Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #5 - Jan 2004 - Feb 2004)


To Pat et al.........Funny, but the only restaurant I remember on that square on the East Side of Market was Hearn's. Or was Hearn's on that square, after all? Wasn't there a big paint store down there, too?
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Sunday, February 29, 2004 at 23:12:45 (EST)
Re restaurants: Between 22nd and Vandever Ave. on Market St. on the east side of the street was a restaurant called "Steve's". You could get three fried oysters, french fries and coleslaw for 75 cents. Delicious. Also, a few doors down from G&G which Connie mentioned was a restaurant called "Haywood's" which served home-cooked meals. These restaurants were operating during the 40's and 50's.
Pat Stillwell LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, February 29, 2004 at 19:28:42 (EST)
Anyone remember Gallos Pizza just outside of Elsmere? He made subs with pizza bread - the best I've ever tasted because of the quality of cold cuts as well as his great bread. The pickles didn't taste like any I've ever tasted before or since, and I've been trying many in an attempt to find the style he used.
Connie A
USA - Sunday, February 29, 2004 at 16:20:42 (EST)
re RESTAURANTS & DINERS - the Gus & Gus on Market south of Vandever Ave, a few shops down from Beckers. Anyone remember the Yo-yo salesmen on Beckers Corner who carved designs on yo-yos?
Connie A
USA - Sunday, February 29, 2004 at 10:07:34 (EST)
Wow, the brandywinepark.org site has lots of information on it; Thanks, Connie for bringing it to my (our) attention. If it's not in the links for the oldwilmington website, I hope Harry sees this and adds it.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 14:46:47 (EST)
I saw an article on the web (dated March 6, 2003- a year ago) that said Councilman Norman Griffith praised a plan to rebuild the Sugar Bowl Pavilion at Washington St. Bridge. Maybe we'll see it rise again, like the Phoenix.
Bill Fisherw <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 14:12:58 (EST)
re THE SUGAR BOWL - there is an article on the web under www.brandywinepark.org i found it searching wilmington de sugar bowl. It gives the history of the pavilion and also provides a picture.
Connie A
USA - Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 11:58:19 (EST)
Re THE SUGAR BOWL PAVILION check out www.brandywinepark.org/spring03.htm. I found it while searching under "wilmington de sugar bowl." It tells the history and provides a photo.
Connie A
USA - Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 11:49:20 (EST)
%th and Church was one of my hangouts but it was in 1936. I know for sure as I got married January 1937 There was also Kilroys on E.4th and St Regis just below Market St where I got my proposal.
mickey pulley <mickey710@webtv.net>
Tx USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 22:49:53 (EST)
The bar at 5th and Church was known as the "New Garden Cafe". I was too young to go there myself, but just guessing I'd say it had pretty much a country/western theme. There wasn't a lot of that in hte area unless you considered that around the mid fifties you had "Rock & Roll" and of course "Rockabilly" which for those of you who don't know was a kind of crossover not quite Country not quite Rock & Roll but something both groups liked.
Wayne
USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 21:39:44 (EST)
The banjo Dusters, they used to play at 5th and Church Sts. in Wilmington. I know because my mother was a waitress there and she brought a record home by those guys called "dustin the banjo" My ex probably has that now.
Wayne Butler <twntydasys@aol.com>
New Castle, De USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 21:26:19 (EST)
lot was before my prime (im 40ish),but i have a big appreciation for it. My father grew up in wilm, and was always telling me stories....thanks dad.My father started "THE BANJO DUSTERS" and i have alot of memories of them and their music along with the places they played.Thanks to everyone who shares memories.I am interested in DAIRIES and their locations! help?
keith webb <webb12@comcast.net>
newark, de USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 20:45:21 (EST)
And the bandstand was covered, it had a dome-type roof on it, supported by round columns, and was open-sided. I remember the stone steps that led down to the zoo, they were a part of the wall, so they may still be there.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 20:09:01 (EST)
There was a path leading down from the Sugar Bowl to the zoo. It intersected another path from the 18th Street side of the park, and you could then go down to the zoo. The Sugar Bowl was orignially a bandstand.
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 18:28:49 (EST)
I remember the Sugar Bowl well. One of the Wilmington websites (U of D postcard collection?) shows a view of it and states that it was an entrance to the Wilmington Zoo. I don't remember any such entrance. The zoo was almost at water level along the Brandywine, but the Sugar bowl was quite a bit higher up, at street level with the Washington Street Bridge. That must have been quite a set of stairs going down to the zoo, if that's true. Anybody remember a zoo entrance there?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 17:45:10 (EST)
I remember the Sugar Bowl at the Washington St Bridge. They had a dirgible there in that area one year. I also remember sometime after WW II when there was a Uboat facimile in front of the Court House with a dummy of Hitler laying in a casket. Many men who passed it spit on the dummy's face.
Connie A
USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 16:41:14 (EST)
I remember Mrs. Caufman. She wore glasses, if I remember correctly. She was there until at least 1968 correct?
Mike Klezaras
USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 15:52:48 (EST)
I WENT TO HARLAND SCHOOL FROM 1942 TO 1948 MY MOTHER WORKED IN THE OFFICE( DOROTHY )COULD NOT GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING.
DAVE CAUFFMAN <CAUFFMANDS@AOL.COM>
HOCKESSIN , DE USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 06:34:39 (EST)
bruce I was raised in the flats. Movie houses on market St was about as far as I got besides Shellpot altho there were remains of a park but can`t remember where but there was what was called a soupbowl to run around in and a railroad trestle to walk. Can`t even remember how we got there, odd !!
mickey pulley
TX USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 00:04:02 (EST)
Lore Avenue...Bruce, I grew up in the Bellefonte/Holly Oak area in the '40's and early '50's and don't recall ever hearing of a park at the bottom of Lore Ave. Do remember that the hill between Brandywine Blvd. and River Road was great for sledding, though.
Delmer <barnicho@msn.com>
Cincinnati., USA - Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 19:44:20 (EST)
Hi Mickey, I remember where the Shellpot park was, and there are still some parts of foundations remaining, but no structures. That was before my time, though. Maybe you remember this: I've heard that earlier, there was a park at the bottom of Lore Avenue, along the river, North of Wilmington, do you remember anything about that park, anyone?
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 12:46:26 (EST)
There are "filler" shots that have been taken in Wilmington. The News-Journal did an article on it about 2-3 months ago. You can go to their website (delawareonline.com) and research it.
Mike Klezaras
USA - Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 08:21:12 (EST)
Nothing looks like Wilmington to me in the episodes I've seen Bill: electric track trollies running in the background, etc. That's not Wilmington.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 18:58:51 (EST)
Has anybody determined if the "between-scenes" backgrounds on the TV show "Joan of Arcadia" are indeed Wilmington? I haven't seen anything that I recognize... but I haven't watched very many episodes.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 18:25:16 (EST)
Anybody remember SHELLPOT PARK amusment center ? A ride you took in a rowboat thu a dark tunnel and came out in a plashdown where you got soaked. And penny day when every ride was only a penny. Those were the days. I miss the good old days and WILMINGTON
mickey pulley
TX USA - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 11:51:45 (EST)
K Burton, I went to the little nook just off Rockland Road by the Doeskin Plant - is that close to Sandy Bottom?
butch schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
mount pleasant, sc USA - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 11:09:01 (EST)
Yeh, Steve S. I remember those "hoodlums" from the Yard. When they wern't making trouble in your Wilmington neighborhood, they were acting up at the South Towers in Dewey Beach, LOL!
Carol-Jane Merlini <caroljane.merlini@tin.it>
Pescara, PE Italy - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 10:34:02 (EST)
This is about Channel 12. I grew up at 4th & Greenhill and was in the 1st grade at Charles B. Lore School in 1953 when I became friends with the "new" girl, Carol Lau. She moved to Wilmington from Pennsylvania with her family because her father was the Station Manager at Channel 12. Christmas 1954, myself and some other friends of Carol were invited, by Mr. Lau, to visit with Santa on TV. A week before the show, I came down with Bell's Palsy, which temporarily deformed my face and my mother wouldn't let me go on TV. So my friend, Mary Ann, who lived two doors down got to go instead. I clearly remember that she told Santa she wanted a kitchen sink with running water and BABOA Cleanser!
Carol-Jane Merlini <caroljane.merlini@tin.it>
Pescara, PE Italy - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 10:17:59 (EST)
To Mickey - You beat me by 17 years with your first taste of beer in Wilmington. In fact, I was only 14, and it was in the parlor of a private home on McCabe Ave. in the 9th Ward on an afternoon while watching a Hopalong Cassidy movie on TV with some buddies. It was from a quart of Diamond State, procured from a local liquor store by the of-age older sister of the "host". And....it was GOOD!
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 07:59:51 (EST)
I had my first taste of beer on the day probition was repeeled at Hayden`s beer parlor at 29th and Market in 1933. Anyone else around at that time ?
mickey pulley
TX USA - Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at 23:44:27 (EST)
ANYONE OUT THERE WHO USED TO SWIM IN THE BRANDYWINE AT SANDY BOTTOM,BY WALKERS MILL,OR GO TO SCHOOL AT ST.JOSEPH-ON-THE-BRANDYWINE ??
K.(FITZHARRIS) BURTON <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
wilmington, DE. USA - Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at 21:46:32 (EST)
I lived in Shipside from 1943 to 1950
mickey Pulley <mickey710@webtv.net>
TX USA - Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at 11:21:04 (EST)
Just discovered the site while searching info on WAMS. Used to live in Shipside and went to No. 19 school on Oak and Harrison streets-1947-1953 then moved to Claymont. My parents owned J.H.Fisher General Welding at Lincoln and Tulip sts. so I spent many a summer morning at Canby pool (free swimming). Bill Lamplughs Service station at Lincoln and Lancaster, Henry's Bike and Hobby shop were other favorite hangouts. What started all this, I recently came into possession of a WAMS paint-your car contest winner(1963 Corvair convertible-remember them?) Does anyone remember this contest or any details about it? Seymour Duck and The Tooth Fairy are mentioned on the car. It was last registered in 1971, so I would assume the contest was sometime between those dates. Sure would appreciate any info anyone can come up with. Thanks
Dave Ziegler <dziegler3@hotmail.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, February 23, 2004 at 11:09:47 (EST)
I went to Harlan, too. Miss Baylis died about 10 years ago and that was her obituary that you remembered. I had Mrs. Melon (I think her real name was Mullen) too. Harlan was in the news about a year ago as they just refurbished it to bring it into the 21st century with cumputers, etc. There was the Harlan Frolic every May. Air raid drills every week (I think they were on Tuesdays about 1pm or so). The Color Guard. I played violin under Miss Frankel and was in the orchestra under Mrs. Goldstein. That was Harlan: K-6. 1959-1966. Miss Baylis retired when I finished fifth grade. I had the first black teacher (Mrs. Boone, who later went on to admissions at UD) in fifth grade and the first (I think)male teacher (non-music or phys ed) with Mr. Haddad in sixth. I was there when Miss Baylis got on the stage after a milk marketing puppet show on Friday afternoon, November 22, 1963 when she gave us the news. It seems like yesterday!
Mike Klezaras
New Castle, DE USA - Monday, February 23, 2004 at 10:54:02 (EST)
I grew up in Wilmington in the 50's and 60's. I lived on Lancaster Avenue around Clayton St. I remember the matinees at the Park Theater. We went every week. I loved my neighborhood and I wish I could get in touch with some of the kids I grew up with.
Sharon <sbuchanan1127@comcast.net>
Newark, De USA - Sunday, February 22, 2004 at 23:35:09 (EST)
Firt time to see this site. I saw where someone asked about David W. Harlan school. I went there from Kindergarden to sixth grade. About 10 years or so ago there was an article in the News Journal about the principal, Miss Bailes. She was in her mid-nineties at that time. Remember Miss Melon the kindergarden teacher who we fondly called Miss Watermelon? There is a group of us who went there who try to stay in touch. Most of us went to P. S. after that for junior high and then on to other schools. Anybody else remember hiding in the bushes at Harlan around the Jefferson street entrance or the 36th entrance? Was a great place to hide and have secrets.
Dolores Shivone Donovan <doloresdonovan@adelphia.net>
Shrewsbury, PA USA - Sunday, February 22, 2004 at 21:15:26 (EST)
How about adding the Earle Theatre in New Castle?
Bob Snyder <HuckB315@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Sunday, February 22, 2004 at 15:39:01 (EST)
My dad managed the Lord de la Warr hotel and the Treemont Motel across the street from the airport, during the early 60's. I attended the Wilmington Manor Elementary School
Paula Miller Palmateer <plp1280@yahoo.com>
Fl USA - Sunday, February 22, 2004 at 12:20:33 (EST)
In a recent message, mention of Ezra Stone (who portrayed Henry Aldrich on the radio back in the forties) triggered a memory of my own. Throughout the theatre season one year at The Playhouse in the early fifties, a few of us used to hang around the stage door after the performance and try to collect autographs from the celeb actors. The stage door at The Playhouse was the same as the front door of the theatre, so we had warm access in the lobby, instead of having to hang out in the cold. We were always polite and non-intrusive to the performers and among our "catches" were Charles Laughton, Elsa Lancaster, Burgess Meredith, Cloris Leachman, Betsy Von Furstenberg, Sarah Churchill, Tallulah Bankhead and may many others. The one I treasured most was the signature of Morris Carnovsky, who asked me for my name, and wrote a "personalized" meesage to go with his signature. I've never forgotten that, even though that autograph book has been "missing" for more than 50 years.
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 23:21:34 (EST)
Al, thanks for the info on the McDonalds. Some people don't remember a Burger King on Market St. I just thought that it was one of the first fast food burger joint chains in Wilmington. Thanks again.
Joe <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 23:18:24 (EST)
Al, Lehman's Custard Stand is listed on the main page under Restaurants, deli's, etc. There was no better custard (or soft ice cream, whichever you want to call it) anywhere, as far as I'm concerned! Thanks for mentioning it, it brings back happy memories.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 19:14:20 (EST)
I do not see anyone mention the Lemon Custard stand on the Governor Printz Blvd, nor the Good candy from Peterson's House of Fudge.
Al Williams <albert.williams@sbcglobal.net>
Bloomington, Ca. USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 17:39:49 (EST)
I hate to be the one to break Joe, and Bills bubble about Burger King being the first Burger chain in the area... I helped install the Mcdonald's in Newark in 1960, while I was working for Tupp Signs.
Al Williams <albert.williams@sbcglobal.net>
Bloomington, Ca. USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 17:36:06 (EST)
Re Harry's thought about a reunion or other get-together: great idea, but a bit far to travel for me, since I'll be making the cross-country trip at the end of April for a MPHS Class of '54 50th reunion, and again in August for a family vacation. (Now, if this group could get together around the 1st week in August, that might be a different story!)
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 12:50:32 (EST)
I forgot to say that Wilmington College is next to the Lions Club in Wilmington Manor just off Rt. 13 and Rt. 141. Lord De La Warr Motel was at Rt. 13 and Memorial Drive.
Bob Snyder <HuckB315@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 10:50:51 (EST)
