1951: THANK YOU HAMILTON TOWNSHIP FOR A COMPLETE EDUCATION!

On August 10th 2017, my Hamilton High School classmates from the class of 1951 will celebrate our 66th class reunion with a luncheon from noon to 4 PM at Hamilton's beautiful Stone Terrace (former Italian American Sportsmen Club). Even though 66 years is a very long time ago, the influence Louise Baird had on me as a man shines even brighter in my life as I recall the wisdom which she passed on to those of us who were gifted with residency in her Hamilton High room 300 music courses, Beethoven? Brahms, Sousa? Hammerstein? Berlin? Kahlil Gibran? Shakespeare? Keats? Macaulay, Burke? Yup! They are all firmly imprinted in the impenetrable makeup of the man I have tried to become.

1951: LOUISE BAIRD. A SECOND MOTHER TO JUDY AND ME

As anyone who has followed the hundreds of columns I have written over the years will agree, Miss Louise S. Baird, the vocal music teacher at Hamilton High School during Judy Britton Glover and Tom Glover's attraction to this incredible lady has left an indelible impression on both our lives. Those of us were privileged to have been in her music classes as choral singers will agree that we not only learned how to sing in 8 part harmony, we also learned about the cultural and theological aspect of living. After we graduated together in 1951, my dear wife Judy and I maintained almost daily contact with Miss Baird, or as she was known to her very closest friends, "Ouise" pronounced "Weeze." At the time of our graduation in 1951 Miss Baird was caring for her aging mother and it was that summer that she passed away, leaving Ouise alone and very lonely. Judy and I loved being with her as she taught us the wisdom of the ages as seen in the 5 or 6 scrapbooks that she kept with notable quotations from the likes of Helen Steiner Rice, Kahlil Gibran and other deep thinkers. She also had a delightful piano in her Hamilton Avenue apartment and would always sit down and play our favorite musical pieces. Judy's was "Traumeri," and mine was the "Moonlight Sonata." To be honest, Ouise is largely responsible for the man I have become. She has left me with memories of some of her quotes which she said every man should live by. Three of them are alive and well in my lesson on living: "Greatness is Humble," "The true test of a man's character is what he would do if he would never be found out," "Though you travel the world over in search of the beautiful, you must carry it with you or you find it not," and this gem from Keats: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever; its loveliness increases. It will never pass into nothingness."

1909: CAVALERIA RUSTICANA

Were it not for Miss Louise Simpson Baird, my Hamilton High School Julliard educated music teacher, I and many other alumni of Hamilton High School would never have been exposed to Kahlil Gibran, Italian opera, John Keats, William Shakespeare, Helen Steiner Rice and other cultural giants, now recognized by a relatively small minority in today's society. The above photo of St. Joachim's in Chambersburg announces the operatic presentations being presented back in 1909. Of special interest to me is the presentation of Mascagni's Cavaleria Rusticana which contains the song that "Ouise" (pronounced "Wheeze") Baird taught those of us high school students who were lovers of music. Incredibly lovely music emanated from the room 300 tower at Hamilton High School during my years there. One of the most heavenly pieces she taught us to sing was "Intermezzo from Cavaleria Rusticana," or as we called it "The Prayer from Cavaleria Rusticana." It always brought me to tears it was so beautiful as we sang the English lyrics to this ethereal musical masterpiece in incredible harmony. Certainly Mr. Mascagni is firmly leading a heavenly choir today along with Louise Baird.

2015: MY LOVE OF MUSIC; IT ALL BEGAN BACK IN THE LATE 1930'S OR PERHAPS THE VERY EARLY 1940'S

Remembering Hamilton High School Class of 1951 and my wonderful experience singing in that award winning choir under the direction of Miss Louise Simpson Baird. Here's a link to my lifelong musical journey that began back in the late 1930's  as it appeared in today's TIMES OF TRENTON "Sentimental Journey" column:
http://www.nj.com/…/…/03/glover_hamilton_high_classmate.html

1951 - 2014: THE MEMORIES JUST KEEP ON COMIN'

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Over the many years, I have written many columns relating to the excellent education I received courtesy of the Hamilton Township public school system. They were the years that shaped my future and gave me the confidence that I was proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and singing. Whenever I can, I share these gifts with my friends and neighbors; most of whom can tender the same tribute to their education.  One of the greatest influences on my dear wife Judy and me, is the lady we had during our years at Hamilton High School. Louise Baird (we called her "Ouise" prounounced "Wheez,) was not only an incredibly talented vocal music teacher. Through her incredible collection of scrapbooks which she left to Judy and me, she taught us many of the secrets of philosophy and the keys to a happy life.

