1944: Goldberg's Toyland

"Toyland, toyland,
dear little girl and boy land.
While you are within it,
you are ever happy there.
Childhood joyland,
dear little girl and boy land,
Once you've passed its portals,
you can never return again..."

Thus wrote Victor Herbert many years ago. There's a special place in my memory for the visits I made to that magic place known as Goldberg's Toyland. I dare say many over 70 viewers share this sentiment.

Christmas, 1898

This delightful engraving from Trenton's venerable "Daily State Gazette" shows just how timeless the wonderful season of Christmas is as the little guy in the graphic fell asleep waiting to see Santa.
"...the stockings were hung by the chimney with care..." They would be filled with an orange, or perhaps an apple, maybe some walnuts or some other austere treat, and if the little boy came from an affluent family, perhaps a toy under the tree.

1908: Still "Boiling the Pot in 2006

How well I remember taking one of those Christmas shopping trips "uptown" with Mom Glover when I was a boy. Center city Trenton was the mecca for shoppers all over Mercer County. During the Christmas rush, Trenton Transit buses were lined up end on end bringing people to and from a thriving metropolis. The Christmas seasons I remember of downtown Trenton still lives in my memory as I recall Christmas carols echoing through the State and Broad area, the aroma of coffee, hot dogs, hamburgers, bakery delights, and the exhaust from those buses formed an unforgettable aromatic experience. Many viewers of this post will remember Santa standing by that big black kettle, and dropping a few coins for the less fortunate among us. We were indeed a kinder and gentler nation back then.

1946: The Tuskegee Airmen

It was a shameful period for the American military during the second World War. The thousands of black men who served our country were treated as inferior to their caucasion brothers. Here three soldiers, including a Trentonian by the name of Elwood Driver, receive a welcome to Tuskegee Air Field in Alabama. It took nearly a half century for the military to be fully integrated.

1869: Fascinating Ads from the Past

One of the more interesting segments of my local history project at the Hamilton Library is found in the fascinating advertising to be found in the newspapers of the Victorian era. The engraving as seen in the William E. Brooke ad is an example of the art as it was practiced before offset printing of photographs came to the fore. There are literally thousands of ads, and I will be adding more in future posts.

FYI

Many people have told me that they save my "Sentimental Journey" columns and send them to friends and relatives out of the local area. My column is in the "People" section of the Times EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Tell your out of town friends and relatives who have computer/internet capabilities that they can find my column published online on those weeks when it appears in the paper. The internet site http://www.njo.com is the site where the Times and the Star Ledger post archives, but it is somewhat difficult to get to the 14 day archives. I find it easier and much quicker to go to Google, and in the "Search For" block, enter this string:
TOM GLOVER HAMILTON TRENTON
you will find my column if it is a week when my column is published, along with other activities in which I have been involved over the recent past.

FYI

Many people have told me that they save my "Sentimental Journey" columns and send them to friends and relatives out of the local area. My column is in the "People" section of the Times EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Tell your out of town friends and relatives who have computer/internet capabilities that they can find my column published online on those weeks when it appears in the paper. The internet site http://www.njo.com is the site where the Times and the Star Ledger post archives, but it is somewhat difficult to get to the 14 day archives. I find it easier and much quicker to go to Google, and in the "Search For" block, enter this string:
TOM GLOVER HAMILTON TRENTON
you will find my column if it is a week when my column is published, along with other activities in which I have been involved over the recent past.

FYI

Many people have told me that they save my "Sentimental Journey" columns and send them to friends and relatives out of the local area. My column is in the "People" section of the Times EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Tell your out of town friends and relatives who have computer/internet capabilities that they can find my column published online on those weeks when it appears in the paper. The internet site http://www.njo.com is the site where the Times and the Star Ledger post archives, but it is somewhat difficult to get to the 14 day archives. I find it easier and much quicker to go to Google, and in the "Search For" block, enter this string:
TOM GLOVER HAMILTON TRENTON
you will find my column if it is a week when my column is published, along with other activities in which I have been involved over the recent past.

FYI

Many people have told me that they save my "Sentimental Journey" columns and send them to friends and relatives out of the local area. My column is in the "People" section of the Times EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Tell your out of town friends and relatives who have computer/internet capabilities that they can find my column published online on those weeks when it appears in the paper. The internet site http://www.njo.com is the site where the Times and the Star Ledger post archives, but it is somewhat difficult to get to the 14 day archives. I find it easier and much quicker to go to Google, and in the "Search For" block, enter this string:
TOM GLOVER HAMILTON TRENTON
you will find my column if it is a week when my column is published, along with other activities in which I have been involved over the recent past.

