1840'S AND 1950's: WHEN THE WORD "WHOLESOME" WAS IN VOGUE.

I wonder if our educators ever use the word "etiquette" in the class room in this year of 2015. Words like "wholesome," "good grooming," "Sir Galahad," etc. seem to have been placed on the top of a dusty cob-web shelf and out of the social mainstream and categorized as relics of the dark ages. Well folks, I'm here to tell you that we did indeed often hear the aforementioned words and phrases and many of us still practice those fast fading customs. Check out the above photo and you will see what I mean.

1948: AMERICAN MORALS AND THE SOCIAL FABRIC

Back in the 1940's and 50's when my friend Don Slabicki and I worked for Fred and Edna Kuser there were always copies of the "MOTION PICTURE HERALD" and "LIFE" magazine in the Kuser "den." (The den being the room which now serves as the office of Ms. Patti Krzywulak. (pronounced Sheh-voe-lack). I just came across an article, extracted above which is from the complete article entitled "FAMILY STYLE MODEL AGENCY," which in this case happened to be the Ford Modeling Agency. I was immediately taken back to my years at Kuser Farm. Even though I recall her as a Powers model, lovely Mary Corey, Fritz and Edna's niece, was the epitome of the "girl next door." All of us admired and hoped one day to meet the perfect girl she personified. Mary was a frequent visitor to the Sunday night movies at the Kuser family theater, and whenever she was there, you can be assured that she was dressed in extreme good taste. How we have changed over the years! What was once a society where wholesome femininity was the norm, we have morphed into a society where tattoos, belly buttons and other "in your face" examples of societal changes have become the rule rather than the exception.  

Note that this is my personal observation, and also note that it comes from a person who longs for a return to those years when life was much less complicated. In other words, from an old "fuddy duddy" who remembers how June Allyson, Kim Novak, Betty Grable, June Haver, Jeanne Crain and other Hollywood lovelies exhibited "wholesome" feminism and were every bit as "sexy" in their one piece bathing suits when compared to the "derriere-exposing" Bikinis.

1951 - 1992 - 2014: I THINK IT'S CALLED "PROGRESS."

What a joy it was to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Hamilton High School's Class of 1951 at Mercer Oaks last Sunday, April 13! It was so nice to spend those few fleeting hours recalling those dear old golden rule days with frequent contemporary interruptions referring to arthritis, pain pills, and our various octogenarian physical maladies. Among other things, we discussed the incredible differences found in our school experiences and the society in which we grew up when compared with the drastic societal changes in 21st century America. The above graphic contains a re-formatted column I wrote 23 years ago when even then society's fabric was gradually tearing more and more each day. To the right is a treasure which is indeed a personal treasure to me. My dear classmate Ms. Carol Sine Black (who has an uncanny resemblance to my late Cousin Ruth Williamson Gore) saved the beautiful card with the famous Emerson quote on it. Carol, along with many of the choir at Hamilton High School were taught by Miss Louise Simpson Baird, who not only taught is the beauty of music, but also the elusive search for a meaningful existence. In addition to that classic Emerson quote from Carol, here are two additional quotations which Miss Baird asked us to commit to memory; I memorized them all:

"The true test of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out."

"Make the world a bit more beautiful because you have lived in it."

1977: JUSTICE DENIED!

I was a "Social Conservative" when I was a young man of 25. Here I am at the golden age of 77 and now I am  more conservative. I was outraged when the courts awarded a woman many dollars for burning herself with a hot cup of coffee which she had stored between her legs while she was apparently driving a car. From the court's stupid vantage point, MacDonald's should have known better than to serve hot coffee without warning her that it was hot. She should have been warned that it was hot! (DUH!)
When I read accounts such as detailed in the article above, I can't imagine being one of the 5 who overturned the conviction of the animal detailed in the article. The constitution should be modified to erase such miscarriages of justice. As it is, the parents of that child must live with the fact that a constitutional error takes precedence over the beastly rape and murder death of a child. Why not a constitutional amendment drafted and passed suggesting that the police officer who UNWITTINGLY committed the constitutional error did so never imagining that his conversation would be the key to a criminal's exoneration? Speaking of mis-carriage of justice, the untouchable Hollywood divas and other celebrities get away with outrageous activity that would land we common folk in jail.

The  above tirade is my personal opinion.  

(From another of those ignorant Constitutionally ignorant Conservatives.)

