100 Years Ago, 1924: Yesterday’s edition of the Chester Times carried an account of Dean Francis M. Taitt’s possession of an authentic copy of a Bible printed in London in 1625. That was learned by the Times in an effort to determine who has in his custody the oldest bible in Delaware County. It was learned later than an older bible than Dr. Taitt’s is on view at the Bucknell Library of Crozer Seminary, according to Frank Grant Lewis, the librarian. It is a first impression of the first edition of the King James translation, printed in 1611.
75 Years Ago, 1949: James F. (Baron) Dougherty, of Leiperville, who suffered a stroke at Media courthouse Friday morning, was pronounced as “improved” at Chester Hospital this morning. The stroke left the “Baron” paralyzed on his left side. Throughout most of last night members of his family took turns in maintaining a vigil at the bedside of the veteran sports promoter and Delaware County political figure.
50 Years Ago, 1974: The 60-cent gallon of gasoline has arrived in Delaware county. A Scot service station at Chichester Avenue and Meetinghouse Road, Upper Chichester, is charging 61.9 cents for a gallon of premium. Regular is 56.9 cents per gallon. No one could be reached at the station this morning to discuss the price structure since it is open only during the later afternoon and evening and Sunday.
25 Years Ago, 1999: Yesterday, just hours before Penncrest High School hosted a memorial service for five students killed last week on Route 1, PennDOT officials agreed to post a lower speed limit on the deadly stretch of road between Darlington and Wawa roads in Chester Heights. By the end of the month, two 45 mph signs with blinking yellow lights will be posted northbound and two southbound on a 6 0th of a mile section of Baltimore Pike that has come to be known as “”Dead Man’s Alley”, said state Rep. Steve Barrar, R-160. It is currently posted for 55 mph.
10 Years Ago, 2014: What started out as a group of seven guys at the Scott Paper plant in Chester 75 years ago has turned into a regional union of electricians, meeting membership concerns and hosting an apprenticeship school for hundreds of professionals in the area. On Saturday, at their Boothwyn hall, 200 members and friends of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 654 will celebrate their 75th anniversary and the history that formed the foundation for the organization it is today.
