Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #44: August 1, 2007 to August 31, 2007 entries)

Connie, sorry just getting back to you now - yes, the pictures are next to the Wilmington Trust in Fairfax, off 202 by Astra Zeneca. A lot of pictures of the Fairfax area, but many of the surrounding county as well. Enjoy! Pam
Pam <p_cawood@hotmail.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 31, 2007 at 20:18:04 (EDT)

This day in De history - August 27 "1945 Ground was broken for the General Motors Assembly Plant on Boxwood Road near Wilmington."
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 10:16:58 (EDT)

One of the "spice girls" from the 20's was a Wilmington chick. Her name was Estelle Boylan Taylor. Rumor has it that she lived on Connell Street. She married a rich guy at fourteen and divorced at twenty-one. She then moved on to Hollywood and played major roles in a number of films, including Cecil B.DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" where she played Mirriam, sister of Moses. She married the most popular guy of the time, Jack Dempsey, the heavyweight champ. When she and Jack took off the gloves in 1931 via divorce, she was asked by a fan to sign an autograph book. When she saw that Dempsey had already signed at the top of the page, she signed and said, "That's the last time that SOB will ever be on top of me." Hence, the "spice girl" reputation!
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Monday, August 27, 2007 at 11:07:41 (EDT)

1927 Henry B. du Pont and several of his kin purchased the Spring Garden Farm near New Castle and began to lure the airplane builder Giuseppe Bellanca to town.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 27, 2007 at 10:44:59 (EDT)

more Delaware history - "This Day in Delaware History: 1777 The American Army reached Wilmington from Philadelphia as General Washington reconnoitered at Iron Hill near Newark to observe British movements outside Elkton."
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 10:28:47 (EDT)

Just saw Alice's post about the pictures of Lynthwaite Ice Cream,and someone's response about Mitchell's. Just came from the Wilmington Trust there, and thought people might be interested to know that the pictures are still up, there are dozens of them, and they are from all over northern New Castle County. It is a real treat to visit! There are several of Lynthwaite Farm and the ice cream stand, but also of the city and many surrounding areas! Go, and enjoy! Pam
Pam <p_cawood@hotmail.com>
wilmington, de USA - Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 13:05:27 (EDT)

Bob Wilson, if you do a google on Sal theres alot of info, I found this on one site, It's been over a decade now since the death of saxophonist and composer Sal Nistico and as of yet no substantive rediscovery of his talent has yet to take place.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
ocean view, de USA - Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 08:56:04 (EDT)

Jim Rambo of Old Mexico - That was a great Herman Woody story! I saw him with the Third Herd many times at the Metropole on Times square in NYC back in the early 1960's. In that great band was a standout sax man named Nistico Sal. Wonder whatever happened to Sal? And...batten down the hatches, Bro'!!!
Wilson Bob Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 17:49:40 (EDT)

Stories of famous people in Delaware: I was a magistrate in 1970, assigned to court 11 in New Castle. Cop from Delware City brings a speeder in. Cop says it's Herman Woody and he was driving 20 over. I take the bench, reduce the speed to 10 over and advise the cop, "This is Woody Herman, the famous band leader, not Herman Woody!" Woody thanked me and went on his way. His driver's license had a Hollywood address, as I recall.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 11:31:52 (EDT)

OUR CLASSES' LAST FOOTBALL GAME was played in 1955. Re this day in DELAWARE HISTORY - "1933 Movie actress Alice Faye was injured during a rain storm near Bridgeville in a car driven by band leader and singer Rudy Vallee. His 16 cylinder Cadillac was valued at $15,000." "1989 The well-known newspaper columnist William P. Frank died in Wilmington."
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 10:24:40 (EDT)

I used to go to Baynard Stadium all the time. It was renovated and opened around 1956 (maybe '57). My brother was at WHS and took me to several games there. The Thankgiving game with PS was played on their field. When the new Wilmington High opened in the ealy 60s the football field on Lancaster Ave. was not ready. WHS still played at Baynard until Thanksging 1962.
Ed Simon <edsimon51@hotmail.com>
Milford, DE USA - Monday, August 20, 2007 at 20:10:42 (EDT)

