ago with ease. Now my brain is becoming more crowded, and can take a bit longer to process newer events like what did I have for lunch today? The youth of today could really write a book on the meanings of words and how they have changed over time. Like I said earlier "LIVE AND LEARN". ... BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 20:54:40 (EDT)
Bob McKelvey - to you and a lot of others out there. Like "COKE" there are a lot of things out there that don't quite have the same meaning they did in our day. A "Woody" for instance is no longer a station wagon. The other day I asked a young lady about hooking up later to discuss something of mutual interest only to find out, it still means getting together but in a much different way than I was suggesting. Luckly she realized because of my age, my meaning and hers were two different things, and took it the right way. There are many other little things you can say that no longer have the same meaning, so I suggest you get your grandson to bring you up to date. You might then put out a new phrase book for those of us who find ourselves with hoof in mouth disease.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 14:54:46 (EDT)
For a photo of JOE MOSBROOK in 1963 go to this site, or today's delawareonline. http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060611/NEWS/606110340/1006
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 07:43:23 (EDT)
Looks like Walgreens will have a monopoly in Wilmington now (replacing all those Happy Harry's). Personally, down here where we have a wide variety, in the Raleigh/RTP vicinity, of drug stores, I prefer CVS to Walgreens. Good luck, folks -- Walgreens prices things rather high!
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 21:36:54 (EDT)
I want to thank the Rogersons and whoever it was who helped get those photos of the Cool Spring Reservoir renovation up. There are fabulously informative photographs of an historic change. Can't say I'm happy about it, especially for the houses sited on the 11th street side. I'd have to see for myself what it looks like. Oh, to be back in beloved Wilmington...
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 21:28:32 (EDT)
My Wilmington education completely missed the word Padiddle, I never heard of it until I read on the "NET". My grandson said he knew about it about a month ago! A car with one headlight out I heard was a one light PETE. I knew a WOODIE was a 1930's Ford Station Wagon with wooden sides, and in 1948 Chrysler made a car with the doors made of real maple. My eighteen year old grandson is one up on me. Live and learn! ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, June 09, 2006 at 21:13:23 (EDT)
It has been a while since I've shared memories (but I have been reading yours from time to time!) since I have been very busy working in Cambridge MD and coming home on weekends. I have a PS question. I went there in 7th and 8th grade in the late 60s. In 8th grade, we had an English teacher (who was there even long before my brother and sister graduated in the early 60s). Her name was Mrs. Hillsinger. She had a poem that helped us remember the various parts of speech. I think I remember the beginning, but then I go blank. Can anyone help? Here goes: All the names of people, places, things, are nouns like Caesar, Rome, and kings. Pronouns take the place of nouns, I sing... (going forward.....there is a lot missing, but the last part I remember is) ...a preposition shows relation like WITH respect WITHIN our nation. Anyhow, it was a cool way of learning...........even though she really was a TRUE school marm! Does anyone remember the entire piece?
Michael Klezaras <theklez@hotmail.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Friday, June 09, 2006 at 20:48:00 (EDT)
My wife will kill me but oh well... Of course, I could list the other rose-isms that are posted on the frig for humor. The word I'm familiar with is Padiddle. A one-head light car. The way I remember it whoever saw it first got to slug the other. Another one we used was woody. Same result. What's a woody for those younsters? A big station wagon with psuedo-wood paneling down the sides. Rose, I love you. Think that's going to help? phil
Phil Culver <phil.culver@hill.af.mil>
Layton, UT USA - Friday, June 09, 2006 at 11:33:53 (EDT)
I remember hearing the name Pryor from my in-laws I think it was Dot Pryor, was any of the Pryors from the 40acres or related to the Shaws?