1938: CONTROVERSIAL MOTION PICTURE AT TRENTON'S VICTORY THEATER

There was a controversy back in the late 1930's when Hollywood released a Hedy Lamar movie by the name of "Ecstasy." Hedy's heavenly body was seen in all of it's blurred glory in a scene in which she was seen swimming completely nude. A number of visitors over the past few years have asked about the location of the "VICTORY" theater. Now you (and we) know.

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Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM.....I RECALL GOING TO THE VICTORY THEATRE IN THE LATE 1920S. MY BROTHER LOU'S WEDDING RECEPTION WAS BEING HELD DOWN THE STREET AT THE HUNGARIAN HALL. THEY HAD A MOVIE AND A SMALL STAGE FOR VAUDEVILLE. I BELIEVE THE ADMISSION WAS 10 CENTS ON MATINEES. THEY SHOWED OLDER MOVIES AND WEREN'T OPEN TOO LONG. REGARDS.

1992: DON'T TRED ON MY MEMORIES!

There will always be cynics among us. Back in the early 90's, a fellow journalist and colleague wrote what I considered a disparaging column that was obviously referring to a column I had written wherein I recalled very pleasant memories of my childhood years. That writer, who will be nameless, wrote a column which I took as a shot across my bow. There were words like "simplistic," "segregation," "intolerance," and other Liberal shibboleths that demeaned those values and moral standards on which I stood and will always stand. The above article was my response to that unnamed cynic who has every right to express his or her opinion, even as I reserve that same right. The Mayberry graphic was inserted today from clip art I found on the web.

1905 REV. RICHARDS THOMPSON, TRENTON'S FIRST M.E. CHURCH

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God..."

My mother in law and many other mothers in law were alie and well when Rev. Richards Thompson preached that sermon in Trenton's First Methodist Church on South Broad Street in Trenton. Whether Roman Catholic or Protestant, there would have been a resounding "AMEN!" Mom Britton used to tell us the Sunday was a day of rest....or as she put it, "no servile work." As the article indicates, that religious custom was largely snuffed out by those who were not necessarily in agreement with the fourth commandment.

From the "Crime, Morals and Social Values" folder

Courtesy and ettiquette are sadly out of fashion in the majority of today's society. It warmed my heart to learn that my alma mater, Kuser School, and the other Hamilton Township schools are placing "character" in the spotlight. I wrote the column as a sort of rebuttal after a reader sent me a negative letter, suggesting that our attempts at exhibiting courtesy and ettiquette were old fashioned, and out of date. Rather than reply with a burning letter, I decided to cool down and recall the enviornment in which I, and many in the over 60 generation lived.

1913: "LEWD?" YOU SHOULD SEE US NOW!

With the unbridled prurient trash that is part of many 21st century American movies and television programs, the above article reveals a stark contrast to the moral character of American morals back in the early part of the 20th century. One wonders where the ACLU was when the Trenton Police actually took part in the censorship of "lewd" vaudeville performers.

1947: The Way We Were

The lovely lady in this 1947 Camay ad is the epitome of the typical young lady of the mid-20th century. Poised, innocent, and quite lovely without resorting to sexy "cheesecake" images. How things have changed!

HOORAY FOR THE NEA! (IN 1914,)

"WE SHOULD HAVE BUT THE STRONGEST CONDEMNATION FOR THE WEALTHY, CLUB-GOING WOMAN WHO HAS NOT TIME TO TEACH HER CHILD THE FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS OF LIFE AND WOULD THROW THE RESPONSIBILITY UPON A TEACHER OR A FOOTBALL COACH.."

EVEN BACK IN 1914 THERE WAS A CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE TEACHIHING OF SEX EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEMS.

NO MATTER HOW MUCH THINGS CHANGE, MANY THINGS STAY THE SAME.

1912: WHITE CITY DEBAUCHERY

IN THE FALL I WILL BE DOING A KUSER MANSION PROGRAM ON WHITE CITY, "THE CONEY ISLAND OF NEW JERSEY." EVEN THOUGH WHITE CITY WAS A GLAMOROUS AMUSEMENT PARK, THROUGHOUT ITS EXISTANCE IT WAS CONSTANTLY INVOLVED VIOLATIONS OF THE "BLUE LAWS," WHICH MANDATED CLOSING ON SUNDAYS. THERE WERE ALSO MANY INCIDENTS SUCH AS THE GRAPHIC ABOVE, WHERE LADIES WITH QUESTIONABLE MORALS HELD FORTH.

1913: "LEWD" SHOWS?