The old Lord De La Warr motel is NOT the site of Wilmington College. It is the site of a WAWA store. Wilmington College is on the site of the old New Castle Motel.
Bob Snyder <HuckB315@aol.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 10:48:24 (EST)
I don't remember the Teen Club on Saturday mornings, but Johnny Cornwell was the early morning disc jockey on WDEL. Both WDEL and WILM were in the Odd Fellows Building at 10th and King.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Friday, February 20, 2004 at 13:27:24 (EST)
To: EZRA O - not sure that I know who you have in mind, EO - your description is sorta vague. I do remember a guy named LP who hung out at the hardware store, but he moved to New Jersey. Funny guy, stood at an angle sometimes. But 9th Street was a good sledding run, from Rodney all the way down, past Jackson. Bill B
bill brown <wkbadv1@aol.com>
brooklyn, ny USA - Friday, February 20, 2004 at 13:09:32 (EST)
I remember one radio personality from the late 40's early 50's. His name was Johnny Cornwell and he hosted a Sat. morning program called "The Brauns-Teen Club" sponsored by Braunstein's Department Store. He played records and we kids danced to the tunes in the basement of the Odd Fellows Bldg. We even had a spelling bee and we won change for the words - 50 cents, 75 cents. The harder the word, the bigger payoff. Occasionally, we had guests. They were usually people who were appearing at The Playhouse. I remember the guy who played Henry Aldridge (was it Ezra Stone?) and Robert Alda brought along his approximately 12-year-old son, Alan, whom I remember as rather chubby at the time. Anybody else ever go to those Saturday mornings? Was it WDEL or WILM?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, February 20, 2004 at 11:43:53 (EST)
About Channel 12...Channel 12 went on the air as WHYY-TV Channel 12, on September 12, 1963 at 11:00 p.m., after a three hour delay. The delay was caused by a malfunction at the microwave in Glassboro, New Jersey. I am positive of the above because I worked at WHYY at that time. Programming was quite a challenge in those early days as we went on the air in Wilmington with only one camera. Equipment failures were common and there were times when Wilmington would tape a program only to learn that airing same was going to be impossible, so we would take the tape to Penn Station in Wilmington, give it to one of the conductors on a train headed for Philadelphia (along with a few dollars for his trouble) and instruct him to give it to someone from WHYY in Philadelphia who would be waiting at Penn Station. At that time WHYY was located at 5th & Scott Streets in an old school one block from Katy's Italian Restaurant.
Patricia Lodge <Photogravl@aol.com>
Key Biscayne, FL USA - Friday, February 20, 2004 at 11:03:50 (EST)
Am quite srprised to see such a response about WDEL-TV and I guess I've got a lesion on the brain to have forgotten the switch from Ch.7 to Ch.12. What I didn't mention was that I was a Batboy; the others were Al Cartwright, Jr., Jay Gorry, Bruce Kelleher and Ronnie Scott; you'll note at least two household names on this list. We interviewed Blue Rocks players and Mgr. Lee Riley, who , I believe, was Pat Riley's dad. Anyway, the biggest thrill for this 12 year old was when the 'Boys shared a stage with Robin Roberts at Strawbridge & Clothier - that was the year he won 28 games and I asked him a stupid question which he very graciously answered - a real gentleman. Suffice it to say that was the beginning and end of my TV career, although the Mount Pleasant choir made a one time appearance sometime around 1954.
butch schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
mount pleasant, sc USA - Friday, February 20, 2004 at 08:53:00 (EST)
Re: WDEL-TV, Channel 12...as a teenager back in the summer of 1952, I once was a "surprise" guest on some Saturday noon show on Ch. 12, out at the Shipley Road studio, in which the host interviewed local Delaware hobbyists. Mine was cartooning, mainly of funny-faced caricatures. The purpose of my willingness to do the show was to surprise my buddy Walker, who was the camera operator for the program. It worked. He was surprised. The only viewers of it that I ever heard back from (that had actually seen me on the show) were my parents, and two separate fellow high school classmates who must have been surfing the channels at that moment. I don't think that show had very high ratings. I don't think that Channel 12 itself ever had very high ratings, since, as Joe Mosbrook said, much of their programming was the same as what you got in Northern Delaware from Phildelphia's NBC outlet, Channel 3. That was back in the days that you could only receive four channels: 3, 6, 10 and 12, and occasionally, when the weather was right, two Baltimore channels. I think Channel 12 at that time was owned by Steinman, out of Lancaster, PA. "Collins" may have been the host of the show I appeared on. ?
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Friday, February 20, 2004 at 07:54:48 (EST)
TO ALL VISITORS::---WHAT ABOUT A GET TOGETHER OR REUNION OF SOME SORT THIS SUMMER---.---PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS, THANKS
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Friday, February 20, 2004 at 07:53:12 (EST)
To all interested in radio/tv, check out: http://www.oldwilmington.net/oldwilmington_radio-tv.htm or go to the Main Page to select same. Joe is correct about WDEL-TV channel 7 & later 12. And Joe, my wife's uncle is Dick Holmes (WILM radio). My uncle Art (Bud) Rogerson was on WILM in the late 40's. Our site update - now slowly taking place - will include many 'Top Hit Song Lists' from WAMS and WILM of the late '50's and early 60's - all from my personal collection. So far we have only used 7% of our disk space - so there is plenty of room for pics and more sounds that I have on reel-to-reel tape. Also, a large collection of transportation stuff is going to be posted soon. Thanks to all for your continued interest...
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Friday, February 20, 2004 at 07:48:23 (EST)
To Bil Brown - you must of grown up on the same block as my little friend's Grandpappy out here in central PeeAye. Do you rember him?
Ezra O.
Pierrepont, PA USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 23:48:50 (EST)
The only personality I remember on WDEL-TV was Harvey Smith, my mind is blank on any others. Of course, as soon as someone mentions a name, I'll remember them. Argh!....
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 21:51:49 (EST)
WDEL-TV was an NBC affiliate, just as WDEL Radio had been for years. That was the problem; it was carrying the same programs that Channel 3 in Philadelphia (then WPTZ) was carrying. Combing my memory, I seem to remember Charlie Collins, from radio, doing a morning show. He looked like he had just gotten up. Jim Adshead (sp?)was the newscaster. And I believe Bob Darby and Harvey Smith from radio were also on the air on the TV station. I don't remember Doak Walker. In those days, I was just a teenaged viewer.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 21:21:29 (EST)
Joe, you are absolutely right (you oughta be; you worked in the industry there!) about WDEL-TV. I was a big radio/TV buff in that era (wanted to be a disc jockey back then) and avidly "surfed" the radio/TV dials. I absolutely don't remember WDEL-TV on channel 7 at all! Must be a mental block. I looked up the history of WDEL-TV and found this URL: http://www.fybush.com/site-030925.html where it has a bit of broadcasting nostalgia. It blows my mind that I don't remember it, 'cuz I knew most of the stations around the area and some outside it (WCKY in Cincinnati, for example; we could receive it quite well in Wilmington- must have been clear channel.) Oh, and do you recall-- was WDEL-TV affiliated with a network, or was it an independent? WPTZ (Later WRCV and KYW-TV) was NBC, WFIL-TV was ABC and WCAU-TV was CBS (those linkups have since changed, I note; Ch3 and Ch10 have swapped networks). Thanks for setting me straight. Better enroll in a memory course...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 21:10:24 (EST)
If Joe Mosbrook (or anyone else) can remember the names of some of the local broadcasting personalities who appeared regularly on-screen on WDEL-TV, Channel 12, in 1950-1952, I'd really like to have the names. All except Ed Pfeiffer are temporarily missing from my old memory. My high school and neighborhood buddy from the 9th Ward, Don Walker, was one of the behind-the-scenes video cameramen at WDEL-TV at about that time, along with another local friend named Bob Stevenson. Don eventually went to Los Angeles, and is now living just outside of Vancouver in British Columbia
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 21:08:31 (EST)
To Bruce and others - since we're strolling down Jackson Street or what's left of it, do any of you remember Wroten's Hardware at 8th & Jackson? - where I put in some interesting times, weighing nails, matching paint colors, cutting glass - and on special jobs, sanding neighborhood floors followed by applications of Fabulon. This of corse was after hours at P.S. duPont.
bill brown <wkbadv1@aol.com>
brooklyn, ny USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 19:53:32 (EST)
In the 1940s, when we lived in Westhaven, we used to walk to a small lake on the property of the old Wilmington Country Club (now the Ed "Porky" Oliver course) to go ice skating. After Wilmington Country Club moved out on Kennett Pike, the golf course became the Greenhill public course and more recently the Oliver course. The lake (or pond) was just over the hill from the current club house of the golf course, off DuPont Road.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 19:49:00 (EST)
WDEL-TV went on the air in 1949 on channel 7. In 1951, it moved to channel 12. And in 1955, it became WPFH.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 19:43:10 (EST)
We didn't HAVE a channel 7 in Wilmington in 1952... there was only 3, 6, 10 and maybe 12 if WHYY-TV was in service then.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 19:22:43 (EST)
Does anyone remember the Batboys on Channel 7 in 1952 - George Frick was moderator of every two week presentation which was an adjunct to his progran, "The Sporting Scene"
butch schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mt. Pleasant, SC USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 16:25:27 (EST)
Ruth, This probably would have been "Twin Lakes", which is on Kennett Pike, Rte. 52, on the left just a short distance past the Greenville Shopping Center. A very popular place to go ice skating.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 12:58:36 (EST)
I remember ice skating on a pond that I think was out Pennsylvania Ave. somewhere past Wilm. Country Club. I should recall better than that, because that's where I fell while skating in the winter of 1965-66 (it was prob. in early 1966) and broke my left wrist! The ice was bumpy that year; there'd been a lot of thaws and re-freezes; I think I caught the toe of a skate on a bump and down I went--my left arm out probably to break the fall, and indeed it did! Anyone else remember where this pond might be? The day that happened, it started snowing in the afternoon, after we'd gotten home. I'd only broken one of the bones in my wrist, so it hadn't swollen very badly and I could still move my fingers some, so it wasn't until really late that night that my parents decided it -might- be broken and took me in to Delaware division. There I was, getting x-rays and having a cast at midnight! I didn't mind too much, though--that cast got me out of gym for the next six weeks!
Ruth <zavijah@earthlink.net>
Hyattsville, MD USA - Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 11:12:09 (EST)
There was also a Seventh Day Adventis Church at 11th and Adams. How well I remember the resevoir , . Drugstore on the corner next to the theater
mickey pulley
Tx USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 23:56:44 (EST)
Some eateries I remember as a teenager are the Greenhill Drive-In on Greenhill Ave. & Lancaster Ave, Marconi's on Scott & Lancaster Ave and the Charcoal Pit on Concord Pike. Carol Jane merlini in Italy are you any relation to Hilda who graduated from W.H.S. in '49 with me?
Dolores R. Matera <Deltones@msn.com>
Ormond Beach , Fl. USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 21:20:06 (EST)
I remeber Bayard School on Chestnut & DuPont Streets.They tore it down & built a new one on the same property. When we graduated in '46 from Bayard, ninth grade, we all went down to the Brandywine River for a swim. I realized why it was illegal to swim there when we saw raw sewage floating by. Eeww! I, also know the Warner Theater was on Delaware Avenue & What?
Dolores R. Matera <deltones@msn.com>
Ormond Beach, Fl. USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 21:06:27 (EST)
Yes, Bill, the park is still there, but the reservoir is bigger than you remember it as being - it's almost 2 blocks (squares) in each direction, that's pretty big. Jackson St. is still there, but anything that was across Jackson St. is gone, that's where they put the interstate highway (I-95); between Adams & Jackson Sts., cut a swath right through the center of the city.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 20:35:22 (EST)
Yes indeed, Cool Spring Park does sound right, but I remember it as 10th Street Park when I lived at 9th and Jackson - and I assumed that it was wiped out by highway construction. There was a large circular pond toward the middle where you could wade, sail model boats etc, or skate in the winter. Horse chestnuts as you headed up an incline to a small reservoir at the top, where nearby was a natural history museum with a lot of dusty stuffed birds and other fauna and flora. And good biking roads across the top and down the edge of the Park. And the flower show in summer. A large Methodist or Presbyterian church on Jackson across from the Park. BB
bill brown <wkbadv1@aol.com>
Brooklyn, ny USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 20:21:33 (EST)
Cool Spring Park (see the map on the main page - upper left quadrant) is doing fine; same size, still large tree-shaded, winding concrete walks, fountains/ponds, just as I remember it over the years. I checked it yesterday, don't know if they still put water (wooter) in the ponds in warm weather, it's drained now due to winter, and I don't know what type of tree they are as they are all void of leaves right now, but, they're big trees.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 10:56:08 (EST)
Even though I have absolutely no authority from the Miss Delaware Pageant (see link on home page of this site) to do so, I want to thank all the posters (you know who you are) who helped to find the "missing" Miss Delaware 1953, but alo the "missing" Miss Delaware 1956 (Mario LePera came through on this one.). Now I believe the Pageant has the means to contact ALL living former Miss D's from that era. Well done!
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 07:34:50 (EST)
The park at 10th st was called Cool Spring park. I`ve eaten many a lunch there by the fish pond, There was also a wading pond. Flower show was held there every year
mickey pulley
USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 00:29:19 (EST)
Does anyone remember a bakery on the corner on Elm and South Van Buren St.? The name of the bakery was Zaleski's (sp?). Sometime in the late 50's or early 60's they moved to Richardson Park and opened Jackie & Carols Bakery. I went to school with Jackie and if she read this she'll probably kill me for misspelling her name. Anyway, I remember the long white powdered cream donuts and punski. Also, up the block on Elm and South Harrison St there was Henry's market and he use to play Christmas records (in English & Polish) through a large speaker that hung outside above the door. That's one of my fondest memories of Christmas time, hearing that music while being outside. I'll say Henry beat the piped in music we hear in the malls today by about 40 years.
Joe <sgtpepper212>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 20:18:07 (EST)
Yes, I remember John's Hotdogs on 4th street, but we referred to it as "Sloppy John's" because of the way they poured the sauce on the hotdogs. It was great. Often drove 5 miles to get a take-out.
Delmer Nicholson <barnicho@msn.com>
Cincinnati, USA - Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 10:18:57 (EST)
I crossed 10th st park 6 days a week on my way to school and church. The trees were horse chestnuts. I know because I loved to pick them.up. They were not edible but pretty. This was between 1925 and 1930 If they are gone, it had to be later
mickey pulley
USA - Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 00:09:02 (EST)
My dad, Frank Stillwell, often reminisced about 10th St. Park. When he was courting my mother, who lived in the 40 acres, he cut through 10th St. Park to go see her. Anyway, he did tell me that there was a blight that hit Delaware and Penna. that killed all the chestnut trees. I have no idea when this happened - I would guess in the early part of the 20th century. Hope this helps. May someone else will know more.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 20:05:00 (EST)
