MY LITTLE BIRD SANCTUARY

I HAVE BEEN A BIRD WATCHER FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. IN ALL THOSE YEARS, I HAVE SEEN MOST OF THE COMMON SONG BIRDS WHICH INHABIT OUR AREA (EXCEPT THE ELUSIVE EASTERN BLUEBIRD). THE VIGNETTE HERE SHOWS A FEW OF MY BIRD FRIENDS. ABSENT FROM THE PHOTO ARE THE NUMEROUS GOLD FINCHES WHICH INHABIT MY FEEDING STATION, ALSO A TOWHEE, WHICH WILL BE INCLUDED ANOTHER TIME ALONG WITH A NUMBER OF MY OTHER WOODLAND FRIENDS.

APOLOGIES FOR THE POOR RESOLUTION ON THE GROSBEAK AND WHITE THROAT PHOTOS. THEY WERE TAKEN THROUGH A CLOUDED WINDOW.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO SIGNED THE GUEST BOOK

MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE

SIGNED MY RE-INSTATED

GUESTBOOK.

PLEASE CONTINUE!

SIGN MY GUEST BOOK

FOR SOME REASON I FIND THOSE WHO ACCESS THIS SITE HAVE NOT BEEN SIGNING THE GUEST BOOK. AS THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN VISITORS TO THIS SITE OVER THE PAST 2-1/2 YEARS KNOW, I HAD 23,480 SOME VIEWERS WHEN THE HOSTING FACILITY SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ADVISING ME, REMOVED THE "FREE" GUEST BOOK THEY OFFERED. I HAVE SINCE RE-INSTATED THE BOOK WITH A NEW HOSTING FACILITY, COMMENCING WITH THE 23,480 I ORIGINALLY HAD WHEN THE ORIGINAL WAS CANCELLED. WITH NEARLY 25,000 VIEWERS OF THIS SITE, THE GUEST BOOK IS BEING PASSED BY.

YOUR COMMENTS, POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS, ARE IMPORTANT TO THE CONTINUANCE OF THIS SITE. TAKE A MINUTE AND SIGN, EVEN IF YOU SIGN AS "ANONYMOUS."

CATHEDRAL HIGH TO CELEBRATE NUMBER 50

The reunion committee for the Cathedral class of1957 announce the 50th reunion has been set for October 27, 2007. Further details will be forthcoming. The committee is searching for addresses of classmates. For information call 215-321-1849 or 609-585-8424.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GAZEBO AT KUSER FARM PARK

Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Perry Como, Mario Lanza, Joni James, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Miller,..........
I will be hosting the Sunday evening “gazebo concerts” at Kuser Farm Park throughout the summer of 2007. Each Sunday from July 8^th through August 26^th, from 6 to 7:30 or 8 P.M., we will bring a nostalgic evening of music under the stars. Each week will feature an hour and a half or two of classic love ballads, country music, Irving Berlin classics, “Tin Pan Alley” favorites, Broadway tunes, music of World War II, the 40’s, the 50’s, and even some of the smooth and understandable songs of the 60’s and 70's. Sing along or just listen and enjoy! For those dancers in our midst, that great little concrete dance floor in front of the gazebo welcomes you when we roll out the barrel with polkas, jitter bugs, line dancing, and good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The media has decided that our music doesn’t fit their target audience. Viewers of this website and my "Sentimental Journey" columns in the Trenton TIMES ARE my target audience! The programs are free of charge. Bring a folding chair or a blanket and settle back and remember the music we grew up with.....indeed the era when music was music! I look forward to seeing many of you beginning on Sunday, July 8^th.

There will be no rain dates.

STAY TUNED...More information will be forthcoming.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GAZEBO AT KUSER FARM PARK

Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Perry Como, Mario Lanza, Joni James, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Miller,..........
I will be hosting the Sunday evening “gazebo concerts” at Kuser Farm Park throughout the summer of 2007. Each Sunday from July 8^th through August 26^th, from 6 to 7:30 or 8 P.M., we will bring a nostalgic evening of music under the stars. Each week will feature an hour and a half or two of classic love ballads, country music, Irving Berlin classics, “Tin Pan Alley” favorites, Broadway tunes, music of World War II, the 40’s, the 50’s, and even some of the smooth and understandable songs of the 60’s and 70's. Sing along or just listen and enjoy! For those dancers in our midst, that great little concrete dance floor in front of the gazebo welcomes you when we roll out the barrel with polkas, jitter bugs, line dancing, and good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The media has decided that our music doesn’t fit their target audience. Viewers of this website and my "Sentimental Journey" columns in the Trenton TIMES ARE my target audience! The programs are free of charge. Bring a folding chair or a blanket and settle back and remember the music we grew up with.....indeed the era when music was music! I look forward to seeing many of you beginning on Sunday, July 8^th.

