Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #41: May 1, 2007 to May 31, 2007 entries)


Bruce in Sugarland...I was at Sacred Heart until 1952. Had a great time and then went on to Ursuline. Did you hangout in the playground like I did? You were there later; but, must have some good memories.
Phyllis <ccint@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 15:54:09 (EDT)


John: Your recent posting made me remember a lot of things. I grew up in Cleland Heights and spent thousands of hours in Canby Park. We also played "speed ball" using a hard rubber ball and wooden bat. We'd draw a big home plate with chalk on the wall in the big back parking lot of the Knights of Columbus building. All you really needed was 2 or 4 players. We played lots of wiffleball and touch football there too and in winter, if we got at least 3-4 inches, we'd play tackle football on the blacktop. I think I played some kind of sport on nearly every available space in that neighborhood.
Tim F. <altomonte@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 21:11:42 (EDT)
Just finished an article in USA Today about Dr. Jack Ramsay, the Hall of Fame former NBA coach who is now a TV commentator. He's had some health problems but is a really positive guy who still doesn't even talk retirement. I was lucky enough to have him for 9th Grade Civics at Mount Pleasant. Civics for me was dry fare at best, but he made it interesting and could command this little ADD guy's attention with no problem. The basketball team won plenty of games under Dr. Jack before he rode off to greener pastures. MPHS's team under his tutelage included Clark "Pete" Shelton, an All-State Player,who became a state trooper. He was something like 6' 5", practically unheard of in those days, but was an excellent center. Dr. Jack was known for his discipline/motivation & strategies which served him well during his illustrious career including stints at St. Joe's and several NBA teams culminating in his 1977-78 Portland Trailblazers winning the NBA Championship. He ended his active coaching career with the Indiana Pacers in the late 1980s. It's obvious from listening to his commentary that he stays on top of the NBA's happenings and is a great ambassador for the sport. Hurray for Dr. Jack!
Butch Schilling <fschilling@adairhorneassoc.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 15:26:13 (EDT)
Thanks to all of you out there for the help with "Clematis". I can't imagine why this book would sell for those exorbitant prices. When books go out of print, do the prices zoom? It is a delightful story that I'm sure I read while at George Gray Elementary School. I will see whether the library has it. Bob Wilson & Swifty, notwithstanding, I loved Silas Marner. I, too, had to do a book report on it - 7th grade - Warner Junior High. Since I really loved English, I loved doing the requisite reports. (Book reports may be a "girl" thing - I can't remember). Two other exceptional books from my 6th and/or 7th grade years - The Scarlet Letter (Nathaniel Hawthorne) and Great Expectations (Chas. Dickens). All my wonderful English teachers are the reasons I love reading.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@ comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 20:28:30 (EDT)
Bob Wilson: I felt the same way about Silas. It was Mrs. Casey at PS during the 57/58 year that punished me like I had never been punished before. It was pure agony trying to read that book and prepare a report.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA 17403 - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 17:06:23 (EDT)
Is there any old Cleland Heights people out there?
Tim F. <altomonte@aol.com>
wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 14:10:20 (EDT)
Phyllis - "Silas Marner" and I were not particularly compatible, thanks to Miss Guild in English class back at PS back in 1950-51. In fact, Guild and MYSELF were not particularly compatible. I liked "MacBeth" with Gardiner in 1951-52 a lot better. ("I go, and 'tis done - the bell invites me...Hear it not Duncan, for 'tis a knell, that summons thee to Heaven, or to Hell!") Besides, the girls and class clowns in that class were much prettier and funnier, respectively, anyway.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 10:32:43 (EDT)
Stepball, wallball and wireball were all alive and well in Wilmington's Canby Park neighborhood as late as the late '60's / early '70's. My friends and I played those games many times when we couldn't scare up half a dozen or more kids to play wiffleball or baseball. Those games were one against one versions of baseball, which we kid often played with complete commentary in the voices of By Saam or Harry Kalas. It wasn't usually that difficult to find kids to play ballgames during those years. There were a couple dozen boys between the ages of 8-15 to choose from. We played ball from early morning until our mother's called us in for dinner. Drive around neighborhoods these days and you'll seldom see any kids outside. Wilmington was a great place to grow up in those days! I miss the city I knew and loved.
