Other Times

100 Years Ago – 1920:

The annual inspection of Wilde Post, No. 25, Grand Army of the Republic, was held last evening in their headquarters, Deshong Mansion, Chester, by Commander Thomas Parkinson, of General Charles I. Leiper Post, Norwood, accompanied by a delegation. After the adjournment of the post there was a camp fire. Adjutant Arthur Martin was chairman of the camp fire. Songs, recitations and experiences of the Civil War embraced the program. Twenty members out of

47 were in attendance.

The total age of the 20 members was 1,545 years, an average of 77 years and

3 months.

75 Years Ago – 1945:

Football takes over the spotlight today as the first peacetime gridiron campaign since 941 swings into full stride with prominent local and national attractions. Perfect weather promised a record-breaking crowd at the PMC Stadium where upwards of 5,000 will watch the annual opening day attraction between Ridley Township and Chester high schools.

50 Years Ago – 1970:

An old section of the First African Baptist Church, 8145 Clifton Ave. in Darby Township, collapsed this morning but initial reported said there were no injuries. A $258,779 addition is being constructed near the area where the older section caved in.

25 Years Ago – 1995:

The Chester Housing Authority yesterday slashed its maintenance staff in half as the impact of congressional cuts in federally subsidized housing programs begins to be felt locally. Devorah Fong, spokesperson for the CHA’s court-appointed receiver Robert C. Rosenberg, said the 13 layoffs should not affect the authority’s ability to maintain its five developments. She noted that demand on the maintenance department has lessened since more than

600 units are unoccupied.

10 Years Ago – 2010

:As expected, the proposed

2011 police budget was the main topic of conversation during Bethel’s budget hearing. The proposed budget, which includes salaries, training, uniforms and equipment, police cars and anticipated purchases, totals more than $863,000, not including the chief’s or lieutenant’s salaries of FICA taxes. Resident Bernadette Lincoln was against those calling for downsizing or eliminating the township police. She said her family moved to Bethel about 12 years ago and found the state police to be slow in responding to calls. “We had to wait for one or two hours to get a response,” said Lincoln.