BROMLEY FROM THE AIR

My classmate Bob Shinkle,Hamilton High 1951 was kind enough to point out the friends and neighbors he know from Bromley during his years in that neighborhood. This view will be part of the on screen program I will be presenting this Monday, November 4 at 7 PM at the Hamilton Library lower level meeting room number 3. Hope to see some of my "Locals" there. refreshments will be served.

1934: THE YARDVILLE NATIONAL BANK

Are you old enough to remember when the banks closed at 3 P.M.? I am. The above interesting photo of the legendary Yardville National Bank is shown in the photo taken during the Great Depression year of 1934. Like the friendly druggist, and the grocery store, The order changeth and are replaced with large national entities on all too many corners. The old independent banks have been closed and replaced with unfamiliar bank names, once again on countless corners throughout the area .

THINGS THAT AREN'T THERE ANY MORE.

One of my more popular "The Way We Were" columns and my current Times column, "Sentmiental Journey" deal with things that are now considered "old fashioned" and out of date. Below is a column remembering things that aren't there any more. I miss most of them.

1950: BEFORE THERE WAS A K-MART THERE WAS AN S.S. KRESGE "FIVE AND DIME"

What a great photo of Kresge's "five and ten" on East State Street. Many of our more veteran Trenton area citizens will remember when Trenton was a brisk, lively, and clean center city capital. The whte "CO." seen in the far left of the photo is part of the W.T. Grant department store. Woolworth's was also in that row, as well as F.W. Grand.

1920 TO THE 1940'S: CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Would you believe a World War II Grumman Avenger? What an incredible accompishment! However, considering the generation in which these members of "the greatest generation" were born into, one can see the incredible patriotic gift they gave to Uncle Sam for our U.S. Navy to help defeat Japan. There a numerous files in the "CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL" folder and these are a few from the WWII era.

1979: A REPEAT OF AN ERINIE KOVACS POST

Ernie Kovacs was a very popular national figure back in the 1960's. Naturally, Trentonians were very proud of his national status as a one of the great comedians of all time. This excellent piece by Mr. Izzard from the Trentonian of 1979 is well worth preserving for future generations.

1895: TRENTON PORK ROLL HISTORY

George W. Price's sausage factory as it is today.
Take it from me, visitors, it took a respectable amount of time to round up the Trenton pork roll graphic at the top of this page. However, we Trenton and area residents have always been loyal consumers of this relatively unique Trenton delicacy. As can be seen in that graphic, the early years of pork roll date back to the latter part of the 19th century when it was sold at the old City Market which was once located on the corner of North Broad (then North Greene St.) and Academy Street. Thus far my research has found that Samuel S. Hill was a sausage maker who sold a variation of the product before Mr. Price set up shop and continued the sale of what they called "Trenton Sausage." It is sheer speculation on my part that Mr. Price replaced Mr. Hill in the sausage making business and it ultimately evolved into Case's Pork Roll.

2013: Kuser Mansion built in 1896 NOT 1892

Some months ago, I sent this information to the powers that be in Hamilton Township, noting that the wonderful sign created by the Boys Scouts had the erroneous date of 1892 as the year the beautiful Kuser Mansion was built. When I approached the folks at the mansion, and apprised them of the error,  they referred to the diary entry from Fred Kuser telling of the family traveling from their New York home to their "country home" in Hamilton Township. Above you will find conclusive proof that the current Kuser Mansion was completed in the year 1896. The visit to Trenton referred to in Fred Kuser's diary referred to was obviously the Goldy farm house which was there when Kuser purchased the property from Goldy. Note that the structure was to cost about $15,000!

This email received from my friend Ms. Eleanor Goldy Guear, local Lakeside Park/Gropp's Lake area historian:

Tom - Thanks for this informative news article. The Goldy homestead we were sure was still existing somewhere on the 80 acres that were purchased by the Kusers, but now we know that the "old farmhouse" was torn down and the Kuser home erected. Thanks once again for clearing up a detail of our own family heritage. Lakeside Girl on  

1896: KUSER MANSION WAS BUILT IN 1896, NOT 1892

1949: JIM STANTON'S HARDWARE, TRACY'S ETC.