John Medkeff Jr. <delawarebeer@prodigy.net>
Glasgow, DE USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 10:31:25 (EDT)
Phyliss, Barns & Noble say they have two. One hardcover $90 and also a CLOTH cover $150. Must be some book!!!
Aubrey C. Fisher <aubandclaire@verizon.net>
Lewes, De USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 06:32:40 (EDT)
Phyllis, I found Clematis at Amazon.com, but you won't like what I found. It is going for $124.00! Have you checked the library?
Patty <pattywerk@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 04:23:13 (EDT)
The book Clematis was written by Bertha B. and Ernest Cobb. It is out of print but you may have luck on ebay
denise <nospam>
newark, DE USA - Monday, May 28, 2007 at 20:11:18 (EDT)
In keeping with how we wiled away our time when we were kids, I loved to read and tried to read everything I could get my hands on - Silas Marner (George Eliot), The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett), Girl of the Limberlost (Gene Stratton Porter) & Heidi (Johanna Spyri). These stories stay with you forever. But - one of my favorites was a book called Clematis. (I don't know the author). I would love to read it again. When I look it up on the computer, I come up with everything about the beautiful vine flower of the same name. This was a BOOK about a little girl's childhood. I'm not very proficient with the computer, and I don't know how else to look up this story. Any help out there?
P hyllis B. <pboyd52@ comcast.net>
Willm., DE USA - Monday, May 28, 2007 at 16:34:18 (EDT)
Phyllis, What years were you at Sacred Heart? I was there from late 50's to around 63
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.com>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Saturday, May 26, 2007 at 14:01:50 (EDT)
oops. I meant that Mario Pino's mother was a friend from Sacred Heart School
Phyllis <ccint @aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Saturday, May 26, 2007 at 12:20:03 (EDT)
As an old Sacred Heart kid, I remember going to a soda shop on the corner of Jackson ? They sold Tastykakes for 8 cents.We used to hang around for hours. Mario Pino the now famous jockey was one of my friends in those days. HOw about it !!!
Phyllis <ccint@aol.com>
wilmingtn, de USA - Saturday, May 26, 2007 at 12:18:20 (EDT)
This Memorial Day we are honoring a Graduate of Padua Academy . Elizabeth Loncki'01 was killed in a bombing near Bombing near Badghdad on January 7,2007.Elizabeth was to leave Iraq to her home base where she was to be married. Her future husband had planned a surprise party for her return and had her quarters decorated for her return, but war has a cruel fate for both men and women . The Iraq war has cost many American women their life fighting to keep America free. Many American families have had to face the lost of their daughter,son,father,and mother in the Iraq War. Americans are proud of our ladies in the military fighting beside our men in combat. Elizabeth paid the supreme price as a result of enemy action to keep America free of terrorism. Please pray for all the men and women in the United States Military and their families.We uphold Elizabeth before the throne of Grace this Memorial Day.
Chuck Collins <Irishmurtha@yahoo.com>
Hockessin, De USA - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 22:52:41 (EDT)
DOES ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBER A GAME WE PLAYED IN HEDGEVILLE THAT WE CALLED "LEFT HAND OUT". ONE CORNER OF AN INTERSECTION WOULD BE HOME PLATE THE OTHER THREE CORNERS WOULD BE 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD BASSES. WE WOULD CHOOSE UP SIDES AS WE DID IN MOST OF OUR GAMES AND THERE WERE FIELDERS WHO YOU TRIED TO THROW THE BALL PAST, BUT YOU HAD TO THROW WITH YOUR LEFT ARM, AND THEN RUN TO FIRST OR SECOND, DEPENDING ON HOW GOOD YOUR LEFT ARM WAS, WITH OUT BEING THROWN OUT. OF COURSE IF YOU WERE LEFT HANDED YOU HAD TO THROW WITH YOU RIGHT ARM. THE TROUBLE REALLY CAME WHEN YOU HAD A GUY WHO WAS AMBIDEXTROUS, IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET HIM OUT. MANY AN HOUR WE SPENT PLAYING THAT GAME AT CHESTNUT AND JACKSON.
