Fox Hunting 120 years ago!! Delco was the place

 

This rare postcard is from about 1906 is of the Upland Boro Fox Hunting Club. The exact location is unknown. The Crozer Family of Upland promoted fox hunting for their friends etc.

Note: Delaware County was a summer home only for many people 130 years ago. People summered in Delco enjoying the lakes, horse back riding, boating, numerous golf courses etc. Fox hunting was an extra for many men. Fox hunting groups were in Radnor, Upland and every where in between. 

CHESTER TIMES 

 December 24, 1903

            FOX HUNTERS HAVE FINE DAY OF SPORT 

Three Clubs Get Into Chases After Some Saucy Foxes 

 Tricks Played on Hounds 

 Reynard Shows Himself to the Hounds, Smiles in a Foxy Way at the Dogs and Scoots Away to Save His Brush – Ladies Take Part In the Chase and Enjoy the Hunt

            All three of the fox hunting clubs in middle section of the county enjoyed fine chases yesterday.  The beaming sun which caused a thaw offered a fine basis for the scent, and the going, although a trifle treacherous in the early morning, later gave the mounts a good foothold, and all the huntsmen were covered with mud at the end of the chase.

            In all five brush tails were driven to earth, and in the fields were several lady riders.  Of the Rose Tree and Hilton clubs only the regulars participated, but the field who rode with the Lima club, was augmented by fifteen invited guests from the Radnor Hunt, in whom were included Mrs. John R. Valentine, Miss Debson and Mrs. Robert E. Strawbridge.  The gentlemen with the mounts and attendants drove over from Radnor Tuesday evening and spent the night at the historic Black Horse Inn, the ladies joining them yesterday morning.

            ROSE TREE RIDERS – The Rose Tree Hunt with a small field enjoyed a fine three hours run during which time they chased a very saucy fox, who did not hesitate to try his tricks on the hounds.  During the three hours chased, Reynard did not get out of the radius of three farms, and several times showed himself to the pack in all deliberation imaginable, as if confident of his fleetness of foot.  He was started in Heacock’s Hills in Edgmont, and ran in a zigzag fashion, finally crossing onto Marple, where some maneuver, he threw the hounds entirely off the track.

            Huntsman Rogers after a deliberation cast the pack into Nathan Pratt’s thicket, after the hunters had about decided to go home, and a bunch of red dashed out immediately in front of the leaders.  The chase was then fast and furious and Reynard was pursued toward Evans’ rocks, on Crum Creek, which he had twice refused to enter.  Here the pack force him to earth, close after his brush.

            THE HILTON HUNT – The Hilton Hunt had an exciting chase among the Brandywine Hills, during which the pack started and forced two foxes to earth.  One was started in Penrose’s thicket and driven to earth in Turner’s woods, in less than a half hour.  A second quarry was driven from cover in Leeds’ woods, in less than a half hour.  A second quarry was driven from cover in Leeds’ woods, and after an hour’s run was holed in Harvey’s thicket.

            THE LIMA HUNT – The Lima Hunt entertained their guests with a drop hunt from the club house, but Reynard evidently realizing that his scent held too firmly, made all haste to get back to the vicinity of his home.  He was holed in about a half hour, IN Darlington’s Hills, near the place from which he was taken.

            After fox was subsequently driven from cover and gave a long run until sundown, when he was driven to earth.  Some of the hunts returned in the moonlight.

            With the Lima Hunt were:  M.F.H., Dr. Charles Dohan, Joseph Dohan, Miss Kathryn Dohan, Fred Okie, M.Z. Paul and Huntsman John Yarnall.  The guests from Radnor included:  Mr. and Mrs. John R. Valentine, the Messrs. Chew, W.A. Charter, Mr. Wheeler; Miss Dobson, Mr. Hare, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Conway and Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Strawbridge.

FINALLY!!!

   A very special thanks to a number of people this week. Lisa Liberi, a friend of 50 years, was so nice she typed all of the W.P.A. Historic Survey from 1936. Literally over 600 pages with a paragraph on each page. I needed a good clean copy for my work.

Thanks Lisa!!

 But getting it printed was another thing. The best deal I could get was 10 cents a page. I asked a number of friends but they could not do anything at work. Ellie, President of Ridley Park Historical Society did several of the W.P.A. Townships. But Phil Babiak really came thru!!. He has his own business and said he would do everything. I offered to pay for the paper etc. but he said not to worry about it. A real friend.

Please visit my website. delawarecountyhistory.com
Lots of great Delco stuff!!

