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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

1913: SOME OF CHAMBERSBURG'S PIONEER MERCHANTS

This fascinating cut, copy, and pasteup of ads from Chambersburg in 1913. Note the ad for Silk's Pharmacy, the same Silk's that was taken over by Harvey Silk who served the Bromley community for many years in his drug store on Greenwood and Norway Avenues. Harvey was the best, and he is very much missed. It was a sad day when the independent Pharmacy became the victim of the Walgreens, CVS's and RiteAids.
Blogger SJBill said...
The Urken store at S. Broad and Dye must have predated S.S. Allen and sons. The old brick building is still present, but it's been a long time since I was in there. I was probably looking at Lionel trains just before Christmas, or getting my feet x-rayed to see if my Poll Parrot shoes would fit.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Blogger JoeB said...
SJBill: I beleive that Urken's was located at S Clinton and Division Streets.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
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Blogger Mack said...
There were a few Urken Stores:) Also..Salamandra was still there in my Burg day wow:)
Wednesday, December 01, 2010

1913: REV. VINCENT SERAFINI: CHAMBERSBURG PROTESTANT CHURCH LEADER

Contrary to popular belief, not all Americans of Italian Descent are Roman Catholic. Rev. Serafini presided over a very popular congregation during his years as Past of the Italian Evangelical Congregation back in the erarly part of the 20th century. The message below from my friend Carlo Benedetti resulted in me removing the Baptist church graphic and replacing it with the Immanuel Presbyterian church. Many thanks, Carlo. One of the great things about this blog lies in the fact that there are always visitors who will keep the facts and photos historically accurate.
Carlo Benedetti said...
Hi Tom, The church that was led by Rev Serafini was on Whittaker Ave between Roebling Ave and Swan St. It was called Immanuel Presbyterian Church. The church in your photo is on Butler St and was known as St. John's Italian Babptist Church. There was also the Christian Apostolic Church in North Trenton that catered to Italian immigrants, but the vast majority remained Roman Catholic as did their descendants.

1913: FRED McCABE BECOMES A PARTNER IN THE HAMILTON SQUARE GENERAL STORE

Among those buildings that I believe should be on the list of the National Historic Register is the old "General Store" of Hooper and Chamberlin, later to include McCabe. I drew the pen and ink rendering way back in 1983 or so, when Mr. Chamberlin let me borrow the original photo for the weekend. I understand that the historic old building supplied the village residents with all their needs. It was also a supply house for local farmers who needed replacement parts and other farm-related supplies. The second story of the building supposedly once housed a harness making factory.

Anonymous Mike Bree said...
I live on mercer street from 1949 to 1979. As a kid this store was a center point for kids and candy. The also use to deliver and I still can remember their van coming down our driveway. They were great people and found to talk to.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010

1946: TRENTON HIGH CLASS OF 1941 ANNOUNCE 5th REUNION

The Tornadoes pictured above are card-carrying members of "the Greatest Generation." It was from these classes and those adjacent to them that many men went right off to WWII. Note that the reunion was held in the Stacy Trent Hotel; a Trenton landmark for many years,

Blogger Mack said...
I see this is in room c108..my brain immediately said c106 next door was Ms Pearson Geometry back in my 70s day. All the C100s are the C Building (AKA the one closest to Hamilton Avenue not counting the Library) and on the first floor. After day 1 in Trenton High in Sept of 1977 when I walked thru the Main Doors, I always used the C building doors to enter and leave and had my locker on the 2nd floor of the C building, where THS fine Science Department was:)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Blogger 
SJBill said...
This was the last full year my Dad attended THS. On Dec 08, 1942, he was on the front page of the Trenton papers as being near first in line to go into the Navy. He was an honors student and was never graduated here. He later recewived a GED while serving till the end of the war.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010

