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Nostalgia & Memories
(Archive
#57: September 1, 2008 to September 30,
2008 entries)
My father loaded my mother and me into the front seat of his Ford pickup and we headed down to the Delaware River, near the bottom of Lore Ave., to watch Hazel along Gov. Printz Blvd. We were in the thick of it. After we headed toward the ballpark, a huge section on fencing flew across the road in front of us, narrowly missing the truck. It was then my Dad decided we'd better head home.
Life with father could be very exciting...
Buz Peoples <private>
On the road, OR USA - Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 22:44:56 (EDT)
From a little further north on S. College Ave. in Newark on that day, I was swinging wildly with the wind in the top of a tree just outside Brown Hall on the U. of D. campus. Looking back on that event, it shows the ignorance and "devil-may-care" attitude that often accompanies youth. I could have been killed!!! (It was a lot of fun, though...)
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 20:18:19 (EDT)
From a front porch on South College Avenue in Newark in October 1954, a gang of us watched Hazel tear down a power line that was then literally dancing in the street, shooting out a shower of sparks, threatening to connect itself to Mitchell Hall.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Newark , DE USA - Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 12:55:53 (EDT)
I have 88 pictures of the the '62 storm from Milton to Bethany, and a few current pictures showing all the development since then.
Tom Brejwa <tbrejwa@yahoo.com>
Slower Lower, De USA - Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 07:53:45 (EDT)
Orv, Hurricane Hazel caused me considerable travel problems while trying to return to Hunter AFB, Georgia. Going south out of Wilmington every railroad underpass was flooded and not passable. States I passed through had detours because of washed out bridges. ....Bob
Robert J. McKelvey <windsorme2@verizon.net>
Cape May, N.J. USA - Friday, September 12, 2008 at 21:12:41 (EDT)
The Ash Wednesday northeaster of March, 1962 did more damage to the Lewes, Rehoboth, Fenwick Island, and Ocean City area than any hurricane in the past century. It also battered all beach areas up and dowm the eastern seaboard. Rt #1 was a total washout.
bdavis <bdavis@gmail.com>
Lewes , De USA - Friday, September 12, 2008 at 20:27:02 (EDT)
With the big hurricane (Ike) attacking the Gulf Coast, does anyone remember
back in October of '54 when hurricane Hazel came through Delaware? I remember as a Junior fireman assisting pumping out water from flooded basements and
afterward helping cleaning up debris (down trees, etc.) As a youngster then, there were some scarey moments!
Orv <obursler@comcast.net>
Lincoln, DE USA - Friday, September 12, 2008 at 18:44:14 (EDT)
Webmaster - I agree with Barb - Those Great Old Westerns brought back a lot of ruminations. I went to the Strand Theatre often and saw those old movies over and over. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have back Tim Holt, Alan Ladd, Joel McCrea and Gary Cooper, to say nothing of Henry Fonda. The narration was right. You didn't need an analyst to explain the plot.......(still haven't unscrambled No Country For Old Men).
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 00:50:04 (EDT)
Bob Wilson - I sent you an E-Mail (all of Wilm. and on this site are pleased that I now can do this). Check it and send it on, if you like, to anyone you think might have some further ideas on how to locate D. Walker's sister.
Phyllis B. <pboyd 52@comcast.net>
Wilm. , DE USA - Tuesday, September 09, 2008 at 20:31:14 (EDT)
Web Master, What a great link to "Those Old Westerns" I have many happy memories of going to the Strand with my Brothers on Saturday afternoons. We were usually limited to Westerns. Remember when the theater would have printed copies of "coming attractions"? Our Dad would "review" it and then make the decision. Mom would give us snacks {cookies or dried Apricots}and we would set out to walk from 37th & Washington Sts. Matinees only AND home by 5pm.
Barb <Barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Tuesday, September 09, 2008 at 19:59:56 (EDT)
To those of you who may have known him back in the 1940's and 1950's at West 19th Street in the 9th Ward, at PS duPont HS thru 1952, at Wanamaker's, and later as a WDEL-TV studio cameraman, I just received the sad news that Donald Springer Walker passed away at his home in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada on July 29th.
Don later had a career in TV production in the LA area, and also in Vancouver, BC. He is survived by his wife Ann, and at least two male great grandchildren, and by a foster sister who I believe still lives in the Wilmington area. Don had been ill and completely bed-ridden from the effects of a lingering form of Multiple Sclerosis for several years, but succumbed from a sudden massive heart attack. His ashes were scattered last month at the Pacific Ocean waters at the border of the US and Canada. I doubt there will be an obituary notice at Delaware Online, so this is just a feeble attempt to note his passing to Wilmington-area people who might have known, and still remember him. May he Rest in Peace.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Tuesday, September 09, 2008 at 09:20:34 (EDT)
I took some steps to eliminate the spam. If the controls give anyone problems in posting their comments, please send me an E-mail.___Also, one of our now "Silent Listeners" sent me this link to Those Old Westerns.___It presents photos of the old Cowboys of yesteryear and other stuff to give some thought to...
