2012: WE'VE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD!

Many visitors will find a black incon with a white exclamation icon in the center when they access some past posts on this site. In their infinite wizdom, Google has created a situation with their Picasa software that has resulted in millions of Google Blogspot subscribers to lose graphics posted over the years. I am one of those victims. This glitch WILL NOT affect current posts; only those which were posted weeks, months and years ago. I am able to restore the graphics and have been doing so for the past 3 weeks. However with over 7000 post, the restoration process will take weeks, months, or maybe up to a year to restore. Be patient. In the meantime, if you come across a deleted graphic, email me with the exact title ( see above, "2012: WE'VE
HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD!" and I will email it to you.

2011: VANDALISM IS A SOCIETAL CANCER

THIS IS A DUPLICATE POST. VANDALISM IS RAMPANT IN OUR AREA.

One Sunday last summer when I went to Kuser Farm Gazebo to set up for my afternoon sing along, I saw the "artistry" of whomever it was who brought chalk to the park and proceeded to scribble pink, white, and blue graffiti all over the concrete dance floor. It was only chalk, but there were no sources of water nearby to wash the stuff off. A harmless prank, right? WRONG! As I sat on the steps of the gazebo, I also noted that some little darling took a black marker and wrote on the newly painted, newly restored wooden post on the gazebo steps. The township spent many man hours bringing that beautiful structure back to its original state! Vandalizing teens who choose to deface public property should be held accountable and their parents held responsible for the financial damage they have caused. I took many photos which clearly showed what they did along the edge of Kuser Farm Park in the area of the windmill. Spray paint on Rusling Paving's relatively new concrete buildings is an outrageous insult to Hamiltonians as is the damage they did to a very large cinder block structure adjacent to Rusling Paving's facility along the Kuser property on Loomis Avenue. Were I a judge, they would be given a tooth brush to clean off their anti social graffiti, or their parents would be fined in the amount it would take to bring the buildings back to their original state. There needs to be vigilance on the part of the community to thwart these anti social acts of vandalism that are becoming all too common in "America's Favorite Home Town."
PUBLISH THE NAMES OF THE LITTLE DARLINGS AND WATCH THE VANDALISM DISAPPEAR!

Sally Logan Gilman said...

Tom: I'm sorry about the vandalism. Graffiti is vandalism and not some little darling's artistic freedom. Again, I'm sorry. Regards

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Tom Glover said...

Unfortunately Sally, there are a number of miscreants running rampant in today's society, and their apologists are just as guilty as are the perpetrators. Tom Glover

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

omad said...

This site, the Kuser Farm, and buildings on it, seem very important to you and I'm sure to many. How disappointing. Is nothing precious anymore?

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Tom Glover said...

KUSER FARM PARK IS NOT IMPORTANT TO JUST TO ME, ELEANOR, BUT TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. IF THESE SENSELESS ANTI-SOCIAL ACTS OF VANDALISM ARE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE WITHOUT A CONCERTED EFFORT TO CATCH THESE BRATS, WE WILL CONTINUE TO COPE WITH BLACK SPRAY PAINTED TRAFFIC SIGNS, PRIVATE BUILDINGS, AND OTHER ACTS OF VANDALISM THAT JEOPARDIZE "AMERICA'S FAVORITE HOMETOWN."

Friday, June 10, 2011

1955: THIS ONE'S FOR YOU, RALPH LUCARELLA!

Sorry I haven't found a photo as of the present time, Ralph, but when I do, be assured it will be posted. In the meantime, here's something that will keep you busy, looking over the teams and names of many of your bowling friends.

1926: JUNIOR 4; A JEWEL IN TRENTON'S EDUCATIONAL CROWN

Among the treasures in my Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection is a 4 page LAMINATED Trenton Times newspaper packet detailing the new Junior 4 school. I have extracted and scanned a few choice items and they are presented herewith. There will be future posts on this and other local schools as time permits. This is a re-post of an earlier entry that was deleted by Google in an ongoing problem with their blogging software.

2012: TOM GLOVER'S TRENTON NEWSPAPER COLLECTION

THE TOM GLOVER COLLECTION OF RARE TRENTON NEWSPAPERS NOW HOUSED IN THE LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION OF THE HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY

For the benefit of newcomers to this website, I am re-posting this graphic which appeared last year. It is from this restricted collection of papers that I am able to restore pristine copies of past news photos and columns without resorting to the scratchy, blurry output of the microfilm reader. When this collection was acquired many years ago, I had in mind freely sharing the contents with the public when I retired, and I have kept that promise I made to the seller. I grew up reading the "Trenton Evening Times;" as I recall a paper delivered to our door by Tony Olympio. I can still see that paper lying on our door step and even remember how it was folded! The afternoon and evening newspaper has gone the way of the passenger pigeon, but I still remember opening that broad sheet and turning to my favorite comic at the time, Joe Jinks and Dynamite Dunn.