There will be no rain dates.

STAY TUNED...More information will be forthcoming.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GAZEBO AT KUSER FARM PARK

Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Perry Como, Mario Lanza, Joni James, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Miller,..........
I will be hosting the Sunday evening “gazebo concerts” at Kuser Farm Park throughout the summer of 2007. Each Sunday from July 8^th through August 26^th, from 6 to 7:30 or 8 P.M., we will bring a nostalgic evening of music under the stars. Each week will feature an hour and a half or two of classic love ballads, country music, Irving Berlin classics, “Tin Pan Alley” favorites, Broadway tunes, music of World War II, the 40’s, the 50’s, and even some of the smooth and understandable songs of the 60’s and 70's. Sing along or just listen and enjoy! For those dancers in our midst, that great little concrete dance floor in front of the gazebo welcomes you when we roll out the barrel with polkas, jitter bugs, line dancing, and good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The media has decided that our music doesn’t fit their target audience. Viewers of this website and my "Sentimental Journey" columns in the Trenton TIMES ARE my target audience! The programs are free of charge. Bring a folding chair or a blanket and settle back and remember the music we grew up with.....indeed the era when music was music! I look forward to seeing many of you beginning on Sunday, July 8^th.

There will be no rain dates.

STAY TUNED...More information will be forthcoming.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GAZEBO AT KUSER FARM PARK

Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Perry Como, Mario Lanza, Joni James, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Miller,..........
I will be hosting the Sunday evening “gazebo concerts” at Kuser Farm Park throughout the summer of 2007. Each Sunday from July 8^th through August 26^th, from 6 to 7:30 or 8 P.M., we will bring a nostalgic evening of music under the stars. Each week will feature an hour and a half or two of classic love ballads, country music, Irving Berlin classics, “Tin Pan Alley” favorites, Broadway tunes, music of World War II, the 40’s, the 50’s, and even some of the smooth and understandable songs of the 60’s and 70's. Sing along or just listen and enjoy! For those dancers in our midst, that great little concrete dance floor in front of the gazebo welcomes you when we roll out the barrel with polkas, jitter bugs, line dancing, and good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The media has decided that our music doesn’t fit their target audience. Viewers of this website and my "Sentimental Journey" columns in the Trenton TIMES ARE my target audience! The programs are free of charge. Bring a folding chair or a blanket and settle back and remember the music we grew up with.....indeed the era when music was music! I look forward to seeing many of you beginning on Sunday, July 8^th.

There will be no rain dates.

STAY TUNED...More information will be forthcoming.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GAZEBO AT KUSER FARM PARK

Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Perry Como, Mario Lanza, Joni James, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Miller,..........
I will be hosting the Sunday evening “gazebo concerts” at Kuser Farm Park throughout the summer of 2007. Each Sunday from July 8^th through August 26^th, from 6 to 7:30 or 8 P.M., we will bring a nostalgic evening of music under the stars. Each week will feature an hour and a half or two of classic love ballads, country music, Irving Berlin classics, “Tin Pan Alley” favorites, Broadway tunes, music of World War II, the 40’s, the 50’s, and even some of the smooth and understandable songs of the 60’s and 70's. Sing along or just listen and enjoy! For those dancers in our midst, that great little concrete dance floor in front of the gazebo welcomes you when we roll out the barrel with polkas, jitter bugs, line dancing, and good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The media has decided that our music doesn’t fit their target audience. Viewers of this website and my "Sentimental Journey" columns in the Trenton TIMES ARE my target audience! The programs are free of charge. Bring a folding chair or a blanket and settle back and remember the music we grew up with.....indeed the era when music was music! I look forward to seeing many of you beginning on Sunday, July 8^th.

There will be no rain dates.

