1938: FRANK METZGER 2nd BIRTHDAY

From the 'NOTABLE PERSONS" folder, this boyhood photo of the late Frank Metzger. That handsome young boy you see in the photo went on to be one of the respected and prominent members of the Rafferty Administration. Frank was a Hamilton Councilman, a graduate of Hamilton High's class of 1954.

1934: TRENTON HIGH vs. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Joe Schnorbus was a regular attendee with me at our annual St. Anthony retreat at San Alphonso down in West Long Branch back in the 1980's. Joe and his best buddy at the time, Ned Willever, spent many after midnight hours reminiscing in the beautifuly lounge at San Alphonso. Listening to those guys talking about their early years was a real treat.
(I am assuming that the Joe in the photo is the very same
Joe I knew at those annual St. Anthony retreats)

Ralph Lucarella said...

Hi Tom: I remember all those players on both teams and recall the interest shown in those games. On Trenton High were George Case, a future star in the major leagues and Kelly Palumbo, manager of the Trenton Schroths when they won the American Legion World Series in 1948. Immaculate's team also had great players who also went far in the sporting world. Regards.

THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR INFORMATIVE INPUT, RALPH.

THIS FROM "OMAD:"

Thanx Ralph, you are a real source of information. It has been 54 years since I lived in Trenton and I enjoy all the items on Tom's website. Still get together about once a month with old classmates and chat with them on line. Lived all over the world and am now back in Jersey at the shore.

1938:TRENTON: ST. MARY'S GREEK CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

As you can see, the graphic arts were starting to be really clear and vibrant, as this offset photo from 1938 will attest. Many familiar names appear in the listing of the students below the photo.

1931: LENOX, INC.: LAMPS FOR THE OCEAN LINERS

January 4, 1931. the heart of the Great Depression. Like all Trenton industrial plants, Lenox, Inc. was scrambling to stay afloat in a severely depressed economy. As can be seen in the article above, the shipping industry gave the company a boost as it requested Lenox lighting fixtures.

1947: Brith Sholom Lodge 40th Anniversary

I have been building a growing "JEWISH" folder in the Local History Collection. This is from 1947 when the Lodge celebrated 40 years (1900 - 1947)

1938 AND 1916: THE YOUNG MENS' HEBREW ASSOCIATION

Once again from the "JEWISH" folder in the Local History Collection, these two graphics relating to the YMHA. The building in the graphic above shows the beautiful building as it looked in 1916.

1917: TRENTON'S MAGNIFICENT MASONIC TEMPLE

Can you imagine tearing down that exquisite example of architectural excellence? I sure can't. Think how many apartments and offices could occupy that building were it still standing in this year of 2009. Personally, I prefer the beauty of that Masonic building to those present day glass encrusted buildings that proliferate throughout cities all over America. Those Masons sure did have a taste for architectural beauty! The building was located on the corner of West State and North Warren Streets. It was a gorgeous tribute to the Masons, and the city of Trenton.

2009: OBIT ELANE R. COOKE, HHS '56

This received from Jack Lacy, HHS '56:

Hi All...

Unpleasant as it is, we must inform you of the passing of another HHS56 classmate, Elane Rich Cooke. You may express your condolences to the family at: 17 E. Union St., Bordentown, NJ 08505 or by signing the guest book as noted below.

Hope you and yours are well...