FYI

Many people have told me that they save my "Sentimental Journey" columns and send them to friends and relatives out of the local area. My column is in the "People" section of the Times EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Tell your out of town friends and relatives who have computer/internet capabilities that they can find my column published online on those weeks when it appears in the paper. The internet site http://www.njo.com is the site where the Times and the Star Ledger post archives, but it is somewhat difficult to get to the 14 day archives. I find it easier and much quicker to go to Google, and in the "Search For" block, enter this string:
TOM GLOVER HAMILTON TRENTON
you will find my column if it is a week when my column is published, along with other activities in which I have been involved over the recent past.

FYI

Many people have told me that they save my "Sentimental Journey" columns and send them to friends and relatives out of the local area. My column is in the "People" section of the Times EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Tell your out of town friends and relatives who have computer/internet capabilities that they can find my column published online on those weeks when it appears in the paper. The internet site http://www.njo.com is the site where the Times and the Star Ledger post archives, but it is somewhat difficult to get to the 14 day archives. I find it easier and much quicker to go to Google, and in the "Search For" block, enter this string:
TOM GLOVER HAMILTON TRENTON
you will find my column if it is a week when my column is published, along with other activities in which I have been involved over the recent past.

FYI

Many people have told me that they save my "Sentimental Journey" columns and send them to friends and relatives out of the local area. My column is in the "People" section of the Times EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Tell your out of town friends and relatives who have computer/internet capabilities that they can find my column published online on those weeks when it appears in the paper. The internet site http://www.njo.com is the site where the Times and the Star Ledger post archives, but it is somewhat difficult to get to the 14 day archives. I find it easier and much quicker to go to Google, and in the "Search For" block, enter this string:
TOM GLOVER HAMILTON TRENTON
you will find my column if it is a week when my column is published, along with other activities in which I have been involved over the recent past.

FYI

Many people have told me that they save my "Sentimental Journey" columns and send them to friends and relatives out of the local area. My column is in the "People" section of the Times EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Tell your out of town friends and relatives who have computer/internet capabilities that they can find my column published online on those weeks when it appears in the paper. The internet site http://www.njo.com is the site where the Times and the Star Ledger post archives, but it is somewhat difficult to get to the 14 day archives. I find it easier and much quicker to go to Google, and in the "Search For" block, enter this string:
TOM GLOVER HAMILTON TRENTON
you will find my column if it is a week when my column is published.

1952: Here Comes Your 55th!

C'mon you guys, admit it! We all have memories of that first girlfriend, or the "crushes" ).....the ones that got away, if you will.) At one time or other, we were all afflicted by with that male hormonal malady at some time in our youth. I still recall a case of "puppy love" with which I was afflicted in 1943 with the then love-of-my-life, Shirley Whitebread....then, hmmm, let me see, there was Madelyn Lear, Barbara Connelly, Joan Tart, Charlotte Wilson, Millie Long, Shirley Gress, Madeline Bencivengo, Mary Pyrah, Jackie Hamilton, Valle Brewer, and, oh, of course, the love of my life with whom I have spent 53 years of married life, Judy Britton, HHS '51!

1952: Here Comes Your 55th!

C'mon you guys, admit it! We all have memories of that first girlfriend, or the "crushes" ).....the ones that got away, if you will.) At one time or other, we were all afflicted by with that male hormonal malady at some time in our youth. I still recall a case of "puppy love" with which I was afflicted in 1943 with the then love-of-my-life, Shirley Whitebread....then, hmmm, let me see, there was Madelyn Lear, Barbara Connelly, Joan Tart, Charlotte Wilson, Millie Long, Shirley Gress, Madeline Bencivengo, Mary Pyrah, Jackie Hamilton, Valle Brewer, and, oh, of course, the love of my life with whom I have spent 53 years of married life, Judy Britton, HHS '51!

1952: Here Comes Your 55th!

C'mon you guys, admit it! We all have memories of that first girlfriend, or the "crushes" ).....the ones that got away, if you will.) At one time or other, we were all afflicted by with that male hormonal malady at some time in our youth. I still recall a case of "puppy love" with which I was afflicted in 1943 with the then love-of-my-life, Shirley Whitebread....then, hmmm, let me see, there was Madelyn Lear, Barbara Connelly, Joan Tart, Charlotte Wilson, Millie Long, Shirley Gress, Madeline Bencivengo, Mary Pyrah, Jackie Hamilton, Valle Brewer, and, oh, of course, the love of my life with whom I have spent 53 years of married life, Judy Britton, HHS '51!

1952: Here Comes Your 55th!

