1946: AN INCREDIBLY HISTORIC HAMILTON LANDMARK

We in the realm of historical interest intensely dislike the word "progress" when it is used in relation to irreplaceable historic buildings. Unfortunately. this wonderful relic of the 16th century is long gone. Here is a splendid R.C. Maxwell photo of the building as it looked when I was a lad of 13. I probably passed by it countless times on my way to Lakeside in Yardville, but had no idea of the incredible history that resided within its walls.

1982: REMEMBERING A LANDMARK THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN DESTROYED

When one gets involved with tedious art work such as the pen and ink sketch I made way back in 1982, memories of working on that historic "White Horse Inn" had my mind flashing back to the years when that historic old building was in full operation. As I laid in the details of the dirt road, I imagined a group Civil War Yanks coming to the watering hole from nearby Camp Perrine or Camp Olden. In passing the abandoned Bromley Inn on Nottingham Way, I fear we will soon hear news that historic old 1890's Charles Fulkert historic landmark will be relegated to the wrecker's ball. Were I to be lucky enough to win one of those massive lottery playouts, there would be MANY local venues that would be preserved. Dream on, Glover!

1945: A FAR DIFFERENT "WHITE HORSE CIRCLE!"

What a change of scenery! This view of today's Route 206 North at the intersection of South Broad Street is how it looked when I was a lad of 12. Today we have a very controversial "circle" which is somewhat confusing; especially to those who don't use it on a regular basis.

1941: GRAND OPENING OF THE WHITE HORSE BOWLING ACADEMY

I dare say that grand old bowling palace was the most popular venue back in the day. I wasn't and am not a bowling person, but most of my buddies were. Indeed, I would guess that most of the local community visited this legendary bowling academy at one time or another.

1948 Ca. 1948 South Broad St. at White Horse Avenue

What an incredible and rare photo! I was just at the present Taco Bell yesterday afternoon to pickup our dinner. The vacant lot on the right is the site of the current occupant, Taco Bell. That house in the background is still there. In all my years of venturing into that neighborhood, I can't recall this view. "Scotty's" teen hangout is to the right and down South Broad Street a bit. It was here that my dear wife of 58 years spent many happy hours before I met her. Scotty's was a very popular teen hangout in the 1950's.

2012: MIKE RUSNAK'S WHITE HORSE TAVERN

Through many years of his adult life, the late Mike Rusnak quietly collected and assembled historical photos and articles relating to the DeCou Volunteer Fire Company which was among his "first loves," and the Fairview Park-DeCou and White Horse area of Hamilton Township. Mike was also a ready contributor to the local press with his poignant political positions. Bottom line: Michael Rusnak was a true un-recognized historic asset to our community. Mike's photos and articles on history and operation of the DeCou Volunteer Fire Company are a very welcome addition to the Hamilton Township Public Library's Local History Collection. Were it not for Mike's daughter Karyn Rusnak Benton, these irreplaceable moments in time would be in the recycle bin.

1949 Ca. SOUTH BROAD STREET APPROACHING THE CIRCLE AT WHITE HORSE

Emil's Bake Shoppe, the White Horse Diner, and Gropp's White Horse Tavern; What more can we ask for in this splendid view of the South Broad Street-White Horse area? Note that this and the photo below are not from the Duke University R.C. Maxwell collection, rather they are in the "HAMILTON-VIEWS OF" folder in the Hamilton Library Local History Collection.

That reminded of some fishing trips with my Dad. We would take the bus to the circle and walk down the hill of 206 to a place on Crosswicks Creek. I believe it was a fellow who rented boats and sold live bait of killies and worms and his name was Ray Londhal or Londell.

Ed Millerick

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

SJBill said...

Ed, is was Ray Londahl, and the freshwater little fishies were minnies (or monnows). Killies were for fluking in salt water.

My Dad and I fished just about every inch of Crosswick's Creek before I was five, then we began exploring the ponds out beyond Allentown.

Remember Capri Kitchens just beyond the White Horse non-circle?

Who went horseback riding at Carney Rose's?

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Anonymous said...

I had family who lived down the road from Carney Rose and we loved to walk down and look at the horses. Family lived on Dewey so I suppose The Rose Riding Academy was on what became Independence Avenue? Also we were amazed at the new sewage plant and put a damper on our fishing down there.

Ed Millerick.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Cathy J said...