Jack Lacy

Elane R. Cooke BORDENTOWN - Elane R. Cooke, age 71, of Bordentown passed away on Sunday Jan. 24, surrounded by her family at home. She was born in Trenton, living in Hamilton before coming to Bordentown 41 years ago. Elane was a graduate of Hamilton Township High School, and received her bachelor of science degree in education from Trenton State College in 1980. She was a school teacher employed by the Pemberton Township school district. Elane loved teaching, gardening, the beach at the Jersey shore, and the pursuit and acquiring of antiques. She was a member of the Bordentown Historical Society. She was a former parishioner of St. Andrew's Church and a member of the Christ Episcopal Church, Bordentown. Elane was predeceased by her first husband, Albert Steven Hulit, in 1978. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Col. Phillip A. Cooke; two daughters, Lora Inglisa and husband, Domenic, of East Windsor and Christie Peterson and her husband, David, of Bordentown; three stepchildren, Alexander Cooke and wife, Judith, of Mt. Holly, Andrew Cooke and wife, Kelly, of Marlton and Kathryn Wilkens and husband, Peter, of Delran; two sisters, June Smith and husband, Russell, of Barnegat and Norma Wood and husband, Barry, of Yardley, PA, and 14 grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering on Friday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Huber-Moore Funeral Home, 517 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, (609) 298-0330. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 130 Prince St., Bordentown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Christ Episcopal Church.

Published in The Times, Trenton, on January 26, 2010

1900: HAMILTON TERRACE MORPHS INTO FRANKLIN PARK

The graphic above shows a plat map for the Franklin Park area which was originally called Hamilton Terrace. The plat map dates to the early part of the century when a large part of the Wright Farm was sold off. The lower map is a current map from the internet,
showing the area as it is today.

1919: MERCER MANOR - HOOVER AVENUE AREA

There's an offer that's hard to refuse! $25 down and material to build a beautiful bungalow like that in the engraving. Mercer Manor is located off of Edinburg Road, just north of five points. The streets the the Manor are named for prominent politicians of the era: Hoover, Lansing, etc.).

============================

FROM MIKE "MACK" MCNICOLL:

Hi Tom:
I noticed that when I moved out here. They all appeared to be Members of President Wilson's
Cabinet or Government including Hoover who helped get Europe fed after that nasty senseless war. A family story I was always told was we were related to President Wilson.. and my Grandma had a high batting average with her stories so I have never dismissed it but have never proven it either.

===========================

FROM RALPH LUCARELLA:
Hi Tom: In 1954 I bought the lot on the corner of Edinburg Road and Hoover Ave. for $1,200. It was a very large lot and I built a house there for $17,00 in 1955, with a loan from Roma Savings. It was a beautiful home but we just could'nt get used to hot air heat. I ended up selling it and buying a home on Marshall ave. which was all brick and with radiator heat, something we always longed for. Best regards.

1923: George TenEyck's Gaiety Theater

I understand "Ten Eyck" is a Dutch word. Today's Teaneck New Jersey is a derivative of the name. Back in 1923 as seen in the article above, Ten Eyck established a theater in the Wilbur section of Trenton that in its day was a mecca for those families who couldn't afford the trip up town to the higher priced movie houses. The Gaiety was the perfect example of the small town theater wha very necessary part of the neighborhood. As one of those families who couldn't afford the trip to down town Trenton for a first run movie, I and most of my neighbors were regular visitors to both the Gaiety and the Greenwood, which was mere blocks away on Cuyler and Greenwood Avenues. Those contemporary locals may recall the Tuesday matinees during the summer at the Gaiety when a kid could pay 11 cents admission and spend a very pleasant afternoon watching the western feature with Ken Maynard, Roy Rogers, or one of our favorite "B" western stars. Then a walk up the sidewalk to Marucca's Tomato pie restaurant or perhaps a stop at Morgan's deli for a ten cent double dip ice cream cone.
Those memories DO linger!

===============================
MANY THANKS TO MR. WES STILLWAGON FOR THIS INTERESTING
INFORMATION ON THE GAIETY (OLDEN) THEATER:

As the former chief projectionist at the Olden (Gaiety) theatre I did a lot of research into the history of the property. Where the Bowling Alley was located was the Dew Drop Inn (I think it was called) that was a bordello. There was a tunnel that ran from the front property under the little alley to under the stage. I suppose this was for a getaway in case of a raid. At one time there were 80 people on the payroll for the theatre. It had a small orchestra pit and an organ that was purchased by the Eastman Theatre in Rochester New York. I believe it had the first CinemaScope screen in the area and was set up to show 3D movies. Olden Manager Jack Kosharek (Ph.D) was the best theater manager I knew. The place was always immaculate.

