Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #36: December 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006 entries)


Linda and Dave - thanks very much for the info regarding Lynthwaite Farm location. I guess that ties in pretty well with the other comment about Lynthwaite Drive being in the village of Rocky Run (I do know where that is - behind the Circuit City store roughly). Still would love to know what years they were in business, if anyone knows. Wayne - thanks for the bottle info - I tried to look around myself, but had no idea where to start! Had no idea certain bottles could be worth that much! Well the worth probably depends on how old it is. Right now, I've no idea, since I don't know what years they were in business. But every little bit of info helps! Pam
Pam <p_cawood@hotmailo.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 18:39:02 (EST)
Happy New Year! My next door neighbors returned from a Christmas visit to Lancaster, PA last evening. They brought me 2 lbs. of Rappa Scrapple which I had this morning. Froze 1 & wrapped the other. Crispy, flavorable and just as I remember those Sunday mornings with my family. I agree with previous poster that the 9th Ward was a safe and secure place to grow up. 37th St.200 block. Roller skating on the sidewalks,my brothers tossing footballs in the "alley" and enjoying the different ethnic foods our neighbors shared with each other during holidays. My Dad loved the Scones {please, the Scots pronounce them 'scones', rhymes with 'dons'}my Mom learned to make from Dad's Sister in Boston. We would deliver them on the day before Christmas.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 13:07:22 (EST)
Hello everyone--I was in Wilmington for Christmas and took my teenage son down to the ninth ward to see the house I lived in as a boy. That piqued my curiousity and lead me to this site. In the early sixties we lived at 305 W. 25th Street and I attended Harlan elementary. On the corner of Washington and 25th was the First Mennonite Church of Wilmington where my father was pastor. According to the sign, it is now the Apostolic Temple True Church of Christ. It was great reading about all the old businesses and hang outs like Tigues, Hearn Brothers and the Matson (sp?) Run store which were still there when I was a boy. It was definitely a different era and the older I get the more I think about how that was in many ways a much better set-up than the modern suburbs. I was suprised at how many of the buildings are still intact; perhaps run down somewhat but not as much as I thought it might be. However, I was told later that we were crazy to get out of the car and walk around in that area which I find sad if true. If my memory serves, the neighborhood was already undergoing some changes by the time we left in 1967. We moved into an old white farmhouse at the intersection of Rockland Road and 141(murphy road) right at the corner of the stone wall surrounding the A.I. DuPont estate where we sold sweet corn at a roadside stand until the early seventies. Anyway, great site, it brings back a lot of memories, plus a lot of memories I wish I had!
Jay Zehr <jayzehr @aol.com>
Harrisonburg, VA USA - Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 02:07:15 (EST)
Pam, about that bottle of yours. It was truly a find. I used to be in the antique business and although I would try to get the best buy I could, I did not intentionally cheat people like some dealers. I say this because I am sure when the word gets around that you have that bottle you will get some offers. A friend of mine in the local bottle club happened to be here around the time you posted your find and I mentioned it to him. He told me that bottle is probably worth $220 - $400 to the right collector. You can't expect a dealer to pay you the going price, he has to make money also, but that should give you some general idea of it's value if you wanted to sell it. Good luck, I hope this helps.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 10:34:27 (EST)
For recent crimes in a particular development, enter a street name and city or zip code in this particular website, http://www.nccde.org/sqlcrime.asp - It will show crimes in surrounding areas as well.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 09:41:18 (EST)
THE FIRST LYNTHWAITE WAS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE GOING NORTH.IT WAS A SMALL BUILDING WITH ONE OR TWO WINDOWS.THAT IS WHEN THEY HAD THE VERY BEST ICE CREAM.WHEN THEY MOVED TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE IT WAS NOT AS GOOD.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 17:18:19 (EST)
Pam.....About Lynthwaite. I'm pretty sure it was on the right had side of the pike on the Concord Mall side. It was a huge farm so I'm not sure where it stared or ended. We used to drive in and they had this very long building with tons of windows where you ordered your ice cream. I'll research further, or ask my OLDER brothers and sisters. They may remember the exact location. But if you have a bottle from them, I think that's a great find for you. Linda
Linda <lac1053@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 16:08:49 (EST)
The streets in Brookmont Farms were Flamingo Dr.,Teal Circle, Gull Turn, Egret COURT, Heron Turn, Kemper Dr., Plover Ct., Curlew Cir....When I was showing prospects homes in Brookmont, I would unlock the door and let them enter the property and then I would stay outside and guard the cars...
Bill Lyons <ALyons2336@aol.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 14:17:43 (EST)
Hi All, It's been a while since I have been on. Between taking care of my disabled spouse and the holidays, I forgot all about this site. Until, a friend of ours asked us a question. Does anyone know what the name of the Steak house was that was next to where the "Doghouse" hot dog place is now.
Estella Slawter Stanley <dizzyj0924@comcast.net>
Hartly, DE USA - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 12:11:33 (EST)
Go to this site (crime maps of NC Co) and see a list of some street names in Sparrow Run. http://www.nccde.org/police/reports/report.asp?t=
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 11:28:35 (EST)
Brookmont Farms name was changed to Sparrow Run. Apparently another stupid attempt to reduce crime in the area. People couldn't sell and escape so they changed the name and people from as far away as PA bought. Now they're trapped in a high crime area. Someone in the News Journal commented that changing the name didn't reduce the crime rate. Did anyone really expect it to?
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 11:24:35 (EST)
Brookmont Farms was on Rte 40 almost across from Church Road - But I do believe they changed the name! To what I,m not sure...........
Aubrey <aubandclaire@verizon.net>
Lewes, De USA - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 10:53:53 (EST)
QUESTION::___Does anyone know where BROOKMONT FARMS is located?
Webmaster <web_master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 10:42:50 (EST)
Sandy, I think you mean Joan, she was in the class of 58--it was on Dec. 23
Jean <usa >
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 19:23:25 (EST)
THIS IS FOR JEAN WHO GRADUATED IN 1958 FROM WHS. JEAN I ALSO GRADUATED IN 1958 AND I AM TRYING TO REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. I REMEMBER JEAN MOORE AND JEAN COMEGY`S FROM THAT YEAR ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE. I KEEP IN CONTACT WITH MARY KAY DUNLOP KENNEDY BY E-MAIL. YOU CAN E-MAIL ME leelenkie@yahoo.com TAKE CARE. SANDY
Sandy Janvier Lenkiewicz <leelenkie@yahoo.com>
Claymont , De USA - Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 18:54:02 (EST)
Back in the real old days of the 40's, my mother used to back a muffin called RUSK, any of you old timers out there remember how to do this. I would really like the recipe. HELP.
Norman <buckenae@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 17:49:03 (EST)
Back in the olden days in Wilmington (specifically 1961), I used to go to a hairdresser called Donna Helene's on the Concord Pike. I bought a cookbook there featuring recipes contributed by the women of Hadassah. The cookbook is long gone, but my children remember my baking a cream cheese cookie from that book. To make a long story short, the "children" and grandchildren were all here for Christmas and started talking about the best cookies in the world. I would love to have that recipe again. Any of you Wilmingtonians happen to have that recipe? I realize this is a longshot, but it would be great to have it again. Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 16:30:33 (EST)
The Village of Rocky Run is an over-55 pricey and really nice development on the Concord Pike across from Super G. One of the streets is named Lynthwaite Drive. Would this be where Lynthwaite Farm was located? I, too, remember the snowstorm of l966. It was Christmas eve. I was shopping on Market Street, having come in to Wilm. on the 8th street bus, and yes it was a Saturday evening.
pboyd <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 20:18:03 (EST)
I went to New York on the trip with Bancroft also. A special guest was in attendance that very day, President Lyndon B. Johnson. I remember being close enough to actually touch the limo, but unlike Kennedy's it was completely closed. Weren't some of their picnics also held up at Lenape?
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, de USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 19:57:52 (EST)
Linda: Thank you for responding about Bancroft Mills. I also remember the trips to Riverview Park and the World's Fair. The year we went was 1964 and it was by train. We certainly did a lot of walking that day. A lot of guys I went to school with at Wilmington High School went as well. Maybe we passed each other?
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 18:02:20 (EST)
Linda, thanks! That's interesting. I'm wondering if you remember approximately what years Lynthwaite Farms were in business, or when they finally closed. Any idea? I moved to the area in early 80's, long after Concord Mall was built. Pam
Pam <p_cawood@hotmail.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 16:53:44 (EST)
To RAY JUBB - I see there's a house in Union Park Gardens on the market. I have questions about the area. If you have time to answer them, I'm at vivalconnie@yahoo.com.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 10:24:29 (EST)
Bruce Esdale....Most of the men and some of the women in my family worked at Bancroft's. I remember the Christmas parties and the summer trips, that amusement park in South Jersey, it was called Riverview Park, and once they took us to the World's Fair in New York. My dad worked there until retirement. Last name was Krauss
Linda <lac1053@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 18:20:09 (EST)
Pam, I remember Lynthwaite Farms well. It was, I believe, on the site of now Concord Mall, or close to it. It was a huge dairy and sold homemade ice cream. My aunts and my dad would take us there every Sunday during the summer.