Ray Jubb <GOLFOPERA@AOL.COM>
WILMINGTON, DE. USA - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 13:42:59 (EDT)
I never gave it much thought while driving during the late 40's and entering the city from the south. We would drive past the burning dump on the highway and drive right through the smoke, and the smell of burning potato skins. There were very few air conditioned cars then and we would drive with the windows down during the hot months. I believe we accepted the dump as necessary and became accustomed to it. The smoke did make our eyes water, but we were happy to have wheels and never seemed to be bothered. I remember that Marcus Hook had the the unpleasant smell of the refineries....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 11:14:07 (EDT)
Yes, I am. I was a policeman for 25 years, just retired Nov 05. My two older brothers were cops, Joe and Jack, as well as my grandfather, two nephews and a niece.
Corcoran <pc410@windstream.net>
Mt. Olivet, Ky USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 09:16:59 (EDT)
Best boys' pick-up sports venue (especially for "touch", which was really "pound!" football) in my old neighborhood in the 9th Ward, was the back lawn of the church located at the point where West 23rd, Concord and Madison converge. I think it was a Lutheran Church at the time, and was right across the street from my family's rented home in 1949-1951. The church bells rang every day at 6 PM, I think, but it was by way of some kind of a mechanical device that was rigged to a timer and a record player. Every once in a while the device would fail, usually at around 3 AM, and the bells would ring out then...but it sounded like someone had placed a hand on the recording to slow it up or speed it up, like how some club DJ's do it today, and it made a very startling sound, particularly at that time of night. It was REALLY weird!
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 08:47:55 (EDT)
Zonk! How could I forget 'step ball'? I played that in the same neighborhood our dear Webmaster (The 'Flats' at Woodlawn) was from with the old wooden steps as our 'bat'. We also used to play fistball (or kickball) with a dodge ball. When I played 'wireball' or 'wallball', it was almost always at 5th and Bayard near the Little Sisters of the Poor by Bancroft Parkway. Woe to us if the ball went over the wall. Most of the guys I played with were altar boys at St. Thomas' Church and were too afraid to retrieve the ball because some of those nuns were tough! We either got our ball back or didn't. If we didn't, we anted up whatever change we had in our pockets and trekked up to Pete's Five and Ten at 5th and Lincoln for a new tennis ball. For P. Corcoran, you related to any of the Corcorans who lived somewhere between Woodlawn and Bayard Avenues and 2nd Sreet? I knew a Corcoran who later became a Wilmington policeman.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 06:08:14 (EDT)
Bruce, I played in that same park. We used the same squares that had been painted on about ten years prior. We called it "fastball" Hitting it over the fence was a homerun but we had an additional rule. If it went clear across Pyle St. onto somebody's front porch, you were out. That was to discourage hitting the houses. So to hit a homer you had to drop it in over the fence between the sidewalks. I was always swung as hard as I could because I couldn't hit it over anyway. Hit the fence in the air-triple, hit it on the ground-double.
P. Corcoran <pc410@windstream.net>
Mt. Olivet, Ky USA - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 20:34:36 (EDT)
we also played wire ball--forget the rules, but the ball would get stuck in between double wires and would throw things up to knock out the tennis ball.
Jean <usa>
wilm, de USA - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 12:31:43 (EDT)
I remember at lunch time at Sacred Heart School we used to play a variation of baseball. You would hit a tennis ball with your fist and try to get on "base" ( tree, telephone pole, etc.) If one of the fielders hit you with the ball you were out. The back stop was the side of the garage at the far end of the playground. Anyone remember Tony's Store at 10th and Adams? I remember buying the balsa airplanes along with penny candy at Tony's. I believe it was across the street from Nords Meat Market.
