The venerable old Colonial town of
Trenton was changed forever on that fateful April of 1968. Gone were
honest, respected businesses that had survived in the downtown Trenton
for decades. Convery's Dunham's Elsie Gallivan, and many other anchor
stores fled the city to the safer suburbs as their downtown stores were
looted, burned and destroyed. Innocent business owners' buildings were
decimated, valuables looted and Trenton was left in chaos. The carnage
was done as vengeance for an unspeakable incident with which those
downtown merchants had nothing to do with.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2015
1939 - 1960: MEMORIES OF MY KUSER FARM
What a wonderful gift God has given to me! At the much too rapidly advancing age of 82, I have been gifted with the ability to digitize my life! Well, not only my life, but many of my fellow citizens as I am able to bring photos, articles, ephemera, nostalgia and countless other physically visible memories of years gone by. Above is an example of a small remnant of time relating to my beloved Kuser Farm. One of the many questions people have asked me over the years relates to the fabled dining room which doubled as the Kuser Farm little theater. Today. As can be seen in the October, 1931 news clipping from my collection, William Fox was helped along in his efforts to establish a motion picture company. With the recent addition of the "talkies" in the late 1920's, the industry mushroomed and many film companies were established. The Kuser boys were instrumental in giving William Fox a financial interest in his film company which over the years would evolve into 20th Century Fox films. One of the perks the Kuser family got in return was the privilege of screening any and ALL movies released by the studio before they were introduced to the public. New York City's famous "Roxy" theater was the flagship theater for 20th Century Fox. The Glover connection to the Kusers began way back in 1938 when my brother Bud worked at odd jobs at the Kuser Farm. Bud went to to become an operator of the Kuser 35 millimeter Simplex-Acme portable projectors; a task he quickly learned. When brother Bud entered the Navy in 1945, I assumed his position at the farm. During our years of working for Fred and Edna Kuser from 1945 up to adulthood, when my best buddy Don Slabicki and I married and started our families. I didn't have the very necessary ability to run those projectors as did my brother. However, my buddy Don Slabicki was the one who became the replacement for my brother. I hope to do a Kuser Mansion program in the future, relating to my years at a place I consider to be my "outdoor chapel." Stay tuned.
Monday, September 28, 2015
1983: COLONIAL VFD "BIG JOHN LENHARDT
1983: COLONIAL VFD: THE FIRE COMPANY OF MY CHILDHOOD It was
there when I was a boy during WWII. The scary Colonial siren went off every
time there was a fire in our neighborhood, and during those frightening
"blackouts" that were part of the scene during the early years of the
war when there was thought to be the possibility of an enemy air attack. It was
there when I was a teenager and my dear friend Jesse Anderson joined as a
volunteer at the tender age of 17. I can still see that blue light and "COLONIAL
VFD" emblem on the front of his 1940 Pontiac sedan. Memories of Chief John
Lenhardt with the stump of a lit cigarette burning every closer to his lips.
"Big John," who was the consummate Fire Chief; always ready, any
hour, day or night. It was the boys in his family, all of whom I seem to recall
becoming dedicated fire fighters. It was young John, moving to the Mercerville
area and becoming Chief of that fire company after serving at Colonial. The
memories just keep on coming. 1983: COLONIAL VFD: THE FIRE COMPANY OF MY
CHILDHOOD It was there when I was a boy during WWII. The scary Colonial siren
went off every time there was a fire in our neighborhood, and during those
frightening "blackouts" that were part of the scene during the early
years of the war when there was thought to be the possibility of an enemy air
attack. It was there when I was a teenager and my dear friend Jesse Anderson
joined as a volunteer at the tender age of 17. I can still see that blue light
and "COLONIAL VFD" emblem on the front of his 1940 Pontiac sedan.
Memories of Chief John Lenhardt with the stump of a lit cigarette burning every
closer to his lips. "Big John," who was the consummate Fire Chief;
always ready, any hour, day or night. It was the boys in his family, all of
whom I seem to recall becoming dedicated fire fighters. It was young John,
moving to the Mercerville area and becoming Chief of that fire company after
serving at Colonial. The memories just keep on coming.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
1912: GROVEVILLE'S WESLEY GROVE.