Linda <lac1053@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 18:09:58 (EST)
Can anyone tell me more about Lynthwaite Farms? I see a lot of references to an ice cream stand on Concord Pike, but was Lynthwaite Farms an actual dairy also/earlier? I found an old milk bottle that says "Lynthwaite Farms, Wilmington, Del." on it and am curious. Thanks!
Pam <p_cawood@hotmail.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 18:06:11 (EST)
Hello to Ann Fuqua, This is Linda Krauss.I've been in touch with Mary Bacon and we got in touch through this web site. I haven't been on in a while. I actually have just moved out of Elsmere, moved to Brandywine Hundred just in October. I do miss it, but am very happy where I am. I moved back to Elsmere in 1979, and never left again, until now. I spoke with Jeannie Dorazio often at the liquor store and she mentioned seeing you. She said you look better than you ever did! And of course, she never ages. Who do you still keep in contact? I dropped off from everyone when I got married in 1973 and haven't been back in touch with anyone except with Mary since then. Hope to hear from you. Email me when you can PS. Mary I got your email and will answer shortly, sorry I've been lax with the holidays.
Linda Krauss Clark <lac1053@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 18:05:47 (EST)
Merry Christmas to all back in dear ol' Delaware! The poinsettias are in bloom, the temp is 75 and cool and the Christmas spirit's also in bloom down here south of the border. Happy New Year tambien.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Monday, December 25, 2006 at 14:52:20 (EST)
Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from Babhdad, Iraq. Right now I'm sitting here wishing I could be home for the holidays. But my work has me here upgrading equipment for our military. I read about some of the old times and rememeber a lot of the best. Take care and have a safe holiday.
Bob Crawford (Buster) <buster1973@hotmail.com>
Fayetteville, NC USA - Sunday, December 24, 2006 at 15:04:06 (EST)
Mary Kay, I also picked up on the Kennedy Schauer name, I always saw you sign Mary kay dunlop Kennedy, that was a first for Schauer, anyway I think I knew you as Mary Kay Dunlop of the forty acres and WHS.
Joan <whs58@aol.com>
wilm, de USA - Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 19:56:04 (EST)
THIS IS FOR JEAN: THERE ISN'T ANY NAME CHANGE, RATHER I WAS TRYING TO LOCATE A PRIOR POST AND THE WEBMASTER SAID TO RE-POST IT AND I DIDN'T ENTER MY LAST NAME OF SCHAUER, THAT BEING MY HUSBAND'S NAME. IF I HAD YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS I COULD WRITE TO YOU. THANKS FOR BEING SO OBSERVANT!! MARY KAY.
MARY KAY DUNLOP KENNEDY SCHAUER <MK.KENNEDY@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
OTTAWA, IL USA - Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 17:28:47 (EST)
Carol - I was in Germany - I said Stuttgart but it was actually Viahingen. I remember writting my parents who lived on Silverside Rd and they had had the same violent storm at the same time (clock time not Grenwich time). It was freaky. The day had been warm and beautiful, and out of nowhere _BOOOM. At the stroke of midnight, and then HEAVY snow until dawn.
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill , ny USA - Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 15:59:50 (EST)
Mike Mullins. You were in Germany when the storm of 66 happened? I ask because you are describing the conditions that I remember in Wilmington on Christmas Eve 66. I was driving on 202. It had been pouring rain and then a big lightning strike occurred and it turned first to ice, then to snow, which accumulated to about a foot.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 02:32:18 (EST)
Peg - then you must remember Grace and Tom Neiger, Jerry Redda, I forget the pitcher's name but she was great.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 22, 2006 at 18:17:54 (EST)
Happy Holidays to everyone. I logged on tonight for the first time in awhile and stirred up alot of memories. That snow storm in '66. I was in Stuttgart Germany at 7th Army HQ. We were having a christmas party for staff and friends of the service club. At the stroked of midnight there was a bolt of lightning that shook the building, and it started to snow. At 9:30 the next morning we had 14" of snow. If you would like a more appealing discription of scrapple, read "Centenial". The one Zent brother makes the scrapple for the family to sell at the Lancaster Farmers Market. Essentially, it is everything left over after the sousce(sp) is made. Up here the only one available is Jimmy Dean. "If it ain't Rappa, it's crappa." (I get my sister to bring a supply to the family campout each year. I just had it for breakfast today. There is just nothing like it, with backyard fresh eggs.
mike mullins <mpmul@frontiernet.net>
wallkill, ny USA - Friday, December 22, 2006 at 17:24:03 (EST)
Carol, The Snow Storm of 69 or 70 doesn't have a memory in my mind. New Year's celebration's would have been spent in our neighborhood,back then,so if there was a snow storm,it wouldn't have been a transportation problem,so I can't recall those years. Photography is my hobby. I checked my many albums---couldn't find any pictures of a snowstorm those years----doesn't mean there wasn't. I just don't have pictures.
KAY BURTON WELLS <breckslnkid12@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Friday, December 22, 2006 at 16:13:08 (EST)
Connie, I remember St. Ann's girls softball team. I played for Diamond State Tel. Co. and yes we were leaders in the Industrial league for many years. But when we played those girls I remember when they hit the ball they just kept running, they were home before you knew it! They had a great team, great players and made us better for having played them. Sorry to hear one has passed away, heaven must have needed a good player.
Peg <pegmillman@msn.com>
Milton, De USA - Friday, December 22, 2006 at 13:29:14 (EST)
At this time of year I can't help think about all the wonderful memories of Christmas growing up in Wilmington (1940-60) they were the best! Mom going shopping on Christma Eve, Christmas trees with tinsel, stockings filled with oranges, nuts, a nickel or dime in the bottom, snow, coal in a bucket to help anchor our tree, carolers at our door, going to church, waiting in the cold for a the bus on Market Street after shopping at Wilm. Dry Goods, Mullens, Woolworths, Braunsteins, Kennards, Arthurs etc. etc. Later shopping at the new Merchandise Mart. Family coming over our house, Dad and my uncles singing in harmony. I could go on and on. What I really miss the most is not having my Mom around at Christmas, she was the best! She sacrificed so much to make sure we had a good Christmas. So MOM, MERRY CHRISTMAS, thanks for the memories.
Diane <doller@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Friday, December 22, 2006 at 11:14:23 (EST)
Jim, what a nice tradition. Incredible that you still have a toy from childhood. I bet you are surrounded by Poinsettia bushes where you are this time of year.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Friday, December 22, 2006 at 10:28:53 (EST)
I remember my father, Sam, building a Christmas toy for me. I was probably four years old. He spent hours building a wooden fire engine, painted it red and attached large dark buttons as wheels. We were the proverbial church mice, having very little cash at the time. (1945) Every Christmas I take down the fire engine from its usual location and put it on the fireplace to keep all of those wonderful family memories alive.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Friday, December 22, 2006 at 10:18:19 (EST)
Wayne, I'm sorry about your not being able to get through to me, but I can't get through to you either, so wer're even. I have to have your e-mail in my mail control in order for you to send me anything. I have placed you in my mail control if you would like to try again, Ray.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 21:11:26 (EST)
One Christmas day right around 1970 it was 70 degrees in the area.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 15:42:07 (EST)
Kay Burton Wells. There was another big holiday snow storm that hit Wilmington on New Year's Eve 1969 or 70. Can you be specific about the exact year of that one?
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 10:43:21 (EST)
Mary Kay, I just noticed a name change??? I think it was Dunlop (SP)Kennedy now Schauer, am I correct??
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 09:36:24 (EST)
This is a repost as the original has gotten lost. I want to wish family and friends, and everyone who contributes to this wonderful web site, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I had also asked if anyone out here knew of another way to get RaPa Scrapple and Taylor Ham, in the 8 slice boxes, shipped out to Illinois, other than UPS, as it is cost prohibative. This is from RaPa scrapple from Bridgeville, De. Born and raised in the 40 Acres Neighborhood, we knew everyone and we watched out for each other. We felt safe and secure. Life was good. On the subject of Christmas memories..As a child, sledding down the hill at the B&O Railroad Station at Delaware Ave. and Dupont St. Today there is a Gas Station on the site. We had a neighbor that lived right next door and she baked cookies that were so delicious! Many Happy Memories! To our Webmaster, Harry, many thanks, to you, for a wonderful site, allowing us to post our memories and to also learn from so many wonderful things that you have included here. God bless and Happy Holidays! Mary Kennedy Schauer.
Mary Kay Kennedy Schauer <mk.kennedy@sbcglobal.net>
Ottawa, Il. USA - Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 07:18:11 (EST)
Hughs "Delaware Maid" scrapple can be bought at the Prices Corner Acme. Or go to the Booths Corner Farmers Market and try some Amish scrapple. A quick family legend about scrapple. My Aunt Ruth and her husband raised a pig for the table right after WWII. Uncle Bill used a .22 between the eyes to kill it. When eating scrapple made from the pig Uncle Bill broke a tooth on the .22 bullet.