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Tuesday, September 09, 2008 at 06:06:19 (EDT)
A friend remembers her father reciting a poem about Wilmington that includes these words:
"As I was walking down Market Street
I met a King who was French
Setting on a pile of Lumbar in a Popular way"
Does anyone know of this poem or know the rest of the words?
Patty Curlett <pbcurlett@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, September 08, 2008 at 22:08:56 (EDT)
I just want to say, "thank you !": to the people who have contacted me personally and to those who choose to participate in this delightful website. We folks, from the Wilmington area, have pooled our knowledge, asked questions, debated, and helped one another rediscover, not only the memories of our childhood town, but of how important those memories are to our personal lives. I think you are a great bunch of folks, and feel fortunate to have been raised among you...
Buz Peoples <private>
On the road, OR USA - Monday, September 08, 2008 at 16:49:11 (EDT)
Sorry. I meant my post for Phyllis.
Barb. <barbrhodes@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Monday, September 08, 2008 at 13:38:42 (EDT)
Connie, I think it well may be Port Kent, NY
Barb <barb@comcast.net>
Peabody, MA USA - Monday, September 08, 2008 at 13:36:31 (EDT)
Phyllis B: thank you for enlightening me on Jon Hall's uncle. When I wrote about his sidekicks, I forgot to mention Willie and his little pet chimp whose antics made me laugh.
Bruce Esdale <BEsdale48@comcast.net>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, September 08, 2008 at 08:59:59 (EDT)
ARNIES ON MILLER RD WAS OWNED BY SAL DEL DEO WHO WITH HIS BROTHER I THINK STILL RUN THE CHARCOAL PIT IN PIKE CREEK.
SAL WORKED FOR ARNIE WALTON'S SUNOCO STATION ON MILLER ROAD WHEN WE WERE KIDS.
I RAN THE SNACK BARS IN GAYLORDS FROM 1972 UNTIL 1982, THEY CLOSED NOT LONG AFTER THAT AND CALDOR TOOK THEM OVER.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Monday, September 08, 2008 at 00:03:20 (EDT)
60's
Arnie's Steer in- across from Gaylords. It was like a McDonalds.
Gaylords had a promotion where a helicopter dropped discount coupons out of the sky
Ben's Shoes downtown wilmington for PF Flyer sneakers
Down the street you could get hot peanuts from the roaster
Wannamakers- swing the teddy bear
Sally Star visiting Camp JCC at the Sellers estate
DMZ <DMZMAN@adnc.com>
San Diego, CA USA - Sunday, September 07, 2008 at 20:54:50 (EDT)
Please forgive me if this question is an egregious sin - (not staying on topic of Old Wilm.), but I can't seem to find the answer anywhere and I have looked. I will keep it short and to the point. When you leave Burlington, Vermont and cross Lake Champlain via ferry, what is the name of the town//city in New York where you land. Thank you for your indulgence, Webmaster.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Sunday, September 07, 2008 at 20:30:27 (EDT)
Bruce Esdale - You mentioned once in passing about Jon Hall being the star of Ramar of the Jungle. You might already know this, but as I recall, that very same Jon Hall was the nephew of one-half the writing team of Mutiny On The Bounty (Nordhoff-Hall). If you haven't read the book, watch the movie - the Charles Laughton/Clark Gable version.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Sunday, September 07, 2008 at 20:15:03 (EDT)
CONNIE'S postings of quotes from " This Day in Delaware History " were attempts to elicit comments, not a presentation of factual data. I don't think any comments on THIS, DISCUSSION forum should be considered or interpreted as historical,factual data, so why all the fuss ? She even mentions discrepancies of the News Journal postings.
Jerry T. <private>
at the shore, De. USA - Sunday, September 07, 2008 at 18:53:23 (EDT)
Having a friend whose mom had a tenant who was a star outfielder for the Blue Rocks in 1950 made it unncessary for a chosen few of us 9th Ward teenagers to vault the ballpark fence. Comp'd admission for home games saw to that. Jimmy Rambo did it the more adventurous way a few years later.