That area of Trenton bounded by Villa Park on the southeast at Liberty and So. Olden, Hamilton and Olden Avenues and North Olden Avenue to State Street was our neighborhood's alternative to downtown Trenton. It was a 15 minute walk from my home on Hartley Avenue and there were more than enough businesses in that area to satisfy our needs:

Stanton Hardware, Hamilton avenue

Tracy's "five and dime"

Carty's Luncheonette Liberty and Olden

Steve's Barber Shop Liberty and Olden

Tony's Barber Shop Park Avenue

Margerum's Delicatessen, Park and Hamilton

Long's Drug Store (Later Steinel) Hamilton and Olden

Schnur's Department Store, Hamilton and Olden

Townsend's Bakery Olden near Walnut

Gaiety Theater Olden and Walnut

Kushner's Men's Shop State and Olden

Marucca's Tomato Pies Olden near the Gaiety

Riker's Bakery Hamilton Avenue

Bond's Electric

Rittman's Bar and Liquor Hamilton and Olden

George Giberson's Deli and Magazines in the Rittman building

There are undoubtedly more, but come one, I'm going back 70 years!
And oh yes, also within a few blocks walking distance was the A & P supermarket on Hamilton near South Logan Avenue. 

COMMENTS:

Tom, there was Louie's Tomato Pie almost across from Maruca's and Rhode's Drugs for a double dip bing cherry cone. Later I remember Rittmans as having the last cheap short glass of beer in town and the pigs feet and pickled pigs feet. I could never summon the courage to order one of those feet. There was also a Tony's Barber shop next to Louie's. Lord, I screamed to high heaven, poor Tony. Once I saw the chair I thought he was going to strap me down like Doctor Lavine did to all kids.

Ed Millerick

Friday, October 25, 2013

Anonymous said...

Ed:

Are you referring to "Lou's" tomatoe pies" that was on North Olden Ave. just past Ward Ave. beyond State St? Any time I was in Wilbur, I preferred them instead of Maruca's who used an unmusual type of Cheese: Pat Maruca explained to me years later, that they used this cheese since it secreted oil, and saved them money rather than used olive oil on the pies.

Regards

Mike Kuzma

Friday, October 25, 2013

1933: VILLA PARK'S "CLOVERDELL" PORK ROLL

At one time or another, I have tried them both, but we always seemed to lean toward "Case's." My aging memory seems to recall it as "Case's Pork Pak." Never the less, pork roll, like tomato pie seem to be a somewhat unique Trenton thing.

COMMENTS:

My all time favorite is "fresh pork roll" and it's not as heavily smoked and salty as the "regular" fare.
Perhaps one of the things that will be of benefit with the changes in Trenton and the dispersal of the inhabitants; pork roll is becoming more popular down south according to some of the Facebook folks.
Ed Millerick

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Ed: You betcha, but down here, they call it "Baloney in bag" could not locate it here when I first moved down 11 years ago. Believe it or not, it showed up in the dollar tree store, and it was "Case's" at that. I lived "high on the hog" (couldn't resist that) for 7 years, than it stopped. Another brand was brought in last year from Altoona PA, but that only lasted a few montns. One Super Mkt. chain carries "Taylor" and charges the same price per pound as filet migon.
Just visited AC two weeks ago, brought my cooler and loaded up at Shop Rite in West Wildwood before catching the Ferry Boat across the Bay.
Each time I visit Mercer County I make a stop at the Farmer's market to get the "Fresh Porkroll" which will always be my Filet Migon!
Regards
Mike Kuzma

Thursday, October 24, 2013

 

When I first moved south, I was desperate for my pork roll ( AKA) "prepared ham" Finally after searching all the stores, I met a clerk at a super market who luckily was from Central Jersey.
She sent me to of all places Dollar tree who had "Case's 4 slice" packs. I thought I was in Heaven, than they stopped carrying it. After a few years, they brought in a product from Altoona PA. No bad, but not like ours.
They stopped that too. I have my shakes occasionaly, and find a need to make a sortie to NJ to get my fix of pork roll, which incendtilly they call "Balony in Bag" down. There is one store that Carries Taylors, and have it priced at $10.49 per pound. That's higher than filet mignon.
2 Weeks ago after a visit to AC, I stopped at Shop Rite in West Wildwood and loaded my cooler with Pork roll and Scrapple, which they call that "Pon Hous" below the Mason Dixon line.
Now Fresh Pork roll is without a doubt my favorite, and whenever I can, I get to the Farmer's market and bring home a cooler full.
Do you remember eating the remenant pieces that stuck to the bagging when you finished frying it?

Regards
Mike Kuzma

Friday, October 25, 2013

Anonymous said...

You also had Farm Crest Porkroll which was on Dickinson St. right off of Greenwood Ave.