My dear friend, the late Bob Simpkins was the real, genuine
Hamilton Historian, Bob passed away at the ripe old age of 102 and left behind
the legacy of being one of those responsible for the restoration of Hamilton
Township’s colonial treasure, the John Abbott II house on Kuser Road. Bob often
spoke of the Yardville-Groveville area of Hamilton, and in my files I have
found this graphic telling of the legendary “Wesley Grove” which I put together
a number of years ago.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Few people outside of my Hamilton neighborhood will recognize what was
the very best bakery in our area up to the time they closed in the
1970's. Mr. Nowak (pronounced "NoVock" )was a Polish gentleman who had the most
incredible bakery business going back to the late 1930's. I remember as a
boy he had a delivery truck where he delivered his baked goods to many
of his fellow customers who immigrated from Poland. My best buddy Don
Slabicki's family was one of his customers. Fast forward 20 years
or so and the building in the photo, still standing on Hamilton's
Partridge Avenue was where one could get what I can only describe as
baked delicacies. After Mr. and Mrs Nowak passed away, son Stanley took
over the business and the family baking formulas for the various
products. Mine happened to be the Nowak Coconut Melt aways. This bakery
was so popular folks had to get there early on a Sunday morning before
they sold out. They limited their baking schedule to only one per day.
Stan old me how he would get up each Sunday morning at 3 A.M. and bake
until dawn and open the shop. Any Facebook visitor to this page will
agree with my assessment of what I consider to be the very bast bake
shop that unfortunately is now a vacant building. How I miss those
Sunday morning melt-aways and "sticky buns!"
Monday, September 14, 2015
When I started my volunteer "singalong" program at Kuser Park 9 years
ago, I found that there are many local area citizens who love to
remember the "MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH;" which just happens to be the
moniker I chose for this weekly summer Sunday concert series. As I
explained to my friend, former Mayor Glenn Gilmore back in the early
90's, when I volunteered to do this weekly program, I am not a
professional vocalist, but according to Miss Louise Baird, my Hamilton
High School vocal music teacher, I am
among those fortunate enough to be gifted with what is called "perfect
pitch." I have been singing for well over 75 of my 80 plus years from
our countless around-the-piano family singing when I was only 4 or 5,
all through my grammar and high school years, and even when I formed a
group of 3 other buddies from my company in the U.S. Army where we sang
for hours and hours during my time in the army. The accompanying photo
was taken by a member of my partner Jack Pyrah's family. We were, singing
along to "In the Garden:" ("I come to the garden alone, while the dew
is still on the roses, and the song I hear falling on my ear, the son of
God discloses....and He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He
tells me I am his own..": The young lady standing with my partner Jack is
Miss Kathleen Fennimore. She got out on the dance floor as I was
singing "Far Away Places" at our program yesterday afternoon, and as I sang
she was dancing and "signing" the lyrics (hand signs for the hearing
impaired). It was one of "those moments" for all who were there as
Kathleen visually interpreted each word I sang.
Friday, September 11, 2015
1945: THE WAR IS OVER; LET'S CELEBRATE!
The war to end all wars was over and it was time to welcome in the new
year of 1946. Thirteen year old Tommy Glover was entering Hamilton High School as a
Freshman at the Kuser School's Kuser Annex, where his neighborhood attended before going to 10th grade sophomore year at Hamilton High. Look at all those places one could go to celebrate!
It was the year of "The Bells of St. Mary's" with Bing Crosby and Ingrid
Bergman in a move that still brings me to tears as a convert to the
Faith. So beautiful! As to the full page graphic, there are countless
venues I recognize and many of my visitors will too
Thursday, September 10, 2015
1935: WHEN TIMES WERE TOUGH AND A ROAST BEEF DINNER COULD BE HAD FOR FIFTEEN CENTS!
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
2015: HERE COMES SEPTEMBERFEST, 2015!