The Media Club House the place to be 129 years ago

The Media Club House about 1920. The building still stands with additions at 116 W. Baltimore Pike, formerly known as Washington St. Before Tv's , radios etc. social groups were the rage. Not only for entertainment but also getting things done.

June 28, 1895 

CHESTER TIMES

            MEDIA CLUB OUTING 

Brilliant Throng Assembled in the Handsome Building 
The Beautiful Decorations  
The Opening of the Media Club’s New Home Was the Social Function of the Borough 
 Elegant Costumes Worn by the Ladies 
 The Guests

            The Media Club, composed of many of the prominent business and professional men of the borough, gave a brilliant reception and housewarming last evening at its new clubhouse.

            The rooms were beautifully decorated with flowers and plants and brilliantly lighted by electricity.

            Oglesby’s Orchestra furnished music for dancing, which was indulged in from 10 to 13 o’clock.

            The building, which is located at the corner of South Avenue and Washington Street, with the lot upon which it stands, cost about $20,000.  It is nicely terraced in front and presents a very imposing appearance.      On the first floor is the parlor, reading room, card room and billiard room, and on the second floor is a large assembly room, retiring rooms and the culinary department of the club.

            There are no sideboards, neither are intoxicants allowed in the place, for the club believes in sociability without wine. It is also strictly non-partisan, its object being the social intercourse of the gentlemen of Media and vicinity.

            Since its organization, some five years ago, it has raised annually a relief fund which is regularly placed in the hands of the charitable ladies of Media, who place help where most needed.

            The initiation fee is $20, and the annual dues is $20.

            The dresses worn last evening were magnificent, some of them being imported direct from Paris for the occasion.  White was the predominating color. 

Norwood man declared insane in 1910!!! Why?? He wanted to marry a 18year old girl??? !!!!

 

The original Norwood Railroad Station built c.1873 about 1905. It was in the same location as today. Note the second floor. The stationmaster and his family were expected to live at the station. Back then all stations were built with second floors etc. for families. The station was replaced in the 1950's.

NOTE: The Dr. John Bullitt Case was on the front page of the Chester Times for months back in 1910. Bullitt who was wealthy had a brother and two sisters. Bullitt was single and in his 40's. When he announced he wanted to marry the 18 year old daughter of his caretaker, his family wanted him declared insane. The case went on for months and Bullitt was declared insane. Bullitt's family argued he was insane because he wanted to marry an 18 year old girl and the court agreed. Bullitt hired a new lawyer who came up with the perfect defense. His new lawyer declared in court that, "Bullitt would be crazy if he DIDN'T want to marry a 18 year old girl".  The court agreed and he was found legally sane and they were married.

CHESTER TIMES 

 June 27, 1910

            COMMISSION ON LUNACY TO PASS ON DR. BULLITT 

Ultimate Solution of Legal Battle to Prevent His Marriage Will Be Expedited; Mutual Agreement of Parties Concerned 

An Interesting Phase of the Case

            To expedite the ultimate solution of the legal battle in which a brother and two sisters of Dr. John Christian Bullitt, Jr., of Norwood, are trying to prevent his marriage to Miss Edna Dever, the eighteen-year-old daughter of John A. Dever, his caretaker, and in which they declare Dr. Bullitt insane, Judge Isaac Johnson on Saturday afternoon appointed Carols M. Broomall, Esq., a Media attorney, as a commission in lunacy, and dissolved the injunction preventing the proposed marriage with an agreement of counsel that the status quo shall be maintained.  This means that the time of the court and expense will be saved by having the proceedings before the commission, who will act in a capacity similar to that of a master in divorce.  After taking all of the evidence the commission will make his report to the Court with findings and a recommendation.  It may be some time before the proceedings are finally completed, but time will be saved by this method.

            If the court had continued to hear the case and had then appointed a commission, it would have been necessary for the latter to also have heard all of the evidence.  Then if an appeal were taken and granted the court would again have had to review the entire matter and to have heard the testimony.  The possibly would have meant interminable litigation and expense.  The procedure before the commission will no doubt have time.

            INTERESTING QUESTION RECEIVED – Before making his decision Judge Johnson consulted V.G. Robinson, Esq., attorney for the petitioners for a commission, and William I. Schaffer, Esq., representing the Devers and Dr. Bullitt.  The lawyers consulted with their clients and reported to the court their willingness to abide by the result.

