1921: the Genesis of Woodlawn Park

My Atlantic Avenue home is on the plot of land once the location of Hamilton's Woodlawn Park. Here's an article that goes to the coverage of the Committee meetings to discuss the acceptance of rejection of Hildinger's request to create a park on the site bounded by Greenwood, South Logan, Connecticut, and D'Arcy Street in Hamilton.

1886: The Robbins Family Burial Grounds

The Robbins name is familar to old timers in Hamilton Square. In my generation, "Les" Robbins was a prominent name in the local I remember stopping by the Robbins burying grounds near Clarksburg many years ago when I was "on the road" as a salesman.

1911: TRENTON CONTEMPORARY CLUB

Back in th 1980's I was one of the tour guides for the Trenton Contemporary Club's annual "Four Views of Trenton." The Contemporary Club is a very interesting group of ladies who are quite civic minded. From the "Contemporary Club" folder in the Local History Collection comes this article introducing some of the ladies who were movers and shakers back in 1911.

1894: Bishop O'Farrell Confirms 47 Prison Inmates

"SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" AT NJ.COM

FOR THOSE FOLKS WHO LIVE OUT OF THE AREA OR WHO MISSED MY LAST "SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" COLUMN IN THE TIMES, YOU CAN FIND THE COLUMN IN THE FREE 14 DAY ARCHIVES at NJ.COM. GO TO to: http://search.nj.com AND KEY IN TOM GLOVER IN THE "SEARCH" BLOCK ON THE UPPER RIGHT OF THE SCREEN. My most recent column will appear in one of the listings. Look below and click on the "Show More" at the bottom of the listing page, and you may find another earlier column.

The Times also offers an unlimited archive access for those who want older than 14 day access. It is available at a small reasonable fee.

1908: Pennington Seminary Circa 1908

This fascinating photo from an old post card comes from the "PENNINGTON" folder in the Local History Collection at the Hamilton Township Public Library.

Question from one who hasn't been to Pennington since my visits with Fred Kuser to "Mayor" Bill Howe's home back in the '40's:

Is this building still on the grounds or has it been demolished?

1894: A Gazette Reporter Visits the Lawrenceville School

Articles such as this Lawrenceville School story provides a fascinating comparison with the very same institution which is still with us today.

1952: 55th Reunion Year - Missing Alumni , 1992

Hamilton High's class of 1952 will be celebrating their 55th reunion in this year of 2007. From my Hamilton High School folder in the local history collection, posting the a graphic which was given to me by Martha Bisbee Bogdan when the class was preparing to celebrate their 40th back in 1992. I assume the "missing persons" will be pretty much the same this year. My former next door neighbor Shirley Sneath Benton was living in Arizona the last time I spoke with her daughter.

1952: 55th Reunion Year - Missing Alumni , 1992

Hamilton High's class of 1952 will be celebrating their 55th reunion in this year of 2007. From my Hamilton High School folder in the local history collection, posting the a graphic which was given to me by Martha Bisbee Bogdan when the class was preparing to celebrate their 40th back in 1992. I assume the "missing persons" will be pretty much the same this year. My former next door neighbor Shirley Sneath Benton was living in Arizona the last time I spoke with her daughter.

1952: 55th Reunion Year - Missing Alumni , 1992

Hamilton High's class of 1952 will be celebrating their 55th reunion in this year of 2007. From my Hamilton High School folder in the local history collection, posting the a graphic which was given to me by Martha Bisbee Bogdan when the class was preparing to celebrate their 40th back in 1992. I assume the "missing persons" will be pretty much the same this year. My former next door neighbor Shirley Sneath Benton was living in Arizona the last time I spoke with her daughter.

1952: 55th Reunion Year - Missing Alumni , 1992

Hamilton High's class of 1952 will be celebrating their 55th reunion in this year of 2007. From my Hamilton High School folder in the local history collection, posting the a graphic which was given to me by Martha Bisbee Bogdan when the class was preparing to celebrate their 40th back in 1992. I assume the "missing persons" will be pretty much the same this year. My former next door neighbor Shirley Sneath Benton was living in Arizona the last time I spoke with her daughter.

1952: 55th Reunion Year - Missing Alumni , 1992

Hamilton High's class of 1952 will be celebrating their 55th reunion in this year of 2007. From my Hamilton High School folder in the local history collection, posting the a graphic which was given to me by Martha Bisbee Bogdan when the class was preparing to celebrate their 40th back in 1992. I assume the "missing persons" will be pretty much the same this year. My former next door neighbor Shirley Sneath Benton was living in Arizona the last time I spoke with her daughter.