Bob I remember the Rialto as the scratch house. Use to cost us kids a nickleto get in When we dated at the aldine it was a coat and tie affair
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
wilm, de USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 19:47:07 (EST)
A little boy of my acquaintance told me last week that his grandpappy, who grew up at 8th and Jackson in Wilmington, had asked him to ask me whatever happened to the 10th Street Park and its wonderful chestnut trees. I couldn't answer the question, since we're way out here in Apalachia, so I told him I didn't know, but I knew of a place to post an inquiry about it. Can anyone help me to give my little tad friend a good answer for his Pap?
Ezra Ounce <multikem@mindspring.com>
Pierrepont, PA USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 19:35:01 (EST)
The hot dog place was "JOHNS" on 4th where you waited for the trolley and the Aldine was on Market st, Specially remember going there just after christmas in `43 as I got a new fur coat that year. Talk about old ??. Anybody remember the Hoover election when he beat Al Smith for president
mickey pulley <mickey710@webtv. net>
livingston, TX USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 18:41:32 (EST)
Or, looking at the address directory for Market St., on the main page, how about the Twentieth Century Grill, just North of 4th, on the right hand side, before you reached the NY Restaurant (closer to the corner)?
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 17:55:30 (EST)
Hi Phyllis, How about the New York Restaurant, which was just North of 4th St. on Market, on the right hand side, going north, just before Wilmington Dry? It was a nice place for lunch.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 17:52:20 (EST)
Anyone remember a restaurant (hot dog place) on Fourth and Market Streets? I am asking for a friend who is in his 70's.
Phyllis <ccint@aol.com>
Wilm, De USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 17:06:14 (EST)
The Hojo's on the Kirkwood Highway is under new management and has a new name. The one on the Concord Pike has also been sold and likewise has a new name. the latter was the last Howard Johnsons in Delaware. It was sad to see it go! I wanted to mention that recently, Ralph Moyed,columnist for the News Journal ( many, many years) has passed away. He was a colorful and well known local guy and will be missed!
Phyllis <ccint@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 16:59:42 (EST)
My mother (now living in Houston) would like to know what's happened to the spot on Kirkwood Highway where the Howard Johnson's restaurant stood. I thought I saw it had recently been sold/decommisioned?
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 15:44:17 (EST)
:) Not a chance, we just read more than you do.......
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 14:46:20 (EST)
All this information I'm learning about the names of movie theaters in Wilmington just shows that you guys with the correct names must be a lot older than I am...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 13:56:19 (EST)
Forgive my spelling error, that is "Loews", not "Lowes".
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 13:19:17 (EST)
That's correct, Bill. According to Marjorie McNinch's book, mentioned earlier, the "Aldine" was at 806-810 Market St. The Lowes prefix came later. I don't have the book, just snippets from it, so can't fill in any more details than that.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 13:16:45 (EST)
I remember the name "Aldine", but I always heard and saw it in conjunction with "Loew's": as in "Loew's Aldine". That would have been in the 40's and early 50's; so it was known just as "Aldine" at some time prior to then?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, Ca USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 12:54:23 (EST)
WAS THE BLUE HEN DAIRY AT 12TH & HEALD?
CAUFFMAN DAVE
USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 07:51:36 (EST)
The Loew's Market Street theatre was called the "Aldine" and the manager there in the 1950's was a man Al Cartwright used to refer to in the paper as the "Judge"...Edgar J. Doob. I spent the summer working there in 1950 (and wearing a disposable cardboard dickey) during the 4-week run of MGM's "Showboat" with Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson. The site of the Aldine is now part of the Market Street entertainment complex centered on the old Grand Opera House. How ironic...back in the 1950's, the Grand showed third-rate horse operas and had dish nights, while the Aldine and Warner (and Rialto) were the top movie houses downtown. Elbert Chance, once the Voice of the Blue Hens at UDel and still thriving in Newark, wrote a great series of articles on the history of movie houses in Wilmington that appeared in the "Delaware History Journal" ten years or so ago. They are well worth a read if you are a showbiz fan like me.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Monday, February 16, 2004 at 07:44:46 (EST)
Re the theater at Del Ave & Adams: Live and learn...! But what was the name of the Loew's on Market St. before the Ritz came into being? Were there two Loew's theaters?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 23:25:40 (EST)
The movie theater on Delaware Avenue became the Ritz in 1941 Previous name was Loew's (according to Marjorie McNinch book "The Silver Screen" about Wilmington Movie houses. Anyone remember when Wilmington Dry got the modern Blue facade instead of the three separate stores shown in a lot of postcards. What a great site this is!
Joe Petainek <Zrinyigrad1@msn.com>
Newark, DE USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 22:54:50 (EST)
I think that theater was "Loews" Saw "Gone With The Wind" there.
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 21:10:33 (EST)
Wasn't that the "Ritz Theater" at Del. Ave. & Adams?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 21:06:30 (EST)
Anybody remember Kilroys on East 4th ,Loews theather at Delaware Ave and Adams St across from the cemetery.My Dad was a chef out at Farnhurst when it was called the nut house. I worked in Minquadale and in those days you could hop a ride without being raped or murdered which I did often to get some good hot food ,get back before it cooled.Oh to be young again and back in Wilminton. Anybody remember the Federal bakeshop on Market st and the Chinese Tea Garden above it ?
mickey pulley <mickey710@webtv.net>
Livingston, TX USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 11:29:18 (EST)
MISS DELAWARE 1953 NEWS UPDATE: Thanks mostly to intrepid research comducted by Bill Fisher and Pat LeVan working on behalf of yours truly (and in response to a post on Friday last at this Site) for the Miss Delaware Pageant folks, Lois Alava Walker, the lovely Miss Delaware of 1953, has been located, after the Pageant's some years worth of searching for her. This is one more reason for thanking Harry Rogerson for having set up this great site in the first place.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 08:52:10 (EST)
In reviewing the many places for eating and such, I noticed that one place I always enjoyed was not listed. That was Remedio's which I believe was on 4th Street and not far from Marconi's. They had in my opinion the best pizza bar none. Further, they used to serve all their beer in frosted glasses which just added to enjoyment of eating their food. Aaah, what memories of the past.
Mario <melepera@aol.com>
Harrisonburg, VA USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 08:39:52 (EST)
bruce, goldies, front and jefferson(?)---helen's cafe, on front and between king and french sts---agree, al's horses tail could be between 4th & 5th---i was told that esso was second busiest to another in california.
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 01:50:10 (EST)
Seems I must be older than the guys writing on this list. In 1937 I lived in one of the papermills houses when they were making Kraft paper. My husband workee there. I remember both the street bridge and the RR bridge. Also remember Bond bread delivered by horse and wagon and the car barn, the restaurant ane beer joint almost under the RR bridge on Pennsylvania Ave,trolley cars on Market st. I rode #4 the most as I lived in the Flats, went to the movies at the Park Theater. St Thomas church and the convent Little Sisters of the Poor both on what was then called Grant Ave. Far away now but still love my old Delaware !!
mickey pulley <mickey710@webtv.net>
Livingston, TX USA - Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 11:34:50 (EST)
THIS JUST IN: I have received late word that the folks at the Miss Delaware pageant (one of the links on this site) are trying to track down the current whereabouts of Lois Alava Walker, University of Delaware 1953, who as Lois Alava was Miss Delaware in the 1953 Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. As late as 1997, she was in the Wilmington area. Anyone have an update on Lois, or a suggestion as to how she may be reached?
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 08:03:36 (EST)
Correction: Wawaset is bounded by Pennsylvania,WOODLAWN, Greenhill and 7th. There is a Woodland near us in Cleveland and I confused them.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 20:29:21 (EST)
Thanks, Bruce- that explains a lot. That postcard had to have been made/painted while it was still a RR bridge. While on that subject, the U of Del has a great collection of postcards featuring the Wilmington area in various time periods. Any serious Wilmington nostalgia buff should have a look.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 18:53:30 (EST)
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER DAVID W HARLAND SCHOOL AT 36TH AND JEFFERSON?
CAUFFMAN DAVE
USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 16:08:20 (EST)
Wawaset is the area bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, Woodland, West 7th and Greenhill. When I was born, my parents brought me home from Delaware Hospital to the Wawaset Park Apartments.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 15:14:13 (EST)
Where is the Wawaset Park neighborhood?
Bob
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 13:39:49 (EST)
Questions for Don N.: Can you pinpoint where Goldies Bar was, and Helen's Cafe, on Front St.? Trying to narrow-down where some of these places were. Also, was Al's Horse's Tail between 4th & 5th, on Shipley? Lujo's Bar is gone now, torn down years ago; Bernie's Bar is next door to where Lujo's was. wasn't the Esso at 13/40 split THE busiest gas station in the nation before the interstates? The Rte. 13 - 40 split was sub-titled "The crossroads of the nation", because US 13 & US 40 were the two busiest highways in the nation before the interstates came along. Johnnie's Supermarket is still going strong. Other notes: Gallucchio's was the Embassy in an earlier life; and, to Bill F., while I haven't looked at the postcard mentioned yet, I can tell you that the Augustine Cutoff was built on the old B&O RR bridge across the Brandywine. The current B&O bridge is a newer bridge. Sometime in the 30's, I believe, a new, heavier bridge was needed for the RR, and they gave the old bridge to the city/state, for use as a roadway bridge when they built their new RR bridge. Now, I'll go look at the postcard (horse behind the cart).
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 11:16:09 (EST)
Does anyone remember Mascagne's Italian restaurant on 8th Street just off Tatnall? We'd go there often for lunch from DST at 9th and Tatnall. Also went to a Drug Store lunch counter at 9th and Orange, across from the Parking lot.
C Ambrose
USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 09:36:23 (EST)
don't know if i am to use the guestbook for my input, but i didn't see another option.-----bayard junior high school, don't know address-----johnny's super market, it may still be in business, but it was there in 1953 when i moved to wilmington
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 23:56:19 (EST)
Hmmm.. I was sure Katie's went out of business or changed names at least, in about 1970. Guess the ol' rememberer ain't what it used to be. On another note for the old-timers around here, here's a question: Go to this URL http://www.lib.udel.edu/cgi-bin/pc.cgi?L00=0&L01=denwilmbrid001 (that's all on 1 line) and check the picture postcard of the B&O RR bridge(s) over the Rio Brandywine. Note that the postcard states "B&O RR BridgeS"... the picture on the postcard doesn't look like the Augustine Bridge (on the other side of the stone bridge) that I remember as far back as the early 40's, but indeed looks like a RR bridge. The question: was it ever a RR bridge, and if so, when did it become the automobile bridge? Hope that's clear enough...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 23:31:00 (EST)
for industries and business; kraftcandoit for restaurants; original hunters den on kirkwood hwy and i didn't notice alisons(?) on kirkwood hwy and namaans road, nor the hide away lounge
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 23:23:34 (EST)
Katie's, at 6th and Scott, whatever it had been back in the 50's, was still operating under that name as late as about 1990. It had evolved into a semi-upscale Italian restaurant with a nice bar behind the dining room in the right rear. Every five years, for many years, my UDel fraternity alumni group held a Friday night stag gathering there in the Fall. For whatever reason, about 15 years ago, we switched to Gallucchio's at Lovering Avenue just west of the Augustine Cut-Off. The latter remains today a lively yuppie-filled place on weekend evenings, and we always have a good time there greeting old buddies and remembering the good old days.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 23:11:41 (EST)
platts shoe repair, market street between 4th and 5th
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 23:04:51 (EST)
mullins at 6th and market, clothing store
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 22:59:59 (EST)
Katie's was as 6th & Scott. In its day, it was the best spaghetti house in Wilmington. I'd guess it was around 1955 or so that it started a gradual decline, and eventually went belly-up. Don't know if it was a change of management, neglect of the clientele or what... Too bad, it was a delicious place!
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 22:56:31 (EST)
bandstand tv, channel 6 from phil. on for 3 hours weekday afternoons in 1954
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 22:46:52 (EST)
kate's italian restaurant at 5th or 6th and scott sts.
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 22:41:22 (EST)
cross roads diner at the rt13 rt40 split, shupe's esso gas station sat in front of diner, second busiest gas station in america, before I95
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 22:38:12 (EST)
goldies tavern on front street; horses tail bar on shipley, i think, between 8th and 9th; helens cafe, across from the train station on front street; and of course lujos(?), at 2nd and king. and no, i'm not an alcoholic, smiles.
don e nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 22:20:19 (EST)
from what i have seen of this site it looks great
Don E Nolan <denolan@lycos.com>
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 22:14:45 (EST)
No, I don't remember the bathhouses, but I remember the public restrooms at the South end of the Market St. bridge over the Brandywine, at South Park Drive and the bridge. There were also public bathrooms around (on) 5th, just East of Market, I think - or was it 6th & Market?
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 20:51:07 (EST)
As kids we spent almost every day at the crick Fishing Bath house devils den shaky bridge.do any of you remember the bath house
Bill Rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
wilm, de USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 20:00:27 (EST)
Speaking of storm sewers and jail-like bars does anyone remember the jail in Canby Woods? It was located on the south side(?) of the railroad tracks between the Tarzan rope and Indian Rock. Right next to it was a tunnel that went under the tracks. Going thru that tunnel for the first time was a little scary because about half way through it became dark and you kind of felt your way until you got back into the light. Of course, the bigger guys would tell you about snakes and spiders, etc hiding in the tunnel so as to freak you out on your first trip. I've seen kids go in and freak, turn around and haul out of there. What pleasant memories.
Joe <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 09:53:20 (EST)
:):)
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 21:49:08 (EST)
Oh, Bruce, how I wish I could have been there with you looking at the Swingin' Bridge! I really miss Wilmington so much. Haven't lived there since 1961 when I married a DuPont engineer and lived all over the country; however, no place I have lived can hold a candle to Wilmington. I am sure it has changed greatly (as I have observed when I have returned for visits); however, it was still the greatest place to grow up during the 40's and 50's. It still had that small town charm then.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 20:05:30 (EST)