Wes Stillwagon

1955: WPTZ, CHANNEL 3, PHILADELPHIA

http://www.archive.org/details/Miracleo1955

What a wonderful trip video! I was 22 years old and in Uncle Sam's Army when this was made, so obviously I didn't get to see the original telecast while I was away at Fort Devens, Mass. The Trenton scenes are absolutely wonderful. Thanks to regular visitor Candy Jens for sending it for us to enjoy. Candy has been a visitor to this blog since it was first posted in November, 2005.

1921: Trenton's Taylor Hall, better known as the Taylor Opera House

The RKO Capitol ultimately was to replaced the majestic Taylor Opera House on South Broad Street; a familiar site to Victorian era Trentonians. The next graphic this gives a rare look at the history and heritage of Trenton's historic Taylor Hall as it was in 1887.

1887: TAYLOR HALL: ALSO KNOWN AS TAYLOR OPERA HOUSE

This rare bit of history, finally seeing the light of day after 122 years hidden deep within the pages of the Trenton Times, tells the story of the golden years of vaudeville in the town of Trenton. Two stores occupied both sides of the entrance. South Broad Street at the time Taylor Hall was built in 1867 was unpaved, with cobblestones along the gutters.

1941: THE NEW STACY THEATER (MAYFAIR?)

OK my dear visitors, I will need help with this confusing graphic. First off, there is a tear in the graphic. All that I could find from the date was the truncated letters, "ary. Thus the dated is obviously January of February, 1941. I must admit that I wondered why in the world the H&H Amusement Company chose the name of the Stacy Theater which was also on the opposite side of E. State Street. I can only assume that the theater shown in the graphic above became the Mayfair. I do know that the Mayfair took the place of the old Orpheum Theater.

FROM RALPH LUCARELLA:
Hi Tom: I believe the Hildinger family also owned the Strand, Greenwood and Center Theatres in addition to the Stacy and Orpheum. I remember when this happened and always thought the new name would be Mayfair and the Stacy would stay the same. Regards.

Thanks, Ralph.

1946: THE NEW HAMILTON THEATER

It was a sad day in Hamilton when our first theater opened and ran for only a very short time. I have no idea why the beautiful theater failed. Every time I went there I found it to be a very comfortable establishment. Be that as it may, the RKO Hamilton is not more; a mere memory to those of us who remember it. Today a church occupies the site.

1937: ST. ANTHONY TRENTON - HOLY NAME SOCIETY

One of the very stark differences in society of our fathers and mothers was the incredible attention citizens gave to civic affairs. In this case, a situation with which I am very familiar. Going through the news stories of years gone by, it becomes obvious that local clubs, societies, lodges, and other neighborhood affairs were very well attended and supported. As society progressed and hundreds of distractions became a part of living, the support lessened, lessened, and then nearly vanished. The article above is an excellent example of the support the parishioners at St. Anthony Church gave to just one of the societies; in this case, the Holy Name Society. As a past President of that august group during the 1980's I can attest to the fact that by the time I came on the scene, attendance at Holy Name Society meetings had dwindled down to a pitiful few senior citizens. Like the old fashioned custom of sitting on the front porch and communicating with the neighbors, football, baseball, television and other distractions now take the place of community and neighborhood togetherness.

1937: KELLYS vs. CHECKERS AT WETZEL FIELD

Baseball was the only sport played at Wetzel Field, right? WRONG! I must admit that I never associated that legendary field hosting local soccer leagues. I am sure that those citizens who lived near to Wetzel recall other sports being played there. Was there also a football league playing there after Trenton High abandoned the field?

FROM RALPH LUCARELLA:
Hi Tom: As a kid I was also very active during the soccer season. Wetzel Field was used as a soccer field very often. I played in the playground leagues and they also had City Leagues. Shein's Express sponsored our team and we done very well. In the early 30s, Denny Kuhn and the Coopers worked for the City to organize the leagues. Soccer was very popular in Chambersburg and the Hetzel Field area. Regards.

