Other Times

100 Years Ago – 1917:

Joseph George Elwood Smedley, for the past 11 years principal of the Chester High School, died this morning in the Crozer Hospital after a brief illness. The end came peacefully, the ravages of his ailment robbing the patient of consciousness several days before the end. Four-square, detestant of hypocrisy, a pedagogical technician of unusual ability, sincere, altruistic and unselfish, the educator’s character was a composition of qualities that raised him head and shoulders above his fellow man, and marked him as one of the city’s most valuable assets.

75 Years Ago – 1942:

Independence Day in the western section of Chester is to be marked by ceremonies of an impressive nature sponsored by the West End Business Men’s Association in conjunction with Szmanski-Rywacki Post No. 546, American Legion. John J. Ulle of the post is arranging a patriotic program, which will be held in Thurlow Park immediately following a parade.

50 Years Ago – 1967:

You knew which house it was without looking for the number. You could hear and feel the amplified heavy beat of the music. The Bounty Hunters, “sounds unlimited,” were practicing at the home of Mrs. Theresa Wood on Randall Avenue, Boothwyn. The Bounty Hunters are six young men who, after four years, are getting a break. Their first record, “Sun Went Away,” with “Somewhere” on the flip side, was released the first week of June. The band includes Kenny Carroll, Joe Burke, Ray Herbert, Bill Peters, Bob Taylor and Frank Linn.

25 Years Ago – 1992:

William C. Allen, a longtime member of Norwood Post 7213, Veterans of Foreign Wars, is the new commander of the VFW’s Pennsylvania Department. Allen, a resident of Sharon Hill, was elected at the 73rd annual department convention at the Hilton Hotel, King of Prussia.

10 Years Ago – 2007:

The long-awaited razing of the old Parkside Elementary School has finally begun, but not without controversy. Borough council has been urging the PennDelco School District to tear down the aging brick structure (erected in 1919, expanded in 1929) for the past two years. Now that council’s wish is being granted, problems with airborne dust and dirt are plaguing the school’s neighbors.