Here are a few of the graphics I have digitized from the "SEPTEMBER FEST" folder in the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. The top graphic brings us then Mayor Jack Rafferty's ingeniously named "Seymore of Hamilton;" a beaver who delighted many a young child. Jack Rafferty was not only a great Hamilton Mayor, he also had some very progressive (as in progress, not political) ideas including the enhancement of former Hamilton Mayor Maury Perilli's "Hamilton Park" into "Veterans Park.) acquisition of Kuser Park, Sayen Gardens, the Kuser Park summer concerts which brought quality big name entertainers like Bob Smith's Lamplighters, Benny Snyder Orchestra, Dick Chime Polka band and many other quality programs that filled the gazebo area of Kuser Park with local citizens who loved nostalgic music in as bucolic Victorian setting.
Saturday, September 05, 2015
1936: SCOUT MASTER WEBSTER GRIMM
Old friend of the Glover family, Webster "Webb" Grimm; Scoutmaster in Hamilton. Webb worked with my brother, the late Len Glover leading a group of young boys in the "Lynx" club. Webb was one of my fellow singers at the senior group "Happy Hearts" where I presented my music program back in the 80's and early 90's. Webb has a very respectably singing voice. The Grimm family has an interesting historical heritage in Hamilton. Willard Grimm was a respected Judge in Hamilton. His son Webster a graduate of Hamilton High School, carried on the Grimm family heritage with his insurance agency on Greenwood Avenue in Bromley. Indeed he was my insurance agent all during my married years until he retired. Carrying on the Grimm family heritage is our mayor, the Lovely Kelly Yaede, whose mom Cindy Grimm Yaede is the daughter of Webster Grimm.
Friday, September 04, 2015
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.
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM TOM:
This is a re-run of a post from 2010, complete with the comments that resulted. (See below). Close scrutiny will show that the source is mine. This graphic has appeared numerous times at different web locations and not identified by the post person crediting the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. It is a time consuming task putting these graphics together and as ethics dictate, credit should go where credit is due. Please note that this is not accusing anyone of wrong doing; rather it is a reminder that any and all graphics on my website are free for you to download for whatever reason, but I humbly request that you cite this website as the source when you post elsewhere. As you might guess, posting the 8,000 plus pages on this site has made me quite familiar with graphics that have a unique character. (Date, size, headings, etc.) This post has the identifying info in a very inconspicuous location at the top of the page over the "Who is this beautiful masked rider?"
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM TOM:
This is a re-run of a post from 2010, complete with the comments that resulted. (See below). Close scrutiny will show that the source is mine. This graphic has appeared numerous times at different web locations and not identified by the post person crediting the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. It is a time consuming task putting these graphics together and as ethics dictate, credit should go where credit is due. Please note that this is not accusing anyone of wrong doing; rather it is a reminder that any and all graphics on my website are free for you to download for whatever reason, but I humbly request that you cite this website as the source when you post elsewhere. As you might guess, posting the 8,000 plus pages on this site has made me quite familiar with graphics that have a unique character. (Date, size, headings, etc.) This post has the identifying info in a very inconspicuous location at the top of the page over the "Who is this beautiful masked rider?"
5 comments:
-
- Tom - So who was that masked mystery rider on the White Horse? Does anyone know?
Lakeside Girl -
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
-
- Tom,"Girl"
I think this might be Millie Roase, who became the Wife of Carney Rose. Millie was a nurse before marrying Carney and an excellent horsewoman in her own right. To support this theory, they both ran a hack stable just a short ride west of the site of the White horse lanes where the Sewer plant was ultimately built.
I spent many years with Carney and Mille as a kid.
Regards
Mike Kuzma, AKA Lash LaRue a name Carney Tagged me with. -
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
- Tom Glover said...
- Lash LaRue! Mike, he was one of my western movie heroes along with Ken
Maynard, George O'Brien, Hopalong, and all those guys in the white hats
riding on white horses.
-
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
- SJBill said...
- White Horse Bowling Academy - not ever your average bowling alley was it?
We rode from S. Clinton in the Burg to White Horse on Saturday mornings for a Junior Bowling League - in which we perofred rather well. I was in Jr. 4 at the time, and can still remember most of my team mates names.
It as at the snack bar where I learned the secret delights of dipping french fries in ketchup.
Wasn't there a fire in the 50s that burned down much of the establishment? They rebuilt and re-opened with double the lanes, and they were all AMF automatic pinsetters. Our days as pinboys at Heil's were numbered.