1946: THE FIGHTIN' PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

It was such a more laid back era in the 1940's baseball seasons. The players wore baggy pants and shirts, leather shoes with steel cleats, and in the case of the Phillies, shared Shibe Park with the American League Philadelphia Athletics. The graphic above from the "BASEBALL" folder in the Hamilton Library Local History Collection invites one and all to buy their tickets for the upcoming 1947 baseball season. Are there any visitors to this site who remember Byrum Saam as the voice of the Phillies? Do any of you old timers remember listening to a baseball game via a remote radio broadcast where the play by play was read from a teletype machine? Now I am really going back in time; and yes, I do remember! It was strange to hear the play by play with no roars from the crowd....only the "click click" of the teletype as the game is sent to the studio via telephone. The graphic at the top lists the players who would make up the 1947 Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. Unfortunately,, the 1947 season proved to be a losing proposition with the team residing very near the "cellar" in the National League.
Blogger Mack said...
Harry Kalas & Richie Ashburn were a fun part of Phillies radio and TV broadcasts and I am sure they are smiling from up above over the phillies recent success:)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
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Blogger Ralph Lucarella said...
HI TOM AND MAC..BACK IN THE 1930'S MY COUSIN LOU MALLASIE WORKED FOR WESTERN UNION AND SAT IN THE PRESSBOX AT PALMER STADIUM WHERE HE USED MORSE CODE TO RELAY EVENTS BACK TO THE SPORTS DEPTS. HE BROUGHT ME ALONG WHEN PRINCETON'S BILL BRONTON ATTEMPTED TO BREAK THE MILE RUN. I GOT TO MEET MANY SPORTS WRITERS AND HE LATTER BECAME MANAGER OF THE WESTERN UNION OFFICE ON WEST STATE STREET. BEST REGARDS.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Blogger JoeZ said... Connie Mack Stadium was a great ball park, my Dad and I were there several times. Back in 1946 I bet tickets were about 2.50 for box seats.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

1946: TRENTON WAS A CHRISTMAS SHOPPING MECCA

Trenton was a scene of mass overcrowding back in the post WWII era. Purse snatchers and other thieves were hard at work trying to relieve as many victims as they could of their hard-earned dollars. The difference between then and now" When these crooks were caught, they were jailed!

1946: ANTIQUE BIBLES ON DISPLAY AT THE HAMILTON SQUARE M.E. CHURCH

This article is especially interesting to those of us who are interested in family history and for those who are into genealogical pursuits.

1946: WHERE THE COMMON FOLKS SHOPPED

Who among the many visitors to this blog who can claim Senior Citizenship doesn't remember "Maxies?" Like Schnur's Department store on the corner of South Olden and Hamilton Avenues back in the 20's and 40's, an incredible buy could be found in all departments. The Glover family regularly visited both stores for "cut-rate" purchases which were very welcome to those of us who were on the "Relief" dole,.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

1946: THE PROPOSED WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Here's a dual "Now and Then" graphic relating to Trenton's Westminster Presbyterian Church, located on Greenwood Avenue near South Olden. As I recall, the original church was moved from the Walnut Avenue area in the Wilbur section back in the early part of the 20th century. Details hopefully will follow in a subsequent post.

1946: ONCE UPON A TIME IN TRENTON, NEW JERSEY

"IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS, EVERYWHERE YOU GO.
TAKE A LOOK IN THE FIVE AND TEN, GLISTENING ONCE AGAIN, 
WITH CANDY CANES AND SILVER LANES AGLOW..."

That's one of the songs we'll be singing at my up-coming Christmas Carol Singalong at Kuser Mansion on December 13th. Even after all these years, the holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas holds memories which will remain with me forever.


I have an abiding love of that grand old city of Trenton where I grew up. Even though a Hamiltonian by birth, "downtown" or "uptown" Trenton was the center of the universe to those of us "hicks from the sticks" who lived in the outlying suburbs of Trenton. My generation has pleasant memories of those visits to downtown Trenton long before the advent of the mall. I still recall the magical holiday experience of a trip to downtown Trenton to visit "Toyland" at Goldberg's or Swern's, the ever-present Salvation Army Santa with his black pot, the irresistible aroma permeating the intersection of State and Broad Streets with the delighful aroma of roasted peanuts, fresh brewed coffee and chocolate, hot dogs, and the distinctive exhaust from Trenton Transit buses that came to the city from all directions,.