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH I REMEMBER PS PLAYING SALLIES AT BAYNARD STADIUM IN 1960.I THINK A GUY BY THE NAME OF SAVAGE WAS THE QB FOR PS.SALLIES WON THAT GAME 20-0. I WAS IN 7TH GRADE THAT YEAR AT PS AND REMEMBERING GOING TO THE GAME. I THINK THAT WAS THE FIRST YEAR FOR COACH PACHIRONE (NOT SURE OF THE SPELLING)FOR GIVE ME COACH.OH YEA,SAVAGE WAS THE QB FOR THE BLUE TEAM THAT YEAR IN THE BLUE GOLD GAME.
DAVE BUCHANAN <davidwb57@verizon.net>
nottingham, pa USA - Monday, August 20, 2007 at 18:35:33 (EDT)

"August 20 1965 The Dravo Corporation in Wilmington, which built many naval ships during World War II, announced it would close the yard, putting the last 80 employees out of work."
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 20, 2007 at 09:21:52 (EDT)

TO Bruce- Just to let you know, Conrad school,in Wood crest/Boxwood road area, is the next school to become a Charter school, but it will be focused on the healthcare field. Not sure when 2008 -2009 Also, To the webmaster, I also ran across a program of one of the last shows for Sunset park, in Avongrove ,PA Any idea,who would be interested in it?
brownys <brownys828@yahoo.com>
wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 12:03:08 (EDT)

Denise in Newark - Was/Is Carroll Leach of the PS duPont HS class of 1952 any relation to you?
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 09:21:08 (EDT)

PHYLLIS B WILLARD CAUFFMAN WAS MY UNCLE
Dave Cauffman <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 21:49:53 (EDT)

Bruce from Sugarland, TX, you mentioned once there was another restaurant/bar near the Bottle & Cork, where there was music and you could have a good time. I remember in 1960 going to the place I think you are talking about. It was about as popular as the B & C. I sure would like to know the name. Probably isn't there anymore. Dave Cauffman, I used to live next door to a Willard & Bernice Cauffman (50 years ago). Any relation?
Phyllis B. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 15:00:47 (EDT)

"1951 The steamer "Washington" made its last sailing from New Castle to Pennsville at 11:30 P. M. before the opening of the Delaware Memorial Bridge the next day."
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 09:52:40 (EDT)

I am looking for any information on Bayard Leach. He grew up in the flats.He was a city fireman. There was some mention of his name previously in the nostalgia notes but now I can't find it. His name was spelled Byard Jr. in the notes but I am sure that is him. He has passed away 10 years ago, but we are working on our family tree and would like any info on him. Pictures are great too.... Thanks, Only Daughter, DENISE
Denise <dmiller57@verizon.net>
Newark, DE USA - Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 11:16:38 (EDT)

Wayne, Thanks for the correction on why Wilm High was torn down. I just remember that area looked like a war zone. I remember the Ritz theatre, saw many a movie there. The drug store was Smith & Stevicks (sp?). A fountain coke cost a nickle. The good old days!
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 08:39:12 (EDT)

The last graduating class from the old WHS was the Class of 1960 (school year 1959-1960).___The new school opened in September, 1960 (first graduating class of 1960-1961 school year).___ GO HERE to view the dedication page from the 1960 Cherry And White Yearbook...
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 04:58:18 (EDT)

Tom Brewja, I have a question for you, I remember being in Junior High and some people trying to convince me to go to Wilmington High because we would be in the first graduating class from the new school. That opening was to be in time for the class of 59 to graduate. I know that did not happen. You however state that the new school opened in 60. This could quite well be true, I was out of school by then. I do remember however, the old Wilmington High was still holding classes in 60 and even later because I knew some girls that went there and they didn't graduate until 62 or 63. I don't know which building they finished school in but in either 60 or more likely 61 they were still on Delaware Ave. Were both buildings in operation at the same time during that period, or just when did the old school finally shut its doors. By the way Bruce in Texas, it wasn't torn down for I-95, that's up at Adams street, just about a block beyond the old school site, where the drug store was on the corner and the Ritz theater nearby.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, August 13, 2007 at 22:14:58 (EDT)

