1904: 'TRENTON THEN AND NOW

This intriguingly fascinating photo taken at the intersection of Hamilton and South Clinton Avenue looking east (1904) will challenge those of us who are familiar with that very urban location in this year of 2017. It is a 20 page pamphlet published by the "Republican County Committee" revealing the many improvements that their organization took credit for accomplishing during the years when they were in office. Schools, fire houses, streets and roads, burying wires in order to remove the countless poles and wires, etc. It took a bit of Photoshop magic to digitize, brighten and finish this photo. It is one of many others that will be published by the Hamilton Library Local History Collection.

1882 - 1890's: Monsignor Hogan: The Monsignor McCorristin of the Victorian era

I think I qualify as a veteran of the art of scanning historical photos and documents. Way back in the early years of scanning I purchased a "Bearcat" scanner with the hope of being able to get a beautiful reproduction of some extremely interesting historic local history subjects. At the time, I had just moved from the old "MS Dos" computing to the new Windows 3.1. Wow, what an improvement in technology! Along came "Corel" with their graphics program along with the software that I have been using for over 30 years: Photo Shop; and incredible graphics program with a very steep learning curve. I climbed pretty high on that learning curve but still have much to learn. However, what I have learned, along with accumulating 80 plus gigabytes of digital news photos and articles, is the remarkable ability to find older posts and combine them with more recent posts and put them together in the graphic shown here. It's an exciting journey and there's never a dull moment. My only problem is that age old problem credited to the Pennsylvania Dutch: "Ve get too soon old und too late schmart!"

TRENTON LANDMARKS: FORT RAWNSLEY

I am currently working on long forgotten Trenton and area landmarks. One of them is the FASCINATING story of South Trenton's "FORT RAWNSLEY." This historic edifice was an extremely popular gathering place back in the 12800's, and many a politician stood on that balcony and spoke to the public that gathered there at the triangular intersection of South Warren, Fadtory, and Lamberton Streets. That extract above is from the 1882 map of the city of Trenton and parts of Hamiton.

From a huge and very rare "Nol 1882" map that came into my possession, I am learning some very enlightening tings about who was where during the year 1882 in Trenton and a tantalizing glimpse of the Hamilton suburbs including a street map of Greenwood Cemetery. I never knew those many roadways had names.
Here's 1882 showing Villa Park before it became Villa Park and was subdivided between two huge parcels of land owned by Samuel Wilson and David Quintin. The property is shown from Chambers Street on the left of your screen and down to the Olden area community of Bismarck, Centennial Avenues. Mr. Quintin's historically famous race track took up a large part of the property.

1882: FROM TRENTON IRON COMPANY TO TRENTON IRON WORKS

This historic district in Trenton today is being largely converted into upscale loft apartments and a museum. Cooper Hewitt, Trenton Iron Works, Trenton Iron Company have all occupied this site at one time or another. This rare map from 1882 shows the Trenton Iron Company before Mr. Cooper acquired it and changed the name to Trenton Iron Works.

1938: PART OF THE South WARREN STREET BUSINESS DISTRICT

Many of the younger generation who are familiar with today's city of Trenton have asked me about South Warren Street when it used to traverse southward all the way to the southern area of the city. Today it is a one way street heading south from Perry Street from whence it takes a left curve in the road to connect to South broad Street.

1882: CHAMBERSBURG FROM MOTT STREET TO BAYARD STREET TO HAMILTON AVENUE

For all my Chambersburg friends who lived in this area of "the Burg;" here's your chance to see who lived in your house on Mott, Elmer, Butler and Bayard Street back before the Italian population began to occupy the area.

1882: A TANTALIZING GLIMPOST OF JUST ONE SECTION OF HISTORIC MILL HILL

My dear friend, the late Georgiana Phillips Smith passed this very rare 1882 ap of the city of Trenton and portions of Ewing, Lawrence and Hamilton. This graphic is extracted from the HUGE wall map. How I wish I had an 8 x 8 foot scanner to capture this historic treasure. Current Mill Hill residents will be delighted to see who lived where they and as their neighbors in this 130 year old map. When one works on rare historic specimens such as this, "HANDLE WITH CARE" becomes "HANDLE WITH EXTREME CARE," and I am!

1882: STATE AND GREEN STREETS A VERY RARE VIEW

How many hours I will spend referencing the residents of the State and Greene (Broad) Street area of downtown Trenton as it was 135 years ago! This rare map came into my possession as a gift from the late Mrs. Georgiana Phillips Smith who was a Hamilton Educater for many years during the 1930's and 40's. It is a true historic treasure and a gold mine for historic research.