Fred Best <fred.best@usa.dupont.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 06:05:37 (EST)
Ray Jubb - I tried to bring you up to date on your address but could not get thru. I don't want to tie up this with personal stuff. Wayne
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 18:00:46 (EST)
Mary Kennedy, Check out Jimkelley.com and go to the family tree to see if your husband is related to the Kennedy's from Penn, PA., Pittsburgh area. Our great-great-grandfather is Denis J. Kennedy. The Kennedy's still live on a street called Kennedy Row, our cousin Mary lives in a home there and across the street from Denis and Ellen Kennedy's original home dated back on the 1800's
Maureen Kelley Dunning <dunningmod@aol.com>
new castle, de USA - Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 10:33:18 (EST)
TO BARB AND MARY KENNEDY: Rapa original recipe is still sold here in the tri - state area, the factory is located in Bridgeville. De. Ralph and Paul Adams are the owners, call information for their phone number and they may be able to help you in buying and shipping Rapa scrapple.
maureen <dunningmod@aol.com>
new castle, de USA - Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 10:24:54 (EST)
Ann, it's so wonderful to know you visit this site too and to read your post. I still visit Casapulla's when we make our annual visit "home". There is nothing like a cheesesteak! I really miss them here. I do remember the market, although I forgot that it was a Hearn's. I remember heading there in the summer with my brothers when they had the twin popsicles on sale for 3 cents. We would stock up. I also remember the soda fountain on the corner across the street and making visits there on the way to or from piano lessons at the convent at CC. When it became Wassam's I worked there during high school starting when I was 16. I always smile when I think of our basketball team and how small it was especially when I look at the teams that are in high schools today. You have a much better memory than I do though as I can't remember whether they every won or came close to winning a game.
Mary Roepke <mbcold1@aol.com>
Bloomington, MN USA - Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 10:18:59 (EST)
Wayne, Yes We are talking about the same people.Hank lives down the street from me now and I see him every Sunday in Church and many times in the neighborhood. Rybinski lived around the corner from me here in Union Park gardens for a long time but moved away about ten or more years ago. I've been here in the same house for 45 years. Stryzs was on the Police department and worked for me for a few years, He also wound up marying my Niece and they now live in New Jersey, not too far from the Bridge. They also have a Condo in Wildwood, He just recently retired from the A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital where He went after retireing from the WPD. Haven't seen Richie Rybinski in years. Have You?
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington De., De USA - Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 09:49:09 (EST)
AN UPDATE:___Longwood Gardens for the past several years no longer display lights on the trees leading up to their parking lot.___Now they have just one tree with lights.___All others are on the grounds inside - after you pay the $15.00 entrance fee.___We are going their this weekend, so I'll find out if it is still true.___It's a good thing we have our annual pass.
Webmaster <E-Mail Webmaster>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 08:18:33 (EST)
To: Mary Kennedy, Oh how I too, miss Rapa Scrapple. When I moved here I was upset that most people didn't know scrapple. I spoke to a Manager @ Stop & Shop who smiled & escorted me to the frozen meat Dep't an showed me a 1 lb.pk. of Jones Scrapple. It's not quite the same as Rapa, but for this former Wilmingtonian, it comforts me. If you have a market which carries Jones Brand sausage, etc, I believe they could order it in for you.The other thing I couldn't find was Campbell's Pepper Pot Soup. Now all the SuperMarkets carry it.I did some lobbying about the soup & surprisingly, it worked. What I CANNOT find is French's Chili-O MIX.If you have stores which carry it, please e-mail me.I miss Christmas in Wilmington. Going to Longwood to see the lights, the Crowninshield Home @ Hagley, Bloody Marys @ Buckleys in Centreville & the Museum in Chadds Ford where the aroma of roasting Chestnuts is always present @ this time of year.Merry Christmas & Happy Hannukah to all friends here @ this site. A special kiss blown to our Web Master.
Barb <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 23:34:20 (EST)
I DO REMEMBER THE BIG SNOWSTORM OF 1966.WE HAD JUST MOVED INTO OUR NEW HOME IN HERITAGE PARK.THAT WAS OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS.THE STORM WAS SO BAD,NOBODY COULD COME TO VISIT US. MY MOM HAD A CORVARE (SPELLING),ENGINE IN THE BACK.MY BROTHER BORROWED IT AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT UP THE HILL ON BRECKS LANE ,HE GOT THROUGH THE SNOW.HE DROVE MY MOM OVER WE WEREN'T ALONE FOR CHRISTMAS. THAT WAS A TOUGH LITTLE CAR. NO ONE ELSE WAS ABLE TO GET THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT,IN OR OUT THAT CHRISTMAS DAY.
KAY BURTON WELLS <breckslnkid12@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 22:22:58 (EST)
DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THIS OLDWILMINGTON.NET WEB-SITE, FIRST, LET ME EXTEND THE MERRIEST OF CHRISTMAS WISHES, AND THE HAPPIEST NEW YEAR, TO EACH AND EVERY ONE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO THIS FABULOUS SITE! HAVING GROWN UP RIGHT THERE, IN THE FORTY ACRES, I HAVE MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO EXPERIENCE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF A NEIGHBORHOOD, WHERE WE KNEW EACH OTHER AND WE LOOKED OUT FOR EACH OTHER, AND LIFE WAS GOOD. I AM TRYING TO FIND A SITE WHERE I CAN HAVE RAPA SCRAPPLE AND TAYLOR HAM, IN THE 8 SLICE PACKAGES, SHIPPED TO ME WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE. USP IS COSTLY. WE USUALLY DROVE 'HOME' TO GET A SUPPLY AND WITH A REFRIGERATED TRUCK BE ABLE TO TRANSPORT IT BACK TO ILLINOIS.MY HUSBAND HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO WORK SINCE 9-04 WHEN HE HAD TO HAVE QUADRUPLE BY-PASS. IF ANYONE KNOWS ANOTHER SITE TO USE BESIDE RAPA'S OWN SITE, I WOULD APPRECIATE YOU LETTING ME KNOW. MY YOUNGEST SON AND HIS WIFE DEARLY LOVE IT AND MISS MOM'S TRIPS TO RESTOCK THE FREEZER! GOD'S BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL, AND TO THE WEBMASTER, THANK YOU, FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL YEAR OF CATCHING UP AND A JOB WELL DONE. MERRY CHRISTMAS, MARY KAY DUNLOP KENNEDY
MARY K. KENNEDY <MK.KENNEDY@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
OTTAWA, IL USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 20:42:59 (EST)
Mary Roepke, I also skated at Twin Lakes in the early 70's and am a member of the 1971 graduating class of Corpus Christi High School. Go CC Warriors!!! Attended all 12 years. Twelve years of nuns, oh my.It's a wonder we are not all in analysis. I have a strong suspision that you are Mary Bacon. I was Ann Fuqua. It is great to hear from you. Have only kept in touch with a few people from our graduating class, but we are starting to get together for dinners now and then. Remember Sister Jean Bernadine, our grade school principal and Sr. Joan our high school principal. I am still a member of CC Church, who says you can never go home. I always say you can take the girl out of Elsmere, but you can't take Elsmere out of the girl. Still living in the area. Fr. Stork says Sunday mass quite often and he looks exactly the same. The man never ages he remembers everyone. Elsmere has changed quite a bit, but in some ways it's still the same. I have great memories growing up in Vilone Village and walking to Casapulla's for subs and steaks. I grew up on them. I remember when POP bought the little cinder block building in the late 50's. Casapulla's has many shops now, but I still think Elsmere's shop is the best. Remember those horrible gray wool blazers we had to wear along with the horrible skirts in high school. Remember when our basketball team of only 8 boys almost beat Sallies and lost by one point. Do you remember the Hearn's Supermarket on New Road, next to the school. It's a Wawa now. I am really going back in time. Also the drug store next to the fire hall with the soda fountain, and Silver's Drug store. Mr. Silver would let us kids go behind the soda fountain and help ourselves to all the soda we wanted. He was such a nice man. How about Winner's grocery store on New Road. They had the best penny candy. People ask me where I grew up and and tell them Elsmere. They give me a funny look, and I start my speech on how Elsmere was a wonderful place to grow up when I was young. I grew up in a Leave it to Beaver neighborhood and wouldn't change it for anything. Looking forward to hearing from you. I have sent this site to some of the CC class of 1971, so you may be hearing from some other classmates. Will be checking for your post. This is a great site. I really enjoy going back in time.
