Fellow Hamilton Hornets will spend a very pleasant Saturday afternoon at the beautiful Stone Terrace on Kuser Road. (The site of the former Italian-American Sportsmen Club.) The 1950's was a special time to be a high school student. Drugs were relatively unheard of except for prescriptions and in some drug stores, a soda fountain. Our legendary Saturday night canteens had no fights, no police, and no smoking those funny cigarettes. Indeed, a kinder and relatively innocent generation led by a caring faculty.  

Mark your calendars members of HHS class of '54!

Mark your calendars members of HHS class of '54!

1960: A MINI REUNION COMING UP IN OCTOBER 2012

Above is a "Photoshopped" 1960 yearbook which has the reunion committee superimposed. If it were my class of 1951 I would be able to identify each and every one in the photo. To any Hornets from that class, I'm sure you can too!

********
Below are the details of a "52.5" reunion to be held by the Class of 1960 at Hamilton High School Watson West. (Known to my generation as "Hamilton High.")

1952: HHS CLASS OF '52 TO CELEBRATE 60 GOLDEN YEARS!

With the remote possibility that there are any visitors to my website who are from the class of 1952 at Hamilton High School, and even more doubtful if there is indeed a member of that class who took the time to learn computing, here are the details of the reunion which will be held at the Mercer County Boathouse Marina on October 6th. It will be my privilege to sing the music of the early 1950's and specifically 1952 to those in attendance in an old fashioned sing along. Fate placed me in the class of 1951. I would have been a class of '52 alumnus had I not skipped the first grade way back in my early years. I harbor a special affection for this class and were closely tied to many of that class. Indeed, one of those lovely ladies stole my heart back in my teen years, but alas, she wanted nothing to do with me. Unrequited love!

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I HOPE EVERYTHING IS OKAY . TODAY WAS MY BIRTHDAY AND WAS HOPING TO READ SOMETHING AMONG US OLDTIMERS THAT WOULD BOOST OUR MORAL. I'M GONNA BE 94 YEARS OLD ON MY NEXT ONE AND ONLY GOD KNOWS IF THAT'S GONNA HAPPEN. I'M HOPING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON AND PRAY YOU'RE DOING WELL. BEST REGARDS.

Monday, September 03, 2012

Tom Glover said...

EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE, RALPH. THANKS FOR ASKING. I TOOK A LONG WEEKEND. THE FIRST ONE I HAVE TAKEN IN MANY MONTHS. I'LL BE BACK AT THE HELM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

TOM GLOVER

Monday, September 03, 2012

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....GLAD TO HEAR YOU'RE GONNA BE BACK IN THE GROOVE TODAY. I'M SURE EVERY ONE WAS CONCERNED AND LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR GOOD WORK.-BEST REGARDS.

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

1952: 60TH REUNION IN OCTOBER

Mike Kuzma: So sorry I got THS '62 mixed up with this graphic I should have used for the class of 1952, not 1962. Above is the graphic I meant to post with the announcement of your 60th reunion at John Henry's on Kuser Road. (The old Italian American Sportsmen site.) I await your formal announcement of the affair, and will post same upon receipt. Interestingly, I will be singing for Hamilton High's class of 1952 at the Mercer Boat Works in the Fall. I will be singing the music of the early 50's when music was music.

Tom:
Thanks not only for the "plug" but also for making me ten ( 10 ) years younger.
I was with the THS class of 1952, not 62. But I appreciate the help both in plugs, and age dimunition!!! LOL
Had I paid attention in class, and not got too big for my pants, I would have finished with my class, and accepted a free ride to Roanoke College. Instead, left school a year too soon, Service, work, and stuggle. Good thing I had the parents I had, and receive a great work ethic from them.
When the offered me an Asst. VP title at the old Trenton Banking Co. and then recinded it when they learned I had not graduated from High school. It motivated me to finish school at night, and the right to be included with my original class.

3 years ago, when in Roanoke on a land buying venture, I stopped by the College, and nearly cried for screwing up the way I had. What a beautiful place,where I "shuolda" been.
After retiring from State Government, I began accumulating credits, and at this point have more than enough for an associate's degree.
At the rate I'm going, I'll need a walker to get me across the stage for the graduation. But you never know, I just might do it.
Thanks for the correction.
Mike Kuzma

2012: OLD FRIENDS ARE THE BEST FRIENDS

When I go to my 60th reunion tomorrow, March 31 at Mercer Oaks, these two guys and my dear wife Judy, all from Hamilton High's class of 1951, will be with me in spirit. None of them can make it. My buddy Jess went to be with the Lord, and my buddy Don and wife Judy are physically able, but the lengthy stay makes attendance impractical.