Yet another "academy was nearby: Rose's Riding Academy. Again we rode bikes down Independence Drive up to Carney's ranch and rented his finest stallions for about an hour. I rode one that had to be 30+ years old named Colonel. All he could do was walk - he had NO gallup gear whatsoever. And when I rode him he usually wanted to roll over on his side and try to crush me. We had to ride the oval track by the road. Kids were not allowed to venture down the paths to White City. Oh, what wonderful memories! -
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
-
- What a goof I am I guess........at first I thought ZORRO!!!!!!!! LOL
-
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Thursday, September 03, 2015
1941: HARRY PODMORE'S "TRENTON IN BYGONE DAYS"
Harry Podmore, and John Cleary before him were always of interest to me as a young boy. I became an avid follower of these two historians and their "Bygone Days" columns right up to the time when the late, great Bill Dwyer took over the reins. Now to the above graphics. They are from the same January 1941 column and took up nearly 12 inches of the newspaper page. It occurred to me that it would be much more relevant to historians and researchers if extracts from different subjects were to be cut and pasted into an easily read article featuring one specific subject. Additionally, the original Dolton's Block Bygone Days portion was extracted, and from my own history database a vintage newspaper photo of the Dolton building was placed aside the BGD column with a mini map of the area showing where the building is located. Unfortunately, I am unable to determine whether the building was on the South or Northwest corner of the intersection.
As this blog approaches 900,000 "hits," it is nice to know that part of its success is due to visitors who add historical articles, photos and maps to those which I post. Such was the case with visitor Rich Sauers who was kind enough to do research and come up with these two graphics which focus on the actual location of Dolton's Block. Many thanks Rich; your two scans are much appreciated and I can now remove the last line of my original caption "I am unable to determine whether the building was on the South or Northwest corner of the intersection."Rich's scans follow along with his email to me. THANKS, RICH!
As this blog approaches 900,000 "hits," it is nice to know that part of its success is due to visitors who add historical articles, photos and maps to those which I post. Such was the case with visitor Rich Sauers who was kind enough to do research and come up with these two graphics which focus on the actual location of Dolton's Block. Many thanks Rich; your two scans are much appreciated and I can now remove the last line of my original caption "I am unable to determine whether the building was on the South or Northwest corner of the intersection."Rich's scans follow along with his email to me. THANKS, RICH!
Mr. Glover,
Great blog, been reading for quite a while.
Today's post about Dolton's Block caught my eye, and sent me online for a bit of internet research this evening.
A
panoramic map of Trenton by Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler in 1874 had
Dolton's Block highlighted as number 10. That view (detail from map
attached) shows that the photo in your article shows Dolton's Block
facing Warren Street, and from Google Maps it looks to have been
directly across the street from today's Warren Street Plaza. Evert and
Stewart's 1875 county atlas also marked the block's location (also
attached).
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
1934: CHAMBERSBURG DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION
Here's a full page devoted to "the old Borough" as it was known back in the early 1930's. Note the incredible bargains in those years when money was hard to come by. Guys from my g eneration will remember those "High Tops" with the penknife on the side of the boot.
1937: ETTA KETT PAPER DOLL FROM THE "NOSTALGIA" FOLDER
"I'm gonna buy a paper doll that I can call my own,
A doll that other fellows cannot steal,
And then those flirty flirty guys with their flirty flirty eyes,
Will have to flirt with dollies that are real.
When I get home at night she'll be there waiting,
She'll be the truest doll in all the world,
I'd rather have a paper doll that I could call my own,
Than have a fickle minded real live girl"
Yeah, I've sung that one at a number of my music programs. As It was a hit back in the 1940's when the "Ink Spots" sang it back during the big band era, which just happens to be the era along with the 1950's that I prefer. There were no "wardrobe malfunctions" or "twerking teenagers" just singers of dreamy songs. The music had uplifting, wholesome and melodic character. Not that there weren't songs that were "borderline" insofar as social acceptability was concerned. I remember when Mom Glover heard that bawdy 1940's song, "Take it off, take it off cried the boys in the rear...." (Queenie the cutey of the burlesque show") She was sure the country was rapidly becoming Sodom and Gomorrah. As to the Etta Kett paper doll, I remember my sister had a collection of them and traded them with her friend Dolores Slabicki just like I traded many of my baseball and war cards.
