Today in Delaware County history, June 8

100 Years Ago, 1924: Seize of a 60-gallon “moonshine” still on what is known as the Burk farm in Ridley Township, and the escape by swimming over Ridley River by the alleged distiller, James E. Dickson, formerly of Virginia, featured a raid by federal agents Friday afternoon. The approach of the raiders was noticed by Dickson, who defiantly shouted “Come on, get me, boys!” ran to the river bank, plunged into the water, then disappeared in the thick foliage on the other side.

75 Years Ago, 1949: Using walkie-talkies and radio cars, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue agents and state police have opened a more extensive drive to stop the smuggling of untaxed cigarettes over the state line from Delaware. First to be nabbed in the current drive was a shoe factory worker from Spencer, Mass., who was found hauling 320 cartons back to his home state. State police arrested Floyd W. Bledsoe, 40, as he came over the state line on Post Road.

50 Years Ago, 1974: The state House of Representatives has passed a bill that may keep the ferry Chester from sailing away forever. The Chester is the last ferry remaining in the fleet that sailed the Delaware River between Bridgeport, N.J., and Chester. A DRPA spokesman said a down payment of $10,000 has been placed by a Virginia firm interested in buying the Chester. However, legislation that passed the House Thursday could stop the deal. The Pennsylvania House by a vote of 181-0 passed a bill to keep the ferry in the area for possible use in the 1976 bicentennial celebration.

25 Years Ago, 1999: Aston police arrested six people on drug charges in three separate incidents over the weekend. Three people were arrested around 1:30 a.m. Saturday after police on patrol in the 600 block of Mount Road smelled marijuana coming from a car. Just after midnight Friday, police arrested two people after seeing them smoking marijuana while sitting on a curb in the 800 block of Concord Road. Police also arrested an 18-year-old around 1:30 a.m. Friday night. The man was holding a pipe with suspected marijuana residue inside, according to police.

10 Years Ago, 2014: The pride of the historic Nile Swim Club in Yeadon was evident Saturday as members plan to draw on the legacy of their past to pave their way to a sunny future. Members have launched a fundraising drive to eliminate the 55-year-old club’s debt and help Nile Swim Club become a premier recreational club for all.

— COLIN AINSWORTH