Jean <usa wilm de >
Wilm, de USA - Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 16:17:55 (EDT)
Just received a new catalog from Radio Spirits. Their address is P.O. Box 3107, Wallingford CT 06494, toll free is 1-800-833-4248. I've bought several collections and numerous singles from them, very happy with all of them.Yu can get 20 hours of Bob Hope shows for $30, 20 hours of a variety of shows including Amos/Andy, Benny, Burns and Allen, Dragnet, Suspense, Fibber & Molly, Gunsmoke, and others for $36.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 09:48:13 (EDT)
Hi Ralph, Thanks for the response. I guess you're not related to the Pryors I knew. Jim would probably be around 60 and I think his father's name was Lee and I believe Lee was involved in the real estate business. Their house was on Franklins St. a block from Cool Springs resouvoir. I lived across from Ursuline Acadamy and my father was Dr. Arthur Heather. Have a great day !
Bruce <bc@rr.Houston.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 08:28:24 (EDT)
hi bruce, my family and i were raised at 9th. clayton st. i had a brother jim who was eight yrs. older then me, jim passed away a few yrs. back. my brother bill who passed on may 20th.was a vice prest. of wilmington trust bank.
ralph pryor <repjfk@aol.com>
tarpon springs, fl USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2006 at 22:16:08 (EDT)
Joe- I went to the DelDot Link you recently posted and I was looking that the photo gallery and saw photo two in the gallery and this looks just like my Dad who post WWII and prior to Korea was a Civil Engineer and did surveying but had given that up by 1963 when this was taken. It did give me a moment though... Thanks for sharing.
Karen <khartis@sysmatrix.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2006 at 13:23:25 (EDT)
A while back I sent an audio clip to the Old Wilmington web site of President John F. Kennedy dedicating what was then called the Delaware Turnpike in 1963, just a week before he was assassinated. The Delaware Department of Transportation requested a copy of the recording. Del DOT public relations officer Bob King found some old photos and produced a brief video of the event. You can see it, hear it, and read some background on the Del DOT web site at: http://www.deldot.net/static/interstate_50th/index.shtml
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland Heights, OH USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2006 at 21:48:40 (EDT)
Brand new to this site- I have so enjoyed reading peoples memories. I grew up in North Wilmington and graduated from Brandywine HS in 1975. My father Art Hartis was a State Farm Agent (40 years)from Post WWII GI bill time & the Korean War. Anyone who remembers him, I'd love to hear from you. Also, I recently met a lovely woman named Elizabeth Koester who operated a doll hospital from her home on Marsh Road, I'm not sure exactly when she started it but I believe it may have been as early as the 50's. I'd love to share anyone's recollections with this delightful woman who is now in her early 90's. Thanks for this opportunity. Karen
Karen Hartis <khartis@sysmatrix.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2006 at 17:07:03 (EDT)
Great pictures of the Cool Springs Reservoir construction. I've heard different stories of "what's happenin'" there. Is it going to be a park, or a section of reservoir? They really need the reservoir. Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2006 at 12:21:40 (EDT)
Debbie - Thanks for all of the good memories from Wilmington. Wanamakers was a special place. I can remember on Sundays going there and driving go carts through the many tiered parking lot. It's hard to imagine that stores used to be closed on Sunday. As far as Walgreen's buying Happy Harry's - In Houston there is a Walgreen's or CVS Drug store on practically every corner. I don't know how they survive, it must be by the high cost of prescription drugs they sell. I notice a Ralph Pryor on the web site. Are you any relation to Jimmy Pryor who used to live at 9th and Franklin St ? When I lived in Wilm. he worked at a WSFS bank.
Bruce <bc@rr.houston.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2006 at 08:49:20 (EDT)
Debbie Really enjoyed your memories of the Wilmington area. Nicely done. We need more like that. Bud
Bud <bu49atpoolesite.com>
Wilm., De USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2006 at 07:51:26 (EDT)
Strawbridge & Clothier at the Merchandise Mart in Edgemoor-bugging my Mother for copper-color Revlon nail polish; was also first place I ever saw chocolate-covered insect-sants, bees, etc., in their gourmet shop. Always noting the varying heights of the huge natural gas tanks next to I-95, just outside Wilmington. The state police station in the median strip, right where Rtes 13 & 40 split/converge; that and the scary "grim reaper" death-toll billboard right next to it. When there were mature trees in the median strip in front of the Greater Wilmington (now New castle County) airport. The Gulf station and its HUGE sign at the corner of Front (now MLK Jr. Blvd) & Walnut Sts. McIlhiney & Kirk in the Augustine Professional Plaza--got my first pair of glasses there and did so for many years. Wanamakers! The Tearoom-so genteel-so "ladies who lunch"-, eating a strange platter there of cold shrimp, bananas, rice and chutney for lunch the day my Mother bought me my first training bra (and my sis teasing me), the glamourous pink plastic "seashell" over the public telephone outside the tearoom in the hallway!, the big swinging teddybear of course--that's where you'd find my sister, the "Budget Store"-booo-oooring!, the snack bar-yuck! the downstairs bookstore that was stocked in shelves along the staircase, the counter w/ the tall, sleek stools where Mother would buy her nylons in those flat boxes, the flat Daniel Green slippers that came folded in the snap-shut plastic bags, the "Teena Shop", the record department-where I bought my first Bill Cosby album "Wonderfulness", the snoody saleslady who told 11-yr old me 35c was not enough to buy the green Christian Dior nail polish I was eyeing-well duh! You asked how much money I had-nyah to you! My cousin Harold's wife Lee who worked in one of the ladies' departments, me sitting on Santa's Claus's lap-by myself and the next year w/ my sis (two nice Jewish girls!), getting lost and scaring my Mother to death--they located me in the manager's office, enjoying a lollipop; the fine china, crystal & silver department downstairs, with little cards in the displays, noting who was registered for what items, the toy department of course, that looked out onto Augustine Cut-off, the store playing "Taps" over the public address system when they closed for the day, stopping in after an optometrist's appt. in 1989-a grown-up lady at last-shortly before the store moved to Christiana Mall, and really tearing-up, awash in nostalgia Our Uncle Joe (my grandmother's brother) who lived w/ our great-grandmother in Arden, walking us to the Montessori School playground (where the Arden Fair is held)-he would recite the Greek alphabet on the way over; there was some really dangerous equipment they later removed from the playground--a bell-shaped thing made out of lead pipe that bobbled on a pole, the "rings", etc. Boy we loved that playground! It was one of the best! Way up on the Concord Pike was that little farm-where Gleneagles Shopping Center is now-where they had pony rides and swingsets-I always kicked up a fuss and cried because I wanted to go there so bad! The amusement park where the Ellis Drive-in was on Route 13-I remember going on an airplane ride and getting really scared because I'd just had my first real-and VERY scary plane ride from Pittsburgh to Baltimore's "Friendship" Airport (now BWI)--I must have between 2 and 3 yrs old. Lundy's delicatessen on Miller Rd.-Ahhh..our family's mecca for Jewish soul food! First place I ever got halvah (middle-eastern sesame seed candy bar-Joyva brand) Being grossed out but fascinated by the silvery-gold "chubbs" (small smoked whitefish) with their goopy dead fish-eyes, the roast chicken frozen tv-dinners-Cohen brand! Wow-I thought only Swanson made 'em! The "Galaxy Room (?)--so snazzy!
Debbie <deb5thlmnt@comcast.net>
Roslyn, PA USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2006 at 01:08:14 (EDT)
YES, happy harry is now walgreens I didcatch bits of the news today but, I think walgreens bought H.H. because it had something to do with the drug plans. H.H. will keep its name for a couple of years.
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 20:17:51 (EDT)
9th and Market Woolworth's is now - yet another - Happy Harry's! Heard they are merging with Walgreens. They were getting too big, anyway. Seems like they are opening a new store everywhere you look! Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 17:46:20 (EDT)
isn't Happy Harrys now on 9th and market? at 10th is citizens Bank
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 17:39:59 (EDT)
Bill, Ouch ! 9th and Market is correct ! It's been a few years since I've been back to Wilm. I'm sure I would get lost. But, is the Woolworth building still there ? Probably a bank !
