Today in Delaware County history, March 19

100 Years Ago, 1926: Organization of a cleanup commission was perfected by a group of businessmen and citizens representing various service clubs interested in the sanitary and civic welfare of Chester during a conference held yesterday afternoon in the office of Walter H. Craig, city commissioner and superintendent of parks and public property in City Hall. Mr. Craig was unanimously chosen chairman of the commission, the personnel of which includes T.J. Sproul, representing the Rotary Club; James P. Hopkins, Chester Real Estate Board; J.V. Wingert, Exchange Club; Charles Hopkins, Business Men’s Association; Ellwood J. Turner and Charles Connors, Kiwanis Club.

75 Years Ago, 1951: The 50 evacuees from Strath Haven Inn on Saturday night were accommodated with great speed by two county Red Cross disaster units. Mr. and Mrs. J. Passmore Elkinton, 741 Harvard Ave., Swarthmore, opened the facilities of their home to the weary, elderly persons. The Elkinton cottage is about 150 feet from the north end of the inn. The evacuees were taken into the Elkinton home and at one time there were as many 30 located there. The Elkintons gave out blankets and extra clothing so the thinly-clad could keep warm. Mrs. Elkinton served cookies and coffee.

50 Years Ago, 1976: Delaware County Judge Clement J. McGovern Jr. has been advised by the attorney for Frank A. Metzger, accused in the 1974 slaying of his estranged wife, that a motion for change of venue will be withdrawn. Judge McGovern said today that the trial will be rescheduled for March 29. Metzger was originally set to go on trial March 8.

25 Years Ago, 2001: From Neal Zoren’s TV column: Students from Upper Darby High School will visit Channel 10 on Wednesday as part of a national Television Literacy Day program sponsored by the local chapter of those folks who bring you the Emmy, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Upper Darby is one of the best schools in the region when it comes to acquainting its students with a larger world. Its theater and choral programs always seem to garner attention. It’s good to see the school has this chance to add media literacy to subjects it can offer its students.

10 Years Ago, 2016: At a council meeting ceremony, Upper Darby police Criminal Investigator Philip Lydon joined a prestigious group of officers who received the Dennis McNamara Memorial Award. Mayor Thomas Micozzie announced in conjunction with the award that state Rep. Jamie Santora, R-163, was working towards naming a portion of Lansdowne Avenue from State Road to School Lane in memory of McNamara.

— COLIN AINSWORTH