2009: God's eye view of St. Joachim Trenton

Here's an interesting view of St. Joachim Church as it would look from a low flying helicopter.

2009: REMEMBERING THE CENTRE THEATER

I took this photo this morning on my way to bring communion to the folks at South Village on Lalor Street and Stokeley Avenue. I have saved the original in 10 megapixel size which results in a HUGE image. The original is so large it reveals minuscule parts of the photo which are not
visible in lower resolution. However, it is far too large to post and I saved its "little brother" which still has beautiful resolution (thank you, Kodak!) I would bet that there is at least one or two visitors to this website who have fond memories of their visits to the Centre theater. The Centre was the twin of the Gaiety. I have never been able to figure out whether they were under the same management or not. However, their ads in the newspapers were always consolidated as one.

THIS RECEIVED FROM FELLOW HAMILTON HIGH "HORNET" DON NUGENT, A NATIVE OF SOUTH TRENTON WHO ATTENDED WESLEY CHURCH AND ALSO RECALLS THE HAPPY TIMES SPENT AT THE CENTRE THEATRE. MANY THANKS, DON!

DON NUGENT WRITES:
I remember many a Saturday matinee at the Centre Theatre. I lived in South Trenton until I was 12 years old. Mom would give me a quarter and admission was 15 cents, a bag of popcorn 10 cents. There would be a double feature, a cartoon, and newsreel. There were also, as I remember, "dish nights" at various times, where they would give away dishes to the ladies who came.

I lived on Third St., went to Mott School, and Wesley Methodist next door for Sunday School. I have many fond memories of those places.

Don Nugent HHS class of '60
GO HORNETS!!!

1911: TRENTON AT THE START OF THE CIVIL WAR

This fascinating article tells of the excitement Trentonians experienced at the outbreak of the Civil War. I found it fascinating the the editor of the "Daily True American" was coerced into displaying the American flag. This article gives an exciting insight to the very earliest local troop formations.

1950: YARDVILLE SCHOOL 7TH GRADE CLASS

That second young man in the bottom row second from right is my buddy and former publisher of the late, great, Mercer messenger, Jack Lacy. I'm still checking out the other photos on the page to identify some of the other members of the class. Thanks to Jack and the members of HHS '56 for this and other photos which I have been and will be posting in the future.

1928 (CIRCA 1928) A COWBOY PERFORMER AT WOODLAWN PARK

Unfortunately, I can't make out the facial features of that cowboy. Could it be Tom Mix in casual wear? I imagine this photo was taken by one of those early Kodak cameras with a fixed lens setting. The final product tiny 2 x 2" contact prints. These photos do not lend themselves to enlarging due to the fact that the original image is blurry. However, we still get the spirit of the "back lot" at Woodlawn Park. Thanks again to "Beb" Peters, long time Hamilton Hartley Avenue neighbors, and still very close friends.

1928: MARATHON DANCERS FROM WOODLAWN PARK

I consider these postcard photos treasures in my collection. As popular as Woodlawn Park was back in the 1920's and 30's, finding original photos from the place are as elusive as finding definitive information on Hamilton's Camp Olden. For those who are not familiar with "Marathon Dancing." Couples entered the contest. Let the dancing begin! The winning couple was the couple who continued dancing, and had to stay on their feet as long as they were physically able. Many experienced marathon dancers could actually nap while still maintaining an upright dancing position.

1938: Junior 4 Playground, Winter 1938

I believe that's Dayton Street in the background. If not, let me know. The caption for the original news photo was quite confusing. Those two distinctive homes on the left should confirm that we are looking across the field to Dayton St.

THIS FROM "SJ BILL:"
Tom,

'Tis Jr Four for sure! The two swings may have been present in the late fifties and early 60s. Lesko's Tomato Pies would have been to the far right, off the field of view, and the school itself would have been directly behind the photographer (close to the ramp where coal was unloaded.

You can also see the soccer goalpost. The soccer field extended behind the school close to to the baseball backstop. Kalman Csapo scored some amazing goals on this field in the late fifties, early sixties. I think he was still active as a coach for the DelVal Aggiee as late as 2003.

