WILLIAM MCGALLIARD FIGHTS TRENTON ANNEXATION

Reading the letter sent to the Editor, one can understand the depth and prominence of William McGalliard as a Hamilton Township spokesman. Further reading the column reveals his prediction that Trenton will become a viable town that could eclipse the city of  Trenton not only in population, but in open space.

1890 et seq: THE TATTLETOWN BRIDGE

Along comes a truck, far above the weight limit of the little bridge built in 1890, and down she went! Stories such as these are sad for we historians. I tried to locate the bridge using aerial maps, but couldn't see where Doctors Creek crossed Tattletown Road. Can any area resident set me straight. It is assumed that the creek was diverted underground, (?)

SJBill said...

Tom, Along time ago, Doctor's Creek was stocked with trout, and a few of us kids used to bike out there with night crawlers and a spinning rod to catch us some. Tattletown Road is still there. Take RTE 524 (the Yardville Allentown Road) towards Allentown. The next right after the turnpike overpass is a road that heads south towards Old York Road. It may have been a dirt road back then. (For Burg historians, the Mr. and Mrs Gliba, the owners of the bar on S. Clinton, built a home on the right just before the Turnpike overpass after their retirement.) Doctor's Creek runs roughly parallel to Old York Road. Is it "trout water"? Heck no, but who cared? We were out and about and having a great time.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

2010: THE LEGACY OF WHITE HORSE'S MCGALLIARD FAMILY

Thanks to David McGalliard who resides in Cheshire, Connecticut, I am scanning in a very comprehensive amount of White Horse history through the incredible family scrapbook loaned to the Hamilton Library Local History Collection. Thanks also to Glenn Rogers for acting as the local Hamilton connection. There will be numerous posts as the material is scanned and stored.

Chris said...

Hi Tom,

I'm a McGalliard Elementary grad who now lives in Windsor (Centerville). It's interesting to see that there's a little bit of a historical connection there! If anyone is interested in just a brief history of Windsor, here's a link to the village's site: http://justwindsor.org/history.php

Thursday, September 30, 2010

 Many thanks, Chris.

Tom

1979: SAM PAOLO'S FISH AND PRODUCE MARKET

In years gone by, the standard gathering place for "old men" was the local general store, where the old guys from the neighborhood remembered old times and incidents in their lives. Today, we have gatherings like these at Fred and Pete's Deli on Route 33, and apparently there was a gathering a Sam's store back in the late 1970's.
Mack said...

Fantastic Tom!! I look at that picture and am back in the old Burg instantly.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

2010; THE 2010 ITALIAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL: "MAGNIFICO!"

The above photos are from my September 26th Sunday afternoon visit to this incredible local event

In an article in the Trenton Times of September 24th, John Scarpati, the founder and President of the Italian American Festival Association said,  

“We have a lot of organizations who want to be here. 

Every year it gets bigger.” 

Indeed it does, John! You and your fellow members have created an annual event which is on track to eclipse the popularity and attendance of the late, great New Jersey State Fair. At the same time you are drawing much-needed attention to the magnificent heritage ofur Italian American citizens.

I got there after 2:30 PM on Sunday afternoon. I must confess that even as a "young" 77 year old, it occurred to me that there should be a parking lot near the handicap parking area which is closer to the "midway" for those of us who would like to park closer to the entrance. The photos above show the incredible number of cars parked in an area which I parked. My car was way, way back along the tree line. I used the light standard seen in the photo to help me find my car when I left a few hours later. Upon further reflection, it also occurred to me that it would be impossible for the police and others guiding people into parking spaces to determine just who qualifies as a candidate for senior citizen parking. So, I walked the walk, enjoyed myself immensely and saw many of my local friends. The walk along the "midway," and the walk to and from my car was tiring to these 77 year legs, but I managed to sleep it off!

Mack said...

Marvelous Tom:)))

Monday, September 27, 2010

omad said...

Tom, Does this event replace the Feast of the Lights that used to be held in the Burg every Fall many years ago?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Tom Glover said...

Not to my knowledge, Omad. It just happens to occur during September as did the Feast.

