I lifted this great old post card from the Hamilton Library's digitized Local History Database. It reposes in the "NOSTALGIA" folder. What memories a are conjured up as I saw the beautiful colors and the block letters, "TRENTON! My Uncle Charlie Gaudette was the Superintendent of the Trenton War Memorial back then, and Trenton was a viable city where all of us in the outlying suburbs traveled to for our jobs, and downtown shopping. Trenton stores were open every Thursday evening until 9 PM.
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Sally Logan Gilman said... - Hi Tom: What a wonderful postcard. My mother, Sarah, always told me the War Memorial was designed by state architect, Mr. Hankins. I can't recall his first name but he was father of my mother's best friend, Marion Hankins MacKinnon. Mr. Hankins was also an accomplished cello player. Marion and her husband,owned MacKinnon's jewerly store in down town Trenton. What wonderful memories you give me.
- Michael said...
- Tom:
The mention of your Uncle Charlie's name, immediately brings a vision of him; typically in a blue pin stripe suit, and his well coiffed wavy hair always neat, and slick. I liked Charlie because he made everyone feel welcomed when they entered his domaine.
I spent a lot of time at the War Memorial because the District office of the Boy Scouts of America was located just off the portico to the right.
Charlie always greeted me by name, and had a few nice words to impart upon me as he went about his business of keeping everything ship shape.
The only time a harsh word was heard, was when he became frustrated with me, and my buddies for swimming in the reflecting pool located on the side walk level directly in front of the Flag pole. They filled the pool in during WWII to conserve electric.
Great times, wonderful memories.
Thanks Tom for what you do so well.
Mike Kuzma
Tom Glover said...- Great story, Mike. Uncle Charlie lost a finger and a half in WWI but could still belt out a song on the piano. We spent many evenings back in the 30's and 40's with him or my father playing. Charlie didn't need sheet music. He played completely "by ear." Tom
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