1952: 55th Reunion Year - Missing Alumni , 1992

Hamilton High's class of 1952 will be celebrating their 55th reunion in this year of 2007. From my Hamilton High School folder in the local history collection, posting the a graphic which was given to me by Martha Bisbee Bogdan when the class was preparing to celebrate their 40th back in 1992. I assume the "missing persons" will be pretty much the same this year. My former next door neighbor Shirley Sneath Benton was living in Arizona the last time I spoke with her daughter.

1952: 55th Reunion Year - Missing Alumni , 1992

Hamilton High's class of 1952 will be celebrating their 55th reunion in this year of 2007. From my Hamilton High School folder in the local history collection, posting the a graphic which was given to me by Martha Bisbee Bogdan when the class was preparing to celebrate their 40th back in 1992. I assume the "missing persons" will be pretty much the same this year. My former next door neighbor Shirley Sneath Benton was living in Arizona the last time I spoke with her daughter.

HHS '52: Here Comes Number 55! - Missing Classmates

Hamilton High's class of 1952 will be celebrating their 55th reunion in this year of 2007. From my Hamilton High School folder in the local history collection, posting the a graphic which was given to me by Martha Bisbee Bogdan when the class was preparing to celebrate their 40th back in 1992. I assume the "missing persons" will be pretty much the same this year. My former next door neighbor Shirley Sneath Benton was living in Arizona the last time I spoke with her daughter.

DON WHITELEY'S YARDVILLE AND YARDVILLE HEIGHTS

FROM DON WHITELEY, HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1945 COMES A
WONDERFUL NEW WEBSITE! A DAY OR SO AGO I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A FELLOW HISTORIAN,MR. DON WHITELEY, WHO HAS JUST INSTITUTED A NEW LOCAL INTEREST WEBSITE. DON GIVES US AN EXCELLENT LOOK BACK AT LIFE AS IT WAS LIVED IN THE 1930'S AND 40'S. HE RECALLS GROWING UP IN THE YARDVILLE HEIGHTS AND YARDVILLE AREA. CHECK IT OUT; IT'S REALLY GREAT!

http://www.donwhiteley.com/.
THANKS, DON.

DON WHITELEY, HHS CLASS OF '45

HERE'S NEWS OF A WONDERFUL NEW WEBSITE!

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A FELLOW HISTORIAN,
MR. DON WHITELEY, WHO HAS JUST STARTED
A NEW LOCAL INTEREST WEBSITE. DON GIVES US AN EXCELLENT LOOK BACK AT LIFE AS IT WAS LIVED IN THE 1930'S AND 40'S. HE RECALLS GROWING UP IN THE YARDVILLE HEIGHTS AND YARDVILLE AREA. CHECK IT OUT; IT'S REALLY GREAT!
WWW.DONWHITELEY.COM.

THANKS, DON.

DON WHITELEY, HHS CLASS OF '45

HERE'S NEWS OF A WONDERFUL NEW WEBSITE!

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A FELLOW HISTORIAN,
MR. DON WHITELEY, WHO HAS JUST STARTED
A NEW LOCAL INTEREST WEBSITE. DON GIVES US AN EXCELLENT LOOK BACK AT LIFE AS IT WAS LIVED IN THE 1930'S AND 40'S. HE RECALLS GROWING UP IN THE YARDVILLE HEIGHTS AND YARDVILLE AREA. CHECK IT OUT; IT'S REALLY GREAT!
WWW.DONWHITELEY.COM.

THANKS, DON.

DON WHITELEY, HHS CLASS OF '45

HERE'S NEWS OF A WONDERFUL NEW WEBSITE!

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A FELLOW HISTORIAN,
MR. DON WHITELEY, WHO HAS JUST STARTED
A NEW LOCAL INTEREST WEBSITE. DON GIVES US AN EXCELLENT LOOK BACK AT LIFE AS IT WAS LIVED IN THE 1930'S AND 40'S. HE RECALLS GROWING UP IN THE YARDVILLE HEIGHTS AND YARDVILLE AREA. CHECK IT OUT; IT'S REALLY GREAT!
WWW.DONWHITELEY.COM.

THANKS, DON.

DON WHITELEY, HHS CLASS OF '45

HERE'S NEWS OF A WONDERFUL NEW WEBSITE!

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A FELLOW HISTORIAN,
MR. DON WHITELEY, WHO HAS JUST STARTED
A NEW LOCAL INTEREST WEBSITE. DON GIVES US AN EXCELLENT LOOK BACK AT LIFE AS IT WAS LIVED IN THE 1930'S AND 40'S. HE RECALLS GROWING UP IN THE YARDVILLE HEIGHTS AND YARDVILLE AREA. CHECK IT OUT; IT'S REALLY GREAT!
WWW.DONWHITELEY.COM.