Bruce <bc@houston.rr.cpm>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 11:36:15 (EDT)
Bruce: How about step ball? We used to play for hours on Rodney Street between 7th & 8th. If the ball bounced once in the street, it was a single, twice a double and 3 times a triple. Landing across the street in the air was a homer. We also used to play wall ball with an old sock that had been rolled up into a ball. I don't ever remember being bored. With a little bit of imagination we could also come up with a game that would keep is occupied.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA USA - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 09:33:06 (EDT)
We used to spend many summers playing stickball using a tennis ball and broomstick. We would find a wall, draw a square for the strike zone and emulate baseball players of the late 50s and early 60s. Many times, we would play in the enclosed playground in back of St. Thomas/Lore School on 2nd and Bayard Streets. Hitting a home run over the fence was a great thrill then. Also, we would play something called 'wire' ball. We would vertically throw a tennis ball at those thick telephone wires and hitting a wire was a home run. Great fun in those days.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 07:47:23 (EDT)
I came across a 1964 quarter in my pocket change today. It was one of the old style silver coins. I tossed it on a counter top and it rang like a little bell. The clad-layered coins minted since 1965 make a clicking sound. Now I know why it sounded so much different in the 1950s when a guy would roll his fingers through the coins in his pocket. To a little boy it sounded like a carillon.
Larry Roszkowiak <larry.roszkowiak@ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 17:31:19 (EDT)
Brownys, While attending #24 School during the late 30's and early 40's I remember kids making paper fans. Just paper with folded pleats made a personal fan during the warm days in class. I recall that we made paper poppers to make noise and annoy the teachers. Just some folded paper held between the thumb and fingers that would make a popping noise when whipped through the air. There were also several designs of paper airplanes that were great gliders. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, May 18, 2007 at 11:48:32 (EDT)
Who remembers, at around Hallowe'en time, putting notches on the rims of an empty thread spool, winding a string around the spool, then putting a big nail through the hole in the center of the spool? You put it up against a neighbor's window on Mischief Night, then pulled the string. Great noisemaker, and very annoying to the people inside the houses, especially those who lived on McCabe Avenue between Jefferson and Monroe. Boys will be boys!
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Friday, May 18, 2007 at 07:32:01 (EDT)
I made a button on a string for my great grand daughter, just recently, wondering if anyone would write about it or even remember it, also remember using an old shoe heel for hop-scotch
liz <elizabemarix@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 20:45:10 (EDT)
I was part of st anthony's in the late 60's, early 70's and i remember the tunnel well. you must remember sr joan and sr donatella????? ray's deli across the street, 10th st park, the old festival when it was small????
oldschool55 <oldschool55@verizon.net>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 17:38:58 (EDT)
Brownys, Holy cow it must have been 70yrs. since I tried to focus these eyes on the gyrating button toy as it made tighter circles. I can't recall a name,it did have a hypnotic effect on us kids though and kept us occupied and quiet. Anyone remember the little toy made from an empty spool of thread and two match sticks and a rubber band? One of the match sticks was fastened to the spool with hot wax. Then when the rubber band was wound and the spool placed on a hard surface it would craw. Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 07:20:07 (EDT)
Wow, you opened up a can of worms, talking about ,how cheap we were to be entertained, with homemade toys. How about a toy, where your Mom would thread kite string through a large button, wind it up, then pull on the end loops . It was called a ------?
brownys <brownys828@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 05:48:16 (EDT)
anyone from St. Anthony's school 60's and early 70's...remeber the tunnel from the church to the school...a lot of old statues kept in there...we used to go in the tunnel to smoke cigs
daw <nkdw23@yahoo.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 19:40:39 (EDT)
Bob, Bob and Swifty: Boy! You guys brought back a lot of memories with the balsa wood planes and kites. It was always a crusher when the planes broke after spending many hours with them. Can remember going to Sanders, a mom and pop operation, that was located on Woodlawn Avenue just above 7th Street. Could get the planes, a kite, some licorice (red and black) and the candy buttons that were on a strip of paper. All this for less than fifteen cents!!