Look at the photo, the adjacent street from the middle "vee" of the tall swing set and proceeding leftward is Remsen Ave. From the tall swing set to the right is Lalor St. which ran diagonally along the property.
The buildings in this image are still visible in current www.Bing.com Maps Birdseye views of the Jr Four property. The four visible telephone poles were and still are on the Jr. Four side of Lalor St., according to the satellite images.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

(SJ BILL)

((MANY THANKS, BILL; YOUR INPUT IS APPRECIATED))

1938: WETZEL FIELD IN WINTER

As a baseball fan of the Yankees for over 50 years, I always dislike that period from the October World Series, through the long winter to early Spring Training. Here's a 71 year old view of Trenton's fabled Wetzel field, lookin oh, so forlorn as the dormant outfield greens awaits the call of "Play Ball!" As indicated in an earlier post, Wetzel Field was the home field of the old Trenton High School on Hamilton Avenue. It was named for Dr. William A. Wetzel, a noted Trenton educator, and first Principal of Trenton High School.

1915: OUAM Give Bible to Kuser School

If you haven't yet done so, by all means take a few minutes to see the display of Kuser School memorabilia which is currently on display in the Hamilton Township Public Library. I took the above photo of just one item in the fantastically interesting display. From my "KUSER SCHOOL" folder, I inserted the article describing the event. Kuser School, founded in 1909, is celebrating its centennial this year of 2009. By the way, "OUAM" is the Order of United American Mechanics.

MY RECENT "SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" COLUMN RESULTED IN THIS FASCINATING LOOK BACK AT THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE MOVIE THEATERS IN TRENTON.
THANKS, ELMER!

Dear Tom:

I was born in 1930 and grew up on the other side of Hamilton Township
in Colonial Manor and White Horse. I, too, have Saturday afternoon
movie memories, some a little different from yours.

It all began with my brothers and I taking the long walk down South
Broad Street toward the Broad Theater. It was like a caravan of kids
as more friends kept joining the group along the way, and the
laughing and horsing around were the first joy of the day. When we
got there, the crowd divided into two groups, one stayed at the
Broad, the other headed for the nearby Bijou (always pronounced By-
Joe, never Bee-Zhoo).

The Broad, which we always chose, was a big theater with a balcony,
so the first decision was whether to head for the orchestra or the
balcony, the latter being a place where more rowdy behavior was
tolerated. (I notice that your column has been sanitized of any
rowdiness.)

The Broad always had a double feature in addition to all the things
you mention (cartoon, serial, coming attractions, shorts) and a
newsreel as well, especially after the war started. The Broad kept
showing the same material over and over until midnight. We never
stayed that long, of course, but if the main feature was great we
might stay to see it twice, or at least the juicy bits. Then there
was the walk home, chattering about what we had seen -- a time to
decompress before returning to the bosom of the family.

Another thing I remember well is the way the audience, especially
kids, talked back to the screen. Such warnings as, "Look out behind
you!" and, "He's got a gun!" were signs that we were part of the
show, not just spectators.

You give eleven cents as the price of admission, and that is correct
for the summer of 1941. But do you remember how another cent was
added to the tax after the war started? We groaned at first, but soon
became proud of doing our bit for the war effort.

Regards,

Elmer L. Sullivan

1938: 5TH AND 6TH GRADE, COLUMBUS SCHOOL, TRENTON

Here's a news pic of the 5th and 6th graders at Columbus School in Trenton. The little engraving on the bottom left has been lifted from my "SCHOOLS, TRENTON" folder and planted in an unobtrusive location.

1938: FIRE AT THE OLD WASHINGTON MARKET SITE

The city of Trenton had its share of destructive fires during the first half of the 20th century. I recall two particularly damaging fires during the mid 1940's; one a the Binder's establishment, and another at the New Jersey Floor Covering Plant, both in downtown Trenton. The fire in the photos above shows that stretch of property going "down hill" from State and Broad, on the western side of South Broad Street,

1938: TERNSTEDT DIVISION GENERAL MOTORS EWING TOWNSHIP

It seems to me that the mid 1950's was when American industry started down the long slope to oblivion. The unions were living high off the hog, management was reaping incredible salaries and bonuses, and those perks had a cost which would prove to be the downfall of American heavy industry. With each increase in manufacturing costs, the price of the product went up, up, up, and up. Bottom line: Overseas manufacturer were salivating at the thought of bringing in their foreign made products at prices that were too good to resist. "BUY AMERICAN!" became the battle cry. American unions along with American industry tried to tell us that the imported products were inferior to American quality. U.S. Steel Corporation's Fairless Works urged their employees to buy American made automobiles. It was too late. At one point in the glory years of U.S. Steel Corporation, my neighbor took advantage of a 13 week paid vacation, a union perk that was apparently negotiated during "the good times." In this year of 2009, and as this is being posted, the huge expanse of property which once housed this beautiful automobile parts manufacturing plant, and turned out Grumman Avengers during WWII, is growing over with weeds.

1951: LEE MOUNT, HHS 51 AND BROTHER CARL

Here's HHS '51 classmate Lee Mount and his little brother Carl on a sled, winter, 1938.

