Other Times

100 Years Ago – 1918:

The popularity of the candidacy of state Sen. William C. Sproul for governor was evidenced yesterday when announcement was made that a resolution would be introduced before the Central Labor Union of Philadelphia, carrying with it a strong endorsement. 75 Years Ago – 1943: Potatoes moved up into the “delicacy” class of food over the weekend in Chester as reports of prices ranging up to 10 cents a spud were received. A variance of prices on the common vegetable was noted in Chester stores. One store was selling potatoes, unrationed at the present time, for three pounds for 35 cents. Lower prices of five cents a pound were quoted at auction sales in nearby boroughs.

50 Years Ago – 1968:

Chester Mayor John H. Nacrelli named a 41-member Citizen Council on Urban Renewal to replace the one that has been inactive for almost a year. Chester businessman William Sharpless of the C.L. Myers Co. was named chairman. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says it will reject Chester’s workable program on urban renewal unless the city shows greater citizens participation in redevelopment planning.

25 Years Ago – 1993:

The absence of alternatives – not to mention Catholics and magnificent churches – has forced the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to hold a membership drive for Catholics in Chester. “Evangelization” is what they will call this unabashed recruiting of people to replenish a thinning flock of Catholics in the city. “It’s ultra-modern. It’s very new,” said the Rev. Joseph J. Quindlen, pastor of Resurrection of Our Lord Church, which will house Chester’s Evangelization Center. “This is a new model, a new style, a new way.”

10 Years Ago – 2008: It’s not often you see a polar bear and the daughter of a prominent U.S. Senator/ Democratic presidential candidate in the same place at the same time. Such is the mystique of Villanova University. As Chelsea Clinton held an hour-long Q & A in a packed dining hall on campus Thursday, the Sierra Club’s Jason Brady of Philadelphia sweated it out in a polar bear suit outside the hall’s entrance. “We’re drawing attention to the importance of ending the oil subsidies for the companies that are making millions and millions of dollars, but taxpayers are continuing to subsidize them,” said Brady.