TRENTONIANS IN 1913 WERE CONVINCED THAT
SOCIETY WAS GOING TO THAT

FICTIONAL TOWN OF "PERDITION."

TO PARAPHRASE THAT GREAT LITTLE BOY
IN THAT EXCELLENT VERIZON "FIOS" COMMERCIAL
THAT IS CURRENTLY BEING SEEN ON TELEVISION,

"YOU SHOULD SEE US NOW!"

1982: GINA CASCONE'S TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT

READ THIS ONE FOR YOURSELF. MS. CASCONE WROTE A TONGUE IN CHEEK MEMOIR OF WHAT IT WAS LIKE GROWING UP AS A YOUNG CATHOLIC GIRL IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL. IN THE BOOK SHE RECALLED VERY FUNNY AND FAMILIAR EVENTS. MS CASCONE WAS INVITED BY THE LIBRARY BOARD TO BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT ONE OF THEIR MEETINGS. UNFORTUNATELY, SOME CITIZENS TOOK THE BOOK AS A SLUR ON THE CATHOLIC FAITH AND THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR RECEIVED MANY DEMANDS THAT THE BOOK BE REMOVED AND THAT THE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT BE CANCELLED. THE BOARD AT THE TIME QUICKLY ACQUIESCED.

2006: FROM MY FRIEND W2AEI-PAUL WOOLVERTON

Too Busy for a FRIEND?

I RECEIVE MANY emails with some very touching sentiments. However, this one rose to the top of the pile! It touched me to the extent that I am going to post it on all of my websites. It certainly is food for thought and soul-searching. Indeed, at mid-point in the text, I had to reach for a Kleenex as my vision became blurred. Thanks, Paul, and thanks to "Lois R," whom I assume was the originator of this heart warming message. One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers. That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments. No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on. Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature. The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot." After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it." Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him. "Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it." All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album." "I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary" Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists" That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again. The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late. And One Way To Accomplish This Is: Forward this message on. If you do not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful. If you've received this, it is because someone cares for you and it means there is probably at least someone for whom you care. If you're "too busy" to take those few minutes right now to forward this message on, would this be the VERY first time you didn't do that little thing that would make a difference in your relationships? The more people that you send this to, the better you'll be at reaching out to those you care about. Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own. May Your Day Be Blessed As Special As You Are

THE WAY WE WERE

YUP! I AM A HOPELESS ROMANTIC. I'M THE GUY WHO SAYS WE ARE ALLOWING OUR KIDS TOO MUCH TIME ON TV, THE COMPUTER, AND VIDEO GAMES. I'M THE GUY WHO IS ALWAYS MOANING ABOUT THE SERIOUS TEARS IN THE FABRIC OF TODAY'S SOCIETY. ADMITTEDLY, WE WEREN'T IVORY PURE IN EARLIER GENERATIONS, BUT WE DIDN'T FIND SHAVED HEADS, IN-YOUR-FACE SEXUALITY, AND OTHER DECADENT BEHAVIOR COMING FROM DONNA REED, JUNE ALLYSON, KIM NOVAK, GINA LOLABRIGIDA, AND ALL THOSE OTHER LOVELY FEMALE CELEBRITIES WE LOVED FROM AFAR. I DO BELIEVE THAT THINGS WERE BETTER IN BLACK AND WHITE, AS THOSE MANY EMAILS TELL ME!

1869: Yes, Even then We had Anti Social Idiots

"No matter how things change, they stay the same." So you thought that the creeps who go around "tagging" our buildings, signs, and walls with graffiti, and other public acts of destruction was unheard of in the past. Check this "oldie" from 1869. There is a very significant difference, however. If the young men were caught, their names WOULD be published in the newspapers, and they WOULD be looking through steel bars where they belong.

THE KKK COMES TO HAMILTON

From the "CRIME-MORALS-SOCIAL VALUES" folder in the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection comes this column which I wrote some 20 years ago in the "Mercer Messenger." It was entitled "The KKK Comes to Hamilton." It details the fiasco which surrounded the highly publicized rally being held in Yardville by area Ku Klux Klan members. As you will see, the rally didn't go too well for the Klan members.

1913: "Obcene" Shows at the Trent Theater

Based upon the risque trash we are seeing in the movies and on television, and hearing much of the noise that passes as "music" today, the debauchery described in the attached article from 1913 is like a chapter out of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. I would assume that the lady who caused all the ruckus was guilty of performing on stage without covering her legs. How far we have come!