Bruce <bc@rr.houston.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 17:17:26 (EDT)
BRUCE, I remember buying a steering wheel knob at Pep Boys, it was clear plastic with a nifty red rose inside. How about the frosted mugs with the rootbeer that was further down Market St. on the west side of the street? Any of you ladies out there remember the paper shopping bags with the string handles that seemed to cut your fingers into? It seemed all the women carried them to bring home sale items from Market Street.I believe Wilmington Dry would sell you one for a nickle, or gave you one with any sale. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 16:31:36 (EDT)
Bruce, they moved the Woolworth's from 10th and Market down to 9th... (grin)
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 15:28:37 (EDT)
I remember the suicide knobs that could be bought at Pep Boys. There was a store on the next corner that always had a knife display in the window. Anybody remember the name ? I can also remember going to Simpson's Hobby Shop to look at all of the neat models, maybe on Orange Street. What ever happened to the Woolworth's at 10th & Market ? I remember their long luncheon counter with soda fountain cokes for a nickel.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 13:25:36 (EDT)
Bill Fisher - Your incident with the Necking Nob reminded me of something that happened to me back in about 1951. My friend Don Walker, from W. 19th Street, had gotten a job as a cameraman at WDEL-TV's studios out on Silverside or Shipley Roads (I forget which), which enabled him to buy a used car, which I think was an old 2-door Buick or Olds coupe. The first day he had it, we tooled around Wilmington near PS duPont HS, and out as far as Rockford Park. The second day he drove it out to the studios, and I went along for the ride. He was driving along, and suddenly we see a tire and wheel rolling down the road in front of us. It was from the right front of the car. It turned out that the wheel had been held onto the axle mounting only by a cotter pin (which had slipped out), and not one single lug nut was present. We fortunately found a large nail in the glove compartment, got the wheel back on to the axle, slid the nail through the cotter pin hole, bent the nail, and he managed to get the car back to West 19th Street without further incident. They don't make 'em like they used to....
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 08:48:22 (EDT)
I agree wholehartedly with padiddle, never heard of it until I was sitting with Janet Larnick one night, in the mid 50's, on her steps on Franklin St. A car went by with one light out and she said padiddle - first time for everything. The other things just mentioned also had different names: The Plymouth - Ford and Chevy also made a similar car with virtually no back seat. Later they all got rid of the rumble seat too. They were then made up until the mid fifties and were called business coupes, designed for salesmen who didn't need room in the back for kids etc. You could spot them from a distance because of their abbrieveated roof line. The knob on the steering wheel as you may suspect from the story just written was also known as a suicide knob, and/or cowboy knob. You bought them at Pep Boys. They came in all colors and some with girlie pictures (pin-up types). They gave you leverage and made your car easier to park like power steering for a buck 298.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 08:44:01 (EDT)
Jean: speaking of fitting 3 people in the front seat of a car... 'way back in the early 50's, a buddy of mine owned a 1936 Plymouth. It had only a front seat and a rumble seat! (Remember those??) Anyway, another buddy of mine and I sat in his front seat, and our dates (the driver didn't have a date that night) sat on our laps on the way to a football game at the old Wilmington Ball Park at 30th and Governor Printz Blvd. Being in the winter, nobody wanted to sit in the rumble seat, for obvious chilly and breezy reasons. The '36 Plymouth had what was known as a "necking knob" on the steering wheel, and as we turned the corner of 30th and Market to head down to the ball park, the necking knob caught in the pocket of my overcoat. We very nearly took out the police officer who was directing traffic at that intersection, because the wheel didn't "spin back" when the driver let go of it...! To this day I'll never know why we weren't pulled over for having 5 people in the front seat of a car! Maybe the officer was just thankful to get away alive.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 01:31:13 (EDT)
I took a survey and everyone said " padiddle"---can't wait to see what you come up with.
