As regular readers of my numerous local news columns and followers of the website will attest, I have an intense interest in the history of the school system in Hamilton and the city of Trenton. I wrote the above article as a mini series detailing all I could find on the genesis of Hamilton's early schools. The above article I wrote and the pen and ink drawing I made are now part of Hamilton's local history and more specifically, in the "BROAD STREET PARK" folder.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: tglover320@optimum.net
Friday, September 30, 2011
1982: "RUSLING SCHOOL NO. 10"
As regular readers of my numerous local news columns and followers of the website will attest, I have an intense interest in the history of the school system in Hamilton and the city of Trenton. I wrote the above article as a mini series detailing all I could find on the genesis of Hamilton's early schools. The above article I wrote and the pen and ink drawing I made are now part of Hamilton's local history and more specifically, in the "BROAD STREET PARK" folder.
1981: RAFFERTY FOR GOVERNOR?
Were it not for this man, there would be no"TOM GLOVER'S HAMILTON LIBRARY SCRAPBOOK."
Indeed, there would be no Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. Back in the early 1990's, Jack Rafferty, Jack Lacy, Mo Rossi, and Joe Belina agreed with me that Hamilton Township was not capitalizing on its magnificent historical heritage. It was my aim to change that unfortunate reality. Jack Rafferty, unlike many local politicians in high places, had an intense interest in our local history.
Indeed, there would be no Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. Back in the early 1990's, Jack Rafferty, Jack Lacy, Mo Rossi, and Joe Belina agreed with me that Hamilton Township was not capitalizing on its magnificent historical heritage. It was my aim to change that unfortunate reality. Jack Rafferty, unlike many local politicians in high places, had an intense interest in our local history.
1981: GROPP'S LAKE'S NEW DAM
Today, this splendid local treasure is just sitting there spouting water from a lovely fountain. I could never figure out why past administrations failed to restore "Lakeside" into a lovely swimming area. I'm sure there must be an environmental issue that prevents the restoration. "Lakeside" holds very special memories for me. It was here that my classmates in the Hamilton High School choir held a beach party in our senior year. It was here that I tripped and fell in love with Judy Britton, my dear wife of 56 years. I have extracted part of my original Mercer Messenger column and posted it above. It will give you young folks an idea of just how wonderful "Lakeside" was back before the dam broke and the beach was off limits to swimmers.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
1981: DVRA AMATEUR OPERATORS' "FIELD DAY"
"Old Friends are the Best Friends." Above is a photo of two of my friends from the "DVRA;" (Delaware Valley Radio Association) during my 15 or so years as a member of that organization. An unfortunate and UN-deserved personal email attack some years ago effectively severed my relationship with the group for which I still hold great respect. I fondly recall the wonderful "Hamfests" we had over in the Lawrence National Guard Armory where I was the official sign-maker and general "helper outer." During those pre-cell phone years, I was part of the W2ZQ "commuters' net" which met each morning on the way to work, and each evening on the way home. We came from all points of the compass: Hopewell, Ewing, Hamilton Bucks County, Bordentown and other Burlington County areas. "K2AAR," "AB2F," "K2ZSY," "K2ITX" "W2SVV," "WB2EIZ," "WA2BOO," "W2AEI, K3MNX," "W3ZLP," "WA2JZF," "KA2BJC," "KA2DHA," and I could go on and on. All were a part of a very wonderful era in my life. How time has flown! I was in my 40's when I became a licensed amateur back in the mid 1970's. Today happens to be my 78th birthday, and the memories of the wonderful years I spent communicating with all those wonderful "hams" are indelibly imprinted in my memory. I fully intend to keep my WA2RU amateur license and at some point, I hope to pop up a vertical antenna in my back yard and go international. (Thanks to my dear friend W2AEI who gave me a Kenwood TS820 "work horse," I hope to one day get back on the "DX" trail as I become less and less physically active.)As a personal observation, amateur radio will still prove to be the saving grace for any terror attacks or other disaster that could come at any time,any place. There will always be those of us who know the Morse code, and those dedicated hams who practice emergency message handling on a daily basis in the event of a national disaster. We seldom hear of them in the local press now that the cell phone has become fashionable. However, during any real emergency, cell phone phones become virtually useless as lines become overloaded. Fortunately there will always be the ham radio fraternity standing by to fill the communications void. We have all heard of the the lack of communication during 911 when the New York Police Department and the New York Fire Department had communication problems. Such would not be the case with amateur radio should a national disaster occur. These dedicated hams are quietly standing by, ready to spring into INSTANT action!