The Charter School of Wilmington shares the Wilmington High building with the Cab Calloway School for the Performing Arts. The schools are sep, but share the cafeteria etc. Delaware has public charter schools all over now. The Charter School of Wilmington's charter has designated that the school specialize in math and science. The school is part of the Red Clay School district, so Red Clay kids have preference. To get accepted to Charter the student has to pass the entrance examination. As a result, the school is packed with high end kids. Almost all go on to college. And not surprisingly, the largest minority in the school is Asian.
Sean <sknagel@msn.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Monday, August 13, 2007 at 17:25:36 (EDT)

here ya go Bruce,,,,http://www.charterschool.org/
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
ocean view, de USA - Monday, August 13, 2007 at 14:48:05 (EDT)

What is Wilmington Charter School? When I lived in Wilm. and it was Wilm. High School it was a rough place. I do remember Wilm High School on Delaware Ave. that was torn down to make way for I-95.
Bruce <private>
Sugar Land, TX USA - Monday, August 13, 2007 at 11:12:17 (EDT)

Just back from a week at Wildwood...great weather! The Price's Run reunion in October of 1988 was at the Millcreek Fire Hall. They even had a cake shaped like the original pool. The Thanksgiving games between PS and WHS were held in the Blue Rock's ball park at 30th & Gov Printz Blvd. Of course, PS won all the games...NOT! My daughter, Kelly, was married on the beach at Wildwood last Saturday evening at Sunset. It was beautiful, and my daughter, Leslie, had a hole-in-one somewhere near Brigantine on Friday. (Eat your heart out Ray Jubb!) So what happened to my vacation week? Good to be back! Shirley Hudson Jester
Shirley Hudson Jester <ujest110@aol.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, August 13, 2007 at 10:42:24 (EDT)

and now the NEW wilmington high school is known as the Wilmington Charter school , opened in 1996
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
ocean view, de USA - Friday, August 10, 2007 at 17:24:15 (EDT)

Wilmington High School opened as a high school (as opposed to a grammar school) in 1871 on French Street between 5th and 6th streets. The school’s second building was located at 8th and Adams streets. In 1901 the “High School” opened on Delaware Avenue, across from the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery. The “New Wilmington High School” located on Lancaster Pike at duPont Road opened to the students in 1960. “Dear Old High: The Story of Wilmington High School.” By Wiley Blevins. Below: Wilmington High School class of 1910.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
ocean view, de USA - Friday, August 10, 2007 at 15:35:57 (EDT)

Bernadette, would you maybe be thinking of the Philadelphia Bargain House at 5th or 6th and King? They sold lots of cheap junk - everything you could think of! Also, do you have a sister or sister-in-law named Joan? I went to Ursuline with a Joan Drozd whom I believe married Alfred Dougherty.
Pat LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, August 10, 2007 at 15:14:45 (EDT)

WHEN I PLAYED FOOTBALL AT BROWN 1951-1952-....THE FIRST YEAR WE PRACTICED AT BAYNARD STADIAM(TWO WEEKS BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED WE HAD TO WALK TO BAYNARD STADIAM FROM BROWN VOC.)THE NEXT YEAR WE TOOK OVER WESTMORELAND FIELD ON DUPONT RD. WAY BEFORE W.H.S. WAS BLT...WE PLAYED P.S.(1951 AT THEIR HOME FIELD BEHIND THE SCHOOL...1952 WE PLAYED P.S.AT THE OLD WILM. BALL PK.....WE PLAYED W.H.S. BOTH TIMES AT WILM.BALL PARK
JOE "BUBBLES" PASQUALE <jnpasquale@comcast.net>
wilmington, de. USA - Friday, August 10, 2007 at 14:51:04 (EDT)

My sister who now lives in Dundee, FL asked me this and I have no recollection of anything like it but maybe someone out there does: What is the name of the business that sold novelty items and other junk at reasonalbe prices located on the East Side (maybe on 8th or 9th street? We're talking during the 50's/60's and 70's at least. e mail me at bernadette822@verizon.net
Bernadette Drozd <bernadette822@verizon.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 10, 2007 at 14:02:38 (EDT)

