TRENTON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: A TRENTON TREASURE

I have put together a little slide show with news photos of student who attended that beautiful center of learning over the years. Click on the link below. Note: Use the "II" pause control under each graphic to read the accompanying captions. The music accompanying the program is one of my very favorite Bing Crosby songs,
"WAY BACK HOME."

http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a45784e4467334e6a633d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link

Tom: thanks for the great Trenton High School production you created. It was Top Notch. I was of the Class of 1943 , and we are having a luncheon at Freddie's in W Trenton on May 11, and one in October. Fewer and fewer are attending, but we had a wonderful class and school- with terrific memories. Thanks again for the production.

Jim
Thank you for visiting my website, Jim, I hope you return often. Thanks also for the nice comment on theTCHS presentation. Trenton High a truly great school.

1915: ODD FELLOWS HOME

I get particularly exasperated when a non resident journalist reports on an event on "Greenwood or Logan Street," "Liberty Avenue," or some other error that points to a writer who is unfamiliar with the Trenton area. The above photos are laid before my visitors. I am digitizing an old 1915 full page newspaper page filled with various roads and highways photographed in the Trenton area. The above photo somehow makes me wonder about the curve in the road you see as you journey down Pennington Road toward the Parkway Avenue intersection. There is no cure in the Google Earth map. However, the terrain has probably been changed over the years.

1936: HOLY ANGELS GRADUATING CLASS

I was only 3 when this class graduated. Those surviving students are now in their late 80's. Once again, there are numerous familiar family names in that class when Hamilton Township was much more rural, and less heavily populated.

1936: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS REUNION CAMP COLUMBUS

Once again, a number of familiar names in the photo above, including a "Millerick," Ed! I'm sure it is a relative. We Roman Catholics are very proud of the work of the Knights of Columbus 355 for all the good they do, and have done over the years. I do miss their regular spaghetti suppers that Judy and I ordered back in the years when my old friend and Kof C chef the late Frank Anama and his co-workers labored for hours getting their delicious pencil point dinners ready.

2012: A KUSER SCHOOL SLIDE SHOW PREVIEW

http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a45784d5467354e6a6b3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link

I can't imagine the Broad Street Park M.E. Church turning down "Kenzie" Rowan with the generous offer to turn his estate over to them ! However, in my many Broad Street Park files, I find that there was indeed a refusal by the church to accept his generosity. I have passed by the site of his former home and really been tempted to try my hand at relic hunting with my metal detector, but certainly don't want to be a trespasser.

This is only about 1/3 of the full page feature article relating the heritage of this magnificent church. Each Sunday morning as I journey down Centre Street to bring Communion to the folks at South Village, I am stopped at the traffic light at the intersection of Centre and Bridge Street and try to envision that edifice with the beautiful steeple as it appears in the photo. Over the years, a severe storm destroyed it. The bell still rests on the lawn on the Bridge Street side of the church.

The link below will take you to many of my Facebook entries over the past months. Navigating Facebook can be intimidating to some, so I posted the link below to take you to the main section of my page. Some of the slide shows are preserved for posterity in the Hamilton Township Library Local History Collection. Your comments will be welcome. Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001440241468

1909: TRENTON TIGERS AT TRI STATE BASEBALL FIELD

The above graphics are primitive offset photos of a Decoration Day baseball game at Trenton's Tri-State field, located on W. State Street and now the site of the old Junior 3. The Tri State League was composed of teams much like the old Interstate League of the 1940's and early 1950's.

1952: ANOTHER HHS "CLASS WITH CLASS"

The late Shirley Sneath Benton was my next door neighbor. She and her brother, the late David Sneath were very close friends. After graduation, we went our separate ways and lost contact with each other for a number of years. Shirley's pretty daughter Nancy contacted me a number of months ago, and sent me this photo, recalling Shirley's 129 Hartley Avenue years. I assume this to be Mr. Bill Collis' Social Studies class, although I am only assuming. The above photo shows a young lady in the foreground wearing a plaid skirt. Shirley is in the 3rd seat, and Madeline Bencivengo the 4th. I had a flaming crush on Madeline, but alas, my lovely Madeline among many girls who made me a another example of "unrequited love." I hope that a member of the class will contact me and identify the rest of the students in the photo.

Incidentally, I will be the guest at the class of 1952's 60th reunion in October. Details will follow.

1922: THE NEW TRENTON YMCA - E. STATE STREET

The brand spanking new Trenton YMCA building as it looked when construction was completed in October, 1922. The view on the bottom is a Google Earth "Street View" of the location at the intersection of East State Street and South Clinton Avenue. After this was posted, a visitor asked if the building remains. the vacant lot in the lower photo answers that query.

1902: ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: THE TRENTON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

This is indeed an historic keepsake from the DAILY TRUE AMERICAN describing the beautiful new Trenton Free Public Library. The page has been scanned at 300 dots per inch but the legibility may be limited due to downsizing for viewing on this web site. Happy Birthday from a grateful public for all those years of faithful service, and of course to the fabled "Trentoniana" room, now capably staffed by Ms. Wendy Nardi.