STAY TUNED...More information will be forthcoming.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GAZEBO AT KUSER FARM PARK

Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Perry Como, Mario Lanza, Joni James, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Miller,..........
I will be hosting the Sunday evening “gazebo concerts” at Kuser Farm Park throughout the summer of 2007. Each Sunday from July 8^th through August 26^th, from 6 to 7:30 or 8 P.M., we will bring a nostalgic evening of music under the stars. Each week will feature an hour and a half or two of classic love ballads, country music, Irving Berlin classics, “Tin Pan Alley” favorites, Broadway tunes, music of World War II, the 40’s, the 50’s, and even some of the smooth and understandable songs of the 60’s and 70's. Sing along or just listen and enjoy! For those dancers in our midst, that great little concrete dance floor in front of the gazebo welcomes you when we roll out the barrel with polkas, jitter bugs, line dancing, and good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The media has decided that our music doesn’t fit their target audience. Viewers of this website and my "Sentimental Journey" columns in the Trenton TIMES ARE my target audience! The programs are free of charge. Bring a folding chair or a blanket and settle back and remember the music we grew up with.....indeed the era when music was music! I look forward to seeing many of you beginning on Sunday, July 8^th.

There will be no rain dates.

STAY TUNED...More information will be forthcoming.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GAZEBO AT KUSER FARM PARK

Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Perry Como, Mario Lanza, Joni James, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Miller,..........
I will be hosting the Sunday evening “gazebo concerts” at Kuser Farm Park throughout the summer of 2007. Each Sunday from July 8^th through August 26^th, from 6 to 7:30 or 8 P.M., we will bring a nostalgic evening of music under the stars. Each week will feature an hour and a half or two of classic love ballads, country music, Irving Berlin classics, “Tin Pan Alley” favorites, Broadway tunes, music of World War II, the 40’s, the 50’s, and even some of the smooth and understandable songs of the 60’s and 70's. Sing along or just listen and enjoy! For those dancers in our midst, that great little concrete dance floor in front of the gazebo welcomes you when we roll out the barrel with polkas, jitter bugs, line dancing, and good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The media has decided that our music doesn’t fit their target audience. Viewers of this website and my "Sentimental Journey" columns in the Trenton TIMES ARE my target audience! The programs are free of charge. Bring a folding chair or a blanket and settle back and remember the music we grew up with.....indeed the era when music was music! I look forward to seeing many of you beginning on Sunday, July 8^th.

There will be no rain dates.

STAY TUNED...More information will be forthcoming.

IT'S A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING!

Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Perry Como, Mario Lanza, Joni James, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Miller,..........
I will be hosting the Sunday evening “gazebo concerts” at Kuser Farm Park throughout the summer of 2007. Each Sunday from July 8^th through August 26^th, from 6 to 7:30 or 8 P.M., we will bring a nostalgic evening of music under the stars. Each week will feature an hour and a half or two of classic love ballads, country music, Irving Berlin classics, “Tin Pan Alley” favorites, Broadway tunes, music of World War II, the 40’s, the 50’s, and even some of the smooth and understandable songs of the 60’s and 70's. Sing along or just listen and enjoy! For those dancers in our midst, that great little concrete dance floor in front of the gazebo welcomes you when we roll out the barrel with polkas, jitter bugs, line dancing, and good old fashioned cheek to cheek dancing. The media has decided that our music doesn’t fit their target audience. Viewers of this website and my "Sentimental Journey" columns in the Trenton TIMES ARE my target audience! The programs are free of charge. Bring a folding chair or a blanket and settle back and remember the music we grew up with.....indeed the era when music was music! I look forward to seeing many of you beginning on Sunday, July 8^th.

There will be no rain dates.

STAY TUNED...More information will be forthcoming.

THE PRR REPAIR SHOPS

THIS GRAPHIC IS SELF EXPLANATORY. THANKS TO MR. BOB MALLAM WHO MANY YEARS AGO SENT ME THE FOLLOWING FASCINATING INFO ABOUT THAT SITE, WHICH WAS LOCATED OFF OF WHITEHEAD ROAD ON A FIELD BEHIND THE DE LAVAL FACTORY.

1990: HOMECOMING - NOVEMBER 1990

HERE'S A PHOTO OF THE HORNET CHEERLEADING TEAM ROOTING FOR THE HAMILTON FOOTBALL SQUAD DURING THE 1990-1991 SEASON.

1990: HOMECOMING - NOVEMBER 1990

HERE'S A PHOTO OF THE HORNET CHEERLEADING TEAM ROOTING FOR THE HAMILTON FOOTBALL SQUAD DURING THE 1990-1991 SEASON.