By Gosh, Harry, I should have looked at the 1948 map before I asked the question. From the comments of others, I'm now assuming that that same WHS field was where Brown Vocational played its home games back then. And as far as I know, the stadium behind PS was built and opened the same year as the school opened...`1937. And by the way, I remember attending the last football game played by the Blue Hens at Wilmington Park in 1952, and within a couple of weeks, attending the first-ever game played by the Hens in a drenching rain at the then brand-new Newark stadium, which was at the site of the current football stadium, but the stands had a much lower seating capacity than they do today.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 16:03:27 (EDT)

Your right Mr. Webmaster, We (WHS) used that field off Rt. 202 for Scrimages and to practise on, never played a game there though.
Ray Jubb <golfopera@aol.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 13:21:08 (EDT)

I realize your all talking about the early 50's with the football games and where they were played, but this may have some bearing on the P.S. Field. In the late 50's either 57 or 58 Brown played P.S at their (P.S.) field behind the school. I was at the game (P.S. won), but we celebrated on Market St anyway. I don't know when they started using that field, but I do know it was used at that time.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 11:20:55 (EDT)

My 1948 map (From Pull-Down Above) shows "WHS Field at 202 & B&O tracks.
Webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 08:30:50 (EDT)

BOB WILSON YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT WHS FIELD I WENT TO BROWN 52 TO 54 AND PLAYED FOR THEM AND THAT IS WERE WE PLAYED AND HAD OUR PRATICE.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN, DE USA - Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 08:00:06 (EDT)

Baynard Stadium had not been built up through 1952 (I know for sure it was not there in 1950), so my question remains: In 1951, for example, where did Wilmington High School and Brown Vocational play their home football games in that era? Where I thought the WHS home field was, just north of the B&O right of way near Route 202, is now part of the Interstate cloverleaf there.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 07:48:43 (EDT)

That athletic field off DuPont Road near Lancaster Avenue was the Tower Hill School football field until 1948. After the '48 football season, Tower Hill moved its home games to a field behind the school at West 17th and Rising Sun.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland , OH USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 21:38:55 (EDT)

The only football games played in the old wilm. ball park on Thanksgiving day in the early fiftie's was between Wilm. High School and P.S.duPont high school. as far as I can remember.
Bill <wchamerica@aol.com>
Ocala, Fl USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 19:30:49 (EDT)

for Bruce, were you there when the 1962 Nor'Easter hit? It destroyed many properties, I managed to find some archived photos after the event, and some showing the developement since then, I can send them if your interested, 88 pics total, can email them in reasonable sized groups, let me know, Tom
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
ocean view, De USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 16:49:12 (EDT)

The football field at what is now Charter School, used to be Wilmington High School and is now named after Pete Grandel. That field was there before the high school was built and Brown used it at least for a practice field. I was told that at one time, before Lancaster Avenue and 2nd street were made one way streets and main arteries in and out of town, 4th street was supposed to keep heading west over what is now Grandel Field go across DuPont Road over what is now Charter School baseball field then swing left to meet Lancaster Avenue and serve as the main artery in and out of town.
Fred Best <fred.best@usa.dupont.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 14:36:49 (EDT)

RE Sallies, Howard, Brown Football games, A while ago there was a posting here that stated the last game played at old Wilmington Ball PArk was between Sallies and Howard on Thanksgiving Day 1955. After that season the teams used Baynard Stadium. On another topic, I am surprised to see so many residents of Ocean View appearing here. Take care george
George <george091639@msn.com>
Ocean View, DE USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 09:25:35 (EDT)

In the mid 1950s we used to play Sallies and Brown at the Wilmington ball park.
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 09:01:41 (EDT)

for Bob, I remember Baynard Stadium, for Brown Vo-Tec games.
Tom Brejwa <brejwa@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, De USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 08:41:39 (EDT)