Lost. I was totally lost. I looked in the wrong place, or my memories are unfaithful, but I couldn't find any evidence of the old storm drain (Devil's Den) along the Brandywine. I guess I could have gotten out of my car and walked, but I took the easy way, I cruised the parking area on the North side, looking across the crick, and didn't see what I was looking for, other than a concrete slab where I thought it should have been, west of the dam, but the outlets didn't look like they used to. Whatever, looking at the Swinging Bridge, I can tell that it has been redone sometime, but it still looks the same. Maybe in warmer weather, I'll get out and walk the area. South Park Drive is closed, and I don't remember where the drain started at the top, I drove all around but could find no evidence.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 12:28:10 (EST)
Bob V., when I mentioned remembering bars on the storm water drain, I meant at the main inlet up off of Lovering Ave. - I thought there were some type of bars on the large inlet, not at the discharge, sorry. With your input about the concrete ledge, I now remember where the discharge into the crick was, it is just west of where the dam, and inlet to the race are (I'm going to ride by and check this out today); I didn't think the storm drain would enpty into the Race. I believe the Swinging Bridge was rebuilt not too long ago, within the past 10-15 years.
Bruce <bdunlap1@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 10:35:39 (EST)
Bob W., the Swinging Bridge was a pedestrian bridge almost to the B&O RR bridge (west of the dam and the Devil's Den) at the end of N. Park Drive road, where cars had to turn around and go back. If you went any farther, you entered the Container Corp. Of America paper plant. The dam was erected to back wooter up so that it would divert to the Race, which followed S. Park Drive down to Market St., where the Race went underground to the City Water Works, which was on the SE corner of 16th & Market, at the Market St. Bridge. Having the dam and race assured that there would always be wooter for the water works which, I believe, supplied drinking wooter for the city - and still does. As Pat says, you would get in the center of the bridge and push from side to side to get it swinging. In some of the postcards shown in the link on the main page of this site, the Swinging Bridge is visible.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 10:28:21 (EST)
Just above the Swinging Bridge there were several holding ponds for the papermills. These ponds contained huge catfish, however fishing was prohibited, that is, if the guards caught you. About the only thing you could catch in the Crick were sunfish, but it was still fun to while away the summer hours along the banks of the Crick. We also played on the pile of rocks on the north (east?) side of the Crick near the dam below the Swinging Bridge.
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 10:07:12 (EST)
As I recall, the Devil's Den emptied over a concrete ledge directly into the "Crick" just below the dam below the Swinging Bridge. One could enter the Den from the point of discharge (and I don't recall any bars) or down one of the several access ports (a round tube), if you were thin enough (I was in those days-no way now!) located along the Den's run. You could also enter up at the start of the line. It was fun to get somebody to enter the Den and then hoot down an access port to shake them up! Ref. the Swinging Bridge: I seem to recall it swinging a lot more when I was a youngster than it does now. Was it re-built with stonger cables at some point??
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 07:36:54 (EST)
Darned if I can remember The Swinging Bridge, or ever "swinging" on it. Was it by chance a few yards upstream on the Crick from Devil's Den? I assume it was a pedestrian suspension bridge. And the more I think about it, the storm drain did empty directly into the Crick. A few yards downstream of it, is there a small dam or lock that redirected the wooter from the Crick into the Race? And how far downstream of that lock does the race extend? My memory tells me that it extended at least as far east as the Market Street Bridge. Am I right about this?
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 07:35:42 (EST)
The swingin' bridge moved beautifully. That is the only word I have to describe it. We would place a foot on each side and start it going back and forth. Remember, I was an 80-lb. little girl. It didn't take a lot of weight to get it going. We would squeal and scream, but we loved doing it. We were just as brave as the boys.
Pat LeVan <LeVan17062aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 22:01:22 (EST)
Did that storm drain empty into the Race, or did it go to the crick? I think it was a litle bit west of where the Race bagan, maybe? The Race branches off of the crick just before the dam. I don't know, I wasn't from that part of town, but I remember (vaguely) the drain - didn't it have big vertical bars at the top (like prison window bars), but some of them were spread and some missing, that's how you could enter it? I never attempted the feat, but I did walk across the B&O RR bridge, a number of times, foolish teenager! Faster and easier (if you didn't get hit by a train) then walking down the hill and up the other side. I never got caught on the trestle when a train came, though. I think we used to be able to get the Swinging Bridge to swing a couple of feet, or was that just my imagination?
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 10:45:54 (EST)
I remember the "Devil's Den", but never performed the rite of passage into manhood. (Pass the strained carrots, please...) Also never did the B&O RR bridge thing, either. You must be far braver than I, Robert, my liege! But how wide were the oscillations you could muster up on the "swinging bridge" very nearby?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 01:54:44 (EST)
Does anyone remember the huge 8-foot high storm sewer/drain than ran under the hill down from Lovering Avenue to the Race, on the south bank of the Crick? It was fairly near to, but east of, the B&O RR bridge and the bridge carrying the roadway of the Augustine Cut-off. I never saw it full of wooter, but when it was dry, and at night, and in the summer, a test of your boyhood into manhood was to get into it (I forget how) up by Lovering, with your buddies witnessing your entry, and a few minutes later, watching you exit down by the Race. It was pitch black in there, but you were allowed to use matches. What a creepy thing to do that was. I think it was called "Devil's Den" or something. Anybody else but me recall that place or experience? Another dare was to walk across the B&O trestle, hoping that no train was on its way onto it. That was a truly dumb thing to do, but we all did it, and somehow lived to tell about it.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Monday, February 09, 2004 at 23:56:11 (EST)
No Mike, Penny Hill was so named because the road used to be a toll road (and the toll house is still there) about half way up, where Beeson Ave. intersects with the (Philadelphia) Pike. It's the only house there with a historical marker in front of it - and, the toll was one penny. That was way long ago, back in the 1800's, I believe. And, at the bottom of Penny Hill is the Shellpot Crick, with wooter flowing in it. :)
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Monday, February 09, 2004 at 19:31:16 (EST)
You folks have deeper memories than I. Is it true that the origin of the name Penny Hill comes from the story of a U.S. Mint truck that overturned and spilled it's load of.........pennies? Or is tht just an urban legend someone fed me when I was little?
Michael Klezaras
New Castle, USA - Monday, February 09, 2004 at 18:22:00 (EST)
Thanks, Bruce. Did you mean the "wooter works" at 16th & Market?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, February 09, 2004 at 13:11:27 (EST)
That's the Brandywine Crick, Bob V.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 21:58:57 (EST)
The Race is the inlet for the Wilmington water works plant that is on the SE corner of 16th St. & Market Sts. It starts above the dam on the Brandywine, to assure that there would always be a supply of water for the water plant, even in drought conditions. I believe the water works provides at least some of the drinking water for the city. When I went to Brown Voc., we used to have to run around the block for gym class, that included running from the school, at 14th & Market, down to the South Park Drive, along the Race to West St., then up to 14th, and back to the school.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 21:55:27 (EST)
Ahh, I remember the race also. If I recall correctly, it didn't smell very good at various times...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 21:22:46 (EST)
Yes I remember the race and it's still there. And yes my mother told me the same thing. “Little boys would fall in and drown”.
Rchard <mightytaskmaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 21:07:47 (EST)
Does anyone remember "The Race"? The race ran parallel to the Brandywine River. The part I remember was around the Market St. Bridge and west of it. I just remember my Mother telling me to stay away from the race or I would be swept away and die! It was rather swift as I remember.
Pat Stillwell LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 20:12:55 (EST)
JE WORKMAN SOLD THE BUSINESS IN THE LATE 60'S...JIM CHRISTIANA (SPELLING ? )BOUGHT IT JIM PASSED AWAY A FEW YRS. AGO..
BUBBLES <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILM., DE USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 19:45:16 (EST)
Does anyone know what happened to J.E.Workman, heating and A/C at 1316 Union St. My husband worked there for over 10 yrs in the 50`s
charlotte pulley <mivkey710!webtv.net>
livingston, tx USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 12:25:32 (EST)
Does anyone remember the Park Grille, located on Wawaset & VanBuren Sts., and their cheese steaks? Some of us "Sallies" boys would stop by there on the way home from school. I know one of the most popular places to play basketball was at the "YARD", but it was also great to meet some friends at Sacred Heart, at 10th & Monroe for some b-ball. Some of the faces at Sacred Heart might be Dick and Vinnie Rago, Gino Abbessino, John Cleveland, Ed Pollard, Nick, Frank, and Leon Meloni, Larry Sharp, Jim LaManna, and many more. This was the late 50's and the Chocolet Shop and Pop's were close by. It was a great place to grow up.
Steve <ssmyk@dmv.com>
Millsboro, De USA - Saturday, February 07, 2004 at 15:38:28 (EST)
Bruce, thanks buddy. All I remember is that sometime in 1963 I was in a Burger King on Market St. because thats the year I started High School. A lot of the guys I talk with don't remember a Burger King on Market St. I didn't start driving until a couple years later and thats when I started seeing the McDonalds,Gino's, etc. But thanks for the info. Love this site!
Joe Rykaczewski <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wimington, DE USA - Friday, February 06, 2004 at 13:04:30 (EST)
I think that the Brosius & Eliason Lumber yard (successor to Brosius & Smedley) on Union St. is gone now, I think they are back to having only their original lumber yard in New Castle. Home Depot and Lowe's socked it to them! Huber's Sunbeam Bread was on the NW corner of 9th & Union St (that's now a storage lot and building for Union Park Pontiac). That whole area used to smell so good due to the two bakerys there in close proximity.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Friday, February 06, 2004 at 11:57:28 (EST)
Joe - I think the Burger King entry into fast food in Wilmington was later on, I believe the first 15 cent hamburgs were at JoJo's, a hamburg stand on Dupont Highway, across from the airport (there was a minature golf place next door) or at Kelley's (I think it had the second "E" in the name)on the Gov. Printz, where the Edgemoor Post Office parking lot is now (there formerly was a Howard Johnson's Restaurant where the Post Office building is now). That's just my opinion about being the first 15 cent hamburg joints - but I know that both of them were before Burger King came along. And I believe Gino's was here before even McDonalds. ??
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Friday, February 06, 2004 at 11:48:08 (EST)
Or, maybe it was Wilmington Motors instead of Wilmington Buick, as I said.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Friday, February 06, 2004 at 11:40:58 (EST)
Bill - Bob is right that the Buick dealer across from Diver's was named Wilmington Buick, later to be known as Liberty Buick. The restaurant on the West side of Union Street was one of the "Spic & Span" local chain. That building was still there until just recently, last used as a real estate place, I believe. And, across from the Spic was Parkway Lanes bowling alley, which backed-up to the B&O RR tracks. And Bob, Freihofer's was at the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and Lincoln St., NE corner. Later to be a Sizzler Steak House at that location, and now is a Grotto Pizza, I think. Cheers.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Friday, February 06, 2004 at 11:39:08 (EST)
Does anyone remember the Burger King in the 800 block of North Market St.? I looked under the retail stores on Market St for 1961 and it's not there. I remember going there in the 60's. I think that this Burger King was the first of the fast food (McDonald's, Gino's, etc.) places in Delaware. I might be wrong.
Joe Rykaczewski <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, February 06, 2004 at 08:52:37 (EST)
Bill - I think it was something as basic as Wilmington Buick or the like. It was on the south side of PA Ave., just past the B&O overpass. Diver's Chevvy place was, and still is, right across the street on the north side. And it is still owned and operated by the Diver family in the person of my frat. bro at Udel, Art Diver. What else is still there in that nabe is the lumber yard around the corner from Diver's on Union Street once called Brosius and Smedley. I also knew the Brosius'es. It has another name now. I know that the Food Fair and Huber's bread bakery are long gone from that nabe, but wonder where in Wilm. was the Freihofer's Sunny Boy bread bakery back in the 50's? I remember it, but forget where it sat. Anyone?
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Friday, February 06, 2004 at 07:45:26 (EST)
Bob, that Buick dealer on Penna. Ave near the B&O overpass- what was the name of the place? Didn't it become Frank Diver Chevrolet, or am I thinking of some other dealer? And there was a restaurant across from there, on Union St. (after it doglegged under the B&O.) Or was it a bowling alley? In either case, what was its name? I SHOULD remember that fairly well; I spent a lot of time in that neighborhood-- had a girlfriend who lived at 11th & Bancroft Parkway.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 21:27:21 (EST)
The alligators in the pit at Christy's (that's the correct spelling) were just a novelty, as far as I know. I suppose it drew customers who were curious. Don't recall ever seeing "alligator" on the menu...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 12:32:38 (EST)
Does anyone remember "The Great Scott?" He used to drive past 22nd and Market Street in an orange MG convertible wearing a colorful cap and had his long beard hanging along the outside of the car. I also remember Joe Niagra singing "I Felt the Earth Move Under My Feet" when we had an early morning earthquake.
Connie A
USA - Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 09:33:47 (EST)
Bill (Stix) - I remember you once mentioning the alligators in the pit at Christy's (Christie's?)...thanks for reminding me of the name of the place, by the way. But I am darned if I can remember the alligators in the pit. Why the heck were they there? Were they like lobsters in a tank in a seafood restaurant? Did folks pick out the one they wanted grilled up for an alligator sandwich, or what? This is a real curiosity to me. It belongs in "Ripley's"!
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 07:49:15 (EST)
That would be Christy's, Bob. I think we talked about it before-- with the alligators in the circular pit in the main entrance to the resaurant...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 02:26:42 (EST)
Does anyone who remembers the early 1950's remember the name of the popular restaurant in PA at the SW corner of 202 and US Rte. 1? There was another restaurant at that corner as well. After Van's Holland House, with Jiggs Jackson at the Hammond, and the Chadds Ford Inn, these were the favorite Sunday evening dining places of my parents, who got there in their shiny new navy blue 1950 Buick Special (the first new car my family had owned since 1937) purchased from the Buick dealer out on Pennsylvania Avenue just past the B&O overpass.
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at 23:21:50 (EST)
Harry, I'm not sure what you are saying, but who am I to quibble? Go for it!
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at 22:53:34 (EST)
I am going to add a BB in addition to this Guestbook. The BB can be used to make connections, etc. with other visitors. The Guestbook will remain the same, but linking to the 'Nostalgia' pages will be added in the heading. Harry R.
<>