Friday, October 25, 2013

2013: WELCOME NEW-COMERS!

NEWCOMERS: A number of my FACEBOOK friends have migrated over to this website. Welcome to the Hamilton Township Public Library and our Local History Site! Here are a few short cuts to help you maneuver around the site.
1)   Over on the far right and DOWN a few inches you will find an alphabetical index. Next to each item in the index you will see the number of files in parentheses. Clicking on the item will bring you to the home page BUT this time when you arrow down you will see a 1 to 8 listing of material sought.

2) Another method is using the "SEARCH" function, DIRECTLY UNDER THE HOME PAGE you will see a white space with a "SEARCH" LABEL.. Type in a key word, ie: YARDVILLE, GROVEVILLE, etc. You will be taken to any and all posts within the 8,000 plus pages that contain the key words.

3) Through a technical glitch in 2010, Google removed a number of graphics and you will see a triangle with an exclamation (!) inside the triangle. This graphic will ultimately be re-posted.

4) When you get to a specific photo or article, RIGHT click on your mouse and choose open in a new window. You will be presented with an enlarged graphic. In some cases you will see a "+" which will allow you to enlarge it even more. Using the aforementioned right click function, you can also save the graphic to your computer. BE SURE TO CREDIT THE HAMILTON LIBRARY AND ANY OTHER ENTITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SOURCE MATERIAL. ENJOY!

ANY QUESTIONS email me at tglover320@optimum.net

2013: GOOGLE VIEW MULBERRY ST. AT KLAGG AVENUE

1939: MULBERRY ST. AT KLAGG AVENUE

Here's an exquisite example of "Then and Now." The above photo is a Google view of today's Mulberry Street at Klagg Avenue. Below is R.C. Maxwell Duke University 1939 photo from approximately the same vantage point. East Trenton in the 1930's was a very lively community with many industrial sites. Remember Baldwin Hill? Wenczel Tile? Panelyte? All gone.

1939: PEOPLE'S BREWING COMPANY AND MERCER BOTTLING

This is Lamberton Street approaching Lalor Street in South Trenton. Perhaps this particular view was previously published but I have enhanced and sharpened the image for better clarity.

2013: MY SON KEN GLOVER ON VACATION IN KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE

http://www.reverbnation.com/kennyglover/song/3322877-an-angel-in-your-heart?fb_og_action=reverbnation_fb%3Aunknown&fb_og_object=reverbnation_fb%3Asong&utm_campaign=a_public_songs&utm_content=reverbnation_fb%3Asong&utm_medium=facebook_og&utm_source=reverbnation_fb%3Aunknown

 

Music is most definitely in the Glover and Britton family genes. My dear wife Judy and I met in Louise Baird's Hamilton High School choir back in the late 1940's and 50's. Judy was one of our stellar alto voices and I a baritone. Each of us came from a music loving family with a piano and were very active in family sing alongs. When we married in 1954 and had our 3 wonderful children, Juliane, Tom, and Ken, we were sure to expose them to music, and they were regular participants as we sang all the old songs. The old man (that's me) just completed my 8th year of bringing music to my generation and others who are not into the loud twangy rock and roll stuff. Kenny spun off to be an incredible composer and singer. The above link will bring you to his website where you can sample "Angel In Your Heart;" composed and sung by Kenny Glover.

Son Tom is also an accomplished vocalist, and numerous folks who follow the Irish genre of music probably visited the Tir Na Nog and other local Irish pubs where Tom has performed over the years. Grandaughter Jessica Saiia has also inherited the gene which is also firmly implanted in my daughter Juliane. Jessica was a lead singer in "On The Town;"  a high school musical prior to entering Rider University. 

Judy and I tried to teach our children that music is one of God's precious gifts. I think they agree, and I think we succeeded!

1922: NORTH BROAD ST. AT STATE.

I removed the former image and re-formatted it in order to lighten what were very dark shadowed areas. The clock atop the City Hall has been tweaked to give a bit more detail.
The old City Hall is the building next to the building with the Chesterfield sign which as also been lightened. A very interesting "roaring twenties" photo.

1937:A SECTION OF SOUTH WARREN STREET THAT IS NO MORE

This incredibly clear closeup from a long range view of South Warren Street features two very interesting subjects: Capitol Motors and the fabled Casa Lido. Close inspection will show a motorcycle dealership. I would guess that a visitor more familiar with this street scene will point out a subject with which he or she is familiar. EXQUISITE AND PRISTINE!

