Visitors Nostalgia & Memories

(Archive #8: August 1, 2004 - August 31, 2004)


I was shocked to learn from this web site that an old, dear friend, Warren Beh, died over the weekend. Warren and I were at both Alexis I. and Tower Hill together for years. He and Chrissie were inseparable even at school dances. Even in those days, Warren always tried to do the right thing despite his frequent assessment that "The world is going to hell in a handbasket." In fact, I believe we were distantly related. My paternal grandmother's maiden name was Beh.
Joe Mosbrook <joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com>
Cleveland, OH - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 20:52:26 (EDT)


Re: Polio- sure do remember the sprayings (both by truck and aircraft), iron lungs and the Doris Memorial Unit... And does everyone know that Emily P. Bissell, originator of Christmas Seals and a leader in the fight against tuberculosis, was a Delawarean? She died in 1948.
Bill Fisherw <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 18:49:20 (EDT)
Re:: Polio: I can remember during the middle 40's as a kid, standing by the curbs at 6th & Bancroft Pky when the DDT spray trucks would pass by - I can recall that odor even today! And do you all remember the 'Iron Lungs' and the chest X-ray trucks that would visit all the neighborhoods to check for TB??
Harry Rogerson - Webmaster <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 13:49:24 (EDT)
Marianne, my wife Rosemary Watson attended both Shortledge and Warner, probably the same time as you. We both were graduated from PS in 1970 (me) and 1971. Someday we will be back. :)
Phil Culver <jpculver33@msn.com>
Layton, Ut USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 11:58:32 (EDT)
Bubbles, yes I clearly remember the polio epidemic in the 40's and all of the kids, including my brother, who were hospitalzed at Doris Memorial. We used to go out and visit him, but, like you said, no one could go inside the hospital. So all the visitors stood outside the hospital and talked to the kids through the open windows. As a result of my brother having (a very mild case) of polio, I was not allowed to start school at the beginning of the semister when I was going into 9th grade at Warner Jr. High. I really enjoy reading everyone's stories in OldWilmington. Keep the memories coming. Thanks.Incidentally,I graduated from Wilmington High in 1951..are there any other alum from that year reading these pages?
Patricia
Key Biscayne, FL USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 11:45:31 (EDT)
does anyone remember the polio epidemic (right after the war) when they had airplanes (two wingers)spraying the city,also they had big fly traps in a lot of peoples yards,trying to find out what caused polio
"BUBBLES" <JNPASQUALE@COMCAST.NET>
WILM., DE. USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 08:57:34 (EDT)
JoAnn - Don't remember the u-boat, but do remember the Doris Memorial. Spent about a week or so there with scarlet fever right after Easter in 1945 or '46 (I was about 6 years old). Luckily, my bed was right next to a window so my parents could talk to me through the screen. Dad brought me something every day, books, crayons, etc, and I couldn't take them home when I left the hospital. I was very upset about that. They burned everything, I guess thinking they would spread the germs.
Dot Becker <dorothy.m.becker@dupont-dow.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 07:22:16 (EDT)
Hi Bev, Glad to see that you found this web site. I know you will enjoy it.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 07:17:27 (EDT)
One of my oldest and closest friends from college days, and a Wilmington resident for more than 50 years, Warren A. "Buster" Beh, died alone and suddenly this past Saturday afternoon, hard at work as usual on a volunteer building project at his churches' grounds in Greenville. Never has a trip to Delaware tomorrow been as sad for me as this one will be. He was a truly good man.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 07:16:39 (EDT)
I was born in Wilmington in St Francis Hospital in 1938. I went to Sacred Heart Grade School and St. Elzabeth's High School, graduated in l956. Most of my life I lived in the area of 8th Street Park, right down from Mealeys Funeral Home.
Beverly (Martin)Mocknis <teapotgranny@webtv.net>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 04:36:42 (EDT)
Mike: I never had Miss Feldmeier for a teacher. I came into #30 in the 4th grade, a transfer student from El Paso, TX back in about '44. I believe she taught 2nd grade, if my memory serves me well enough. Am I right, or all wet? She was a well-known and well-loved teacher at that fine institution, and one of the ones I remember, even though I never was her student.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, Ca USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 02:15:20 (EDT)
Bill Miss Feldmeier was my Great Aunt. When my brother & I as teenagers would visit her she would tells about some of her students. She truly loved being a teacher
Mike Snyder <kmsins@msn.com>
Newtown, Ct USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 22:57:04 (EDT)
Question: Does anyone remember when after WW2 ( year )? When there was a Japanese or a German U-boat tied up at the Marine Terminal, for a couple of weeks, and they gave tours on it. And 100s of people in the City came down with scarlet fever and those of us who did, got sent to the Doris Memorial Hospital. Which I believe was a 'contagious unit' behind the old Wilmington General Hospital on Broom Street?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 22:32:00 (EDT)
Love this web site,check it every day.It is SOOOOOO interesting. Thanks so much,for taking your time,that we can all enjoy.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKECREEK, De USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 20:34:35 (EDT)
BETTY & HARRY: Thanks! I've been soooo curious as to who you were, and where in Wilmington your roots began. We all LOVE what's on this website. I'm sure the others checkout all the links, just as often as I do. We just get so caught-up in the 'did you know - do you remember?' that we forget to tell you we recognize what a tremendous amount of time an effort has gone into creating this! Way to go!
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 18:57:29 (EDT)
Does anyone remember a Charlotte or Sarah Heathcote who lived on Grant Ave just above 5th St. ?
mickey
USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 18:43:40 (EDT)
Does anyone know anything about a Dr. Skura ? He lived somewhere down near Rodney st on 1st or 2nd St.around 1939 ?
mickey
USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 18:40:44 (EDT)
A year or so ago I was visiting a friend here in San Francisco. On his refridgerator was an old postcard showing a TV organist from western Pennsylvania. His name was Larry "Lamborghini." It appeared to have been an earlier incarnation of Mr. Ferrari.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 12:06:06 (EDT)
Marianne, I'm a graduate of #30 School (Class of 1947!) I can still remember some of the teachers there: Miss Michener, Miss Darby, Miss Taylor, Miss Feldmeier, Mrs. Brown, and the Principal was Mathilda Peabody (great name!) Were any of them around when you went there?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, Ca USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 01:11:58 (EDT)
Under the heading of Taverns, Bars. Does anyone remember Hagee's Tavern along the Brandwine,not a patron myself,a little too young,at the time, but I grew up in the neighborhood. Henry Clay.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 23:00:57 (EDT)
Yes, it took up the whole block. I walked down the 5th St side, across the Baynard St side on my way to school every school day. I don`t know where they moved them to but heard it is apartments now. I haven`t been back there since sometime in the 90`s
mickey
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 22:51:32 (EDT)
Thanks, Bob. Boy, am I red-faced. I usually check out the main page pretty good before I enter something on these pages, but have to admit that I never took a look on this subject. Most of my questions were answered on the pages that Bob mentioned. Thanks again, Bob, for the heads-up.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 21:13:33 (EDT)
BRUCE: GO TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON WILMINGTON BREWERIES. IT WILL ANSWER THAT ?. ALSO GO TO PHOTO ALBUMS AND CLICK ON BEFRORE 1975 THE 1ST PICTURE WOULD BE THE VIEW THAT THE KING SAW WHEN HE WAS THERE. IT TAKEN ON 5TH ST LOOKING SOUTH.
BOB
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 20:09:47 (EDT)
Does anyone remember Shortledge School(#30)at Concord Ave. and VanBuren. I went there from grades K to 6th. The building still looks the same. I left there in 1959 to continue my 7th,8th and 9th grade education at Warner Junior High. I have many fond memories of those days.
Marianne Craig <murphy447@comcast.net>
Wilm., De USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 19:49:13 (EDT)
Connie - Mickey, Didn't the Little Sister's compound cover the whole block between 4th, 5th, Bancroft Pkwy, & Bayard Avenue? I remember it being there from the mid 40's on, I don't know about earlier.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 18:25:44 (EDT)
Here's some questions that may be new, or at least not talked about for a good while: Stoeckle Beer had a brewery at 5th & Adams Sts., wasn't there also another brewery (Kreuger?) in the same area - maybe a couple of blocks further west? What brewery had the statue of the regally-dressed man (a king?) Holding up a mug of beer in an alcove on the SW corner of the building, facing traffic coming up (northbound) on whichever street? And, is that the same statue as the one that was in front of the Old Log Inn on Naaman's Road (later to become Harry's Savoy Grille), and then end up in front of the diner at the NE corner of Rte. 273 & Rte. 13 (Hare's Corner), before that diner was Dempsey's? A couple of side questions here: what was the name of the bar on Naaman's Road after the Old Log Inn and before Harry's, and what was the name of the Hare's Corner diner before it was Dempsey's? What was the name of the diner on the NW corner of Hare's Corner. And, where did the statue go after the Hare's Corner diner was through with it? Hmmm....?
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 18:07:17 (EDT)
They were at that location from the time i can remember from the early 20s to late 30`s when we moved to the country
mickey
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 18:06:49 (EDT)
I don`t really know what their building looked like. It had a huge stone wall all around it with one opening for deliveries or what ever. I did see the sisters out begging. It was in the next block from St Thomas
mickey
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 18:02:32 (EDT)
If my memory is right, I believe the Little Sisters of the Poor were in back of St Patrick's Church at 13th & King even before they were at 5th and Grant. Re 5th & Grant - was that a huge gray stone building?
Connie
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 16:20:25 (EDT)
Don`t imagine there are many if any that went to #25 later called Lore school that are still around.If so speak up. I remember candles on outside window sills for new years eve, burning of christmas trees in the park. I even remember the lamplighter every nite on the corner of 5th and Grant Ave. and the Little Sister of the Poor in the next block . Anybody ??
mickey
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 15:05:06 (EDT)
Hooray, Bruce.
Connie
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 11:32:34 (EDT)
Dear Nicke, No one has taken over the oldwilmington guestbook, anyone and everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute whatever they care to write about, as long as it follows the guidelines at the top of the guestbook page. Further, I see no abuse of the site; the webmaster is working on a proper forum for the oldwilmington site, but until it is finished, the guestbook is, as it always has been, an informal forum. There evidently is enough bandwidth to accomodate everyone's comments, as I've heard no warnings from the webmaster to restrict the length of their contributions, etc. The guestbook ebbs and flows, some people talk a lot for awhile, then are silent for awhile; some people, like me, just can't keep their mouth shut - and others just read, not contributing at all. Everyone is right, no one is wrong. This is a friendly group sharing their memories of Wilmington with other Wilmington lovers - sometimes personal friendships are renewed, some conversations are to a limited audience; but who cares? It's all Wilmington related, and I love reading it all and, before I'm gone, sharing what I remember, and asking questions about things I don't remember. Once the forum (chatroom) is up and running, then this guestbook will resort to being a place to just leave your name and singular comment. In th emeantime, please share more of your thoughts and memories with your fellow Wilmingtonians.