            An interesting question is here devolved.  At the present time there is no injunction preventing the marriage and the commission has not been informed of his powers in the proceedings.  If Dr. Bullitt and Miss Dever choose to marry there is no law which can prevent them.  If they do so and Dr. Bullitt is adjudged to be of unsound mind the marriage might afterwards be annulled.  The only thing to prevent the marriage is the agreement that the status quo should be maintained.  This means that no further action shall be taken by either side in this case, but that the result of the proceedings before the commission should be awaited.  This is not a legal preventive of the proposed marriage, it is said, and the principals could not be punished for contempt of court if they should marry.

            The hearing in the Bullitt case was late in starting, but when the matter was finally called it was readily disposed of by the court.  At that time Dr. Frank Woodbury, secretary of the State Lunacy Commission, who examined Dr. Bullitt, was called as a witness.

            Two hours previous to the decision of the court a private conference was held in the office of Judge Johnson between the court and Attorneys Robinson and Schaffer.  After the conference the attorneys returned to the court room ready to try the case.

            It is stated that Dr. Woodbury examined Dr. Bullitt at the request of William C. Bullitt, a brother who is not opposing the marriage, and that he was expected to be called in behalf of Dr. Bullitt.  It is asserted by the petitioners in the suits that they learned that the other side was not going to call him so they had him subpoenaed.

            A set of hypothetical question which would have been asked Dr. Woodbury in court were submitted to him previously and Dr. Woodbury had subscribed his answer to them.

            BELIEVES HIM UNSOUND 

 The questions and answers were:

            “From the examination you have made of Dr. Bullitt and from his speech, and behavior are you able to form an opinion as to whether he is of sound or of unsound mind?”

            Dr. Woodbury’s answer was, “He is unsound and constitutionally inferior.”

            “If you consider him of unsound mind, state whether or not in your opinion he is capable of governing or taking care of his person and estate.”

            The written reply was, “Not fully.”

            “If in addition to what you have observed, it were a fact that he has had violent outbreaks, during which he suffered, with the hallucination that he was in great danger of bodily harm, became so violent that it was necessary to put him in a straight-jacket; that upon occasion when he was not violent he labored under a morbid dread or fear of bodily harm from persons who were free from all suspicion of having any intent to do him harm, or was in morbid fear of great bodily harm from unknown persons and so completely subject to this fear of bodily harm that he employed persons to follow him and protect him from danger; that he had exaggerated ideas of his own importance and responsibility to and in the community in which he lived; that upon one occasion he was induced to marry a woman who was his nurse, acting solely on her statement to him that his people intended to put him in an insane asylum and to keep him there permanently.  Assuming the above statements to be true, how would they affect your opinion as to the soundness or unsoundness of the mind of John Christian Bullitt, Jr.?”

            The answer was:  “They would confirm my opinion.”

            “Assuming the above statements to be true and that the first violent attack occurred in 1890 and the last of several at the present time, as an expert will you please state whether, in your judgment, his condition of unsound mind is temporary or permanent?”

            The answer was:  “Permanent with occasional lapses into mania.”

            “Assuming the above statements to be true, as an expert will you please state what bearing in your opinion they have upon the ability of John Christian Bullitt, Jr., to govern or take care of his person and estate.”

            The alienist subscribed:  “They support the view that he is constitutionally incapable of taking care of himself and his estate.”

Delco Before and after show !!
this Monday

PLEASE COME TO MY TALK THIS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT 6:30 AT THE RIDLEY TOWNSHIP LIBRARY.. I WILL BE SHOWING PICTURES FROM 100 PLUS YEARS AGO AND THEN HOW THE SAME VIEW LOOKS TODAY. YOU WILL BE SHOCKED AT SOME OF THE PICTURES AND CHANGES!!!

Newtown Square;'s Vacation home opens!!! Upcoming events!

 

The Garrett-Williamson Home at 395 Bishop Hollow Rd.  in Newtown Square. The 240 acre home has always been about helping children, mothers etc.

Note: Today the Garrett-Williamson Home 240 acre home in Newtown Square. The farm, school and camp was originally started to support to support financially needy children and single moms. Today it still does so much for Newtown Square and vicinity. Today it connects people and nature by using their property as a canvas for learning.

A special thanks to Adam Levine of Media who helped me with addresses etc. of many of my Media postcards. Once again good friend Bob Strickler fixed my computer again.

