Mr. Tom Tighue is very proficient at the task of finding these old Trenton tax photos from the Trenton Free Public Library's Trentoniana Collection. The graphic is a splendid example of one of the countless merchants who once inhabited the community known as "Jewtown;" due to the area being settled in a large part by those of Jewish extraction. I have an intense interest in that area of Trenton before before it became the victim of "urban renewal" back in the 1960's. Unfortunately, most of these old tax photos were overwritten with a white marker and many of them obliterated the detail in the photo. Fortunately a bit of time consuming PhotoShop image I have altered this photo to its original status.
For some reason, one of my regular and very valuable contributors, Mike Kuzma has been posting comments which for some reason have been segregated as Spam. I have an editor section and he was once again listed as spam. I have no idea why, and Google Blogger is not into giving personal attention to problems. Mike, next time you comment, sign in using "ANONYMOUS" and sign your comment if you aren't already doing so.
FOLLOWING IS MIKE'S VERY INTERESTING AND HISTORICALLY VALUABLE COMMENT:
For some reason, one of my regular and very valuable contributors, Mike Kuzma has been posting comments which for some reason have been segregated as Spam. I have an editor section and he was once again listed as spam. I have no idea why, and Google Blogger is not into giving personal attention to problems. Mike, next time you comment, sign in using "ANONYMOUS" and sign your comment if you aren't already doing so.
FOLLOWING IS MIKE'S VERY INTERESTING AND HISTORICALLY VALUABLE COMMENT:
Tom:
This tire store was run by the Kravitz family. The photo shown was before my ability to get a drivers license. Although there are those who say I was around before Methuselah. When old enough in the late 40's early 50's I spent a lot of time here with Dave, and Mendy Kravitz, and bought many a tire from them. Never new, since that was beyond my pocketbook.
The Kravitz's were neighbors and good businessmen. Fair, honest and trustworthy. As the City's chief Real Estate Officer, I bought them and many other homes and businesses in my "Jewtown" neighborhood. The grandson of the founder; Allen ran the business when they relocated to W.Hanover St. just before Calhoun.
I too have been to the Trenton Library and gleaned some photos from the Trentoniana Collection.
One of which I carried to Jacksonville NC to present to Itcy Popkin who grew up in the block prior to the address on Union St. Itchy a very very prominent businessman today was thrilled abd deeply appreciative of have vestigages of his childhood to share with his grandchildren.
We all appreciate your efforts in this regard.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks again, and best regards
Mike Kuzma
This tire store was run by the Kravitz family. The photo shown was before my ability to get a drivers license. Although there are those who say I was around before Methuselah. When old enough in the late 40's early 50's I spent a lot of time here with Dave, and Mendy Kravitz, and bought many a tire from them. Never new, since that was beyond my pocketbook.
The Kravitz's were neighbors and good businessmen. Fair, honest and trustworthy. As the City's chief Real Estate Officer, I bought them and many other homes and businesses in my "Jewtown" neighborhood. The grandson of the founder; Allen ran the business when they relocated to W.Hanover St. just before Calhoun.
I too have been to the Trenton Library and gleaned some photos from the Trentoniana Collection.
One of which I carried to Jacksonville NC to present to Itcy Popkin who grew up in the block prior to the address on Union St. Itchy a very very prominent businessman today was thrilled abd deeply appreciative of have vestigages of his childhood to share with his grandchildren.
We all appreciate your efforts in this regard.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks again, and best regards
Mike Kuzma
Tom:
ReplyDeleteThis tire store was run by the Kravitz family. The photo shown was before my ability to get a drivers license. Although there are those who say I was around before Methusla.
When old enough in the late 40's early 50's I spent a lot of time here with Dave, and Mendy Kravitz, and bought many a tire from them. Never new, since that was beyond my pocketbook.
The Kravitz's were neighbors and good businessmen. Fair, honest and trustworthy. As the City's chief Real Estate Officer, I bought them and many other homes and businesses in my "Jewtown" neighborhood. The grandson of the founder; Allen ran the business when they relocated to W.Hanover St. just before Calhoun.
I too have been to the Trenton Library and gleaned some photos from the Trentoniana Collection.
