Other Times
100 Years Ago – 1917: There will be no 1917 celebration of Halloween in this city. Strict orders were issued by the police this morning by Chief of Police Vance to arrest any person appearing in public wearing a mask or disguise of any kind or character, or any outlandish costume, excepting children under 12 years of age. This precaution was taken at the request of Mayor Wesley S. McDowell for the purpose of preserving order in the city. Chief Vance declared at noon that no permits had been issued for any masquerade dances or parties for tonight and that none would be given. 75 Years Ago – 1942: Chester youth last night made good its promise to be patriotic during “Mischief Night” and refrain from damaging property under the guise of mischief. Police here reported the quietest night for the evening preceding Halloween in many years. Not more than 10 complaints were received at headquarters during the night.
50 Years Ago – 1967: Delaware County received a minimum of property damage Monday night, although the evening before Halloween traditionally is devoted to vandalism and devilish pranks. Local police officials attributed the unusual Mischief Night quiet to the fact that extra patrolmen were on duty to instruct children to remain off the streets in many area municipalities. The greatest damage reported today was in Chester, including broken windows on Edward Street that apparently sent a 51-year-old resident into an “emotional upset” triggering an asthma attack. She was transported to Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
25 Years Ago – 1992: President Bush, knowing he needs the Republican-entrenched southeastern part of the state if he hopes to pull an upset Tuesday in Pennsylvania, will be in Delaware County Monday at an Election Eve rally at the Briarcliffe Athletic Association field, featuring a performance by the country western group the Oak Ridge Boys, according to county Republican leader Tom Judge. The heavily Republican Philadelphia suburbs won the state for Bush in 1988. Bush carried Delaware, Montgomery, Chester and Bucks counties by 205,732 votes but won the state only by 105,143.
10 Years Ago – 2007: Rose Tree Media School District’s Education Resource Center at the Granite Run Mall, affectionately known in the district as the “mall school,” is taking shape, with a recent groundbreaking ceremony. District Superintendent Denise Kerr reported move-in at the new alternative school for at-risk Penncrest High School students is expected to take place during winter break. “What a great way to begin 2008,” she said. Penncrest’s alternative school will be one of 21 resource centers established by the Simon Youth Foundation and set up in Simon malls in 12 states across the nation.