TOM GLOVER'S HAMILTON LIBRARY SCRAPBOOK: LOCAL HISTORY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH.: May 2011

Friday, May 27, 2011

2011: RAY SYPNIEWSKI: HAMILTON'S FIRST KOREAN WAR CASUALTY

It is surprising that the town fathers haven't given some type of memorial to Raymond Sypniewski, our very first Mercer County Korean War hero and Hamilton Township resident who gave his all in the earliest years of the Korean conflict. I wrote an article recalling my growing up years with the Sypniewski family. Ray's sister, the lovely Elaine Sypniewski, my buddy Karl who was in Hamilton High's class of 1952, their older brother Matthew and still older brother Harry. Years ago I wrote and article in the Mercer Messenger, recalling the character of Robert Raymond Sypniewski; a dear friend who gave his all for his country. You will be in my prayers this Memorial Day weekend, Ray, along with all the other heroes who are serving, and who are, and have served our country.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

THE 1800'S: WHEN DECORATION DAY WAS A SOLEMN DAY

When one looks back on the various holidays as celebrated in the distant past, and compares them with the current celebrations, a very stark difference emerges. Back then it was known as "Decoration Day." The focus was on the veterans who fought and many who died for our country. In this year of 2011 as we celebrate Memorial Day, let's remember who the day is for....certainly not just outdoor cookouts, baseball, and another day off from the daily grind.

1971: MORE ON TRENTON "BEAT" PATROLMAN STANLEY CHORAZY

Once upon a time police in Trenton and other cities walked a "beat." The officer was assigned to a given boundary within the city, and it was his responsibility to see that law and order prevailed in their area of coverage. The graphic above has the obit of Patrolman Stanley Chorazy, who diligently kept a written record of activities during a given shift. On the right is a scan of a little pocket note pad in my collection, wherein officer Chorazy detailed events that required his attention. It is speculation on my part that the beat patrol officer was rendered obsolete as the streets became more dangerous for a lone officer walking on dangerous streets.

Ralph Lucarella said...

....WE HAD PATROLMAN SPARKS TO CONTEND WITH IN VILLA PARK DURING THE 1930S. HE WAS VERY FAIR AND KNEW MOST OF THE PEOPLE BY NAME. IN MANY CASES HE WOULD TAKE YOU HOME AND LET YOUR PARENTS HANDLE THE SITUATION. WE KIDS KNEW WE WERE IN FOR IT IF THAT HAPPENED. THE STREETS WERE MUCH SAFER WHILE THEY HAD PATROLMEN ON THE BEAT. BEST REGARDS./

Mike Kuzma said...: I knew, and respected Stan Chorazy as a man, and a cop. He was fair, thorough and honest. The Beat Cop in my South Trenton neighborhood was "Big Vince Morrison" He had to stand 6'6" and his mere presence walking the street, kept the "restless" in line. One of the finest cops ever to walk a beat, and the most honest; was Johnny Prihoda. I met John when he came on the force after WWII in the mid 40's. He was thought of so highly, that Mayor Art Holland appointed him Chief of Police. Regards Mike Kuzma
Monday, October 04, 2010

IN THE FALL OF 2010, I POSTED THIS GRAPHIC ALONG WITH MIKE AND RALPH'S COMMENTS. TODAY I RECEIVED A COMMENT FROM JIM CHORAZY, AN APPARENT NEWCOMER TO THIS BLOG WHO ADDS THE FOLLOWING BRANCH TO THE CHORAZY FAMILY TREE. MANY THANKS JIM, I HOPE YOU RETURN OFTEN.

JIM WROTE:

Patrolman Chorazy was my uncle Stanley Chorazy. Stanley was the oldest of the 5 Chorazy brothers (& 1 sister).. My dad, Joseph, was in the middle & the only one that strayed far from home (to Oregon via the CCCs & later married in Oregon). Dad's sister married and had a son, Joseph R. Fink (b. 1940). Dr. J. R. Fink retires next month as the president of Dominican College of California (San Rafael). Stanley was the only one of the Chorazy brothers who wasn't in the military in WW2. I was in the Army in the Fulda Gap in Germany for the October 1962 Crisis.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

1942: DE COU VILLAGE: IN THE BEGINNING

I received a note from "Denis and Pat" requesting information on the DeCou area of Hamilton. I have a number of projects on the runway, including material on the DeCou School and the DeCou Volunteer Fire Co They will be posted as time permits. Denis or Pat are also interested on contacting fellow alumni from the Hamilton High class of 1957.