   

 CHESTER TIMES

June 16, 1922 

 NEWTOWN SQUARE IDEAL VACATION HOME IS OPENED 

 Garrett-Williamson Lodge to Received Its First Inmates

               In the heart of the green-clad hills of Delaware County, fanned by the cooling breezes that sweep through numberless trees and surrounded by every comfort that money can devise, many women and little children will this summer escape the sweltering heat of the city in the home that has been provided for them near Newtown Square, through the generosity of a Philadelphia woman.

               Although the donor of the money that made possible the erection of the building is no longer living, the kindly spirit that prompted the gift of 260 acres of land and $1,000,000 for the maintenance of the home seemed to hover above the huge grey stone building yesterday, when more than 500 persons viewed the premises for the first time at the formal opening of what is to be known as the Garrett-Williamson Lodge.

               Named for the woman in whose mind the generous-hearted scheme originated, Mrs. Elizabeth Williamson Garrett, the home will today receive its first inmates, when Miss Alice W. Penrose, director, and her staff of assistants welcome a group of women come to spend their vacation in the thoroughly up-to-date and modernly equipped dwelling provided for them.  Although, according to Mrs. Garrett’s stipulation, the home is for single women and children, only adults will be accommodated during the first weeks until the household machinery is in perfect running order.  Then children, too, will be admitted, until every sunny, daintily-furnished bedroom in the entire three-story building is occupied.

               The keynote of the spirit of home life which is the outstanding feature of the lodge was struck yesterday by John L. Clawson, president of the Board of Managers, when he asserted emphatically that the home is not an “institution,” according to the usual meaning of the word.

               “The occupants of the home will be like members of one big cub,” Mr. Clawson said.  “There will be no “charity” connected with the establishment – the women and children who come here will all be guests and take part in a club life that will make them forget their life in the city and remember only that they are here to enjoy themselves to the full extent of their ability.

               And surely no woman could fail to enjoy herself in the setting that has been provided by Mrs. Garrett’s bounty.  With a huge living room and dining room on the ground floor, each having a large stone fireplace and numerous windows curtained with bright-colored cretonnes, the house presents to the visitor a picture of home-like attraction.  From a broad, white-pillared porch at the rear, a view of grassy fields and wooded hills greets the city-wearied eye, while on the hottest day of summer there is always a breeze to flutter the awnings and come sweeping in at the windows that dot all sides of the long, white-trimmed building.

               CALIFORNIA STYLE – In a cement-floored kitchen in the basement, equipped with all the latest culinary devices, is prepared the food that is sent up on a dumb waiters to the pantry and thence to the dining room.  Here it is taken by the guests, in cafeteria fashion to the small tables, scattered throughout the length of the dining room or on the spacious porch, to be eaten within sight of the beckoning outdoors.

               On the second and third floors are the light-walled bedrooms, single for the most part, but some equipped with half a dozen or more beds for the accommodation of groups of women who come to the home together.  Each is provided with a bureau and bright-painted chair, matching in tone, the curtains at the window, and each has a curtained space against the wall to take the place of the less sanitary clothes closet.

               Although the building as it is at present can accommodate 100 persons at a time, it is planned to erect separate bungalows in the future to add to the sleeping capacity of the home.  There will also be a swimming pool, tennis courts, a space for baseball, a gymnasium, radio equipment and numerous other amusements provided for the fortunate persons who will spend their vacation weeks in this ideal spot.

105 years ago Ridley Park's Fighting Men honored and upcoming talk!!

 The Ridley Park Library at 107 E. Ward St about 1918. The WW1 plaque has not been added when this postcard was made. The library was founded 1i 1912. The library was a "Carnegie Library". Andrew Carnegie was a multi-millionaire who gave away $100,000.00 of dollars to fund Pennsylvania libraries across the state. 

Note:  Honoring WW1 veterans from Delaware County happened all across Delco in the early 1920's. Townships and Boros made sure to honor their residents by plaques, monuments etc.

On Monday September 30 at 6:30 I will be giving a talk at the Ridley Township Library in Folsom. The talk aka show will be pictures of Delco from 100 years ago and today. I will have a flyer in a few days.

CHESTER TIMES 

 September 8, 1919 

RIDLEY PARK’S FIGHTING MEN 

War Heroes and Service Men Honored by Citizens of the Borough With a Handsome Bronze Tablet

               Fighting sons of Ridley Park were honored by the citizens of that borough on Saturday, when the handsome bronze honor service table was unsettled and dedicated.  The tablet will stand as a perpetual memory to the 149 names carried and to the four boys who made the supreme sacrifice that democracy may live.  Several hundred persons witnessed the unveiling and dedication in front of the Public Library.  The majority of service men of the borough were among the throng and assisted greatly in the success of the ceremonies.