C'mon you guys, admit it! We all have memories of that first girlfriend, or the "crushes" ).....the ones that got away, if you will.) At one time or other, we were all afflicted by with that male hormonal malady at some time in our youth. I still recall a case of "puppy love" with which I was afflicted in 1943 with the then love-of-my-life, Shirley Whitebread....then, hmmm, let me see, there was Madelyn Lear, Barbara Connelly, Joan Tart, Charlotte Wilson, Millie Long, Shirley Gress, Madeline Bencivengo, Mary Pyrah, Jackie Hamilton, Valle Brewer, and, oh, of course, the love of my life with whom I have spent 53 years of married life, Judy Britton, HHS '51!

1952: Here Comes Your 55th!

C'mon you guys, admit it! We all have memories of that first girlfriend, or the "crushes" ).....the ones that got away, if you will.) At one time or other, we were all afflicted by with that male hormonal malady at some time in our youth. I still recall a case of "puppy love" with which I was afflicted in 1943 with the then love-of-my-life, Shirley Whitebread....then, hmmm, let me see, there was Madelyn Lear, Barbara Connelly, Joan Tart, Charlotte Wilson, Millie Long, Shirley Gress, Madeline Bencivengo, Mary Pyrah, Jackie Hamilton, Valle Brewer, and, oh, of course, the love of my life with whom I have spent 53 years of married life, Judy Britton, HHS '51!

1952: Here Comes Your 55th!

C'mon you guys, admit it! We all have memories of that first girlfriend, or the "crushes" ).....the ones that got away, if you will.) At one time or other, we were all afflicted by with that male hormonal malady at some time in our youth. I still recall a case of "puppy love" with which I was afflicted in 1943 with the then love-of-my-life, Shirley Whitebread....then, hmmm, let me see, there was Madelyn Lear, Barbara Connelly, Joan Tart, Charlotte Wilson, Millie Long, Shirley Gress, Madeline Bencivengo, Mary Pyrah, Jackie Hamilton, Valle Brewer, and, oh, of course, the love of my life with whom I have spent 53 years of married life, Judy Britton, HHS '51!

1952: Here Comes Your 55th!

C'mon you guys, admit it! We all have memories of that first girlfriend, or the "crushes" ).....the ones that got away, if you will.) At one time or other, we were all afflicted by with that male hormonal malady at some time in our youth. I still recall a case of "puppy love" with which I was afflicted in 1943 with the then love-of-my-life, Shirley Whitebread....then, hmmm, let me see, there was Madelyn Lear, Barbara Connelly, Joan Tart, Charlotte Wilson, Millie Long, Shirley Gress, Madeline Bencivengo, Mary Pyrah, Jackie Hamilton, Valle Brewer, and, oh, of course, the love of my life with whom I have spent 53 years of married life, Judy Britton, HHS '51!

Veterans' Day 2006 at Hamilton's Veterans' Park

Following are a few of the photos I took at the solemn ceremony honoring our Veterans, November 11, 2006 at Veterans' Park, Hamilton Township.

Click on the image to enlarge

Veterans' Day 2006 at Hamilton's Veterans' Park

This solemn ceremony brought tears of respect and unbridled emotion to every patriot in attendance.

Click on the image to enlarge

Veterans' Day 2006 at Hamilton's Veterans' Park

These are my dear friends from the Air Force Association, these patriots are very active in all facets of veterans' affairs.

Click on the image to enlarge

CAPE MAY SPLENDOR RIGHT IN HAMILTON!

Here's a photo taken just this afternoon (November 10) of the restoration in progress at Hamilton's Kuser Mansion. The stately old girl is being brought back to her former splendor, and the workers are now painting the "gingerbread" highlights of that beautiful old mansion. Fred and Theresa Kuser and Edna And Fred Kuser are smiling down on us from above. Well done, Hamilton Township!

(Click on the image to get a better view of the gingerbread highlights being added to the house.)

Ray Sypniewski: Tribute to a Hero

I am proud to say that Ray was one of my childhood buddies in our Hartley Avenue neighborhood. Ray was the very first casualty of the Korean war from the Trenton/Hamilton area. He was also a Hamilton High alumnus. As Veterans' Day 2006 approaches, let us say a remember Ray Sypniewski, and all those brave men and women of our armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice.

Ray Sypniewski: Tribute to a Hero

I am proud to say that Ray was one of my childhood buddies in our Hartley Avenue neighborhood. Ray was the very first casualty of the Korean war from the Trenton/Hamilton area. He was also a Hamilton High alumnus. As Veterans' Day 2006 approaches, let us say a remember Ray Sypniewski, and all those brave men and women of our armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice.