1941: ANOTHER VIEW SOUTH BROAD ST, GREENWOOD AVENUE AND CENTRE ST. INTERSECTION

Another view from a different era showing the area of Trenton's Sacred Heart Church. Note the building on the corner of Greenwood Avenue (Left in the photo) the familiar home of Samuel F.B. Light was occupied by William Mason Restaurant Equipment. Coincidentally, (as I recall,) Adams Rental Company had a store in the buildings along South Broad Street in this same block.

1935: STATE AND BROAD FROM A ROOF TOP

What an incredibly pristine photo of South Broad Street from what may be the roof of the building that once housed the famous Ballantine Beer clock! That beautiful line of cars heading into and out of Trenton from State and Broad brings warm feelings to we older Trentonians than any other vestige of Trenton antiquity. This was when Trenton was a vibrant city. There were no glass encrusted sky scrapers and commercial establishments proliferated. Gone are the days.

1938: TRENTON'S STACY THEATER

I have zoomed in on the original R.C. Maxwell photo and zeroed in on the Stacy Theater. When you open this file, click on the "+" magnifying glass and it will open in all its full glory. You will be standing on East State Street and heading toward a Saturday night movie at the Stacy featuring Warner Baxter! This photo will also be posted on "It's a Trenton Thing" on Facebook, but you will not be able to enlarge it as can be done on www.glover320.blogspot.com.

1947:2090 GREENWOOD AVENUE IN FRONT OF THE HAMILTON TOWNSHIPMUNICIPAL BUILDING

I really like this photo. The truck on the left is an old International dump truck. To the right of the building you can see a vacant lot. Below is another photo from just up the street in front of Greenwood School giving an even better view of the vacant lot adjacent to the town hall. .

1912 & 1914: PENNINGTON PROGRESSING QUITE WELL, THANK YOU!

 

The two lower articles give an idea of what the bucolic town of Pennington looked like 100 years ago. Imagine: Sidewalks! A hopeless romantic such as I can only resort to my imagination to visualize what a truly rural central jersey town "Pennytown" was back in the day. 

1936: AN EXQUISITE 77 YEAR OLD VIEW OF STATE AND BROAD

This graphic is being posted after a 3X magnification and a "sharpen," adjust contrast, etc. modification. It provides a great photo depicting center city Trenton during the Great Deparession of the late 1920's and into the 1930's. In fact. with just a bit of imagination, you can place yourself right behind that gentleman with the rolled up newspaper walking in front of the First Presbyterian Church and take a "virtual" tour!

1949: E. STATE STREET AT THE U.S. POST OFFICE

Thanks to PhotoShop software with its ability to enhance and tweak photos, this incredible photo gives a special clarity to that Trenton Transit bus which is headed for Colonial Lakelands on the Brunswick Pike. The Moose Hall is the brick building on the extreme right, and of course the DeLuxe Diner where daily visitor and former mail man Ralph Lucarella had many cups of coffee before going on his daily rounds.

1949: SOUTH BROAD AT GREENWOOD AND CENTRE STREETS

There's the very familiar Samuel F.B. Light appliance store on the corner of Greenwood Avenue and South Broad Street. At the time, Greenwood Avenue was a through street before it was cut off when the Trenton Freeway was built and the area took the name of the "Barlow Circle." In the photo, Centre Street is seen on the far right behind the light standard. The photo was taken in front of Sacred Heart Church.

1933: INCREDIBLE DEPRESSION ERA PRICES

This was the year I was born. My mom and dad were completely enveloped in the depths of the Great Depression. My father lost his "Gills Express" business which he purchased in 1928 and was just getting ahead with his pickups and deliveries to the local potteries. Like a lightening chain reaction, people were out of work, businesses began to lose money, and in my father's case, he began to lose business that was shut off by the economic crash. The bare financial necessities were very poor and ultimately led to him not being able to feed the family and keep up with his other bills, including the telephone. Bankrupt!

1933: TRENTON'S NEW DOWNTOWN ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC SUPERMARKET

It took a bit of Photoshop tweaking, tilting and stitching to add the bottom portion of the original half page graphic I posted here yesterday. Upon closer examination, I found that the interesting articles at the bottom of the page were of GREAT interest; especially the article on employee pay.  The photo of the A&P that once graced downtown Trenton is prominent in the above page from the Trenton Times. Who could ever forget "Jane Parker," "Red Circle," "Bokar," "Eight O'clock," coffee and "Sylvan Seal milk in those cone shaped cartons?"