Other Times

100 Years Ago – 1917:

State Trooper W.A. Banks, one of the 27 mounted policemen on duty in Chester, was treated at the Chester Hospital last night for injuries sustained when he fell from his horse. He sustained a sprained back and contusions.

75 Years Ago – 1942:

Damage estimated at many thousands of dollars was left in the wake of the storm which claimed five lives in Delaware County. Roofs were torn off homes and buildings, and thousands of defense workers were marooned when the rising water engulfed their cars. One of the four stone spires on the steeple of St. Paul’s Church at Ninth and Madison streets, Chester, was destroyed by lightning and the heavy stones showered the streets.

50 Years Ago – 1967:

Gov. Raymond P. Shafer’s “branch office” was scheduled to open today at 1700 W. Third St., Chester, but workers were still readying the building for use this morning. Shafer, who said the office is part of a statewide effort to “preserve order in the face of violence and anarchy now spreading through the land,” opened the first such branch office in Harrisburg this morning.

25 Years Ago – 1992:

In 1942, in the dark days of World War II, 13-year-old Elinore McNelly of Chester, began writing letters to 12-year-old Brenda Garner of Chester, England, in a pen-pal program set up by their respective schools. The long-distance friendship has endured over the past 50 years through monthly letters, an occasional telephone call and photos. Two years ago, Elinor’s grandson, Tom Pilson of Ridley Township, traveled to England for a concert as a member of the Delaware Valley Symphony Band. “I knew Tom was coming so I attended the concert and met him,” said Brenda. “Then I really began thinking of coming over for a visit.” So one sunny day last week, Elinore and Brenda stood armin-arm in front of Elinor’s daughter’s house in Ridley Township.

10 Years Ago – 2007:

Parkside Police Officer Brian McNeill was recently recognized by borough officials for saving the life of a 13-year-old female heart attack victim on July 1. The girl was visiting the Brookhaven Swim Club with a church group when she went into cardiac arrest. Finding no pulse, the officer immediately gave the girl a jolt from the AED unit in his squad car. Two rounds of CPR were administered by EMTs on the scene, before her heart starting beating again.