Bruce <spyderxl(at)comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 11:22:30 (EDT)
re Joe Pyne - my parents and I listened to him every night and I enjoy reading information about him.
Connie
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 09:30:53 (EDT)
re the loss of WILM - there's a great comment about it on today's baltimoresun.com/business titled "Sleazy but rich radio leviathan swallows tiny quality station" by Jay Hancock. Apparently not only Delawareans appreciate WILM.
Connie
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 09:29:18 (EDT)
Bud, I should do remember Stern's Auto Shop on Tatnall Street. My dad-Bob Smith along with George Wilson worked there for over 25 years. I remember when Frank was killed it was a hard time for our family. I didn't realize that it's been over 50 years ago.
Carole Parker <nina301007@aol.com>
Newport News, VA USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 09:25:43 (EDT)
BILL PRYOR - Yes, there are plenty of people from Lore School/Little Italy era here! Go through the archives, esp. the two or three earliest ones. You'll find lots of the wonderful memories you are looking for. I was born across from "10th St.Ball Diamond" on 10th & Lincoln, but too young to know the players - I just remember games were always being played there. Several years later, I lived on the same block as Frankies & always went there for subs too. I also went throught the drills of hiding under our school desks during the 40's air drills. By the way, that was at St. Thomas, right next to Lore where you went. Remember the guy who sold sticky apples on the corner after school? Lore School is now an assisted living facility. Another place for fantastic memories are the lists published in this site - they transport you back in time!! Enjoy!
Patti
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 09:17:54 (EDT)

Nicke - I agree ! Also why are some of the same comments being posted 3 times in a row ? Webmaster where are you ?
Bud
Wilmington, DE USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 08:10:14 (EDT)

I am here...

See my comment entered on 8/30/2004!!!

Harry R


Nicke, how about introducing a few new subjects for us? I am sure you must have some memories of old Wilmington and I look forward to reading about them.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 07:39:47 (EDT)
PLEASE - enough with the Joe Pyne & other topics that get beaten to death!!! This is a wonderful site, but sadly, a few people have taken it completely over. Most of the postings are conversations, more suitable for private chat rooms or e-mails to each other. Others have brought this up, and have been answered kindly, but it seems the few are abusing the purpose of the site. Personally, I am disappointed by it and tired of having to read pages and pages on the same subject, by the same people. The rest of us don't want to read your personal messages to each other. I really don't mean to be rude, I realize you are enjoying the site as much as I USED to.Any others who would like to comment on this?
nicke
USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 06:39:40 (EDT)
FOLKS: "Gone But Not Forgotten" Here's a website to Talkers Magazine. There's a picture and a brief article on Joe Pyne. May he rest in peace. www.talkers.com/greatest/21tPyne.htm
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 20:32:52 (EDT)
"Gone But Not Forgotten" Here's a link to Talkers Magazine. There's a picture and a brief article on Joe Pyne. I guess we can let him rest in peace. www.talkers.com/greatest/21tPyne.htm
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 20:29:58 (EDT)
BOB,BLAME IT ON GETTING OLD, YOUR RIGHT ABOUT THE BOMB AT PYNE,S HOUSE. A FEW YEARS LATTER WHEN I WENT ON THE FORCE I WAS TOLD BY SENIOR PATROLMAN ,THAT JOE WAS A BIG GAMBLER.IN FACT I LEARNED THIS TO BE TRUE A FEW YRS.LATTER. PYNE OWED 1000,S TO GAMBLERS FROM DEL. AND PA. HE DID NOT PAY OFF . AFTER THE BOB INCIDENT HE LEFT TOWN .PEOPLE ALWAYS WONDERED WHY? HE PAID OFF HIS GAMBLING DEBTS AND RETURNED TO WILMINGTON, AND W.I.L.M., BUT HE DID NOT STOP GAMBLING . I WAS IN A CARD GAME (ONE) AND HE WAS THERE. I LIKED JOE HE WAS A VERY KIND MAN..AND AS I SAID BEFORE, HE WAS ONE TOUGH EX- MARINE
ralph pryor <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 15:54:31 (EDT)
I remember Dry Goods dollar days as late as the mid '70s. A co-worker was one of the women who waited outside the door for the store to open at 7 AM. I think the huge crowd waiting for it to open often made the news.
Connie
USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 14:20:32 (EDT)
Anybody remember DOLLAR days ? Winter coats, dresses ? When I went to Newark High most of my clothes were dollar ones, depression days !!!!!!!
mickey
tx USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 11:32:37 (EDT)
TM, DO YOU REMEMBER THE $7.00 LADIES SUITS SOLD AT DRY GOODS IN THE 50'S ? I KNOW MANY LADIES WOULD COME FROM PHILADELPHIA FOR THE GREAT BUYS.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 09:02:51 (EDT)
I remember driving from Philadelphia to attend the great sales at Wilmington Dry Goods. It was the only time I allowed my kids to play hookey. We remember hearing the announcer on the PA system, "Make your selection!" And we recall the great sign: with the picture on the guy with his head touching his heels: "We bend over backward just to please you!"
T M <trompaswrit@hotmail.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Friday, August 27, 2004 at 23:14:58 (EDT)
Ralph, before he went to the Rodney, Jiggs Jackson used to play the Hammond at Van's Holland House Restaurant. My mother knew of nothing nicer to do on a weekend evening than to go in there with my dad, be greeted by Van, and listen to Jiggs at the keyboard while dining. He was very good. I'm surprised you don't remember Pyne's house on Murphy Road. Someone planted a bomb there once, but there were no injuries. No one was home. Joe used to tease and verbally abuse Dave Winger of the donut place mercilessly.
Bob Wilson
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, August 27, 2004 at 20:59:33 (EDT)
Joe Pyne last worked in Wilmington at the Kent Manor Inn, owned by Jimmy Boines on the DuPont Hgwy. I know because I was on his program many, many times, impersonating people that I would make up to suit Joe's program that night. Paul Richardson and Ray DeToro were also there. I also was on his program from the English Grill. Joe wanted Harry Sheing (whose wife, Frances, worked for Ewing Hawkins at WILM) and me to go the California with him. He promised he would make us rich. We did'nt go and we are not rich. Joe's dead, Harry's dead and Francis is dead.
Francis P. Fiorelli <ffio7532@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 27, 2004 at 20:34:10 (EDT)
Joe Pyne last worked in Wilmington at the Kent Manor Inn on the DuPont Hgwy. I know because I was on his program many, many times, impersonating people that I would make up to suit Joe's program that night. Paul Richardson and Ray DeToro were also there. I also was on his program from the English Grill. Joe wanted Harry Sheing (whose wife, Frances, worked for Ewing Hawkins at WILM) and me to go the California with him. He promised he would make us rich. We did'nt go and we are not rich. Joe's dead, Harry's dead and Francis is dead.
Francis P. Fiorelli <ffio7532@att.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 27, 2004 at 20:31:51 (EDT)
Joe Pyne lived on Murphy Rd across from Deerhurst in a ranch house. Doesn't anybody remember when he would broadcast from a diner out on Maryland Ave.?
Bud
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 27, 2004 at 17:40:09 (EDT)
TO ALL YOU JOE PYNE BUFFS, PAT WAS RIGHT , JOE DID BROADCAST FROM THE ENGLISH GRILL,AND FOR MANY YEARS. BUT HIS LAST FEW YEARS BROADCASTING FOR W.I.L.M HE WORKED OUT OF THE TOWN TALK RESTAURANT LOCATED ON SHIPLY ST, BETWEEN 9TH. AND 10.TH PAUL RICHARDSON AND I WOULD GO THERE TO HEAR THE SHOW WHEN EVER WE WERE IN TOWN. DOES ANY ONE KNOW WHERE JOE LIVED ? -- RODNEY HOTEL BETWEEN 11TH AND 12 TH ON MKT. ST. THEY TORE THE HOTEL DOWN IN 1961. WAS PRETTY NICE INSIDE. , I MET JOE AT THE HOTEL BAR ONE FALL DAY. HE HAD U OF DEL. FOOT BALL TICKS. FOR ME AND MY PARTNER. JIGGS JACKSON WAS THE ORGANIST AT THE HOTEL . HE WAS A GREAT SHOW MAN. HE HAS SINCE PASSED AWAY.. RAMBO ,YOU COULD NOT THINK OF THE BAR YOU PLAYED IN ONE NIGHT. YOU SAID IT WAS ON 8TH. ST. BETWEEN KING AND FRENCH ST. THE ONLY BAR AT THAT LOCATION WOULD HAVE BEEN ---THE ESSEK HOTEL AND BAR. AND THEY DID HAVE LIVE MUSIC THERE. .LIKE MOST OF THE EAST SIDE OF WILM. IT WAS TORN DOWN .
ralph pryor <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Friday, August 27, 2004 at 15:40:02 (EDT)
The 'Merryland' closed to later become an 'Antique Car Museum', which closed and was demolished. It is now the location for "Kohl's" store. There was also an automobile turn-off rest area in that same location which became a 'parking spot' and then a 'hangout' for 'undesirable types'. Large rocks were placed there after a killing.
Harry R <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Friday, August 27, 2004 at 08:36:45 (EDT)
I remember the Frenchtown Tavern!! Manys a night after a visit to that stately mansion I couldn't go to bed until the room stopped spinning! I guess I never went outside the building when I was there, 'cuz I don't remember it being on the water... I suppose I didn't want to have anything to do with water while I was there; it rots wood and rusts iron-- look what it'll do to your stomach! I stuck with good ol' alcohol.
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 22:38:25 (EDT)
Who remembers the bar/club called "Frenchtown" down on an arm of the Chesapeake just a bit south and west of Glasgow, in Maryland? It was a popular spot for UDel students as well as Naval trainees from Bainbridge, since the folks there never carded you. It was in a stately old mansion house that overlooked the water. I had some really good times there back in '54 and '55. One of my fraternity brothers actually engineered the theft of a chair that he favored from there. It went out through an opened window. ...Deja Vu.....am I repeating myself here? Maybe this is not the first time I've mentioned this place and incident here.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 21:14:47 (EDT)
A group of us went there (the Merryland) every Wednesday and Sunday night. Met lots of sailors from Bainbridge there, too. Gordon, the organist, was a really great guy who enjoyed having us sit and talk with him in that little room over the rink where he played. We stayed as long as we could stand the cigarette smoke.