1945: A THANK YOU NOTE FROM HHS 1945

Miss Louise Baird was the vocal music teacher at Hamilton High School. Among the countless things she taught us was the ability of music to raise the human spirit and elevate it to an incredibly wonderful experience; lifting the soul to unimaginable heights. This year, I will once again try to raise that spirit in the few music lovers who will come to Kuser Park for an afternoon of good old fashioned sing along music; indeed, as my program is known, "THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH." The graphic above came from a class of '45 Hornet who was on the committe for the HHS 1945 reunion. Over the years, I have presented the program to the Trenton High Class of 1942, Hamilton's class of 1942, Hamilton 1949, and perhaps more, but time seems to dim those memories. Misty eyes proliferated as we sang the songs that brought back pleasant memories of that first dance, first girl or boy friend, and the songs that were on the "Big Top Ten" during those years. Music does indeed have a soul touching ability. It is one of the many gifts our Lord has bestowed upon mankind.

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....I CAN RECALL THE DANCE FLOORS AT THE MANY CARNIVALS BACK IN THE 1930'S. THE CHARGE WAS 10 CENTS A DANCE AND THE FLOOR WAS PACKED ALL NIGHT. THEY MUST HAVE DONE WELL TO AFFORD THE BIG BANDS IN THE RADIO DAYS. I NEVER LEARNED TO DANCE UNTIL MY GIRL FRIEND TAUGHT ME. THEN I SLOWLY PLAYED LESS BASEBALL AND GOT TO WATCH THOSE DANCERS AND LISTEN TO THOSE BIG BANDS. BEST REGARDS.

Friday, March 23, 2012

VISIT TOM GLOVER'S HAMILTON HIGH WEB PAGE!

I am (and have been) exercising "author's privilege" over the past month with my Trenton Times "Sentimental Journey" column and my posts here on "Tom Glover's Hamilton Scrapbook" centered on Hamilton High School ("West-Watson). Be patient, all you non HHS alumni, it will be all over after March 31st when journey over to Mercer Oaks for what could be our final reunion. Anyone who has followed my "The Way We Were," "A Look Back," and "Sentimental Journey" columns over the past 30-plus years know that I have written extensively as I took a retrospective look back at my Kuser Grammar school and Hamilton High school years. It's an emotional and nostalgic thing. Apparently my writings have had a modicum of success or I certainly wouldn't be tolerated in today's competitive journalistic society. So bear with me, all you who are "ho humming" my school retrospectives. I am still injecting my normal historical photos and articles. In the meantime, any newcomers to this site can take a look at www.hhs51.blogspot.com. It not only covers "The Class with Class." (1952), but all other years as well.

1951: HHS CLASS OF 1951 TO CELEBRATE 60TH REUNION

Here's an enhanced graphic announcing my HHS class of 1951 60th reunion. The photo appeared in this morning's Trenton Times and is posted herewith. Unfortunately, there are pitifully few HHS alumni from the eary to mid 1950's who are using computers. There are wonderful nostalgic journeys that can be taken via the internet. However, there are a few of our classmates who do know how to compute and surf the net. HHS '51 classmates Lee Belardino, Alice Schmidt, and Carol Sine check in from distant locations. Their logistical and perhaps physical situations prevent their attending this wonderful get together. It is for them that these "reminders of home" posts are made available on my 3 websites.

Lee Belardino said...

Tommy
Wish I could make it but logistical situations prohibit it so I will continue to rely on your great posts.

Lee

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

1951: HAMILTON HIGH CLASS OF 1951

As we prepare to celebrate a somewhat belated 60th reunion, I put together a few of the photos I took at our 45th or 50th reunion. Yes, classmates, mental "blurring" is fast approaching my 78 going on 79 year old gray matter......I think the younger folks call it "senility." However, below is a link that SHOULD take you to a slide show that I put together with photos of only a few of the classmates who were in attendance.

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/ij4uY9RA
WHEN THE SLIDE SHOW OPENS, LOOK DOWN TO THE LOWER LEFT OF THE SCREEN AND USE YOUR CURSOR TO EXECUTE THE "PAUSE" ("II") FEATURE. THIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO VIEW WITHOUT THE SCREEN TRANSITIONING TO THE NEXT SLIDE. WHEN FINISHED, CLICK ON THE PAUSE ICON AND RESUME; THE NEXT SLIDE WILL APPEAR. REPEAT THE PROCESS.
YOU CAN VIEW THE PHOTOS FULL SCREEN BY CLICKING ON THE "SQUARE" ICONS ON THE LOWER RIGHT OF THE SCREEN.

ee Belardino said...