1990: HOMECOMING - NOVEMBER 1990

HERE'S A PHOTO OF THE HORNET CHEERLEADING TEAM ROOTING FOR THE HAMILTON FOOTBALL SQUAD DURING THE 1990-1991 SEASON.

1990: HOMECOMING - NOVEMBER 1990

HERE'S A PHOTO OF THE HORNET CHEERLEADING TEAM ROOTING FOR THE HAMILTON FOOTBALL SQUAD DURING THE 1990-1991 SEASON.

1990: HOMECOMING - NOVEMBER 1990

HERE'S A PHOTO OF THE HORNET CHEERLEADING TEAM ROOTING FOR THE HAMILTON FOOTBALL SQUAD DURING THE 1990-1991 SEASON.

1990: HOMECOMING - NOVEMBER 1990

HERE'S A PHOTO OF THE HORNET CHEERLEADING TEAM ROOTING FOR THE HAMILTON FOOTBALL SQUAD DURING THE 1990-1991 SEASON.

1990: HOMECOMING - NOVEMBER 1990

HERE'S A PHOTO OF THE HORNET CHEERLEADING TEAM ROOTING FOR THE HAMILTON FOOTBALL SQUAD DURING THE 1990-1991 SEASON.

1990: THE HAMILTON TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC CLUB

REMEMBER 1990?

1990: Liberty Street Church of Christ

It started out as a small edifice on the Corner of Liberty and Wesley Street here in Hamilton. Today it is housed in a beautiful red brick colonial New England style church with a lovely "steeple." Back when I was a boy, I attended the church when "Brother Graham" was the Pastor, and my Sunday School teacher was Mrs. Anderson, whose home was directly next to the church on Liberty Street. As I recall, the church had no musical accompaniment of any kind,and all the singing was "a capella." I still recall the "un-balanced" sound of a loud voice here and an off key voice there.....all in all not a pleasant musical experience, but the folks were making a joyful noise unto the Lord. Today, the very popular Reverend Allen is the Pastor and has built the church into a lively and viable congregation.

1909: $1,000 For Township Police Protection

This clipping came from an era when Hamilton was still a largely rural township. The population scattered around in the outlying villages of Hamilton Square, Broad Street Park, Mercerville, Bromley, Yardville, Groveville, Deutzville, and other less populated neighborhoods.

1990: Law and Order, Chianese Style

I found this to be a very interesting photo with now retired Sal Chianese proudly posing with his two sons. Lt. Mike Kane has a son and daughter who have joined the Hamilton Police force, as did former Chief Zimmer, and former Hamilton Police Officer Morrison.

All of which goes to prove, "The apples don't fall far from the tree!"

1990: Chief Richard Taylor Hamilton's New Police Chief

I am currently digitizing some of the more interesting historic and whimsical material in a substantial collection of Mercer Messengers.
This and the following post were taken from two copies from March, 1990.

1990: Chief Dick Taylor's Collection of Badges

1990: THIS IS DISCIPLINE?

SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT IN TODAY'S PUBLIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT, TROUBLE MAKING STUDENTS ARE TREATED WITH KID GLOVES WHEN COMPARED WITH THE GENERATION OF CITIZENS WHO ATTENDED OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS IN THE 1930's THROUGH THE 1950's.

1990: PARISH CRISIS AT OUR LADY OF SORROWS, MERCERVILLE

THE TOWN WAS BUZZING BACK IN THE EARLY 1990'S WHEN THE SISTERS AT "OLS" TERMINATED THEIR LONG TENURE WITH THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

THIS IS CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST.

1990: PARISH CRISIS AT OUR LADY OF SORROWS

IT TURNS OUT THAT THE RESIGNATION OF THE MARIANITE SISTERS AT OUR LADY OF SORROWS WAS ONLY THE TIP THE THE ICEBERG AS THE PARISH EXPERIENCED A CRISIS.

1990: YARDVILLE SCHOOL CELEBRATES NUMBER 50

MY "YARDVILLE SCHOOL" FOLDER IN THE HAMILTON LIBRARY'S LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION HAS A SMALL COLLECTION OF PHOTOS SHOWING THE NEW "STATE OF THE ART" YARDVILLE SCHOOL. THERE'S A PHOTO OF THE CONSOLE WHICH HOUSED THE SCHOOL'S PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM, ALONG WITH VIEWS OF INTEREST THROUGHOUT THE NEW BUILDING ON YARDVILLE-ALLENTOWN ROAD.