1915: THE MULFORD BOYS -TEEN AGE CIVIL WARRIORS

This fascinating account of the Mulfords and their involvement in the Civil War provides yet another little known local story recounting many of Mercer County involvement in the war between the states.

Anonymous said...: Could you repost this likk? I am related to a Mulford through marriage, and I am interested in seeing this.; Monday, February 13, 2012

As requested, here is the article that was deleted by Google. Thank you for visiting, anonymous, I hope you return often.

Tom Glover

Monday, May 23, 2011

1908: RECALLING THE 1st REGIMENT NATIONAL GUARD MERCER BRIGADE

This 1908 look back at the formation of the Mercer Brigade makes for interesting reading, providing an insight as to the early events in the Civil War.

1866: LITTLE KNOWN POLITICS OF THE CIVIL WAR

I won't even try to recall all the books I have read over these 70-plus years which relate to both the Civil War and World War II. However, I and most other historians find that actual news articles from contemporary newspapers are an invaluable source of history. The posts on this blog are from obscure and long forgotten incidents and other ephemera relating to the conflicts in which America has been involved. The above interesting article is just one of many more to come.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

1914: CHAMBERSBURG COMMUNITY NEWS...."VENETIAN GARDEN" THEATER

One of the more rewarding "perks" in this never ending research project is uncovering a small insignificant article buried deep within the pages of a newspaper that hasn't been read in many many years. Such is the case with this graphic reporting on the numerous persons, places, and things in the Chambersburg during the spring of 1914. I have highlighted the little article telling of the construction of the planned "Venetian Garden" theater. Who knew that the fabled "Park" theater that would take up that triangular lot on Anderson Street and Whittaker Avenue in Chambersburg had such an interesting genealogy? The lower graphic is from the opening day of the new outdoor theater, May 21, 1914.

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Ralph Lucarella said...: HI TOM....I CAN RECALL A MOVIE THEATRE CALLED THE BEBE IN THE BURG THAT FEATURED ITALIAN MOVIES SOMETIME IN THE 1920'S. MY MOTHER TOOK ME THERE OFTEN AND IT WAS VERY BORING CAUSE IT WAS'NT IN ENGLISH. I BELIEVE THE THEATRE WAS NEAR THE OLD WASHINGTON SCHOOL. REGARDS.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Mack said...: Hi Tom and Ralph:) The Bebe I think was on 723 Chestnut Avenue where that art deco cleaners building is now. A great find Tom. This is stuff we never knew. Thanks for the good work as always:)
Thursday, May 19, 2011

1974: REMEMBERING THE AREA'S VERY BEST DISK JOCKEY

He was a standard with me all during my teen years. Jack Pinto was without a doubt one of the Trenton area's best disk jockeys. His morning radio program on WBUD was my constant companion each morning as I made my way to my dead end job at the Trenton Bearing Company on North Olden Avenue. I would stop at "Floyd's Diner" on North Olden Avenue near E. State Street, pick up a cup of coffee and a donut and ride along with Jack and his alter-ego "Cheery the Gremlin." Jack went on to try a stint in the big time with WNEW in New York, but didn's stay long. He returned to WBUD and it was great to have him back. It was my privilege to interview him on my "In Focus" television program on TKR cable back in the 1980's. He was a complete joy to talk to. I found him to be a very spiritual man who described the joy of being in the studio at WBUD each morning and watching a new day dawn. For him, it was a spiritual experience. We lost a great radio person when Jack left the business. Coincidental with his leaving was the arrival of the "music" we are listening to today in order to satisfy that 18 to 49 demographic who prefer screams, yells, fireworks, strobe lights, et al. . Easy listening music was moved to the music grave yard.

