2014: MAY 5th HAMILTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXCITING PROGRAM!

SORRY FOR THE LAPSE IN POSTS ON THIS WEBSITE. OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS, I HAVE BEEN HARD AT WORK PUTTING TOGETHER THE PROGRAM SHOWN IN THE ABOVE GRAPHIC. BACK TO NORMAL SOON! THANKS FOR YOUR INDULGENCE.

Tonight's program at the May meeting of the Hamilton Historical Society will be a glance back at WORLD WAR II ON THE HOME FRONT as recalled in numerous articles and photos which will be viewed in an on screen presentation. Included will be a patriotic sing along session as we recall the wonderful music of the WWII era. Hope to see you there. It is open to all residents, and free of charge.

2014: TO KICK OFF THE MONTH WHEN OUR MILITARY IS HONORED....

I hope to see some of my many visitors to this website on Monday evening as we continue on the Hamilton Historical Society's effort to bring LOCAL history to our area. We'll be seeing just a few of the many news articles from WWII which deal with the Hamilton, Trenton and Mercer County area. Blackouts, air raids, rationing, flattening those tin cans and saving cooking grease for what was known as "The War Effort." We will also sing along to many of those familiar songs from the big band era. Hope to see 'ya there! It's free and open to the public.

1896: TO FUTURE AND PRESENT VISITORS TO KUSER MANSION

Note that the beautiful sign constructed by the Boy Scouts outside the Kuser Mansion is in error. Had it been put up next to the Goldy farm house that once was on the site of Kuser Farm, it would be accurate.Construction of the Fred and Theresa Kuser "Country Home"  home was finished in 1896, not 1892.

2014: DON'T MISS THE MAY 5TH MEETING OF THE HAMILTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY!

 

Our April 2014 Hamilton Township Historical Society program was a rousing success! We're going to do it again. Those who decide to come back to the Hamilton Library's Room 3 "Little Theater" will once again experience local history in live living color! Our May meeting will be a nostalgic historic and musical fun-filled trip back to the HOME FRONT on the local scene during World War II as Tom Glover unravels memories of war rationing, air raids, air raid wardens, Nazi spies, Vee Mail, and countless other long forgotten vestiges of a very frightening era in American history. The program is completely free and open to all citizens who are within driving distance of the Hamilton library on Justice Samuel Alito way.

The meeting starts at 7 PM sharp, with a short business meeting. Refreshments will be served and if you can, think consider bringing a pack of cookies, donuts or other refreshments. We're all volunteers here. I hope to see you there!

1926: THERESA DOELGER KUSER OBIT

For many years, one of the targets of my historical research has been centered around my "Kuser Farm" folder; our local treasure in Hamilton Township, and also on the Kuser Family. My "Kuser Family-Related" folder now has 730 files in 4 folders as I continue to add additional photos, articles and files in the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. Mrs. Theresa Kuser was a very religious woman and weather permitting she walked the flat second floor roof on the Kuser "Country Home," (now referred to as the Kuser Mansion), saying her Rosary every night.

1964: HI TECH IN FLIGHT TELEVISION!

As that old cigarette commercial had for a slogan back in the day, "You've Come a Long Way, Baby,"here is mute testimony to that fact. As I read this ad from a 1964 TIME magazine article, I assured myself that they couldn't watch live television while in the air traveling away from the transmitting antenna of a specific city. Apparently they were using one of those newfangled "Betamax" tape recorders.

1951: HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL WASHINGTON TRIP

Thanks  to Mrs. Barbara Eckert Baggott for this photo taken by our classmate, the late Bill Baggott II. What wonderful memories surround that now antiquated structure! I certainly don't know about your high school, but back in the 40's and 50's the Hotel Plaza was where Hamilton High seniors went for the annual "Washington Trip." It was a time when the childhood leash was taken off our collective necks and we had a chance to show how mature we were. Some of the guys sported a meerschaum pipe to give him that debonaire and oh so mature look, while others of us puffed on a Lucky Strike. The girls played their maturity role as well as they assumed a demure "come hither" glance at one of their male interests. What memories!