My parents used to get horsemeat from Carney Rose's to feed our cats. This must have been in the early 50's. EWWW.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

1948: WHITE HORSE CIRCLE IN DEPTH

Here's a photo to warm the heart of us old timers. You are getting ready to round the White Horse Circle and head toward the city of Trenton. The awnings in the photo are on the windows at the White Horse Tavern. There's Tony's Tomato Pies, the White Horse Diner, a bake shop that I say is Emil's Bake Shop but I am not sure if it was there in 1948. I leave it to my more knowledgeable White Horse area residents to verify. And who could ever forget Anthony Rogers in that 68 year old photo?

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....TONT'S TOMATO PIES ARE THE PETITTO BROTHERS WHO STARTED TONY CAL'S ON ROUTE 33 ACROSS FROM OUR HAMILTON BOWLING LANES IN 1955.

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Anonymous said...

Tom:

It appears my old friend and neighbor George Moses has stopped for a little libation at the White Horse Inn. George ran the dry cleaner next to us at 1310 So. Broad St.
Emil's bake shop was just over the Twp. line at Cedar lane as I recall. His Grandaughter(daughter) married one of my cousin's Children.The bakery was next to Joe Notte's Beauty shop.

Mike Kuzma

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Lee Belardino said...

Tommy
some nights after practice or rehersal,members of the choir woild go foa tomato pie or maybew to Scottys for a cherry coke. White horse circle was a popular spot HHS 51 class.

1906: The McGalliard Homestead 260 White Horse Avenue

This exquisite photo of the McGalliard homestead is from Mrs. Eleanor Rogers who donated it to the Local History Collection a number of years ago. A closeup zoom will show the beautiful shaded front area which pretty much obscures the view of the home.

1946: GROPP'S WHITE HORSE HOTEL

This excellent photo showing cars on South Broad Street approaching the White Horse circle shows the White Horse Hotel which for whatever reason was demolished and lost to posterity. So many of our town fathers in years past had little interest in historic preservation as opposed to "progress."

2 Comments

Lee Belardino said...

Tommy:
I Remember the circle well. Hung out at Scotty's with the rest of the gang drinking milk shakes. Remember too there was a Tomato Pie place that we used to go after operetta practice. Can't remember the name but it was like yesterday. Wow! Tom,these pictures are the absolute greatest.
Lee

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Michael said...

Lee:

As Ralph reminded me the last week, when I digressed on this area, it was the great "Tony Cal's" aka the Petito family. They moved to Rt. 33, and prospered there for years, before being bought out by Dave Eide, who operated a "Boite" at that location; Shakespear's ?

Mike Kuzma

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

1949: WHITE HORSE CIRCLE BACK IN MY TEENS

How many times did we tool down to Bordentown to Hamburger Heaven or the White Horse Bowling Academy back in those wonderful years? if you took a right turn from Route 206 in the foreground in this photo, you would travel only a few 100 feet to "Scotty's;" a place where I never used as a hang out, but my dear wife Judy did when she was dating Bill Beckett. One of the sad parts of this photo is the White Horse Tavern shown prominently next to the R.C. Maxwell sign. Across South Broad Street was the ESSO gas station. Tires and an auto can be seen on the extreme right.

1948: THE FABLED WHITE HORSE CIRCLE AS I REMEMBER IT

Thanks to the John W. Hartman Center for this exquisite R.C. Maxwell Photo.

This is the White Horse Circle in 1948. Note the White Horse Hotel (Gropp's Hotel) next to the Swern's sign. Destroying that historic landmark was still another attack on historic preservation and should never have happened.
How many times did I drive the roads above for a teen age trip to "Hamburger Heaven!" (Or was it "Haven?") Further down in the opposite direction, Route 206 merged with what was than known as Route 25, or as it was nicknamed, "murderer's row" due to the number of fatal truck accidents. Route 25 was a heavily traveled highway before the Turnpike was constructed.

Michael said...

Tom:

Great photo! We passed this spot each time we headed for Seaside Heights from South Trenton. I believe it ultimately became a Sizzler steak house. Just a few door away, was the old White Horse S&L, and the famous Pizziria by Tony (whose last name escapes me) who moved to Rt.33 and began serving beer with his great pies. Dave Eide somtime later bought him out and transformed it into one of his many boites. (BOUTIQUES?)Also on the opposite corner from this site (same side) was Russo's Ivy Tavern owned by brother's Steve and Pete.
Great memories from a great time.

Mike Kuzma

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM AND MIKE...THAT PIZZA PLACE MIKE MENTIONS WAS TONY CAL'S WHO MOVED TO ROUTE 33 AND STRUCK A GOLD MINE WHEN WE BUILT THE HAMILTON BOWLING LANES ACROSS THE STREET FROM HIS PLACE IN 1955. THE PETTITO BROTHERS TONY, DOMENIC, SAMMY AND CHARLIE TURNED THAT DRIVE-IN INTO A THRIVING CAFE WITH ALL THE BOWLERS PLUS THE PIZZA PIE CUSTOMERS. BEST REGARDS.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

MIKE: I WOULD ASK THAT YOU VERIFY THAT YOU MEANT "BOTIQUES" INSTEAD OF "BOITES."

THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT.

TOM GLOVER

Tom:
The term "Boite" is French and means according to Ramdon House dictionary " a night club;caberet". "Also called a boite de nuit" pronounced "Bwat." I assure you, I have had plenty of experience with "Boites" and have tried to stay out of "Boutiques" LOL. Hope that clairfies matters.

Best good wishes

Mike Kuzma

Thursday, December 08, 2011

THANKS MIKE. FORTUNATELY 99.9% OF OUR VISITORS ARE FLUENT IN THE KING'S ENGLISH.

TOM

WHY I ESTABLISHED THIS WEB SITE

Mrs. Brady's incredibly interesting recollection of Maple Shade School as it was in 1904 is an integral part of Hamilton Township's history, as is her lineage as a member of the McGalliard family who were White Horse pioneers. This is the essence of LOCAL HISTORY! Most historical societies focus on ancient history;18th century history: whether "George Washington slept here," or how butter was churned in colonial times, or how colonial women cooked venison in one of those huge kitchen fireplaces with an equally huge copper pot boiling over a roaring wood fire. These are educational and excellent and relevant subjects for those who are interested in our Colonial and Revolutionary War heritage.
Personally, I, and the countless visitors to this web site, and the many readers of my "Sentimental Journey" column, prefer local history which chronicles the life and times of our more recent ancestors who settled into our numerous local neighborhoods. My concept of local history concentrates on all of the local area. It is far more expansive than the rather narrow and specialized concentration on persons places and things of 18th century America and our Colonial-Revolutionary War era.
I have chosen to concentrate on photos, articles, and other ephemera relating to the early years of our outlying villages of Hamilton Square, Sandtown (Mercerville), Sand Hills (Yardville), Groveville, Broad Street Park, Deutzville, and even our own capital city of Trenton, even including the towns in Mercer County. All are a necessary part of educating the public on the historical heritage of our area. It was with this concept in mind that I began to write local historical stories in the late, great Mercer Messenger under the byline, "THE WAY WE WERE." With the demise of the Messenger and its successor, the now defunct "HAMILTON OBSERVER," I concentrated on my current "SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" column in the Trenton Times. Along with my personal reminiscences of recalling childhood experiences growing up during the 78 years I have resided in then-rural Hamilton Township, I always look for similar stories of folks like those in the above graphic who recall their experiences with our own Maple Shade School in White Horse. These eye witness contemporary stories provide an interesting insight into our past history which will be interesting to contemporary readers, but more importantly, to future generations who know little or nothing of Maple Shade School and other little known history.

Mack said...

Hi Tom:)
AS a reader who went thru every post on your blog from 2006 to now last month I salute both the content and tone of your wonderful site:))

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Anonymous said...

Tom - I noted with interest your blog concerning local history vs. older historical events. I my opinion it is fun to meld the two together, older history and how it affected the locale where we now live, what was it like to live in this area while very important things were happening nearby, etc. To make larger events live in the minds of children, it is necessary, in my opinion, to make it live for them by introducing it in a framework that they can understand, i.e. their local neighborhoods. Just an observation....
Lakeside Girl

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Tom Glover said...

HI LAKESIDE GIRL: I FOUNDED THIS SITE TO FOCUS ON THE HISTORY OF OUR LOCAL AREA INCLUDING POSTS RELATING TO THE ISAAC WATSON HOUSE, THE PEARSON FAMILY, AND OTHER LOCAL COLONIAL VENUES. HOWEVER, AS I REACH THE 500,000 "HITS" MARK, I KNOW THAT MOST OF MY VISITORS ARE MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY EVOLUTION OF OUR AREA. THAT'S NOT TO SAY THAT I AM NOT POSTING MATERIAL RELATING TO THE WATSON HOUSE, THE PEARSONS, JOHN ABBOTT II, ETC.HOWEVER, I AM NOT CONCENTRATING ON THOSE HISTORIC VENUES.I LEAVE THAT TO THE DAR, SCHOOL TEACHERS AND OTHER EDUCATORS, LOCAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE HOPEFULLY IMPARTING THIS INFORMATION TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION.