Connie
USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 20:17:13 (EDT)
Yes indeed, I remember Merryland roller rink. On the southside of Route 40 between Glasgow and Elkton. Nearby there were two Stuckey's restaurants (featuring "Pecan Sandies"). There also was a great junk store nearby on the Route 40 median.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco,, CA USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 17:15:12 (EDT)
Does anyone remember the Merryland Roller Rink just this side of the Maryland line?
Connie
USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 17:10:38 (EDT)
in regards to where joe pyne broadcast from, some mention the pyne rm. not so . tere was a pine room between 7th and 8.th on king st . but pyne never broadcast from there pat le van was correct pynne did broadcast from the english grille . but his last broad cast spot was ---- the town talk located at shiply . between 9.th and 10 th.paul richardson the organist and i would catch joe,s broadcast there . when we were not working.
ralph pryor <repjfk>
tarpon springs, fl USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 16:32:21 (EDT)
( BIG SIGH ) And we were just talking about WILM. 08/25/2004. Wilmington radio station WILM 1450 is being sold to radio conglomerate Clear Channel Communications Inc. for almost $4 million, a deal that marries one of the last, family-run, all-news broadcasters in America with the country's biggest radio company.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 17:39:59 (EDT)
Richard: Jo Ann gave it in her post a few entries back; It's http://home.earthlink.net/~whfisher but the easiest way to get there is to click on my underlined name in any of my posts...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 13:41:57 (EDT)
I REMEMBER THE PINE ROOM ON KING STREET. IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT JOE PYNE'S BROADCASTING LOCATION. I REMEMBER ALSO PLAYING A JOB IN A BAND AT A BAR LOCATED ON 8TH STREET, BETWEEN KING AND FRENCH.....ON THE HILL. DOES ANYONE KNOW THE NAME OF THAT BAR? I GOT $8.00 FOR 3 HOURS AND, AS I RECALL, I WAS WORTH EVERY DOLLAR THAT NITE! JIM HAYDEN ON SAX, SAM RAMBO ON DRUMS, CARL REHRIG ON PIANO AND AL HAYDEN ON BASS. I PLAYED TRUMPET. LAST REMEMBRANCE WAS OF OUR "WALKING THE BAR" PLAYING EACH OTHERS' INSTRUMENTS. HAD TO BE AROUND 1963???? GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL.
jim rambo <jrambo@comcast.net>
Wilmington, de USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 11:56:48 (EDT)
Bill Fisher: Ok Bill I give up, what is you're web page link?
Richard <MightyTaskMaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 09:21:42 (EDT)
Indeed, the spot where Joe Pyne broadcast from was the English Grille. The Jazz Cellar's "other" partner was Bucky Carver. Guess he was the guy who never showed up. Does anyone remember the very beautiful waitress named "Bess"?
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 21:55:28 (EDT)
Hey, thanks for the "plug", Jo Ann! I've had a lot of fun putting that little monstrosity together over the years, and it also serves as my memory-checker... if I can't remember something, I look it up there, and more often than not these days, the website is correct and my memory is not!
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 21:11:54 (EDT)
WOW! Has anyone else checked out Bill Fisher's website? Great bio, Bill. " http.home.earthlink.net~whfisher "
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 20:56:46 (EDT)
Yep, there was a Pine (spelling?) Room restaurant / bar on King Street, near the corner of 8th or 9th Street? I don't know for certain if it had any connection with Joe Pyne, but I seem to think he may have broadcast from it at one time. But wadda I know?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 20:40:03 (EDT)
Yes indeed it was the English Grill, but now I'm remembering there was a Pyne Room somewhere in Wilmington. Or maybe it's just the old brain playing tricks on me.
Wayne
USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 20:19:20 (EDT)
Wayne, are you sure it wasn't the English Grille where you saw Joe Pyne? That's where he broadcast his show "It's Your Nickel" from...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 20:14:54 (EDT)
I've been racking my brain all afternoon trying to think of the name of the resturant I took Rocky to on Market street to see Joe and I swear it was called "THE PYNE ROOM" I didn't make the connection until just now.
Wayne Butler
USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 20:04:37 (EDT)
*Thud*. Ralph, I'd forgotten all about Jim T! Wasn't he kind of a thin, smallish guy, with a fantastic voice? I once called into his talk show. We flirted; he asked me out...when we met, he realized how young I was...bought me dinner and sent me home in a taxi! Ha Ha!
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 18:27:25 (EDT)
As a youth and young teen, I lived in an apartment building at 5th & West Sts. A blind man by the name of Rocky Bonnavita also lived in the building. There were 18 apartments converted from part of the original Friends school. I was Rocky's seeing eye guide. I would take him here and there around Wilmington and assist him in buying things for his wife and children. He too knew Joe Pyne very well, and had me take him to his show one evening which at that time was broadcast from a very nice bar & grill type resturant on Market St between 9th and 10th. This would have been around 1954. Rocky as some of you may know ran a Del. Commision for the Blind Luncheonette in the Post Office(I belive)in downtown Wilmington.
Wayne Butler
USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 15:43:22 (EDT)
IN REGARDS TO INFO . ON THE JAZZ CELLAR . AND RADIO PERSONALITY JOE PYNE. THE JAZZ CELLAR WAS ONLY IN BUSINESS FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR. IT WAS LOCATED UNDER THE OLIVER HOTEL AT 7TH. SHIPLY ST. I AM SURE THE MAIN REASON WHY IT FAILED WAS IT,S SIZE. YOU WERE ONLY ALLOWED 25 PEOPLE IN THE CELLAR . BUT ON A GOOD SAT, NIGHT THE HAD 80 TO 90 PEOPLE IN THE PLACE . WERE WARNED BY THE FIRE MARSHALL THAT THY WOULD BE CLOSED IF THE VIOLATIONS WENT ON , AND THEY DID .JIM TERMINE WHO HAD TAKEN JOE PYNES PLACE AT W.I.L.M TALK SHOW COULD NOT BE THERE TO RUN THE BISINESS . AND HIS PARTNER . WAS NEVER THERE. . TO BAD WAS VERY POPULAR.I WALKED A BEAT IN THAT AREA AND YOU COULD SEE THE CIG. SMOKE POURING OUT OF CELLAR A BLOCK A WAY . IT WAS A PLACE WHERE LOT OF ARTIST COULD DO THERE THING. IN REGARDS TO JOE PYNE, IN THE LATE 40.S I BELIEVE , A DR. LYNCH OF WILM. AMPUTATED HIS LEFT LEG. THE CANCER IN HIS LEG HAD BEEN SPREADING. . .HERE IS A TRUE FACT. PYNE WHO WAS A TOUGH EX. MARINE . ,STATED THAT HE WOULD BE SLOW DANCEING ONE MONTH AFTER HIS OPERATION, --AND HE WAS. . JOE ,IT,S YOUR NICKLE. JIM TERMINE THANK,S FOR BEING A GREAT FRIEND.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 14:17:22 (EDT)
Whatever happened to Dave Winger and the Tender Maid Donut Shop on Market St. near Becker's Corner?
butch schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
mt. pleasant, sc USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 12:10:50 (EDT)
Remember O'Brien's? It was under the Elsmere Bridge. Mulroony's is there now. On New Road. Back near where the skating rink is. O'Brien's...remember?
Jim
USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 09:23:48 (EDT)
Anyone remember Stern Auto Top on Tatnall St.The owners son Frank worked there and was also a Captain in the Del. Air National Guard. He was tragically killed in the crash of his jet fighter plane 50 years ago this month. He is missed.
Bud
Wilmington, DE USA - Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 08:45:55 (EDT)
MARIO AND ALSO JO ANN, THINK I CAN ANSWER BOTH YOUR QUESTIONS . MARIO ,I PLAYED AT THE JAZZ CELLAR JUST ONE NIGHT. IT WAS LOCATED AT 7TH. SHIPLY ST . . AND YOU WERE RIGHT , YOU WALKED DOWN A COUPLE OF STEPS.IT WAS NOT VERY LARGE PLACE , NORM UNCARD WAS ON PIANO BUT I FOR GET THE REST GUYS NAMES, THE SMOKE WAS SO THICK , YOU COULD HAVE CUT IT WITH A KNIFE/ WE JAZZED TILL MID. NIGHT(THAT WAS STATE LIQUOR LAW THEN) JIM TERMINE WAS CO OWNER OF THE CELLAR. BUT HEAR THIS JO ANN , JIM TOOK JOE PYNES PLACE AFTER JOE RECEIVED A GREAT OFFER OUT IN CALIF. ON T,V. AND HIS SHOW IN TIME BECAME NATION WIDE. JOE DIED FROM CANCER . HE HAD HIS LEFT LEG TAKEN OFFBY DOCTOR LYNCH OF WILM. BACK IN THE 40,S. HOW DO I KNOW ABOUT JOE ,HE TOLD ME . WE USE TO PLAY POKER OVER J,S STEAK HOUSE AT 3RDFRENCH ST(2ND. FLOOR) JIM TERMINE AND I BECAME VERY CLOSE FRIENDS EVEN AFTER HE MOVED TO APACHE JUNCTION, AZ. GIVING UP THE ,IT,S YOUR NICKLE RADIO SHOW WHICH HE HAD DONE FOR ABOUT SIX. YEARS . JIM DIED OF CANCER DECEMBER 2002. SO TWO GREAT MEN OF WILM. LOCAL RADIO ARE GONE ,BUT NOT FOR GOTTON
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Monday, August 23, 2004 at 18:05:54 (EDT)
re Joe Pyne - I remember him calling people "meathead."
Connie
USA - Monday, August 23, 2004 at 16:54:19 (EDT)
I remember Joe Pyne. I remember Joe Pyne's wooden leg. I remember Joe Pyne repeating the caller's comments because there was no system to broadcast the caller's voice. Every so often Joe would be listening to a caller than shout, "You idiot!" and hang up. Later I learned from an old boss, Vince Kosek, that bored fireman would call Joe Pyne and make somewhat off-color suggestions. In the early 1970s I saw Joe Pyne on a late night talk/interview television show in Los Angeles.
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, California USA - Monday, August 23, 2004 at 11:57:20 (EDT)
I was born and raised in the flats on Grant Ave what is now called Bancroft Parkway. After narriage I lived just above the papermill as my husband worked there, I passed the Logan House every tine I went anywhere. My house was just over the bridge. I don`t think its still there . My uncle Ben Mitchell drone no 5 trolley out Monroe st to Newport from the early 29`s til he retired.
mickey pulley
tx USA - Monday, August 23, 2004 at 00:07:56 (EDT)
The only Trolley Barn I remember was at Delaware Avenue & DuPont Streets. At what is now known as Trolley Square? It was acrossed DuPont street from the Logan House, is that the same one?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Sunday, August 22, 2004 at 15:55:03 (EDT)
RALPH PRYOR: I don't know about where my grandfather lived but we lived in the flats on Springer Street and then moved around 1960 to Newark Delaware. Also Jack Collins now works for DART, he is about to retire, his father worked for the Coach Company many years ago. Can you remember the Bus Company B/4 the Coach Company, the yard was near 6th and Greenhill I think?