That's what the above field day illustrated above is all about!
1981: NOT FORGOTTEN: A MIRACLE PLANE CRASH
This happened while I was commuting daily to my office in New Brunswick. As I look at that photo, I realize and assume the pilot was really a hero for avoiding hitting any of the homes along the roadway, crashing into the street rather than the lawn seen in the foreground.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
1981: STEINERT GIRLS' SOCCER CHAMPIONS
These young ladies made a name for themselves 30 years ago as they became the Central and South Jersey State Championship. I see Cindy Soffel, daughter of Hamilton High soccer champ, Bob Soffel, along with Lisa Gmitter.
Mack said...Hi Tom:)
This is actually 30 years ago. I am the class of 1980 Trenton High and these kids 1 year later:)
1895: Sheriff Hutchinson; My kind of lawman
Back in the old west, public hangings were a regular occurrence. Apparently they were also common in the "old east" as verified in this article wherein Sheriff Bob Hutchinson meted out a punishment to fit the crime. The Hutchinson family has a splendid historical heritage in the Mercer County area, especially in Hamilton Township.
1902: MUNGER TIRE COMPANY THE KUSER CONNECTION
Over the years, I have added hundreds of articles and photos to the "AUTOMOBILIA" folder in the Hamilton Township Library's Local History Collection. Most of the material is from pre-computer years, and much of it is from acquisitions of articles etc. which began at the inception of this blog in November, 2008. One thing that stands out fascinatingly clear: There are always articles like the above Munger Tire Company article that comes into my area searches. I had never heard of the Munger Tire, and presume it could be the predecessor of the old Murray Tire Company over in East Trenton. The article verifies that the Kusers were involved in the very earliest local years of the horseless carriage. .
1920's JAMES WIRTH, ICE MAN
This fabulous photo of the James Wirth Ice wagon a couple whom I assume would be Mr. and Mrs. Wirth is a really interesting historic specimen. 1289 Nottingham Way places the business at the corner of Nottingham Way and Hollywood Drive in the Bromley section of Hamilton Township.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
1905: B.C. KUSER ESTABLISHES HOMES IN BROMLEY
Historical research requires a certain amount of logic and speculation. Logic tells me that Ben Kuser, who acted as a real estate agent back in the first decade of the 20th century as an important player in the Pennsylvania Railroad's establishment of a work shop off of Whitehead Road in Bromley. When the PRR intentions to build a huge repair shop were announced in Trenton, they were followed up by a statement from a railroad executive that housing for the 500 plus employees who would be working at the new site would be a necessity. Ben Kuser got right to work and set up a small village off of the East State Street-Whitehead Road area; a portion of the old Henry N. Smith Fashion Stud Farm. The streets in the little village were named after Kuser family members Victor, Adela, and Rosalia.
Monday, September 26, 2011
1896: FRED KUSER'S "COUNTRY HOME"
These are historically significant pieces of history that establishes the actual date of the contracting and building of the Kuser Mansion. In his later years, Fred "Fritz" Kuser gave information to Hamilton Township that the mansion was built and opened in 1892. In fact, as seen by the article above, and subsequent articles I have found over the ensuing years, the mansion was opened to the family in 1896; not 1892 as is noted on a wooden KUSER MANSION sign outside the building. This article fills in many heretofore unknown facts on the construction of the building. Especially interesting is the revelation that Fred Kuser had an earlier structure on the property which was dismantled and replaced by the current Kuser Mansion.
Gordon Kontrath said...
