2015: MUSIC: ONE OF GOD'S PRECIOUS GIFTS TO HUMANITY.

This article was saved for me by Jack Pyrah, my singing partner in our voluntary summer Kuser Park sing along programs. I do believe that mental stimulation can indeed keep the gray matter tuned up. Jack frequently comments on my ability to remember the lyrics to songs that are buried deep in yesteryear's music vault. I must admit that I also find it hard to believe that I can recall the lyrics to literally hundreds of songs that I remember from my youthful years. That is really the essence of our summer Kuser Park sing along program, "THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH," Jack gave me the article attached and as I read it, I realized that thus far, the Lord has allowed me to retain those lyrical music memories, In the attached photo, Ms. Nancy Briggs, one of my loyal concert followers, sings a duet with me as part of our sing-along custom.

1899: TRENTON'S SECOND REGIMENT FIELD BAND

It's all part of the learning process, and believe me, I learn more every day! I associate John Philip Sousa as "The March King." I associated (past tense) Winkler's music as THE Trenton music group. Along comes the Second Regiment Field Music Band which prior to today, I had never heard of. The above photo is a crystal clear with no identification of the members in the photo. The article above is a scan from the Hamilton Library Local History newspaper collection.

1997: JANE ELDRIDGE TITUS REMEMBERS KEEFER'S BAND

Thanks to Ms. Eleanor Guear for this photo which was given to her by Ms. Meyer who thinks her father was part of this popular Hamilton Square band. Stewart Keefer started this band back in 1929, at which time it was known only as the Hamilton Square YMCA Boys' Band. As the group became more popular, it became "Keefer's Band." They played in local churches, at the Hamilton Square Volunteer Fire Company dedication, and at the 1942 dedication of the Hamilton Township Municipal building.

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.

1994: NOTTINGAHAM PRESENTS "SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

"I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain, what a glorious feeling, I'm happy again..."
I love that musical classic and really miss Gene Kelly, one of my favorite movie stars from years gone by. I didn't get to see Nottingham's production of the musical, but based on my experience with the musical excellence of ALL of Hamilton's high schools, I would wager that the presentation was professionally performed.

1935: Holy Cross Church's "Chopin Choir"

Here's a beautiful photo of the choir members from the year 1935. There are many familiar family names among those listed.

1973: ONE OF THE YEARS THE MUSIC DIED?

The gentleman in the ad above was probably one of the best disk jockeys in our local area. You will note that he was at WTTM during the early 70's, after making a name for himself as the premier talent at WBUD. Jack is and was one of my favorite disk jockeys back in the 50's as he drove to work with me every day with his little partner, "Cheery the Gremlin." We miss you, Jack, and we also miss the music.

1940: Trinity Cathedral Boys' Choir

No explanation necessary here. Just look at the happy smiles on the faces of those Protestant-Episcopal Choir boys!

1922: The Community Choir at Groveville

1947: Talented pianist Bob Reed

The late Bob Reed was in the class of 1948 at Hamilton High. He was an extremely talented pianist, and was very active in Hamilton High musical programs. Bob's talents were also brought to the public thanks to Dick Chimes and his wonderful band who are very popular in the area. Not only is Dick a classmate from my class of '51 at Hamilton High, his polka music is absolutely OUTSTANDING!

Bill Baggott: A Voice to Remember

Bill was my classmate from Hamilton High School class of 1951. I can still hear that golden tenor voice
singing Mendellsohn' "Wings of Song." Bill passed away at a very premature age, and left a huge void in the choir at Trenton's Trinity Cathedral. There is a memorial to him in the church's choir section. I miss him still, but I'm sure he's one of the leading tenors in the heavenly choir.

1935: Mercerville "Glee Club"

You're over 50 if you remember when we who loved to sing belonged to a "Glee Club." What fond memories I have of being a soloist, and siging a duet with classmate and "girlfriend" Shirley Whitebread in Miss Ruth Margerum's Kuser School Glee Club. Here from the Local History 'MERCERVILLE SCHOOL" files at the Hamilton Library, we have a neat photo of the singers.

Hamilton High School Dance Band - 1935

October, 1935: