1979: A REPEAT OF AN ERINIE KOVACS POST

Ernie Kovacs was a very popular national figure back in the 1960's. Naturally, Trentonians were very proud of his national status as a one of the great comedians of all time. This excellent piece by Mr. Izzard from the Trentonian of 1979 is well worth preserving for future generations.

1937: MY UNCLE CHARLIE GAUDETTE, SUPERINTENDENT OF TRENTON'S WAR MEMORIAL

Out of all my relatives, Uncle Charlie was the most successful. He was a great guy. A wounded veteran from World War I, he was a piano playing whiz. He often sat down at our piano when he and my Aunt May visited our house. He always warmed up with at tune that went something like this:

"Rings on her fingers, bells on her toes, elephants to ride upon, my little Irish Rose,

Come to your nabob, upon St. Patrick's Day, sing jumbo jumbo jumbo jitty boo jay, O'Shea..."

How do I remember these things from over 70 years ago? Beats me; I inherited my mother's ability to remember even the most obscure things.

1950: SAMUEL A. ALITO

I just received a donation of two "ARGUS" yearbooks (1946 and 1950)  to include in the "JUNIOR 4" folder in the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. and this photo stood out loud and clear. It is from the 1950 edition with 4 other persons under the label,  "These Are the Leaders."

1935: ANN DEVLIN ENGAGED

From its inception in 2005, this website has confirmed that it maintain its policy of providing "Local History With a Personal Touch." Along with interesting and fascinating photos and articles relating to local history, I also make it a point to scan and digitize as many family photos of notable persons, places, and things of the past. Thus we have school photos, confirmation photos, and as above, photos from the Trenton Times Sunday Advertiser page of notable local persons; in this case Miss Ann Devlin, whose engagement is announced in the clip from the Hamilton Library Local History Collection's "NOTABLE PERSONS" folder. Miss Ann Devlin is the daughter of prominent Trentonian Martin Devlin.

1941: SALVATORE SCARDONE SCARES TRENTONIANS

I received the email below from Betsy (Salvatore) Cole. She included a few news clippings detailing a scare which Salvatore Scardone caused when he set off professional fireworks in the back yard of a Franklin area tavern. The article above is a reformatted copy of Betsy's email to me. Further research in my files found the article where Salvatore Scardone faced a judge, along with very prominent friends, including Richard Hughes. Thanks for the email Betsy and the article which I had to reformat due to the length of the original you sent in color. Betsy wrote:

Dear Mr Glover

My father Arthur A " Sarky" Salvatore was best man in his friend Anthony "Gigi" Chianese's wedding at St Joachim's church on January 15 1941. He would later become a Superior Court Judge but then was just a young lawyer. As a surprise gift for "Gigi", Salvatore Scardone ( yes the one who did most of Trenton's fireworks) set off a fireworks display in the yard of the at cafe on Franklin Street where the reception was being held. The explosions scared people all over the city. After the police took Mr Scardone away my Dad , morning coat and all, had to go to the jail to bail him out. Where else but in the " Burg" would there be a reception like that?

Betsy Salvatore Cole

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM.....AS A KID I WAS SCARED TO DEATH WHEN SCARDONE SHOT OFF HIS FIREWORKS ON BUTLER STREET DURING THE FEAST OF LIGHTS IN THE 20'S. LATER I WAS TOLD ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL COMPLAINED THE NOISE WAS EFFECTING THE PATIENTS. BEST REGARDS.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Anonymous said...

Tom:

I went to Jr.4 with the professor's son, Salvatore Jr. and Daughter Thresa. Back than we call the Professor "Boom Boom Scardone"

Sarky Salvatore noted as the best man at the wedding, and bail bonder for the "culprit" was without a doubt one of the all time nice guys I ever met, and lunched with. In addition, Sarky was a fabulus story teller.

It ir is interesting to note that hia long time friend and ultimate law partner Governor Dick Hughes accompanied Sarky to defend Boom Boom for his failure to get a permit. That was a time, when a friend was a real friend, and not in name only.

The Scardone Company never failed to electrify the skis over Trenton on the fourt of July.

Warm and happy regards to all of my old Trenton friends.

Mike Kuzma
Late of Ringoes, now of Virginia, but still a Trentonian!!!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Anonymous said...