My eagle eyed colleague, local historian Gordon Kontrath, caught me red handed in an error in placing the Yardville School on South Broad Street. I was the victim of a "senior moment," thinking in my mind that the school was in the vicinity of Gropp's Lake, and I have made the correction. Thanks Gordon; it's important that these little errors are pointed out.

1990: HIZZONER JACK RAFFERTY BATTLES HIGH TAXES

THIS LETTER WHICH FORMER HAMILTON MAYOR RAFFERTY SENT TO GOVERNOR FLORIO BACK IN 1990 OBVIOUSLY FELL UPON DEAF EARS. THEN, AS NOW, THE UPWARD SPIRAL OF THE SCHOOL TAX HAD MANY OF OUR SENIOR CITIZEN COMMUNITY IN A VERY TENUOUS FINANCIAL CRISIS. IT SEEMS THAT OUR SCHOOLS GET THOSE "COST OF LIVING" INCREASES, BUT WE SENIORS ON FIXED INCOME GET A MEASLY INCREASE WHICH DOESN'T KEEP UP WITH THE OUR TAX INCREASES.

1915: PETER DOLAN'S HAMILTON HOTEL

THIS BUILDING WAS A PART OF THE HENRY N. SMITH PROPERTY, ONCE LOCATED TO THE WEST OF THE OLD NEW JERSEY STATE FAIR. IN THE GENERAL AREA BEYOND THE NOTTINGHAM MAIN RIGHT OF WAY.

PETER DOLAN WAS ONE OF THE MORE PROMINENT MEN IN THE BROMLEY AREA BACK IN THE LATE 1800'S AND EARLY 20TH CENTURY.

1982: HERB HOBLER, WHERE ARE YOU NOW THAT WE NEED YOU!

DO YOU REMEMBER WHWH? DO YOU REMEMBER THE ADULT PROGRAMMING WHICH WAS BROADCAST BY THAT WONDERFUL RADIO STATION? I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE MANY RE-BROADCASTS OF OLD TIME RADIO THAT WAS ONCE THE HALLMARK OF THE STATION. WHWH WAS TRULY TARGETING THE MATURE, EDUCATED LISTENER.

JOHN MORRIS IS ANOTHER MEDIA GIANT IN THE MERCER AREA. EVEN TODAY HIS 1300 AM GOSPEL STATION IS VERY POPULAR WITH HIS TARGET AUDIENCE. JOHN WORKS IN CONJUCNTION WITH LOU AND GREG ZANONI'S TELEVISION STATION, DOING INTERESTING LOCAL INTEREST SIMULCASTS.

1982: GINA CASCONE'S TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT

READ THIS ONE FOR YOURSELF. MS. CASCONE WROTE A TONGUE IN CHEEK MEMOIR OF WHAT IT WAS LIKE GROWING UP AS A YOUNG CATHOLIC GIRL IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL. IN THE BOOK SHE RECALLED VERY FUNNY AND FAMILIAR EVENTS. MS CASCONE WAS INVITED BY THE LIBRARY BOARD TO BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT ONE OF THEIR MEETINGS. UNFORTUNATELY, SOME CITIZENS TOOK THE BOOK AS A SLUR ON THE CATHOLIC FAITH AND THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR RECEIVED MANY DEMANDS THAT THE BOOK BE REMOVED AND THAT THE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT BE CANCELLED. THE BOARD AT THE TIME QUICKLY ACQUIESCED.

1987: LANGTREE KINDERGARTEN

ASSUMING THAT A BOY OR GIRL IS 5 YEARS OLD, I WOULD ASSUME THAT MOST OF THE CHILDREN IN THIS KINDERGARTEN CLASS OF 1987 WOULD BE IN THEIR MID - 20'S. ANYONE THERE YOU KNOW?

1982: MCGALLIARD SCHOOL'S EARLY COMPUTERS

I AM ABSOLUTELY FASCINATED WHEN I SEE PHOTOS OF OUR VERY EARLY ENTRY INTO THE WORLD OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS. I REMEMBER SEEING THAT COMPUTER, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I CANNOT REMEMBER WHAT BRAND IT WAS. PERHAPS AN OLD TIMER IN THE COMPUTER.

THANKs To Candy Jens for identifying the computer in the photo:

The computer is a Commodore PET (Personal Electronic Transactor). It had a monochrome screen, 40-characters wide, and had a tape recorder to input and save programs. This model has a floppy disc drive on the left (big improvement!). I still have one in a closet - it was functional when I retired it many years ago.