Tommy
I got chills watching your slide show I watched it 10 times and will do so again. I quickly recognized you and Judy and Bill Hollowell. I had to read the names to recognize the rest. I picture in my mind Sandra Holmes at the piano. In your Kuser article I of course recognized names of many of our classmates but one name stands out. Dewayne Klink. We were the only boys in 4th period music. We were miss Bairds pets.
Lee
Saturday, February 25, 2012

HI LEE: DEWAYNE ENDED UP A HOPELESS, STREET WALKING ADDICT. IN THE 1980'S, I WAS IN FREEHOLD VISITING ONE OF MY CUSTOMERS. I WAS ENTERING THE DINER ON MAIN STREET AND I SAW HIM ON THE SIDEWALK. I SAID SOMETHING LIKE, HEY DEWAYNE, HOW ARE YOU? I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU SINCE SCHOOL DAYS. HIS RESPONSE:

"GOT A BUCK?"

I GAVE HIM A COUPLE DOLLARS AND REALIZED HE WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF IT. NEVER HEARD FROM HIM SINCE.

1947: REMEMBERING MY CLASSMATES

With my Hamilton High class of 1951 having a belated 60th reunion luncheon at the end of March, I naturally turned to my comprehensive Kuser Annex/Hamilton High School folders. One of the advantages of this blog and the many I have maintained from both schools makes it quite easy to find appropriate graphics from both schools. Above is the commencement exercise for our freshman year at Kuser Annex. I have placed a gray highlight on those classmates who have passed away.

1945 HOMEDELL SCHOOL CLASS PICTURE

These are classmates of mine who joined me at Kuser Annex as Hamilton High School freshmen back in 1947-1948. Students from Homedell, Greenwood and Rowan-Willey all transferred to Kuser Annex. We are celebrating our 60th year (belatedly) on March 31 with a luncheon at the Mercer County Boat House.

1951: HHS, "The Class With Class" ANNOUNCES OUR 60th!

Unfortunately, there are pitifully few senior citizens who are on the web. However, for those who are, here is the announcement of next month's 60th reunion luncheon for my Hamilton High class of 1951 reunion. I look forward to seeing many my old classmates. If you are a member, print out the graphic above and mail the form to Jim Peeney.

REMEMBER TO RIGHT CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC, CLICK ON "OPEN IMAGE IN NEW WINDOW," THEN CLICK ON THE MAGNIFYING GLASS.

Michael said...

Hey Tom:

I know age has slowed us all down, but it appears that your reunion is a year late.
Us younger kids from THS class of 1952 will be having OUR 60th this coming Fall.

Will keep you advised as to when, and where.

Regards to Cousin Arlene for me.

Thanks

Mike Kuzma

Friday, February 10, 2012

Tom Glover said...

Better late than never, Mike. I will tell Arlene if I see her next month.

Tom

Friday, February 10, 2012

1951: HERE COMES OUR 60TH! (RIGHT CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

The list of missing classmates is the latest I have in my records. If any classmates can add or see errors, please email me.

1987: HAMILTON HIGH CLASS OF 1966 TO CELEBRATE 20TH REUNION

Even though this would have been more appropriate for a 1966 Mercer Messenger article, the reunion committee from the class of 1966 at Hamilton High West announced a reunion to be held at the Holiday Inn in Bordentown. There's my friend Ronnie Steward, a die hard friend of our U.S. military Vietnam veterans in the photo. Ronnie was also an excellent play by play sports announcer on the late, lamented TKR Cable until Cablevision took over and ceased featuring Hamilton Township persons, places and things in their laughable slogan, "TV THAT'S CLOSE TO HOME." Yes dear visitors, there was a time before the cable giants came along that local television was king. In Hamilton today, "TV THAT'S CLOSE TO HOME" largely for those who are close to the home of Wall Township's Cablevision facility: Monmouth, Middlesex, and other north Jersey counties. Hamilton does receive a relatively miniscule bit of coverage, but no where near the community oriented coverage provided by TKR, and Hamilton's first cable franchise, HAMILTON CABLEVISION.

TO MY FELLOW HORNETS FROM THE CLASS OF '66 - PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF AND WHEN YOU PLANNING TO CELEBRATE YOUR 45TH. I WILL GLADLY POST IT.

1942: MY THANKS TO A HAPPY VISITOR

I had a visit from Charlie Smith, HHS '42 Reunion member this morning confirming my appearance at the class of 1942 reunion at Tessara's Restaurant in October 2010. This will be my 3rd year bringing "The Music We Grew Up With" to those fellow Hamilton Hornets from "The Greatest Generation." It is a distinct privilege to stir the hearts and souls of those wonderful Hamiltonians who gave us the America we live in these 65-plus years later.

One of the wonderful aspects of hosting this blog is receiving emails such as this from a fellow Hamilton Hornet who has discovered the wealth of history and nostalgia to be gleaned from the 4,200-plus pages. Following is the email I received and really appreciate.