Sally Logan Gilman said...

Hi Tom: If my fading memory is correct, I think The Trenton Evening Times was folded in thirds and one of the sections was tucked inside and some how it held together and hit the door mat with a distinct plop. Due to newsprint costs, the daily paper has gotten narrower and narrower. Most are a.m. editions. Regards

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Anonymous said...

Oh! I remember too well and woe to the poor boy who brought home the "Final" when under strict instructions to get only the "Late Final". Honestly, the logic still evades me today; how can you have a final and than a second final which means that the other final wasn't really the "Final" was it? There was also a "City" edition too that came out in the early afternoon. We got our paper at the Ianni Brother's because the paper boy only brought one of the other editions. Skip

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....I WAS HOPING THAT ONE DAY YOU WOULD SHOW PHOTOS OF OUR GRAND OPENING OF THE HAMILTON BOWLING LANES ON ROUTE 33 IN 1955. THE TIMES GAVE IT GREAT COVERAGE BUT I DID'NT SAVE THE COPIES AND NOW YOU SAY THEY ARE MISSING. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MANY OTHER MEMORIES YOU PROVIDED. BEST REGARDS.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

2011: SEARCH FEATURE RE-POSTED

THIS IS RE-POSTED FROM AN EARLIER POST
FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY NEWCOMERS TO THIS BLOG
Above is a tear sheet from my home page. I have highlighted the steps to take in order to find every instance of the keyword in every post. The example above uses the key word KUSER FARM (upper or lower case). This website is expanding exponentially to over 8,000 pages. It becomes a daunting task for those who are looking for specific subjects to laboriously advance page by page to the many subjects covered while searching for a specific subject. This search tool will really be a convenient method for finding the object(s) of your search. Just follow the highlighted text in the graphic above and search to your heart's content; Enjoy!

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM....I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DO IT. YOUR SITE CREATES WONDERFUL MEMORIES TO ALL THE OLD TIME TRENTONIANS AND OTHERS IN THE AREA. YOUR INDEX AND FORMAT BRING BACK DAYS OF OUR YOUTH AND EVENTS FOREVER BRIGHT IN OUR PAST. I'M SURE THOSE WHO ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND YOUR EFFORTS ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL. THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH. BEST REGARDS.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Tom Glover said...

MANY THANKS, RALPH. I JUST ENTERED THE KEY WORD LUCARELLA AND CAME UP WITH 32 PAGES. YOUR INTERESTING COMMENTS ARE OF GREAT VALUE TO THE PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG. TOM GLOVER

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Anonymous said...

Tom - Just tried this new blog search tool and it works great! You are truly amazing! Lakeside Girl

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Tom Glover said...

THANKS, ELEANOR. I STARTED THE TEDIOUS PROCESS OF UPDATING THE "LABELS" (INDEX) PORTION. IT WILL BE AN EXTREMELY LENGTHY PROCESS. IT WOULD TAKE HOURS TO INDEX 7,000+ PAGES.

VISIT OUR OTHER LOCAL HISTORY WEBSITES

Over 60 years of interest in local history has proven to me that many people are interested in our past. When I was a boy of 12 or 13, I became completely fascinated with Harry Podmore's "TRENTON IN BYGONE DAYS" columns, and I later learned that I was not the only "Bygone Days" fan. This website has become very successful as more and more people discover the fascinating historical heritage of local history. "LOCAL HISTORY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH" has proven to be a very popular feature of this website, as proven by the many folks who see a photo or article relating to a family member or close friend. The granddaddy of all local history reposes in the Trenton Public Library's "TRENTONIANA" collection. Unlike Hamilton Township whose early residents placed little interest in saving valuable historical documents and photos, the Trenton town fathers realized the value of local history and began saving these treasures over 100 years ago. Today, Ms. Wendy Nardi keeps the torch of local history lit. There is an evolving digital TRENTONIANA presence which has recently been added. There are numerous graphics of intense interest to the lover of local Trenton and area history.(www.trentonlib.org/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=92&TPID=9353) Check it out; it is a FABULOUS experience!