Candy Frenking Jens
Sunday, April 08, 2007

1983: HAMILTON'S FIRST CABLE PROVIDER

THEY WERE A VERY AUSTERE ORGANIZATION, BUT UNLIKE THE PRESENT CABLEVISION FRANCHISE, THEY CONCENTRATED ON HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PERSONS, PLACES AND THINGS. WE HAD A STUDIO, AND WE DIDN'T HAVE TO WATCH AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR OF MARLBORO, OR FREEHOLD, OR RARITAN OR MANY OF THE OTHER NON-HAMILTON VENUES COVERED BY THE CURRENT CABLE PROVIDER. THE ORIGINAL HAMILTON CABLEVISION REALLY WAS

"TV THAT'S CLOSE TO HOME!"

1982: MANSIONS IN MAY

IT WAS SUCH A NICE ANNUAL AFFAIR! THE KUSER HOME WAS THROWN OPEN AS A FUNDRAISER. THIS PHOTO FROM THE MAY 13, 1982 EDITION OF THE "MERCER MESSENGER."

1938 BOBASHELA

THIS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IS "BOBASHELA." IT IS A COMPLETE JOY TO PAGE THROUGH THIS 1938 YEARBOOK AND SEE CIVILIZED ACTIVITIES BEING CONDUCTED BY STUDENTS WHO BY AND LARGE WERE THERE TO LEARN. REMEMBER THE RED TEAM AND THE BLACK TEAM? REMEMBER THOSE HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL-TRENTON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES WHERE THERE WAS INDEED AN OCCASIONAL FIGHT? REMEMBER THOSE SATURDAY NIGHT DANCES WHICH NEVER REQUIRED A POLICE PRESENCE, AND RARELY SAW A RIOT SPILLING OUT TO CHAMBERS AND GREENWOOD? AHH, THE MEMORIES!

THIS GRAPHIC AND THOSE THAT FOLLOW COME TO US WITH GRATITUDE FROM DORIS ROCKEL, DORIS DONATED THIS WONDERFUL TRENTON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL COLLECTION TO THE HAMILTON LIBRARY'S LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION. THE MATERIAL COMES FROM THE COLLECTION OF HER LATE HUSBAND CORNELL "AL" ROCKEL'S COLLECTION. AL WAS A MEMBER OF THE CLASS OF 1938 AT TRENTON HIGH SCHOOL. HE ULTIMATELY WENT ON TO BECOME A TEACHER AT JUNIOR #3. HE WAS AN ACCOMPLISHED POET.

1938: TRENTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE GOLDEN YEARS

SOMEWHERE I HEARD THAT SOMEONE ACTUALLY SUGGESTED THAT THIS HISTORIC BUILDING SHOULD BE

TORN DOWN AND A NEW SCHOOL

BUILT IN ITS PLACE!!!!

I AM CERTAINLY NOT A CONSTRUCTION EXPERT, BUT I WOULD THINK THAT THE TOWN FATHERS WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE INTERIOR BE COMPLETELY TORN OUT AND THE INTERIOR BE RE-DESIGNED. WOULD NOT THERE BE A REAL SAVINGS? IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE MONEY SAVED BY NOT HAVING TO CONSTRUCT A REPLACEMENT BUILDING COULD BE UTILIZED TO MAKE EXPAND THE BUILDING TO THE REAR OF THE EXISTING BUILDING.....THEN AGAIN, I AM NO CONSTRUCTION EXPERT....JUST A NON-TRENTON TAXPAYER WHO LIKES TO SAVE MONEY AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS.

1938: TRENTON HIGH SCHOOL: OBJECT OF NEGLECT

THIS YOUNG MAN IS TAKING A BREAK FROM HIS DAILY STUDIES AT TRENTON'S ONCE-PROUD TRENTON HIGH SCHOOL.

THANKS TO DORIS ROCKEL, WHOSE LATE HUSBAND CORNELL "AL" ROCKEL WAS A MEMBER OF THS CLASS OF '38. AL WAS ALSO AN ACCOMPLISHED POET.

1938: Once upon a time.....

Once upon a time there was a high school for the students of Trenton. That high school never had graffiti "tags" all over the place, never needed police to keep order, and actually had students who studied everything from English, History, Latin, and had clubs with now unacceptable names like, "Etiquette," "Orchestra," "ping pong," and other interesting activities. It was an era where students were expected to follow the rules and get a very good education. The students even respected the grassy areas and the lovely shrubbery which encircled the classic Colonial edifice.