I put the graphic above together which focuses around page one of the three pages of secrets of a successful marriage and life that she wrote in Judy's yearbook. I treasure those years, and as I look at the two photos of Judy and me as we move into our 82nd year, I have come to the realization that life is so very short. Yes, even 81 years later! As our Hamilton Vice Principal Jim (Jim Crow) Coursen would say to us on many occasions, "Live as though this were the last day of your life.")

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!

1991: TOM GLOVER REMEMBERS HARVEY HESSER

Harvey Hesser was the epitome of the man who walked softly but carried a big stick. Soft spoken, dignified, intelligent, strict, and compassionate, are all adjectives that describes this Principal of Hamilton High School (West) during my years as a student there. It was my privilege to meet with him numerous times after I left Hamilton High school. He and his lovely wife Dorothy were frequent visitors to Louise Baird's apartment on Hamilton Avenue where Judy and I spent many years after we graduated.

2014: Lucia Spera DiPolvere and husband Ed Mercer County Park

Still cutting the rug at 80! What a very refreshing and inspirational photo as Ed and Lucy perform their impressive dancing skills at still another local community venue; this one at the West Windsor Freedom Festival in Mercer County Park. Ed and Lucy are an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many of us who are in our in our eighth decade.

1951: TOM REMEMBERS HIS EMOTIONAL GRADUATION DAY

My Sunday, May 25th Times of Trenton "Sentimental Journey" column will recall that warm night in June, 1951 when 17 year old Thomas Glover received his high school diploma and ventured into the unknown future. ("C" average in history due to what we call the "feminine mystique.) The graphic above was sent along with the manuscript to accompany the article, but space constraints often result in my graphics being eliminated. Each year at graduation time, my thoughts wander back to my wonderful years as a student in Hamilton Township's excellent educational system. My classmates are now octogenarians and based on my recent attendance at our 60th reunion, I find that most agree that we were privileged to have been educated in an era much different from today. 

2 Comments

Lee Belardino said...

HI Tommy
I too think of 1951 ND THE 4 years
at Hamilton. The other choral group had a concert from the songs of the 60's. We were great but I keep asking our director ,when our we going to the songs of the 50's?.She says some day. I remind her that I may not have too many "some days". She just smiles.Keep remembering.Your pal.
Lee

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Tom Glover said...

That's the problem with becoming a member of a choral singing group. Most of the organizers are younger than we old timers and have no idea what great music came from the 1940's and 1950's. Right now, I am preparing for a July through August Sunday summer sing alongs at Kuser Park Gazebo. I may even start in June this year. How great it would be if you lived here in the area. Miss you and your perfect pitch tenor voice. By the way.....you can contact me via my email at tglover320@optimum.net. It will be easier to communicate.

"Tommy"
(Only my oldest friends know me as "Tommy.") "Old friends are the best friends"

1951: HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL WASHINGTON TRIP

Thanks  to Mrs. Barbara Eckert Baggott for this photo taken by our classmate, the late Bill Baggott II. What wonderful memories surround that now antiquated structure! I certainly don't know about your high school, but back in the 40's and 50's the Hotel Plaza was where Hamilton High seniors went for the annual "Washington Trip." It was a time when the childhood leash was taken off our collective necks and we had a chance to show how mature we were. Some of the guys sported a meerschaum pipe to give him that debonaire and oh so mature look, while others of us puffed on a Lucky Strike. The girls played their maturity role as well as they assumed a demure "come hither" glance at one of their male interests. What memories!

We all had a teacher or teachers who had an influence on our lives long after we left the hallowed halls of grammar and high schools. For me, there were three: Miss Louise Baird, Miss Julia McClain, and Miss Ruth Margerum. Miss Baird and Miss Margerum were the two teachers who cultivated my lifelong interest in music, while Miss McClain encouraged me to focus on my natural talents of reading and writing way back in the 6th grade at Kuser School. These teachers instilled in me an incredible interest in these fields that has remained with me at the age of 80 plus. Did you also have a teacher or teacher whose influence is with you to this day? I'd be interested to know what school, and what teacher and how you were influenced. 