FROM JOE Z:
Tom and Ralph, my Dad and I use to watch soccer games on Princeton Ave. back in the late 50's. They played on a lot where the old Korvettes was located. Most of the clubs that played were German organized clubs. My biggest kick was getting the ball when it went out of bounds.

Thanks guys! Should this history project of mine survive the years, information such as the above comments from two of my regular visitors goes a long way to add to the value of Wetzel Field.

1938: THE TRENTON SENATORS

In only a few weeks, we will hear that annual announcement that all of us baseball lovers long to hear: "Catchers will begin reporting to spring training this week." I can hardly wait. I was not a baseball person back when the Trenton Senators were the local Trenton team. I came on the scene in the 1940's when Bus Saidt and Bill Hildebrand manned the WBUD microphones and did the home and away play by play of the Trenton Giants Insterstate League team. I was an avid fan! I remember the station breaks: "WBUD, 1490 on your dial, Morrisville Pennsylvania. This broadcast is sponsored by Stan Coney Rebuilt Engines, Morrisville Pennsylvania." Let me see....Wilbur Jackson, Maurice "Moe" Cunningham, Don Robertson, Pete Pavlik, Paul LaPalme, Manager Tommy Heath...Wow! Pleasant memories never die!

THIS FROM RALPH LUCARELLA: (Thanks, Ralph.)

Hi Tom: 1938 was about the time I was pretty active in baseball. It was two years after I played with the Schroths and I played in just about every league in the city except the Central Jersey League. That league was semi-pro and drew crowds at Wetzel Field to watch the Trenton Cadets play. Jiggs Corrado and Lusansky played in that league before joining the Senators. Other local players who latter played pro ball were Charlie Budd, Mintsey Mansak, Mike Masterpoli and Sam Masserini and a few others. I got to the point when I was playing most of the week and on weekends. Most of my buddies were out having a ball and I was on the porch waiting to get picked up. Once I found a girlfriend, I eased up playing and went to work at the post office. I ended up playing fast pitch soft ball in the Industrial League. You mentioned Bus Saidt in your statement. I would like to add a worthy tribute to him. He was my teamate on the 1936 Schroths and one of my best friends. He went on to become an outstanding sports announcer and we met when the 1948 Schroths were in the American Legion World Series in Indianapolis. He covered the game back to Trenton and really got excited when my brother Chuck stole home.

Best regards.

1938: HITLER BEFORE THE CONFLAGRATION

This full page ASSOCIATED PRESS syndicated page from March, 1938 frightened many of our American citizens back in the mid to late 1930's as Adolph Hitler's National Socialist "Nazi" party laid out their plans for world domination. In order to fit this scan on the blog page, the graphics had to be reduced, but at the same time, the text had to be legible.

1938: JR, 4 PRESENTS "BABES IN TOYLAND"

The beautiful young ladies are all set to entertain you as they pose for publicity pics of their upcoming operetta, "Babes in Toyland." Like all of the music I grew up with, operetta music and pop music with understandable lyrics now grace the cobweb shelves of the media,

1938: St. Joachim students present "Mary of Magdala"

Once again, a number of very familiar "Burg" names in the graphic above. I would bet that there are a number of old time residents who know one or two of those in the photo.

1930's: HERE COMES VALENTINES DAY!

"When Valentines day is all over,
and lovers have all had their say,
I'll still go on loving you sweetheart,
a little bit more every day.."