Well Harry, the header on the guestbook page does say to ADD your memories, comments, etc. to our guestbook. While you are involved in the mammoth job of updating the Main Page, I'm not as frequent a visitor to the main page as I normally would be - due to construction, and I don't have my hardhat with me :). You are right that we should pay more attention to information that is provided there, all due to your efforts, before we pose questions in the guestbook - I guess we're all guilty to some extent. We do all agree on one thing: we do appreciate your efforts to bring this all together for the masses. Thanks!
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, February 03, 2004 at 10:20:34 (EST)
....memories of mine....Poor Richards Inn, at Independance Mall...Farmer in The Dell Restaurant, off of rt 202...Big green water tower on foulk rd with the words "Brandywine Bulldogs,give em hell 1969" in pink letters Gene London and Pixxane Tv shows.
mere <merbrankat@yahoo.com>
wilmington, De USA - Monday, February 02, 2004 at 13:37:32 (EST)
When I was working at WDEL in the 1960s, Arnold Zenker was the Saturday and Sunday night announcer at the station. At the time, he was studying law at the University of Pennsylvania. He and I covered the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City for WDEL. He later went to CBS in New York as a lawyer. During an AFTRA strike in 1967, Arnold suddenly appeared as the strike substitute for Walter Cronkite on CBS News. Later, Arnold did a talk show in Baltimore. The last I heard, Arnold had his own media and consulting firm in Boston.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Monday, February 02, 2004 at 09:59:21 (EST)
Does anyone remember and know what happened to a radio announcer named Arnold Zanger (sp??) who was on in the late evenings in the late fifties. He used to play some unusual comedy recordings like Mort Sahl, Jazz, and other non-typical radio format at that time.
Jerry Hurwitz
USA - Sunday, February 01, 2004 at 23:39:22 (EST)
My family owned and lived behind the Milky Way (which was located on Union Street near 4th) from 1952 to 1962. We sold ice cream, snowballs, Italian water ice, and steak and submarine sandwiches. My father also owned the Dairy Whip (next to the Dog House) on Hyw 40 as the well as the pizza trucks called Jiffy Pizza (which I use to drive when I was in high school and college).
Jerry Hurwitz <jerry@jjair.com>
Los Altos, CA USA - Sunday, February 01, 2004 at 23:23:49 (EST)
Am considering moving back to New Castle County from out of state. Could anyone suggest a quiet, friendly neighborhood to consider?
Connie A
USA - Sunday, February 01, 2004 at 09:12:28 (EST)
I read in the Journal several weeks ago that the exterior scenes of Joan of Arcadia are filmed in Wilmington. The article said that it looked like a typical All-American city
Marty Schueler Jones <MJJJJ78@AOL.com>
Rehoboth Beach, DE USA - Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 21:45:06 (EST)
Hey, Ruth- why don't you give us a reminder next Thursday? I'd be interested in taking a look, but I'm sure I'll forget about it between now and then... Thanks.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 18:42:52 (EST)
If anyone else out there watches "Joan of Arcadia" (on CBS, Fri. night at 8 PM), I -think- that they are using shots of Wilmington DE to serve as the fictional city of Arcadia, but am not sure. These are only the quick, overview shots (or wideview shots) that they flash between scenes. At any rate, could a few of you maybe take a look and see if it really is Wilmington? I think it is! :)
Ruth <zavijah@earthlink.net>
USA - Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 17:47:27 (EST)
Bill Rogers mentioned the "Palm Garden" nightclub on 7th St somewhere between Market and Orange... I vaguely remember going there one night, but don't recall the name of the club; it seemed to be just a doorway into a brick wall, with stairs leading down into the club itself. Mostly black clientele, good jazz. Mario, were you possibly with me then? It was probably in the 1957-1959 timeframe.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 12:39:07 (EST)
There was a small "night club" I believe near the English Grill called the Jazz Cellar. It was more of a bar with live music.
Mario Le Pera <melepera@aol.com>
Harrisonburg, VA USA - Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 07:40:46 (EST)
should have been wilm de.sorry
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
wilm, de USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 19:54:04 (EST)
what was the mame of the niteclub up from the english grill
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
reading , de USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 19:51:46 (EST)
My wife and I had occasion to meet Joe Pyne when he was doing his broadcast from a diner I believe on Maryland Ave. He was a friendly and down to earth person while we were talking to him. I remember he was quite an aviation enthuiast.
Bud <bu49@poolesite.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 17:49:50 (EST)
Anyone who's interested in who Joe Pyne was can to this website for a look at what he was all about: http://www.tvparty.com/empyne.html
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 15:35:40 (EST)
Leounes Town Talk was on 11th across from Nemours. It's now the site of a parking garage with the hip restaurant Deep Blue now residing on the 11th street side. Regarding fires, I remember one when I was very young...I couldn't have been more than 4 since we moved to the north side of town in '58. It was at the Terminal Hotel on Front Street across Pennsylvania Station. We lived on top of my father's New Star Restaurant at Front & King at the time.
Michael Klezaras <theklez@hotmail.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 14:10:33 (EST)
Thanks, Pat. That's the restaurant I'm thinking of, the English Grille.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 11:43:14 (EST)
I remember Joe Pyne broadcasting from the English Grille which was located between 9th and 10th on the west side of Market St. I believe his radio show was on during the 50's.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 10:33:38 (EST)
Where was the Towne Talk Restaurant? Was that the one on Shipley, between 9th & 10th, or was it the restaurant on 11th St., across from the Nemours Building? And, didn't Joe Pyne have a radio show from the restaurant on Shipley St.? I agree that the Hotel Darling must have changed it's name in the 40's sometime, as all during my growing years, I only remember it as the Hotel Rodney. (And Bill Fisher, my emails to you are being sent back to me, something about being refused because of a backlog at Earthlink???)
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 09:59:05 (EST)
Re big fire - we moved the day Lee Harvey Oswald was shot, that was in the 60s. There was another big fire after that because we were living at the new house when it happened.
Connie A
USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 09:23:46 (EST)
Also, to Bill, et al - The Hotel Darling had changed its name to the Rodney by August of 1949, when I arrived in town. So it obviously were earlier than that when the name changed.
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 07:41:20 (EST)
Bill - The way I remember it, the Rainbow Grille (where Joe Pyne did his call-in broadcasts from), in the early 1950's, was on the west side of Market between 9th and 10th Streets. Pyne was the Toast of The Town in Wilmington during his tenure there, and lived up in Fairfax on Murphy Road. Someone once planted a bomb there, but no one was home when it exploded. Pyne went on to national fame on TV on the Metromedia network where he became and even more scrappy personality than what he had been in Wilmington. He died at a relatively young age, in the 1970's, I think. He was a real trip!!!
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 07:37:51 (EST)
The Rainbow Grill, wasn't it? Or was it? Along those lines, does anybody know when the Hotel Darling became the Hotel Rodney? What year?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Friday, January 30, 2004 at 01:57:29 (EST)
does anyone remember the name of the niteclub at the hotel darling
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
wilm, de USA - Thursday, January 29, 2004 at 20:51:09 (EST)
Hi Connie, The Wilmington Sash & Door fire was caused by a boy with a burning broom, as you described, but that was 1950. Joe R., I remember the dirt road as "Lonely Lane", yep - that was a great place to park.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, January 29, 2004 at 10:10:56 (EST)
I remember another huge fire around the mid 60s. Does anyone recall where that was and the year? I think this one was caused by a boy setting a broom on fire and riding it like a horse.
Connie A
USA - Thursday, January 29, 2004 at 09:44:16 (EST)
The Wilmington Sash & Door fire was on Palm Sunday in 1950. I remember being with my friends in Josephine Gardens down the Brandywine, and we were wearing our first high heels. We decided to walk toward the smoke to see what was going on. What a walk in high heels! Also, I was very wrong in my memory of the Kent Hotel. I thought it was on King St. The contributor who said Market St. between 8th and 9th was correct.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Thursday, January 29, 2004 at 09:06:17 (EST)
Carol-Jane, I believe the movie was "San Francisco" and it starred Clark Gable, Jeanette McDonald, and Spencer Tracy. It scared the hell out of me too. Does anyone remember the old dirt road up by Hoopes' Dam? We called it 'ZuBee Land' but others called it 'Lonely Road' or 'Icebox Road'. We use to drive up there and drink beer and play cards. Our gang usually hung out at the little bridge on that road but we also use to meet people from other high schools who hung at the other end or just cruised by looking for a make-out spot or a place to drink their beer. Great fun up there for me, lots of good times.
Joe Rykaczewski <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 23:07:02 (EST)
Close, Joe. Wilm. Sash & Door was in the block bounded by Front & 2nd Sts., and Madison and Monroe Sts., and it was the week before Easter - Palm Sunday, 1950, I believe.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 22:28:04 (EST)
If I remember correctly, the Wilmington Sash and Door Company fire was at 4th and Madison. At the time, we lived on Franklin Street near Pennsylvania Avenue. When we saw the huge column of smoke from our house, we thought the fire had to be only a few blocks away. We started walking to see the blaze and went all the way down to 4th Street. It was one of the biggest fires I remember in Wilmington. If I'm not mistaken, it was Easter Sunday afternoon.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 20:06:35 (EST)
Can anyone tell me if the Wilmington Sash & Door Company was around Madison Street because I remember a very big fire in that area when I would have been around age 4 (1950). I also remember going to the movies with my mother and aunt to see a film that had an earthquake scene that scared the wits out of me (around the same time 1950). Does anyone remember the name of that movie?
Carol-Jane Merlini <caroljane.merlini@tin.it>
Pescara, Italy - Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 17:24:08 (EST)
I spent christmas eve in that hotel on Market St next to the church in 1936. I remember the church bells ringing. It WAS between 11th & 12th Sts
mickey
USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 23:59:58 (EST)
Great site. Question: Does anyone remember a football player named Ricky Reagan. He played for the Defience Cubs and they played in and around Wilmington in the 20's & 30's. Really would appreciate any help. I'll be back after I drink my Upper 10 and finish my baby soft roll sub from the Linden Grill.
Joe Rykaczewski <sgtpepper212@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 20:54:55 (EST)
Bob, I looked under "Historical Data" on the main page, then under "Old Wilmington Data" to the "1948 Market Street Stores Listing", and found that the Kent Hotel was at 837 Market Street, which puts it right next to Woolworth's, which was at 839-847 Market St., West side. Your memory is good!
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 20:23:20 (EST)
OK, then, what was the name of the small hotel on the West Side of Market Street between 8th and 9th, closer to 9th than to 8th? I thought that was the Kent. ??? I'm sure one of the pictures on this website will straighten us out.
Bob W. <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 19:44:04 (EST)
The Hotel Darling was the earlier name of the Hotel Rodney. It was between 11th and 12th on Market Sts. on the west side of the street - just down from the church on the corner of 11th and Market.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 12:42:44 (EST)
I think Darling is an earlier name of whatever hotel was across from the post office (Market, between 11th & 12th). When I was growing up in Wilmington, and going to Brown Voc., 40's, 50's, & 60's, I remember the Hotel Rodney and the Hotel Olivere (though I don't remember which was which), but I don't remember the Hotel Darling - that's why (just) I think it was an earlier name.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 12:03:59 (EST)
If you go to the Old Wilmington.Net main page, then go to photos and scroll down to Wilmington post cards and scroll down, you will see a picture of the Hotel Darling on the west side of Market between 11th and 12th and next to the Wilmington Club.
Art
DE USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 10:14:11 (EST)
If the Olivere was at 7th & Shipley, then the Rodney must have been the one on Market, between 11th & 12th? I remember a hotel on 7th street, on the west side of Market(either between Market & Shipley or Shipley and Orange), because they had a 24 hour pharmacy on the first floor, or in the building next to the hotel, or something. Sometimes my mother had to go there in the middle of the night to get medicine for my father. I had thought that was the Rodney, but just guessing. :)
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 10:02:57 (EST)
The Kent Hotel was on King St. at the corner of either 8th or 9th - I'm not sure about the cross street; but it was definitely on King St. Now there was a Kent Manor Inn located on the duPont Highway.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 08:50:11 (EST)
Bill--you are right about the Hotel being between 11th & 12th. Wasn't there another hotel somewhere in the area named the Kent ?
Bud <bu49@poolesite.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 08:20:07 (EST)
the hotel olivere was located at seventh and shipley.the palm garden nite club was down seventh between shipley and orange. Genes cafe was across seventh
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
wilm, de USA - Monday, January 26, 2004 at 20:23:10 (EST)
I was born in Wilmington in 1946 and grew up at 4th & Greenhill. The mother of the Clooney sisters was Mrs. Stone, an Italian-American who had relatives in Wilmington. Mrs. Stone owned Nugents on Market Street. Betty Clooney worked as a buyer for Wanamakers with my aunt and they were good friends. My mother and my aunt used to take me into Nugents where one time Mrs. Stone sat me on the counter and I sang "I'm looking over the four leaf clover" at age 3. The Clooney sisters had another sister named Gail who was my age. I remember attending her birthday party when they lived on Madison or Adams (one of those streets West of Market). I also remember sitting on the Market Street curb with Gail watching the Thanksgiving Parade which was held at night back then. I live in Italy now. Italians are absolutely CRAZY about George Clooney. When I tell them he's also Italian, they understand better why they are so crazy about him. George doesn't have to worry about being boycotted by Bush loyalists because he could work in Italy and be too busy to handle it all.
Carol-Jane Merlini <caroljane.merlini@tin.it>
Pescara, PE Italy - Monday, January 26, 2004 at 15:37:34 (EST)
Ciao from Italy, fellow Wilmingtonians. I grew up at 4th & Greenhill and attended St. Anthony's in the late 50's and used to stop by the West End Neighborhood House after school. I remember a funny incident at "The Nabe" when us kids put on a "Latino" variety show and my friend, JoAnne Ramone lost her wrapped and tied Bayou skirt in a dance move that required us to bend down and pick up a bunch of bananas, LOL. Boy, did we ever have good times at that place!
Carol-Jane Merlini <caroljane.merlini@tin.it>
Pescara, PE Italy - Monday, January 26, 2004 at 14:41:15 (EST)
Bud, the block ("square" for Bob Wilson) on Market between 10th and 11th is filled up by the duPont building... don't you mean between 11th and 12th? Was the Olivere also known as the "Hotel Darling" and/or the "Rodney Hotel" at one time or another?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CO USA - Monday, January 26, 2004 at 13:51:36 (EST)
Bob The Hotel Olivere was on the west side of Market St between 10th and 11th as I remember. Anybody - correct me if I am wrong. It faced the side entrance of the old Post Office.
Bud` <bu49@poolesite.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, January 26, 2004 at 09:06:51 (EST)
I must have missed something from an earlier post, but can someone tell me where the Hotel Olivere was located? The name rang a bell with me, but I can't place the once- location of this establishment.
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Monday, January 26, 2004 at 07:03:55 (EST)
the ice house next to frankies steak shopat 5th& union,all these at 7th&lincoln messina's slaughter house,savery&cooks ,crisconi's grocery store.mazzarelli's shoe repair,waldo's cleaners. at 5th&lincoln evans hardware store at 6th &lincoln annone's italian water ice,gins steak shop the philadelphia grocery store,ritters furnature store,on 6th between lincoln&union fierro's cheese factory, marconi's dry goods,panarello bros.wall paper shop. papa's gro. store,next to the old piedmont caserta's candy store,latin american drug store.blums grocery store on union,near 7th st liquor store (dead pres.now)&the tire shop between fusco's&liquor store where yatz sub shop was poppiti's store next to poppiti, was savino's shoe repair,across from difonzo's bakery was the ann page (a&p)now goormann&man's also was a used car lot.old jt's was a vacant lot then it was crisconi's pink elephant
bubbles <jnpasquale@comcast.net>
wilm., de USA - Saturday, January 24, 2004 at 21:29:35 (EST)
the ice house next to frankies steak shopat 5th& union,all these at 7th&lincoln messina's slaughter house,savery&cooks ,crisconi's grocery store.mazzarelli's shoe repair,waldo's cleaners. at 5th&lincoln evans hardware store at 6th &lincoln annone's italian water ice,gins steak shop the philadelphia grocery store,ritters furnature store,on 6th between lincoln&union fierro's cheese factory, marconi's dry goods,panarello bros.wall paper shop. papa's gro. store,next to the old piedmont caserta's candy store,latin american drug store.blums grocery store on union,near 7th st liquor store (dead pres.now)&the tire shop between fusco's&liquor store where yatz sub shop was poppiti's store next to poppiti, was savino's shoe repair,across from difonzo's bakery was the ann page (a&p)now goorman&man's also was a used car lot.old jt's was a vacant lot then it was crisconi's pink elephant
bubbles <jnpasquale@comcast.net>
wilm., de USA - Saturday, January 24, 2004 at 21:27:40 (EST)
HI DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER THE AVENUE FOOD MARKET AND BARCZEWSKI BROS.
Stan Barczewski <stanb53@hotmail.com>
USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 15:47:22 (EST)
I have lived in Texas since 1957 and still use my words as wimminton,delwer, wooder.yos guys. People asked me when I first came here if that was in England. I LOVE it. Oh, and Brandywine crick. Sure do miss it. I was born in the Woodlawn Flats
Mickey Pulley <mickey710@webtv.net>
livingston, tx USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 11:28:16 (EST)
Don't feel like the Laone Ranger, Bob- when I moved to Wimmington after living in Texas for 2 or 3 years, my new schoolmates razzed me unmercifully when I'd say, "Ha, Ga" (Hi, Guy)... and I had no idea I was "talking funny". It's odd, but I didn't notice any particular accent or twang in the locals' speech back then. Guess I didn't have enough experience in listening to people; I was only about 6 or 7 years old...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 01:18:02 (EST)