Ann F. Griffith <afg45@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 20:40:22 (EST)
A long time friend, and fellow high school Alum, emailed me with a link to this site. What a great place for all things nostalgic about our great city. I have recognized a couple of names of posters on this board, not least of which is my sister Maureen 'Kelley' Dunning:-) I also noticed links to the recent Community News Series on "Lost High Schools". A must read for those who frequent this site. Tony Prado and Adrea Miller should win awards for their monumental efforts to bring the truth about Forced Busing in Delaware, and how it affected so many of us. I highly recommend this very interesting and imformative community news series. I want to wish a very Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays) to all of my fellow Wilmington Natives:-) Jim Kelley CHS/WHS 'Class of 79'
Jim Kelley <dfan07@jimkelley.com>
Pike Creek , DE USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 20:13:00 (EST)
St Anns softball team with the McFarlin girls beat the Diamond State Telephone Company woman's team, and they were the Woman's Industrial League champions!
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 07:22:53 (EST)
Does anyone remember a BIG snowstorm on Christmas Eve? I think it was 1966. It may have been on a Saturday night because I remember driving home from the Charcoal Pit on 202 in my father's Chevy BelAire (three on the column) and it was pouring rain. As if the sky just opened up, the rain it does during Springtime. Then all of a sudden, it turned to ICE. The next morning, Christmas Day, we had a foot of snow on our drive-way and my father was putting the chains on the car so we could go out and pick up our relatives.
Carol <novablu188@yahoo.com>
Pescara, Abruzzo Italy - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 07:20:10 (EST)
The McFarland, Rubincam and Farren girls were part of a group of athletic girls from the Stapler Park area. The MaFarlands had a brother, Mickey, who was quite an athlete himself. Candy was also a nationally known bowler. I had a crush on Linda but she later married a De La Warr High graduate named Ted Sywy who I played American Legion baseball with. Ted passed away very young. I saw Linda several years ago and she looks like she could still play. Being from the Woodlawn Park area, we guys had some interesting softball rivalries against the Stapler Park girls (although we had to bat the reverse way).
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 06:12:25 (EST)
Ray, Your neighbor Hank, he wouldn't have been a city fireman who prior to that worked at Jos. Bancroft and Sons in the Ban-Lon division would he? I worked there with a guy by that name who quit right after I did. He went on the city fire Dept. along with a guy by the name of Richie Rybinski. Mike Stryzs was also there at that time and went on to be a city policeman. A lot of Bancroft employees were lost to the city around that time (early 60's). The McFarlin girls mentioned earlier were also from the Bancroft/Rockford Road area, around that time. The Rubincam family (also Bancroft/Rockford Road area) had a number of girls who were very active in sports too, in the early to mid 60's at St Elizabeths.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New CAstle, DE USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 21:42:54 (EST)
For Liz, My Wife and I graduated St. Paul's School in 1949 with a Margaret Abelman and I now have a neighbor Hank Abelman who is a Brother to Margaret. Are You related?
Ray <Jubb>
Wilmington, De. USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 19:18:39 (EST)
I was looking at old photos before 1975, and the picture of 10th St. looking south of Adams St. & Jackson St. where homes were leveled to make room for 95, was made into a baseball field by the neigborhood kids. We lived across the Street on 9th. & Jackson and many baseball broke our front porch french door windows. My Dad was always replacing the windows, but no one ever admiited it was their ball, including my brothers who we on the team they made up. I was the only girl allowed to play, I played 3rd. base, I was a good player, not much of a hitter though, but when I did hit the ball, I could run like the wind with my long skinny legs, and make it to first base. I also was a softball pitcher for Sacred Heart school, in 1963 & 64. Our competion St. Ann's team, we came in 2 nd. place two years in a row, lost the last game to them by 1 run, it was heartbreaking, St. Ann's girls were tough! Any remember Candace Mc Farlin and Linda McFarlin. I remember Candace who was the best softball player, I think she played high school softball and she was in the news paper a lot. I heard she passed away about 10 years ago, she was fairly young, so sad! There is also a picture of Kreege's Department store on Market St. My Mom would buy a large brown grocery bag of vanilla and chocolate sandwich cookies there once a month for us kids. They were not very good, but we would eat them anyway, they were cheap, and that is what we could afford at the time. Woolworth's was great for the banana splits, cost 29 cents, you would pick out a balloon and it would have different prices inside, sometimes it would only cost 10 cents or cheaper than the 29 cents, what a bargain! Wilmington Dry on 4th and Market St. had a 4 cent counter, that was so much fun. We would get a dollar in a birthday card from my grandmom and go downtown to spend that dollar bill and you could buy so much, what a memory it is! I bought Christmas gifts with my saved babysitting money, always got my Mom the stinky Perfume called Evening in Paris, it was in a beautiful blue bottle, and cheap, LOL, God bless my Mom, she put it on anyway, she would never think of hurting your feelings, what a great Mom! My I loved growing up in the city, you could shop till you dropped on Market St. Merry Christmas!
Maureen Kelley Dunning <dunningmod@aol.com>
new castle, de. USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 19:00:32 (EST)
Anyone remember the church fire on 5th and Van Buren St. in the early 60's? I can't remember the name of the church, but it really was very scary. We lived at 819 N. Jackson St. and could smell the smoke, and see the flames from our 2nd. floor back porch. My mom would have fire drills often because we had 3 floors with 5 bedrooms to get 10 kids out, it was a terrible fear of hers. Our home was a semi- detached and connected to home converted to 3 apartments it had a fire excape and we could climb out to the 3rd. floor roof and 2nd. floor back porch to get to it, so it was a safety net.
Maureen Kelley Dunning <dunningmod@aol.com>
New Castle, de. USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 18:09:12 (EST)
I clearly remember the Wilmington Sash and Door fire, we lived at fourth and adams and at the time of the fire, we were returning from Reading Pa, after a visit, we could see the flames from our house
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 17:32:36 (EST)
When I was in high school in the 60's, friends and family would drive up to Twin Lakes to ice skate, there was also a bonefire going to keep warm. We also used to ice skate at 10th street park, and 9th. and Rodney St. near St. Anthony's school when we were in gtrade school. When we were cold we would hang out in the large girls bathroom at 10 th. park. The bathroom had the old time heaters and we would hang our wet socks, hats, gloves,on the heater to dry. To keep us entertained we would sing the top of our lungs, we sounded great, LOL! Now the only place to ice skate are at U of D, The Pond, in Newark, and Wilmington ice skating rinks. I just bought my grandchildren new ice skates for Christmas and plan on going after the Holidays at The Pond, it is still fun skating indoors, so get out there and just do it! We also went sleding down Rockford park and they also had bonefires going. We also played for hours and would go swimming at Headgates, located along the Brandywine river. We would swing from a rope and let go, down into the water. BOY, what a dangerous thing to do, we thought nothing about safety, I remember the swim was long coming back to the rope side.
Maureen Kelley Dunning <dunningmod@aol.com>
New Castle, de USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 14:13:33 (EST)
I have great memories of ice skating out at Twin Lakes back in the very early 1970's or so. Would also love to see some posts from former students of Corpus Christi. I graduated from there in 1971 and went there all through from 1st to 12th grade.
Mary Roepke <mbcold1@aol.com>
Bloomington, MN USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 12:08:30 (EST)
Twin Lakes are located just west of Greenville, headed toward Centerville on route 52 otherwise know as Kenett Pike.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 11:31:09 (EST)
Where are, or were, the Twin Lakes, anyway?
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 10:37:07 (EST)
I hardly ever buy a painting but there was one, at $500.00, that I couldn't turn down. I bought Terry Newitt's "Twin Lakes", a watercolor, at the Brandywine Arts Festival in the early 80's. All the wonderful memories of ice skating as a teenager practically forced the sale. Later, Terry and I marketed prints of the painting together and the profits more than paid for my spending spree!
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 10:31:38 (EST)
They don't have to make it illegal to ice skate anywhere in Delaware anymore, nothing's frozen around here in the past few years. From the looks of things there's not much chance of it this year either. For comparison, my Wife's great uncle used to reminisce about the New Castle doctor taking a shortcut across the river with his horse and buggy around the beginning of the 20 th century. But what's the difference, you can't get a doctor to come to your house now anyway.
Wayne <Twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 08:10:55 (EST)
I like the times we were able to go ice skating at Twin Lakes. We had a group that enjoyed ice skating out near the Dupont Estates. We would take with us some hot drinks to keep us warm on those cold nights ice skating ;trying to play ice hockey . One of our friends fell in, up to his knees' in the cold water. We had to place him in a warm blanket. His Mother hit him with broom when he went home because he did tell her he was going ice skating . She told us it was too dangerous to go ice skating at Twin Lakes. Twin Lakes is now off limits to Ice skating to the public.