NOW TO THE ABOVE GRAPHIC:

This website is not the only source of interesting digital local history. The sites above are an absolute joy to read and absorb. Mike McNicol's CHAMBERSBURG site is growing like Topsy. There is a fierce hunger for material on the Chambersburg area. A year or so ago, I presented an on-screen presentation in the Kuser Mansion theater entitled, "Chambersburg; The Early Years." There was standing room only as those who love that legendary Trenton community came to indulge in a bittersweet journey into the past. Mike McNicol's
"TRUCKS OF WISDOM" (www.mackstruckofwisdom.blogspot.com) has fascinating Chambersburg posts. His incredibly beautiful photos of various streets, roads, homes, and commercial establishments has resulted in many happy visitors.

Gary Lippincott's "GROVEVILLE MEMORIES" (www.grovevillememories.blogspot.com) is a treasure trove of history from one of Hamilton's bucolic "Mayberry RFD" type communities, where everyone seems to know everyone else. Gary's knowledge of Groveville and its old time residents, along with Ms. Claire Dwier, a regular contributor to the site, provide a must see local history website."BROAD STREET PARK YESTERYEARS" (www.bsp086.blogspot.com)is another local history destination, presented by Jim Colello, a true Broad Street Park area local historian. Even as Gary Lippincott is a Groveville VFD local historian, so too is Jim as a chronicler of the Rusling Hose VFD. These two gentlemen have cleverly mixed their local history with the history of their fire companies. Don Whiteley's "DONWHITELEY.COM" (www.donwhiteley.com) is a fascinating take of Hamilton's fabled Yardville Heights area. Don's family was among the early residents in that lofty community off of South Broad Street in Yardville Heights. Don's home page is an invitation to return to the years of his youth as he recalls growing up in a much simpler time. Don was in the same Hamilton High Class of 1945 with my brother Bud. His memories of holidays past, as recalled by a very astute octogenarian, are priceless; don't miss them.

1867: CARR IRON WORKS AND THE SWAMP ANGEL

Wouldn't a 21st century historian love to journey back to that old iron works and view the incredible arsenal of scrap iron that was destined for the melting ovens! The article above from an 1867 copy of the Daily State Gazette tells of the iron works and the photo at the right is a rare and beautiful clear 1891 engraving of the historic Swamp Angel as it reposed at the intersection of Perry Street and No. Clinton Avenue.

2012: HAMILTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAMS FOR 2012

On the evening of March 5th, 2012, the Hamilton Township Historical Society will hold their first meeting for the 2012 season. Above is a photo of the home base of the society, the John Abbott II house on Kuser Road. Below that is an invitation to join this very worth while organization. The lower scan is the front cover of the Historical Society's popular Hamilton Township history book, with current prices. This volume is available at the John Abbott II house on Kuser Road (see the hours of operation in the above graphic) or call me at the Hamilton Township Public Library from 9 to noon Tuesday through Friday (609-581-4060 Ext. 4016)

1917: TRENTON'S FIRST BLACK POLICE OFFICER

As I followed the exploits of Vincent Harvey and his desire to be a Trenton police officer, it became clear to me that nasty, nasty racism was alive and well in the early part of the 20th century. The pages of the Trenton papers from that era held many articles detailing the off duty and on duty negative behavior of white policemen. There were obviously many local Trentonians who didn't like the idea of a black man assuming the role of protector of the people. Interestingly, the candidate who replaced officer Harvey, a young man named John Green was also dismissed on a number of accounts including intoxication while on duty.

2012: FOR THE MANY GENEALOGISTS WHO VISIT THIS SITE

I received the above email from Mr. Felcone who has acquired a very comprehensive list of books and pamphlets relating to New Jersey genealogical families. Check out his website and good luck; perhaps you will find an item of interest.

1840: "THE TRENTON BRIDGE"

How I love these old engravings! This one shows the old wooden bridge that once spanned the Delaware from Trenton to Morrisville. Included is the article telling of the fire that destroyed the bridge in 1884.

Teddy said...

Looks like they're cows grazing right at the edge of the water. Imagine seeing that today!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

THE HAMILTON AVENUE METHODIST CHURCH

The original church illustrated in the photos above are a far cry from the beautiful church that still stands on the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Hudson street.

2004: THANK YOU, GLEN; IT'S NICE TO BE RECOGNIZED

This post was re-inserted after I found that Google's web hosting site deleted many of my photos, articles and other graphic material. I am re-posting it herewith.

Tom - someone noted a commendation made to you by the township.We did not hear of this! Please advise!

"Lakeside Girl" recently asked (question above) about a commendation I received. The only one I can recall is from Mayor Gilmore 7 years ago, and that may be the one you refer to. I have it hanging on the wall in my Library Local History workshop. I spend hours quietly assembling historical data for this blog, I also spend many volunteer hours doing what I love to do, bringing the musical past and our historical past to any and all of my contemporaries who are interested.