2014: A HAPPY AND HOLY EASTER TO ALL OUR HAMILTON LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY FRIENDS!

1916: THE CHANDLER PALRUBA FIRE, YARDVI.LLE

This was one of the area's very tragic fires.

1951 - 1992 - 2014: I THINK IT'S CALLED "PROGRESS."

What a joy it was to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Hamilton High School's Class of 1951 at Mercer Oaks last Sunday, April 13! It was so nice to spend those few fleeting hours recalling those dear old golden rule days with frequent contemporary interruptions referring to arthritis, pain pills, and our various octogenarian physical maladies. Among other things, we discussed the incredible differences found in our school experiences and the society in which we grew up when compared with the drastic societal changes in 21st century America. The above graphic contains a re-formatted column I wrote 23 years ago when even then society's fabric was gradually tearing more and more each day. To the right is a treasure which is indeed a personal treasure to me. My dear classmate Ms. Carol Sine Black (who has an uncanny resemblance to my late Cousin Ruth Williamson Gore) saved the beautiful card with the famous Emerson quote on it. Carol, along with many of the choir at Hamilton High School were taught by Miss Louise Simpson Baird, who not only taught is the beauty of music, but also the elusive search for a meaningful existence. In addition to that classic Emerson quote from Carol, here are two additional quotations which Miss Baird asked us to commit to memory; I memorized them all:

"The true test of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out."

"Make the world a bit more beautiful because you have lived in it."

1912: THE TITANIC DISASTER: A notable victim

One hundred years ago, the horrible "Titanic disaster" occurred. One of the local victims was Charles G. Roebling. Here's an August article from the Trenton Daily State Gazette. 

2014: THE HAMILTON TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY APRIL 7 MEETING

Despite a blustery and very rainy night, the "Little Theater" at the Hamilton Township Public Library was filled to capacity on Monday evening, April 7th as the Hamilton Township Historical Society kicked off the 2014 season with what Broadway's fabled  "Variety" magazine would categorize as a "Boffo SRO crowd." To add to the wonderful and educational meeting, former Mayor Jack Rafferty, himself an accomplished historian, came to the meeting with my old friend, Viet Nam vet and Mayor's Patriotic Committee officer, Ronny Stewart. Their attendance gave much needed boost to the credibility of our cause. Did we ever have a good time! The Hamilton Township Historical Society has been on the wrong path even as far back as when I served as president of the group, with programs  having little to do with our incredible local history. With Dr. James Federici as our new president, we have embarked on an exciting new series of programs which will be of interest to not only Hamiltonians, but to Trentonians and  Mercer County. 

The next meeting on May 5th will also be devoted to local history as we present a program entitled, "ON THE HOME FRONT;" a pre-Memorial Day patriotic program  devoted to the military and life on the home front during World War II. You will learn about Blackouts, Air Raid Wardens, the Fifth Column, Rationing, and countless other war years articles and photos in a fascinating on-screen presentation. Included in the program will be time set aside for a musical sing along of patriotic music from "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'round the Old Oak Tree" to "Anchors Aweigh," "I'll Be Seeing You," and other songs to bring back those treasured memories. Details to follow; stay tuned!

1873 and 1980's ADAM EXTON'S CRACKER FACTORY

Some of my more popular history related columns revolved around a fictional Trenton newspaper "stringer" named "Lawson Tattler." (A stringer is a neighborhood freelancer who writes for local newspapers when requested). Lawson may be a fictional figment of my imagination, but the questions he asks and the response he receives are historically true. Above is one of those interviews; there will be future "Tattler" interviews in my Times of Trenton "Sentimental Journey" in future editions. 

1951: BABE RUTH WORLD SERIES PLAYED IN HAMILTON

It was big news back in August, 1951 when Hamilton Township hosted the Babe Ruth World Series. In the photo above, we see Mr. Cliff Fovour, one of the founders of the league, throws out the first pitch. This was a red letter day in the history of Hamilton sports.