Mike,do you remember the place in Ringoes, "The Carousel", they made a decent pie 20 years ago and I finally asked the owner who commented that he hired an old Trenton pie maker when he started the business. The "pies" have changed with ownership sadly.

I was originally going to comment on another "boom" that had Hamilton residents out by the old Thermoid company all upset some 15 years ago. It seems one of the "lads" over at the J. Seward Johnson Atelier cast a full size cannon and after a few celebratory nips fired it off. Aside from the noise, it went through the roof and into the kitchen of a little old lady.

Ed Millerick

Friday, July 27, 2012

Lee Belardino said...

Tommy
Mr Scardone lived 2 ndoors down from my grandfathers house on Mott street. One of his sons,Joey (tarp)
Scardone was my boyhood pal and together with Mike Ricetlli,JOHNNY Chiaccio,and James Chianese comprised the Mott Street gang.8-9 year olds hanging around the railyards off of broad street and getting chashed out by the railroad cops. Tarp got that nickname by falling into asphalt. Mr Scardone limped from an accident with fireworks. 4th of July fireworks at Cawalder park and Scardone. Memories of Trenton and the burg in the late 30's and 40's.Lee

Friday, July 27, 2012

Anonymous said...

Ed Millerick:

Re: Rinoges

I restored my first 250 year old farm house in Ringoes (East Amwell Twp) in 1978.
At that time the Carousel was known as "Stoop's Country Store"
Mrs. Stoop got too friendly with one of the male customers, and Mr. Stoop quickly sold the store to a working railroader, John and his wife, and it became the Carousel. They hired two twin brothers who did all the cooking and baking. After ten years, John sold out to an Itialian fellow from Unon County, who kept the boys on to run the place. Didn't know that they were from Trenton, had they been, I surely would have been told about it.
This past year, I called the Carousel, to buy the Cookies I used for clients, the guy anwering the phone's dialect made me realize that another immigrent family has moved into the convienence store business.

Sadly things change.

Best wishes

Mike Kuzma

Friday, July 27, 2012

2012: FINALLY! A PHOTO OF TRENTON'S "COUNT FELIX"

Many many thanks to regular visitor Dennis Rue for sending these two graphics. The photo of Dennis' mom with the count is the best one I have seen thus far. Most have been washed out photos. Also of interest is the photo of Dennis' mom at the Club Veldof (Remember that old timer?) and also long gone radio station WTNJ. Our choir recorded "You'll Never Walk Alone" at the WTNJ studios that were on Bellevue Avenue. (Please correct me if I'm in error on TNJ's location.)
Tom:

The old gray matter in your head is correctorooney.
WTNJ was in a big house on the north side of Bellevue a door or two away from the corner of Prospect St. It was as I remember next to Poulson Van Hise Funeral Home ( the original)and the same block as Mercer Hospital.
Seeing my old Sacred Heart buddy Jack Walsh reminds me of the terrible rug he wore. This photo is apparently when his heirisute appendage was original. Jack died last year, and was quite a character around in the 50-60's. We would go out to Mercer Airport and watch him in feats of strength pull and airplane with one finger. Drive a car over his stomach etc. A great friendly Irishman.
PS: WTNJ moved to East State St. in the block of Lee Overalls, between So.Clinton, and Wall St.
Regards
Mike Kuzma

Anonymous said...

I don't recall that station at all; when did they fall from favor?

Oh! For a picture of The Count, dressed in a tux with a WWII gas mask with a hole for the cigar while he played some Chopin classical number on the organ. Or his wood block puzzles he would do with his back to the bar and a towel around his head ... "Where did you learn that stuff? ... and Count deadpanned ... "Jail". Another time he caught me off guard with his "telephone" and after a few rings "It's for you Eddie" .. as I wondered who could possibly call me at .... the geyser of water got me in the puss. They say that Ernie Kovacs learned his early routines from him and what a treasure we had; slapstick for sure and Count ... you are missed and there will never be another like you.

Ed Millerick aka "Your Apostle"

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Anonymous said...

