interesting look at the origin of local area streets. Note that Hamilton Township and other outlying "suburban" areas are not mentioned. Back when this article was published, Bromley, Cedar Lawn, Oldenhurst, Homedell, and other developments were beginning to change the face of Hamilton and Hamilton street names were in the distant future.
Thanks to Ralph Lucarella for the following comment regarding street names:
Tom: Referring to street names, in the Mercerville area, dating from the 1940s, my friend Bill Pintinelli developed most of the area and chose the names. He named one after himself, Pintinelli Drive. a lot of the others after members of his family. I lived on Nancy Dr. for awhile and then there's Alton Rd and many others. Bill, Joe Kisak and Art Billingham were the group that were mostly involved in that developement. Regards.
Tom,
I grew up on Donald Drive in Hamilton Twp. According to my parents, it was originally Cypress Street and was changed to Donald Drive after Donald Caldwell who I believe died in WWII. Caldwell was already taken, so it was decided to call it Donald Drive. I have no knowledge as to the connection to that area of the township.
Susan Layton Wood
I grew up on Donald Drive in Hamilton Twp. According to my parents, it was originally Cypress Street and was changed to Donald Drive after Donald Caldwell who I believe died in WWII. Caldwell was already taken, so it was decided to call it Donald Drive. I have no knowledge as to the connection to that area of the township.
Susan Layton Wood
MANY THANKS FOR THAT INFORMATION, SUSAN. IT'S LITTLE "ASIDES" LIKE THESE THAT ADD AN ADDITIONAL PIECE TO THE HISTORY OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. I HAD NEVER HEARD THE STORY OF DONALD CALDWELL.
Hi Tom: Referring to street names, in the Mercerville area, dating from the 1940s, my friend Bill Pintinelli developed most of the area and chose the names. He named one after himself, Pintinelli Drive. a lot of the others after members of his family. I lived on Nancy Dr. for awhile and then there's Alton Rd and many others. Bill, Joe Kisak and Art Billingham were the group that were mostly involved in that developement. Regards.
ReplyDeleteTom,
ReplyDeleteI grew up on Donald Drive in Hamilton Twp. According to my parents, it was originally Cypress Street and was changed to Donald Drive after Donald Caldwell who I believe died in WWII. Caldwell was already taken, so it was decided to call it Donald Drive. I have no knowledge as to the connection to that area of the township.
Susan Layton Wood
Arena Drive was originally Forrest Avenue, but was changed, without notice and to the outrage of its residents, in the early 50's. It was alleged that the change was made at the behest of the local saloon-keeper, Al Arena, and darkly suggested that money had changed hands at the municipal building.
ReplyDelete