MANY THANKS TO MY FRIEND, GEORGE GOLDY FOR THIS INTERESTING INSIGHT INTO THE ABOVE COLUMN:

Tom

In 1951 the Little Bigger League came into existence in Yardville to give boys a place to play after Little League. Later it evolved into the Babe Ruth League and went national. I was in the athletic officials group at HHS in 51 and we were asked to umpire games for the league. A few of us did and we were paid a cap and shirt. (The days of volunteering). Later I spent 16 years at Switlik as a coach and manager 1972 to 1987. We were never allowed to host the world series in all the years because the facility was not adequate (covered stands, parking, etc) I believe they allowed the series to be held in 2001 because of the 50th anniversary.

 

George Goldy

2014: TRUE LOCAL HISTORY COMING TO HAMILTON-TRENTON, AND MERCER COUNTY!

The digital age has proven over and over to give credibility to my 20 year old slogan, "The Computer and Local History: Perfect Together." On Monday evening April 7th in Room 3 of the Hamilton Township Public Library at 7 P.M., the Hamilton Township Historical Society will begin the year 2014 with a completely new and very exciting program which will bring truly LOCAL history to the Hamilton-Trenton area. Incoming Society president, Dr. Jim Federici agrees with me that it is time to open the floodgates and let the public see and experience local history in graphic form. Along with me, Dr. Federici agrees that truly LOCAL history will be of much more interest to the public than out of town speakers speaking on out of town or non local interest subjects. This is an exciting new departure in programming. The details of the meeting are in the Program and Activities flyer above. This is a completely free program and open to ALL area residents from Hamilton, Trenton, and indeed to all within travelling distance of the Hamilton Township Public Library.
Questions? E-mail me at tglover320@optimum.net

1938: THE UNION TIRE SHOP, 38 UNION STREET CORNER OF NEW STREET

Mr. Tom Tighue is very proficient at  the task of finding these old Trenton tax photos from the Trenton Free Public Library's Trentoniana Collection. The graphic is a splendid example of one of the countless merchants who once inhabited the community known as "Jewtown;" due to the area being settled in a large part by those of Jewish extraction. I have an intense interest in that area of Trenton before before it became the victim of "urban renewal" back in the 1960's. Unfortunately, most of these old tax photos were overwritten with a white marker and many of them obliterated the detail in the photo. Fortunately a bit of time consuming PhotoShop image I have altered this photo to its original status. 

For some reason, one of my regular and very valuable contributors, Mike Kuzma has been posting comments which for some reason have been segregated as Spam. I have an editor section and he was once again listed as spam. I have no idea why, and Google Blogger is not into giving personal attention to problems. Mike, next time you comment, sign in using "ANONYMOUS" and sign your comment if you aren't already doing so. 

FOLLOWING IS MIKE'S VERY INTERESTING AND HISTORICALLY VALUABLE COMMENT:

Tom:
This tire store was run by the Kravitz family. The photo shown was before my ability to get a drivers license. Although there are those who say I was around before Methuselah. When old enough in the late 40's early 50's I spent a lot of time here with Dave, and Mendy Kravitz, and bought many a tire from them. Never new, since that was beyond my pocketbook.
The Kravitz's were neighbors and good businessmen. Fair, honest and trustworthy. As the City's chief Real Estate Officer, I bought them and many other homes and businesses in my "Jewtown" neighborhood. The grandson of the founder; Allen ran the business when they relocated to W.Hanover St. just before Calhoun.
I too have been to the Trenton Library and gleaned some photos from the Trentoniana Collection.
One of which I carried to Jacksonville NC to present to Itcy Popkin who grew up in the block prior to the address on Union St. Itchy a very very prominent businessman today was thrilled abd deeply appreciative of have vestigages of his childhood to share with his grandchildren.
We all appreciate your efforts in this regard.
Keep up the good work.