I need a mamory jog re: the early 1950's....... In what stadiums, and where, did Brown Vocational, Wilmington High, Sallies, and Howard High each play their home football games when Brown was still down at 14th and Market, WHS was still on PA Avenue, when Sallies had just moved up to Broom Street, and Howard was down near Northeast Blvd.? And am I correct in remembering that the annual PS-WHS Thanksgiving Day game was played at the old Blue Rocks field on East 30th Street back in those times?
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 08:05:28 (EDT)

Jack, Thanks for the info on Mitchell's. I saw the photos last year and went in to inquire about the photographer, but they didn't seem to want to help. All I recall was an aerial shot that wasn't very clear. If they offer smaller photos for sale that will be great. I'll try again this year. Thanks again for your help.
A Hill <private>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 06, 2007 at 20:10:17 (EDT)

Alice, Mitchell's Variety Store on Concord Pike displays old photos of the area in their window every year on their anniversary. I believe they had one or two pictures of Lynthwaite Dairy and I believe they offer prints of their pictures for sale at a small price. You might want to contact them.
Jack Riley <jckril@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 06, 2007 at 19:19:33 (EDT)

To the Webmaster: I am hoping to find out if anyone that visits your site might have a picture of the Lynthwaite Farm Ice Cream located at what was 4725 Concord Pike. I am not interested in having my e-mail address posted as I don't care to get spam mail once the address is out there. Is there any way my request can be put out without my e-mail address being listed? I have tried every other avenue I can think of to get this picture with no success (DE Historical Society, the Delaware Index, the libraries, etc.) Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Alice Hill <ajhill630@verizon.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, August 05, 2007 at 22:50:05 (EDT)

Bob McKelvey...speaking of looking for a hose or spigot at a house to get a drink of water brought this memory of Wilmington back to me. A bunch of my fraternity brothers and I attended a fancy wedding reception at what was then the old Wilmington Country Club clubhouse (which I think is now Wilcastle Center). I got so snockered from drinking champagne on an empty stomach that I was transported (along with a few other equally fried guys) to the bride's father's home in Wawaset Park. I woke up the next morning (a Sunday) at 6 AM and decided to find my way, alone, back down to Newark. I walked down Union Street and out through Elsmere toward Price's Corner to catch the Newark bus. I was dying of thirst, but had no coins with me to feed into soda machines adjacent to closed service stations in Elsmere. Finally I decided to try a water spigot on a house that I was passing by. A dog started barking, so I sped off without getting to the water. I soon got to the Brack-Ex 'crick' overpass near the VA hospital and rushed down to the bank and scooped up a swallow of water. I should have waited until I got to the diner/bus stop at Price's Corner, just a few hundred yards beyond. For the next couple of days, back down in Newark, I was sick as a dog. I've always wondered if it was caused by the water I drank from the Brack-Ex, and if I would have been OK if that dog hadn't barked, or whether it was actually caused by the overindulgence in champagne from the day before.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Saturday, August 04, 2007 at 09:45:15 (EDT)

I don't post often but just couldn't help myself. I havn't been on site in some time & just got caught up. I have talked about the Prices Run Pool before, that it was so big they used to put the chlorine in off the back of a row boat. And, at the deep end there was a 2 story diving platform that you had to be able to swim out to, to be able to use--if you couldn't swim--you couldn't dive. I have mentioned the ice rink before & yes it was near the pool up the hill north west of the pool. I think it was surrounded by a stockade fence. I lived in Eastlake @ 26th & Locust, just across from the pool. Prior to that we lived on west 6th next to Tonik's. Katie's is long gone & the last thing there was Bart's, but that has been closed for a long time. DiNardo's is gone & now replaced with 2 townhouses. They did not actually gut to the ground but they used the shell of DiNardo's--you think it still smells like crabs? When I lived on W. 6th we used to walk downtown to go to the movies & think nothing of it. By the way someone mentioned Ralph Fioretti & I think he still lives at 6th & Union. Anyone interested, Al Santoro & The Highlighters play sometime at "The Hideaway"(yes the same one), off Ebright Rd. My wife & I still live in Wilm (lifetime)in Rockford Tower Condos. We still love the city life & being near everything. I appreciate Ray Jubb's candor & honest talk. Hey we do have the memories & here's an old saying for you, "nothing can bring back the good old days, but Pabst can bring back the beer". Anyone for Dewey?
Jim Batty <travelcompany@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 03, 2007 at 13:55:46 (EDT)

