Other Times
100Years Ago – 1916: A daring theft of an automobile occurred in front of the residence of Dr. H. C. Donahoo of Kerlin Street, Chester, when the physician’s runabout was driven away by a stranger. A night watchman at the Chester High School was passing up Kerlin Street when he noticed a young man suddenly stop at the machine and then sit in the driver’s seat. When he started the engine, Dr. Donahoo appeared at the door of his residence, somewhat mystified. The purpose of the thief was soon made apparent when he jumped the car ahead at full speed.
75 Years Ago – 1941: County tax assessors for the city of Chester are disappointed in the meager response to their appeals to the public to cooperate by filing personal property tax returns early. Very few persons have appeared before the assessors and they fear that as Jan. 15, the closing day of their sitting at City Hall approaches, there will be a last-minute rush of business which will be more than they can handle.
50Years Ago – 1966: William Van Horn took four young ladies home with him. One was his 20-yearold wife. The other three were their triplet daughters, Jean, Joan and Jayne, born at Sacred Heart Hospital, Chester. The Van Horn triplets are only the second born at Sacred Heart since its new building was constructed six years ago.
25Years Ago – 1991: State Rep. Steve Friend, R-166 of Haverford, is considering an attempt to parlay his fame as an abortion fighter into a seat in the U.S. Senate, the Sunday Times has learned. Freind said a lot of people, mostly GOP conservatives and anti-abortionists, have asked him to run in the spring 1992 GOP primary against Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter. The lawmaker said he hasn’t ruled out a primary battle against Specter, who he called vulnerable.
10Years Ago – 2006: Brookhaven council took the first step in assuring Gus the pot-bellied pig will remain with his family. In a unanimous vote, Solicitor Regina McKenzie was authorized to prepare an amendment to the borough’s existing farm-animal ordinance. The plight of Gus — a 100-pound Vietnamese pot-bellied pig — was brought to light when his owners, Don and Gina Madison, received a letter from the borough’s animal-control officer, telling them a complaint had been filed and had until Jan. 10 to place Gus elsewhere.