Thanks again, and best regards

Mike Kuzma

Friday, April 04, 2014

 

2000: THE RAFFERTY YEARS 1969 - 2000

It was a time of relative prosperity. It was also an era that saw groundswell changes in the character of Hamilton Township. The township we old timers remember was a very rural area surrounded by the villages of Bromley, Mercerville, Hamilton Square Yardville, Groveville, White Horse, and Deutzville. As a "Bromleyite" for well over 60 years, I recall former Mayor Jack Rafferty improving the area with attractive sidewalks and old fashioned street lights. During his administration Mayor Rafferty changed former Mayor Maurice Perilli's "Hamilton Park" into Veterans' Park; a local community treasure. It was during Jack's years that today's Kuser Farm was acquired. Prior to the acquisition, Edna Kuser, who was a registered Democrat, asked former Democratic Mayor Maurice Perilli for advice on how to go about transferring the land to the township for a public park. She agreed with Maury that developers would love to clear the land and develop the 70 acres into a neighborhood of homes. According to Maury, he assured Mrs. Kuser that then Mayor Jack Rafferty was very history minded and an ardent supporter of the Green Acres program. The rest is history. Jack Rafferty will go down in history as the mayor who changed rural Hamilton into the growing megalopolis we have today. The graphic illustrated and describes the Rafferty years quite completely. As a final note, were it not for former Mayor Jack Rafferty, along with then Mayoral Aide "Mo" Rossi and Business Administrator Joe Bellina, there would be no Hamilton Township Local History program. Thanks, Jack; the success of our efforts here at the Hamilton Library in bringing local history to the fore, has been a smashing and ongoing success!

1995: SACRED HEART SCHOOL: EDUCATION AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE

One of the tragedies of recent years has been the demise of Roman Catholic grammar schools. The above article tells the sad story of the demise of Sacred Heart grammar school; a school that was on par in academic excellence with affluent schools in affluent areas. 

2000 AND 1958: SAVING OR DESTROYING HISTORY; A DILEMMA

I often wonder just how much incredibly important historic material has been thrown into the re-cycle bin by those who do not understand the importance of historic preservation. I recall years ago when the Trenton Police were moving out of the Second Precinct building on South Broad Street. Untold historic treasures were flying out of the upper story windows and into a recycling receptacle below. Undoubtedly there were documents and photos in that project that should not be available to the public for obvious reasons. On the other hand, there was probably very valuable historic material dropping into that huge recycle bucket 3 stories below. The extract above is a glaring example of history being destroyed. Were it not for then Trenton Library Director Robert Coumbe, those tax photos would have been recycled and lost to posterity. Above is a photo from the Trenton tax office collection of various Trenton locations. The originals all had hand written identification information scrawled across the bottom of each photo which I have removed. Unfortunately, many of these tax photos were taken hastily with little attention being paid to focusing the camera on the subject.

1903-1909-1926 TRENTON'S HISTORIC "OLD BARRACKS"

It has always been a complete mystery to me why our town fathers back in the 19th and into the 20th century failed to capitalize on the incredible history of one of the most historic cities in America. As I page through millions of local history pages, I see countless articles and photos of the destruction of incredibly historic buildings; all in the name of "progress."  However, one of our Trenton treasures still exists and thanks to the wonderful folks who staff Trenton's historic "Old Barracks," a priceless treasure has survived.  

1903: THE OLD MARKET ON NORTH GREENE STREET

Once again, I draw on a splendid engraving of the old market that once ran up the middle of North Broad Street to Academy Street. A partial view of Trenton City Hall can be seen on the far right, under my "1903" date addition. There are currently 71 articles and photos in the "MARKETS-TRENTON" folder and more will be added as they are encountered as I journey through millions of pages of old Trenton newspapers. 

1903 AND 1909: ST. MICHAEL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

I really love those old engravings that were published in the newspaper before the advent of photographs. Above is a pristine scan and enhancement of historic St. Michael's Church on No. Broad Street. We all know the history of that incredibly historic edifice and the part it played in the battle of Trenton. I was baptized and confirmed in this church back in the late 1930's. My father's British roots obviously the main reason. 