With my programs at Kuser Mansion being dropped as of last Spring, I am now presenting programs in the meeting rooms at the Hamilton Township Public Library. The January program drew more than 100 visitors.

Future programs will include historical subjects including "WHITE CITY,the Coney Island of New Jersey," the "New Jersey State Fair," and other public interest presentations featuring Hamilton Township, Trenton, and the surrounding communities. I will also be bringing my popular "THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH" sing along programs to the Kuser Farm gazebo this spring and summer. Watch for the announcement here and also in my "Sentimental Journey" columns.

As to the above proclamation, it succinctly details those activities to which I have dedicated my senior years both as a volunteer and as a gainfully employed part time Hamiltonian. I humbly and gratefully accepted the proclamation which former Mayor Glen Gilmore was kind enough to bestow upon me, and promise to continue my various community programs as long as the Lord allows.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Tom, for answering my question and thanks for all you do - this commendation is well deserved. Future generations will have a wealth of material and resources and will be grateful.
Lakeside Girl

Friday, December 09, 2011

Anonymous said...

Tom, I visit your site often...strongly recommended by my dad and mom who grew up in Trenton in the 40's and 50's. Now I'm stuck in today's Trenton. Your site always makes me feel better...makes me wish for the better days you highlight so well. Any chance you have ANY info about Trenton's Island neighborhood? Its the ONLY place in Trenton that seems to have no history or old pictures. I have some old photos of the Flood of '55 somewhere, but that's about it. Not even pix of the Log Basin. The Island is barely holding on these days...I'd love to re-energize my neighbors with anything you might have. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Sincerely, Bill Kearney Jr.

Friday, December 09, 2011

Thank you, Bill Jr.; It is nice to hear from you! Sit down with your mom and dad sometime while they are still with you and let them tell you about the Trenton that was......no, not only the Trenton that was, but also the environment those of us who came of age in the 40's and 50's experienced. There were a number of negatives about those years, but they pale in comparison to the way society has changed in this generation. We had the good fortune of beautiful music, WHOLESOME tv and movie entertainment, and the girls your dad and I chased were indeed chaste!

Thanks again for your comment and your visit to my blog. I hope you return often. As to your request for Island material, I think there are a number of posts relating to the Cadwalader area, West End, Glen Afton, etc. Use the SEARCH feature under my home page graphic. I will look for other Island material and post it in the future.

Tom

1929: ST. VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE

From the Hamilton Library Local History Collection "CRIME-MORALS-SOCIAL VALUES" folder, this article recalling the notorious Chicago gang land massacre which occurred on Valentine's Day, 1929.

1910: VALENTINE'S DAY GREETING 112 YEARS AGO

Over the years my collection included many old "trade cards" that local businesses gave to their customers when they purchased from them. Among those lovely old lithographed cards came a number of old valentines. The above card has been re-stored to its original pristine condition with a bit of Photo Shop cutting and pasting along the frayed edges, and an enhancement and balancing of the color. Happy Valentine's Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Once upon a time, there was a custom that is no longer in vogue. Few indeed are the visitors to this blog who indulged in this charming but long forgotten annual rite. Each Valentine's day, after we had all received our valentines from that big red and white box in our classrooms, we went home and that evening, we addressed another collection of those treasured cards and walked the neighborhood to distribute them. We walked to his or her front door, slipped the valentine under the door, rang the bell and ran away. Why am I the only old guy who remembers that old custom? Was it unique to my Hartley Avenue neighborhood?

1990: REMEMBERING MY MANY VALENTINE'S DAY GIRLFRIENDS

Anyone who went to school in the early to mid 20th century will remember that big red and white box with the slot in the top where we dropped our valentines. I reposed on a table up in front of our classroom, usually next to the teacher's desk. It was a serious annual custm. Would SHE like that mushy one I sent to her? Will SHE send me one? Will anybody send me one? Hey, if you didn't get to experience the classroom Valentines Day box opening ceremony, you haven't lived!

SJBill said...

After you put your HEART into cutting the red construction paper heart, and personally inscribing the message to HER, you made it official by either folding the heart in half (to keep the message a secret), or by gluing the heat onto a paper doily - the bigger the better. This completed your third grader vision of life.

There was a transition period that we all went through. First, all official school gluing was done with LePage's Mucilage, with the rubber squeege head that got really gummy after time.

At some time in the 50s or 60s, the world quickly changed to Elmer's Glue-All.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Tom Glover said...

We didn't have those rubber tipped mucilage bottles back in my day, Joe. The war effort demanded that all rubber products be rationed. We had white wheat paste (mmmm it tasted good) along with a wooden doctor type stick to spread on the paper to be glued.

Tom Glover

Saturday, February 11, 2012