AND OH, YES....THE CLOCK IS WORKING!

THANKS TO DORIS ROCKEL, WHOSE LATE HUSBAND CORNELL "AL" ROCKEL WAS A TEACHER IN THE SYSTEM AND A GRADUATE FROM THE THS CLASS OF '38, IN THOSE GOLDEN DAYS WHEN RESPECT WAS IN FLOWER.

HHS ALMA MATER

NOT MANY FOLKS REMEMBER THAT HHS HAD AN

OFFICIAL ALMA MATER SONG. WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH

"HAMILTON HIGH WE'LL SERVE YOU, EVER WE'LL LOYAL BE..." BUT THE ABOVE SHEET, PRESERVED BY KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO, WAS COMPOSED BY BARBARA OR ELEANOR COHEN BACK IN THE 1940'S OR 50's. IT IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER.

HHS ALMA MATER

NOT MANY FOLKS REMEMBER THAT HHS HAD AN

OFFICIAL ALMA MATER SONG. WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH

"HAMILTON HIGH WE'LL SERVE YOU, EVER WE'LL LOYAL BE..." BUT THE ABOVE SHEET, PRESERVED BY KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO, WAS COMPOSED BY BARBARA OR ELEANOR COHEN BACK IN THE 1940'S OR 50's. IT IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER.

HHS ALMA MATER

NOT MANY FOLKS REMEMBER THAT HHS HAD AN

OFFICIAL ALMA MATER SONG. WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH

"HAMILTON HIGH WE'LL SERVE YOU, EVER WE'LL LOYAL BE..." BUT THE ABOVE SHEET, PRESERVED BY KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO, WAS COMPOSED BY BARBARA OR ELEANOR COHEN BACK IN THE 1940'S OR 50's. IT IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER.

HHS ALMA MATER

NOT MANY FOLKS REMEMBER THAT HHS HAD AN

OFFICIAL ALMA MATER SONG. WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH

"HAMILTON HIGH WE'LL SERVE YOU, EVER WE'LL LOYAL BE..." BUT THE ABOVE SHEET, PRESERVED BY KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO, WAS COMPOSED BY BARBARA OR ELEANOR COHEN BACK IN THE 1940'S OR 50's. IT IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER.

HHS ALMA MATER

NOT MANY FOLKS REMEMBER THAT HHS HAD AN

OFFICIAL ALMA MATER SONG. WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH

"HAMILTON HIGH WE'LL SERVE YOU, EVER WE'LL LOYAL BE..." BUT THE ABOVE SHEET, PRESERVED BY KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO, WAS COMPOSED BY BARBARA OR ELEANOR COHEN BACK IN THE 1940'S OR 50's. IT IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER.

HHS ALMA MATER

NOT MANY FOLKS REMEMBER THAT HHS HAD AN

OFFICIAL ALMA MATER SONG. WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH

"HAMILTON HIGH WE'LL SERVE YOU, EVER WE'LL LOYAL BE..." BUT THE ABOVE SHEET, PRESERVED BY KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO, WAS COMPOSED BY BARBARA OR ELEANOR COHEN BACK IN THE 1940'S OR 50's. IT IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER.

HHS ALMA MATER

NOT MANY FOLKS REMEMBER THAT HHS HAD AN

OFFICIAL ALMA MATER SONG. WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH

"HAMILTON HIGH WE'LL SERVE YOU, EVER WE'LL LOYAL BE..." BUT THE ABOVE SHEET, PRESERVED BY KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO, WAS COMPOSED BY BARBARA OR ELEANOR COHEN BACK IN THE 1940'S OR 50's. IT IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER.

1960: CLASS NIGHT,

STILL MORE FROM THE EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF

KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO. AS I READ THIS CLASS NIGHT PROGRAM,

I RECALLED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN MY GRADUATING YEAR OF 1951.IN ADDITION TO "CLASS NIGHT," WE ALSO HAD A PROGRAM KNOWN AS A BACALAUREATE SERVICE. YUP, BEFORE GOD WAS EXPELLED FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WE ACTUALLY HAD MEN OF THE CLOTH, JEWISH OR CHRISTIAN, SAYING PRAYERS. IF THERE WERE ENOUGH FOLKS WHO FOLLOWED THE ISLAMIC RELIGION IN HAMILTON BACK THEN, WE WOULD HAVE GLADLY HAVE BOWED OUR HEADS IN PRAYER AND RESPECT. HOW QUAINT! HOW ABSOLUTELY PRIMITIVE! WOW, WERE WE "UNENLIGHTENED!" OH YES. WE ALSO HAD A POLICE PRESENCE IN THE HAMILTON SCHOOLS. EVERY YEAR OR SO, OFFICER "BOOTS" SNYDER WOULD COME AND TALK TO US ABOUT SAFETY.