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 20:14:35 (EDT)
Well, my wife - being Polish from Hedgeville - we had another word we used (we dated in 1960 to 1963).___She said it was not 'fididdle' or 'padiddle'!___We will come up with it...
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 19:26:41 (EDT)
Bill had the right word which was padiddle for one head light out,and it also meant when you were with a date you kissed, and ofcourse you remember sitting close to each other in the car, he had no seat belts or even bucket seats sometimes you could fit three people in the front.
Jean <usa>
wilkmington, de USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 16:12:19 (EDT)
A "fididdle" was a car with only one headlight. If the guy saw it first he could kiss the girl, if the girl saw it first she could slap him...at least that's what we did in Wilmington in the 60's...
Rose Culver <reculver71@aol.com>
Layto, UT USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 14:48:32 (EDT)
I don't recall that word - there was another word we used...
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 12:59:45 (EDT)
Webmaster: The word for a kiss was "Fadiddle"!
Pat LeVan <LeVan17062aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 12:47:56 (EDT)
I do remember this from the 'Flats':___Instead of getting hit by someone in the group, if you said 'Self Serve' first, you could hit yourself.___Also, we would say 'Returns' to hit back the other kid.___Or we would say 'No Returns' if you were doing the hitting.___All of this depended on thinking faster then the other fellow.___And, if you were really fast, we would say 'Double Returns' or 'NO Self Serve'...
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 11:59:24 (EDT)
When a couple was in a car and an approaching car had a headlight out - what was the word one would say to get a kiss?___I can't remember it...
webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
wilmington, de USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 11:47:40 (EDT)
OUCH, I can remember being hit on the upper arm extremely hard and it was very painful ,but I would not show it. We seemed to pound on each other on the way to school just to pass time. If I would pull back or flinch that gave them another shot. Some times you would be punched with the knuckle of the finger protruding which raised a lump. The kids always refered to it as a "FROG" ..BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 11:27:50 (EDT)
It's funny how there were different terms for things even in the same localities; do we have colloquialisms within colloquialisms here? I remember a "one-eyed car" (only 1 headlight) being called a "perdiddle". The first one to see it and say, "Perdiddle" got some special consideration, but I'll be danged if I remember what it was!
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 11:21:57 (EDT)
"Popeye, No Returns!", when you spotted a car at night with only one headlight working before the other guy did, which allowed you one hard punch in his biceps without him retaliating. Also, "Name Five Cigarettes and Whistle!",in which you had to quickly rattle off the names of five cigarette brands and then whistle while your buddy was pounding you on the bicep. It stopped when you completed the challenge. The whistle was the hard part. Our biceps took quite a beating back in Wilmington in the early 1950's.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 10:56:02 (EDT)
Bill, I have heard of "DIBS" and it was exactly as you stated, it gave exclusive rights to an item that was usually shared. The words "HUNKERS" and "HALFERS" would be used to get part of a candy bar, while "INNIES" and "ONNERS" I believe refered to a soda in my neck of the woods. I also recall "SLIPS" which one would yell out after a bad marble shot. I believe the marble player's shooter was refered to as a "TOMMY TROLLER". BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N. J. USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 06:44:01 (EDT)
In my early youth, "Hunkers" got shortened to just "Hunks", and instead of "Beans", I recall saying "Dibs". That covered a lot of different things such as a good seat in the car ("Dibs on shotgun"), getting exclusive rights to something found on the street, etc. ("Dibs on it"), or most anything that had value or prestige.