1937: CHAMBERSBURG OPENS FIRE HYDRANT FOR LOCAL KIDS

Look closely; you may see yourself or another resident of "the Burg" in this 1937 photo of local children having a wonderful time enjoying cold water from a Butler Street fire hydrant. As I am entering this, the 3 day Italian-American Festival is taking place over in Mercer County Park. It is quite possible that one of the children in the photo above are at the festival in this year of 2010.

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM.....ON MOTT STREET IN THE 2O'S, IT FELT LIKE A DAY AT THE SHORE WHEN THEY OPENED THE FIRE HYDRANTS. IT SURE WAS TOUGH IN THOSE DAYS TO KEEP COOL. MANY PEOPLE WOULD SLEEP OUT ON THEIR PORCHES. MANY THEATRES INSTALLED HUGH FANS AND CALLED IT AIR CODITIONING AT THE TIME. BEST REGARDS.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Mack said...

And just like my Burg generation I am sure some of those kids in this picture were walking back into their house when their Mom yelled "NO!!!!" and stopped them and handed them a towel so they wouldnt get the rugs wet:)

Monday, September 27, 2010

1937: FIREMEN'S FIELD DAY AT THE N.J. STATE FAIR

This affair honored the volunteer fire fighters from around the tri state area pay tribute to New Jersey volunteer firefighters.Of particular interest to me is the 1744 fire equipment of the Crosswicks Volunteer Fire Company, said to be the oldest equipment in the country.

1937: BLACKWELL'S CORNER - PENNINGTON

I will leave it to my numerous Pennington area residents to tell us where that store was located based on the the aerial above view showing the intersection as it is today. As I have said in many of my columns and on this web site, the "corner store" was  staple in years gone by. 

Nearly every neighborhood had at least one.

Tom,

Blackwell's Corner is the Pennington crossroad that is very active today. Blackwell's store was in the building that now houses Vito's Pizza at N. Main St. & W. Deleware Ave. Always good to see local landmarks.

Thanks again, Noel

1942: TOMMY GLOVER AND SHIRLEY WHITEBREAD: THIRD GRADE SINGING STARS

Many visitors who have been to my many music programs in Hamilton and the surrounding Mercer County area, along with the many who have read my columns over the past 30 years, wherein I refer to my favorite teachers. One of them was Ruth Margerum. It was she who instilled in me the beginnings of my intense interest in music. Shirley Whitebread was Tommy Glover's singing partner in a little kid's song which I usually sing during my music programs. It's called "Tying apples on a lilac tree." Shirley and I "wowed" 'em way back during World War II when we sang it in one of Kuser School's Friday assembly programs. Miss Margerum took us both to Walson Army Hospital to sing our song for the wounded and hospitalized World War II soldiers.
IN A ONE IN A MILLION EVENT THAT WAS COMPLETELY UN-EXPECTED, MR. JOHN VAN WAGONER CAME TO THE HAMILTON LIBRARY TABLE LAST WEEK AT SEPTEMBERFEST TO VISIT ME. HE RECALLED THE MANY TIMES I HAD WRITTEN ABOUT RUTH MARGERUM AND MY YEAR IN 3RD GRADE. IT TURNS OUT THAT HE IS A RELATIVE OF RUTH MARGERUM AND HAS LOANED ME A NUMBER OF PHOTOS TO DIGITIZE AND INCLUDE IN THE KUSER SCHOOL FOLDER IN THE LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION. THE ABOVE PHOTO WAS AMONG THE NUMEROUS PHOTOS IN THE COLLECTION.

1956: HHS CLASS OF '56 WEB SITE

 

Thanks to Jack Lacy for sending info on Frank Lugossy's class of 1956 web site. Well done, Frank, and thanks Jack for keeping us updated. Click on the link below and check it out. Note that it is a new site, and participation is yet to come. Why not be among the first to add your material to the site?

 

 

HHS56 Classmate Frank Lugossy, the unofficial "official photographer" for our 53rd reunion last year has created an "HHS Class of 56" account at shutterfly.com.  There is no charge to register and view all 158 photos that Frank has uploaded.  However, should you want to print out any of the pictures there is a nominal one-time charge.

     We've provided below the link to the site for your viewing pleasure.

