Today in Delaware County history, May 14

100 Years Ago, 1924: Receiving complaint that drug addicts, one of them wanted by the Wilmington, Del., authorities, were in a shack at the rear of 9 Jeffrey St., Sgt. Miley and Officers Petersons, Bradley, Owens and Handy descended upon the place about 5 o’clock this morning and took into custody four persons. All denied the charge of drug addict, but were ordered held pending further investigation.

75 Years Ago, 1949: Fire which authorities believed was started by fumigation candles caused an estimated $2,000 worth of damage in an apartment in the Fifth Ward Friday afternoon. Firemen had to don masks and ease their way through the thick yellow, sulphuric smoke to fight the blaze in the second floor apartment located at 924 Walnut St. The blaze was discovered shortly before 3 p.m. by Mrs. Dorothy Chapman, who lives next door at 926 Walnut St. She reported she saw smoke seeping from windows on the second floor and she telephoned the Moyamensing Fire Company.

50 Years Ago, 1974: Delaware County employees have been given numbered tickets to attend a Republican organization rally at 8 tonight at the Alphine Inn, Springfield, the reason for the numbered tickets is to “keep out hecklers and anybody who might cause a disturbance,” according to Robert F. Kelly, county Republican chairman. He pointed out the rally was being held in the home town of the major anti-organization candidate, incumbent U.S. Rep. Lawrence G. Williams (R-7).

25 Years Ago, 1999: Baldt Anchor will be among 11 Pennsylvania companies accompanying Gov. Tom Ridge as he embarks on a trade mission to Asia, his second trip there in 18 months. Baldt, a century-old company, today only employs 30 workers at the Chester facility where it manufactures ship anchors and does a lot of business with the Navy. But Baldt is seeking to resume what was once an extensive overseas business. Baldt marketing director Karen Kelly said Baldt is looking to establish contacts in the Asian regions.

10 Years Ago, 2014: Authorities are investigating a carjacking Wednesday night involving the wife of Chester Mayor John Linder, according to a report by 6ABC “Action News.” Mrs. Linder was forced at gunpoint to exit her gold-colored 2005 Ford Taurus at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. After Mrs. Linder got out of her vehicle, the two men jumped inside and drove toward I-95, according to authorities. Mrs. Linder reportedly escaped without injuries. According to Chester Police Commissioner Joseph Bail, three suspects were detained for questioning and the vehicle was recovered.

— COLIN AINSWORTH