1899: MAKE WAY FOR VILLA PARK!

This rare wall map recently came into my possession and I immediately placed in the Hamilton Township Public Library's. Local History Collection. It is a very rare wall map and wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't in one of Hamilton's one room schools back the the 1800's. My speculation is based on the long and loyal contributions of my dear friend the late Georgiana Phillips Smith as a long time teacher in the Hamilton School system and her incredible record as a charter member of the Hamilton Township Historical Society. You will note that I added a comment in the gray open space on the map. Were you able to see the complete map, you would see the two farms of David  S.Quintin and Samuel K. Wilson whose combined land holding occupy the entire Villa Park area over as far as Chambers Street which is shown on the map (not in this scan). A lonely corner plot on this map is shown on the corner and marked: "Chapel and St. Francis Hospital." FASCINATING and very interesting view of Villa Park before it was laid out in 1899!

Ca. 1880'S THE CHAMBERSBURG BEFORE THE ITALIAN IMMIGRATION

It took me the better part of 2 hours to stitch this incredible graphic together from a very rare and quite huge and VERY DELICATE wall map that has been in my collection for a long time. There is no date on the map but I place it in the 1880 before the influx of Italian immigrants began to move into the area. Over the years, I have written much about the Chambersburg of the post Civil War 1860's when it was basically corn fields and apple orchards and other vestiges of a farming area.As can be seen by the little article below from May, 1884, the number coming from the old country was growing rapidly. As the article also says, "A few years ago there was hardly an Italian in Trenton outside the manipulators of the hand organ.."

1916: The SWAMP ANGEL NEIGHBORHOOD AS IT LOOKED IN 1916

My friends from Camp Olden Civil War Round Table will enjoy these graphics that how an R.C. Maxwell photograph showing the intersection of Clinton and Lincoln Avenue on a bright sunny day, That young fellow walking in the photo could be a 57 year old Civil War veteran walking only a few feet away to the historic Swamp Angel which was on Perry, Clinton and Lincoln Avenue intersection.
The original of that Maxwell photo was "cloudy" and a bit dark and easily enhanced. I hand colored the Swamp Angel from an 1897 engraving. Truly a beautiful relic of the war between the states.

1912: HAMILTON TERRACE FROM THE "NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT" FOLDER

Years ago I created a "NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT folder in the Hamilton Township Public Library digital Local History Database. Here is a plat map of Hamilton Terrace which is in the Chambers St, Howell, William Street area and was laid out in 1913. The newspaper article was extracted from a 1912 ad advertising homes in that area. FASCINATING!

1966: A BREATHTAKING VIEW OF "JUNIOR 4;" AKA GRACE DUNN MIDDLE SCHOOL

We should pay full attention to these BEAUTIFUL examples of QUALITY architecture and do all in our power to see that they do not deteriorate and require replacement with glass encrusted replacements. Every time a pass by my original Hamilton High School on So. Clinton Avenue, I realize the quality that was the hallmark of the generation that built these beautiful red brick neighborhood schools. The shameful neglect  of Trenton Central High School, Trenton's most beautiful high school should never have happened.  PREVENTIVE maintenance should have been the order of the day instead of "kicking the can down the road" until the mold, mildew, rust and lack of attention resulted in its demise.

1936: A :"ZOOM IN" EXTRACT SHOWING A VIBRANT STATE AND BROAD ST.

That sign  on the right was the shop of Mr. Leonard Goldenbaum who was the photographer who took the wedding photos of my dear Judy and me back in 1954. "Uncle Leonard" was indeed Judy's uncle and an expert in photography

1944: RC. Maxwell's Trenton State and Warren Streets

These will be the final R.C. Maxwell graphics that I will be posting on Facebook, I am going to post these R.C. Maxwell Trenton area photos exclusively here on the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Website, abiding by the procedure set by the Duke Archive Librarian. Back when I requested the proper way to display their credits in order to obey the copyright rules of "Fair Use" as told to me by the Librarian, who indicated on his return email to me that there was a definite "uptick" in downloads from a number of other local sources, and indeed there was. Due to Facebook graphic size limits does not allow for large over 100 dots per inch graphics.  Using software that can enhance these exquisite photos and allow them to be displayed in screen filling size provides future generations of historians and scholars to get dramatic visual views of the way we lived in the area in years gone by. The aforementioned "uptick" as imparted to me in that email resulted in at least two of Maxwell photos (and probably more) that were posted with no accreditation at all and I want to be sure that I abide by the "Fair Use" doctrine.. I am in the process of trying to find any and all of my few very early posts so they can be properly credited.