Jack Lacy

  http://hhsclassof56.shutterfly.com/http://hhsclassof56.shutterfly.com/.

2010: KUSER PARK: MAGNIFICENT ON A LATE SUMMER MORNING

Bob DiPastina recently took over as the Foreman at Kuser Park. He and his crew are turning the park into a lovely showplace. On a personal basis, my relationship with Kuser Farm spans over 60 years. Indeed, it is my outdoor chapel, where I can walk among the flowers, trees and woods and communicate with God and nature. This gorgeous photo was taken recently with my Canon digital camera. Bob and his hard working crew deserve a lot of credit for the pride they take in their craft. Now, if we could only get that tennis court back to its original condition and get rid of those ugly, not professional vinyl tennis lines!

1897: "TAUGHT TO THE TUNE OF A HICKORY STICK (AND A BAR OF SOAP!)

How we have changed! Long before we curtailed physical discipline in the public school system, the teacher had the upper hand. Stories from the past are filled with episodes where the teacher took the switch to the backside of an errant student. The above story tells of the general approval the powers that be gave to a teacher who washed out the mouth of a boy who used foul language.

(Yes, I had the bar of soap thing when I was a boy.....Palmolive, as I recall. Quite tasty!)

1938: SKELTON SCHOOL - CENTRE STREET NEAR BRIDGE ST. TRENTON

1932: THE TRENTON MARINE TERMINAL

There have been numerous attempts over the years to deepen the Delaware River up to Trenton so that ocean going vessels could dock here. Unfortunately. the Army Corps of Engineers for whatever reason found that it would be impractical to go to the expense; presumably due to the proximity of the port of Philadelphia.

1932: THE TRENTON TIMES: A JOURNALISTIC LEGEND

Were it not for the venerable and "always there" Trenton Times newspaper and their cousins the Daily State Gazette and Daily True American, there would be no www.glover320.blogspot.com. True, I have a large collection of old historic data that relates to the local area, but anyone who is historically inclined will agree that old newspapers are among the best recorders of local history.
The Trenton Times has been a daily visitor in the Glover household for nearly 100 of its 128 year existence.Lately we have been hearing stories of the demise of the daily newspaper as it becomes the victim of computer digital technology. I am not the only one who will not buy into that theory. True, digital delivery of the news on the computer is convenient, but like the current "Kindle" craze, nothing takes the place of the genuine article. For as long as I can remember, I have poured that first cup of coffee, that frosty glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, lit up my "FT" filter cigar,  and sat down to read my morning newspapers; heavenly contentment, and a wonderful way to start the day! The Trenton Times was on the Glover table long before that 1946 strike that spawned the sometimes crude and impudent "in your face" daily tabloid, "The Trentonian."

1932: JOHN J. CLEARY, FIRST TRENTON TIMES REPORTER

This gentleman and his contemporary, James Kerney are local journalistic legends in the field of journalism in the city of Trenton, Mercer County, and indeed in the entire circulation area of today's "TIMES" newespapers. This article as is the case of the preceding article on this post,  is also from the 50th anniversary celebration of the paper in 1932

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Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM.....I CAN RECALL THE DAYS OF RUSS THOMAS IN THE SPORTS DEPT. WHEN WE WERE KIDS WITH NEIGHBORHOOD TEAMS IN THE EARLY 30'S. HE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO PUT IN ARTICLES ABOUT OUR GAMES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS WE MADE. WE ALWAYS DEPENDED UPON THE TIMES FOR HELP DURING OUR DAYS IN THE BOWLING BUSINESS. IN THE 50'S IT WAS HERB CLARK WHO CARRIED ON IN THE SPORTS DEPT.

1935: CORNERSTONE CEREMONY TRENTON'S TRINITY CHATHEDRAL

The Protestant Episcopal church played an important part in my early childhood. I was baptized in St. Michael's Church in Trenton, and spent my teen years at St. James P.E. Church during the ministry of Rev. Gerald Minchin. I made a lateral move from the "High Episcopal" (today's "Anglican Church?) to the Roman Catholic faith shortly after I got married in 1954. I still see remarkable similarities between the two faiths. "High Episcopal" as used above was a term I heard in my young years at St. James. My father, Thomas Eli Glover, came to America from Great Britain in 1912. When he settled in Trenton became a member of Christ Episcopal Church on Hamilton and Whittaker Avenues in Trenton. In 1923, he and my mother, Alice Mount wed in that church. Unfortunately, a schism developed at Christ Episcopal back in the 1960's and the Glover family backed out of the church, opting for the more conservative "Anglican" persuasion. Today's beutiful Trinity Cathedral stands as a monument to the steadfast faith of those whose families attended that church from its original location on Academy Street to the present magnificent facility on West State Street.