This answers the question about why the blue prints for the house are dated 1895. this was a big puzzle when I was trying to date the and match the blue prints with other info that didn't match.Thanks
GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU GORDON! AS TO THE CORRECT DATE, I SENT A MUCH EARLIER POST VIA EMAIL (TWICE) TO THE TOWNSHIP POINTING OUT THAT THE SIGN THE BOY SCOUTS POSTED WAS IN ERROR, AND THE DATE SHOULD BE CHANGED. NO ONE EVER RESPONDED. THE DOCENTS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THE CHANGE IN DATES AS THEY LEAD PEOPLE THROUGH THE MANSION. DECEMBER, 2012: THE OLD SIGN HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED, AND STILL NO RESPONSE FROM THE TOWNSHIP AND THE INCORRECT SIGN REMAINS.
TOM GLOVER
TOM GLOVER
Friday, September 23, 2011
1982: PATTI WILLEVER; A COLONIAL VFD STALWART
There's lovely Patti Willever, and old friend of mine who happens to be an important part of the Colonial Volunteer Fire Company; the fire company of my youth. Patti has been an active leader and member of the Ladies' Auxiliary for many years. Patti was also a fellow parishioner at St. Anthony Church where she was active in the school PTA.Thursday, September 22, 2011
1924 (Ca 1924) HONORING ST. ANTIM0
Thanks to Father Jeff Lee, Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels-Saint Joachim parishes for the correction Father Jeff sent in the comment below. My dear departed friend Bob Immordino who passed on at age 92 said he thought the photo might be of one of Chambersburg's Feast of Lights celebrations. Father Jeff set the record straight. When I received Father's comment, I opened the graphic and "Photo Shopped" it and enhanced the faded background. Lo and behold, that isn't the Virgin Mary in the back of the photo. It is obviously a male who is presumably St. Antimo. Many thanks, Father Jeff; my aim is to correct any and all errors I make in recording historical material. - Jeffrey E. Lee said...
Thanks for the posting. However, I believe that this photo is also in the Our Lady of the Angels-Saint Joachim parish's Centennial Hall and it represents the procession in honor of Saint Antimo. take a closer look at the image among the people. in the early years there were many processions in honor of the blessed virgin particular to towns of origin as well as processions in honor of the saints. thanks for keeping the memories at the forefront.
Peace.
Jeffrey E. Lee, PastorFriday, September 23, 2011
What a wonderful little corner of the world it was. And what a nice picture this is. Thanks Tom:)
Ralph Lucarella said...HI TOM....THE FEAST OF LIGHTS AS I RECALL WAS TO HONOR THE MADONNA OF CASANDRINO. THAT WAS ALWAYS ON BUTLER ST ALONG WITH THE PROCESSION THROUGHOUT CHAMBERSBURG. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE FEAST IN ITALY WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS WITH DELTA AIRLINES. OUR RELATIVES IN CASANDRINO WERE VERY ACTIVE IN THE FEAST AND I WITNESSED THE CELEBRATION WITH THEM. REGARDS. ALSO TOM, IN THAT PHOTO ABOVE, I WAS JUST ABOUT FIVE YEARS OLD AND ONE OF THOSE KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN ME. GOD BLESS THE OLD BURG.
Saturday, September 24, 2011-
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2011: SIGN UP FOR A TOUR OF TRENTON
We should be very grateful that there are existing clubs and organizations that are vitally interested in the magnificent historic heritage of the city of Trenton. Trenton's Contemporary Club is just one of those organizations. I put together the above graphic using information from the original folder as published by the Contemporary. Through the years, this club has quietly and selflessly worked for the betterment of the community. If you want to spend an incredibly interesting day exploring the capital city, you can choose from 4 different Contemporary bus tours; the are as follows:#1 is JANET EVANOVICH'S BURG," with Mr. Jim Carlucci as the guide, #2 "COMING TO TRENTON," with tour guide John Hatch, #3 "SELDOM SEEN PLACES" with Trenton's ultimate historian Sally Lane, and #4 "A NARRATED TWO HOUR SIGHTSEEING TOUR" with tour guide Joe Teti, the locally famous Trenton historian. Mr. Teti's sightseeing tour will be available at 10 A.M. and again at 1 P.M.