Bill - You are right on about that "ao" sound for "o" as in having a "Caoke" at a soda fountain instead of a "Coke." After I had lived in Wilmington for six months, I went back to my native hometown in upstate New York, and all of my friends teased me for the way I was saying it then.....and I didn't even realize that I was doing it. As Bill Fisher can, I can also tell a Philly or Wilmington native when I hear them speak. Also, you guys were all born in "Wimmington", not Wilmington, and that place is in "Delewurr", not Delaware. And it was Ballomer down there in Murralin. Just kidding, all...I myself used to call Camel Cigarettes "Kayamuls", as my new friends in Delaware pointed out to me in 1949.
Bob W. <wilso127@yahoo.com>
CT USA - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 21:57:54 (EST)


Having left the Wilmington area in 1960, I've lost most of any speech quirks I might have acquired back there, I'd guess. In about 1966 I started noticing a definite "twang" when I heard anyone from about a 50 mile radius of the Wilmington or Philadelphia area. In particular, there's a unique way Wilmingtonians pronounce the letter "O"; I can't even imitate it, but it comes out as "aou" or "owe". You gotta hear it with the ears of an outsider, I suppose, but I was freaked out the first time I noticed it. Even my family, who I grew up with talked funny after I had been away for a few years! Nowadays I can recognize someone who's lived in that area nearly every time by just listening to them. I'm often asked, "How did you know I was from there?" when I correctly nail a Delawarean or Philly-ite. I usually tell them that folks from that area have odd earlobes, and watch their hands go up to their ears...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 20:01:01 (EST)