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Anonymous Sally Logan Gilman said...
Greetings Tom: While my mother got the turkey in the oven, my father took my sister and me to see Santa arrive at Swerns on Thanksgiving morning. It was a tradition and one my father, Russ Logan, looked forward too. I know it was to spend time with my sister and me and not to avoid the chaos in the kitchen. I think my mother, Sarah, liked getting us out from underfoot. It was a winning situation for everyone. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Sunday, November 28, 2010

1945: RAY PASZKIEWICZ: AN AUTO HISTORIAN

In keeping with my stated goal of providing "Local History With a Personal Touch," I am posting this photo of one of the regular visitors and contributors to this blog. Ray is the guy to talk to when you want information on the Chevys of the past. Once the owner of a vintage 1941 (?) Chevy, Ray has an impressive knowledge of this legendary marque.
Anonymous rayfromvillapark said...
Hi Tom, I'm in shock! Was that photo in the Trenton Times? I may have a similar one lurking somewhere around here. Thanks for the memory and the kind words. I've been in love with automobiles since the day I was born. Still enthused after all these years. I don't think I've ever met a car that didn't have at least some redeeming qualities. Well, maybe the Pontiac Aztec doesn't qualify, but nearly everything else does. Best regards, Ray
Saturday, November 27, 2010

Friday, November 26, 2010

1944: TRENTON POLICEMEN PROMOTED

Here is a photo of recently promoted policemen from 1944. For those of us who were around during WWII, these names are quite familiar. Officer Neese went on to become a Chief.

1944: SANTA HAS ARRIVED AT GOLDBERG'S!

Eleanor, this one's for you. The original for this graphic was posted earlier in a smaller version which was one of the slides in my on screen presentation, "Tom Glover's Christmas of ;43." I have managed to enlarge a bit, but in doing so I had to sacrifice the legibility of the text.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Thanks, Tom! My grown-up kids will get a kick out of these prices - certainly not what they're paying today! By the way, when you go to answer and post a comment, the word for verification does not appear the first time. I have to cancel and do it a second time to get the verification squiggly word. Just FYI. Thanks again, Lakeside Girl
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Anonymous  
West End Sal said...
Yes, me too Tom. I cancel and then do it a second time to get the little verification word. Cheers.
Monday, November 29, 2010

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

2010: THANKSGIVING, 1951

One of my favorite pastimes is saving photos, ads, and other memorabilia from the era in which I grew up. My fellow Kuser School buddy Harry Hall sent me a video with many photos and mementos of the memorable and quite innocent era in which we grew up. In the video Harry was kind enough to share, I found that I  already had the photo above and am posting it herewith. 
Blogger JoeZ said...
Tom: Love the old pictures like this and all the Norman Rockwell's he did on the holiday theme. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving with all the blessings.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Monday, November 22, 2010

1944: REMEMBERING "V-MAIL"

Due to the fact that there aren't many members of the "Greatest Generation" who are on the web, I would bet that there are many younger visitors who never heard of V-mail. During WWII, rationing, "making do," recycling, and conservation were at their peak. A letter to a loved one overseas would begin with the writer doing his or her normal letter. It would go to a center that photographed the letter, reduced it in size and sent it to the destination where it was converted into a letter. Not being an expert on the mechanics of the process, it would be likely that the original letters were converted to microfilm and reproduced in an enlarged state at the destination.Please correct me if I am on the wrong track.
Hi Tom:

I am so impressed with your access to such a wide variety of photos showing the Trenton I knew, and grew up in. I previously commented on the photo of Skelton School a few months ago, this is where I attended kindergarten prior to entering into the new, and modern Parker School, just two months after this photo was taken. In addition to my old buddy Tony Ponticello from kindergarten, I was teamed up with Dan (Skipper) Cowell, whose mother was the third grade teacher at Parker, Mrs. Cowell taught my entire family, and had become friends with my mother. Ms. Smith, and Ms. Mc Cruden were the first grade teachers, I then had the raven haired beauty Ms. Joyce for 2nd grade. My life changed completely in 3rd when I I had Mrs. Cowell. Skpper her son was not allowed to be taught by her, so he transfered back to his neighborhood school. In his absence, I became her surrurgate son. Mrs. Cowell was my inspiration, and took me with her family on trips, my first dinner out in a fancy resturant, and bought me my first long pants suit.
We stayed in touch throughout my adulthood, and I attended to her needs while her son who went on to Medical school, became the head of the Marshall University School of medicine. She never failed to send me a note with a "happy face" on it when she read of some accomplishment of mine noted in the Trenton Press. I gave the eulogy at her funeral at age 99. No one outside of my Mother and father had such a positive impact on me, and I owe any of my business success on her influence. Another 3rd grade teacher, was Lottie Dinkins, the mother of NYC Mayor David Dinkins. What a wonderful time of my life. If a teacher took a kid out to dinner today, there would be lawsuits, and criminal charges. Today, 3 weeks shy of my 76th birthday, I can still every line of the Parker School song.
Thanks for the memories pal!