               At 2 o’clock the pageant swung away from Borough Hall, headed by Captain F. F. Turner and the colors of the Ridley Park Citizens Corps.  The Swarthmore Military band of twenty pieces followed, their patriotic airs and march numbers inspiring the hundreds gathered to pay homage to the soldiers, sailors and marines.  The Borough officials headed by Burgess G. M. Stull, Boy Scouts, Training Corps, Girl Scouts.  Citizens, firemen and the service men went over the route, which was from the Town Hall to Ware Street to Sellers avenue to Swarthmore Avenue to Chester Pike to Ward Street and thence to library.  The service men were marshalled by Colonel Frank B. Maltby.

               At the Library the paraders formed an honor square for the service men while the band discoursed “Stars and Stripes Forever.”  Burgess Stull with other borough officials then took over the steps leading to the handsome library building.  The entire assemblage rendered, “Long, Long Trail,” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”

               Rev. Francis B. Barnett, former pastor of the Ridley Park Methodist Episcopal Church, and who was a Chaplain in the service, made the invocation.  Prayers were sent up for those who lost their lives, those who returned, those who suffered from the war, the President and the Congress and the good citizens of Ridley Park.

               The service honor tablet was then presented to the borough by Joseph H. Hinkson, Esq., a long-time resident and also solicitor for the borough.  In his address, Mr. Hinkson called attention to the work done at home and abroad, laying stress to the accomplishments of Delaware County in war work and shipbuilding and of sending so many boys into the service.  He was greeted with rounds of applause.  He paid a glowing tribute to the four who made the supreme sacrifice, Edward R. Hammer, George B. Hoffman, Henry F. Mitchell and Joseph E. Pierce.  In speaking of the work done abroad and at home by the Ridley Park boys, homage was paid to those who were awarded decorations and those who through their vacant service won promotion, among these being Lieutenant Colonel Maltby and Colonel Charles C. Pierce.

               At the conclusion of the address, Mr. Hinkson briefly gave a dedicating address, at which time, Miss Fernando M. Stull, grasped the handsome silken American flag and unveiled the beautiful tablet.  Miss Stull was charming; she wore a beautiful, but plain dress of white organdie and a large blue hat with pale pink facing.  Applause greeted her when she mounted the step to unveil the bronze masterpiece.

               With the tablet unveiled and dedicated, every voice rendered, “Onward, Christian Soldiers.”  The blended voices pleased many in the large assemblage, some being effected by tears, while others forced smiles to keep away the tears that were wont to be shed.  Burgess Stull received the tablet for the borough in an eloquent address, touching on obligations as Americans.  He was applauded.  The singing of “America” closed the afternoon.

               The service tablet is a work of art.  It is made of the best quality bronze.  At the top a wreath in which a star and crossed guns, attract the eye.  Beneath is both the insignias of the Army and Navy while a ribbon bears the inscription in large plain letters, “Honor Roll.”  Under the ribbon, the following is inscribed:  “Erected by the citizens of Ridley Park in honor of its patriotic sons who were called to the colors by the United States of America, when it entered the World War to maintain its independence and sovereignty and establish, the blessings of Justice, Liberty, Peace.”  The frame work of the tablet is of wreathed design and at the bottom under the names of the sons who participated in the world War, are the names of four citizens honored for war service, namely, George C. Barber, 3^rd, George C. Hetzel, J. Howard Reber and H. Furness Taylor.

               THE SERVICE MEN – Described on the tablet are the following names of the borough’s service men:  Charles D. Allen, Charles L. Andrews, Donald Anthony, Harold T. Atticks, Walter H. Baird, Joseph O. Baker, Francis B. Barnett, Joseph H. Brackett, Stanley A. Brown, Vernon C. Brown, David A. Brooks, Frederick R. Buse, John J. Campbell, Mauro Caromeno, Raymond Carrick, Lester C. Cobb, Walter R. Cochran, Herbert Collins, Joseph B. Comerford, Robert A. Comerford, A. LaRue Commins, Albert E. Cengdon, Jr., Chalon E. Corson, Charles B. Cox, Frederick Cramer, Charles B. Culhane, William P. Culbert, James Davies, Elwood S. Deakyne, Earle W. Deppisch, Murrell E. Derry, Bennett L. Disbrow, Clarence H. Edmundson, Jas. Ennis, Jr., Enoch S. Farson, James S. N. Farson, E. Loren Fenn, T. Legare Fenn, Warren S. Fisher, Robert H. Foreman, Jr., Earle H. Freeman and Henry B. Freeman.