Yep, I sent a valentine with that message on it to one of my very early teen age girlfriends, Millie Long. Millie was a sweetheart, and when people ask me how I remember all these very obscure things of many many years ago, I have to confess that it is a gift passed on to me to my brother Bud and me, and directly related to our inheriting Mom Glover's incredible memory which we both agree is a gift from God.
Now for a bit of trivia:
Trivia 1: Am I the only one who grew up in an era where we would go to the local "corner store," buy valentines for a penny each, take them home, address them and HAND DELIVER them to our neighborhood friends? We would slip them under the door and knock. (Few doorbells in our neighborhood). That custom is as extinct as the Passenger Pigeon.
Trivia 2: The "Valentine Box" in grammar school. We took a large cardboard carton, closed it up, wrapped it in white paper, cut a slot in it, pasted a big RED valentine on all 4 sides, sat back and waited for that special, or those special valentines from that special girl, or those special girls. (Ahhh; the memories!)

1930'S 1940'S REMEMBERING "CERTO!"

Wow, does this bring back pleasant memories of my years growing up in then rural Hamilton! "Certo" was a part of nearly every housewife who engaged in the relatively lost art of "canning." Mom Glover put our very small Jersey "garden farm" to good use as she canned tomatoes, peaches, and various and sundry other produce. They were stored in our "cellar" in "Mason Jars;" another rapidly vanishing vestige of the past. Hey, all you fellow citizens of "Wrinkle City," do you remember how your mom melted "parawax" and poured it on top of that canned glass of jelly or jam? Remember how "ESSO" mad the aforementioned parawax as a regular staple for moms all over America? Sure you do!

1938: JUST LOOK AT ALL THOSE BOYS' CLUBS!

I have often heard my two older brothers, Len and Bud talk about their involvement with boy's clubs back in the 1930's. They are both in their 80's now, but fondly recall the St. Paul's P.E. Church boys' club which they were both members of. Also, older brother Len recalls the "Lynx" Club which he and old time Glover family friend Webb Grimm were a part of in the late 30's and early '40's. Perhaps a revival of boys' clubs in Trenton area churches would do a lot to give some of our younger boys the opportunity to engage in a wholesome activity.

A NOTE FROM TOM:

DUE TO THE NEAR FULL PAGE SIZE OF THIS GRAPHIC, I HAVE OPTED TO SCAN IT IN "B&W," WHICH REMOVES ALL SHADES OF GRAY AND ONLY ALLOWS FOR BLACK ON WHITE IN A GRAPHIC. THE "B&W" MODE USES MUCH LESS SPACE THAN MY NORMAL "JPEG "GRAY SCALE" SCANS AND WORKS WELL AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO PHOTOGRAPHS TO REPRODUCE.

1950's LET'S DO LUNCH AT WOOLWORTH'S 5 & 10!

Many thanks to Joyce Adams Elliott for this splendid menu from Woolworth's "five and dime." I remember how great it was to have a hot dog at either Kresge's or Woolworth's in downtown Trenton back in my younger years. Check out those prices!

ABOVE IS A CUT AND PAST OF A GRAPHIC I POSTED BACK IN APRIL, 2009. THIS MORNING I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM BERNIE DELAVERSANO, ONE OF MY REGULAR VISITORS WHO SENT ANOTHER MENU TO ME. BERNIE'S EMAIL INCLUDED A NUMBER OF COMMENTS WHICH ARE PERTINENT TO THIS GRAPHIC:

================================

Thanks to "Bernie D" for the following email:

For those not familiar with Woolworth's, it was what we called a five & dime store and they had soda fountains in the stores. When I was a kid, we ate lunch everyday at Newberry's, another five and dime with a fountain. You could leave the school grounds for lunch back in those days and we would all walk downtown. Best hotdog I've ever had and all of 25 cents if I remember correctly... Yummmmmmmmm! !!

An oldie coming around again.

This brings back so many memories of a better time!!

1957 Sandwich Menu from Woolworths.. .

I wondered who to send this to - who would actually remember Woolworth's and eating at a Woolworth's.

It is a good memory. Isn't it fun just to receive an email that doesn't make you crazy but just brings back good memories?

1957 sandwich menu from Woolworth's. ...our generation's fast food.

If any of you have doubt about what we kids paid for a coke and a sandwich at Woolworths (How many don't know what Woolworth's was?) in the 1950's, here's proof of the era we lived in........