Bob Wilson Jr <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Beaufort, SC USA - Sunday, September 07, 2008 at 12:44:48 (EDT)
Sallies used to play several football games during the mid fifties at Wilmington Ball Park. The stadium was deteriorating at the time after being constructed in 1940. In comparison, Frawley Stadium was built in 1993 and is still intact and hopefully for years to come.
b davis <bd1943@gmail.com>
lewes , de USA - Saturday, September 06, 2008 at 15:11:39 (EDT)
I, for one, could never forget that the Wilmington ball park was on the Governor Printz Blvd. That was the "vulnerable side" of the facility. When the Star Spangled Banner was played (and police were at attention), that's where we jumped over the left field wall! If you had walked out there from Third and Connell, you would have felt somewhat "entitled" too. I also remember that there were wooden stands out there that once collapsed with people in them, although I believe that was during a football game.
jim rambo <rammymex@yahoo.com>
ajijic, jalisco Mexico - Saturday, September 06, 2008 at 10:58:40 (EDT)
Blue Rocks did play their last game , 30th & Gov. Printz, 1952, and on Sept.23rd, 1952, in Rodney Square, Senator Richard Nixon gave a speech.
This I think to be correct..
Donn <brownys828@yahoo.com>
wilmington, de USA - Friday, September 05, 2008 at 10:37:09 (EDT)
CONNIE:: I pointed out to you in the past other mistakes that "THIS DAY IN DELAWARE HISTORY" made. Maybe you should refrain from entering their data. A few posts here stated that we should be correct in what we enter...
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Wednesday, September 03, 2008 at 08:12:47 (EDT)
Sept 3 "1952 The Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball team lost its last game at Wilmington Park at 30th and Market Streets." THE ADDRESS IS WRONG, IT WAS 30TH AND GOVERNOR PRINTZ. I WONDER IF THE DATE IS CORRECT!
Connie <nospam>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, September 03, 2008 at 07:31:41 (EDT)
Connie and Jerry - my dad and his brother both worked for Dravo at that time so I imagine they worked on that project. They both worked there until the business shut down.
Mary Ann <MacCbc2003@aol.com>
Hockessin, DE USA - Tuesday, September 02, 2008 at 10:05:48 (EDT)
CONNIE: MY FATHER WORKED FOR DRAVOS IN THAT TIME PERIOD. HE ALSO WORKED ON THE MANHATTON PROJECT FOR DuPONTS THEN IN 1949 WE TOOK OVER THE STORE ON CONCORD AVE.
WE WERE THERE FOR TWENTY YEARS.
Jerry Lank <transworldtsl@delaware.usa.com>
Marco Island, FL USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 23:51:53 (EDT)
Hello All,
I have a framed and double matted watercolor print number 242 out of 1000 depicting the 5 buildings that where all Wilmington High School. Willard hall, number 1 on french street, number 4 school at third and washington, Delaware ave, and the lancaster ave bulding. It was painted in 1985, and was a gift from when I worked there. I need to "clean" my garage and get rid of it...please email me if you are interested in this keepsake of THE Wilmington High School before i stick it on ebay.
drufo <drufo1@verizon.net>
wilm, de USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 21:52:30 (EDT)
Connie: I worked with Bill Blatz at WILM briefly back in 1967. I never really got to know him, and shortly thereafter he went to Philadelphia radio.
Roy C. Pollitt <DJ@OldiesMusicMan.com>
Punta Gorda, FL USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 20:19:35 (EDT)
Ms. Buz Peoples - haven't had a chance to get back to you yet on Frankie Baldo. Hang in there. I will.
Phyllis B. <pboyd52@comcast.net>
Wilm., DE USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 19:23:27 (EDT)
Thanks, Bill:: About my book: The 9th Street Book Store, Hagley Museum and the 3 box stores should have it...
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 12:04:43 (EDT)
Congratulations to Harry: I just went to Amazon.com to order your book and it's out of stock. This is the first time that I've every experienced Amazon not having a book in stock. I hope the sales continue for you.
Swifty <williamwswift@aol.com>
Middletown, DE USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 10:51:57 (EDT)
Roy - in the third paragraph from the top the name Bill Blatz is mentioned as an engineer.
Connie <nospam>
Wilmington, d USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 09:13:24 (EDT)
Anybody's dad work on this? - Sept 1 "1942 The Dravo Corporation in Wilmington produced LST 6, the first LST landing ship tank for the war effort."
Connie <nospam>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 09:11:46 (EDT)
ROY:: Sandy, I can't believe that with all of the entries you made on my site, I did not recognize your name. It's been a long time since we all got together in my basement testing my 2-meter rig (1974?). Remember how my wife always fixed us onion rings? I'll let Clay know. What ever happened to Rick? I let my license expire about 5 years ago, but I still have my 500 watt transmitter and the 2000 volt power supply. Actually, I still have my slow-scan TV equipment, the vidiocon tubes - all of my tubes - I never throw anything out! I'll e-mail you, Harry...
webmaster <web-master@oldwilmington.net>
Wilmington/Perryville, DE/MD USA - Monday, September 01, 2008 at 03:27:50 (EDT)
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