TRENTON IS A WONDERFUL CITY WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING NUMEROUS NEGATIVE SITUATIONS. HOWEVER, NEGATIVE SITUATIONS CANNOT DIM THE MAGNIFICENT HISTORICAL HERITAGE THAT GOES BACK MANY CENTURIES.
1911: TRENTON'S CONTEMPORARY CLUB
Above is a 100 year old graphic of the officers in the Contemporary Club way back in 1911. There are many very prominent names in the photo: Forst, Maxwell, Bechtel, etc. The Contemporary Club is preparing for their 25th annual "FOUR VIEWS OF TRENTON" bus tours on October 1, 2011.Tuesday, September 20, 2011
1900: ANTONIO MARALDO'S HALL
The above "Bing" aerial view shows the intersection of Mott Street and South Clinton Avenue. Based on the other corner of the intersection, t is probably safe to say that the building in the photo is the same basic structure of Maraldo Hall.Mack said...
Hi Tom:)Ahh the Clin-Mott with its cool neon sign. Thanks for postig this. Again something new I learn from your site:))
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
TOM
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
1887: AN ITALIAN BOOTBLACK SHINES 'EM UP IN TRENTON
With John Scarpati's Italian American Festival starting this weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to post some articles and/or photos from the "AMERICAN-ITALIAN" and "CHAMBERSBURG" folders in the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection database.
This is a very interesting, revealing, and most importantly, a very early article that will give visitors to this blog an idea of how the local press covered newcomers to America and in this case, Trenton.
I still remember the shoe shine boys of Trenton in the 1950's. Usually one worked each side of State Street by Broad and then the Railroad Station had a few in the lobby. Seems to me there was on in the lobby of the Hotel Hildebrecht too.Ed Millerick
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Ralph Lucarella said...
HI TOM....SHOE SHINE BOYS ALONG WITH SELLING AND DELIVERING NEWSPAPPERS WERE THE PRIME FACTORS IN TRYING TO EARN A FEW DOLLARS FOR THE KIDS DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION. OUR FATHERS WERE WORKING FOR FOOD ORDERS SO A LOT DEPENDED ON OTHERS IN THE FAMILY TO HELP OUT. I SOLD PAPERS DOWN TOWN FOR 2 CENTS AND EARNED A DIME OR TWO. OF COURSE THIS WAS IN THE 30'S AND THINGS STARTED TO GETR BETTER IN THE 40'S. BEST REGARDS
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
1969 IN THE TRENTON AREA; TIME MARCHES ON!
Wow, does this bring back some pleasant memories, and I would bet that many other visitors will also pore over the ads above and find one or more spots they visited those 42 years ago. Hmmm....there's the Old Heidelberg, Cedar Gardens, Cesares Meat Market and their familiar "longhorn" trade mark, Lido Gardens, the old Hudson Beer Garden who apparently dropped the word "Beer" from their name. Lord, how time flies!- JoeZ said...
Love those ads and you can't beat the prices.
- Sally Logan Gilman said...
I love the old ads and always check to see if one rings a bell. My dad, Russell Logan, took me to eat at Lido Gardens in the late '40s. Could it be the same place as in the ad -- Hanover St? He used to stop at the Lido for takeout when he transferred buses to go home at night. He said the bus smelled really good. Again, Tom, thanks for the memories.
- Anonymous said...
My gosh, look at the prices. I note the Wayside on the Pennington Circle. To put the brakes on the rumor that the Route 69 signs had to be changed for risque reasons, that is just not true.
When the "Class of 1969" freshman hit the dorms at dear old Trenton State, the DOT could not keep the signs up fast enough.
I do believe we ate much better on far less income back then.