2013: HAMILTON HIGH CLASSMATE BILL HELLEWELL

He was one of our booming bass voices in Louise Baird's vocal music class. I will always remember Bill who had one of those rare personalities that made you feel happy to know he is a friend. Along with his incredible sense of humor, Bill had that special something that has stayed in my memory 60 years after leaving the "4 H's:" Hallowed Halls of Hamilton High."
I took this photo at our 50th reunion in 2011.

1965: HORNETS FROM THE CLASS OF 1965

This remarkably clear offset photo from the Hamilton Post features the class of 1965, Hamilton High West. Other schools will be digitized from this year as they are uncovered.

http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d7a4d304e4445314e7a673d0d0a&blogview=true

Click on the above link to view a slide show of  HHS 1952 memories.

Today I will be a guest at the 60th reunion of my next door neighbors at Hamilton High School's class of 1952, as they celebrate their 60th reunion. It will be my pleasure to bring some of the songs of the fabulous 50's to the attendees.

1952: 60th Reunion in October

These are my friends in the Hamilton High class of 1952. Strange, but I should have been in that class, but for some reason, I skipped 1st grade and moved ahead one year. Many of those Hornets are acquaintances. Indeed, one young lady, Madeline Bencivengo, stole my heart as a teenager, but alas, like 20 or 25 other flames I had during those years when the hormones were raging, Tommy Glover crashed and burned. I will be bringing the music of the early 1950's to my fellow Hornets at their reunion in October. We'll be singing the songs of Eddie Fisher, Perry Como, Rosemary Clooney, and many other wonderful singers from an era when you could understand the music and dance to it without being gymnists ala those dance tv shows that are now in vogue. What the heck every happened to cheek to cheek dancing? By the way, the pretty girl top left in the graphic is Madeline Bencivengo next to her friend and my next door neighbor, Shirley Sneath. Madeline was the object of my affection for about a year....but alas, it turned out to be the 5th or 6th case of "unrequited love."

And now a word from our own Mike Kuzma, a true "Tornado:"

Tom:

Would you please add to your high school reunion notices that;
THS class of 1952 will celebrate OUR 60th reunion on October 7th.
A luncheon is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday Oct. 7th at John Henry's on the site of the old Italian American Sportsman's club Kuser Rd. As soon as I receive the official notice, I will send you the details as who to contact for tickets.
Thanks for being the clearing house for these notices, and the wonderful memories we share.

Mike Kuzma

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Will do, Mike. When I receive your reunion info, I will be sure to post a vivid graphic along with your reunion announcement.

Tom Glover

Circa 1946: Ms. Lynn Stockton Hammer's Junior 2

Even though the photo above places Junior 2 on Gladstone, the structure is usually referred to as being on Cuyler Avenue. The photo above comes from Ms. Lynn Stockton Hammer, who went on to graduate from Hamilton High School in the class of 1957, along with my brother Donny. Thanks for the photo, Lynn,

1922: THE WASHINGTON CROSSING IN AS IT WAS

I placed this in my "HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL" folder due to the fact that this historic treasure has been the host for countless high school reunions. As I recall, my class of 1951 had 2 or 3 reunions here. The photo above from 1922 is far different from the Inn as it is today. Many modifications have been made and the area expanded.

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

1945: BILL COLLIS - A HAMILTON HIGH FAVORITE (ESPECIALLY WITH THE GIRLS!)

While all of us guys were admiring the countless lovely HHS coeds back in my high school years, those same girls got that warm fluttering heart feeling when male faculty members Harold Bills, Howard Parrish, Dick Watson and the gentleman above made an appearance in their uniforms. Bill Collis, along with those aforementioned male teachers were the perfect role models for those of us males who were just evolving toward manhood.

We have reached the acceptable minimum of 50+ for our 60th reunion. Above is a cut and past of an email I received from Lucia "Lucy" Spera DePolvera advising one and all from HHS '51 that we're ready to go.