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 07:56:09 (EDT)
I too remember those penny balsa wood gliders, and that the smaller ones flew the best. They had sort of a wide metal staple attached to the nose to give them balance. The slot where the wing slipped through the fuselage was wider than the wing, and by moving the wing forward or back, you could make the plane maneuver in different ways. If I remember correctly, the way to launch it was to put the tip of you index figure at the end of the tail, then THROW it! WHEATIES with its eternal boxtop promotions to kids had a set of terrific premium WWII fighter planes, any one of which you could get by sending in a boxtop and a dime. They needed a counterweight in the nose, too, which was achieved by gluing a penny the the front of the fuselage, inside the engine cowl. The two Wheaties planes that flew the best were the Russian YAK and the German Focke-Wulf.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 15:46:38 (EDT)
Swifty, How could I forget about the hanky parachutes! Many hours of great fun. I recall the neighborhood kids making a football out of rolled up newsprint and wrapped with tape. We could actually throw an accurate spiral with that contraption. ...Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 13:45:25 (EDT)
Bob: I remember those gliders and making my own kites. I also remember making a parachute out of hankerchief, some string and a small stone. We could go for hours playing with those simple things.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
York, PA USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 12:50:42 (EDT)
While still in elementary school, about this time of the year, the local kids would go to the neighborhood store and buy balsa wood gliders. I remember playing for hours with those little gliders back in the early 40's. There was no television for us then and the radio serials did not begin until about five o'clock. The little airplanes only cost a penny and kept us out of trouble. I remember there was a larger glider for a nickle but it was a poor flyer. A few years earlier my Dad made a kite out of newspaper and introduced my younger brother and I to the fun of kite flying. Just pleasant memories of Wilmington from the past. ...Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 12:33:34 (EDT)
Bruce Esdale....I believe you are thinking of the Country Girl Diner
Rosie <RSweetness71@aol.com>
wilmington, de USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 09:24:08 (EDT)
I thought the Ranch House was across from the old DP&L building where it was adjacent to the Maryland Avenue/ Lancaster/Avenue connection? I used to eat at this silver diner at this partiular location back in the late 60s, early 70s. Is this where you are referring to, Ms. Jester? This place used to serve some good food.
Bruce Esdale <bruce.esdale@basell .com>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 08:04:58 (EDT)
AFTER A CONVERSATION WITH THE OWNER OF THE RANCH HOUSE I CAN SAY FOR CERTAIN THAT IS HAS BEEN CALLED THE RANCH HOUSE FROM THE DAY IT WAS BUILT.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN , DE USA - Monday, May 14, 2007 at 19:12:40 (EDT)
where exactly was the entrance to Shellpot when it was an amusement park?
Denise <nkdw23@yahoo.com>
newark, de USA - Monday, May 14, 2007 at 15:15:32 (EDT)
The Ranch House was on South Market Street, on the left hand side going out of Wilmington, before the RR bridge (not S Market St bridge), just where the road splits coming into town. It was on a little triangle there. The same man opened the one on Concord Pike, and had both for a while. I think his name was Fran, but not sure. Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, May 14, 2007 at 10:47:17 (EDT)
BEFORE THE RANCH HOUSE WAS THERE NOT A DINNER ON THAT SITE ?
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Sunday, May 13, 2007 at 21:06:44 (EDT)
The Ranch House restaurant has been on Concord Pike near Silverside Road for a long time but does anyone remember what it was before that? I think it was in the 70's that it became Ranch House. KAA
KAA <Typer83@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, de USA - Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 20:34:38 (EDT)
Dave, Railroad Ave.goes East from North heald Street to the railroad tracks.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Wednesday, May 09, 2007 at 21:36:26 (EDT)
Phyllis B.....Do you know the song about Gander Hill Prison, now known by another long and stupid name? When a serious crime was committed, the prosecution chorus would begin..."He'll be takin' showers at Twelfth and Bowers."? So yes, the area on the other side of the tracks, literally, is Gander Hill.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Wednesday, May 09, 2007 at 10:38:45 (EDT)
Dave C. - Railroad Avenue curves (just as the train tracks curve) at that part of Wilm. It is probably between 12th & llth Sts. or 11th & short 10th Sts. It would be east of Brandywine St. On the opposite side of the railroad tracks would be the old Electric Hose & Rubber. That area was (and still may be) known as Gander Hill.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Tuesday, May 08, 2007 at 23:01:02 (EDT)
HERE IS A SHORT STREET RAILRODE AVE WHERE IS IT?
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Tuesday, May 08, 2007 at 19:34:15 (EDT)
Back in the 40's and 50's I would use Broome Street as the fastest way to get to my house. That part of town was beautiful in the Spring and Summer when driving under the canopy formed by the tree limbs and leaves near the reservoir. The smoothest street was Delaware Avenue, I recall roller skating between Jackson Street and Adams during the second World War. There was very little traffic during the early 40's. Fred Best, regarding Saint Mary's School I recall my wife mentioned there war no electricity in the school until about 1947. She remembers being sent home on very dark cloudy days when there was not enough daylight to do their school work.