Ray Sypniewski: Tribute to a Hero

I am proud to say that Ray was one of my childhood buddies in our Hartley Avenue neighborhood. Ray was the very first casualty of the Korean war from the Trenton/Hamilton area. He was also a Hamilton High alumnus. As Veterans' Day 2006 approaches, let us say a remember Ray Sypniewski, and all those brave men and women of our armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice.

Ray Sypniewski: Tribute to a Hero

I am proud to say that Ray was one of my childhood buddies in our Hartley Avenue neighborhood. Ray was the very first casualty of the Korean war from the Trenton/Hamilton area. He was also a Hamilton High alumnus. As Veterans' Day 2006 approaches, let us say a remember Ray Sypniewski, and all those brave men and women of our armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice.

Ray Sypniewski: Tribute to a Hero

I am proud to say that Ray was one of my childhood buddies in our Hartley Avenue neighborhood. Ray was the very first casualty of the Korean war from the Trenton/Hamilton area. He was also a Hamilton High alumnus. As Veterans' Day 2006 approaches, let us say a remember Ray Sypniewski, and all those brave men and women of our armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice.

Ray Sypniewski: Tribute to a Hero

I am proud to say that Ray was one of my childhood buddies in our Hartley Avenue neighborhood. Ray was the very first casualty of the Korean war from the Trenton/Hamilton area. He was also a Hamilton High alumnus. As Veterans' Day 2006 approaches, let us say a remember Ray Sypniewski, and all those brave men and women of our armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice.

Ray Sypniewski: Tribute to a Hero

I am proud to say that Ray was one of my childhood buddies in our Hartley Avenue neighborhood. Ray was the very first casualty of the Korean war from the Trenton/Hamilton area. He was also a Hamilton High alumnus. As Veterans' Day 2006 approaches, let us say a remember Ray Sypniewski, and all those brave men and women of our armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice.

Circa 1929 Enterprise Volunteer Fire Co.

Edith Rommel and Edith Marlin for this vintage photo of Bromley's Enterprise Volunteer Fire Company. Any further information on the actual location of the structure shown in the photo would be appreciated.

1909: In the Beginning: Hamilton Volunteer Fire Co.

In the year 2009, Hamilton Township's venerable old Hamilton Volunteer Fire Company will celebrate 100 years of selfless service to the citizens of Bromley and the surrounding areas of Hamilton Township.

1983: Colonial Volunteer Fire Company

Here's a reprint of an old article I wrote back in 1983 on the fire company of my youth. Colonial was located on Liberty Street and Newkirk Avenue before moving to their sumptuous quarters on Kuser Road.

1943: "Let's buy a bomber!"

The girls at Cathedral High School in Trenton succeeded in raising enough money to buy four Jeeps for the U.S. war effort during World War II. Afer that incredible success, they wondered if they could be as successful in raising funds for the purchase of a bomber aircraft!

(See the next post for details on the four Jeeps the gals purchased)

1943: Those Cathedral Girls!

The senior class at Hamilton High School raised enough funds to purchase a Jeep for the U.S. Government's war effort back in 1943. Those girls at Cathedral High eclipsed that incredibe feat by purchasing four Jeeps for our soldiers.
Absolutely fascinating!

1896: The Rothschild Factory

Hamiltonians who are familiar with that huge red brick building on the corner of Nottingham Way and Johnston Avenue will remember the building as being the home of Atlantic Products Corp., manufacturers of golf and luggage bags. The building was originally constructed as a textile mill for the Rothschild Company. The building has fallen into disrepair and is an eyesore today. However, I understand that in the near future there is a possibility that the building will be restored to its original splendor and become still another 19th century treasure.

1900: DeLaval Comes to Trenton

I believe the new De Laval factory was built on farmland owned by the Boyd family. It was big news back there in 1900 when the industrial giant moved into the city.....or did they move into Hamilton township? I don't know where the city line begins, but it is a close call.

1986: How Technology Has Changed!

The headline says it all"
"VIDEO BUSINESS BOOMING"
How well I remember going to the video rental store and spending quite a long time deciding which VHS tape I would rent. In the intervening years since 1986, there has been a tremendous change in the way we view movies. Do you remember "Sir Video?"

1901: A Horseless Carriage Passes Through Trenton

It made headlines back in the infancy of the horseless carriage when Mr. and Mrs. Decker set off on a journey down the east coast. Mrs. Decker was the driver. The couple left New York City at 10 O'clock in the morning and arrived in Trenton a little after 1 P.M. The vehicle appears to be a curved dash Oldsmobile.