I always believed that Prices Run Pool was the best in Wilmington. The Camby Park Pool was crowded as it was divided into two pools. Happy Valley had a Bath House where they alternated boys and girls day. Boys day always seemed to be cloudy and overcast and cool. Many times we would walk to Prices Run Pool, just my brother and some friends. The walk would be warm and we would arrive overheated as we would wear our swim trunks under our clothes. We had to endure a cold water shower that had to be navigated before entering the pool. We stayed in the water until we were starving and our fingers became wrinkled before heading home. We would stop at a neighborhood store and scrape together two or three pennies to buy stick pretzels to share. We then would look for a house with a hose to get a drink of water.
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, August 03, 2007 at 12:15:09 (EDT)

I remember the skating rink at Prices Run very well. I was never a very good skater, but my sister Carole who was about 8 or 9 was really good. My best memories of Price's Run was the old pool. Kids could get in free in the morning and I think that the rest of the day cost $.25. Where can a kid spend most of the day for a quarter these days. Our parents never worried where we were, since it seemed that everybody knew everybody for blocks around. We walked to the pool from 27th & Tatnall and it never seemed to take very long to get there. Kids today are so spoiled. I don't think that most of them know how to walk. Parents have to drive them everywhere, even a couple of blocks away. When I tell my grandchildren of the things we did to have fun, they look at me like I lived on a different planet. I tell them of the marathon Monopoly games, playing release e o (not sure of the spelling) going to the playground at 24th & Tatnall to play and do crafts with the playground attendent. I think her name was Nellie (she lived across the street from the playground), catching lightning bugs at night and seeing how long they would live in the jar we put them in, and the hours of homework we had during the schoolyear. We would walk into Wilmington to the movies, walk home and save our bus money for tomato pie at the M&M bakery or hotdogs from the Deerhead. We lived in such a great time to grow up, and the 9th ward was such a nice place. As so many have said none of us had a lot of money, but we sure knew how to have fun.
Sandy Paski Conner <bsconne@msn.com>
Bear, DE USA - Friday, August 03, 2007 at 11:27:42 (EDT)

There was a skating rink at Price's Run Park. I think it was there for only a couple of years sometime around 1955 or so. Speakman's Pond was over in Speakman's Park around 30th St. This rink was near the swimming pool. I remember going there several times.
Pat LeVan <levan1706@bellsouth.net>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, August 03, 2007 at 08:00:40 (EDT)

Dave Buchanan - Yep, Prices Run Park was a wonderful place for a young boy or girl to spend their time. However, I don't remember the ice skating rink. Do you mean the small rink at Speakman Park? Also, there WAS a Prices Run reunion at a fire hall on Kirkwood Highway. It was first week in October l988. The place was jam packed. Shirley Jester might remember which fire hall that was. Also, I seem to remember Pat Paisley Patton and Peggy Millman being there. I assume everyone had a great time. I did.
Phyllis B. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 21:23:04 (EDT)

WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE THOSE GREAT MEMORIES.PRICES RUN PARK, GEE WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO GO AND HAVE FUN, BASEBALL, FOOTBALL SWIMING POOL, AND OF COURSE THE ICE SKATING RING.I REMEMBER ON MEMORIAL DAY THEY USED TO HAVE GUYS FROM THE ATABURY VFW CLUB SHOOT A TWENTY ONE GUN SULUTE.I THOUGHT THAT WAS SO COOL.YEP 301 EAST 26TH STREET WAS GREAT.I REMEMBER CONNIE OR SHIRLEY SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT A PRICES RUN REUNION,WHAT A GREAT IDEA.NEVER KNOW MAYBE SOMEDAY.SO IF ANYBODY IS HOLDING A DRINK OF ANY KIND RIGHT NOW LETS ALL TOAST TO WILMINGTON AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ON THIS WEB SITE. THANK YOU HARRY.
DAVE BUCHANAN <davidwb57@verizon.net>
NOTTINGHAM, PA USA - Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 20:54:10 (EDT)

