Other Times

100 Years Ago – 1918: To protect the health of the citizens of Chester, the Department of Public Health, in charge for Councilman T. Woodward Trainer, has started a crusade against retail and wholesale produce proprietors for allowing perishable goods to remain on the sidewalks and in the stores uncovered and subject to flies and dirt. Two violators of a 1914 ordinance against the practice were arrested and arranged in police court before Magistrate Berry. 75 Years Ago – 1943: The pleasure of buying shoes – leather shoes with precious rubber heels – without forking over a shoe stamp, is being experienced this week in Chester as shoe stores take advantage of the OPA ruling freeing surplus stocks and odd sizes. Unable to handle the many customers who came seeking an unrationed pair of shoes, many stores have put out their stock in trade on display counters and shelves and have turned the customers loose to pick and choose. 50 Years Ago – 1968: More than 30 industries and municipalities, including 17 in Delaware County, which discharge waste into the Delaware River estuary have been ordered by the state Sanitary Water Board to upgrade their waste treatment. Those notified, including the city of Chester, are being given 90 days to submit satisfactory time schedules for upgrade plans. The dischargers now are provided primary or secondary degree treatment, which remove 35 and 85 percent, respectively, of the organic pollution load. The new treatment requires 90 to 97 percent removal. 25 Years Ago – 1993: From Sound Off: “You seem to love to print negative calls about Gil Spencer. So let’s try a positive one. I think Spencer’s the best columnist that you ever had. He tells it like it is and if critics can’t take the heat they better get out of the kitchen.” 10 Years Ago – 2008: At least two BP gas stations in Prospect Park and Marple started a two-tiered gas-pricing system for cash or credit/debit card users a few weeks ago, which caught some unwary customers off guard Thursday. At the Prospect Park station, several customers expressed dissatisfaction with the new policy. “That’s why I’m leaving — because I just read the sign,” said Pat Anderson of Philadelphia. “It’s nine cents more if you use a credit card or debit. I think it stinks. I have the cash, but I like the convenience of using my debit card.”