               Augustus J. P. Gallagher, Henry D. Garrett, Benjamin H. Getzs, Jay Gilmore, Frank S. Given, William H. Given, Jr., Hacop C. Gorcodian, James P. Haldt, James S. Halkett, Edward R. Hamer, Cortlandt A. Hamm, John T. Harrison, Roger Daydeck, H. Biddle Hayes, James A. Hayes, Jr., Harry F. Heineman, Everett C. Hemenway, Carlton C. Henderson, William E. Hetzel, Jr., Joseph H. W. Hinkson, George B. Hoffman, J. Gordon Holt, Norris J. Huffington, James H. Hurtt, 3^rd, Earle H. Jardine, J. Byers Johnson, Arthur E. Jones, Liewellyn E. Jones, Luther H. Ketels, Louis a. Klein, Frederick S. Limerick, Arthur W. Lincoln, and Edward C. Lukens.

               Also John D. McClure, William Rodman McHenry, William McKenna, John F. McKernan, Frank M. B. Maltby, Charles E. Mann, John W. Mann, Pensyl Mawby, George Meckert, Henry F. Mitchell, John D. Mifflin, William w. Miller, Lucullus N. D. Mitchell, James T. Moran, John T. Napler, Allen Osborne, Earl Page, Roy Page, William F. Parcells, Jr., Charles C. Pierce, Joseph E. Pierce, Clarence S. Platt, Harry G. Plimpton, Richard S. Pomeroy, Jr., William M. Pomeroy, James E. Purcell, Thomas L. Purcell, James P. Ralph, Horace W. Rice, William J. Rice, William J. Rice, George W. Rinehart, Cecil R. Robertson, Winnie B. Setzer, Lester P. Shafer, Stewart R. A. Shurter and Henry M. Sloan

               Charles Smith, Winfield R. Solomon, Carl H. Stewart, David C. Stewart, Horace W. Stewart, Lawrence F. Stewart, Harold H. Stirling, Edwin L. Stouffer, Robert P. Strine, Jr., Clark D. Stull, John L. Tate, Donald C. Thompson, Harold B. Thompson, Charles S. Thorn, Robert A. Torrens, Stewart J. Torrens, George Trees, Richard Trees, Jr., Victor Turkington, Robert E. Tyson, John W. Vismer, Frederick L. Welsh, Herbert E. Williams, Vauclain R. Williams, Harry R. Wilson, Walter J. Wilson Charles L. Worrell, A. Duncan Yocum, Jr., and Harry E. Young.

               Service men who were decorated for the valiant services during the world conflict were the following:  Major Charles H. Pierce, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and thence to Colonel.  Received the Legion of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.

               Lieutenant Colonel Frank B. Maltby wears a Croix de Guerre and Distinguished Service Medal.

               Thomas Legare Fenn wears a Croix de Guerre and Distinguished Service Medal.

               Winifred B. Solomon wears a Croix  Jack Campbell was honored with the Croix de Guerre and Distinguished Service Cro

An 1824 Upper Darby Murder PLEASE read update on Ridley Park Walking Tour

 

This picture has nothing to do with  the article below. A nice picture of the Drexel Hill Trolley Station from 1912.

Note: A special thanks to Mary Last of Newtown Square. She has been so nice  in sending me Delco History booklets and pamphlets. Items I never would have heard of without her help. If your church etc. is having an anniversary etc. or some other group is. Please let me know!! I would like to get a copy. I will pay of course!! So please  let me know!!

Below is a murder case from 200 years ago that happened in Upper Darby Township. An interesting read!! Please share!