Trying to get The Count? My buddy and I thought and thought of how to get a rise out of him. He always had the perfect comeback in the "thrust and parry" of the humor and try as you would it was always "checkmate" with Felix on top. So we thought some more and after the military ... well our hair was quite long. My bud's Mom made us some "togas" and without saying a word, we took our usual spot in the corner. Needless to say The Count never batted an eye; absolutely nary a reaction till an "old time" local walked in and looked at the two long haired "sheeted" types, silent at the end of the bar. He finally asked Felix ... "what's with those guys? ... and he just deadpanned "I, am Jesus Christ and those are my Apostles, what of it? .... this went on for a week or two and I think he got some mileage out of it. One day he said if he ever wrote a book, this was worthy of a few paragraphs.

Ed Millerick

RECEIVED VIA EMAIL AUGUST 1:

It was great reading about the Count's place...as Midshipmen on leave, we took our dates there often...even left the Count USNA cap for his collection around the top of the walls...I had forgotten the quarter glued to the bar, but will never forget my date going to the ladies room and being asked to "move over, you're blocking the light down here!" He was really a funny guy, but I thought a tragic alchoholic, who like my brother, died too young, robbing the world of a really great spirit!

Sam Valenza USNA '59
Thanks, Sam, and welcome to the website. Your personal "Count Felix" experience is quite amusing and interesting.
Tom Glover

2012: REMEMBERING MARY DUFFY; A STEINERT HIGH SCHOOL TREASURE

http://www.forevermissed.com/mary-b-duffy/?utm_source=fm_emails&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=invitation#about

The Hamilton Township Board of Education has been very successful in placing outstanding teachers in the Hamilton school system. I have written countless columns relating to Louse Baird, Ruth Margerum, and many many other teachers who shaped my life and influenced me back in my malleable early years. Such is obviously the case with Mrs. Duffy. I received an email from my friend Alan Wildblood asking that I ad a link to my website for this very popular Steinert teacher. I did a bit of extra footwork relating to Mrs. Duffy and have added her photo from my Hamilton High yearbook collection, and also the announcement of her wedding on Christmas Eve, 1944.

Anonymous said...

Tom - Just a comment/question - when did the Retrospice become the Retrospect? Every yearbook that I have seen from way back up to today is called Retrospect, including my own Class of 1960 yearbook. Wondering if you know about this.
Lakeside Girl

Friday, May 25, 2012

RETROSPICE BECAME RETROSPECT WITH THE PUBLICATION OF MY CLASS OF 1951 YEARBOOK.

TOM GLOVER

2012: RALPH LUCARELLA: STAND TALL THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

Hi Tom, this is Ralph Jr. My Dad wanted me to send you this picture for Memorial Day. It shows him, he is on the far right, on the island of Espiritu Santo while in the Navy in 1945. He likes to point out what muscles he had then at the age of 25. He will be 93 this coming August 30th. In looking up Espiritu Santo, I found this which you might be interested in. http://www.espiritusantotourism.com/ww2.html

Best regards,

Ralph Lucarella Jr.

Your dad is one of my "GREATEST GENERATION: heroes, Ralph. He, along with my older brother Len who passed away this month, and all those who fought WWII and are now leaving us at an alarming rate. They have our undying gratitude for the sacrifices they made. On a personal not they will all be in my prayers not only on Memorial Day, but through all the years.

Your Dad has added immeasurably to this website with his very interesting "been there, done that" comments. God bless him.

Tom Glover

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TOM, I MAY HAVE BEEN IN THE NAVY BUT I WAS AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE WHO INVADED THE ISLANDS IN THE CORAL SEA. THE LAST BIG ONE WAS YHE INVASION OF OKINAWA. I NEVER SAW SO MANY SHIPS AND EQUIPMENT THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THAT OPERATION. I WAS VERY HAPPY WHEN I KNEW I WAS GOING HOME IN 1946. THE DAY I LEFT THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE IN THE AREA THAT REALLY SHUCK EVERYTHING. THANKS AGAIN AND GOD BLESS THOSE WHO DID'NT R

Friday, May 25, 2012

Anonymous said...

Your Dad, Ralph, was a fine example of the typical Navy Man of the South Pacific. We were all trim, fit and in the finest physical condition.

At least we were, as legends in our own minds. Coming home on my first leave, I was a fit 208 pounds with a slim (32") waist. Maury Robinson of the Burg was the only mens store that could fit me properly.

And of course a silent moment and tear followed by a crisp salute for those who were not fortunate to come home. Amen.