Warm regards, and all good wishes

Mike Kuzma
Monday, November 22, 2010

MIKE: What a great addition to this post! You are one of the stalwarts on this website. Thanks.

Tom Glover
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1939: LAYING THE CORNERSTONE TO TRENTON'S PARKER SCHOOL


Parker and Grant Schools in Trenton were both built at the same time. Grant School was placed on the site of the old Normal School (State Teachers' College) on North Clinton Avenue near Perry Street.

THE MESSAGE BELOW FROM MIKE KUZMA WILL BE FILED UNDER "HEARTWARMING STORIES OF OUR YOUTH." MANY THANKS, MIKE. OUR TEACHERS HAVE LEFT AN INDELIBLE IMPRESSION ON US WHICH HAS SURVIVED THE YEARS!
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Hi Tom:I am so impressed with your access to such a wide variety of photos showing the Trenton I knew, and grew up in.I previously commented on the photo of Skelton School a few months ago, this is where I attended kindergarten prior to entering into the new, and modern Parker School, just two months after this photo was taken. In addition to my old buddy Tony Ponticello from kindergarten, I was teamed up with Dan (Skipper) Cowell, whose mother was the third grade teacher at Parker, Mrs. Cowell taught my entire family, and had become friends with my mother.Ms. Smith, and Ms. Mc Cruden were the first grade teachers, I than had the raven haired beauty Ms. Joyce for 2nd grade. My life changed completely in 3rd when I I had Mrs. Cowell. Skpper her son was not allowed to be taught by her, so he transfered back to his neighborhood school. In his absence, I became her surrurgate son. Mrs. Cowell was my inspiration, and took me with her family on trips, my first dinner out in a fancy resturant, and bought me my first long pants suit.We stayed in touch throughout my adulthood, and I attended to her needs while her son who went on to Medical school, became the head of the Marshall University School of medicine. She never failed to send me a note with a "happy face" on it when she read of some accomplishment of mine noted in the Trenton Press. I gave the eulogy at her funeral at age 99. No one outside of my Mother and father had such a positive impact on me, and I owe any of my business success on her influence.Another 3rd grade teacher, was Lottie Dinkins, the mother of NYC Mayor David Dinkins.What a wonderful time of my life.If a teacher took a kid out to dinner today, there would be lawsuits, and criminal charges.Today, 3 weeks shy of my 76th birthday, I can still every line of the Parker School song.Thanks for the memories pal!Warm regards, and all good wishesMike Kuzma
Monday, November 22, 2010

Sunday, November 21, 2010

1939: FLOODING ON KENT STREET IN CHAMBERSBURG


You don't have to be near a body of water to have flooded streets. Above is an example of the many times we have all seen the results of a sudden cloudburst resulting in street flooding, or days of heavy rain. It's difficult to imagine the scene above occurring again.
Blogger Mack said...
Hi Tom:)
I think in some of these cases poor storm drains cause this to happen. I never remember flooding
where we were no matter how hard it rained..on the other hand I do agree the luck of the draw cloudburst heavy rain for a period of time long enough could likely flood any area.
Sunday, November 21, 2010

Saturday, November 20, 2010

1957: EMILY REYNOLDS; A PRINCIPAL'S PRINCIPAL


She was what every high school and grammar school Principal should be. Highly intelligent, an excellent judge of character, a strict disciplinarian who at the same time had a heart full of compassion for the unfortunates among us. Miss Reynolds gave her entire career to Hamilton Township's educational system and left a legacy which will remain forever in the annals of the Hamilton Township Public School system. At 77 years of age, I look back on those years I spent in Hamilton Township schools and will be forever grateful for the education I received not only from the written word, but the education I and my contemporaries received in music, ethics, etiquette, zest for living. Next week marks the 53rd anniversary of her passing. She will be on my prayer list this Sunday.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

1934: EWING TOWNSHIP'S MEN IN BLUE: EWING'S FINEST

Here is a photo of the Ewing Police force as it was in 1934. The large area to be covered was best suited for the auto, but I assume the expense led the town fathers to opt for motorcycles. You are looking at the front of the original Ewing Police Station.