1915: CHAMBERSBURG HUNGARIANS AND GENERAL NEWS

Chambersburg has a history of a rainbow of ethnic immigration. Early on, the English and German population, and as seen in the article above, the Hungarians were present in substantial numbers. Of course "the Burg" has always been known as the preferred neighborhood for many of today's Italian Americans. Besides the classic double parking on the narrow Chambersurg streets, the early immigrants followed the old tradition of "cleanliness is next to godliness;" many of us old timers can recall residents sweeping their gutters, cleaning their porches and in many cases, washing their sidewalks.

1930: HOPEWELL JUNIOR DAIRY CLUB

Bob Warznak said...

Hi Tom,

By any chance, can you repost the picture? I'd love to see it. My mom, and two uncles were members of this club. My mom went on to win the state championship in 1949 for her Guernsey, Hillcrest Dottie's Pauline. The 4H is such a great organization.
PS. Thanks for the quick response on Purity Farms.

Bob Warznak

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I received the message above from Bob Warznak requesting that I re-post one of those deleted photos. I have been asking visitors who encounter that dreaded black spot with the "!" in it to ask for restorations. Thanks, Bob. Here's the photo you requested, and many thanks for being a visitor to my website. I hope you return often.
Tom

1910: RUSSIAN HATRED OF THE JEWS

We hear much about the Holocaust and the Nazi hatred of the Jews. History is full of stories of atrocities committed on the Jewish race. today, middle eastern nations are blatantly dedicated to the eradication of the Jewish nation. The above article is an example of the Russian hatred of the Jews. Elsewhere in the website is the story of the atrocities at Kishineff.

1907: TRENTON'S OLD "TRI-STATE"BASEBALL FIELD

This early offset newspaper photo is not as clear as I would like to see, but with a bit of Photoshopping I was able to bring out a semblance of recognition of one of Trenton's popular sports fields from the early part of the 20th century. The Tri-State league was much like the old Interstate League with teams from Lancaster, and other towns within the tri state area. It was also the host to numerous major league teams who visited for practice and exhibition games. It was located on land currently occupied by Junior 3 in the Cadwalader section of Trenton. The YMCA field was also located in that area, a bit east of the Tri-State.

1912: THE TITANI DISASTER

Above is a portion of the front page of the Titanic disaster, a week or so after the unsinkable vessel went down. I have laminated this page, and unfortunately, there is no additional pages foundup to this pointbut I am searching.

1921: JOHN FITCH: VICTIM OF POLITICS, INFLUENCE, AND BAD LUCK

Perhaps there is no sadder story in local history than found in the life and times of John Fitch, who in my mind is the true inventor of steam locomotion. There is little doubt in my mind that Fulton benefited by the early successes accomplished by John Fitch. However, as is usually the case, money, political influence, and just plain bad luck gave all the glory to Robert Fulton. The graphics above add little known evidence to the accomplishments of this man, where John Fitch Way reminds us that once upon a time, a remarkable inventor plied the waters of the Delaware in his steamboat.

1920'S: GROCERS LISTED IN THE TRENTON AREA

I have tried to enhance the text in this graphic so visitors can see if there is a grocer listed who was in your neighborhood. All these "Mom and Pop stores" have largely vanished from the scene, being replaced by impersonal "convenience stores" that are sprinkled throughout communities all over America. There are MANY grocers listed in the ad. I have already begun to look closely for any in my neighborhood. How about you?

1902: DESTRUCTIVE TORNADO HITS THE TRENTON AREA

As you can see by this partial scan of the August 12, 1902 edition of the DAILY STATE GAZETTE, the tornado ripped through the area with incredible strength; destroying many local properties. I have highlighted the damage done to the cross of my Sacred Heart Church and will include it in my "ST. JOHNS - SACRED HEART" folder in the Hamilton Library Local History Collection.

1902: PURITY MILK COMPANY - SCOTCH ROAD

I received a comment in the Kuser "STRAWBERRY HILL" post requesting info on the Purity Milk farm on the Ewing - Hopewell Twp. border. Here is one of the files I have in my database. Bob Chianese, I also received the following comment from Bob Warznak. Please see the comment below. Note also that I do not give out email addresses unless specifically permitted.

Bob Warznak said...

Hi Tom,

I have been researching Dairies from the Hopewell Township area and I would like to hear more about Purity Farms. I would also love to hear from Bob Chianese's wife, if you could put me in contact with her.

Thanks,

Bob Warznak

1924: CHAMBERSBURG BUSINESSMEN'S ASSOCIATION

This is a "stitched" double page scan from the Trenton Times of May 31, 1924. There are many memorable names in this advertisement. Note that a number of businesses are on South Broad Street, which was the original center of Chambersburg prior to the Italian section of Bayard, Emery, Chestnut, etc.