THANKS, DON.

DON WHITELEY, HHS CLASS OF '45

HERE'S NEWS OF A WONDERFUL NEW WEBSITE!

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A FELLOW HISTORIAN,
MR. DON WHITELEY, WHO HAS JUST STARTED
A NEW LOCAL INTEREST WEBSITE. DON GIVES US AN EXCELLENT LOOK BACK AT LIFE AS IT WAS LIVED IN THE 1930'S AND 40'S. HE RECALLS GROWING UP IN THE YARDVILLE HEIGHTS AND YARDVILLE AREA. CHECK IT OUT; IT'S REALLY GREAT!
WWW.DONWHITELEY.COM.

THANKS, DON.

DON WHITELEY, HHS CLASS OF '45

HERE'S NEWS OF A WONDERFUL NEW WEBSITE!

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A FELLOW HISTORIAN,
MR. DON WHITELEY, WHO HAS JUST STARTED
A NEW LOCAL INTEREST WEBSITE. DON GIVES US AN EXCELLENT LOOK BACK AT LIFE AS IT WAS LIVED IN THE 1930'S AND 40'S. HE RECALLS GROWING UP IN THE YARDVILLE HEIGHTS AND YARDVILLE AREA. CHECK IT OUT; IT'S REALLY GREAT!
WWW.DONWHITELEY.COM.

THANKS, DON.

DON WHITELEY, HHS CLASS OF '45

HERE'S NEWS OF A WONDERFUL NEW WEBSITE!

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A FELLOW HISTORIAN,
MR. DON WHITELEY, WHO HAS JUST STARTED
A NEW LOCAL INTEREST WEBSITE. DON GIVES US AN EXCELLENT LOOK BACK AT LIFE AS IT WAS LIVED IN THE 1930'S AND 40'S. HE RECALLS GROWING UP IN THE YARDVILLE HEIGHTS AND YARDVILLE AREA. CHECK IT OUT; IT'S REALLY GREAT!
WWW.DONWHITELEY.COM.

THANKS, DON.

1935: LALOR SCHOOL RECEPTION GRADE

When I found this clipping and read that the Reception Grade students at Lalor School had embarked on such a mature project and done such a wonderful job, I began to wonder if the caption in the photo wasn't in error. I was in Reception Grade at Kuser School. My technical level and that of my classmates fell far short of those Lalor Reception graders. I wonder if the caption is an error.

1935; LALOR SCHOOL Little Red Riding Hood

I have a soft spot for school photos whether they be class graduating photos or photos such as this one which shows the cast of the Lalor School's 1935 production of "Little Red Riding Hood." Years from now, any descendents of the Lalor kids shown in the group photo will have a worthwhile family scrapbook keepsake.

1932: Father Walsh's Holy Angels Carnival

This interesting ad from the Trenton State Gazette of July, 1932 started as a black and white "grayscale" image. Thanks to graphic software, I took a drab black and white ad and transformed it into an attractive work of art!

HELP OUR LADY OF SORROWS ALUMNI

I HAVE RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM Ms. Marlane Schreier from OUR LADY OF SORROWS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REQUESTING HISTORIC PHOTOS AND ARTICLES RELATING TO OLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

Email alumni@olsparish.org
===================================================================

HISTORIC PHOTOS NEEDED

Do you have or do you know of anyone having photographs of the school’s or parish’s past May crownings or any other events that happened at the school? If so, may we borrow them?

The alumni association would like to put together a memory book that will be available in the spring but we need input from as many people s possible. With the holidays coming we are hoping that many will be in contact with alumni who have moved to other parts of the country. Please ask if any you meet have photos we may borrow. Also, please feel free to give them our e-mail address so they can contact us directly as we would love to hear from them.

We promise to return all photos to you after they have been scanned into the computer. We will try to identify all people in the pictures if you indicate who they are. Although we can not guarantee credit will be given for every picture contributed, please indicate if you do not want your name used in the book.

Please send all photos with a return address to:

OLA Alumni Photos – Att. Marlane Schreier
Our Lady of Sorrows School
3800 East State Street Ext.
Mercerville, NJ, 08619.