Ed Millerick

Friday, May 25, 2012

1936; GERARDO RADICE

With apologies for the very poor quality of the photo of the late Mr. Radice, founder of the San Felese Society. Note the very prominent Italian names in the graphic

1944: MY UNCLE CHARLIE

This is photo captures the image of the Uncle Charlie whom I remember as a boy. He and my Aunt May Glover Gaudette were frequent visitors to the Glover home back in the 30's and 40's. I remember on graduation night 1951 at our graduation exercises at the War Memorial, "Unc" saw me among the graduates. He reached into his wallet and gave me a five dollar bill along with his best wishes. Five bucks went a long way back then.

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM...THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL PHOTO OF THE WAR MEMORIAL BUILDING THAT TRANSFORMED STACY PARK INTO ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AREAS OF THE CITY. I RECALL YOUR UNCLE BEING INVOLVED IN MANY ACTIVITES THERE WHILE HE WAS DIRECTOR. REGARDS.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Omad said...

Tom, So glad to see the pic of Nancy's dad. Reminds me of the old days when we all lived near Greenwood and spent time together at Nancy's house and others in the neighborhood. When I was at Villa we held all our concerts at the War Memorial. Being a friend of Nancy's brought me around her dad frequently when I was at Cathedral and we held events there. Thanx again for stirring up old good memories. Nancy and I still keep in touch.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Tom Glover said...

TELL HER I STILL LOVE HER EVEN THOUGH SHE HAS DISOWNED ME.

TOM

Thursday, January 05, 2012

1979: BENNY SNYDER AT ANGELONI'S

He brought the most beautiful music to as during his time leading the Benny Snyder Big Band Orchestra. He was a true gentleman and his band was a real asset to the local community. When he played at the Kuser Farm Park Gazebo during those many summers, the attendance was "SRO" as they say in show business. Unfortunately Benny's health lead to an all too early passing. I miss him still, even as I remember the great music he brought to our community.

1979: ERNIE KOVACS: A TRENTON LEGEND

I will never forget his hilarious TV personality, "Percy Dovetonsils." This man was a genius in bringing real comedy to Trenton first, next New York, then Hollywood and the world. He is herewith being ensconced in the "NOTABLE PERSONS" folder in the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection as well as this blog. His lovely wife Edie suffered a great loss when he died so prematurely in an automobile accident on a rainy night.

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....I'VE BEEN AWAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR. SPEAKING OF ERNIE KOVACS BRINGS BACK MANY MEMORIES OF HIS YOUNGER YEARS. WE WERE BOTH BORN IN 1919 AND WENT THROUGH SCHOOL TOGETHER. HE WAS VERY ACTIVE IN JUNIOR 4 AND TRENTON HIGH AND OF COUIRSE WENT ON TO BECOME ONE OF THE BIG NAMES IN SHOW BUSINESS. MY SISTER LAW WAS HIS BABY SISTER IN THE 1920'S ON GENESEE STREET. I ALSO DELIVERED MAIL TO HIM WHEN HE LIVED IN MERCERVILLE FOR A SHORT WHILE. I RECALL ALL THE PROBLEMS HE HAD IN RAISING HIS CHILDREN WITH HIS FIRST WIFE. HIS DEATH WAS A TERRIBLE ENDING TO A GREAT HOLLYWOOD TIME. BEST REGARDS.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

GREAT TO HAVE YOU BACK, RALPH, WE MISSED YOU! I HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT HOLIDAY AND ARE READY FOR MORE TRENTON, HAMILTON, AND MERCER COUNTY POSTS COMING IN 2012!

TOM GLOVER

1982: EDNA HOWE KUSER

I hand colored this photo of Edna Kuser. It reposes in the "KUSER FARM" folder in the Hamilton Township Public Library's Local History Collection. Many of my "The Way We Were" columns in the old Mercer Messenger are being preserved for posterity. As to those of you whom I suspect are a bit perplexed or possibly bored by my frequent Kuser Farm related posts, I ask that you just arrow down to the next graphic. As the "webmaster" of this site, I will continue to honor and cherish the memories I have not only of the Kusers and Kuser Farm, but of recalling my thousands of more than 75 year of old memories of growing up from boyhood to adulthood in this wonderful township of Hamilton; It is important to remember that these posts are first person local history stories. Additionally, I believe that our grandchildren and great grandchildren will find that reading of life in the fast fading 1930's through the 1950's will be of great interest. How I wish I had asked for some of my mom and dad's memories of their young years; those reminiscences would have given me a very pleasant insight as to their young years.

