And now for your history lesson...

CHESTER - "This is my special year," said Marion Cavallaro, holding her class picture from 50 years ago. It's Cavallaro's "then" shot, one of many featured in the Chester Historical Society's "Then and Now" exhibit at the 1915 Erie Railroad Station museum. The exhibit opened on Saturday and will be on display through October. Cavallaro, the historian for the Chester Alumni Association, credits Loretta Winkler with coming up with the "Then and Now" theme for this year's historical society exhibit. Cavallaro dug into the task of matching old and new photos and memorabilia. One such photo, of the graduating class from 1948, is paired with the same class's 50th reunion photo in 1998. Tillie Nozkowski Gailie gathered classmates for that reunion, bringing them from as far away as California and even putting them up in her house.Cavallaro said lots of people give her pictures, after cleaning attics and basements, "because they feel, what's left? I don't need it, what am I going to do with it? So, I find some of these things on my doorstep." The "Then and Now" exhibits are presented to show how little and how much Chester has changed over the years. Old photographs are paired with new ones of the same subject taken by society president Clifton Patrick. But the exhibits will be of interest even to people who are not from Chester. For those who were raised or went to school in Chester, the exhibit presents many opportunities for sparking fond memories. Cavallaro pointed out a photo of "a very wonderful teacher," Rudy Vallet, who recently retired as a science teacher at Chester Junior/Senior High School. A three-dimensional picture box designed by Chester's James Antonie shows some familiar faces. The historical society has special exhibits as well. One, of West Chester, was put together by society members Leslie Smith and Betty Murray Carey. There's a photo of Babe Ruth, who was a frequent visitor to the area for hunting, fishing, and horse racing. A 1902 advertisement announces an event at Bodles Opera House. A new addition, a lovely old dress complete with bloomers, graces the depot. Cavallaro, referring to a cheerleader photo, reminisced about the simplicity of the cheers back then. "Varsity. V-A-R-S-I-T-Y. T-E-A-M. Team. That was the extent of the cheers," she said fondly. She showed a speller from 1938 - a gift to the association from a 1941 graduate - commenting on the importance of penmanship in the 1930s. The first visitor of the year came to buy T-shirts. Fred Kronk, society treasurer, raised a flag, a gift from U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly. And the depot opened its doors for the season. This year's Chester High School reunion is scheduled for July 10, to again be held at the Monroe's American Legion Post. Articles of interest can still be brought to the historical society at the 1915 Erie Station depot at 19 Winkler Place. The museum is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 30. Or call the depot at 469-2591, or send e-mail to chester.historical@frontiernet.net. Business meetings are held the first Wednesday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m. The public is always welcome to attend.