I had been working for a number of years with my very dear friend, the late Robert Immordino. Bob was an expert on "Ethnic Americana," especially where it revolved around the American-Italian experience. Bob was one of the more knowledgeable experts on the history of the Italians in the Trenton area, as well as nationally. His passing left a very large void on the local scene. The above article is from a 1909 Daily State Gazette which I embellished with the colors of the country. St. Joachim Church and School is most certainly a candidate for recognition on the National Register. It has a glorious history, dating back to the early 20th century when Chambersburg men spent hours of back-breaking labor at their respective daily jobs, only to come home and volunteer for still more labor in building up St. Joachim's School.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: tglover320@optimum.net
Friday, July 31, 2009
1909: The New St. Joachim's School - Trenton N.J.
I had been working for a number of years with my very dear friend, the late Robert Immordino. Bob was an expert on "Ethnic Americana," especially where it revolved around the American-Italian experience. Bob was one of the more knowledgeable experts on the history of the Italians in the Trenton area, as well as nationally. His passing left a very large void on the local scene. The above article is from a 1909 Daily State Gazette which I embellished with the colors of the country. St. Joachim Church and School is most certainly a candidate for recognition on the National Register. It has a glorious history, dating back to the early 20th century when Chambersburg men spent hours of back-breaking labor at their respective daily jobs, only to come home and volunteer for still more labor in building up St. Joachim's School.
Hi Tom, Thank you for this interesting article from the past. As active as I have been in researching the history of St. Joachim Parish, this is the first time I have seen this particular
ReplyDeletepicture and news report. How many thousands of Italian Americans tread those hallowed classrooms over the last 100 years! Yes it is
a glorious history indeed. Thanks again, Carlo
Hey Carlo:
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the comment on the 1909 St. Joachim School. I find the history of the American Italians in Trenton to be an exciting and fascinating study. Those folks went through unbelievable situations when they came to America. And don't you know? They never requested that Spanish be recognized as a second language! They worked their tails of by day and then volunteered their skills to help in the construction of that school after working all day, then they went to night school to learn the language. Thanks for writing. I have quite a few Italian-related posts on my website. Go to "SEARCH BLOG" in the upper right of the home page and type in ST. JOACHIM OR ITALIAN, CHAMBERSBURG, etc.
By the way. I find we have a mutual friend. Tell my old buddy from Kay's Follies, Jerry Foley that I was asking about him. He and his late wife Loretta were fellow performers back in the 60's when our kids were growing up.
Kindest regards,
Tom
SORRY CARLO, THAT'S SHOULD READ "UPPER LEFT." ANOTHER OF THOSE DARN "SENIOR MOMENTS." IT GETS WORSE EVERY DAY!
ReplyDeleteTOM GLOVER
Tom,
ReplyDeleteWhat a stroke of good luck finding this entry. I graduated from St. Joachim's in 1965 when the Fillippini Sisters ran the School; and what a fantastic job they did. We had 40+ kids per class, and discipline was the order of the day; however we were all better off for it. I am a member of the Knights of Columbus, Trenton Council 355 and we operate out of St. Joachim's now. Coincidentally we are honoring the Fillippini sisters on February 26 at Nottingham Ballrom. Thanks for sharing.
Paul M. Donini