NOW THAT WAS TRUE POLICE PRESENCE!

1960: CLASS NIGHT,

STILL MORE FROM THE EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF

KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO. AS I READ THIS CLASS NIGHT PROGRAM,

I RECALLED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN MY GRADUATING YEAR OF 1951.IN ADDITION TO "CLASS NIGHT," WE ALSO HAD A PROGRAM KNOWN AS A BACALAUREATE SERVICE. YUP, BEFORE GOD WAS EXPELLED FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WE ACTUALLY HAD MEN OF THE CLOTH, JEWISH OR CHRISTIAN, SAYING PRAYERS. IF THERE WERE ENOUGH FOLKS WHO FOLLOWED THE ISLAMIC RELIGION IN HAMILTON BACK THEN, WE WOULD HAVE GLADLY HAVE BOWED OUR HEADS IN PRAYER AND RESPECT. HOW QUAINT! HOW ABSOLUTELY PRIMITIVE! WOW, WERE WE "UNENLIGHTENED!" OH YES. WE ALSO HAD A POLICE PRESENCE IN THE HAMILTON SCHOOLS. EVERY YEAR OR SO, OFFICER "BOOTS" SNYDER WOULD COME AND TALK TO US ABOUT SAFETY.

NOW THAT WAS TRUE POLICE PRESENCE!

1960: CLASS NIGHT,

STILL MORE FROM THE EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF

KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO. AS I READ THIS CLASS NIGHT PROGRAM,

I RECALLED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN MY GRADUATING YEAR OF 1951.IN ADDITION TO "CLASS NIGHT," WE ALSO HAD A PROGRAM KNOWN AS A BACALAUREATE SERVICE. YUP, BEFORE GOD WAS EXPELLED FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WE ACTUALLY HAD MEN OF THE CLOTH, JEWISH OR CHRISTIAN, SAYING PRAYERS. IF THERE WERE ENOUGH FOLKS WHO FOLLOWED THE ISLAMIC RELIGION IN HAMILTON BACK THEN, WE WOULD HAVE GLADLY HAVE BOWED OUR HEADS IN PRAYER AND RESPECT. HOW QUAINT! HOW ABSOLUTELY PRIMITIVE! WOW, WERE WE "UNENLIGHTENED!" OH YES. WE ALSO HAD A POLICE PRESENCE IN THE HAMILTON SCHOOLS. EVERY YEAR OR SO, OFFICER "BOOTS" SNYDER WOULD COME AND TALK TO US ABOUT SAFETY.

NOW THAT WAS TRUE POLICE PRESENCE!

1960: CLASS NIGHT,

STILL MORE FROM THE EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF

KATHY CSORGO ANNACCARATO. AS I READ THIS CLASS NIGHT PROGRAM,

I RECALLED THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN MY GRADUATING YEAR OF 1951.IN ADDITION TO "CLASS NIGHT," WE ALSO HAD A PROGRAM KNOWN AS A BACALAUREATE SERVICE. YUP, BEFORE GOD WAS EXPELLED FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WE ACTUALLY HAD MEN OF THE CLOTH, JEWISH OR CHRISTIAN, SAYING PRAYERS. IF THERE WERE ENOUGH FOLKS WHO FOLLOWED THE ISLAMIC RELIGION IN HAMILTON BACK THEN, WE WOULD HAVE GLADLY HAVE BOWED OUR HEADS IN PRAYER AND RESPECT. HOW QUAINT! HOW ABSOLUTELY PRIMITIVE! WOW, WERE WE "UNENLIGHTENED!" OH YES. WE ALSO HAD A POLICE PRESENCE IN THE HAMILTON SCHOOLS. EVERY YEAR OR SO, OFFICER "BOOTS" SNYDER WOULD COME AND TALK TO US ABOUT SAFETY.

NOW THAT WAS TRUE POLICE PRESENCE!