I agree with Dave Buchanin, I grew up in wilmington, on west 4th street, and had to move away febause of the freeway, but if the city could go back 5o or so years, i would gladly go back
liz <elizabemari3@aol.com>
hartly, de USA - Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 14:54:41 (EDT)

ANOTHER OF Wilmingtons finest, George W. dobson, has passed away.he was a park policeman then a Wilmington police officer. God keep him in the palm of HIS Hands.
john <medkeff1@comcast.net>
WILMINGTON, de USA - Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 10:24:52 (EDT)

I remember many wonderful hours at Prices Run Park throughout my childhood and teen years, and even later. In the mid 60s, after our neighborhood 'changed' a man walked past the house all dressed up in a brand new 60s outfit. He happily waved to us and we exchanged a few friendly words. A couple of hours later he returned with his new outfit ripped up, a sleeve was actually torn off. We asked him what happened and he laughingling answered that he had gone to Prices Run Park. We questioned why he was beat up and he said, he had trespassed into another group's territory. PRICES RUN PARK HAD BECOME A GROUP OF THUGS' TERRITORY!
Connie <nospanwanted>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 08:46:58 (EDT)

Just want to add a memory or two - when I was little and growing up at 22nd & Church Sts., we were all poor and in it together. Prices Run Park was a wonderful place for the kids to play. I was sent out to play and expected home around 5 o'clock. The neighborhood and park must have been safe, since the single worst thing I can recall happening is Joan West (West's Drug store at Vandever Ave. & Church) being hit (accidentally) in the face with an errant horseshoe at the park. No drugs, no roaming gangs, no terroristic threats between kids, let alone GUNS. Polio was the threat of the day - not the kid in the next block. I think it was Connie that said when kids got into a disagreement one would say "do over" and that's what happened - they did it over. There were dances on either Fri. or Sat. nites outside the entrance to the pool. Anyone remember that?
Phyllis B. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 00:31:50 (EDT)

Anyone remember Montgomery St.? It is between Madison & Jefferson and 4th & 5th. I was born there in 1940 and went to St. Peters School and Cathedral. Monsignor Dougherty was the pastor there with Fathers Corrigan, Lutz (who my brother was named after) and another who I can't remember. After Msgr Dougherty died then Monsigner Sweeney became the pastor. I remember May processions down West St. with Bishop Fitzmaurice and crowning the Blessed Mother statue in the courtyard on 6th St. Sorry for rambling on, but this website has brought back many memories for me of my boyhood back in the late forties. There's just not enough room here to put them into print. Thanks for allowing me to share!! Orville Bursler
Orv Bursler <obursler@Comcast.net>
Lincoln, DE USA - Wednesday, August 01, 2007 at 20:33:04 (EDT)

I grew up in the ninth ward,coming out of the depression. very poor,but honest, law abiding, and rspectful to all. Never was arrested, but got hit in thr back of legs with a lead filled club for climbing the fence at the Blue Rocks ball park, perhaps I deserved it but never questioned the policeman, and he knew me. I loved Wilmington, but saw it turn to a jungle. Went through it today,it's still a jungle. Poverty dosen't cause crime, criminals do. Thanks Ray for your service to the community.
Norman <buckenae@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 01, 2007 at 19:41:09 (EDT)

Way back in time the Wilmington School District did have two graduations per year. This was done to accommodate those incoming students who were too young to start school in September, but were 6 years old before January the next year, therefore not making them wait another year to enter school. Since my birthday is December 30th, I entered school in late January and would have been graduated in January. In order to get into a UD September class without waiting for 6 months, I had to attend summer school in order to be graduated in June. I was in the January 1947 class all through #30 and Warner, but graduated with the June 1946 class at P.S. duPont. This was also "way back" when you could walk the streets of Wilmington at any hour, day or night, with absolute safety. Did having the whipping post have any effect on the situation? Humn?
Bob Veazey <bobbyvz@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 01, 2007 at 09:01:05 (EDT)

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