1941: TAKE A WALK TO PETE LORENZO'S STEAK HOUSE ON A BRIGHT AND SUNNY SEPTEMBER DAY

These R.C. Maxwell photos are showing up in proliferation on Facebook and most of them are dark and in need of tweaking in order to make a sunshiny day bright,and a cold and gloomy day dark. Here's still another R.C. Maxwell Hartman Collection which is being posted as I was instructed to da by Mr. Joshua Wright of the Hartman Archives with the link and the library "xxx" call number inserted on the bottom of the photo.  The incredible clarity of the photo is typical of the R.C. Maxwell cameraman who has created a pictorial history of both Trenton and Atlantic City along with a few Lawrence, Hamilton and Hightstown photos as they were in years past. My guess is that the Maxwell camera man used an old "Graphlex" or perhaps a German "Rolliflex" camera in order to get such a detailed pristin photograph. 

As to the photo's subject which in this case is the legendary Pete Lorenzo;s, many a political meeting was held over lunch at Pete's as were many industrial and commercial discussions lunches and dinners. Unfortunately Pete's is no longer with us, having been closed and dismantled many years ago. 

1936: A SPLENDID VIEW OF PERRY STREET AT NO..WARREN

What an exciting photo! Herewith an extract from the Duke Library R.C. Maxwell Collection showing the view just in front of St. Mary's Cathedral, looking north. If you look very closely, you will see the Blakely Laundry smokestack in the distance. Note also the "Frigidaire" ad for the coin operated appliance that was a common site in the more affluent areas during the "Great Depression."

1897: TRENTON LOOKING SOUTH FROM THE SPIRE AT ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL

In 1897, the Daily State Gazette published a 16 page full size supplement entitled "189b INDUSTRIAL EDITION," and it is now well preserved in the Hamilton Township Public Library's Local History Collection, and what a treasure. For years I have been opining about the number of libraries who fell for the "microfilm" conversion of their huge volumes and sold millions of reels to libraries who had no idea at the time that there would be such a thing as digital duplication! In return for ordering those space saving microfilm reels that fit in a small cabinet, the libraries gained much needed space, but time has proven that they should have been preserved. Modern technology allows me to duplicate these incredibly beautiful engravings, photo graphs and articles in as good and many times better than the original. Thankfully our huge 100-plus year collection of Trenton newspapers are taking up half of my local history workshop, but I get a warm and fuzzy feeling every time I think of the treasures I saved for posterity!

1921: AMERICAN-ITALIANS aka ITALIAN-AMERICANS: A WELL DESERVED HERITAGE

I spent over an hour piecing this graphic together in order to allow for comfortable reading. The original was on the front page of the Trenton Evening Times and on column spanned the entire page from top to bottom with a continuation on page 4 which had the balance of the column spread out over multiple columns. To my Italian-American visitors, you will be proud to read of the remarkable accomplishments your ancestors made when the came to America for a better life. This graphic is quite apropos as we confront differing views on immigration in this 21st century. FASCINATING article and quite informative.

1915: FAMOUS HOSTELERIES IN TRENTON'S HISTORIC PAST

One subject dear to my heart and at the same time a very fascinating study lies in the history of Trenton's hotels, inns and stage coach stops. The above article is an incredibly interesting look back at the Trenton of the 18th through the early 20th century. Dowling's Hotel in Mill Hill, the legendary Eagle Tavern, the United States Hotel, and COUNTLESS historic inns, taverns and hotels provide interesting insights into the Trenton of old.

TRENTON'S CITY HALL - AN HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE

 The above Duke University R.C. Maxwell Trenton collection is a cut and past of a circa 1923 view of State and Broad as it looked back in the 1920's. This mansard roof edifice was built back in 1837 at the intersection that was then known as Greene and Second Street.

Few people realize that the building came into the possession of Anthony R. and John L. Kuser who ultimately sold it to Benjamin Lissner whose family owned another store in the area. I am looking for the transition from the time the Lissner brothers purchased the building and how it ultimately became the legendary "Yard's" Department Store. 

1952: MY THS CLASS OF 1952 FRIENDS ARE HAVING A REUNION!