2010: THE "FABULOUS FIFTIES" AT KUSER MANSION

Do you remember those great songs from the 1950's? It was an era when really talented vocalists like Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Joni James, Nat Cole, and countless other songsters brought us the music we will never forget. Many of those songs will be included in my October 6th program. We will be singing songs like "Tennessee Waltz," "Mockingbird Hill," "Love Me Tender," and really too many to list. Let's just say, many of the songs from that unforgettable musical era. I hope to see some of you "locals" there.

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM.....YOU SELDOM MENTION JERRY VALE AMONG THE FABULOUS SINGERS OT THE 50'S. HE WAS AMONG THE BEST ACCORDING TO FRANK SINATRA AND ESPECIALLY ON ITALIAN SONGS. I RAN INTO HIM ONE DAY IN LAS VEGAS AT A SMALL CASINO PLAYING 5 CENT POKER WITH FRIENDS. HE WAS JUST A REGULAR GUY WHO SANG WHILE SHINNING SHOES IN NEW YORK DURING THE DEPRESSION. ONE OF HIS SHOE SHINE CUSTOMERS HELPED HIM PAY FOR LESSONS AND SINATYRA HAD A LOT TO DO WITH HIS SUCCESS. BEST REGARDS.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Tom Glover said...

RALPH: YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU ARE 100 PERCENT CORRECT! I LOVED JERRY VALE ALMOST AS MUCH AS AL MARTINO. THOSE ITALIAN SINGERS WERE IN A CLASS BY THEMSELVES. ANOTHER OF MY FAVORITES WAS VIC DAMONE AND OF COURSE, THE GREAT "DINO" MARTINO AND PERRY COMO! I HAVE NO REASON FOR NOT INCLUDING THEM IN THE LIST, BUT I DO SING MANY OF THEIR SONGS. TOM

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

1935: TRENTON NIGHT LIFE

This page will bring forth many memories of Trenton's "Golden Years." The ads above listing restaurants, night clubs, and other public "leisure time" venues are quite familiar to me and others in the over 70 age group. Trenton was a lively town back in the day. 
Note the ad for Leon Shockley's Delaware Inn which has been saved from the wrecker's ball. It is the goal of preservation experts in Trenton to restore that incredibly beautiful old building and convert it into a riverfront museum. I am currently building a folder relating to the Delaware Inn, digitizing old newspaper columns relating to that historic riverfront treasure. 

JoeZ said...

Tom: I'm amazed at all the places and in the neighborhoods I spent time at. What really gets me are the prices of the meals and drinks, but I imagine in 1935 that was pricey for the times. Love those old ads.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Tom Glover said...

I love those old ads too, Joe. I also like the old theater ads. I will continue to post these in other years. Tom

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Mack said...

Hi Tom:)

This is a wonderful post. I have written down the ones that apply to the Burg area and will make a post of that on my blog and of course will tell the readers that it came from you. This is just magnificent:)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Ralph Lucarella said...

.....I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER A FEW NIGHT CLUBS WE HUNG OUT ON OCCASIONS, LIKE MURPHY'S ON WARREN ST. IT'S BEEN THERE FOR A LONG TIME AND WE HAD MANY HAPPY TIMES. LEGHORN FARMS WAS ALSO VERY POPULAR.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sally Logan Gilman said...

Trenton was quite the place with a variety of spots to dine and kick back. My parents used to meet friends at Bartolini's (sp?) in the "Burg'' I think. It had tomatoe pies to go along with the beer.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Tom Glover said...

SALLY:

My father was a regular at Bartolini's back in the 1940's Chances are he knew your Dad.

Tom Glover

Thursday, September 23, 2010