Thank you,

The Alumni Association

ANOTHER TIP FROM TOM

NOW THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF LOCAL HISTORY POSTS ON THIS SITE, IT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO SEARCH FOR SPECIFIC SUBJECTS....HERE'S HOW:

LOOK IN THE VERY UPPER LEFT AT THE LITTLE WHITE SEARCH BOX WHICH SITS NEXT TO THE "SEARCH BLOG" COMMAND. ENTER THE SUBJECT IN WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED AND PROCEED WITH A SEARCH. EVERY INSTANCE OF YOUR SEARCH WORD WILL APPEAR. FOR INSTANCE: KEY IN "GROVEVILLE (WITHOUT THE ") YOU WILL SEE MANY APPEARANCES ON THE SCREEN BEING ACCESSED FROM THE ARCHIVES WHICH GO BACK TO NOVEMBER, 2005

1947: Mercerville School

Here are two of my HHS '51 classmates hard at work on a Valentine's Day dance at Mercerville School. I didn't see much of Betty Sustick at Hamilton High but Sylvia was a very familiar personna as one of the star alto voices in Louise Baird's HHS choir.

1947: Mercerville School

Here are two of my HHS '51 classmates hard at work on a Valentine's Day dance at Mercerville School. I didn't see much of Betty Sustick at Hamilton High but Sylvia was a very familiar personna as one of the star alto voices in Louise Baird's HHS choir.

1947: Mercerville School

Here are two of my HHS '51 classmates hard at work on a Valentine's Day dance at Mercerville School. I didn't see much of Betty Sustick at Hamilton High but Sylvia was a very familiar personna as one of the star alto voices in Louise Baird's HHS choir.

1947: Mercerville School

Here are two of my HHS '51 classmates hard at work on a Valentine's Day dance at Mercerville School. I didn't see much of Betty Sustick at Hamilton High but Sylvia was a very familiar personna as one of the star alto voices in Louise Baird's HHS choir.

1947: Mercerville School

Here are two of my HHS '51 classmates hard at work on a Valentine's Day dance at Mercerville School. I didn't see much of Betty Sustick at Hamilton High but Sylvia was a very familiar personna as one of the star alto voices in Louise Baird's HHS choir.

1947: Mercerville School

Here are two of my HHS '51 classmates hard at work on a Valentine's Day dance at Mercerville School. I didn't see much of Betty Sustick at Hamilton High but Sylvia was a very familiar personna as one of the star alto voices in Louise Baird's HHS choir.

1947: Mercerville School

Here are two of my HHS '51 classmates hard at work on a Valentine's Day dance at Mercerville School. I didn't see much of Betty Sustick at Hamilton High but Sylvia was a very familiar personna as one of the star alto voices in Louise Baird's HHS choir.

1934: Pennington Methodist Episcopal Chorus

Once again, numerous names which are familiar to those residents of the Pennington-Hopewell area. Do you recognize anyone in this photo.

APOLOGIES FOR THE QUALITY OF THIS PHOTO. THE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH DID NOT LEND ITSELF TO DIGITAL ADJUSTMENT.

1940: Remember Rowley's Bakery?

When I was a boy......., back when a dozen donuts would have been out of the question for the impoverished Glover family, a single Rowley cream donut was a treat I remember to this day! I recall a few occasions when Mom Glover treated me to ONE cream donut on one of our trips to Hamilton and South Olden Avenues. Then, when I started "Reception" grade at Kuser School, another local baker had a little bake shop at the Mack home on Newkirk Avenue and Liberty Street. There too, I tasted many a fabulous Mack Bakery cream donut!

1940: The German-American Bund

Back in the 1930's and early 1940's, before America declared war on Nazi Germany, and long before the Nazi horrors were being committed, there were numerous pro "Third Reich" political organizations. One of the most prominent meeting places was right here in northern New Jersey in Sussex County's "Camp Nordland." Future posts will continue to look for other articles involving this interesting facet of our local history.

1934: Joseph Plumeri

The Hamilton Library's "NOTABLE PERSONS" folder is the repository for those area residents past and present who are and were prominent in local Trenton-Hamilton and Mercer County history. The Plumeri family has contributed much to the local area, being very active in civic activities, and of course, their most recent involvement with the Trenton Thunder baseball team. (Sam Plumeri, Sr.). Others include former Sherif Sam Plumeri, Paul Plumeri and his popular "Bishop of the Blues" band, and I'm sure, others.

If you have additional biographical material I would like to add it to this post. Send it to me at thomglo@verizon.net

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1899: The Trenton-Allentown Turnpike Controversy 1 of 3

One of the questions I am asked very frequently is the location of the many toll roads which were placed along the roads leading to and from Trenton from all points on the compass. Years ago, before there was a Route 33, Route 206, etc. the roads were privately owned and operated. As you will read in these three posts, the maintenance on these roads was anything but satisfactory. Muddy, rutted roads were the order of the day. The farmers were up in arms and took their complaints to the commission. While these 3 posts refer to the Trenton to Allentown turnpike which involved Mercerville, Hamilton Square, Newtown (Robbinsville), and Allentown, there was also an ongoing problem with the White Horse Turnpike. Future posts will undoubted turn up as I continue my search through these very interesting pages.