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Blogger Ralph Lucarella said...
HI TOM.....I RECALL THE CHIEF AS A VERY GOOD PITCHER IN BASEBALL DURING HIS DAYS ON THE EWING POLICE FORCE. REGARDS.
Thursday, November 18, 2010

1934: THE PLAYGROUND AT MAPLE SHADE SCHOOL

The many school playgrounds established by local municipalities were very popular gathering places for the kids who grew up during the Great Depression. Here we see a number of White Horse children having the time of their lives enjoying the fresh outdoors in a wholesome atmosphere.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

1934: SCHROTH POST 93 BASEBALL TEAM

I began using the word "legendary" in this blog way back in November 2005 when I started posting. Now, nearly 5,000 pages later, I am still looking for another synonym with which I can replace that tired adjective. Be that as it may, the Trenton Schroth Post 93 teams through all the years has been an organization of incredible consistency and talent. Hey; I didn't have to use "legendary!"

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Blogger Ralph Lucarella said...
IT'S ME AGAIN TOM.....I'VE MENTIONED MANY TIMES THAT MY BROTHER "CHUCK" AND I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE SCHROTHS SINCE 1936 WHEN I WAS CHOSEN BY JAKE MILLER TO PLAY ON THE TEAM AND 1948 WHEN "CHUCK" PLAYED ON THE TEAM THAT WON THE AMERICAN LEGION JUNIOR WORLD SERIES IN INDIANAPOLIS. IT WAS MY AMBITION WHEN I WAS YOUNGER TO MAKE THE SCHROTHS TEAM. I WAS FACINATED BY THE ATTRACTIVE JACKETS EACH PLAYER WERE GIVEN AFTER THEIR SEASON WAS OVER. OF COURSE MY YEAR HAPPENED TO BE THE YEAR THAT THE HAMILTON POST BEAT US WITH A GREAT TEAM, BUT WITH "CHUCK", IT WAS DIFFERENT, THEY WENT ALL THE WAY DURING THE THREE YEARS THAT HE PLAYED AND WE WERE THERE ALONG WITH BUS SAIDT IN INDIANAPOLIS TO SEE IT. I KNEW ALL THOSE PLAYERS ON THE 1934 TEAM ABOVE AND LATTER ON COMPETED AGAINST MOST OF THEM IN OTHER LEAGUES. BEST REGARDS.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
One of the goals of my blog is "Local History With a Personal Touch." It brings back personal memories like those you are experiencing with posts like this, Ralph. I will continue on this journey.
Tom Glover

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

1937: TRENTON HIGH PRESENTS "I'LL LEAVE IT TO YOU"


I would really like to have seen this production. I'm sure it would have been full of wholesome messages for the girls and boys who went to see the play. These were the years when modesty, sex, bad language and other now-common trash from today's TV and movies were unheard of.

1931: THE NEW JERSEY STATE FAIR 1925 SEASON


We lost a local treasure here in Hamilton Township when "the Fair" closed down shop and moved to South Jersey. National television coverage of the many auto races, thousands of attendees, and other fabulous features pulled out of town and left us. Of course, today the Grounds For Sculpture has taken over a large part of the land, along with UPS and a few housing developments. But in its golden years from 1888 until the 1960's, Hamilton Township and the city of Trenton had a jewel that was largely unappreciated.
Blogger Ralph Lucarella said...
HI TOM....I'D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT SPADER IN THAT CARTOON. HE WAS EVERYWHERE SELLING PEANUTS FOR A NICKEL A BAG. ON HOLIDAY PARADES HE PROUDLY WORE HIS UNIFORM AND MARCHED IN STRIDE WITH EVERYONE EVEN WHEN HE WAS VERY ELDERLY. I SAW HIM OFTEN AT WETZEL FIELD BALL GAMES AND EVERYONE IN THE STANDS WOULD BE EATING HIS PEANUTS. REGARDS.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010