1927: A VERY PLEASANT "DRIVE BY"

Google Earth has opened a whole new world for those of us who are interested in travelling to locations referred to in old newspaper articles. Such is the case with the graphic herewith that shows the wonderful beautification effort completed by Mrs. Martha Hunt of 104 Spring Street in Trenton. I have modified the Google Earth view and removed the text which was overprinted on the street view. As you can see, 104 Spring Street is much the same as it was structurally, but those charming window shutters are no more, and the wooded gateway to the alley has been replaced by a chain link fence and gate. I really love those sloping Mansard roofs that were so much in evidence in earlier years. 

2014: TOM GLOVER'S SUNDAY KUSER PARK GAZEBO PROGRAM

When you're out in those wide open spaces at Kuser Park, there will never be a standing room only crowd coming to my Sunday afternoon music/nostalgia presentations. The reason is obvious:For many years, professional musicians performed here. That was before the recreational financial expenses had to be curtailed. It all happened back during former Mayor Glenn Gilmore's administration, when the cuts were made. We were left without the wonderful music of my friend Dick Chimes and his Polish Polka band, Bob Smith and his Lamplighters, The Daisy Jug Band, and many other wonderful talented musicians. With all the humility I could muster, I volunteered to fill the void with my non professional music. My offer was accepted, and the standing room only crowds that had been attending the music from the aforementioned professionals, diminished to a precious few. But how those few enjoyed our little Sunday sing alongs! This year, assuming that Hamilton Township wants me back, it is my intent to return for my 8th (or is it 9th?) summer. This year, I am going to extend the season, and also experiment with outdoor computer projection in order to see if bright daylight will be too much for screen legibility with words to the songs projected on a movie screen. Stay tuned!

1986: BURMA SHAVE; A MADISON AVENUE CLASSIC

How we loved to read those rural highway signs back in the 1940's when "BURMA SHAVE" was a very popular product. With the proliferation of tasteless, sometimes vulgar but mostly immature 18 to 49 year olds manning the desks of the advertising agencies, it is a refreshing look back at how a product can endear we consumers. Burma Shave was one such product. Here's an article I wrote years ago for the late, great MERCER MESSENGER, Wayne Davis, Editor

1909 1902 THE LALOR FARM AND LALOR PARK TRACT

The area in which Liberty Street and Chestnut Avenue meet is the general area of the Lalor Park Tract as illustrated in these old graphics from the early part of the 20th century. I have inserted an extract from my map collection to give a better idea of the neighborhood. This and the post that follows deal with the Lalor family and their extensive real estate from the Broad Street Park Boundary to The D&R Canal, and inland to include Hancock Street, Woolverton Avenue, Home Avenue and streets on the East Side of Lalor Street.

TOM GLOVER'S "RINGS 'N THINGS"

This article I wrote many years ago proves that a young boy's hormones begin to stir at a very early age. My very first girl friend was in the third grade "Glee Club. Her name was Shirley and we were a natural pair way back in 3rd grade when we sang together. The article here jumps ahead a few years when little Tommy Glover was fascinated by two Madelyns; Madelyn Lear and  Madeline Bencivengo. It would have been appropriate had I entitled this piece, "Unrequited Love." Look it up.

1869: THE LENTEN SEASON IN YEARS PAST

We Roman Catholics take the Lenten season very seriously. Here's an 1869 article on the season of

 Lent as observed in 1869. When I was a member of Trenton's Sacred Heart Parish during the time 

when Father Mick Lambeth was Pastor, I was one of the 4 or 5 Lectors to do a reading during a 

Tenebrae service. It was the first time I ever heard the word or witnessed the service in other churches.

1983: WE CALLED IT "CRUISING."

THIRTY YEARS! Yes, it's been 30 years since I penned this two parter recalling one of the most looked forward teen age events, Cruising the Trenton area on a Thursday night when all the downtown Trenton stores are open for business, and when Trenton was light years different from the Trenton of today. The streets were teeming with downtown shoppers, and it was just plain harmless fun for those of us newly licensed drivers to cruise around town and ogle the lovely ladies who were exiting their respective stores and offices as the 9 o'clock closing hour approached. C'mon back with me to 1952; you're gonna go cruisin' with me and my best buddy, Don Slabicki.