Richard <MightyTaskMaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 21:47:48 (EDT)
RICHARD BURTON, AS A YOUNG BOY OF ABOUT 11YRS. OLD , I WOULD SOME TIMES GO DOWN TO THE DEL. COACH CO. CAR BARN AND OFFICE TO SIT WITH MY DAD WHILE HE COUNTED THE MONEY FROM HIS EIGHT HOUR SHIFT ., YOUR GRAND FATHER A STRONG LOOKING MAN ALWAYS GOT ALONG WITH MY DAD. KEPT MY FATHER IN STITCHES AND ME TO , WITH HIS JOKES..MY DAD WOULD MENTION THE NAME BURTON EVEN AT HOME ,AND ALWAYS IN A FOND WAY. . DID EITHER YOUR DAD OR GRAND FATHER LIVE IN ELSMERE ?. AT THE CO. PICNIC,S WOULD SIT AND HAVE A FEW DRINKS TO GEATHER. WE LIVED AT 9TH. AND CLAYTON ST.. SO AFTER MY DAD CHECKED OUT , WE WALKED THE FEW BLKS. HOME. THE CAR BARN (DEL COACH) WAS LOCATED AT DEL .AVE . AND CLAYTON ST./ I REMEMBER THE FRONT PORCH WERE THE TROLLY DRIVERS WOULD SIT BEFORE GOING ON DUTY. THAT PORCH MUST HAVE HAD OVER A 1000 KNOT HOLES IN IT , AND SPIT TOON,S IN EVERY CORNER. YES RICHARD , YOURDAD AND GRAND DAD AND MY FATHER DROVE THE TROLLY,S, TRACKLESS TROLLY,S, AND THE BUSES. MY DAD FOR 38 YRS.. AND DURING THE SNOW STORMS , THE DEL. COACH TOOK CARE OF THE STREETS OF WILM.. THEY SANDED AND PLOWED. I RECALL YOU GRAND DAD PICKING UP MY DAD IN A SNOW PLOW IN FRONT OF OUR HOME THEY SANDED THE STREETS HALF THE NIGHT. YOU SAY YOU ARE EMPLOYED WITH DART . SO WAS MY NEPHEW DENNIS NELSON . I BELIEVE HE RETIRED LAST YEAR. / GOOD LUCK RICHARD HOPE I HAVE BEEN SOME HELP TO YOU.
ralph pryor <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, DE USA - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 15:39:37 (EDT)
Hi Jo Ann, There was a lot of discussion about Joe Pyne a couple of months ago, you can check back through the archives for (about) springtime, and I'm sure you'll find all of that information - where his shows were broadcast from, etc. :)
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 14:27:01 (EDT)
Is my memory failing? . Does anyone remember Joe Pine? And didn't he broadcast live from some club around 9th / 8th and King Streets?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 13:03:40 (EDT)
Broadcasted - broadcast?? I guess either is correct.
Bruce
USA - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 12:12:23 (EDT)
And, Mitch Thomas broadcasted live from a club (his own club??) on 2nd St., between King and French or French and Walnut, I believe; correct me if I'm wrong. I think his show was on from 8:00PM to midnight.
Bruce <spyderxl(at)comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 09:37:48 (EDT)
I remember Mitch Thomas being on WILM. He always referred to Wilmington as "The Big W". The Jazz Cellar was on west 7th St. between Market and Shipley. It was owned at one time by Bucky Carver who also worked for years at the Bee Hive in the DuPont Bldg. at 10th and Market Sts.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 08:36:37 (EDT)
Ralph Prior, Since you were a musician (or maybe you still are), did you ever play any gigs as the Jazz Cellar? I am not sure were it was located, but it was in the center of the city. You had to go down a flight of stairs and then entered this darken room. Our five pice combo had one job down there and after our session, we thought we had reached the pinacle of success.
Mario <melepera@aol.com>
Harrisonburg, VA USA - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 08:17:58 (EDT)
I think Mitch Thomas was on WILM; I'm sure it wasn't WDEL. During my era, his theme music was "Night Train", I don't remember the "Mr. Thomas" theme, that was probably before I was listening to the program.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Friday, August 20, 2004 at 22:14:59 (EDT)
Larry, Mitch Thomas Theme: Oh, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Thomas, Why don't we feel whatever we're supposed to feel Oh, Mr. Thomas let us ramble through the midnight Let us throw bottles at the ferris wheel Let us paint library on the library let us raid the moonlight Let us steal whatever we're supposed to steal. There are other versus, but this was the repeat chorus.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Friday, August 20, 2004 at 22:08:43 (EDT)
While we are talking about Delaware Coach Company - I had breakfast the other day with a friend of mine that I've known since the late 50's, "Clay", whose father 'Dean Will' and his partner ran the 'lunch/deli/soda counter' "Penn-Clay" across from the 'Car Barn' on Delaware Ave. Does anyone out there remember it?? And Richard, we need to get together again for lunch - I'll invite Clay. E-mail me when you get a chance...
Harry Rogerson <webmaster@oldwilmington.net>
Perryville, MD USA - Friday, August 20, 2004 at 19:12:30 (EDT)
Regarding "Mister Thomas...." This was the opening theme for the Mitch Thomas radio show on (WDEL or WILM?) weeknights at 8:00am. Mitch Thomas was possibly the only Black DJ in Wilmington at the time. I had no idea that his theme song got airplay on other stations. Anybody know who sang this song?
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, August 20, 2004 at 17:14:22 (EDT)
RICHARD BURTON, YOU ASKED ME IF I KNEW YOUR DAD OR GRAND FATHER WHO WORKED FOR THE OLD DEL. COACH CO. BACK IN THE 40,S OR 50,S . I REMEMBER YOUR GRAND FATHER SITTING IN THE DRIVERS CHECK OUT ROOM, THATS WERE THE DRIVERS COUNTED THERE MONEY THAT THEY TOOK IN DURING THERE SHIFT. I WOULD SIT IN THERE WAITING FOR MY DAD TO CHECK OUT. THEN WE WOULD HEAD HOME .WE LIVED AT 9 TH. CLAYTON ST JUST A FEW BLOCKS AWAY. . THE DEL. COACH CO. AS YOU KNOW ,WAS AT DEL. AVE AND CLAYTON ST. I REMEMBER THE OLD FRONT PORCH WITH ITS OVER A 1000 KNOT HOLES. AND SPIT TUNES IN EVERY CORNER. DID YOUR DAD OR GRAND DAD LIVE OUT SIDE WILM.? I REMEMBER YOUR GRAND DAD ALWAYS HAD A JOKE TO TELL MY DAD. BUT THE NAME BURTON RANG A BELL AS SOON AS YOU ASKED ME ABOUT YOUR DAD AND GRAND DAD. AND BACK IN THE 40,S AND EARLY 5O,S PEOPLE OF WILMINGTON DID NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SNOW STORMS,. IT,S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT THE DEL. COACH CO. TOOK CARE OF THE CITY STREETS . THEY PLOUD AND SANDED. MY FATHER DID IT MANY TIMES ON HIS DAY OFF. MY NEPHEW DENNIS NELSON RETIRED FROM DART JUST A SHORT TIME AGO. TAKE CARE RICHARD, AND BY THE WAY, I LOVE YOUR MOVIES 1 RALPH
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Friday, August 20, 2004 at 15:44:52 (EDT)
Larry, I remember the song MISTER THOMAS PLEASE PROMISE WE'LL NEVER PART. It was popular in the early 50's . It was a song that was played constantly on the jute box as my family took a ride on the Wilson Line to Philadelphia.My brother and I were just discussing this last month. He still knows all the words.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De USA - Thursday, August 19, 2004 at 22:47:18 (EDT)
Hi Pat, I was born and raised in the 40 acres right across from st. Anns church, went to the school infact the grade school is having a school reunion, if any one went to st.anns and did not hear about the reunion write back--I think it is only some of the classes maybe say the class of 51-54 lets just say early 50's
Joe
USA - Thursday, August 19, 2004 at 20:34:46 (EDT)
Who remember's this song? "Oh Mister Thomas, please promise, we'll never part."
Larry Roszkowiak (Rush) <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Thursday, August 19, 2004 at 18:49:45 (EDT)
HI PAT LEVAN, THANK,S FOR INVITING ME BACK ON THE GUEST BOOK . AS I HAD STATED ,I WOULD GIVE MACKEY A CHANCE AND WOULD NOT COME BACK ON UNLESS REQUESTED TO DO SAME , THANK YOU PAT. YOU ASKED ME IF I WAS RELATED TO BILL PRYOR. AND I PROUDLY SAY YES !HE IS MY KID BROTHER . BILL WAS A DARN GOOD CLARINET PLAYER BACK IN THE MID. 50,S AND EARLY 60,S HAD A POPULAR DANCE BAND CALLED THE TORMENTORS. THE BAND WAS MADE UP OF WILM. HIGH STUDENTS.BAND STAYED TOGEATHER FOR ABOUT SEVEN YRS.. IN THE MEAN TIME , I HAD MY OWN JAZZ AND DIXIE LAND BAND .. MY DRUMMER WAS LOUIE DUMAL , BASS MARTY PARIS. ARTIE JAMES ON SAX --ETC. AND AS I SAID BEFORE , I HAD THE HONOR OF PLAYING WITH LEM WINCHESTER THE GREAT FIBE MAN. AND PAUL RICHARDSON THE BEST JAZZ ORGANIST IN THE NORTH-EAST... OH YES, I STILL REMEMBER MY FIRST JOB ,IT WAS AT SACRED HEART CHURCH HALL, AT 8TH. ADAMS ST . ?WE ALL GOT PAID OFF IN SANDWICHES !! BY THE WAY , MY BROTHER BILL WAS ALSO SOLOIST CLARINET MAN WITH THE DEL SYM. ORCHESTRA. == RALPH PRYOR
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Thursday, August 19, 2004 at 18:34:28 (EDT)
Oops - that should be reincarnation
Betty
USA - Thursday, August 19, 2004 at 15:50:56 (EDT)
Wasn't the Chuck Wagon reincanation called Remington's - had kind of a western theme and I guess was a steak house of sorts. I know it didn't last too long.