Ed Millerick
TOM
Ralph Lucarella said...HI TOM...SEEING THAT AD OF CEDAR GARDENS REMINDS ME OF THE TIME MY BROTHER LOU AND I BUILT THE HAMILTON BOWLING LANES ON ROUTE 33 IN 1955. WE WANTED TO BUILD IT NEXT TO CEDAR GARDENS BUT WERE UNABLE TO ACQUIRE THE GROUND. THE OWNER OF CEDAR GARDENS AT THE TIME WAS FRANK AGABITI, ONE OF THE AREA'S BEST BOWLERS. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE GROUND DOWN THE ROAD ACTOSS FROM TONY CAL'S AND PATTERSON CHEVROLET. WHEN THE LANES WERE SOLD IN 1970 THEY MOVED THEM TO KUSER ROAD. BEST REGARDS.
1937: IT WAS KNOWN AS THE "TRENTON MARINE TERMINAL"
Over the years, many town fathers tried to deepen the Delaware in order to accommodate ocean going vessels. Back in the early part of the century right up to the late 30's and early 40's Trenton was the destination of numerous international vessels who docked on the Lamberton Street dock. My friend and fellow radio amateur, the late Caesar Arena (W2SVV) told of the numerous amateur radio contacts he had with many of the ships coming and going to the wharf at Trenton. Thanks to Bill Klek for this aerial photo.- JoeZ said...
Tom: I remember as a boy my Dad taking me down to the terminal when Navy ships docked. They often allowed tours on certain days. My Dad told me prior to WWII he remembers the Japanese ships buying scrap metal which he said later they paid us back with bullets. His parents lived on Cliff St. and we would often visit the terminal and go fishing too.
- Anonymous said...
Joe, my Dad took me on those same tours. I believe they were light destroyers. Speaking of "buying iron" most of the tonnage we dropped during "The Nam" was sold to the Belgians as scrap. They sat on them and we bought the 500 pounders back at a hefty premium a few years later.
Tom, do you remember Mike Rafferty who led the Notre Dame radio club, WB2GZC? He was a great fellow.
Ed Millerick
TOM GLOVER
MILL HILL UND-DATED TIMES NEWS PHOTO
These two young boys are enjoying a summertime respite that was shared by many of my contemporaries back in the 30', 40, and 50's. What fun it was to get out in the pouring rain and take one of Mother Nature's cooling and refreshing summer showers. Did you ever experience the fun of floating a home made boat in the puddles along the side of the road as the rain poured down? No? You had to be there to understand the thrill!Clay Street? Ask any old time resident how Clay Street was involved with the re-alignment of Greenwood Avenue back in the 1940's when the Trenton Freeway cut through numerous area neighborhoods. Greenwood Avenue once continued from South Clinton Avenue to South Broad Street.
- Anonymous said...
Tom. that was a hot topic in a course I took. The impact of the Trenton Freeway for one and how it divided neighbors, made it harder for workers who walked and such.
I was looking at Cherry and Plum Streets the other day and how they were divided.
Ed Millerick - Anonymous said...
Tom:
Growing up in South Trenton, and attending Sacred Heart, I certainly do remember Clay St.
Clay Street houses were primarily frame, whereas most of the remainder of "Mill Hill" was of solid brick construction.
I can remember as a kid, cutting through Greenwood Ave,on my daily WALK to TCHS right through to South Clinton Ave. There was a huge coal yard there. On Clay St. was a small Amoco station owned by the Gambino's who went on to own the yellow cab company.
When I proposed the first residential rehabilitation projdect in NJ, it was the Mercer-Jackson project that was bounded by Livingston St. South Montgomery, and included both Mercer, and Jackson Streets and bounded by the north side of Market. Due to it's overwhelming success, it sprawled over Market St. and became known as "Old Mill Hill" As a City Planner in the early 1960's, I saw the wisdom of the man made barrier known as the "Rt. 1 Freeway" Much like the City of Seattle, where I-5 and it;s 12 lanes sever the highly successful all commercial downtown from the heavily urbanized residential neighborhood. No one out there dare steal a pocket book and try to cross thos 12 lanes to get back to their crew in the neighborhood! Sometime we can't see the forest for the Trees.