Chuck Collins <Irishmurtha@yahoo.com>
Hockessin, De USA - Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 17:59:26 (EST)
Christmas memories - 1. I talked my mother into going to the Wilm. Merchandise Mart with me early one evening before Christmas. It began lightly snowing and the streets and lawns were white at Christmas time. We loved sharing that special moment. 2. I drove up to Saint Helena's for midnight mass and on the way home it began to snow.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 09:41:56 (EST)
I loved Maureen Kelley Dunning's Christmas memories growing up in Wilm. This time of year makes me very nostalgic for christmas's gone by. I remember going to the bakery near Howland and Union on Christmas Eve. I was with my Uncle and it seemed like it would have been 6 or 7 p.m. The baker was telling everyone that his son was home from the service for Christmas. I remember "My son is home!" The son was right there pitching in , working the hot ovens. There were many people waiting. The father was so proud! There was so much love in that little bakery that night. I was 10 years old (1957). I love thinking about this memory at Christmastime. Anyone else with any wilmington christmas memories?
maureen vitalo <mvitalo@mac.com>
bear, de USA - Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 20:12:42 (EST)
Was Governor Carvel the one who refused to use a Limo and either used his own car or a much cheaper vehicle? I recall meeting him once at the diner at the foot of Market just the other side of the RR underpass. Was that a Peter Pan or a Hollywood diner? He was a huge man.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 14:53:29 (EST)
I remember seeing Governor Carvel at a political rally in October 1952 on the mall in front of Harter Hall at the U. of Delaware. (Who knows why? Most of us were too young to vote back then!) His daughter Betty was a classmate, and her brother Ed came along to UDel a year or two later. At the same time, J. Allen Frear's son Freddie was a U of D student and a very competitive member of the swim team. I liked Carvel because he was one of the few major Delaware politicians of the time to actually use and become known by his full given-at-birth first name. And by the way, the Curtis Paper Company was a major local source of inexpensive poster board used by campus groups to construct Pep Rally Displays and House Decorations during the football season.
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 08:27:13 (EST)
Bill - I must have been entering my answer when you were adding yours. Thank you, sorry about the 'late' comment.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 03:07:57 (EST)
Just found the answer to my own question. He was Governor twice! 52nd and 55th Governor to be elected to office; Served First Term: January 18, 1949 to January 20, 1953; Served Second Term: January 17, 1961 to January 19, 1965; 1st Lieutenant Governor to be later elected as Governor; 2nd Lieutenant Governor to run for Governor; 4th Lt. Governor to be of a different party than the Governor; 1st Governor to receive over 100,000 votes; Oldest surviving Governor in Delaware History, " Age 94 " ; Years of Elected Service to Delaware: " 12 "
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 03:06:28 (EST)
Connie: Carvel was first elected Governor of Delaware in 1948, defeating Republican Hyland F. George and served one term from January 18, 1949 to January 20, 1953. He lost a bid for a second term in 1952 to U.S. Representative J. Caleb Boggs and served from January 18, 1949 until January 20, 1953. Subsequently, he lost an election for U.S. Senate in 1958 to incumbent Republican U.S. Senator John J. Williams. However, he was elected to a second term as Governor of Delaware in 1960, defeating Republican John W. Rollins, a former Lieutenant Governor. This time he served from January 17, 1961 until January 19, 1965. Carvel lost a final bid for a U.S. Senate seat in 1964, again to incumbent Republican U.S. Senator John J. Williams. [courtesy of WikiPedia]
Bill Fisher <whfisheratearthlink.net>
Westminster, C USA - Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 03:02:04 (EST)
Dec 16 1949 The Curtis Paper Company of Newark, in order to promote Delaware's paper industry, hosted a luncheon and tour for Governor Elbert Carvel, US Senator J. Allen Frear, and Congressman J. Caleb Boggs. THIS YEAR SEEMS WRONG TO ME. WHEN WAS CARVEL GOVERNOR?
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 02:56:29 (EST)
Bruce from texas, the Woolworth store is now Happy Harry's pharmacy, on 9th. and Market st. now bought by Walgreen's, name has not changed yet.
Maureen <dunningmod@aol.com>
NEW CASTLE, DE USA - Friday, December 15, 2006 at 21:21:40 (EST)
In answer to Bruce, Hubers is no longer there and the Bag & Baggage moved I believe to one of the shopping centers. Shops on that block of Ninth Street have all changed
Eugenia Bonner <eugenia5@verizon.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 15, 2006 at 19:13:03 (EST)
Mr. Wilson, Your post brought back a lot of memories with the mention of Huber's Sporting Good's store. Does anyone know if it's still there ? How about Bag and Baggage on the corner that had a ticket agency on the second floor. I remember going up those steep flight of stairs to a small room and buying concert tickets. What is in the Woolworth's store these days ? Thanks and Merry Christmas to all !
Bruce <bc@rr.houston.com>
Sugarland, TX USA - Friday, December 15, 2006 at 10:04:28 (EST)
A kind lady from Elkton who found my name and current address somewhere on the Web just mailed me a well-preserved original of a pocket-sized card containing the 1943 Basketball schedule for PS duPont HS on one side, and an ad for Huber & Company Sporting Goods (Tenth Street at Shipley) on the reverse...even though she knew that my time at PS was later, from 1949 to 1952. The Coach of the team that year was Nat Bender, the Faculty Manager was Vic Lichtenstein and the School Principal was R. L. Talbot. That year, the Dynamiters outscored their opponents 513 to 334 points. They won 10 and lost 2, splitting a game each with Brown Vocational and Claymont. In addition to single games against Newark, Smyrna, New Castle and their Alumni, they also played and won two games against Conrad and Wilmington High. Final scores of each game are penned in on the schedule side of the card. "Bo Bo Ski Wotten Dotten, Wah Dot 'n Fight!" (Huber's phone number back then was 3-5151, in case you wanted to call them.)
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 17:24:50 (EST)
My Mom would fill our Christmas stockings with a tangerine, apple, banana, gold wrapped coins made of chocolate, coloring book & crayons, story book, new warm hat, gloves, socks and candy canes. When my 3 sons were young, I did the same, and now my son fills his two children [ my adorable grandchildren ]with all the goodies, and my Mom's tradition goes on. The smell of tangerines brings back this wonderful memory. Merry Christmas to all! God bless, Maureen
Maureen <dunningmod@aol.com>
New Castle, de USA - Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 10:10:45 (EST)
Speaking of Joseph Bancroft, my grandfather worked at the Bancroft Mills until he retired. Every Christmas, there was a huge Christmas party given by Mr. Bancroft and children and grandchildren used to get gifts that, to me, were out of this world. In addition to the gifts, there was food and the typical Christmas stocking filled with candy. What I most remember is the smell of tangerines that, whenever I smell them, brings the parties back to mind. Anybody remember these parties?
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 09:55:33 (EST)
I graduated from the 9th grade in 1942 from the Bancroft School. I lost my 9th grade graduation picture and Im looking for another person who may have such a picture of our class .I like to make a copy of the class picture . You may contact me by EMail at irishmurtha@yahoo.com. I love to hear from anyone who was in the same graduation class at Bancroft School. Many members of this class have passed away over the years.
chuck Collins <irishmurtha@yahoo.com>
hockessin, de USA - Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 21:39:50 (EST)
Please if anyone has a picture of Sacred Heart Church, school, convent or rectory, please share. Thank you ,and Merry Christmas!
maureen <dunning>
new castle, de USA - Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at 11:56:19 (EST)
pattonpj, Yes, my dad worked as a bartender at nights and weekends at Defiance AA. He also worked for Dupont, Chestnut Run in the research department, during the week. I will ask my Dad if remembers Jim Patton and get back to you! Dad also coached Defiance little league and Sacred Heart baseball teams in the early 60's. I don't know where he found the time, but he did it somehow! Dad is 81 and is recovering from open heart surgery and doing very well, I pray he'll be around for a few more years.
maureen <dunningmod@aol.com>
new castle, de USA - Monday, December 11, 2006 at 14:29:53 (EST)
Mr. Wilson- Yes, the existing Gallucio's building on Lovering & Scott was once part of the large Hartmann & Fehrenbach brewery complex. In fact, the existing building was among the oldest in the brewery complex. It served as the brewery's office and saloon/hotel for several decades. The largest building in the complex, the brewhouse, was located behind Gallucio's & Shinn's paint store, along Wawaset. The rowhouses currently standing on Lovering between Scott & the Augustine Cutoff is the exact location of the old brewhouse building. The cooper shop/livery stable was located along Scott from Lovering to Wawaset. The existing site of Shinn's was the courtyard leading to the brewhouse. In fact, Mr. Shinn has a couple of the stained glass windows from the old brewery office displayed in the window of his paint store.
John Medkeff <delawarebeer@prodigy.net>
Glasgow, DE USA - Monday, December 11, 2006 at 09:37:07 (EST)
In answer to genesjoys@bellsouth.net I am the Eugenia you mentioned about the splash parties. Did you not go to #30 way back in the old days?
Eugenia Bonner <eugenia5@verizon.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 19:01:28 (EST)
I am looking for facts and information, especially old photos of Joseph Bancrofts daughters house, located at 1 wood road, behind the art museum.
Richard Graves <Richtgraves212@msn.com>
Wilmington, de USA - Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 09:21:54 (EST)
Wilmington Sash was located at Front and Madison Streets...