Betty <bjreeder@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 19, 2004 at 15:47:32 (EDT)
My grandfather was an Irish immigrant who settled in Wilmington and worked for the duPont Co. in the late 1800's and early 1900's. His name was John Mulherin. He married Bridget Houghton. They lived in Henry Clay, DE. and had nine children. He drove a "lorry" hauling explosives and survived a few "blow-ups". Unfortunately, he died of peritonitis at the age of 38. My grandmother somehow managed and settled in the "40 Acres".
Pat (Stillwell) LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, Fl USA - Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at 21:57:53 (EDT)
Do you know of a photographer named Buzz Hammond in Mount Pleasant, by any chance?
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at 07:27:18 (EDT)
CHUCK WAGON----THERE WAS ANOTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANT AFTER THE CHUCK WAGON, AND BEFORE THE PRESENT ONE. THE FOOD AND SERVICE WERE NOT GOOD. IT CLOSED WITHIN A SHORT TIME. IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN THE NAME OF THE RESTAURANT STARTED WITH THE LETTER "Z" DOES ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBER WHAT THAT MIGHT BE ???
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
PIKE CREEK, De USA - Monday, August 16, 2004 at 21:06:43 (EDT)
Oops! That was Robin Brown's e-mail addy. Drop the www. Sorry about that.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Monday, August 16, 2004 at 20:16:12 (EDT)
JIM: www.rbrown@delawareonline.com (Robin Brown)is a reporter of local news for the News Journal.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Monday, August 16, 2004 at 20:08:17 (EDT)
I do remeber reading or being told that the Coffee Pot doorway was such a landmark that is was not touched in the remodelling but was left in tact and built around in the restructuring. Now that may have been the resteraunt immediatley following the Chuck Wagon and not the Biestro. Does anyone have any News Journel Connections?
Jim
USA - Monday, August 16, 2004 at 19:37:53 (EDT)
Art, I think you have listed all of the stores that followed Gaylord's on Miller Road after the Jan. 13, 1970 fire. I'm not sure of the chronological order, but wasn't Zayre's the first to open after the place was rebuilt? I tend to agree that there was some rinky-dink restaurant in the Chuck Wagon building for a short time, but failed, and then the place was rebuilt/remodeled and became the Italian restaurant.
Bruce <spyderxl(at)comcast.net>
Wilminigton, USA - Monday, August 16, 2004 at 17:46:12 (EDT)
Just to keep the Chuck Wagon coffee pot door controversy going - I remember the News Journal reporting that the exterior of the building was being preserved and being covered by the stucco that is currently on the building. Maybe the actual door was removed and replaced but the coffee pot outline was saved. Also, I believe there was another restaurant located there between the time it was the Chuck Wagon and the current Italian Bistro. Finally, the Gaylord's on Miller Road has been home to several stores including, Jamesway, Zayre's, Caldor's and Ames. Any others?
Art
DE USA - Monday, August 16, 2004 at 15:31:21 (EDT)
Bob Wilson, my father also worked at the old F & F on the 8th floor of the DuPont Bldg. - retired in 1958. I worked summers for the Accounts Payable Funds/Freight Division on the 2nd floor of the Nemours Bldg. Sorry to hear of the "debridgement", etc. Used to eat lunch at the Copper Kettle - great burgers - brings back wonderful memories.
butch schilling <fschilloing@isacclaims.com>
mount pleasant, sc USA - Monday, August 16, 2004 at 14:01:37 (EDT)
Hey, guy & girls from Delaware. Cut & paste the link below into your browsers. It's an old one, but I tried it and it still works. It was in the News Journal paper a couple of years back. Anyone remember any other "Famous Delawareans?", www.allaboutdelaware.com/library/famous.htm
Jo Ann <crossan@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 20:07:00 (EDT)
I grew up on Silverside Road, what was Silverside Greenhouse and Mushroom Company. Right across the street was Joe Smith's Dairy. A couple of doors down from the Dairy was a one room shcool house, where the neighbor hood kids went to school. My brothers and two sisters went to the one room school house. The house is still there. I think it is a shop of something now. Do you think that anyone would keep it and restore it? I hope so. Neighbors were real neighbors then, help each other, share veggies and goodies. Great times
Mary Hartnett <Rhart98625@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 16:40:47 (EDT)
Does anyone remember Silverside Greenhouse & Mushroom Company on Silverside Road Andy Vattilana had a hearty laugh and the tastiest tomatoes in Delaware. Hey guys, you could actually eat the tomatoe skins. Notice how tough the "now" tomatoes are to cut, well Andy and Elizabeth's tomatoe skins were tender. Now it is the home of Branmar Plaza. Does anyone remeber Hartnett's Meat Market on Madison Street? Anyone who had a cup of Jay's hot soup that was made in the store, had to remeber Jay's laughter and jokes.
Mary Hartnett <Rhart98625@aol.com>
Wilmington, DE USA - Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 16:34:27 (EDT)
to WARNER JR High grads - remember this? WARNER JR. HIGH SCHOOL FAREWELL SONG When we came here to Warner, Just 3 years ago, We came here to study, To lear-rn a-and to-oo grow. We must leave behind us, The friends that we knew, But we will remember, The blue and the blue. Farewell to Warner, We love your Warner. Our love for you, will never, never die. Farewell to Warner, we love you Warner. Our love for you, will never, never die.
Connie
USA - Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 13:12:38 (EDT)
...my grandmother`s name was Lodge. She married Joseph Dillman. There were 4 other children born before my mother. I don`t know when they had moved to Beuna Vista St
mickey pulley <mickey710@webtv.net>
Tx USA - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 23:16:16 (EDT)
COFFEE POT DOOR: It's now the Italian Bistro. It just took a phone call to the Manager. "The coffee pot door was torn out when they remodeled".
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 20:12:55 (EDT)
Jim, I LIVE IN THE AREA OF THE OLD CHUCK WAGON.BELIEVE ME, IT IS GONE.AS A MATTER OF FACT,I AM GOING THERE FOR DINNER WITH FRIENDS NEXT THURSDAY.GOOD FOOD !!!
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Pike Creek, De USA - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 19:47:52 (EDT)
For Mickey Pulley, What was you mother's maiden name? At one point, the East side of Buena Vista Street was occupied by members of the Veazey extended family. My father was born there in 1898, and mother in 1899. Other associated family names were Gamble, Baylis, Wahl and Whaley. Bob
Bob Veazey
Wilmington, DE USA - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 19:19:29 (EDT)
JIM: I drive past the old Chuck Wagon restrauant on the Kirkwood Highway a couple of times a week and can't for the life of me tell you if the doorway is gone for sure or not. But you can bet I'll take a good long look next week.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 17:40:41 (EDT)
Did anyone actually check on the COFFEE POT DOORWAY or is it just one recollection against another. I think they built the new entrance around it.
Jim
USA - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 14:57:31 (EDT)
I just saw Jim Rambo's post and that brought back memories. I went to M.C.I. Williams School with him. I later met his sister,I belive her name was Helen. She had the prettiest blue (very deep) eyes I ever saw. By that time they lived in the Cedars. I don't remember seeing Jim after 6th grade. The real memory he envoked though was the exbihition game with the Phillies. Someone stole Robin Roberts jacket, I thought that was a terrible thing for anyone to do. But the big event of the day was when Richie Ashburn and Del Ennis collieded in left center field and were both out injured for quite a bit of the regular season that year. Jim, hi to you after all these years and say hi to your sister for me, we all used to hang around at 3rd and Connell at the time.
Wayne Butler
USA - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 12:40:52 (EDT)
Mickey, My Mother was born in 1911,on the banks of the Brandywine,across from what is now Hagley Museum.She spent Her whole life 82 years ,in and around that same area.Her Father was one of the powder mill workers.He started to work at age 15,in the Hagley Yards. He was working there at the time of the explosion,when many of the workers were killed. He was lucky. He wasn't hurt. His name was Mike Farren.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Friday, August 13, 2004 at 03:47:06 (EDT)
My mother was a;so born in wilmington in 1900 on Beuna Vista St. My grandmother was born somewhere near the Brandywine Crick in 1865 before they started recording births.I still have a sister there. I left in `57. I still get Govotas Candy every christmas, none like it!!!
mickey pulley <mickey710@webtv.net>
tx USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 23:52:26 (EDT)
I'm not a native Delawarian, but my cousins were, so I spent a lot of time in Delaware. I remember the trolleys in town, Govatos Candy Store and the old Wilmington Dry Goods. I also remember riding the carousel at Lenape Park as a teenager and then taking my own children there later on. My mother was born in 1900 and raised in Wilmington and worked in the Dupont Hagley powder mill during WW1, so I heard a lot of stories about the early 1900's in Wilmington. "Thanks for the memories"!!
Carol Bates <memomduff1@aol.com>
Claymont, De USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 21:56:21 (EDT)
I'm not a native Delawarian, but my cousins were, so I spent a lot of time in Delaware. I remember the trolleys in town, Govatos Candy Store and the old Wilmington Dry Goods. I also remember riding the carousel at Lenape Park as a teenager and then taking my own children there later on. My mother was born in 1900 and raised in Wilmington and worked in the Dupont Hagley powder mill during WW1, so I heard a lot of stories about the early 1900's in Wilmington. "Thanks for the memories"!!
Carol Bates <memomduff1@aol.com>
Claymont, De USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 21:55:29 (EDT)
I just gotta say it! "Those were the days, my friends" What a happy generation we were growing up in Old Wilmington. To whomever is the WebMaster: This is such a labor of love. Thanks.
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 21:14:08 (EDT)
JIM RAMBO WHAT A GREAT STORY CAN YOU PICTURE THAT HAPPININGTODAY
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
PIKE CREEK, DE USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 19:45:41 (EDT)
JOANN I ALSO REMEMBERR BOYS AND GIRLS DAYS AT THE BATH HOUSE I LEARNED TO SWIM THERE
bill rogers <brogers@delanet.com>
PIKE CREEK, DE USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 19:42:10 (EDT)
Anyone else remember: boys & girls days at the "bath house" pools at Camby and Kirkwood Park? And climbing over the walls, to swim at night? Yo, Ralph! Don't go I just found you!
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 15:36:37 (EDT)
Sorry to learn from the new DuPont site here (which is very interesting, by the way), that the Nemours Building has been de-bridged and is now mostly vacant. My dad worked in that building from 1949 to 1966, and on visits there when I was in High School, I remember occasionally walking across the bridge into the DuPont Building with him. He was with the Fabrics and Finishes Division and in only a peripheral way, was involved with the Corfam artificial shoe leather fiasco of the early 1960's. After he retired, and DuPont had sold off its old Newburgh, NY, Coated Fabrics plant (to Stauffer Chemical),he did consulting work for Stauffer for another 10 years until they moved the plant down to Anderson, SC.
