Other Times

100 Years Ago – 1918: Overshadowing the mayor’s office and directing a dart right into the heart of this city, government officials put out an official statement that if Chester did not clean house among officials and the police department, they would. The government has all information and is in a position to make affidavits against all who engaged in evil doings. Leiner Flats, Bethel Court, the whisperings of the tenderloin that the Times cannot print all is in the hands of the government. As one investigator puts it: “It looks like an overgrown mining town, apparently populated by a rough class of people. These people are overindulging in alcohol; all saloons visited were crowded and a good deal of drunkenness was seen.” Drunkenness, crap shooting in the street, gambling, solicitation – things that the Times cannot print – all are matter of evidence that is in the hands of the government.

75 Years Ago – 1943: John G. Pew, president of Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, was reported “very much better” this morning at his home in Rose Valley. Suffering from a heavy cold, Mr. Pew remained away from his office on Thursday, and it was said this morning that he will forego the trip to New York on Saturday to attend the annual dinner of the Pennsylvania Society, held at the Waldorf-Astoria.

50 Years Ago – 1968: Democratic County commissioner Edward T. McErlean called Monday for a “shapeup” of the county prison board and swift measures to tighten security at escape-ridden Broadmeadows Prison in Thornbury. McErlean, who previously demanded and won a probe into prison conditions, issued the new demands after Sunday’s escape of six prisoners.

25 Years Ago – 1993: An estimated

1,100 teddy bears wearing everything from baseball suits to fireman, scarecrow and wedding regalia will attend the Christmas teddy bears picnic and party at the Chester Corps of the Salvation Army on Sunday afternoon. Captain and Mrs. Russell Gelnett, commanders of Chester corps, joined Capt. and Mrs. Ted E. Bear, official hosts for the party, in inviting the general public to attend. “Many of the bears’ costumes are prize winners and their creators will be honored at Sunday’s party,” said Gelnett. The fancy bears will be distributed to needy children in the area on Dec. 20 and 21 as part of the Army’s Christmas giving program, Gelnett said.

10 Years Ago – 2008: The Delaware County Daily Times archives for 2008 are temporarily unavailable. “10 Years Ago” will return on Dec. 11.