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 11:53:21 (EDT)
There was a one block long street on the south side of St. Mary's Church. It separated the church from the school. It ran from Pine to Spruce and was between 5th and 6th. It was cut off at the Spruce Street end when the Strawberry Run Apartments were built on Spruce Street. When Father Trainer got assigned to Pastor of St. Mary and St. Patrick Parishes in the 70s the stub end of Lord Street was still there at the Pine Street end. By the time Father Trainer had St. Mary's all freshly painted with a wall all the way around and landscaping the stub end of Lord Street was gone. It is now the side yard of the church. The Lord Street curb stones are still there. Father Trainer had the curb stones saved when Lord Street was ripped up. They were used as border between the gardens and the grass in the church yard.
Fred Best <fred.best@usa.dupont.com>
wilmington, DE USA - Friday, May 04, 2007 at 12:14:16 (EDT)
Jim Rambo - you are right in that when kids are young and get invited to their friends' house for dinner, it is a big treat. I raised my son on Maple St. in a neighborhood near St. Eliz. School and although he went to another school, he was good friends with the kids who went to St. Elizabeth's. He seemed to be at one of his friend's for dinner an awfully lot. I used to wonder what culinary arts the kid's mom was cooking up. One time I asked her what she had for dinner all the time. Her reply - mostly grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and canned soup! It was a great neighborhood - the Hnatowski's, Jannaman's and McGuire's were some of the best neighbors I ever had in my life. Lived on 1800 block Maple Street from l962 to thru 1974.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 22:37:12 (EDT)
Kirk Avenue is between 8th and 9th. Probably running from VanBuren to Jackson. Had to really think about this. Haven't been in that neighborhood either for many years.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DEK USA - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 21:43:08 (EDT)
Ray - you're correct on both - tall-tree-lined Winchester Place and Kirk Ave. off Van Buren St.
Phyllis B,.. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm. , DE USA - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 21:26:44 (EDT)
Phyllis, I know of a Winchester Place not Street. The one I'm thinking of is between Orange and Tatnal Streets. And Kirk Ave. is between Jackson and Adams Streets, I believe around 800 block.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 20:48:12 (EDT)
Two more little streets seem to be hidden from most of us. Winchester Street and Kirk Avenuue. Anyone know where they are? They give off something akin to the feeling we got as children reading "The Secret Garden" (Frances Hodgson Burnett). The trick is in finding that "secret garden".
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net >
Wilm., DE USA - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 16:10:47 (EDT)
Ray-- Yes I have a few city directories as I am into Delaware History. I didn't work for the city, I was a sign painter for 50+ years.
Norman <buckenae@comcast.net>
Wilmington , DE USA - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 14:49:30 (EDT)
Ray - Donald Ashworth was a supervisor with IRS (1966 - 1969). I was his secy. during this period, and we were located at 30th & Gov. Printz Blvd. Once in a while, during lunch, a couple of his police friends would drop by to talk. One was a Captain MacDonald - the other one was a Detective whose name I though was Jubb. Possibly, I could have this wrong. Donald died of heart trouble in May '73.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 23:54:15 (EDT)
Phyllis - I don't remember the year that I was told this happened...could be urban legend for all I know..but true part is..as a kid, early 70;s, we walked down Rockford Rd. near the end made a left, across from the Mill store. we climed a fence and walked down what seemed to be an abandoned street. saw old street lamps and house foundations. I think there may have been a couple of old houses standing. Anyway, I was told there were murders there and that at night you could hear screaming and window breaking...anyone from St. Anthony's grade school remember walking down ghost street?
Denise <nkdw23@yahoo.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:50:35 (EDT)
Phyllis--I retired from the Department in 1980 and never heard of Donald Ashworth. A Donald Ash was on when i was on. He was fired and is still living. Could be the fellow your talking about was on the Department after this OLD guy retired. FOR THE WEBMASTER: THAT WAS JACK'S MOTHER. MAYBE I JUST ASSUMED THAT HE LIVED THERE BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE SHE LIVED HER LAST DAYS. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, FOR NORMAN--YOU MUST HAVE SOME SORT OF STREET INDEX OR YOU WORK FOR THE CITY, WHICH IS IT?