JoeZ said...: Tom: I think all of us enjoyed Jack Pinto and his show on the radio. Is he still with us and what's he doing?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Anonymous said...: I was driving along a few years ago just before my retirement and was enjoying the music of the late 1950's that was on. I was really shocked to hear that I had tuned into WBUD and heard the voice of Jack Pinto. I thought I was in a time machine it was so good to hear him so many years later and having grown up with his voice (I'm early 60's), it was like going home again. Sadly, and this was only a few years ago, they sold the station a week later. But those last few shows were a real treat. Skip/Ed
Friday, May 20, 2011
Anonymous said...: Tom, if you allow me, let me spark a few memories of the big ... One, Two, Six-Oh Fun Time Radio. Aside from Jack Pinto we kids were amazed by the likes of Joe Pine and his "Controversy" show. Then there were the contests where they would give clues about a hidden key and we would tear up half the bushes in town. There was always something on BUD. Skip
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tom Glover said...: It's nice to know that I am not the only "BUD" fan! I go way back to the very first broadcast of WBUD in 1946 when Bob Kent hosted the "NIGHT OWL: show from 9 to 11. I remember the thrill I got when I phoned in to ask for an on the air request of "Sweet Sixteen to Millie from Tom. Millie Long was my first real girl friend. Those were such happy and innocent times. The last I heard from Jack Pinto was from the Levittown area of Bucks County.
Friday, May 20, 2011

1974: EILEEN THORNTON PRESIDENT OF THE "BPW"

Here's a clipping of Ms. Eileen Thornton when she was appointed to the Trenton "Womens' Professional Business" club. Eileen went on to become a Council member in the Democratic staff of former Hamilton mayor Glenn Gilmore.

Ralph Lucarella wrote:
HI TOM....WE KNEW BILL THORNTON PRETTY WELL WHEN WE WERE IN THE BOWLING BUSINESS. I WAS WONDERING IF EILEEN IS RELATED TO BILL. REGARDS.

Friday, May 20, 2011

If any visitors can answer Ralph's query, please do.

Tom Glover

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

1974: KARL RECKTENWALD'S HAMILTON HORNET BAND

He has become a legend in the history of the Hamilton Township Public School system. Here we see the officers who were the movers and shakers during the year 1974. Hamilton Township's music programs are, and have been since my years in the system, incredibly proficient in producing quality music programs.

Anonymous said...: Tom - What a treasure Karl Recktenwald and his brother Tom were to the students of HHSW! We were proud that our two sons were under their guidance and direction for their 4 years in the band in high school. So many great memories and good times! They are missed! Lakeside Girl
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tom Glover said...: Hamilton seems to be super in choosing music teachers, Eleanor. Both Tom and Karl were legends in the system.

1873: PHINEAS T. BARNUM'S CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN!

138 years ago, P.T. Barnum brought his popular circus to the city of Trenton. 138 years later, the same P.T. Barnum circus is performing at Trenton's Sun National Bank Center on Hamilton Avenue and South Broad Street. The difference in programs is interesting. Check out the features of the 1873 version of the circus; it makes for fascinating reading!

Ralph Lucarella said...: HI TOM...THIS IS ONE SHOW THAT WE KIDS LOOKED FORWARD TO IN THE 1920'S. IT WAS HELD AT RIBSON FIELD, WHICH IS WHERE TRENTON HIGH SCHOOL IS NOW LOCATED. THEY BEGAN WITH A BIG PARADE RIGHT OFF THEIR TRAIN INCLUDING ALL THE ANIMALS. WE HELPED WITH PUTTING UP THE TENTS ANDS WERE GIVEN PASSES TO THE SHOW. OH HAPPY DAYS!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Michael said...: Tom: Great reprint of this old advertisement. Did you notice that the headline reads; " a BRAN" new show, PT Barnu was reported to be the worlds best promoter. this makes him look like he's full of "oats". Couldn't resist it, forgive the pun. Mike Kuzma
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Monday, May 16, 2011

1911: GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC GATHERS IN TRENTON

This year of 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the "war between the states," better known as the Civil War. The above article, extracted from an old brown with age copy of the "Trenton True American" tells of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) convention which met here in the Trenton area 100 years ago this week! I will be posting additional articles relating to the GAR and the Civil War as the 150th year celebration resumes.