1970: DORIS TRAMONTANA ENGAGED TO JOHN K. RAFFERTY

From the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History "NOTABLE PERSONS" folder, comes this reformatted graphic announcing the engagement of Miss Doris Tramontana to Hamilton Committeeman John K. Rafferty. The "First Couple" of Hamilton Township were a very popular pair among the citizenry of Hamilton during Jack Rafferty's time as Mayor of Hamilton. Back when the Kuser Tennis Court was in pristine condition, Doris and her girl friends spent many happy hours playing tennis on the Kuser clay Court.

1927: MARTIN DEVLIN; JACK AND MASTER OF ALL TRADES

"LOCAL HISTORY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH" is not just a catchy slogan for this blog, it is a real attempt to bring little known historical material relating to persons, places, and things in our local Mercer County area. On a personal note, my love and respect for the Kuser family is reflected in the countless columns I have written over the past 30 years, dealing with the Kuser family. The family has a rich historical heritage. The graphic shows one of Trenton's foremost locally prominent gentlemen whose family left an indelible footprint in Trenton area history. I associate the Devlin name with Marty Devlin, who along with Eddie Moylan was an ace tennis player on the local tennis scene. The Devlin family is linked to the Kuser family, the Corey family and many other family names which I recall during my younger years at Fritz and Edna's Kuser Farm.

Ralph Lucarella said...HI TOM...MARTY DEVLIN AND MY BROTHER "CHUCK" LUCARELLA WERE CLOSE FRIENDS AND TEAM MATES ON THE SCHROTHS AND TRENTON HIGH TEAMS IN THE LATE 40'S. MARTY TOOK UP TENNIS LATTER ON AND BECAME QUITE GOOD AT IT. CHUCK WENT ON TO BECOME A HEART DOCTOR BUT ONLY LIVED A SHORT LIFE TO SHOW FOR HIS EFFORTS. MAY GOD BLESS THEM BOTH AND THEY'LL ALWAYS BE IN OUR THOUGHTS. BEST REGARDS.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

1991: LOIS BRAENDER; JUST ANOTHER OUTSTANDING KUSER PRINCIPAL

This charming lady was the Principal back in the 1980's when I was selected to be the Kuser alumnus who represented all Kuser "Kats" from past years. Doctor Braender was a classy Principal and fit in beautifully with Kuser School's roster of outstanding Principals. The last I heard, Doctor Braender was Assistant Superintendent of the Hamilton Township School system.

1945: AUTO HISTORIAN, GOOD FRIEND, AND REGULAR VISITON RAY PASZLIEWICZ. JR.

Ray is a regular well spring of knowledge when it comes to local. and national automobile history. I remember ray back in the 1970's (?) when he had a beautiful 1941 (?) Chevy in beautiful condition. Ray, will you pleas fill me in on the question marks. As I pile on the years, many memories remain but many also fade.

1935: WILLIAM CHAPMAN - WHITE HORSE PIONEER

Chapman Avenue in White Horse is named for the Chapman family who were pioneer residents of the White Horse area of Hamilton. The 1875 Atlas of Hamilton Township indicates that the 30 acre Chapman Farm  was located along White Horse-Mercerville Road on the opposite side of the old Maple Shade School once stood.

1935: ANTHONY SALAMANDRA ESQ. TO BE HONORED

Once again from the "NOTABLE PERSONS" folder, this gentleman from the prominent Trenton Salamandra family. There are many noted Chambersburg persons listed in the list of participants in the testimonial dinner. (Am I the only one who remembers the Eldorado?)

Ralph Lucarella said...

.....I ALWAYS ADMIRED THE HOUSE ON GREENWOOD AVE, WHERE THE SALAMANDRA'S LIVED. THE ELDORADO ON FRANKLIN STREET WAS A VERY POPULAR PLACE FOR TESTEMONIALS. MY FRIENDS, THE DeGEORGE FAMILY WERE THE OWNERS IN THE 70'S. BEST REGARDS.

Mack said...

I had no idea it was called the Eldorando way back in the 1930s, for me the Salalandra name conjures up thoughts of my first paper route walking past Salamandra Liquor Store and the big Chimney closeby that was once part of Salamandra Laundry, in the quiet of a safe and clean mid 1970s morning in the Burg:)