CHESTER TIMES 

 June 21, 1904

            UPPER DARBY TRAGEDY OF MANY YEARS AGO 

 Story of a Delaware County Murder as Told by an Old Almanac

            Phillip B. Green of Edgmont has in his possession a copy of the Piratical and Tragical Almanac for the year 1847.  The book is in a good state of preservation and contains many interesting things.  It contains an account of the murder of William Bonsall on the evening of May 22, 1824 at his home in Upper Darby Township, this county.  The account of that murder written at that time is as follows:
            Shocking acts of human depravity are so prevalent, that we are scarcely moved at the recital of a murder, unless it is characterized by some unusual circumstances.  The following will necessarily give rise to feelings of no ordinary description.
            On Saturday evening, the 22^nd of May, 1824, four men called at the house of Mrs. Mary Warner in Upper Darby, Delaware County, Pa. and requested to see the man living in her family.  (Mrs. Warner kept a store in part of the house and the young man referred to Wm. Bonsall, his wife and child, the latter about 16 months old, constituted the whole of her family).  Mr. Bonsall, who was in bed at the time, came down and was greeted in a very cordial manner by his visitors; though he had never in his life seen them before; yet, unwilling to be inhospitable, he requested them to sit down.  In a few minutes, one of the four men demanded of Bonsall his money.  He replied that he had a dollar and a half, which they might take.  At this moment one of the ruffians cut down a clothes line hanging in the kitchen, and drew it so tight about Bonsall’s neck as to choke him. Bonsall lifted his hand to his throat to loosen the rope, when the tallest of the robbers made a pass at his arm with a razor, which laid open his arm to the bone from the shoulder to the elbow.  Bonsall was then thrown into a chair and held by one of the ruffians, while the other directed Mrs. Warner, after tying her arms to light him into the store.
            While this man was in the store taking such property as he could most easily carry off, the other continued with Mr. Bonsall.  Just as Mrs. Warner was leaving the store, the man in the kitchen used some words to M. Bonsall, and then stabbed him several times in the abdomen with a shoe knife, much worn.  This was done while sitting in a chair directly in front of him, in attempting to withdraw it, the blade stuck so strongly that the handle came off, and the knife was left in the body.
            Two of the men had previously retired to the front door.  The two men in the house, discovering Mrs. Bonsall and perceiving her delicate situation, threatened the most shocking barbarity, if she did not immediately conduct them to the place where her husband’s money was kept; they were desired to take any and every article of property but to spare their lives; they accordingly took the whole of Mr. Bonsall’s clothes, his military uniforms, excepted, and filled two large handkerchiefs with goods from the shop, and after insulting the dying Bonsall, they retired.  Bonsall was in a few minutes a corpse.
            It was noticed by Mrs. Warner that one of the robbers was a very large ill-looking man, dressed in a Wilmington-stripe roundabout – and from the appearance of his hands, he was supposed to be a shoemaker; a supposition confirmed by his having the knife already mentioned.  The other active man was small had sandy hair and whiskers, and wore a brown goatee.
            The very night before this occurrence, a marketman was robbed on the West Chester Road, and beaten in a most shocking manner; and as soon as the robbers had departed from Mrs. Warner’s and the alarm was given, not a doubt was entertained that the men in this deed were the same who had committed the former.  The next day (Sunday) at about 12 o’clock four men crossed the bride at Gray’s Ferry, on their way to Philadelphia, and were supposed to be the murders.  If anything could go beyond the murder of the husband, it was the brutality of their threats to the wife.  A reward was at once offered for the apprehension of the murderers.
            On the Saturday following the murder (May 29^th) three men were apprehended near Woodbury, N.J. on suspicion of being concerned in Mr. Bonsall’s dreadful murder and committed to the jail of that place.  Their names, as given by themselves, were James Wellington, Abraham Buys and Charles Washington Labbe.  They were recognized as being old convicts.  Wellington had been sentenced to imprisonment for life in New York, but afterwards pardoned on condition of his leaving the State.  Buys was a large man, believed to be the same that wore the Wilmington-stripe roundabout on the night that the murder was committed.  A silver chain, answering to the description of that stolen from Mrs. Bonsall, was found on his person.  Wellington had clad himself in the clothes of Mr. Bonsall; but when high constable Hains arrived at Woodbury, he appeared in a different apparel.  He denied having other garment in his possession, but search being made, the clothes of Mr. Bonsall were found stuffed in a stove pipe.  Suspicion was at first excited against them by their attempt to pass a Mexican or Peruvian dollar.  Other circumstances confirmed this suspicion and after they had left the village, they were pursued by some citizens and taken into custody.
            The prisoners were subsequently tried in Delaware County and Judge Darlington pronounced sentence upon Michael Monroe, otherwise called James Wellington.  (Buys was not convicted, thought there was much excitement and much disapprobation expressed against the jurors at the time, in consequence of the verdict which they rendered in regard to both him and Labbe.)
            After receiving his sentence, Monroe, alias Wellington, was remanded to prison.  His death warrant was eventually received by the sheriff of Delaware, appointing Friday, the 17^th day of December 1824, between the hours of ten o’clock A.M. and two P.M. as the time of execution.
            The prisoner protested his innocence to the last, and previous to execution said, “I have heard it said that no innocent man was executed in this country, but it will lose that honor today.
 