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 07:58:07 (EST)
The mentioning of Gene Lamotte brings back the memory of when He was running for Mayor of our Fair City. I was a pretty much a rookie on the WPD and Gene got all the Firemen and Policemen to meet in the Delaware Association of Police Club in the 2100 block of Lancaster Ave. to try and get all of us and our Families to vote for him. Well He promised us that if We helped Him get elected to that Office he would give us all an $800.00 across the board raise. Now to you young people out there that doesn't sound like much. However at that time I was making $3,800 a year, so 800 bucks was one hell of a lot of money. Now comes the good part, He got elected Mayor and then couldn't remember making such a promise or the money wasn't there or some other phony excuse. But as fate would have it, unbeknown to the Honorable Mayor, We had his promise on tape and advised His Honor that if he didn't keep his word every Radio Station in the Tri-State area would have something to broadcast that evening. I bought my first spankin new car that year, thanks to Gene or at least that taped speech.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Saturday, December 09, 2006 at 18:50:21 (EST)
I would be interested in hearing about the Wilmington Sash and Door fire. It happened just before my 4th birthday and I actually remember walking down 4th Street with my family. I know that we walked down close to it but my memories are rather dim. Where was the site located?
Ed Simon <edsimon51@hotmail.com>
Milford, DE USA - Saturday, December 09, 2006 at 15:05:06 (EST)
For you out-of-towners...just got word that the old, abandoned Speakman Factory at 30th and Market burned up (or down) in a "suspicious" fire on Thursday. It was soon to be demolished anyway to make room for a new condo complex. Check out Delaware Online (the News-Journal site). The photos are spectacular. It's reminiscent of the Wilmington Sash & Door conflagration from lo those many years ago. And "Mr." Medkeff, thanks for the heads up on the old Wilmington breweries. Sounds like the one that never reopened at Lovering and Scott was up by where Gallucchio's now is. If you have a picture of that one, why not send it to Harry to post on the site? PS - down here in Beaufort this AM, there's a half-inch of ice on the birdbath. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Saturday, December 09, 2006 at 10:08:08 (EST)
Years ago I think someone said Rolling Rock was brewed locally. They said it was nasty stuff, but not being a beer drinker I wouldn't know nasty from good.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 08, 2006 at 17:20:14 (EST)
Mr. Wilson-- Krueger Brewing, Inc. operated until 1951 at 5th & DuPont Sts. The Diamond State Brewing Company (f/k/a Jos. Stoeckle Brewing Company) existed from 1936 until 1955 at 4th & Adams. So, yes, Wilmington would have had two commercial breweries in 1949. That was the case through much of the post-Prohibition era. Unfortunately, the city's other large commerical brewery, Hartmann & Fehrenbach Brewing Co., over at Lovering, Scott & Wawaset Sts., closed during Prohibition and never reopened. The real Golden Age of brewing in Wilmington was 1880-1920, though the art goes back as far as Fort Christina and the original Swedish settlement. William Shipley, one of Wilmington's founding fathers, owned the city's first commercial brewery on the northside of what is now 4th St. (between Tatnall & West.) OK, enough beer talk!
John Medkeff <delawarebeer@prodigy.net>
Glasgow, DE USA - Friday, December 08, 2006 at 16:31:02 (EST)
RE: Workhouse on Greenbank Road/Kirkwood Highway: Don't recall the year since I was young, but when my Mom and Dad bought their house in Faulkland Heights (1957 or 58), they told a story of how an escapee was running through our yard and tripped over the children's kickball. Not sure if this was an attempt to make us fear jail, or just an urban legend on their part, but its still something I can recall today. After the workhouse closed, the Correctional Institute was on the corner of Greenbank and Albertson Park Boulevard. In 1975 or 1976, I assisted the Delaware State Police in catching an guy who jumped the fence and got in a waiting car just outside Prices Lanes bowling alley. I followed the car down Greenbank to Centerville on my bike and recorded the tag number. The escapee and girlfriend were caught on 95 near the Maryland state line.
Bill Mousley <Wmousley@riteaid.com>
Maple Shade, NJ USA - Friday, December 08, 2006 at 12:46:19 (EST)
Gene--I don't remember the splash parties, but I remember Eugenia Lamotte. She lived on W.20th. st. in the same area as Fisher, Tigani, Lamotte, Fleisher and a few others families I can't recall. Her uncle was the mayor of Wilmington and owned an insurance business where Eugenia worked.
Norman <buckenae@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 08, 2006 at 11:58:20 (EST)
Maureen Kelley Dunning - My husband, Jim Patton, was acquainted with your Dad. I believe he met him at Defiance A.A. and many years ago we were guests at your home when all the children were young. We also have many memories of Sacred Heart. We were married there in 1961. Father Paul Huber was the pastor at that time. He was a very kind person and we loved him. Did anyone know he was a professional boxer before he became a priest? Jim lived at 10th and Monroe and frequent the school playground to play basketball.
Pat Paisley Patton <pattonpj@comcast.net>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Friday, December 08, 2006 at 07:22:28 (EST)
Does anyone remember the "splash parties" at the Y.M.C.A ?Back in the late thirties to the middle fourties.A young man would invite a young lady to go with him to a Saturday morning of fun,swimming and refreshments.I remember attending many of them with young ladies from School # 30. It was for many of us our first dating experience,having to go to the door pickup the young lady, open the car door,and close it after she was safely in,carrying her towel and suit into the Y. Then repeating every- thing in reverse on the way back.It was a social event with practices I still adhere to.Two of the young ladies who accompanied me were Eugenia Lamotte and Jeannie Fisher. Hope it brings back some memories.
gene smith <genesjoys@bellsouth.net>
plantation, fl USA - Thursday, December 07, 2006 at 19:27:57 (EST)
John Medkeff - Am I correct in recalling that both Diamond State and Krueger beers were being brewed in separate facilities up near 4th/5th Streets back in the early 1950's? And when did the Stoeckle brewery stop operating? I don't believe it was still in business by 1949. Is this a fact?
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, December 07, 2006 at 09:05:12 (EST)
Mr. Medkeff: Thank you for response regarding the DelMarVa brewery I spoke of located then at 5th and DuPont Sts. I am quite positive that a statue existed atop the building in the courtyard. I don't think it was the cherub straddling a beer keg, though. I believe the figure struck a pose similar to ol' Gambrinus on 4th and Monroe. I might be wrong but I was more intriqued by the courtyard as a whole. With the old abandoned trucks, carts and pigeons that was roosting there, it became quite an interesting subject that stuck in my mind through the years. Older members of my family still living can't seem to recall this statue. If you ever find out, please let me know. Again, thank you.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 13:40:44 (EST)
MICHAEL MY MOTHER WORKED IN THE OFFICE AT HARLAND FOR MANY YEARS.SHE WAS THE FIRST SECRETARY THERE WHEN IT OPENED AND WAS THERE UNDER FOUR PRINCIPALS.IN FACT THE KINDERGARDEN WAS MY DAY CARE CENTER I HAD ALL DAY KINDERGARDEN FOR TWO YEARS IN 1939 AND 1940. I AM HERE TO TELL YOU IT WAS A BUMMER TO HAVE HER IN THAT JOB,I COULD NOT GET AWAY WITH ONE THING THE WHOLE TIME I WAS IN SCHOOL.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 13:31:12 (EST)
Mr. Esdale, you referred to a statue in the courtyard of an old brewery at 5th & DuPont Sts. That location was actually one of the oldest brewing locations in the city. The last brewery to operate at the site was the Krueger Brewing Co. of Newark, NJ from the late '40's through the early '50's. Prior to that, the Del-Mar-Va Brewing Company ran the brewery, from the '30's through the '40's. The Bavarian-Luxburger Brewing Co. and its owner Karl Eisenmenger ran the brewery for a short time after Prohibition. Eisenmenger and, Hermann, his father before, operated the Bavarian Brewery at this location from just before the turn of the century until 1920. John Lengel actually built the brewery structures that existed up until the early 1960's. Lengel sold his business to Eisenmenger. Lengle named the brewery the Bavarian Brewery. Even before Lengel, in the 1870s and 1880s, John Specht and Adam Spahn ran their brewery at the same location, though it was not a large an facility as what Lengel would eventually build. Anyway, on top of Lengel's building was a statue of a cherub straddling a beer keg. I wondered if that was the statue that you remember as appearing in the brewery courtyard? The photos that I have seen of the Bavarian Del-Mar-Va/Krueger Brewery dated after 1900 do not have this statue on the top of the facility. I'm thinking they may have removed it to the courtyard for some reason. Can you describe the statue you remember? Many thanks.