1952: It was a very good year! Trenton High's class of 1952 will be hosting their 65th reunion and here is the announcement I have put together for them; requested first by my Facebook buddy Mike Kuzma )who is my Trenton History authority ) and ultimately from Ms. Estelle Scannella who has taken on the awesomely complicated task of organizing the reunion. That intriguingly lovely gal in the photo immediately above was the object of my affection back in my teen years as she made frequent trips to Art and Bonita ("Betty") Sneath's 129 Hartley Avenue home. Ahh, such sweet memories!

1947: WEST STATE STREET APPROACHING BROAD

Another high definition view of downtown Trenton as it was in 1947. To we old timers, the store signs in view bring some very pleasant memories. Note that these photos are owned by the Duke University Hatman collection of R.C. Maxwell photographs and may be used ONLY for historical research and non commercial purposes. As required, the Duke Library Call number is placed ON THE PHYSICAL photograph.

1930' and 1940's "Golden Agers" will remember this very fondly!

From my Hamilton High Class of 1951 classmate, Bob Shinkle. This treasure from the past when good grooming was a clean shave. As you can see by the column I wrote many years ago, Burma Shave signs were all the rage back when I was a boy

I'm sure that Burma Shave actually saved some lives.  People laughed and then were more careful! It was a REAL "service" to America, even though it was an advertisement and it was one of the

RARE "really useful" ones!

To My Old-As-Dirt Friends and Relatives who qualify as "old as dirt."

For those who never saw any of the Burma Shave signs, here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930's and '40's.

Before there were interstates, when everyone drove the old 2 lane roads, Burma Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside in farmers' fields.  They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet' and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream.

Little Bo Peep

  Has lost her Jeep

    It struck a truck

      When she fell asleep

           Burma Shave.

A man, a miss,   A car a curve.      He kissed the miss,         And missed the curve.                  Burma Shave. DON'T STICK YOUR ELBOW OUT SO FAR   IT MAY GO HOME    IN ANOTHER CAR.       Burma Shave TRAINS DON'T WANDER   ALL OVER THE MAP    'CAUSE NOBODY SITS      IN THE ENGINEER'S LAP.         Burma Shave SHE KISSED THE HAIRBRUSH   BY MISTAKE     SHE THOUGHT IT WAS       HER HUSBAND JAKE.          Burma Shave DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD   TO GAIN A MINUTE     YOU NEED YOUR HEAD       YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT.          Burma Shave DROVE TOO LONG   DRIVER SNOOZING     WHAT HAPPENED NEXT       IS NOT AMUSING.         Burma Shave BROTHER SPEEDER   LET'S REHEARSE     ALL TOGETHER       GOOD MORNING, NURSE.          Burma Shave CAUTIOUS RIDER   TO HER RECKLESS DEAR     LET'S HAVE LESS BULL       AND A LITTLE MORE STEER.         Burma Shave SPEED WAS HIGH   WEATHER WAS NOT     TIRES WERE THIN       X MARKS THE SPOT.         Burma Shave THE MIDNIGHT RIDE   OF PAUL FOR BEER     LED TO A WARMER       HEMISPHERE.          Burma Shave AROUND THE CURVE   LICKETY-SPLIT     BEAUTIFUL CAR       WASN'T IT?          Burma Shave NO MATTER THE PRICE   NO MATTER HOW NEW     THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE       IN THE CAR IS YOU.         Burma Shave A GUY WHO DRIVES   A CAR WIDE OPEN     IS NOT THINKIN'       HE'S JUST HOPIN'.         Burma Shave AT INTERSECTIONS   LOOK EACH WAY     A HARP SOUNDS NICE       BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY.         Burma Shave BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL   EYES ON THE ROAD     THAT'S THE SKILLFUL       DRIVER'S CODE.         Burma Shave THE ONE WHO DRIVES   WHEN HE'S BEEN DRINKING     DEPENDS ON YOU       TO DO HIS THINKING.         Burma Shave CAR IN DITCH   DRIVER IN TREE     THE MOON WAS FULL       AND SO WAS HE.         Burma Shave PASSING SCHOOL ZONE   TAKE IT SLOW     LET OUR LITTLE       SHAVERS GROW.         Burma Shave AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE… SPRING HAS SPRUNG   THE GRASS HAS RIS'     WHERE LAST YEARS'        CARELESS DRIVERS' IS…           Burma Shave Do these bring back any old memories? If not, you're merely a child. If they do - then you're old as dirt. LIKE ME! I loved reading them.