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 01:25:47 (EDT)
Pat, I also remember BEANS, I did not think of it before. Mostly we kids would yell beans when walking in a group and spying something of value on the ground. That gave exclusive rights to the person that saw the item once they yelled beans. BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Saturday, June 03, 2006 at 22:54:28 (EDT)
Bob, I remember "Hunkers" and also "Beans" on it! You had to share after that.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, June 03, 2006 at 19:54:36 (EDT)
Susan, I sometimes forget where I am when I see the same Italian names in Italy that belong to the Wilmington residents who live around St. Anthony's. Talk about neighborhoods being similar.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Saturday, June 03, 2006 at 14:50:49 (EDT)
Here is some really weird stuff I can still remember from my Wilmington neighborhood from the late 30's and 40's. When lucky enough to scrape together five pennies or a nickle we would always head to the candy and soda store to spend it before we might lose it. A few of the local kids would hang around just outside the store wanting to share in the goodies. If they hollored "HUNKERS, HALFERS, INNIES and ONNERS" they could share the candy or soda with the boy that bought it, unless the one coming from the store could say "NO HUNKERS, HALFERS, INNIES and ONNERS" first. I don't know if any other neighborhood experienced this. ...BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Saturday, June 03, 2006 at 10:24:30 (EDT)
June 3 1899 The cornerstone was laid for the new Wilmington High School on Delaware Avenue. THE ORIGINAL WILMINGTON HS
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, June 03, 2006 at 09:24:10 (EDT)
I always thought it was interesting that the N/S through-street names "west of West" were named after US Presidents in successive order, beginning with Washington (but skippiing Quincy Adams) on out to Harrison, and then picked up with prominent Delawareans (like Broome, Clayton, DuPont, etc.,) until Civil War times when Scott, Lincoln and Union were named. Poor Presidents Tyler, Polk, Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce and Buchanan never had Wilmington streets to memorialize them. It must have been politics.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Saturday, June 03, 2006 at 08:47:06 (EDT)
Having moved, I now write from Milwaukee. An area I live and do other things in reminds me very much like Wilmington in some ways. I actually live in West Allis, just a few blocks from Milwaukee proper. Ethnic neighborhoods like Wilmington we had and we even have some of the issues that plague our cities today. But. at least its acknowledged here and not candy-coated like in Minnesota. Good to be in a city and area that has a nice variety of people. And, I live on a Lincoln Avenue, whose street signs have a very uncanny resemblance to the ones on Lincoln Street in Wilmington today. I was raised on Elm, in between Lincon and Union and still have relatives on Lincoln present day. While on the subject of streets, I would reckon that the streets Lincoln and Union in Wilmington were platted during the Civil War, since their placenames appear to acknowledge the current president during the War and the reference to the Union. Other street areas in Wilmington have a distinct resemblance to those in the Minneapolis area (particular groups of names intersected by numbers) - in both places a result of the Swedes who settled in the areas.
Susan Cicontte <susansgeese@earthlink.net>
Milwaukee, WI USA - Friday, June 02, 2006 at 20:30:18 (EDT)
Hi Ralph, Things are great in Newark, except for the thunder and lightning last evening, and more expected this evening. Good reason to keep the TV off for a change. My mother read to us every night before we went to bed, as I did my children. All of my brothers and my sister and I are avid readers. My children love to read, also. And my great grandson, who is 4 years old today, loves gift cards from Borders so he can go in and pick out books and/or have them read to him. TV has changed all of our lives, but most of the changes are good ones. Just use moderation! Love this website! Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Friday, June 02, 2006 at 17:43:32 (EDT)
Re RADIO SPIRITS. I've been receiving their catalogs for years and have ordered only through the catalog. I don't know if there would be any problems with their site, but I've always been happy with their mailorder service.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, June 02, 2006 at 15:39:23 (EDT)
Jean, I only meant that the video with the colored images have replaced the childs ability to conjure up their own images in their minds. There are many a grandparent that has taken an active part in helping out with the grandchildren. I think it is great when anyone reads or tells a story and allows the small ones to experience what we have had. A lot of parents are both busy making ends meet these days and are really pressed for time...BOB Also crafts and coloring books are a great way for the children to learn.