John Medkeff <delawarebeer@prodigy.net>
Glasgow, DE USA - Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 10:08:20 (EST)
Dec 6 1957 Trackless electrical coaches were disbanded in Wilmington. A sad day for me.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 07:25:24 (EST)
My memories of Christmas in the 50's and 60's were great! When I was in 6th grade and joined the choir at Sacred Heart school I was allowed to go to Midnight Mass to sing! My Mom would make a big breakfast with sausage, bacon, ham, eggs, homemade bread pudding for us bigger kids after Mass and we would be up till 3 or 4 am. helping to wrap gifts. I come from 10, 3rd. oldest so my memories of my Dad bringing in the biggest tree he could find Christmas Eve, he would set the lights on the floor to check out which ones were still working and then put them on the tree, we would all help put up the decorations, and then cover it with tinsel, it was glorious! We would be up by 5 am and waking our parents up, we had to wait upstairs on the top step. Dad would go down to check to see if Santa had been there and turn on the tree lights. He would say come on down, WOW, WHAT A SIGHT, THE TREE LIGHTS, TOYS FROM ONE END OF THE ROOM TO THE OTHER! That night a turkey dinner, and the best apple and sausage stuffing! After dinner we would play all the board games we received from Santa, it is the best memory growing up with my wonderful family. Oh, Christmas eve. after dinner, we would and lots of kids in the neigborhood go out to sing Christmas carols, we would go to all the older neighbors and sing in front of their homes. It makes me smile to remember their faces. Millie and Mayble lived next door to us, they were in their 80's, who put up with all the noice from us kids next door, God bless those sweet ladies! My family still live in the Wilmington area and we get together at my home the Sat. before Christmas, there are so many of us, 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, including our spouses, the grandchildren's spouses, or their girlfriend or boyfriend, we are all so blessed! God bless and Merry Christmas!
Maureen Kelley Dunning <dunningmod@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at 14:22:24 (EST)
Bruce, I grad. from Sacred Heart in 1964. Sister Mary Ellen our teacher, who was the best! She had us put on plays and I belong to the choir, we would get out of class to sing at funerals, but that was not why I joined, LOL! My memory of Sacred Heart is mostly good, one exception, Sister Mary Edward, our 5th grade teacher. Sister Rosalia our 6th grade teacher, became ill in Jan. we all had to be put in with the 5th graders for the last of the year, it was so crowded. Sister Mary Edward had a metal ruler she called Oscar, and God help you if you crossed her, it would swiftly come down on you hands, she was not my favorite teacher to say the least! I learned to ice skate on 10th St. pond also, we would spend a lot of time in the winter there, such great memories! Do you remember the Wilsons, Nancy was my best friend, still close friends to this day. The Wilson lived on 9th St. between Adams and Jackson street, and when the state bought their home to tear down to make room for 95, they moved to Richardson park off Maryland Ave. The oldest was Sandy, Betsy, Nancy, and her twin brother Bobby, who passed away about 5 to 6 years ago from cancer. I remember the McGuire's they had 12 kids, and their Dad, Dr. McGuire died in 1962, with all those young children, so sad! Michelle McGuire was in my class till, I think 6th grade, and the McGuires moved away, lost contact after that.
Maureen Kelley Dunning <dunningmod@aol.com>
New Castle, de USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at 13:54:28 (EST)
It seems as though people are decorating for the Christmas Holidays earlier and earlier each year. In the late 40's and early 50's I can remember it was the custome to wait until Christmas Eve,before the tree was decorated and cards and decorations put up. We had to rush and get ready for Midnight Mass at St.Josephs-on-the-Brandywine. not having a car at the time,we had to walk the mile to church.We didn't seem to mind this,because there was something magical about being out so late.I was with my Mother & Father and younger brother. When we arrived home from Mass,we were permitted to open just one of our presents.The rest had to wait until Christmas morning.
KAY BURTON WELLS <breckslnkid12@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at 13:43:41 (EST)
Christmas decorations seem to appear in the houses earlier and earlier each year. When I was a child,we always waited till Christmas Eve, to decorate the tree and the house. It was a lot of work all at once,and I remember being tired,as we hurried to get ready for Midnight Mass at St Joseph's -on -the- Brandywine. We didn't have a car,so we walked the mile in the cold. We didn't seem to mind it back then. We were young.There was something so special about being up so late. We were allowed to open one present after Mass.The rest had to wait till Christmas day.
KAY BURTON WELLS <breckslnkid12@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at 10:37:08 (EST)
During the late 1930's through 1945 there were few lighted Christmas trees that I can recall. World War Two may have contributed to this during the war years. "Turn off the lights, save electricity, conserve." were slogans heard. Along came 1946 and there seemed to be many more lighted trees in the homes and many more evergreen trees were illuminated outside the homes. Year after year seemed to bring the lighted candles to shine from the houses with the red or blue or yellow bulbs. While walking in our neighborhood in the evening one could hear the Christmas Carols being played crisp and clear as the night air and sky. I believe the bells were coming from the church that was next to Wilmington High School. I also recall the Salvation Army playing carols on Market Street, and remember the Christmas Kettles. The first time I ever saw homes outlined with colored Christmas lights was when I lived in Maryland. They seemed to go overboard with their lighting. Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at 09:56:43 (EST)
To all you U OF D fans - Dec 5 1954 The University of Delaware Blue Hen football team defeated Kent State of Kent, Ohio 19-7 in the Refrigerator Bowl in Evansville, Ind.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at 09:20:26 (EST)
Dave......I remember your mother working in the office at Harlan School. And I remember singing with the class around the Christmas tree in the lobby every year! Imagine that! We did that with probably 30% of the class Jewish!!! Can you see that happening today!!?
Michael Klezaras <theklez@hotmail.com>
Jacksonville , NC USA - Monday, December 04, 2006 at 18:44:08 (EST)
Ah yes, good old Wanamaker's! I worked there as a stock clerk for the china and glassware, giftware, lamps and housewares department for two summers in the early 1950's. There were a bunch of us from PS duP and the 9th Ward working there at the time. I'll never forget the aromatic smell of damp, semi-rotting wood shavings in which the china from Japan was packed. That, and flying a toy helicopter from our stockroom over a partition wall and into the bullpen which bedeviled the poor ladies in the Accounting Department. And we had great sport running up the down escalator just before the store opened. We sure kept the store manager, Mr. Conklin, on his toes!
Robert J Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Monday, December 04, 2006 at 09:28:34 (EST)
PHYLLIS THE CHILDREN'S HOME ON TODDS LANE WAS A PRETTY NICE PLACE FOR THE KID'S MY AUNT WAS BROUGHT UP THERE AND THEN WORKED THERE ALL HER LIFE. I CAN REMEMBER ALL THE CHILDREN WENT TO HARLAND SCHOOL WITH ME THEY WERE WELL DRESSED AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Monday, December 04, 2006 at 07:41:05 (EST)
The old wooden bridge of which you speak was called "short tenth street" bridge and was eventually torn down when the newer llth street bridge was built. Many a lady's high heel parted from the shoe when caught in one of those wooden planks. And before we (and I do want to) get back to all things Christmas, does anyone out there remember the Children's Home on Todds Lane? Todds Lane was in back of Speakman Place. How awfully sad I felt when I met those children, especially at Christmas. And (again beginning with a conjunction) do I miss Wanamaker's. I loved to go to Alapocas, park on one of those strange levels and browse in the sights and sounds of that store. It was never the same after they moved. Maybe the fact that the original was not convenient to get to was part of the allure. Do you remember Schweizer's Lionel train shop at Front and Washington at Christmas? This too, just a memory.
Phyllis B <PBoyd52@comcast.net>
Wilmington , DE USA - Monday, December 04, 2006 at 03:27:17 (EST)
Does anyone remember swimming at the Bathhouse in Kirkwood Park ? Does anyone remember the old wooden bridge going across the Brandyine Creek to Ganderhill area near 12th Street to the Electric Rubber Hose Company and the Pullman Plant?
Charles Collins <irishmurtha@yahoo.cim>
Hockessin, Del USA - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 22:57:03 (EST)
I went to St. Patrick's from 1941 to 1949 and we didn't wear uniforms either. Father McSweeney was our pastor. It was just after the Depression and he felt that the parents had a hard enough time buying kids' regular clothing and shoes without being saddled with uniform purchases. During that time, he actually mortgaged the church in order to provide coal (remember those coal shutes) for his parishioners. He was a modern-day saint. James L. McSweeney. In spite of all the recent sickening diatribes against the priests, there just happened to be some who were good men. I especially remember his purchasing a set of books entitled "Voyages in English" for grades 4 through 8. These books were kept at the school and used in class. I do believe those of us who profited from those lessons can thank him and the nuns who taught us (Franciscans)for becoming who we are today.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 21:32:29 (EST)
Other Christmas season memories - The fountains at Wanamaker's were called the Lanvin Fountains Of Fragrance. I had a part-time job there during the holiday shopping season. Those fountains went off every hour on the hour to music that I still hear and am reminded of those days. The blue star light on the front of the Veterans's Hospital near the top of the building. The bubble lights on Christmas trees that have re-emerged as a retro fad. And the green cellophane wreathes with the red candle light in the middle that many people hung in their windows. And tinsel when it was made from a metal foil that shorted out your electric train set if it fell on the tracks under the Christmas tree. So many memories.