One of which I carried to Jacksonville NC to present to Itcy Popkin who grew up in the block prior to the address on Union St. Itchy a very very prominent businessman today was thrilled abd deeply appreciative of have vestigages of his childhood to share with his grandchildren.
We all appreciate your efforts in this regard.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks again, and best regards
Mike Kuzma
Mike: For some reason, ALL of your more recent comments have been marginalized as spam. However, I have a failsafe system provided by Google where there is a place where I can view comments. When I clicked on "COMMENTS," there were none. However, there is also a menu choice labled "SPAM." You were there! Don't ask me why, I cannot explain, and Google's "Blogger" has millions of users and no one on one contact. Rest assured that if you send a comment to me, it will be found. I check my SPAM section regularly. Your comment was dated April 4, and I didn't access my comments yesterday. Thanks for your very interesting comment. I am going to include it in the post in question.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Tom,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the picture. I was born
on Union Street (1939)and my grandparents lived there until the disaster called "urban renewal". Perhaps, prior to WWII it may have been known as "Jewtown" but I do not remember any Jews or non-Jews calling it by that name in the 50's
or 60's. It may have been an in-group expression in the 30's or
40's. I suspect it fell out of favor by Jews after the Holocaust.
This would not be an expression I would feel comfortable for my non-Jewish friends to use during my years in Junior #3 (54) and Trenton High (57)and Trenton Junior College (61). But it all is a part of heartfelt memory...
Tom:
ReplyDeleteIt seems apparent that the last note was sent in by a "little Pisher".
Who when born in 39 grew up when the economics were much better than those of us; Jews, and non Jews suffered through the great depression. In all my nearly 81 years, this is the first time I ever encountered anyone ( even those who purport to have come from the Valley of the Isrealites" being offended by the beloved, revered, and respected reference to our little enclave.
He/or she should check with members of the Greater Trenton Jewish historical society.
They would be happy to educate this little "tookler".
Herb Spiegle Art Finkle and others await his/her call.
Shalom Alachem
Mike Kuzma
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteTrying to get some historical info
on "Jewtown" should be a positive inquiry. Its all about love of Trenton and the nature of memory. I am someone who understands endearing expressions and my memory may be faulty. I appreciate differing perceptions of reality and we all need to understand how places are called different names at different times. And expressions take on different meanings. I think we can all agree that tearing up Trenton to make freeways, parking lots and
"Urban Renewal" was a huge mistake!
We, who lived and owned stores, in the neighborhood NEVER referred to the area as 'Jewtown". Obviously the folks who lived in the Market, , Union, Fall,
ReplyDeleteWarren ! Mill street areas were prominently Jewish. We loved the area and you could actually eat off the street. There were four synagogues, numerous butcher shops, two great bakeries and lots of the best delis you could ever imagine. We had an African Anerican butcher who spoke Yiddish and Barber shops where you could enjoy both kibbutzing and wagering. We sat on the stoops and had good clean fun. There were non-Jews who played ball at the "Y" and a Mikvah which was rarely used. Our family made a good living in furniture and my Dad was the most ethical businessman I ever knew. I could tell stories for hours. It was the good life.
Did the Kravitz folks move up to Broad down by the second precenct in the 1960's' ?
ReplyDeleteEd Millerick
Ed:
ReplyDeleteI not only was a customer of the Kravitz brothers and later Allen, but as noted above we ( the City) relocated them to West Hanover St. on the north side, half a block from the "Diamond Horeshoe" Bar.
Don't ever recall them moving to So. Broad St. You may have them mixed up with a small garage like operation on So. Broad near Beatty that was there from the 40's as I recall.
Mike Kuzma
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteKuzma in the vernacular got his 81 year old butt skagged by Spiegel who stated that Jews NEVER called the wonderful Jewish part of Trenton "Jewtown". Get it? I am a 90 year old retired Professor who knew Trenton well over 50 years ago.
Of course, much of what Kuzma states is right on the mark. But who amongst us is perfect? He owes Mr. Pisher an apology...
My dear friend, the late Nat Adelsten often referred to Jewtown during a number of sit downs I had with him when I sold him antique auto literature back in the 1960's.
ReplyDelete