OK. We certainly did "serve" circulars and we certainly did live four "squares" away from our friends; however, the very best indication of having been born in Wilmington is the way the word "water" is pronounced. To a Wilmington native, the word is pronounced "wooder" not "whaaaaaater". Anyone else? You are also right, Bob Veasey; it is definitely the Brandywine "crick". My dear Mother was a beautiful lady who was born "up the crick" near St. Josephs-on-the Brandywine.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 19:25:36 (EST)


For Bob Wilson: People sometimes(and some maps)call the Brandywine the "Brandywine River". To this native it was always the "Brandywine Crick" (and not "creek"). While attending Warner Jr. High I can remember walking across the Crick hopping rocks during lunch time. I can also remember ice skating from Tatnall Street area to above the Swinging Bridge on cold winters. Also, the city used to dump snow removed from streets over the South wall across from the Tatnall Street area, and I remember making snowballs from the pile in July!
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 12:14:33 (EST)


Some weeks ago, Pat LeVan mentioned "serving" circulars in the Ninth Ward promoting the Strand Theater's offerings, and it rang a bell. I came to Delaware in 1949 from upstate New York and I can remember hearing the verb "serve" used to describe the action of "handing out" or "delivering" such things as circulars or newspapers, etc. I had never heard this usage before. Do contemporary Wilmingtonians still use this lingo? Another one was the noun "square" used to describe a single city "block", as in "She lived three squares from me." As I recall, the folks in Philly and elsewhere in SE Pennsylvania also used these manners of speaking. Can anyone recall any other native regional expressions like these? To be aware of them, I think you had to come in from another part of the country. ????
Bob Wilson <wilso127@aol.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 07:06:23 (EST)


Wasn't that called the "Mile of Dimes"?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 01:22:53 (EST)


This is a fascinating site. I read items back to Sept. '03 and am hard pressed to recall much that hasn't already been mentioned. I do remember the "March Of Dimes" campaigns in the late 40's when a white tape would be placed down the sidewalk on the west side of Market Street on a Saturday and shoppers or their children placed dimes on the tape which seemed to begin around 9th Street and extend down to 4th Street.
Tom Kolasinski <tomkolasinski@prodigy.net>
Glendale, AZ USA - Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 00:46:55 (EST)


And....the name of them was Mint Juleps, not Mint Julips. Hehe. :)
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Monday, January 19, 2004 at 10:38:25 (EST)


Regarding area hotels, it was the Hotel Olivere not Hotel Olivier. Also, a candy that I liked was Mint Julips. They were two for a penny.
Bernadette Murphy <bernmurphy@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, January 19, 2004 at 08:43:44 (EST)


A couple of notes: Danny Schell played briefly with the Phils. He hit .283 in 1954 and virtually disappeared in 1955. I read he died in 1972 in Mayville, Michigan. The last time I got back to Wilmington was in October of 2002 for a Tower Hill reunion. Re: McKee's Hill -- I remember one time, after broadcasting a football game at Bayard Stadium, putting stuff on the roof of my car while loading equipment. A little while later, while driving up McKee's Hill, I looked in the rear view mirror and saw my spotting boards (those things play-by-play people use to help identify players) slide down past the back window and then shatter in pieces all over Concord Pike -- on McKee's Hill. It was near the Rock Manor golf course.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 11:23:28 (EST)


I think that MCKEE's HILL ought to be added to Wilmington-area place names. As most of you already know, it is the steep rise of the Concord Pike (Rt. 202) after it goes under the B&O railroad and heads out toward the Augustine Cutoff and Blue Ball. My dad did a 360 degree skid in his Buick on ice going down that hill one cold cold winter morning in the middle 1950's. Thank God he didn't hit, or get hit by anything. I haven't heard the name "McKee's Hill" in the last 50 years!
Bob <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 08:54:16 (EST)


I remember Mike Goliat as a Blue Rock. Didn't he hit a home run in each of the first four games he played when he made it up to the Phillies? Hey, Joe, do you remember Blue Rock Clyde Daniel "Danny" Schell from 1950? I've mentioned him here before. He had a brief career with the Phillies in 1954 and maybe 1955, but died at his Michigan home in 1964. (Aside to Joe Mosbrook...Don "Monk" Romano of Lafayette sends his regards, and wonders if you came east for the reunion in Westover Hills in December.)
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 08:45:06 (EST)


A minor Wilmington hero of the early 1950s, Mike Goliat, has died at his suburban Cleveland home at the age of 82. Goliat, who hit .234 while playing second base for the Phillies Whiz Kids in 1950, married a girl from Cleveland and later worked for years at a Ford plant here.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Saturday, January 17, 2004 at 10:37:55 (EST)


Yes - the Greenhill we went to was on the top of the hill just before entering Newport. Met many a sailor there! We had also gone to the one on Greenhill Ave a couple of times but it didn't seem to have the same level of activity.
Connie A
USA - Saturday, January 17, 2004 at 10:10:28 (EST)


I think there was also a Greenhill Drive-In in Newport, and it was also operated by Greenhill Dairy, if I'm not mistaken.
Bob
USA - Friday, January 16, 2004 at 20:57:24 (EST)


As I said in a previous posting, the WHS football field was indeed where I95 crosses 202. I saw Billy Cole run back a game starting kickoff for a touchdown there in 1941 or 1942. I used to take my .22 and shoot into the lake, which did have a stone wall around it. Also, flew gas powered model aiplanes at a circle cut out of the weeds as a the youngest member of the "Model Gasliners" Club.Man-that is going back!
bOB vEAZEY
wILMINGTON, de USA - Friday, January 16, 2004 at 20:41:16 (EST)


The Greenhill Drive In Restaurant was on Greenhill Ave., between Lancaster Ave. and 2nd Street, at the Greenhill Dairy. My mind is spotty at best, but the only restaurants I can think of, at the moment, on Maryland Ave. were Chef's Diner just past Richardson Park (and they didn't have carhops, that I remember), and there was a drive in on the left, on top of the hill just before entering Newport. Maybe someone else can come up with more info. :)
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Friday, January 16, 2004 at 16:42:20 (EST)


I remember driving past the Ace Theater on Maryland Avenue on my way out to the Arnold's style drive in restaurant. Wasn't that called the Greenhill?
Connie A
USA - Friday, January 16, 2004 at 10:34:25 (EST)


Back on Sept. 30, I erred in a comment I made about a football field at McKee's Hill, which "Joe" and Bill Fisher were discussing; I said they were probably thinking of Baynard Stadium. I was wrong. As Joe stated at that time, there was a field at the location given by Bill, which was Wilmington H.S. home football field. I don't remember the field, but I talked this morning with someone who does remember it as being just as Joe said. The official name of the field, if it had one, is still unknown. Just want to clarify this, so I don't screw up history! :)
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Friday, January 16, 2004 at 10:25:38 (EST)


Mr. Bourden of The Jackson Inn was the first Naval Airforce Seaman in our Navy. How about that? And he used to make me a No. S7. Hehehehehe. Loved Frances. Darts in the front patio.
Francis P. <ffio7532@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 19:55:29 (EST)


Some stores missing from your list: Flagg Brothers (shoes),DeCourcell's Shoes, Al'Pawn Shop.
Kenneth Schilling <kendo_10@hotmail.com>
new Castle, De USA - Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 13:29:11 (EST)


Does anyone remember the ACE theater on maryland ave in browntown
Rich Deptula <par416@aol.com>
Wilmington, de USA - Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 11:19:21 (EST)


The first TV programs I saw regularly in Wilmington were in 1949 at the homes of either "Pinky" Seres (above Seres' Kosher Deli at 26th and Jefferson), Ronnie Grant (on McCabe Avenue) and Don Walker (on West 19th Street). Pinky and I were Latin classmates with Miss Van Dyke at PS DuPont HS, and we met in his home on Tuesday nights, ostensibly to study. But what we really did was watch Uncle Miltie, and whatever it was that followed on NBC back then. At Ron Grant's, we watched the old Hopalong Cassidy movies in the afternoon, and at Walker's, we watched what was the "MTV" of its day, film clips of pop and jazz music performances (the Paige Cavanaugh Trio, Arthur Prysock, etc.) courtesy of WFIL-TV. We didn't get a TV of our own until 1951, while living in Monroe Park, and the first program I remember seeing 'at home' was Frank Sinatra's variety hour.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 06:58:46 (EST)


The Cannery Shopping Center behind Jackson Inn sits where an old mushroom cannery operated up to the late 60's/ early 70's. The Coke plant was located between Ford and Gray avenues about 5 blocks east of Jackson Inn. Anyone remember the stench from the cannery being almost as bad as a compost operation? Great website that I just found out about.
kevin <rose425@comcast.net>
Hockessin, De USA - Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 21:33:17 (EST)


I was just reading the blurbs about early TV and thought about how certain things are cyclic: remember in TV's early days that it was a status symbol to have a TV antenna on your roof? Then a few years later, when cable TV made its appearance, it was better NOT to have the antenna... nowadays, the status symbol is a dish. I wonder what's next down the road?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 21:30:52 (EST)


The first time I saw television I was living at 2223 Tatnall St. in Wilmington, DE. Our very wonderful neighbor, Ed Hindsley, had purchased a small TV set. I do believe it was about 1948 or 1949. We lived in row houses there. Ed, who was a very sweet and generous man, was a very good friend of my Father. Ed did not think anything should be wasted. He felt that when he was going to be away that someone should be enjoying the TV: therefore, he carried the television through his window, across our steps and into our window, hooked aerial, and left it for our family to enjoy. I just remember "Uncle Miltie" and the Texaco Theatre. e
Pat Stillwell LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 21:22:52 (EST)


I also remember one of the first times I saw TV; it was back in about 1946, and a friend of mine and I had just arrived at the Penna. RR Station from Philadelphia, where we used to visit the Franklin Institute quite often. We were waiting for the 12 Boulevard trolley right across Front Street from the station, and there was a bar there with the front door open. I looked in, and there was a boxing match on. I akso was too young to go inside and explore it further. Even earlier, my family was on the Chesapeake Ferry, from Cape Charles to Norfolk. I was exploring the boat, and went through a doorway, when I suddenly heard Glenn Miller's band playing "Sunrise Serenade". I looked above the doorway, and there was a small bluish-white screen with the band playing on it... that had to be around 1941 or early 1942!! To this day I don't know if it was really television, or just some kind of movie player. As I remember it, it looked just like the black & white TV's I'd see later on- it appeared to be about a 10" screen, but my perception could be shaded due to my young age at that time. I suppose it could have been TV (after all, it wsa invented around 1926). Can anyone furnish any further info on this?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at 00:18:31 (EST)


I remember shortly after World War II, when we were living in Westhaven, and television was just beginning, we used to scout around to see who had TV antennas on the roof. I clearly remember one of the first I saw was at the Jackson Inn. There wasn't much to watch in those days -- perhaps boxing on Friday nights -- and I was too young to go in.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Monday, January 12, 2004 at 21:20:25 (EST)


The Jackson Inn is located at the intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Dupont Road, across the street from where the 'new' Wilmington High School is/was (it's now a school for the performing arts, or something like that). Also, it's across from Silverbrook Cemetery, and near where the old Coca Cola bottling plant was (I think the shopping area that moved in where the Coke plant was is called The Cannery (?).
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 09:39:13 (EST)


Where exactly was the Jackson Inn located?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Friday, January 09, 2004 at 21:09:41 (EST)


Hi Donata, The Jackson Inn is still there, and from the outside, still looks the same as it always has. Inside, it's run down quite a bit; definitely "tacky" now. The 'elite' certainly don't meet there anymore. :)
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 20:40:04 (EST)


The Jackson Inn was a place my parents Ed and Margaret Lewandowski loved (as their local hangout). I'd like Mary Bourdon Hannagan to know what great memories her family created with their Inn. Mary, I'm sure I met you one evening after my cousin Ron Lewandowski was married and some of our family repaired to the Jackson Inn. I can't help wondering if the Inn is still there. Places like these created a warm sense of community in Wilmington and have now entered into history! Sincerely, Donata Lewandowski Guerra http://www.journalscape.com/TheWilmingtonian/
Donata Lewandowski Guerra <OldWilmington@nc.rr.com>
Cary, NC USA - Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 20:23:01 (EST)


I had forgotten about "My Dear." I love those old time thriller films. The remakes just haven't got it.
C Ambrose
USA - Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 09:49:20 (EST)