(Note: Without permission, this fellow Hornet's identity is withheld)

I found your site a while back and have spent many hours going through it. My dad was a l942 graduate and I am a 1964 graduate so this has been a real joy for me. Not only do I get to look at HHS-W history, I get to see some of the people I have heard my dad talk about for years. I am sure there is no way to thank you for what you do and I can certainly appreciate your effort as just trying to do a family history is an enormous challenge and you have created a history for thousands of people. Please be assured it is greatly appreciated and I have sent the site to everyone I can think of so that they to can enjoy and share with you. "ever will loyal be" thanks.

2010: HHS 1960 50TH REUNION

I received a guest book entry on my blog from Eleanor Goldy Guear requesting that I post information on the 50th reunion of Hamilton High's class of 1960. I am always happy to accommodate my fellow Hornets. The little vignettes I posted show mini pics of Eleanor Guear, lower left Ann Peters, lower center Cathy Csorgo, and to the far right, a photo of Mary Ann Belardino, sister of my HHS singing partner, Lee Belardino. Ann Peters grew up on the Hartley Avenue hill, and is the sister of my brother Bud's best friend, Bill "Beb" Peters, Cathy is a loyal visitor to my blogs and has added an incredible collection of amateur radio memorabilia from her dad Steve Csorgo's years as a local amateur radio operator. Small world!

FROM DON NUGENT MARCH 2; SORRY I COULDN'T SEND THIS TO ELEANOR AS YOU REQUESTED DON, I SEEM TO HAVE LOST ELEANOR'S EMAIL ADDRESS WHEN VERIZON NUKED MY COMPLETE EMAIL CONTACT DIRECTORY. TRUSTING THAT SHE OR A CLASSMATE WILL PICK UP THIS MESSAGE:

Tom,

I see where I am "missing". Please send my email address to Eleanor Guear: dnugent2@gmail.com.Thanks Tom. Still enjoying your blog.

Don Nugent

THIS FROM ELEANOR GUEAR:
Tom - Thanks so much for the Reunion announcement! I DID NOT know that you would include pictures! I'll keep you posted on our plans
Eleanor

ALSO FROM ELEANOR TODAY, FEBRUARY 27, A COMMENT ON A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR WHEREIN I LISTED THE 60TH REUNION INSTEAD OF THE 50TH. CORRECTION HAS BEEN MADE. ALSO ELEANOR SAYS THAT DONALD NUGENT IS AMONG THE MISSING. DON, SEND ME AN EMAIL OR ADD A COMMENT HERE SO CLASSMATES CAN CONTACT YOU.

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John Wilkes wrote:

Thanks for the great blog. My wife, Pat, and buddy, college roommate, and still friend, Bob Chianese have commented, so I could not pass up the opportunity. Lalor School grad, lived on Reed Ave., family home for 70+ years. The best of times for us all in Hamilton and Trenton! My blog: www.homesteadishome.org south of Miami at gateway to the Keys.

Thank you, John. I will visit www.homesteadishome.org. I hope you return to www.glover320 often.

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This From Pat Wilkes:

Pat wrote:
As a former Trentonian, it was fun checking out this website and blogs. It really brought back many happy memories especially now since we're preparing for our 50th Hamilton High School West reunion. My high school days were the best of my life.
(Thanks, Pat; my school years were also a very important part of my life.)

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This from Bob Chianese:

Tom:

I just hooked up with your blog from a member of our 50th reunion committee-we're meeting in Hamilton this June.
I used to have call WA2AXE and remember the Trenton Sunday morning gang on 75 meters: my ham mentors were Gat, Zol, and Steve QJO. I had a Cal call sign many years (WA6LCC) until I forgot to renew my license at the 10 year renewal! I'm studying for a new General but it's hard.
I'm a retired university English prof. and look forward to our HHS reunion this summer. My wife is from Trenton High, also class of 1960.
73, Bob

(Many thanks for visiting Glover320, Bob. I hope you return often)

2009 : HAMILTON HIGH WEST'S "CLASS OF '89 NIGHT" AT RED ROBIN MAY 13

Attention HHS '89: Kirk Corless has sent me the following email announcing a

"Class of '89 Night" to be held at Hamilton's Red Robin. Copy and print the graphic above to participate in this necessary fund raiser.
Go For it, Fellow Hornets!

Kirks Email:

Mr Glover,

I want to let you know that the Class of '89 Reunion Committee is holding a HHW Class of '89 Night at Red Robin on May 13th from 5-8 pm at Hamilton Marketplace. For information, go to the hhwclassof89.com website, click on Fundraisers, then click on the Red Robin logo, a page will open for the flyer to print out and then go to the restaurant to be given to the server and the Class of '89 will get 15% of the proceeds from that night.

Thanks again for your support!

Kirk (Corless)