John E. B Good said...: We corresponded before regarding the HHS West Class of 1960 50th Reunion last year and regarding my family (Episcopo) who had an ice cream concession at White City. One of my father's relatives was Aaron Wilkes for which the GAR was named. Last year I found the monument for him in Riverside Cemetery. John G. Wilkes, Miami
Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Saturday, May 14, 2011

1938: TRENTON AREA SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS

My cousin and aunts are and were very active members of the Seventh Day Adventist faith. Indeed, my cousin Harry Walker is an elder in the church. There are numerous clippings in the "SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST" folder in the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection. The graphic above is an interesting look at the building on Columbus Avenue in Trenton where the church was once located. Today, the thriving Adventist community makes its home on Route 33 at the Hamilton-Robbinsville border.

1940: KUSER SCHOOL HONOR ROLL

Anonymous said...: I have to ask you if the term "Reception Grade" was due to the inception of WWII?

I have never heard that before and I suppose it was akin to "Liberty Cabbage" replacing what we knew as kindergarten?

Ed/Skip; Sunday, May 15, 2011
Tom Glover said...: No Skip, Reception grade was in place long before the advent of WWII. When I went into the army in 1955, my first assignment was to the Fort Dix"Reception Center" where new recruits were processed. At Kuser and other Hamilton elementary schools, the same principle applied. We went to "Reception" grade, not Kindergarten.

Tom Glover; Monday, May 16, 2011

2011: THANKS TO REGULAR VISITOR AND CONTRIBUTOR MIKE KUZMA FOR THESE PHOTOS

Mike Kuzma is one of my many very interesting visitors. Above is a fascinating set of photos of the old area known as "Jew Town" in the earlier years of Trenton before the demolition of that area to make room for the state buildings. The Trenton Transit bus photo is also interesting.

Mike is a very knowledgeable guy on the city of Trenton of years past which he, and many of us who recall the Trenton when the city teemed with downtown visitors. Mike, you are definitely a candidate to form your own blog centered around South Trenton and environs; your area of expertise. You really don't need access to the graphics as I post on this blog. Your verbal reminiscences provide an interesting insight. You should impart your recollections of Trenton persons, places and things of the past in a free blog of your own; give it a try. And thank you for these photos which will be preserved in our digital "TRENTON, VIEWS OF" folder in the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

1887: THE SUBURBS EXPANDING TO THE EAST OF THE CITY. (ANDERSON'S GROVE)

One of the really great things about historic research is found in some very unexpected places. I have been actively seeking any and all information I can find on Hamilton Township's historic Anderson Farm which went back to Colonial times. Like my search for elusive information on Camp Olden, the Anderson farm has at least given me enough information that I can safely place it just on the township line with the city of Trenton in the areal of today's Woodlawn Avenue and eastward all the way to the Greenwood Cemetery area. Much of today's Bromley is within the boundary of the Anderson Farm. The article above adds a bit more intrigue into this interesting area of Hamilton.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

2011-MAY 10: 350,000 VISITS; THANKS TO ALL OUR VISITORS!

WE HAVE REACHED THE LEVEL OF 350,000 VISITORS (FIRST TIME UNIQUE VISITS AND RETURN VISITS.) THANK TO ALL!

Ralph Lucarella said...: HI TOM...CONGRADULATIONS FROM ALL US VISITORS. THE MEMORIES YOU PROVIDE HAVE HELPED WITH THE PROBLEMS OF GETTING OLD. EVERYTHING YOU WRITE SEEMS LIKE IT WAS ONLY YESTERDAY AND IT'S GREAT TO HEAR FROM OTHER PEOPLE WHO ALSO RESPOND. BEST REGARDS.; Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Sally Logan Gilman said...: Congratulations Tom: You are my link to my Trenton childhood and it's really impossible for me to explain how much your wonderful website means to me. I check it every morning and several more times throughout the day. Like Ralph, I love to read the comments from your other visitors. Please keep the good work. I would be lost without you. Regards; Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Mack said...: The best site on the net for local hamilton-trenton history. God Bless
Ya Tom:); Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tom Glover said...: MANY THANKS, MIKE.
TOM; Wednesday, May 11, 2011

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