This is a great site. I grew up in Wilmington. My family owns the Jackson Inn, and I grew up in the old Inn. It's been years since I left Wilmington, but it is still my home.
Mary Bourdon Hannagan <marybhannagan@hotmail.com>
Vienna, VA USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 18:16:18 (EST)


And....."My Dear" was never seen, only heard occasionally, screaming.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 15:48:21 (EST)


Re: Roland; Igor was in the cage, the amoeba was in a big tank. There are a couple of links on this site to "Shock Theater" and Roland, I think. You can also do a Google search on John Zacherle (Roland) to find more links.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 15:46:17 (EST)


Re. Roland (aka Shocky Doc) Which was in the cage, Igor or the giant amoeba? This show was a favorite of our entire family.
C Ambrose
USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 11:06:16 (EST)


Does anyone remember the hotel at Concord Ave & Market St? They sold Christmas trees there for several years. My father was out of work one year so he waited til' late Christmas Eve & went down & told his story to the vender. The vender gave him a free tree that would have been trashed. Thanks to that guy, whoever he was. He made a small child's Christmas.
C Ambrose
USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 10:53:53 (EST)


This is great news, Harry! Take your time and do it right; we are all so grateful to you for creating this site, and updating and improving. I know this is all very time-consuming, and just want you to know we appreciate all you have done, and continue to do for the site. Three cheers for Harry & Betty, Hip Hip Hoorah!!
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 10:40:51 (EST)


To our many site visitors: Our SITE UPDATE will take place over the next several days and should be finished by 1/12/2004! It will take place in steps and will include converting some data files from HTML to TEXT files. Many new photos will be included as well as a 'radio spot' for a new housing project from the '60's!! A photo was added to the 'Home Page' as a 'teaser'. Thanks for all of your support... Harry & Betty Rogerson
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 08:16:48 (EST)


When I was a kid (in the early 50's), I won an "identify the sound" contest on WDEL (AM radio, of course), and the prize was a dinner for the family at the restaurant I mentioned previously, at Delaware Ave. & West St. I think it was the Holland House. The sound I identified was the sound of a pogo stick bouncing; I was so proud of myself for winning that prize for the family.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 22:27:25 (EST)


Thanks, Pat. Was that restaurant right at the corner of Delaware Ave. & West St., facing West St., on the East Side of the street, or am I thinking of another restaurant at that location? Anyway, thanks for clearing up this question, I can go put my marbles away again, instead of disturbing them.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 22:21:21 (EST)


Van's Holland House was owned by Mr. VanEarp and was located on Delaware Ave. very near the Nemours Bldg.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 21:11:01 (EST)


Hi Sean, Yes, there was a Van's Holland House (or a very similar name) Restaurant in Wilmington, but I can't tell you at the moment where it was. Gotta kick my memory beads into action and get a fire rolling. Hopefully, someone will get back to you shortly with the answer.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 20:53:57 (EST)


Was there a restaurant in Wilmington known as Van's Holland House? I think my parents met there...Does anyone know where it was?
Sean Kirkpatrick <Seakirk64@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 19:42:19 (EST)


Has anyone ever heard of a Restaurant in Wilmington that was called Vans Holland House. I didn't find it on this site!!
Sean Kirkpatrick <seakirk64@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 19:16:53 (EST)


Really enjoyed the site... I'm from an old time Wilmington family. I live in what is now called Trolley Square. It's off of Delaware Ave in the vacinity of the Logan House. I have always been a history buff, and I especially love to hear about Wilmington in her "glory days." When I read the many rememberances, I was reminded of stories my grandmother and great aunt and uncles told me about the old days in Wilmington. ps The home I live in has been my family's home since my great-great grandparents purchased the home in 1889 for $1850.00....
Sean Kirkpatrick <seakirk64@aol.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 19:09:27 (EST)


Nobody mentions Kigers drug store at 4th and Onion sts or the Park theater across from the firehouse. ST Thomas church, little sisters of te poor or am I going back to far, back to the twenty`s. The day Hoover beat Al Smith for president. After new years the burning of old christmas trees in the parkway at 6th st. I still have one of Freihofers lucky pennies dated 1020
charlotte heathcote <mickey710@webtv.net>
livingston, tx USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 18:48:34 (EST)


I remember going to Lickity Split off of Foulk Rd. when I was a little kid. I lived really close, so I was able to walk there. They have possibly the best self serve icecream that has ever exist.
Rob
USA - Tuesday, January 06, 2004 at 12:36:50 (EST)


The "Chief" usher at the Strand was Libby. Not known as an usherette as there were no male ushers. Libby was one tough cookie. She was Ben Seligman's right-hand "person". Ben (of the Groucho Marx eyebrows) was the manager and hired lots of beautiful young girls as ushers. Four of my cousins worked there (the Mackey girls - Rita, Betty, Veronica and Helen). I was too young to usher so I served circulars. I was the first girl to do that. Got the job because I told Ben that the boys were throwing the circulars down the sewers and that my girlfriends and I could do a much better job. Ben had the 9th Ward plotted out into routes. My friend, Jeannette Grant, and I had Route 13 (Concord Ave.). We started out at Concord Ave. and Market and proceeded to Concord Ave. and Baynard Blvd. Got a pass to the movies for a week. My first job!
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 19:21:35 (EST)


In my neighborhood, in the 40's thru 50's, the story was that the Strand was called the "Scratch" because all of the seat cushions were cut or scratched. Remember when theaters HAD upholstered seats? And, the trolleys and buses also had upholstered seats back then.
Bruce <spyderxl@comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 17:08:59 (EST)


For Cuz Pat: No, I didn't get bit, but that was the story the big boys told! The Scratch also had a "usherette" who was one tough cookie. She wielded that flashlight like a weapon if you didn't behave. Ah for the good old days.
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 15:46:27 (EST)


This message is for my OLDER (but nice) cousin, Bob Veazey, who claims that the Strand Movie Theater was called The Scratch because it had a flea problem. Perhaps that was the case in Bob's day, however, when OUR Grandmother took me to the Strand, the place was bug-free. Or,were the flea's just attracted to Bob? :-)
Patricia Kearney Lodge <Phototravl@aol.com>
Key Biscayne, FL USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 15:07:50 (EST)


I bought many a penny candy and also Half & Half tobacco for my dad at Welch's. We always stopped there for the Sunday Star. Mary Welch was a very sweet lady who always gave us extra candy. Joe Welch was a real crabby old guy. I remember they were raising their grandchildren or maybe nieces and nephews - the DeLacey kids. Jeannie was the girl and there were a couple of boys. Anybody remember Dr. Russo, the dentist and Fred Knecht, the druggist, Pat Kelleher's bar, Dr. Norwood Voss, Dr. Postles, etc.?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 15:04:37 (EST)


A small correction regarding the location of the Huber's Sunbeam bread bakery. It was located at 9th and Union, shut down in the late 1980's and was torn down soon afterwards. It is currently a car dealership and repair shop. Close to the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and Union Street was the Freihofer bread bakery. This closed down in the late 1960's or early 1970's, was a Sizzler's restaurant for years and is now a Grotto's Pizza restaurant.
Art <jjaas817@aol.com>
DE USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 12:42:16 (EST)


Does anyone remember Welch's store across the street from Brandywine Methodist Church? We went there to buy penny candies with the money we got for soft drink bottle deposits. Mr Welch would yell at us to hurry and make our choice (as well as for other things) but Mrs Welch obviously loved little children. I remember the day of the tragedy; we watched the events from our 2nd fl apartment window across the street.
C Ambrose
USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 10:40:50 (EST)


My mother bought her embroidery thread at Chadwick's, plus an occasional cut of material to make her aprons. I remember the "toy" department. There would be 1 or 2 of every toy, none costing more than cents. If Mother said I could have 1 it took forever to pick out the right toy. I think she went to the store mostly to talk with Ms Chadwick!
C Ambrose
USA - Monday, January 05, 2004 at 10:03:16 (EST)


I certainly do remember Chadwick's Drug Store and the sisters' little dry goods store right next door. We used to buy embroidery thread and notions in there. Mr. Chadwick, Sr. was a very kindly, knowledgable druggist. He was as good as any doctor and always knew what to prescribe for our little cuts and scrapes. He was succeeded by his son in later years who also was a wonderful person.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, January 04, 2004 at 15:15:26 (EST)


The Strand was called the "Scratch" because it was claimed that it was (at one time) infested with body lice or fleas. Hence, "scratch" the bites. Concord Avenue did (does) run magnetic North and South. I personally checked this out with my trusty Boy Scout compass. Bob Veazey
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, January 04, 2004 at 13:15:47 (EST)


Enright's Candy Kitchen, 22nd & Market! I spent many a dollar there. Also went to The Strand on nickle wednesdays as a small child, hung out at Pop Horner's as a teen, and often stopped to talk with the firemen at the firehouse. Does anyone remember Chadwick's drug store & his sister's drygoods store at Vandever & Market?
C Ambrose
USA - Sunday, January 04, 2004 at 09:29:03 (EST)


Bill, you may have gotten the info about Concord Ave. being the only street that runs north and south from a local radio station that used to run contests for listeners. I don't think it was Mr. Goodwill. Seems to me it came on in the early evening. Anyway, I recall that question ("What is the only street in Wilmington that runs directly north and south?") stumped listeners for a long time. The jackpot grew quite large over several weeks.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, January 04, 2004 at 08:13:26 (EST)


...and that Concord Avenue is (to the best of my knowledge) the only street in Wilmington that runs due North and South? All the others are off by a degree or two. (Now don't ask me where I got that information... my rememberer isn't THAT good!)
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, January 04, 2004 at 00:55:12 (EST)


Don "Doak" Walker, later an ace cameraman at WDEL-TV Channel 12, introduced me to the Strand back in 1949. I always thought it was a pretty good house, and didn't think it really deserved the nickname, "The Scratch." That neighborhood down around where Market, Vandever and Concord converge was a vibrant, fun one, indeed. Does everyone know that the very southern beginning of US Route 202 which went up through PA, NJ, NY, CT, and maybe RI, was right there at Market and Concord?
Bob W.
Stamford, CT USA - Saturday, January 03, 2004 at 21:38:45 (EST)


And do you remember if you took a toy to the firehouse, across the street from the Strand Theater, around Christmas time, you also got a free ticket.
Bill Hare <billhare@bowl.com>
Richmond, Ky USA - Saturday, January 03, 2004 at 14:15:46 (EST)


I certainly do remember Horner's and after that it was Enright's. Then, the Enrights bought Bailey's at 22nd and Market. I, too, served "circulars" for the Strand to get a free pass to the movies each time the feature changed which was at least three times a week in those days - the 40's.
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, January 03, 2004 at 12:50:11 (EST)


I certainly do remember Horner's and after that it was Enright's. Then, the Enrights bought Bailey's at 22nd and Market. I, too, served "circular" for the Strand to get a free pass to the movies each time the feature changed which was at least three times a week in those days - the 40's.
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, January 03, 2004 at 12:49:33 (EST)


This is great reading, does anyone remember the Strand Sweet Shop (owned by the Horners)And the Strand Theater? We gave out the show bills to get free tickets to the movies.
c;s <chpa52@aol.com>
USA - Saturday, January 03, 2004 at 07:08:39 (EST)


I remember playing baseball for Woodlawn Park in the Termite Leauge.I believe in 1964. I also used to watch my brother,Joe, play in pickup basketball games against some of the best players in the city. There were a great group of guys. People like Marty Riley, Jack Ireland, the Berry Brothers, the Pulgini's etc.. Being 8 years younger than Joe, I always appreciated how good they were to me.Now you pass Woodlawn Park and it looks deader than Bob Hope. Anyway,thanks for the memories! Vince O'Neill
Vince O'Neill <ruffkiller@aol.com>
Middletown, DE USA - Friday, January 02, 2004 at 22:26:33 (EST)


Hey, fellow Wilmington lovers- Check this website which (I think) captures the spirit of this site. I've made some good friends here, and this URL tells all about how that's done... . http://www.link4u.com/c7/touchsomeone.swf
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
West Grove, CA USA - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 12:58:36 (EST)


My earlier comments were intended to add to the bakery list the Trincia and Calvarese (T&C Bakery) that currently is not listed. Thank you
Lou Calvarese
USA - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 11:56:16 (EST)


I worked with Joe Niagara in the mid to late 90s, just before his retirement. Great guy! His famous saying, which is sooooooo true: If you work at a job that you love, you'll never work a day in your life!!
Michael Klezaras <theklez@hotmail.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 11:01:13 (EST)


Trincia & Calvarese (T&C Bakery) On 7th street between Scott and Lincoln Streets
Lou Calvarese
USA - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 10:37:10 (EST)


Does anyone remember, the man I believe to be the greatest DJ of our time, Joe Niagra?
C Ambrose
USA - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 10:34:14 (EST)