Today in Delaware County history, Aug. 3

100 Years Ago, 1923: Only regret and reminiscence could be heard throughout the city this morning when the news of the President’s death became general. It will be recalled that he delivered his first campaign speech in this city on Feb. 27, 1920, at Pennsylvania Military College, when the degree of doctor of laws was conferred on him by the institution at that time. He was then United States Senator from Ohio. He was presented by Rev. Francis M. Taitt, rector of St. Paul’s P.E. Church. Also honored that day was John Philip Sousa and Dr. John C. Jones, Ordinance District Chief for the U.S. government during the World War.

75 Years Ago, 1948: A disclosure that chronic violators of city traffic regulations in the past two years have gone unpunished brought a crackdown order today from Mayor Ralph F. Swarts. The mayor announced that he was personally intervening to remedy a situation which, according to the records of traffic police, has enabled many motorists to scoff at parking restrictions and commit numerous others violations with apparent immunity from the law. “As of today,” he declared, “there will be no more fixing of tickets. I intend to make that order stick. The ‘fix’ is out for everyone.”

50 Years Ago, 1973: For the second consecutive week, members of the Delaware County government Study Commission met before an audience consisting almost entirely of newsmen. Nine people were in the audience at the second public meeting of the commission, which could change the entire structure of county government. At least six of the nine were newsmen. Only five persons attended the first public meeting last week.

25 Years Ago, 1998: No one was hurt and damage was minimal during a brief fire at a Post Road manufacturing plant early yesterday morning in Marcus Hook. Overpressure in a chemical reactor at Epsilon Products Co. caused the fire, which began at about 5:45 a.m. and lasted about 10 minutes, company officials said. Marcus Hook Fire Department and firefighters from the Sun Oil Co. refinery responded to the scene.

10 Years Ago, 2013: Local residents who appreciate music and open space are invited to enjoy the former while supporting the latter on Saturday, Aug. 10, in Concord Township Open Space Music Fest, a day-long concert featuring local performers from various genres, is sponsored by Save the Valley, Beaver Valley Conservancy and Newlin Grist Mill. The two grass-roots efforts were formed in response to a proposal to develop portions of a 325-acre tract bordered by Route 202 and Smithbridge Road and straddled by Beaver Valley Road.

— COLIN AINSWORTH

Sign up for email newsletters