BTW, half way down Greenwood Ave. between Jackson and Mercer Sts. was St. Paul's Lutheran Church. After mass at Sacred Heart, I would walk over and sit in on Sunday School which always had great treats for those good little Angles! LOL
Best regards
Mike Kuzma
Tom Glover
About Clay Street picture.
John & Robert were before me but i knew their families well. Picture looks like late 1930s.
About 12 homes on Clay Street were torn down to make way for the freeway. Lewis Street was also cut off at the same time with homes torn down also.I remember walking across the RR bridge on my way to THS before it was closed. Clay Street was a grand old neighborhood.
Noel Goeke
John & Robert were before me but i knew their families well. Picture looks like late 1930s.
About 12 homes on Clay Street were torn down to make way for the freeway. Lewis Street was also cut off at the same time with homes torn down also.I remember walking across the RR bridge on my way to THS before it was closed. Clay Street was a grand old neighborhood.
Noel Goeke
Thank you, Noel. I was thinking of you when I posted this and was expecting your expertise on the neighborhood.
Tom
1969: HARRY LIEBERMAN DEMOCRAT CLUB
My father was on friendly terms with many in the early Lieberman political scene in Hamilton Township. He was a Hamilton Township Committeeman during the WWII years. My very dear friend Maury Perilli is shown in the photo as are numerous personal acquaintances. My Kuser School classmate Vinnie Brenna is there, as is another old time friend, Al DeMartin. I understand that the original founders of the BRL, including my friends Jack Lacy and Jack Zoller were among the founders of the league. If either of them read this post, I would sure appreciate a comment that would add to the "BASEBALL" folder in the Local History Collection.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
1952: ONE OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS
I have very fond memories of "downtown" Trenton. I was a regular visitor to State and Broad back in the late 40's and into the 50's when I visited that notable crossroads waiting for my girl friend who became my wife of 57 years, Judy Britton, as she left her job in Infants' Wear at Yard's Department Store at State and Broad. Even though I posted this earlier among the 8,000 plus pages on this website, I reserve the right to publish it again; it is a beautiful view which will be familiar to many Trenton area "old timers." Playing at the Capitol Theater when this photo was taken? "Bugles in the Afternoon" starring Ray Milland. What memories!- Anonymous said...
By the cars, that was about 1952? Clinging to a coat sleeve I can smell the peanuts and hear the rattle of the poor souls who used to scoot around on platforms. Mom said they lost legs during the first war.
I too met my HS sweetie in a bus stop flirtation only a block away, she rode the "T Hiltonia".
Ed Millerick - Sally Logan Gilman said...
State and Broad -- one of my favorite spots in downtown Trenton. That's where I got the bus to go home to West Trenton. Tom, you do my heart good. Regards
- rayfromvillapark said...
Hi Tom, Bugles in the Afternoon, was released in 1952, so that dates the photograph. The two cars in the photo are a 1949 Plymouth to the left, and a 1950 Chevrolet on the right, which is actually a Terminal Cab taxi, waiting for a fare at their stand on the corner of State and Broad. I purchased many a car related magazine at the news stand in the photo, but I don't remember the name of the business. I think the news stand on North Warren, near the corner of Hanover, was Whitey's. Trenton in it's heyday, no more! Rayfromvillapark
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A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM WITH MANY MORE TO COME. STOLAT
Thursday, September 29, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM....BIRTHDAYS ARE OCCURING RAPIDLY FOR BOTH OF US. LET'S HOPE WE'RE STILL AROUND WHEN THINGS IN THIS WORLD AND IN THE TRENTON AREA GET BETTER FOR EVERYONE. BEST WISHES
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tom - Have a happy and very blessed birthday! Hoping the next year is all you want it to be!
Lakeside Girl
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Happy Birthday Tom - sorry I'm a little late but busy day on Thursday! Love reading your blog! On vacation next week and hope to stop by the library to give you some more stuff I found. Take care and have a Great Weekend.
Steve Jr
Friday, September 30, 2011