Bob Wilson
Stamford, CT USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 15:06:45 (EDT)
Any alumni here from the Pulaski Legion Junior Marching Band? I played cymbals for them in the late 1950s.
Larry Roszkowiak <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 14:41:10 (EDT)
I WAS WITH RITCHIE TUSCHINSKI OUTSIDE THE HOTEL DUPONT AROUND APRIL, 1955. WE SAW YOGI BERRA IN THE LOBBY AND WENT IN TO SAY "HELLO". TWO 14 YEAR OLD KIDS LOOKIN' FOR ACTION. YOGI SAID THAT THE YANKEES WERE PLAYING AN EXHIBITION GAME AGAINST THE PHILS THAT DAY AND THE NEW KANSAS CITY ATHLETICS THE FOLLOWING DAY AT THE OLD WILMINGTON BLUE ROCKS PARK. WE ASKED IF WE COULD BE BAT BOYS AND HE SAID, "SURE". WE TOOK BAGS OF BATS AND BALLS OUT TO A TAXI OUTSIDE FOR THE RIDE TO THE PARK......WITH MICKEY MANTLE AND GIL MCDOUGLE. IT WAS A VERY EXCITING TIME FOR TWO TEENAGERS, AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE. AT THE END OF OUR "WORK", YOGI GAVE US A LARGE CANVAS BAG FULL OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLS. WE PLAYED BALL ALL SUMMER LONG AT 3RD AND DUPONT WITH BRAND NEW MAJOR LEAGUE BALLS COURTESY OF YOGI!......ANOTHER OLDE, OLDE WILMINGTON STORY.
jim rambo <jrambo@state.de.us>
Wilmington, de USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 14:34:39 (EDT)
I went to Lore school in the late 40's and early 50's. I can remember the steam engines going on the railroad tracks by the playground.
Richard <MightyTaskMaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 08:31:13 (EDT)
I went to Lore school as a child when it was still called No. 25. And sure remember the bombers , lites out, black curtains. Don`t have sore muscles or aching back but am on oxygen 24/7. Later on I walked to school from 5th and Bancroft Parkway to 8th and Adams past St Francis Hospital when I only had dry toast in my lunch bag. You see I lived thru the days of the great depression when Hoover was president. I still love old Wilmington !!!
mickey pulley
tx USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 00:55:19 (EDT)
Bruce, The Coffee Pot entrance of what used to be the Chuck Wagon,is long gone,guess it didn't fit in with an Italian Restaurant. Hope this saves you a trip.out the kirkwood Hwy,to check it out.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 22:41:32 (EDT)
Thanks, Bill, for a good deal of great memories for us to read and share, and totally on-topic. You may be surprised, now that you've bought the subjects up, some of your old friends with similar memories are likely to be writing in and relating more of these and other just as interesting memories. That's what this site is about. The future is, of course, very important to each and every one of us, but that's a topic for another forum. As Bob Hope always signed off with - Thanks For The Memories.......
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 21:41:07 (EDT)
For all of the old folks like myself who love the past but are to busy caring for sore muscles and aching joints and what the future brings do any of you remember the fast pitch softball games under the lights at 10th & Lincoln. They were sponsored by Frankies Steak Shop at the 400 Block of Union St.. Do you remember the lights being erected just for those games so we could watch the likes of Clyde Farmer pitch and Cookie Lucas play third base. Clyde was the greatest fast pitch softball pitcher of his time if not of all time and cookie could hit a softball farther than most hardball players hit a hardball. His brother Stan played 3rd base on the W.H.S. team and the same team I played on. I went to Frankies as a kid from the old Lore school for lunch were Mary, Frankies wife, always waited on me and knew I wanted a sub without Salomi(she couldn't believe it and always tried to talk me into salomi. I finally learned to like it.) These are events and places that that no one has mentioned so I suppose there is no one from that area involed in this site. I remember as a kid in Lore School watching at times the sky full of B29's during the war and air raid practice hiding under my desk, black curtains in my house, air raid wardens telling you to turn off you lights. I remember the National Guard marching to the train staion being sent off to war in both the 2nd, and Korean war(the Armory was right around the corner from me). I remember my National Guard brother going into service during the 2nd W.W and ending up serving with Patton and happily coming home safe but not healthy. I remember my neighbor who was like an older brother carrying on his shoulders to Carnivals many miles away, he did not come home from Korea. There are good memories and some not so good but if it weren't for some of the not so good we might all be speaking another language. So let's not forget that and that is why the future is also important. Enjoy!!!
Bill Pryor <waphap@aol.com>
st. petersburg, fl USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 21:22:05 (EDT)
Jean, please clean your glasses and then read what is at the top of this page - it says Old Wilmington.net Guestbook. Below that is stated, more than once, that this is a place to add your memories, comments, questions, or stories. This is a happy site peopled by many cheerful people sharing their memories and stories on-topic of this site. It is not a political forum of any sort. Please feel free to share your memories or stories or questions of Wilmington with us. That's all I will say about the recent disruptions here, let's get back on-topic, shall we?
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 20:53:12 (EDT)
Ralph Pryor * My father Richard Burton worked at the Coach Company from about 1943 through 1975. My grandfather B/4 that. I now work for DART. Annnd, yes I remember the Grand.
Richard <MightyTaskMaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 18:47:18 (EDT)
Hey Ralph, PLEASE do not stop contributing to the Guestbook. All us oldtimers love hearing from you. Don't worry about any old crabs who tell you to stop. For Bill Pryor (any relation to you Ralph?), this is called OLD WILMINGTON in case your didn't notice. Take your politics elsewhere. We all just love the old times. Speaking of which, did any of you oldtimers catch PBS special featuring the 4 Aces, Johnnie Ray, Patti Page, etc.? Love hearing all that.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 18:43:45 (EDT)
BILL FISHER, I E- MAILED A FEW MIN. AGO . BUT DID NOT SEE IT COME UP IN THE GUEST BOOK. MAYBE SUSAN PUT A HEX ON IT. SO HERE GOES AGAIN. BILL YOU ASKED ME IF I KNEW LEM WINCHESTER . I WORKED ON THE WILM POLICE DEPT .WITH LEM HE WAS A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING AND A GREAT VIBE MAN, I THINK HE WAS THR BEST IN THE COUNTRY AT THAT TIME. I HAD THE HONOR OF PLAYING THREE GIGS (JOBS) WITH LEM. BUT ON ONE JOB I BELIEVE IT WAS THE DEL. ASS. OF POLICE PAUL RICHARDSON THE JAZZ ORGANIST TEAMED UP WITH US. AND WHAT A NIGHT IT WAS, WE PLAYED JAZZ AND BLUES TILL THE BLEW OFF. IT WAS AHONOR TO BE ON THE SAME BAND STAND AS THOSE TWO GREAT. LEM DIED TO YOUNG . I WILLNOT SEND E-MAIL TO THE WILM. GUEST BOOK IN THE FUTURE UNLESS I AM REQUESTED TO DO IT. THERE YOU GO SUSAN. ALL YOURS
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 16:38:41 (EDT)
bill fisher, yes i worked on the w.p,d with lem winchester.. and had the honor of playing at least three gigs (jobs ) with lem. i remember playing one job at the del.ass. of police. i had the honor that night of playing with not only lem ,but jazz organist paul richardson..lem winchester was the best vibe man in the country. and as i said ,it was a honor to have played some good jazz and blues with him.. unless i am asked a question on the wilm. guest book. i will not be sending any more e- mail. . so there you go susan mackie. ,lets hear from you.
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 16:07:20 (EDT)
RICHARD ,IN REGARDS TO ,WHEN DID MY DAD STOP DRIVING THE TROLLY,S? THE DEL. COACH CO. DID AWAY WITH THE TROLLY CARS ABOUT 1941 . THEN THEY HAD THE TRACKLESS TROLLY . AND THEN THE BUS WHICH OF COURSE THEY HAVE NOW . . . I USE TO WAIT FOR HIM AT 7TH.CLAYTON ST. ON SATS. RIDE FREE OF COURSE INTO TOWN , PAY 8 CENTS AT THE GRAND THEATRE WATCH ABOUT 4 HRS. OF MOVIES, WAIT FOR HIM AT 8TH. MKT. AND GET A FREE RIDE HOME . .LATTER WITH THE BUSES. HE SPENT ABOUT 20 YRS. ON THE 4TH. ST. BUS FROM BROWN TOWN TO THE MARINE TERMINAL . ALL TOGEATHER HE DROVE FOR THE DEL. COACH CO. FOR 38 YRS. BEFORE RETIREING THE CO. IS NOW CALLED DART. I HAVE NICE MEMORIES OF RIDEING WITH MY DAD EARLE PRYOR. ON HIS BIRTH DAY HE CAME HOME LOADED DOWN WITH CAKES, CANDY , FLOWERS ETC.. EARLE PRYOR WAS WELL LIKED .
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 15:44:22 (EDT)
Jim, I don't know about the coffe pot doorway, but if no one comes up with the answer in a day or so, I'll take a ride out that way and check. But, they didn't build a new restaurant, the old Chuckwagon building and shape remains; they did completely gut the building and remodel the whole interior - though it still looks like the Chuckwagon (basically) outside. I live on the north side of town, so I hope someone from that area will bring us up to date on the entrance doorway, and like K. Burton says, Larry Anderson has a good painting of the old Chuckwagon on his website - linked from the main page of this site.
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 10:34:11 (EDT)
It is my understanding that the Coffee Pot Doorway is still there. I remember reading or being told that when they built the new resteraunt that they left the Coffee Pot and built around it.