1938: EDWARD J. WILDBLOOD - GREGORY SCHOOL

Hey Alan Wildblood, here's another photo of a member of the Wildblood family; a pioneer family in the Hamilton-Liberty-Colonial Gardens area of the township.

1994: THE MICAI FAMILY OF HAMILTON

Back in my Hamilton High School years, Louise Baird, our vocal music teacher urged us to memorize numerous quotations. One of them was firmly embedded in my memory:

"MAKE THE WORLD A BIT MORE BEAUTIFUL
BECAUSE YOU HAVE LIVED IN IT."

That quotation applies in a very apropos way to the Micai family of Hamilton, who brings us a beautifully decorated home each Christmas season.

This Graphic, from my "HOLIDAYS" folder depicts Hamilton's Micai family, and the home as decorated in the Christmas season of 1994.

1941: THOSE SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEES

This week's column in "THE TIMES" was a complete joy to write. The column seemed to write itself! I think I wrote it in a little over an hour. Memories of the concession stand at the Gaiety theater, previews of coming attractions, and all the other unforgettable memories of a trip to the movies for a Tuesday or Saturday matinee came to my aging memory in brilliant technicolor. I'm sure my many visitors can relate to the experience of a matinee. Write and tell us about your memories of the silver screen.
This week's "Those Long Forgotten Saturday Matinees" column can be read by clicking on the link to the right. Enjoy! And while you're there, read THE TIMES; it's a great newspaper and the oldest daily in Trenton.

THANKS FOR THIS FROM RALPH LUCARELLA:

Hi Tom: I was a big fan of Mickey Rooney in those days. They called him Mickey Mcguire and his team of poor kids always beat the rich kids led by Stinky Davis. Also popular were the Cowboys horses, Tom Mix had Tony, Roy Rogers horse was famous, so was Hoot Gibson, Buck Jones and Ken Maynard. I mentioned earlIar that the Gaiety let the kids in free on Sat. mornings during the 30s.
Regards, Ralph

1938: Larry Poinsett, Lawrence Educator

I will be creating a new folder entitled, "PEOPLE I KNOW AND KNEW." Larry will be included in that new folder. Larry was a regular n our neighborhood back in the 1940's. As I go through the newspapers from the 30's and 40's, I find numerous familiar faces. Larry has also been a visitor to this website. Larry, ....'ya out there buddy?

1938: Three of the Lenhardt Boys

These are the three Lenhardt boys I grew up with. Even though Jack has been a Chief and a leading light in the Mercerville Volunteer Fire Co. for years, his roots are planted firmly on Kuser Road where he and the Lenhardt family grew up. I can still remember seeing these three boys perched in the Lenhardt farm tractor as they tilled the fields of John Lenhardt's farm.In my mind, Colonial Volunteer Fire Company automatically brings up images of many of the Lenhardt names I recall. Let's see there was Jack, Joe, Ray, George, Bernie, Bob, Bill.....and of course who could ever forget "Big John" Lenhardt! I can still see him on his weekly delivery rounds bringing fresh Lenhardt Jersey sweet corn to our front doors. JohnLenhardt was a giant of a man with the heart of gold. Further, the Lenhardt family's dedication to fire fighting and saving lives and homes will never be forgotten by those of us who knew and know the family.

1943: From the Glover photo album

Some of the photos in my family album really bring back nostalgic and bittersweet memories., This photo was taken by my older brother who was waiting on our 131 Hartley Avenue porch for the school bus to take him to Hamilton High.

Mack said...

A porch view in winter from
long ago :) LOVE IT:)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

1934: CARLO, IS THIS A FAMILY MEMBER?

In keeping with my custom of posting photos of folks with whom I have the privilege to be aquainted, herewith little 18 month old Agnes Benedetti.

Anonymous said...

Yes Tom, that is my sister. What a pleasant surprise! I never know what to expect on your blog.:) I
will tell my sister and niece to check this out. They won't believe
it. Thank you for keeping your site so interesting, Carlo

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Carlo said...

PS I meant to sign on as Carlo not anonymous. Talk about senior moments!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Mack said...

Hi Tom:)
Just in case you missed it.
You refer to Nick Tomasulo as
your good friend from St Anthony's
Church in the 1940 Junior Four
Orchestra post.
I had a Nick Tomasulo DAY on the
the blog with every post devoted
to him as his daughter sent me
some priceless pictures. If you
saw it ignore this comment:)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Tom Glover said...