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, June 02, 2006 at 14:39:07 (EDT)
Bob, your remark about TV "Television has taken the place of" only if the parents let it--after dinner there is nothing on for children(young) unless the parents put on a DVD--my grandchildren do crafts at the kitchen table, while parents cleaning up and talking about the day and at bed time they read books tothem and after that they can leave the lights for a while sothey look at books till lights out. Children can not put the TV on, its the parents.
Jean <usa>
wilmington, de USA - Friday, June 02, 2006 at 11:55:42 (EDT)
I believe many of us were conditioned to the visualization of fairy tales and bedtime stories while we were very young. We would ask for, plead and beg for a story before we would go to sleep in our warm Wilmington beds! Today, television has taken the place of parents and grandparents, and as such the imagination factor has been replaced. BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, June 02, 2006 at 04:54:07 (EDT)
SHIRLEY. YOU ARE CORRECT. THE CREAKING DOOR WAS ----INTERSANCTUM WITH RAYMOND YOUR HOST ... THAT SHOW COULD REALLY CURL YOUR SPINE ! AND FOR SOME COMEDY , HOW ABOUT THE JACK BENNY SHOW ,OR RED SKELTON SHOW , REMEMBER HIS BAD LITTLE KID JR. ?---IF I DOOD I GET A WHIPEN , I DOOD IT ! GOD ,WE WERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE LIVED IN THOSE GOLDEN YEARS. I FEEL SORRY FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN , THEY REALLY MISSED OUT ! HEY SHIRLEY, HOW IS EVERY THING IN NEWARK ,DE ?
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Thursday, June 01, 2006 at 15:39:05 (EDT)
I rememeber in the mid-40s my mother went through the daily radio ritual; it started with Mr. Goodwill, who awarded a dollar every day to a calleron WDEL - then I think it was the Delaware Farm and Home Hour. I forgot the order of the radio soaps, but they featured Ma Perkins, Our Gal Sunday, Stella Dallas, Lorenzo Jones, Just Plain Bill & Front Page Farrell, to name a few.
Butch Schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, June 01, 2006 at 13:04:25 (EDT)
Her are a couple more radio programs I remember hearing. How about the Nelson family with David and Ricky, I used to hear them while driving most likely on Saturday, Sponsored by Campbells soup. I can also remember my mother listening to Lux Presents Hollywood in the evenings. BOB
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, June 01, 2006 at 11:35:35 (EDT)
I believe the creaking door was either on Inner Sanctum or Lux Mystery Theater, but then again, I'm so old I've forgotten half of the shows that were on back then. We used to sit in a semi-circle in front of the Philco radio, just like the kids do now watching TV. It really was fun using your imagination. It's a lost art! As for being computer savvy, I think if we can at least go on a site or two, send e-mails to family and friends, we're doing pretty good. My kids are glad to be able to e-mail me occasionally, and I enjoy the learning process. All suggestions from those who are better equipped with computer knowledge, are very welcome. Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, June 01, 2006 at 11:13:09 (EDT)
Everyone remembers all the old radio stations, but I didnt see, saturday morning show, "Let's Pretend" or Little theater around the corner, I think that was on Friday evenings, How about Dr. Gillespie, I think that was on wednesday evenings. and now I am scaring myself cause I remember that days the radio programs were on. I remember in the Dr. Gillespie show, they would have the screen door opening and creaking, now that was something you could not appreciate on TV. OUr imaginations made all those shows a lot more interesting than anything you see on TV. But then I am not a TV watcher, but I was a radio listened. oh, I just remembered another one, The Lux Radio theater. How about, "Halo everybody, Halo, Halo is the shampoo that glorifies your hair" OMG, I feel like my mother.
Bobi Horn <rhorn@bellsouth.net>
Delray Beach, FL USA - Thursday, June 01, 2006 at 04:44:37 (EDT)

END...