1938: TERNSTED DIVISION OF GM, EWING NJ

It was a sad day in the area when economic problems caused the closing down of one of the Mercer County area's most important manufacturing plants. American labor was unable to compete with the salaries paid to workers in foreign countries, and little by little, beginning in the early to mid 1950's, America began to lose millions of jobs to cheaper overseas labor.

1938: TRENTON VS. CONSHOHOCKEN

From the "SPORTS, MISCELLANEOUS" folder, this interesting National Basketball League game to be played at the Trenton High gym.

THIS FROM RALPH LUCARELLA:

Hi Tom: Angelo(Ace)Tramontana and Mario Rossi along with Meyer Bloom, Nick Frascella, Paul Ricotta and Bob Page made up the Trenton High team of the early 30s. I remember George Glasco as an early professional in basketball along with Rusty Sanders and Al Cooper. They played at the Trenton Moose Hall On State St. when I was a puppy. It's great to recall those days, thanks a lot.

Regards.

1938: THE MONKEY HOUSE AT CADWALADER PARK

I remember the monkey house. I also recall that it was a very pleasant visit as long as you breathed through your mouth. The stench was quite unpleasant. I also recall the "bear pit." I felt so sorry for that bear whose home was a big hole in the ground with bars on top so visitors could see him. To me that was animal cruelty. Today the "Mansion," better known as Ellerslie is an incredibly beautiful museum; the bear pit and the monkey bars long gone.

THIS FROM OMAD:
A friend and I attended a luncheon event at the museum a couple of years ago with the food provided by the Culinary group from the state prison. Food was excellent. The docent told us that on some very hot days the old "aroma" from the monkeys still comes up through the floorboards.

1938: JOSEPH TOBIN OF HURLEY TOBIN COMPANY

Only card-carrying senior citizens will remember that downtown Trenton retail store, Hurley Tobin. My family couldn't afford replacing our furniture, mostly relying on my Uncle to give us his cast offs. However, Hurley Tobin was a house of quality.

1940: JUNIOR FOUR FRESHMEN CLASS PERFORM SIGMUND ROMBERG'S "MY MARYLAND"

Those of our younger citizens who didn't have the privilege of being subjected to those great operettas we had in high schools all over the country have truly missed out on an incredible cultural experience. Gilbert and Sullivan, Sigmund Romberg, Vincent Youmans, Rudolph Friml, and many other composer brought us music that will live forever in our aging hearts. Those who would like to once again hear those wonderful operettas of yesterday can purchase a full CD MP3 of operettas as performed on radio by the "Railroad Hour." I have the CD and spend hours listening to Gordon MacRae as he lends his beautiful baritone along with numerous female vocalists. If you are interested in a disk, go to Google and enter OTR THE RAILROAD HOUR MP3. You should be able to find a place to purchase the CD. You won't be sorry! By the way: "My Maryland" is included in the many operettas on the CD. (OTR stands for old time radio!)

THIS FROM MY HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL SINGING BUDDY LEE BELARDINO. LEE AND I WERE IN LOUISE BAIRD'S ROOM 300 VOCAL MUSIC CLASS BACK IN THE LATE '40's and EARLY 50's:

Tommy:

Thanks for the tip about "The American Radio hour". I immediately took your suggestion and went to that site. Wow! All kind of operettas and my favorite singer Gordon Mcrea. I started scribing the shows and all of a sudden "Sally" appears. I couldn't believe it. I haven't heard that show since I was a 14 year old freshman who was given a chance to sing in the chorus by a sainted woman named Louise Baird. Tom,I remember the words to every song and nowadays thats tough for me. Aunt Louse tought us well. I remember some of the leads; Jack Hartmen,Don Kraft, Florence Lanzi. Gee, what a great gang. I will listen to all those shows Wasn't Mcrea great? Once again Tom, you made my day. I Stay well buddy.

