Other Times
100 Years Ago – 1919: “I need your good wishes, and I need your prayers,” is the way Governor-elect Sproul expressed it to the distinguished body of Philadelphia who honored him last night at a dinner of about 600 at the Bellevue-Stratford, before being inducted into the highest office within the gift of the people of this imperial state. The occasion was one that could not help but impress upon every man present how our own townsman had grown into the lives and hearts of the great group of men who honored him last night.
75 Years Ago – 1944: For the first time since the influenza epidemic of World War I, it was revealed today, deceased Delaware County citizens must await their turn to be buried. Officials of Lawn Croft cemetery, Linwood, said this morning that due to a critical shortage of grave diggers and other help, funerals at the cemetery are now being “rationed” to three a day.
50 Years Ago – 1969: The Rev. John B. Rowland was honored by his congregation recently for his 25 years as pastor of the Wallingford Presbyterian Church. The surprise celebration was two-fold, with special ceremonies at the morning worship services and a reception in the evening, following the annual “carols Around the Board” program in the church hall.
25 Years Ago – 1994: Delaware County Council today will take a first step toward freeing up money to pay for the cleanup of toxic waste along the Industrial Highway in Chester. Council is expected to vote to solicit public opinion on its plan to take about $1 million from the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund to pay to clean up the wastes, which jeopardized the long-awaited widening of the road officially known as Route 291. “There isn’t a better economic development project in the entire county,” County Councilman Ward Williams said.
10 Years Ago – 2009: In a city without a supermarket, Abe Farkas and his hollowed-out school bus were a welcome sight on the streets of Chester. People who stepped up to the deli-style counter inside his mobile market could find everything from pizza and hot dogs to cleaning materials, cigarettes and toilet paper. “He loved the people in Chester,” Maureen Beail-Farkas said of her husband. “Everyone knew where to find him and when they could find him.” On Friday, the 56-year-old Czechoslovakia native and father of four was shot and killed as he wrapped up his workweek in the 800 block of West Fifth Street.