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:41:23 (EDT)
Ray Jubb - Wow! Arlington St.? I can't even picture it, nor do I recognize the name. I know Mable, Palmers Row and New Sts. Were there houses on Arlington St.? Catawba St.? You did't say whether that street was east side or west. Can't place that one either. Ray - do you remember our good friend Donald Ashworth? Died too young. Probably 46 or so. A really neat guy and good friend.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 15:44:05 (EDT)
I could be wrong but I believe that the fascination with small streets is not so much the geography of it as the sense of community involved. Having grown up at Third and Connell, I now view the experience as invaluable. On three blocks (North Connell) we had Italians, Irish, Polish and other ethnic groups who had come directly from the "old country". To learn so much about those groups and what makes them "tick" was an important life lesson. You're all so close every day that it's like living in your own small village. Being a young guest at the O'Donnells' crowded dinner table was truly a treat....so many potatoes and so little time!
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 11:08:36 (EDT)
Not sure if I answered about Barrett Street continuing beyond Harlan School...it does. It goes from West to Harlan, then on the other side of Harlan, to Van Buren Street. I guess it's three blocks with the school in the middle. Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 10:52:07 (EDT)
Ray--Robinson St. was from 206 Poplar east to 211 Lombard.
Norman <buckenae@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 10:20:00 (EDT)
For Ray:: I just checked the "Historical Data" from the above "Pull-Down".___During the years 1944, 1948 and 1952, Daniels is not listed anywhere in the 'Flats'.___Under the 1963 listing, there is an Elizabeth Daniels at 522 Springer Street.___My family moved to Willow Run in 1953, so they moved in after we left the city.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 03:06:12 (EDT)
In keeping with the current theme - streets - there was a posting around April 13th ftom Denise about a "ghost" street across from the Mill Store in Rockford area. She said murders occurred there (when?) and afterward the street was "closed off". What's up with that story? - it can't end right there. What "ghost street"? - what murders? What was "closed off"? Anything further on this from some crime sleuth out there? Detective Jubb? To Denise - what year are you talking about?
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 22:13:09 (EDT)
Cherry Street is between 2nd & 3rd and Jackson & VanBuren Streets. For the Webmaster, Did you Know the Daniels Family on Springer Street? I went to school with(WHS)John Daniels. Then He went on the State Police and I on the WPD.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 19:20:51 (EDT)
Speaking of short streets in the city: prior to I-95 construction, the now defunct Logan Street ran in a southeastern direction from Maryland Ave. to the railroad tracks. Three other short streets, Foundry, South and Bird, ran parallel to Logan prior to the 1960s. I always wondered in whose honor Logan Street was named. Anyone know? The first water commission of Wilmington was James Logan (my g-g-g grandfather.) Perhaps it was he? Of course, the Bird family has roots in the city going back to colonial times.
John Medkeff, Jr. <delawarebeer@prodigy.net>
Glasgow, DE USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 16:16:28 (EDT)
I need to mention Springer Street in The Woodlawn Flats since I lived at 610 Springer Street, 1942 to 1953. It is 2 blocks long from 5th to 7th Streets.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 13:24:19 (EDT)
For Norman, Since no one else has responded to your street quiz: Arlington=From Mable to Palmers Row. Catawba= From 300 Blk 7TH St to 300 Blk 8Th St. Decatur= From Buttonwood to Railroad Tracks. Glenn Ave.= From 18TH & Market to Bridge. Kennebec= 13TH & Walnut to 13TH & Wilson. Liberia=Between 13th & 14TH Scott to Union. Now How about "Robinson" Street, just one short block?
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington , De. USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 13:19:29 (EDT)
Short streets. Does anyone recall where Cherry Street is?
c. wilson <bigbass@udel.edu >
bear, de USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 13:01:16 (EDT)
Harry - That Transportation website for Delaware Coach that you put together is magnificent! How have I missed it for all these years? I should spend less time babbling here and more time looking into all of the resources you've provided at OldWilmington. Hurray for the Webmaster!
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 09:06:39 (EDT)

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