Lee

1940: PATRIOT NUNS AT ST. HEDWIG'S TRENTON

These brave Sisters from St. Hedwig's Church in Trenton witnessed the horror of the Nazi Blitzkrieg back in the early years of World War II as the Nazi juggernaut smashed through Europe. Poland was the first victim of World War II beginning with the September 1939 bombing of the country.

1940: TRENTON HIGH VS TRENTON CATHOLIC

Unlike my years at Hamilton High, Trenton Catholic was seldom considered the "underdog" in basketball. That venerable but unfortunately no longer with us boys' high school had a stellar reputation in nearly every sport. The above graphic has been re-assembled in order to replace the original Times column with was 12 column inches in length.

1885: Trenton Police, 1885

At one time or another, police departments have been accused of withholding information on the number and frequency of crimes being committed. Here's an old Gazette article suggesting that the practice works in favor of the criminal element. The photo of the police officer in the graphic is from an old glass negative in my collection.

1940: TRENTON SCHOOL NEWS JANUARY 1940

I seldom scan full or nearly full pages from a tabloid or full sheet newpaper such as the Trenton Times. Reason? It requires a HUGE amount of space, and an equally HUGE amount of time to "stitch" the two scans together using the tabloid scanner. In addition, the enlarged scan requires a high resolution monitor to read the text, even though the original was scanned at a comfortable 200 dots per inch. However, for those with good eyes or good glasses or a good high definition monitor, this page, even though missing two columns, is quite interesting as we visit the various Trenton High School departments, and visit other Trenton schools. Enjoy!

SJBill said...

What a great page! I recall a few names. C. Walter Benner turned out to be Principal of THS while I attended. Tom Lechner became a Chief Petty Officer in the Naval reserve when I enlisted while still at THS.

1945: WWII: THERE WERE HEROES AND HEROINES

Not nearly enough recognition is given to the women who served valiantly during World War II. The WACS, WAVES, SPARS and military nurses risked their lives for freedom. I remember "Do Proudly We Hail;" a movie very early into WWII which graphically portrayed the dangerous plight of many nurses who gave their all to care for the men who were wounded in action. There should be a very special place for them at each and every memorial celebration.

1030: AMPHIBIAN AIRCRAFT AT MERCER AIRPORT

Until a knowledgeable aircraft historian comes along to correct me, I am going out on a limb and speculate that the Keystone seaplanes in the illustration were the predecessor of the now defunct Fleetwing Aircraft Company in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

1920: ROUNDING UP THE "REDS"

Back in the 1920's, the Communist Party and the Ku Klux Klan were frequently the subject of news coverage. The Communist party in 1920's America was made up of a large number of immigrants to the U.S.A. As seen in the article above, the local area was not immune from those who embraced the "Communist Manifesto."

1960's COOPER STREET BEFORE REDEVELOPMENT

Perhaps no other neighborhood in the Trenton area has changed more than that area of Trenton around Market Street, Mill hill, and South Trenton along the river.

1930: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION BOYS' BASKETBALL SQUAD

They hadn't yet become known as "Trenton Catholic," but these Catholic kids from Immaculate and Trenton Catholic fielded teams in all sports that proved to be difficult adversaries for us Protestant boys from
Trenton High and Hamilton High School.

EMAIL FROM "OMAD:"

Tom, at last I see a pic of my uncle, June Carr (John E. Carr, Jr.) He went on to become a basketball star at Rider many years ago. Unfortunately, he came down with TB and was hospitalized at Donneley Hospital on Hamilton Ave in the late 1930s. When he finally got out he moved in with my family in the apartment over our restaurant on Hamilton near Chambers. He continued to live with us for many years after we moved from there and up near Pennington and with the help of old friends, got a good job with the Trenton Recreation Dept. He stayed friendly with many of the sports names I see on your website and Joe Schnorbus, one of Trenton's finest policemen.

RALPH LUCARELLA RESPONDS:

Hi John Carr. I sure remember your uncle, June Carr. He was quite an athlete and I could never understand why a boy would be named June. He played during the years of Joe Shelley and other big stars at Immaculate, latter to become Trenton Catholic. Mickey Lake was also one of my favorite coaches.