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....WOULD YOU BELIEVE WE HAD A STAR SEDAN IN THE 20'S. IT HAD SHADES ON THE WINDOWS. FLOWER VASES ON THE INSIDE WALLS, I BELIEVE IT WAS A 1926. DRIVING TO BELMAR IN THE SUMMER ON A DIRT ROAD, WE HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS UP. THE ONLY PAVED ROAD WAS TO ASBURY PARK. MY MOTHER DROVE IT FOR A SHORT WHILE AND HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH A WILNO'S LAUNDRY TRUCK AND NEVER DROVE AGAIN. I BELIEVE WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM PETE TEDESKI, A NEIGHBOR ON BERT AVE. WHO WAS WORKING FOR THE CHEVY DEALER.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Lee Belardino said...

tommy
i recognize 2 names in the ads. Max Intrologator,his son had a store on extension ave. I was acquainted with his grand daugter. Nice family; also Dietz Jewelers. Bought my 1951 class ring from them. Still got it.

Monday, April 16, 2012

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.

1905: DR. WILLIAM WETZEL'S WETZEL FIELD

Many of us have fond memories of attending Wetzel Field on Trenton's Morris Avenue and either watching a long forgotten "INDUSTRIAL LEAGUE" baseball game, perhaps a city-wide baseball championship game, or heard your great grandfather recall being at the game where Babe Ruth socked a ball completely out of the expansive ball park. This page presents a very interesting early history of what was once the home field of the Trenton High students who attended the original Trenton High School on Chestnut and Hamilton Avenues.

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....I'M ONE OF THE GREAT GRANDFATHERS WHO SAW EVERYTHING YOU MENTIONED BELOW. I SAW AND PLAYED IN MANY OF THE LEAGUE GAMES AT WETZEL AND WAS THERE WHEN THE BABE HIT ONE OUT OF THE PARK. WETZEL FIELD WAS MY SECOND HOME DURING THE 30'S AND EARLIER WHEN IT WAS ALSO A PLAYGROUND. I ALSO RECALL WATCHING MY BROTHER LOU PRACTICE FOOTBALL ON THE TRENTON HIGH TEAM IN THE 20'S; LOU GEHRIG WAS ALSO WITH THE BABE WHEN HE WAS THERE. BEST REGARDS

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Tom Glover said...

RALPH:

THIS POST IS ONE OF THE MANY REASONS I COUNT YOU AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS WEB SITE.

TOM GLOVER

Saturday, April 14, 2012

2012: LELAND "LEON" BUKER'S TRENTON TRANSIT

During my many years of living in the local area, two persons stand out as true Trenton "Mass transit" historians: my classmate, John Hoschek and my very dear friend, Leon Buker. Mrs. Buker and son Tom have graciously decided to share the incredible lifetime collection of Trenton Transit memorabilia. I have put together a slide show displaying some of Lee's wonderful collection. Fellow senior citizens and local history buffs, click on this link and go back to your younger years:

http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a45774d54677a4d54513d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM....BILL THORNTON WAS A NAME WE KNEW WHO WAS WITH TRENTON TRANSIT FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE TAKING OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE WHITE HORSE BOWLING LANES FROM CHARLEY FOX. HE ALSO WAS AN IMPORTANT OFFICER WITH THE AMERICAN BOWLING CONGRESS AND WAS A BIG HELP WHEN WE BUILT THE HAMILTON BOWLING LANES ON ROUTE 33 IN 1955. REGARDS.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

1900 and 1902: TRENTON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Trenton Free Public Library will celebrate their 110th anniversary in this year of 2012. I have been following with interest the logo contest which was given wide publicity over the past weeks. I am also very happy to see that the logo chosen was the one I would have picked, emphasizing with the "Trenton Makes" bridge as being an appropriate symbol. Below are a few of the early digital clippings from the "TRENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY" folder in the Hamilton Township Public Library's Local History Collection. The city of Trenton has fallen on hard times recently, and library access has been reduced to dangerous levels. AND TO THE TRENTON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, A VERY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU! I hope your future will be brightening as the years go by.

Sally Logan Gilman said...

Hi Tom: The Trenton Public Library was one of my favorite places when I was a journalism student at Rider College in downtown. We visited it on The Contemporary Club's Tour of Trenton event. It was a thrill for me to walk around like I had when I was a teen. It was a stop I will never forget. Thanks for the momories. Best wishes.

Friday, April 13, 2012

1916: WOOD SCHOOL STUDENT SUGGESTS IMPROVEMENTS

This school was located on the site of the Trenton Free Public Library. My father in law, the late Raymond E. Britton, told very interesting stories about his years as a graduate of Wood back in the early 20th century. Education back then was far different from that of today. Emphasis was placed not only on learning "the ABC's, but also the social graces where etiquette, courtesy, self control and appreciation of thing cultural were stressed.

1938: PENNINGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CLASS OF 1938

1935: CRACKDOWN ON "THE OLDEST PROFESSION"

"Red Light Districts:" They have been around since time immemorial. They can still be seen walking the streets of Trenton. Here's an article where the problem of prostitution was beginning to be a problem with the city fathers. Capt. Bill Dooling set about rounding up the female sirens. For obvious reasons, the name of one of the first offenders has been deleted.