1977: CHARLIE BOUND AND TOM GOODWIN BACK IN THE DAY

Here we see two prominent Hamiltonians in their early years of civic activity as the travel through the Victoria Apartments on Kuser road with a petition demanding action on the unfinished Route 295.

1986: FROM THE "POLITICS-HAMILTON" FOLDER

Here's a photo of a younger Dave Kenny, Hamilton Councilman as he ventured into the world of local politics back in the 1980's. Also noted is the appointment of Sam Plumeri to the Chairmanship of the Hamilton Democratic Party.

1974: Hamilton Democrats Victory Dinner

Here they are, all gussied up at Cedar Gardens for the "Victory Dinner." There's young Gil Lugossy along with the late Monsignor Jim McManimon; both dear friends of mine,

MAURY PERILLI HAMILTON COMMITTEEMAN

I have set up a folder in the Hamilton Township Library's Local History Collection for Maury with folders named, "NOTABLE PERSONS" and 'MAURICE PERILLI." This remarkable man has unbelievable personal and civic accomplishments. It was my privilege to have been invited to his 90th birthday party a year or so ago. The great dining hall in which his party was held was packed to overflowing with legions of his friends and admirers. I am proud to say he is one of my dearest friends. As you can see by the graphic above, Maury has made his mark as a local citizen, and continues to do so even to the present time. These accomplishments are almost too numerous to include on the printed page. Many years ago, my Hamilton High vocal music teacher, Miss Louise Baird, asked us to memorize this quote and I did:

"Greatness is Humble."

Maury Perilli is the epitome of greatness and humility.

1928: HAMILTON COMMITTEE CHANGES

From the "POLITICS, HAMILTON" folder, an article detailing the change in the makeup of the Hamilton Township Committee for the ensuing term. It happens every January, and I have been to many long forgotten January swearing in ceremonies.

1911: FRED CLYMER'S HORATIO ALGER STORY

This is an inspiring graphic right out of the famous "Horatio Alger" playbook. The Clymer family is familar to many Groveville-Yardville historians. Somewhere in my collection is a political broadside for Fred Clymer for Sheriff.

1988:HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIL LUGOSSY (51?)

Assuming that Gil was 17 when he graduated from Hamilton High in 1954, this was probably the celebration of his 51st birthday. Gil, where has the time gone?

1981: REPUBLICANS SWEEP HAMILTON, LOSE COUNTY

This graphic details the Republican victory in Hamilton Township back in 1981. The following Graphic details the Democratic victory in Mercer County. Ahh....Politics! Note the byline showing Wayne Davis as the writer of the above article. Wayne is a dear friend of many years who is responsible for whatever success I have had as a freelance writer. It was he who recruited me one morning back in the early 1980's during an amateur radio conversation on the late, lamented "commuter net."

1979: REALLY, WOULD YOU BUY A USED CAR FROM THESE GUYS?

I would liked to have been a participant in the Gil Lugossy "roast" that was held back in 1979. You would really have a tough time finding anything to roast Gil on. He was the consummate local sheriff, white hat and all. I don't know about those other two hombres Crockett and Goodwin, they're the two guys in the black hats in the photo.

1975: Hey, that's Councilman Tom Goodwin!

Tom....were we ever this young? Many of our political figures got their start on the road to local politics as members of the "JC's," (Junior Chamber). I was completely out of touch with the local scene back in the 60's and 70's as I commuted daily to what would become a "dead-end" job in New Brunswick with the now defunct Brown Bearing and Supply Company. Had I been a "local," I know I would have been an active member. But the early morning commute to and the late commute from New Brunswick precluded any local involvement in local Hamilton activities. Whatever happened to Dick Crockett?

1980: HIZZONER JACK RAFFERTY BEGINS HIS 2nd TERM

Here are Jack Rafferty with his lovely wife, Doris at his side, as Jack is sworn in by Judge Kelly to he begin another term as mayor of Hamilton Township. It seems like only yesterday. ...miss 'ya, Jack.

1979: New Officers For Hamilton's Democratic Club

Unfortunately, the size of this photo doesn't allow for positive identification of the folks pictured in the photo. I think I see Eileen Thornton in the front row with a black jacket and light colored dress, but I can't be sure. Thirty years changes one's appearance, and I can't I.D. any others. Any politically active veteran Democrats of GOP'ers out there that can help? (thomglo@verizon.net).

1972: The 1972 Elections

Mayor Maury Perilli on the results of the 1972 Presidential election, wherein Republican incumbent Jack Rafferty won the office of Mayor of Hamilton and Don Tamutus added another Republican to the Hamilton political scene.

1977: Carmella De Marco: Board of Ed Candidate

Before she became a Democratic Council member, Carmella was involved with the Hamilton educational system.

2008: Rest in Peace, Bill Opferman

I hope there will be a respectable turnout at Veterans' Park on Tuesday, November 11 at 12 P.M., when local Viet Nam veteran Bill Opferman will be honored for his service to our country and his active interest in the general welfare not only of Hamilton Township, but Mercer County as well.

The above is a digital copy of the Jack Knarr's Trentonian article which is a poignant but sad retrospective on the late Bill("Billy" Opferman. He was a close friend and frequent visitor to my music concerts at Kuser Farm Park, my Kuser Mansion programs, and the Local History Collection at the Hamilton Library, We will miss you, Bill. You were the best.

1986: Hizzoner Assemblyman and Mayor Jack Rafferty

I remember when Jack served as Mayor and Assemblyman back in the mid-1980's. This graphic from the late Hamilton Observer was re-constructed in order to get the entire article on the page. Trying to re-format a newspaper column of this size is a real challenge.

1973: The Hamilton Democratic Club's Voter Registration Drive

According to current news reports, young people will be more involved in the 2008 presidential election than any time in history. In the photo above, Brian McLaughlin of the "Young Democrats" is seen as a representative of Hamilton's young Democrats. Brian and his mom and father have been very dear friends of the Glovers for over 40 years. The McLaughlins lived right across the street from us in our Atlantic Avenue home. Fred Schulz Senior's son Fred Jr. followed in his Dad's footsteps in Hamilton politics. Freddie Schulz is an old friend whom I have known for over 40 years.

1973: Maurice Perilli: A LOCAL LEGEND

If there is any one gentleman who deserved to be honored that gentleman is and was Maury Perilli. His political career was the epitome of "old fashioned" methods of governing when he served as the Mayor of Hamilton Township. Always at the beck and call of the citizen, and always serving in a very non-partisan way, even though a staunch Democrat.

1973: AL BONACCI AND FREDDIE SCHULZ

I never had the privilege of meeting the legendary Al Bonacci. Freddie Schulz? He is Hamilton Township's Philadelphia Phillies Phinatic. Fred is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to anything to do with his beloved Philles. This is his year! Good luck, Fred!

1973: CAHILL FOR GOVERNOR!

These Hamilton movers and shakers from the early 70's are shown posing with William Cahill, Republican candidate for N.J. Governer. Helen McDonald was the consummate lady and Don likewise the consummate gentleman with a generous amount of class.