Best regards
Ralph Lucarella

OMAD RESPONDS:

As you can see, Ralph, Uncle June was always called that because his father was John E. Carr, Sr., and the June was short for Junior. His mom and dad passed away when he was young. My grandmother, Anna Carr Sherman, who was June's dad's sister, adopted him with my grandfather. My family owned Sherman's Restaurant at 541 Hamilton, in the middle of the block, near St Francis Hospital. It was a shame that TB struck June down in the middle of his college career. He seemed destined to go on to bigger things in basketball.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT FROM RALPH LUCARELLA:

Hi Tom: I would also like to add that I remember Roland Perferi and Larry Zasso in that Photo. Perferi went on to become a Trenton Police officer for many years and Larry along with his brother Eddie Zasso were two outstanding players. I often wondered what became of Junie Carr and I'm sorry to learn about his misfortune. Regards

1930: TRENTON'S MUNICIPAL COLONY

Even though we know the location today to be the Mercer County Geriatric Center, to us old timers it is known as the Municipal Colony. The colony was originally established to house patients who were afflicted with Small Pox and other contagous diseases. Even though it is located in Hamilton, it was known as the Trenton Municipal Colony. Needless to say, there were many citizens in the then thinly populated area of Hamilton who were unhappy with the establishment of the site. There is also a burial ground along the Klockner Road portion of the property. I believe it was discovered while an area was under construction back in the 1970's or 80's.

THIS FROM "STEPHEN:"

Tom,

I am wondering if you know exactly where this facility was located. A granduncle of mine is enumerated in the 1930 census as a patient at the Municipal Hospital in Hamilton Township.

Stephen

======================

Stephen:

The entire complex is in a large plot of land at the northwest corner of Klockner Road and Hamilton Avenue here in Hamilton. Today it is known as the Mercer County Geriatric Center.

Tom

1930: THE NEW READING RAILWAY STATION IN WEST TRENTON

I have made a number of trips to New York over the years, always departing from the Greenwood Avenue station. I had never experienced the Reading station in West Trenton. Undoubtedly, a number of visitors to this site have boarded a train from the station shown in the graphic.

1930: PRINCETON'S NEW MCCARTER THEATER

What an interesting graphic and equally interesting article! Princeton's fabled McCarter Theater is known world wide and especially among Jersey and Pennsy locals as a venue for quality entertainment. Here's a somewhat primitive photo of the edifice as it was about to be dedicated.

1930: JUNIOR 3STUDENTS PRESENT A PATRIOTIC TABLEAUX

Hear are the participants in the "Tableaux" presented by the students at Trenton's Junior 3 back in the long ago year of 1930. I have heard that word before, but never stopped to find the meaning. Herewith a Google from "Dictionary.net: (Alternate spelling: "Tableau."

1. A striking and vivid representation; a picture. [1913 Webster]

2. A representation of some scene by means of persons grouped in the proper manner, placed in appropriate postures, and remaining silent and motionless. [1913 Webster]

3. (Solitaire) The arrangement, or layout, of cards. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

2009: LITTLE LADS BASKETBALL

THE COMMENT BELOW WAS RECEIVED FROM MR. ANDY KUSNIRIK, FOUNDER OF LITTLE LADS BASKETBALL "One of the Finest Youth Basketball Programs."

Thanks Andy, you and your staff are involved in a very necessary youth program.

From Andy Kusnirik:
lived in Hamilton since 1959 being a graduate of Trenton Catholic class of 1956. My wife graduated from Cathedral in 1958. We own Sports World Sporting Goods in the city of Trenton since 1968. In 1969 with the Hon. Francis J. McManimon the Hamilton Twp. Recreational Supervisor, founded Little Lads Basketball International a youth basketball program that is played in United States and Puerto Rico. This pass year we celebrated our 40th. anniversary providing a youth basketball program were al players on the team play in every game. You could go to WWW.LittleLadsSports.Org for additional information.