Days Gone By
100 Years Ago, 1923:
Numerous complaints having been registered by merchants and residents in the vicinity of Fifteenth and Walnut streets, regarding the disorderly actions of a crowd of youths caused Chief Vance to give positive orders that the disorder be broken up. Last night, when a number of youths were annoying the residents, Patrolman Haddon advised them to go home and one of the number, Daniel Gorman,
16, of 626EW. 16th St., assumed the role of leader and defied Haddon. This morning, young Gorman was arraigned before Magistrate Elliot in police court and was fined $5and costs. He was also warned that he and his companions will have to seek other lounging places and they must not annoy residents.
75 Years Ago, 1948:
The May Market — which transforms the grounds of Chester Hospital into a playground once a year — will be held on May 20. Announcement that preparations are underway for the event was made this morning by Mrs. John L. Wetherill, chairman. She took the chairmanship of the May Market last year, after the resignation of Mrs. William W. Macfarlane. Mrs. Macfarlane, who was the originator of the May Market, served as chairman for 24 years.
50 Years Ago, 1973: Chester city government is underwriting a $56,000 bank loan to the Greater Chester Movement although there is no guarantee that the money can be repaid. And, as of Thursday, city council has not formally approved the arrangement and the city solicitor says he is unaware of the loan or any of the details surrounding it. The method of how GCM is staying financially alive was learned as details of massive layoffs were made public.
25 Years Ago, 1998: The clouds of uncertainty, hovering over Boeing’s helicopter facility in Ridley Township, grew more ominous yesterday as the company disclosed it would reduce costs by 20percent over the next 18 months at the plant and would not rule out layoffs. Word of the belt-tightening came hours after U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon announced a special task force to aid Boeing and a day before Gov. Ridge was scheduled to visit the Delco facility and talk about job retention.
10 Years Ago, 2013: Popular local eatery Nifty Fifty’s, which has been a mainstay at the corner of Route 420 and MacDade Boulevard in Ridley Township since 1986, will be closed until Monday after a fire burned through the walls Saturday. No one was injured during the dinner time fire, although the site of two cranes extended over the restaurant caused many to look at the spectacle.