Jim
USA - Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 08:36:04 (EDT)
butch schilling <fschilling@isacclaims.com>
Mount Pleasant, SC USA - Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 13:26:12 (EDT)
GOOD MEMORIES OF THE CHUCK WAGON.REMEMBER THE COFFEE POT ENTRANCE WAY ? I HAVE A PRINT OF THE CHUCK WAGON BY LARRY ANDERSON ,EVEN AN OLD MENU. CHUCKBURGERS WERE $1.75 WAY BACK WHEN.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 08:35:52 (EDT)
GOOD MEMORIES OF THE CHUCK WAGON.REMEMBER THE COFFEE POT ENTRANCE-WAY. I HAVE A PRINT OF THE CHUCK WAGON BY LARRY ANDERSON,EVEN HAVE AN OLD MENU,CHUCKBURGERS WERE $1.75 WAY BACK WHEN.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 08:26:07 (EDT)
GOOD MEMORIES OF THE CHUCK WAGON.REMEMBER THE COFFEE POT ENTRANCE-WAY. I HAVE A PRINT OF THE CHUCK WAGON BY LARRY ANDERSON,EVEN HAVE AN OLD MENU,CHUCKBURGERS WERE $1.75 WAY BACK WHEN.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 08:24:58 (EDT)
GOOD MEMORIES OF THE CHUCK WAGON. REMEMBER THE NEAT COFFEE POT ENTRANCE WAY .SORRY THEY DIDN'T KEEP THAT ,BUT AS AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT,I GUESS IT WOULD NOT LOOK RIGHT. I HAVE A PRINT OF THE RESTAURANT BY LARRY ANDERSON,HANGING IN MY FAMILY ROOM. I EVEN HAVE AN OLD MENU,WHERE CHUCK BURGERS WERE $1.75
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 08:14:03 (EDT)
Good story, Larry - that made me laugh. Sorry to say, though, that the western-styled restaurant you mentioned, while still having the western eating wagon shape, is now an Italian restaurant, and no more car hops. But when I was frequenting that location, in the early 60's, all of the car hops were high school girls, as were the car hops at most of the drive ins at that time. Places like the Dan Dee, B&G, Charcoal Pit, Greenhill (both locations); Spic & Span, etc. I'm happy that they were, too - as they were, no doubt, prettier than the girls you're remembering. :)
Bruce <spyder(at)comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 16:17:20 (EDT)
"Listening" to movies at the Ellis Drive-In (aka "The Passion Pit")
Valerie Mason <valerie.mason@basell.com>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 15:58:23 (EDT)
Ralph Pryor * when did your dad stop driving the trollys?
Richard <mightytaskmaster@comcast.net>
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 15:38:55 (EDT)
In the mid 1960s I was a busboy at an anonymous Wilmington restaurant on Kirkwood Highway (Hint: the restaurant was shaped like a horse-drawn convenyance.) The restaurant offered "curb service." Several of the women who worked this "curb service" never wore aprons, always wore black with lots of make-up and used the Ladies Room a lot. They drew great pleasure in telling me dirty jokes that were way over my teenage head. Even though I had been working there for several weeks I still had no clue that these "waitresses" had nothing to do with food service. One night I asked one of them if she could clarify something on the menu for me. She placed her hand on my shoulder and, like any good Wilmington waitress, she said, "Aw, hon. I'm sorry, I just don't know." If I were to return to Wilmington today, would the waitresses still call me "hon?"
Larry Roszkowiak <lroszkowiak@its.ucsf.edu>
San Francisco, CA USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 15:36:42 (EDT)
Thank goodness I'm retired! Since I found this site, I just spent TWO HOURS reading Archives. Anyone else notice how when we meet someone new in the real-world, they are like soooo suprised to learn we're native Delawareans?. Seems they expect everyone to be an 'import'. ~ Waving to Susan. Jump in girl!
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 14:28:37 (EDT)
Susan, there has been quite a bit of e-mail exchanged between some members of this board if it was felt that the material wouldn't be of much interest to the others. Nobody is preventing you from posting! Let's hear what you have to say...
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 13:38:20 (EDT)
How about the Young Idea Tea Garden, second floor above the Federal Bake shop somewhere between 7th and 9th on west side of Market St ?
mickey <mickey710@webtv.net>
livingston, tx USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 11:01:35 (EDT)
Ralph and Bob, Keep on posting, I enjoy reading it all. Susan, you can post your memories any time, everything gets posted. I for one would like to hear them. I enjoy all of this trip down memory lane regardless of whos memories they are.
Dave Ziegler <sziegler3@comcast.net>
Newark, DE USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 10:58:43 (EDT)
Under Taverns: Does anyone remember The Press Club? A kind of elegant after-hour-club up a flight of stairs somewhere on King St?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 09:37:54 (EDT)
I would love to contribute some Wilmington memories, but it looks like this is a "Ralph Pryor / Bob Wilson" chat board. Why don't you two E-mail each other, and give others a chance to add our memories?
Susan Mackie
Wilmington, DE USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 08:58:10 (EDT)
Ralph - I am blessed or cursed with total recall of trivial memories of my early life, which those smarter than me long ago eliminated from their brains in order to make room for the more important things that have made them successful. So be it. Bill Fisher, who just asked you about officer/musician Lem Winchester, suffers from the same malady, but has managed also to have a successful life. Me? I sell expensive men's shoes for a living, and have done so since "retiring" from the pressurized world of Advertising and Public Relations 15 years ago. One of Bill's boyhood friends was a young fellow named Alex "Junior" Pondok, who also lived in the Fielder's neighborhood in the 9th Ward back in my time there. I knew of your buddy Bob McDaniel at PS, but he was a class or two ahead of me (1952). I think he also went to UDel while I was there. Were you on the Force when my PS classmate Jack McCool made Police Chief at an early age? Somewhere in my files I have Claire Fielder's married name and location and I'll see if I can find it. The info was included in Dewitt's obit when it was published recently in the JOURNAL. Hang in there!
Bob Wilson
Stamford, CT USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 08:05:24 (EDT)
Iknow gaylords close in the late seventies or early eighties but does anybody know the date the store closed thanks joe.
Joe
USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 07:30:39 (EDT)
Ralph Pryor- being a musical Police Officer in the 50's, you surely must have known Lem Winchester. I can remember him directing traffic at 11th and Market; he always had a big grin and a cheerful smile for anybody who waved "hello" at him while passing by. Just wondering if you ever played with his group anytime?
Bill Fisher <whfisher@earthlink.net>
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 23:24:54 (EDT)
BOB WILSON , MY HAT IS OFF TO YOU. I DONT KNOW HOW YOU REMEMBER SO MANY OF THOSE GOOD OL DAYS BACK IN WILMINGTON. YOUR A WALKING BOOK OF INFO. ! BECAUSE OF YOU I HAVE BEGUNE TO REMEMBER PEOPLE ,AND PLACES.. AND I THOUGHT I HAD A GOOD MEMORY !.BOB,I REMEMBER YOUR NAME ,NOW I AM TRYING TO PLACE THE FACE.. BUT YOU KNOW ,BACK IN THOSE DAY,S (40,S AND 50,S) THE ONLY DRUG WE TOOK WAS A ASPERIN , AND THAT WAS FOR A HEAD ACHE FROM TO MUCH BEER ON SAT . NIGHT AFTER A ST. JOHNS DANCE. . BOB, I GREW UP WITH A GUY FROM MY NEIGHBORHOOD BOB MC DANIEL, WE STILL SEE EACH OTHER EVERY FEW YEARS,WAS HE IN YOUR GRAD. CLASS? WE LIVED IN THE 9OO BLK. OF N. CLAYTON ST. TAKE CARE BOB , AND THANK,S FOR THE TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE . RALPH P.S. YES I AM A FORMER WILM. POLICE OFFICER
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL.COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 19:16:52 (EDT)
*THUD* omg! I just fell into this site. I was born and raised in Wilmington - Bancroft School/Wilmington High 1950. What memories you guys and girls have stirred up! Ralph: I had a nephew who was a Detective with the WPD. Bobby Jones?
Jo Ann <crossan33@aol.com>
Pike Creek Area, DE USA - Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 15:17:26 (EDT)
To Ralph Pryor - NOW I remember why I knew who you were, regarding Claire and Dewitt Fielder, and why you were so often seen at 21st or 22nd and Madison, and occasionally with the rest of the gang at Louis' Drug at 23rd and Jefferson. I lived in that neighborhood for only about two years (1949-1951), but got to know, or know of, most of the teen-age inhabitants in that area. The Fielder home was also where my close friend Don Walker's father, had rooms. Rememberhim? Was his name Jimmy? He was a bon vivant sometimes known to indulge in a bit more "bon" than he probably should have, a sports promoter, and was a strong advocate for the establishment of Dog Racing in the State of Delaware. I was never sure exctly what he did for a living. The dog racing never happened, unfortunately for him, although Al Cartwright seemed to support his efforts in his sports page column. He (Mr. Walker) used to take his meals sometimes at Sam's Restaurant across Jefferson from Louis'Drug, and the pinball machine there at Sam's was another hang-out for us. Do you remember Desmond Hoey, the Irish lad who used to be Louis' counterman? And Claire's good friend Georgeanne (Gee-Gee) Heath (who was dating another buddy, Don McCormick of McCabe Avenue while I was living in the neighborhood? I had remembered you as having gone to PS, but I think you were a Red Devil through and through. I probably never said more than six words to you during that time, but I indeed remember you, Claire, and the trumpet.
Bob Wilson
Stamford, CT USA - Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 21:20:33 (EDT)
THE OLD GAYLORDS BURNT DOWN. JAMESWAY OCCUPIED THE SITE NEARBY BEFORE CALDOR.
LINDA <lindac23532YAHOO.COM>
WILMINGTON, DE USA - Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 19:05:24 (EDT)
FOR MOST OF US GROWING UP IN WILMINGTON ,I AM SURE OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY WAS XMAS.. AND IN THE 40,S AND 50,S WE DID NOT NEED THE MKT. STREET MALL. DURING XMAS. HOLIDAYS THE STREETS FROM ABOUT 5TH TO 10 TH. WERE CONGESTED WITH SHOPPERS ., BUSES CARS , ETC.. AND MOST OF THE TIME WE JAY WALKED., IT WAS FASTER AND YOU GOT YOUR SHOPPING DONE QUICKER; MY DAD EARL PRYOR DROVE THE TROLLY,S AND BUSES IN WILM. FOR 38 YRS,! HE HAD THE 4TH. AND MKT. LINE , WENT TO BROWN TOWN 4TH. ST ., TO THE MARINE TERMINAL.. . BUT DURING HIS THREE WEEKS VACTION HE SOLD XMAS. TREES AT 8 TH. POPLAR ST.. ---- PRYORS BOSSOM FURS THE SIGN READ.. HE ALSO MADE YARDS AND YARDS OF GARLAND THAT HE GATHERED FROM THE MARYLAND AND DE. WOODS . STRUNG IT TOGEATHER ABOUT 10 FT . LONG AND SOLD THE GARLAND TO THE BIGGER DEPT .STORES IN THE CITY. . OF COURSE THEY USE PLASTIC NOW . , THATS HOW MY SISTER JANE AND MY KID BROTHER BILLAND I WERE ABLE TO SPEND A WEEK IN ATLANTIC CITY . . IN THE SUMMER.. THOSE WERE REALLY XMAS, HOLIDAYS. RALPH PRYOR
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK@AOL. COM>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 15:46:45 (EDT)
BOB WILSON, HOW THE HEC ARE YOU DOING? SORRY TO HEAR OF DEWITT FIELDER ,S DEATH. HIS SISTER AND I WENT STEADY FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS ,CLAIR WAS A KNOCK OUT . AND A REAL NICE PERSON . DO YOU KNOW WHERE SHE IS LIVING ? HOPE SHE IS HEALTHY AND HAPPY . MY WIFE IS MORE INTO THE TEDDY BEAR ,S WILM. SHE E-MAILS A LOT OF INFO. TO THE GUEST BOOK. BUT NOW I AM HOOKED.. HAVE NOT PLAYED A GIG SINCE 1992DOWN HERE IN FLORIDA, BUT I DO DUST THE OLD TRUMPET OFF AND ON . I WILL START READING THE WILM. GUEST BOOK START TO FINISH . BOB, SHAME WE CANT TALK INTO A COMPUTER. SO MUCH I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU. THE COMPUTER HAS HELPED ME FIND SOME OF MY OLD POLICE PARTNERS FROM THJE WILM. P.D... TAKE CARE BOB ,----RALPH
RALPH PRYOR <REPJFK>
TARPON SPRINGS, FL USA - Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 13:33:47 (EDT)
DuPont Wilmington Shops machined and assembled equipment necessay for the production of the various DuPont products. When I started there they were still making machinery for the making of dynamite and nylon. The Shops did a lot of high precision and high pressure work. They were capable of manufacturing all the machinery necessary to make Nylon, Teflon, etc. At one time there was over twelve-hundred people working there. Now, its just an empty building. Time marches on.