AS I WROTE IN THE COMMENTARY ABOVE,

"I and the countless visitors to this web site, and the many readers of my "Sentimental Journey" column, prefer local history which chronicles the life and times of our more recent ancestors who settled into our numerous local neighborhoods. My concept of local history concentrates on all of the local area. It is far more expansive than the rather narrow and specialized concentration on persons places and things of 18th century America and our Colonial-Revolutionary War era."

TOM GLOVER

Thursday, November 03, 2011

1930'S: MIRIAM MORRIS : WHITE HORSE "STRINGER" FOR THE TRENTON TIMES

A "stringer" is a writer who contracts with local newspapers and furnishes news from the neighborhood where he or she resides. Miriam Morris was a stringer for the Trenton Times. I have an incredibly detailed scrapbook from Mrs. Morris which has countless White Horse related news items from the area as it was reported in the 1930's. Unfortunately, Mrs. Morris didn't date many of her articles. Hence, the Circa 1930's dates until actual dates are determined.

1914: THE ROBERT PEARSON HOUSE

Here's an old photo of the Robert Pearson House, not to be confused with the Isaac Pearson house over off of Independence Avenue in White Horse. This house was located further down South Broad Street approximately adjacent to the St. Raphael Convent in the area of today's Barclay Village. The Pearsons were among the earliest settlers in Nottingham, and owned thousands of acres all the way down to the Riverview Cemetery area of Trenton.

1987: WILLIAM V. MCGALLIARD: DICK JOHNSON REMEMBERS

If General George Washington hadn't rode through the hamlet of White Horse way back in the 1700's, giving the village the name White Horse, chances are we would be calling that Hamilton area McGalliardville. Here's an article I wrote many years ago retelling the events surrounding the 75th birthday of Will McGalliard. I have inserted a clearer photo of the McGalliard log cabin at the bottom of the article. You are looking at the property across White Horse-Mercerville Road* with McGalliard Avenue on the left. It is reminiscences such as that from Mr. Dick Johnson that add so much to the historic background of Hamilton. Unfortunately, too few people take the time to share their experiences.

*Thanks to an anonymous visitor for correcting the above address. I erroneously placed the location as White Horse-Hamilton Square Road.
(Another of my senior moments.)
December 4. 2014: Thanks to Ms. Eleanor Guear for noting that the above graphic was missing and is not back where it was posted originally.

1986: White Horse Volunteer Fire Col New Fire House

This was a very special occasion not only for White Horse area citizens, but perhaps even more for the guys and gals of the White Horse Volunteer Fire Company. This graphic has been appropriately enhanced and colored to recognize this impressive fire company expansion. As Hamilton has grown, so too has the need for a viable fire district in the burgeoning township. The next graphic shows the new pumper which was also dedicated.

1986: White Horse Volunteer File Co. New Pumper

Here's an enhanced and tweaked graphic showing the new 2,000 GPM pumper being put in to use at Hamilton's legendary White Horse Volunteer Fire Company on the same day that the new firehouse was dedicated. (See the previous post)

1878: BURGLARS ACTIVE AT WHITE HORSE

1878: WHITE HORSE - CRIME – BURGLARS
DECEMBER 20, 1878
GAZETTE

Burglars and petty thieves are getting to be rather too thick around the vicinity of the White Horse, in Hamilton township, and the residents begin to feel quite uneasy, as they have made one or two successful raids upon the farmers in the neighborhood. Some nights ago, a party of them broke into the flowering mill of Mr. David S. Hutchinson, and after going through the money drawer in the office, helped themselves of the choice brands of flour. A few nights later, a neighbor of Mr. Hutchinson was knocked down near the lane of Mr. P. Ellis De Cou's farm, and robbed of his watch. Again, on Wednesday night of this week, as Mr. D.S. Hutchinson's flour mill delivery agent was returning home from this city, two men sprang out from the gateway of Mr. Bruden's farm, and caught one of the mules by the head. Mr. John Wilson, the agent who was driving the team, yelled out to the mules, when they gave a lunge forward into the darkness and started on a dead run, leaving the highwaymen on the road, bootless and astonished. The farmers in that part of the county contemplate raising a club for self-defense, and may give the next parties a warm reception."

2009: The Wyckoff homestead, White Horse

Thanks to Andy Kusnirik Esq. for this beautiful photo of the Wyckoff homestead at 365 White Horse-Mercerville Road. Don't miss that gorgeous front porch!

Andy Wrote, (and thank you) Andy:

I believe you may find my law office located 365 White Horse Avenue of interest. The house (now an office) was built in the late 1800s early 1900s by the Wycoff family. Elmer Wycoff still lives in a house next door. He was born at 365 White Horse. His brother lives in a home next to him. Andy Kusnrik