HI MACK: I NEVER MISS YOUR DAILY POSTS. AS TO NICK, IT WAS A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. I WENT TO THE SITE WHERE I MENTIONED NICK TOMASULO AND ENTERED A CORRECTION. I REALLY HAD THE WRONG NICK. I MIXED THE NICKS UP. I SHOULD HAVE SAID NICK SOLIMONDO.

TOM GLOVER

Friday, August 21, 2009

Mack said...

Hi Tom:)
Why thank you very much:)
Your opinion means much so I
am very grateful:)
Even so, anyone can have a day
when they are tired or not feeling
good or having computer problems.
Remembering your comment about Nick Tomasulo I just wanted to be
sure you saw the posts. I know how
easy it is to make a little mistake at times when blogging.. I once put Diamonds on divison street I think..and Sax humorously pointed it out.:)
Well it shows how well I remember
the stuff you post as a comment made 5 or 6 months ago popped into
my head. You are the best Tom:)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

1934: WINNERS IN THE "TUG OF WAR" CONTEST

This is an interesting photo of the uniforms worn by the Trenton policemen back in the early 30's. I am ssuming that officer Chet Hughes on the right in the photo was the father of one of my favorite Trenton police officers in the late 40's and early 50's, Chet Hughes was the traffic officer on duty at State & Broad. Every Thursday night when I picked up my fiance Judy Britton, Chet got to know my car and knew I would only be there for a minute after the 9 o'clock
closing of Yard's where Judy worked. He was a true gentleman,

1934: JAMES WOOD, CIVIL WAR DRUMMER

There is a certain fascination for Civil War stories, especially as they relate to the local area. The young many you see in this post was a drummer during the war between the states. Today's Wood Street in Trenton is named for him. This information and the photo was lifted from a Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser "Trenton in Bygone Days" by John Cleary.

Alana said...

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.


Margaret

http://guitarlearntoplay.net

Friday, August 28, 2009

1884: BEFORE IT WAS TRINITY CATHEDRAL

Here's an interesting article on the original Trinity P.E. church, once located on Academy Street in downtown Trenton, and ultimately moving out to West State Street and Overbrook Avenue in the western section of Trenton. Perhaps a parishioner of the current church can tell us if the Charles Roebling window was transferred to the cathedral.

Jay said...

Hey Tom, as always, I love your web posts. I just wanted to make a small correction on the location of Trinity Cathedral. It is located at the corner of West State Street and South Overbrook Avenue.

Keep up the good work.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Tom Glover said...

MANY THANKS FOR THE CORRECTION, JAY. IT'S FOLKS LIKE YOU WHO KEEP ME HONEST! I WILL MAKE THE CORRECTION.

TOM GLOVER

Saturday, August 22, 2009

1884: OBIT MAJOR GENERAL GERSHOM MOTT

He was a giant in local history. Civil war hero and leader, and in his civilian capacity contributed much to the welfare of the Trenton community. General Mott is generally associated with the South Trenton area. The Mott School is named in his honor. A true hero of the war between the states, or as we have come to know it, the Civil War.

The Worshipful Company of Keepers of the Ancient Penitentiary House said...

Gershom Mott, Major General of NJ Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War, served as Keeper of the State Prison, 1877- 1881.
Revolutionized many aspects of the prison's operations, and stiffened up security and discipline- In his 4 years as Keeper, there were no escapes. He introduced the blue uniforms and badges in 1880, the first in New Jersey's prisons.
He was heavily critisized for an incident in which an inmate died during the imposition of discipline, and this, along with the change of political party in the Governor's Office, was probably why he was not reappointed at the end of his term in 1881, despite his record as a highly effective Keeper.
It seems that they found an old 'Stretching Machine' in storage and Mott started using it to discipline the hard cases. One inmate, while being 'Stretched' had a seizure and died.
Some old toys are best left in storage...

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Tom Glover said...

THANK YOU, WHOMEVER YOU ARE, A VERY INTERESTING COMMENT.

TOM GLOVER

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Wayne Sanderson said...

Sorry about that- It came up as the web page I administer instead of me!

Lt. Wayne H. Sanderson
New Jersey State Prison, Trenton

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Tom Glover said...

Nice to meet you Lt. Sanderson! Many thanks for the interesting information on Gershom Mott. Thanks also for visiting my blog.I hope you
return often. My oldest brother Len retired from N.J. State Prison back in the 1970's.

Tom Glover

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Wayne Sanderson said...

Do you know Harry Camisa? He and your brother undoubtedly worked together- Harry Started as an Officer in 1950! I had lunch with him recently, and we exchanged pictures and war stories. Next time I see him I will ask him about your brother.

Sunday, February 12, 2012