1849: ANDREW QUINTIN'S WASHINGTON RETREAT

Once again, an incredibly interesting graphic has been assembled to bring back just a bit of the essence of the Mill Hill of the mid 19th century. My unbridled interest in this historic area of Trenton knows no bounds. Looking at that photo of Mr. Quintin's Washington Retreat, one can easily imagine a warm summer evening as well dressed ladies and gentlemen venture to this romantic spot for an ice cream treat and a relaxing evening of listening to the music of the "Trenton Brass Band." No "Hip Hop," "Rap" or noisy "Rock" here; just plain beautifully melodic music that is right at home in such a bucolic environment.

THANK YOU, HARRY PODMORE!

As I have mentioned numerous times over the many years I have been mining for historic research, one of my favorite subjects is Mill Hill. I was fortunate enough to get an old weathered and "foxed" scrapbook. "foxed is (book people;s reference to the browning and tanning of pages). This old treasure was the property of fabled historian Harry Podmore. Herewith a digitized and dressed up set of pages relating to "Washington's Retreat."

1856: MILL HILL; IN A WORD, "FASCINATING!"

 

For over 20 years since the advent of the personal computer, I have been diligently researching that area of Trenton that I consider to be the cradle where "Littleworth" or today's Trenton was born. Mill Hill is a fascinating study for those who are interested in the oldest area in the city of Trenton. Before I returned to St. Anthony of Padua parish recently, I had been attending Mass at Mill Hill's historic Sacred Heart parish. Each Sunday morning as I ministered to the folks at Trenton's VIllages I and II down on Lalor Street in Trenton, I would pass through that incredibly historic Trenton treasure and breathe deeply of the always present sense of history. Though I only have some 300 files in my Hamilton Township Public Library Local History database, I find myself taking a break from other local historical research and journeying back in time as I read the reminiscences of old timers who were around when there was a Lee Blacksmith shop, a Whittaker, Corey, Quintin Washington Retreat, and countless other fascinating stories from an illustrious past. Here's just one of those fascinating Mill Hill historic favorites. One can just imagine sitting on a bench and having a refreshing dip of ice cream at the bucolic retreat.

1884: ANDREW QUINTIN TELLS OF OLD RAILROAD YEARS

This fascinating article from the Daily State Gazette is an excellent retrospective look at the local railroad situation back in the early part of the 19th century. FIVE HOURS to Philadelphia! Mr. Quintin and the Quintin family played a very important part in local history. It was Andrew Quintin who established "Washington Retreat" at the foot of
Livingston Street in Mill Hill.

1856: MILL HILL'S WASHINGTON'S RETREAT

The MILL HILL folder in the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection is growing more every day. Long forgotten articles heralding the very early years of that fascinating historic district of Trenton are being laboriously digitized for the benefit of future generations. From a 1700's ad of a Tinsmith setting up shop in Mill Hill to a comprehensive collection of John Cleary's "MILL HILL IN HISTORY AND LEGEND," the preservation project continues to grow. And what fascinating reading! Trying to envision the area we know of today as the Mill Hill section with the very early stories of some of the earliest settlers is truly a fascinating journey into the past.

Mack said...
WOW Tom. Congrats on going over 1/3 of a million hits. Your wonderful effort deserves it:)

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

THANKS,MACK: YOU'RE NOT DOING TOO BADLY EITHER!

TOM GLOVER