2010: JERSEY FRESH: THE COVETED JERSEY TOMATO

Every time I read or hear some wise derriere make a negative assault my home state of New Jersey, I do a slow boil. Years ago, the Secaucus area of New Jersey had a reputation for the odorous environment from refuse from factories, etc. With the arrival of the environmentalists, that problem was solved a number of years back. However the aforementioned dunderheads get their cheap laughs by constantly pinning a negative image on a state that has countless wonderful attractions. We are, and have been known as "the Garden State." Even as Florida and California are noted for oranges, lemons, and citrus fruit, Idaho, for the potato, Washington state for apples, so too is Jersey noted for the much desired and revered Jersey tomato. Visitor John Mullen is typical of those who are no longer living in New Jersey, but maintained his taste for the best tomato in the world. Likewise there are those who crave a "Tasty Kake," fresh Taylor Pork Roll, and in my case, an ice cold bottle of yesterday's Kern's cream soda.

1934: HAMILTON'S VANISHING FARMS

HOW I MISS DRIVING DOWN THE RURAL ROADS OF THE HAMILTON OF MY YOUTH. HERE'S A 1934 PHOTO OF SPRING PLANTING ON THE TINDALL AND CUBBERLEY FARMS.

1941: My Mother, the rural Hamiltonian

This is a personal family photo of my mother during the dark days of World War II feeding the chickens in our yard at 131 Hartley Avenue. Today, those yards have morphed into lush green lawns. Back in the 30's and 40's nearly every home in our suburban neighborhood had chicken coops, and a vegetable garden.