RIDLEY PARK WALKING TOUR

PLEASE NOTE.!! THE DATE OF MY TOUR HAS BEEN CHANGED TO SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH AT 2. THIS IS DO TO THE RAIN. I STILL HAVE ROOM FOR A FEW MORE PEOPLE IF INTERESTED PLEASE EMAIL ME

keith106@rcn.com

Delco's Ford car, aka The Trainer Searchmont "horseless carriage" Ridley Park Walking Tour next week!!

The poor picture above is of the Searchmont Automobile made in Trainer Boro. The factory made 8 cars a week, beginning in 1903. The plant closed in late c.1905. The former plant became a paint factory in 1906.

NOTE; A very special thanks to Emma Durband, of Concord Township. She works with the Concord Township Historical Society and knows her stuff!! Last Tuesday she was nice enough to sit down with me and go over my Concord Township photos. She added the location, blocks cross streets etc. I was having trouble finding someone to help me and Emma was perfect!!
Thanks so much!!

            

   CHESTER TIMES 

May 15, 1903 

 AUTOMOBILE WORKS A BOOM TO TRAINER 

Plant Turns Out Eight Horseless Carriages Each Week  Big Payroll

               The Fournier-Searchmont Automobile Company, which operates the mills formerly owned and operated by the D.  Trainer Sons’ Manufacturing Company and known as Nos. 1 and 2, is a busy concern.  The plant employs a large number of men, and is taxed to its utmost to fill the orders now on hand.  The men employed by this firm are all first-class mechanics and the work they turn out is of the best.

               Since the location of the industry at
Trainer the large force of men has been kept busy and up to and including last Friday the firm had built and shipped 108 of these first-class machines.  The present facilities of the plant are overtaxed to accommodate the demand for its product, and the men are working ‘till a late hour in their efforts to turn out as it is desired, about eight automobiles a week.

               The plant has brought a number of desirable residents to this community, many of whom are living in Trainer, and the immediate vicinity.

               Several thousand dollars are paid weekly in salaries, and the business people of the town have felt the impetus given to the trade conditions.

               NOW THE SEARCHMONT – The Trainer A. A. baseball team has decided to change its name in compliance with a request from Superintendent Chadwick and Assistant Superintendent Chadwick and Assistant Superintendent Roe, of the automobile company.  It will hereafter be known as the “Searchmont,” and will play under that title in its game with the Media A. A. at the county seat, tomorrow afternoon.  New uniforms will be provided the boys and they will, it is said, “travel in style.”

               REVIVAL SERVICES – Beginning with the coming Sunday night Rev. W. F. Ewing, pastor of the Trainer M. E. church, will begin a series of revival services, continuing one week.  Rev. Mr. Gollie of Philadelphia, will have charge of the meetings.  Mrs. Kilburn, also of Philadelphia, who conducted revival services here last winter, will also be present one night and it is expected that Prof. Lincoln Hall, of the Quaker City, will be present.

               NOTES BY THE WAY – Contractor William McVey and Walter Gilbert have been engaged for several days in painting and otherwise improving the residence and store of Thomas Watson, on Post Road, near Main Street.

               A trolley car on the Wilmington trolley line burning out a few days ago, caused the patrons of that line to use the trains to reach their employment in Chester.

               Henry Roberts and his daughter, Miss Lizzie Roberts, have taken the house formerly occupied by Benjamin Klee and family, who moved to Chester.  Mr. and Mrs. Roberts as occupants of the house of Mrs. Ernest Longhurst have succeeded Maple Avenue.

               A few days ago the Searchmont Juniors defeated a team of boys who were their seniors in years by the score of 18 to 11.

               Messrs. Harry Elliott, Samuel Reynolds and William Fraime, Jr., left this week for Depew, N. Y., where they have secured situations.

               Master Earl Reaner of Lancaster, Pa. is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Preston on Main Street.

SPECIAL EVENT    

I will be giving a walking tour for the Ridley Park Victorian Fair next Saturday, September 7. So far one tour is planned starting at 1pm and will be about one hour long. The tour will include Sellers and Swarthmore Aves. and will include pictures and talk of what life was like and town history. Cost is 10 dollars per person part of the money goes to the Ridley Park Historical Society. Tour space is limited. The tour flyer is running late and I will have it tomorrow. If interested in going email me and I will send you a copy of the flyer. 

keith106@rcn.com

Hope to see you there!!