Tom Kolasinski <tkck@cox.net>
Glendale , AZ USA - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 20:47:26 (EST)
Robert Rudolph was the Choir Master when we kids enjoyed the caroling. He went in the Service around '45, I think.
Barb <Barb@ Comcast.com>
Peabody, MA USA - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 18:49:36 (EST)
Barbara, was the Choir Master 'Robert Imbt'(sp)?...
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 16:31:53 (EST)
Caroling! I remember meeting @ West Church with the Choir Master & we would sing our way to Market St. & back with Hot Chocolate & donuts waiting back @ the Church. Sometimes our Parents would volunteer to drive all of us to {what was them} The Home of the Merciful Rest.Such happy, grateful listeners.
barb <barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 16:00:19 (EST)
Michael, thanks for introducing a very timely topic.___Things I remember during the time I lived in the ‘Flats’ and around Wilmington in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s:___Everyone in the ‘Flats’ had only two or three front windows that most people would put the 3, 5 or 7 lighted candles – the kind that when one went out they would all go out – just like the ones on the tree.___I started seeing houses trimmed out with lights when we moved to Willow Run.___My father had these strings with heavy wires that used the standard type bulbs – I think they were 25Watt each and all blue.___On our tree we used the colored metal reflectors between the bulb and the socket.___I remember the lights on Market Street – they were blue metal candy canes with red bulbs that reflected as purple on the utility poles and a white star was strung across the street from pole to pole.___Ofcourse, all of the stores had there own decorations and lights installed.___The Hotel DuPont – on the Rodney Square side – had red lights behind the upper floor windows in the shape of a cross.___Then there were the Salvation Army Santa’s with their kettle and usually walking around, there was the brass trio playing carols.___How about Wanamaker’s with the dancing fountains.___Most of all, I remember the shoppers and how crowded Market Street would get – you couldn’t help bumping into people.___I worked at Wilmington Dry Goods in 1960 and 1961 and I recall how busy and crowded the store was during Christmas...
Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 15:51:56 (EST)
One of my memories of Wilmington at Christmas was the windows of the stores on Market Street being painted with various Christmas scenes. No political correctness in those days.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA 17403 - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 15:29:00 (EST)
It has been a while since I posted (have accepted a job in NC and not too much time to connect with the "old days." I had a few moments today and thought I'd start you all thinking about Wilmington Christmas'. The lights on Market Street, Rodney Square, and especially home decorations. I lived on Eastlawn Avenue in the 60s and I got see all the homes there and on E 35th Street as the paperboy from 66-68. The house that I most remember is the Hohlenbach House on the left side of E 35th Street heading toward Governor Printz. The 200 block? I think that they were all hand made. A nativity with strings of lights radiating from a star high in a tree. A santa and sleigh on his garage (or was it the back of the house?), a bobbing snowman on their porch. Lights everywhere. Not gawdy...........just enough. It was always a treat as a kid.
Michael Klezaras <theklez@hotmail.com>
Jacksonville , NC USA - Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 14:58:00 (EST)
Maureen..... I remember your brother Tom. He was in my class at Sacred Heart School we graduated in 1960. Many of happy days I spent in the school yard with all the kids that went there. We were the only Catholic School that did not wear uniforms. ( At least when I was there we didn't wear uniforms.) I lived at 9th and Franklin Streets and my brother and I walked to school. Evey year at Christmas my father got all the Christmas Trees for the church and the rectory and the convent. Sister Cecilia was the principal when I attended. Please tell your brother I said hello and hope all is well with him and his family. I just read in the paper that a fellow student, Brian Mann passed away last week. My maiden name was Filliben ask Tom if he remembers me.
Kathleen O'Neill <ldybugmax12@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Saturday, December 02, 2006 at 23:14:09 (EST)
I too remember the work house on Green Bank Road. Sometime in the late 50's I remember several men escaping from the unsecured area. These were men who were supposed to have more freedom than the rest because their time was just about up so they worked on the grounds without supervision. At the time I lived in the Cedars and used to walk to a friends house up Green Bank Road and the men would all shout things as we walked by. They were supposed to be the most trusted men in the prison. My father was a police officer in Wilmington and when we told them about the shouting I was never allowed to walk that road again. I remember 2 incidents when some of the men escaped but I don't remember much about it. I remember my father and mother talking about it. I am almost sure more walked away but I can't be sure.
Kathleen O'Neill <ldybugmax12@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Saturday, December 02, 2006 at 23:03:49 (EST)
Tom, In your memories of escapes you may be confusing the Workouse and Ferris School for Boys. I don't remember escapes from the adult prison, but as you stated, in the summer it seems the juvenile delinquents got very restless, and upset about their incarceration, and went on the lamb as they would say in the movies. Then again I could be wrong, and we could be talking about a different era. My recollections of when this was taking place are from the late 40's to mid 50's.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Saturday, December 02, 2006 at 09:31:21 (EST)
Phyllis B., Living where I did on Van Buren St. near the south side of the Brandywine we neighborhood kids always tried to explore the banks of the "crick." Going down stream walking along the waters edge and hopping rocks I only managed to get to the Market St. Bridge. There at that point I had to climb the high Stone wall up to South Park Drive. I would have needed a raft to get down stream from that point. Many times we hiked up stream where possible, and by-passed areas that we could not access. Explored as far up stream about a mile or two past Smith's Bridge. We used to spend a few days camping in that area after hiking there around 1946. Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N. J. USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 23:02:32 (EST)
Bob McKelvey, I remember always wondering how much further the Brandywine went on past and south of the llth street bridge. At some point, it must empty into the Christina. Always wished I could do this via a boat of some type. But afraid of being on water, I didn't pursue it. There is some kind of a tavern around E. 7th St. where all these rivers converge and you can probably dock there. Back in the forties my uncles used to talk about a sluice. this has something to do with the tide - something about gates that let the water in and out. Somehow, I think the sluice was clean water and a part of the Brandywine. I would love to be more knowledgeable about these rivers and where they begin and end and who traveled on them and why. Can one get to the C & D canal via this route?
Phyllis B. <PBoyd52@comcast..net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 21:32:59 (EST)
Re: "The Work House" on Greenbank Road near Price's Corner. I remember when I was a kid there always seemed to be someone escaping from there in the summertime preventing our normal early evening play time outside. It was also the site of the last whipping post in the state. Delaware had the dubious distinction of being the last state to use the whipping post as a form of punishment. I think the last whipping took place at the prison in 1963. Kind of gruesomse and barbaric, the prisoners' nickname for the post was "bloody Hannah" and used the term, "hugging Hannah" to describe the punishment. I recall reading somewhere that the actual wooded post is located in some museum in the area.
Tom Kolasinski <tkck@cox.net>
Glendale , AZ USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 14:31:48 (EST)
Bob, You have to remember back in those days most ships transporting goods were sailboats, and although they didn't draw much water their sails were tall enough to necessitate the raising of the bridges. Many people don't realize it, but the Christianna was also navigable clear up to the town of Christianna. It was a seaport (as it was called back then) for farmers sending their goods from nearby Maryland farms to Philadelphia before the turn of the century
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 12:41:13 (EST)
My wife's great uncle worked at the prison on the Kirkwood Highway and upon retirement was presented with a gold watch. The inscription reads: Presented To James C. Lupton by Employees of The New Castle County Workhouse 2-29-56. He was stuck at one point in time in the only remaining tower. It seems he had some type of mild stroke or something while on duty and it was a one way type of operation to open the door at the top of the tower. It was locked from the inside. Unfortunately I don't know the whole story, but he obviously got down. I would imagine that happened shortly before he retired.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 12:32:40 (EST)
When I was fourteen years old I remember looking at the 16th. Street Bridge over the Brandywine just east of the Wilmington Pumping Station. The bridge seemed to me to be some kind of mechanical lift bridge, but for the life of me I could see why that type of bridge was needed. The water at that point was very shallow and I did not see how any ships could navigate. The old iron bridge looked as if it had not been operated in 100yrs. For the life of me I could not see why that type of bridge was needed. Recently I was reading some Wilmington history and found that the Brandywine has a tidal flow from the Christina River that flows up and past Brandywine Village. The river was used to get the finished goods from the many flour mills located on the banks of the river. Time makes all things clear. Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N. J. USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 11:19:37 (EST)
New Castle County Correctional Institute
Fred Best <fred.best@usa.dupont.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 11:04:23 (EST)
It has always been known as the "workhouse" in my lifetime.
Harry Brand <salliesbrand@msn.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 10:49:04 (EST)
I'm sure many of you remember the prison that used to be off of Kirkwood Highway near Prices Corner. What was the name of the prison? Any stories about the prison? Are there any pictures of it on this website?
JEH <jeh@com>
NEwark, DE USA - Friday, December 01, 2006 at 08:08:37 (EST)

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