Alex F Wysocki <usaaf43rdBG@webtv.net>
Chadds Ford, PA USA - Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 07:59:03 (EDT)
What kind of work went on at DuPont's Wilmington Shops? I remember the TIO2 Pigment plants on the River at Edgemoor and in Newport, but didn't realize that DuP ever had another "manufacturing site" in the immediate area. My dad worked in the Nemours Building at 10th and Orange for 17 years, and before that, for 27 years for the Company up in Newburgh, NY, where they made coated fabrics.
Bob Wilson <wilso127@yahoo.com>
Stamford, CT USA - Friday, August 06, 2004 at 23:20:24 (EDT)
Bruce--I worked at DuPont's Wilmington Shops for 28-years. The Shops like Louviers have passed into history. There was a time when the DuPont Company was the largest employer in the state of Delaware--now that distinction belongs to a Credit Card Company. That says a lot about the way we are drifting.
Alex F Wysoki <USAAF43rdBG@webtv.net>
Chadds Ford, PA USA - Friday, August 06, 2004 at 16:31:46 (EDT)
What a great site!! I grew up in the Highlands by Rockford Park. I enlisted in the USMC in 1983 and haven't lived in Wilmington since then. I have been back a few times. So this is bringing back many memories. I haven't seen any mention of Kiddie World, it was a toy store that had at least 3 locations that I know of Concord Pike, Prices Corner, and one in Claymont but there may have been more. As soon as I saw this site the first thing that popped into my head was "The Candy Store" it was in the 40 acres but I don't think I ever knew the real name of it but it was loaded with penny candy, and for ten cents you could get a little bag filled. It had a Breyers Ice Cream Sign and a Soda foutain. Not far from it was Gus's Steak Shop.
David Ritchie <davidhritchie@yahoo.com>
Manassas, VA USA - Friday, August 06, 2004 at 16:25:08 (EDT)
Does anyone remember the cab driver name Charlie ? He was either at the train station or at the hotel DuPont in the early 40`s and 50`s ?
mickey <mickey710@webtv.net>
TX USA - Friday, August 06, 2004 at 11:38:43 (EDT)
Sorry, Alex, I apologize - I was only thinking of Delaware, not thinking that you could be speaking of Pennsylvania. Forgive me for my error, Brinton's Bridge Road is in Chadds Ford, PA. Sheesh, I'm so dumb!
Bruce
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 10:48:00 (EDT)
Alex, are you thinking about Smith's Bridge as the covered bridge that burned down (arson was the cause), as I don't remember a Brinton Bridge or Brinton Bridge Road. Smith's Bridge burned down Halloween night, 1961, and until being rebuilt as a covered bridge in 2002-2003, was a wooden plank bridge. The only other surviving covered bridge of any consequence in northern Delaware is the Ashland covered bridge, as the Wooddale covered bridge was washed away in a flood in Sept. 2003. Those were the only three covered bridges I remember in Northern Delaware. As far as duPont's Wilmington Shops, I thought they were still there; if not, at least the buildings and property are still part of duPont, and appeared to look the same, last time I rode by. Someone please bring me up to date on this.
Bruce <spyderxl(at)comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 10:39:19 (EDT)
If you are wondering what a scoudrel is--its a scoundrel with a "n" missing. While we are in the general area of Lenape Park--how many of you remember the old covered bridge that used to span the Brandywine on Brinton Bridge Road? I believed that it burned down in 1957. Speaking of things that are not there anymore--Dupont Wilmington Shops that was on Maryland Ave. and Beech Street.
Alex F Wysocki <USAA43rdBG@webtv.net>
Chadds Ford, PA USA - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 09:59:04 (EDT)
The carousel that used to be in Lenape Park was dismantled and the horses that were of antique value were sold piecemeal. The Chester County Historical Society was more than peeved at the new owner. The scoudrel made a bundle on the deal.
Alex Wysocki <USAAF43rdBG@webtv.net>
Chadds Ford, PA USA - Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 19:01:33 (EDT)
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION ON GAYLORDS BUT IF ANYBODY KNOWS THE YEAR IT CLOSED PLEASE LET ME KNOW THANKS JOE.
JOE
WILM, DE USA - Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 07:32:20 (EDT)
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION ON GAYLORDS AT PRICES CORNER BUT IF ANYBODY KNOWS THE YEAR IT CLOSE PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
JOE
WILM, DE USA - Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 07:27:15 (EDT)
The store that occupied the Bldg after Gaylords closed was Caldor. It wasn't there all that long.
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 23:09:09 (EDT)
The store that occupied that bldg after Gaylords was Caldor,it wasn't there too long.
KBurton <breckslnkid1O@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De. USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 23:04:29 (EDT)
Jim, the drive in was the Price's Corner Drive In, wasn't it? And remember the Cinema 141 indoor theater that was in the same area? I don't remember when Gaylord's closed, but who remembers who was in that building between when Gaylord's closed and when the last occupants (to date), K-Mart's closed this year (I think).
Bruce <spyder(at)comcast.net>
Wilmington, USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 21:31:59 (EDT)
To JLF, I remember Lenape well ,what a neat place to go as a Child,Teenager, and as a Parent,taking our children. Took a step back in time,with my High School Friends,we visited Lenape Park this past June---it's no longer open to the public,for company parties only. Although it's greatly changed,it was fun to walk the grounds and dream of times gone by. K.burton
K.Burton <breckslnkid10@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, De USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 18:43:47 (EDT)
Gaylords at Prices Corner must have closed in the late seventies or early eighties. Remember the drive-in right next door?
Jim
USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 18:30:26 (EDT)
I remember candy 2 for a penny...mint juleps, twisters, squirel nut zippers, mary janes, straws, banana splits, grapes, other candies included juicy fruits, good n plenty, bebe bats, sugar babies, sugar daddys, sugar mamas, zagnut bars, bubble gum, fire balls,and mallo cups.
Penny <Pen731`@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 15:29:25 (EDT)
Wayne - I couldn't remember the correct spelling. Your's may be right. Yes they were all bookies, including my father. But he also had a legitimate job driving a cab. I still have some jewelry Dad bought there and it's still as nice as the day I received it. Joe did have a store on Market St. at one time, but I don't remember if it was before or after the one on French St. Later in life he still sold jewelry but had no store. I think he went to different places like Vet's clubs etc. and sold out of his car. The quality was still excellent. Those were the days. Dot
Dot Becker
USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 15:29:00 (EDT)
Dot, I remember Lynnpalls very well(but thought it was spelled Lynnpauls). I was sent there at Christmas time by Domenick Merlongi Sr. He told me to tell Joe he sent me and anything in the store could be bought at a fantastic price. I bought my Mother a mixer that year and nowhere else could you find a place that could even come close to the price. When I went back to thank my friend Domenick (Jr's.) father I asked how they could do it, it was then I first found out that they were all bookies. I seem to remember the store being on Market St. between 12th & 13th on the same side as Brown H.S. I worked with Mr. Donlons daughter (Kathy) and when she got married, he either bought her a house or put a sizeable down payment on it out in Eastburn Acres. They were great people, you can never say anything bad about the bookies I knew to me. I only knew the personal side of them, but they were very giving and helpful.
Wayne <twntydasys@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 15:10:55 (EDT)
Dan NJ USA - In answer to your question about Lynpall, yes it was on 11th and French. It was owned by Joe Donlon. It sold large and small appliances, jewelry, and just about anything else you needed. If Joe didn't have it, he could get it for you. Joe and my father were friends and Dad worked for him for a while. This was in the late 50's, early 60's. The store was named for Joe's youngest daughter Linda, but I don't know where he got the last part. Both Joe and Dad have passed away so we'll never know. Dot
Dot Becker <dorothy.m.becker@dupont-dow.com>
New Castle, DE USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 13:15:17 (EDT)
Dan, I remember a company in the general area you mentioned either on French or Walnut St. in the 40's. It was a two or three-story building that housed a clothing manufacturing operation. Seems to me there were a lot of ladies employed there operating sewing machines. Don't recall the name. Hope this helps.
Pat LeVan <LeVan1706@aol.com>
Port St. Lucie, FL USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 12:09:58 (EDT)
to JLF - there's a picture of the swings at Lenape on the home page, as well as pictures of many other memories. Enjoy.
Connie
USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 08:55:29 (EDT)
The Lenape Park Carousel is now operating in Peddlers Villiage in Lahaska Pa. Now children can enjoy it as much as we did at Lenape Park. Heck I still enjoy it even as an adult..lol.
Gene <AKewlRomeo@aol.com>
Odessa, USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 08:07:21 (EDT)
I'm not from Delaware. I'm doing research on a company or store called Linstan Inc. They were located on 1103 French Street (at least) during the 1950's. I can't find any information on the business. The word Lynpall is also associated with the business and I can't find anything on that either. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Dan
Dan
NJ USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 01:42:09 (EDT)
WHAT HAPPEN TO GAYLORDS AT PRICES CORNER YEAR CLOSE
JOE SMITH
WILM, DE USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 00:44:27 (EDT)
Does anyone remember the carousell at Lenape Park? You'd ride it and catch the brass rings with your fingers as you went around. I also remember the big swing at Lenape Park. They were my childhood memories.
JLF <JLF4504@aol.com>
USA - Monday, August 02, 2004 at 22:40:26 (EDT)
I attended Saint Hedwigs School do you remember penny pincher who sold frozen soda on a stick
Stanley Barczewski <stanb53@hotmail.com>
Elkton, Md USA - Monday, August 02, 2004 at 19:03:55 (EDT)