THANKS TO GARY LIPPINCOTT OF GROVEVILLE FOR THE FOLLOWING ADDITION TO THE TURNPIKE CONTROVERSY. GARY WRITES:

There was a toll house for the Trenton-Allentown turnpike located at the intersection of the Yardville-Allentown Road and the Crosswicks-Hamilton Square. It was torn down within the last ten years for the widening of that intersection. Friends of my parents lived there , Ed and Alma Randall, during the late fifties, early sixty's, till they moved to Allentown.

There is a house that I have been told is a toll house and is exactly like their's. It still remains at the corner of the Crosswicks-Chesterfield Road and Hogback Road, in Bordentown Township.

They both have the same shape, square with a flat roof.

Gary
=======================================================
Thanks again Gary for your input. There was also a toll house at the intersection of Cedar Lane, (then known as Cedar Street), and South Broad Street. Also at the intersection of Hamilton (Sandtown Road) and today's Nottingham Way.

1899: The Trenton-Allentown Turnpike Controversy 2 of 3

This is another report on the controversy of the bad conditions of the "turnpike" between Trenton, Mercerville, Hamilton Square, and on to Allentown.

See the following post for the final article.

1899: The Trenton-Allentown Turnpike Wars 3 of 3

Here's the final press report of the controversy as gleaned from the Daily True American. See the preceding two post for continuity.

1909: The Roebling "Planche" Auto

I leave it to Mercer Automobile experts like Tim Kuser or any other Mercer Auto historian to tell us whether there is a link between the Kuser and Roebling families with the Mercer Car, and the Roebling's "Planche." Was the Planche involved in the formation of the Mercer Automobile Company?

1918: The Bloor Family of Old Wilbur

As I page through the local Trenton papers of the 1890's before Wilbur was annexed to the city of Trenton, I find very interesting historical material on what was known as the borough of Wilbur. One of the more familiar family names I run into is the Bloor family. The graphic tells the sad story of WWI American hero Spencer Bloor who was listed as missing in action.

1927: Closing the Circus Grounds

Publish Post
Today's "Junior Two" is built on part of the site of the old circus grounds; that area south of Greenwood Avenue and the Cuyler and South Olden Avenue area. In the 18th century, that area was the site of many appearances of "Buffalo Bill" and his Wild West Show, along with numerous other carnivals and circus acts.

1937: Trenton's New Radio System

WHEN THE TRENTON P.D. INSTALLED THEIR NEW RADIO DISPATCHING SYSTEM, THEY HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WOULD BE AN INCREDIBLE INCREASE IN RESPONSE FREQUENCY.

2007: Kuser Farm Program Schedule

Denise Zemlansky, Curator at Kuser Farm Mansion has posted the events which will be presented at Kuser Mansion during the coming year. The events are free, but reservations are required. For an Adobe Reader copy of the brochure, click on the link below. I will be doing a number of history/nostalgia/music programs during the year. There are some very fascinating programs scheduled, so check it out.

1. Kuser Programs 2007
   
   

1913: Rev. Serafini's Baptist Church

Most folks associate those of American-Italian descent with the Roman Catholic faith. Rev. Vincent Serafini was the leader of a large flock of Baptist Italians in the Burg during the early part of the 20th century.

1915; St. Michael's Orphanage, Hopewell

For Steve Gingo KB2RMS, and any other visitors to my site who may be interested in Pennington/Hopewell/Titusville material:

Unfortunately, offset reproduction in the early part of the 20th century was not too advanced. I have succeeded in enhancing this graphic. The original was quite washed out. However, it does give an idea of the size of the edifice as it looked in its heyday.

1915: St. Michael's Orphanage, Hopewell

Hey Steve, amateur radio station KB2RMS, here's another of two scans relating to St. Michael's Hopewell Orphanage from my collection. I will keep looking for others and be sure to post them as I uncover them.

FYI: You can download this to your computer and print it out.

As we say in the amateur radio fraternity: 73's!

Trenton's First Baptist Church

Each week as I pass down Centre Street for communion services at the South Village on Lalor Street, I pass by the fascinating Centre Street area. The lovely old First Baptist Church on Centre and Bridge Streets has long been a source of interest to me, as are the historic old Centre Street Theatre, Wesley Methodist Church, and the Mott School. These two engravings show the grand old church when it had a huge steeple rising heavenward; obviously struck by lightning some time in the distant past.