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
1961: ST. ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL - IN THE BEGINNING
I remember standing among the corn stubble on the Kuser Farm cornfield with many of our St. Anthony parishioners as the field was blessed and result in what I call "miracle of labor." The above article will recall those early years and refer to many of the "movers and shakers" literally spent countless hours in hard labor making Monsignor McCorristin's dream come true. Read on.
Monday, August 31, 2015
2016: "BY JOVE," AS THEY USED TO SAY, "I THINK THE COUNTRY IS GOING MAD."
What possible "statement" is that beautiful lady trying to make? THESE PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY PURCHASING NEW JEANS WITH RIPS AND TEARS IN THEM. P.T. Barnum was right.
2015: THE WOMAN WHO INFLUENCED MY LIFE AND MADE ME THE PERSON I AM TODAY SOME 60 YEARS LATER
I was one of many fortunate Hamilton High School students who studied and performed under the tutelage of Miss Louise Baird who was the vocal music teacher there from the first year of Hamilton High School until she retired in 1961. I will be forever indebted to her for instilling a love of music and philosophy.
Friday, August 28, 2015
2015: WWII HISTORY IF FLYING INTO MERCER AIRPORT!
THIS WAS EMAILED TO ME THIS MORNING. THE PHOTOS ARE FROM THE WEBSITE CITED BELOW.
For Immediate Release
The Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator and North American P-51 Mustang Announce Unique Display in Trenton at Trenton Mercer Airport from August 31 to September 2
In honor of our WWII Veterans ~ The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour Brings Extremely Rare Bomber and Fighter Aircraft for Local Living History Display as Part of 110-city Nationwide Tour
WHAT: Participating in the Collings Foundation’s WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter, will fly into Trenton Mercer Airport in Trenton, NJ for a visit from August 31 to September 2. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only 8 in flying condition in the United States, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out - $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. WWII Veterans can tour through the aircraft at no cost. Discounted rates for school groups. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighter! P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.
WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Trenton Mercer Airport in Trenton located at Landmark Aviation 300 Scotch Road.
WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Trenton Mercer Airport at 2:00 PM on August 31 and will be on display at Landmark Aviation at Trenton Mercer Airport until the aircraft departs September 2 after 12:00 PM. Hours of ground tours and display are: 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Monday, August 31; 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1; 9:00 AM through 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 2. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.
WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing “living history” events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR is celebrating its 26th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24 & P-51 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.
WHY: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve. The B-17 & B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers “Little Friend” – saving countless crews from attacking axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 & P-51 - and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location we encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around! Visitors can find out more by visiting our website at .www.collingsfoundation.org
For further information e-mail Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org or 800-568-8924.
For Immediate Release
The Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator and North American P-51 Mustang Announce Unique Display in Trenton at Trenton Mercer Airport from August 31 to September 2
In honor of our WWII Veterans ~ The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour Brings Extremely Rare Bomber and Fighter Aircraft for Local Living History Display as Part of 110-city Nationwide Tour
WHAT: Participating in the Collings Foundation’s WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter, will fly into Trenton Mercer Airport in Trenton, NJ for a visit from August 31 to September 2. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only 8 in flying condition in the United States, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out - $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. WWII Veterans can tour through the aircraft at no cost. Discounted rates for school groups. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighter! P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.
WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Trenton Mercer Airport in Trenton located at Landmark Aviation 300 Scotch Road.
WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Trenton Mercer Airport at 2:00 PM on August 31 and will be on display at Landmark Aviation at Trenton Mercer Airport until the aircraft departs September 2 after 12:00 PM. Hours of ground tours and display are: 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Monday, August 31; 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1; 9:00 AM through 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 2. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.
WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing “living history” events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR is celebrating its 26th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24 & P-51 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.
WHY: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve. The B-17 & B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers “Little Friend” – saving countless crews from attacking axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 & P-51 - and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location we encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around! Visitors can find out more by visiting our website at .www.collingsfoundation.org
For further information e-mail Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org or 800-568-8924.
My generation invented holes in our trousers, socks, patches in our trousers, hand me downs and didn't know we were fashion plates. I guess this is where the fashionable term "grunge" originated.
Believe me, we would much rather have had the luxury of wearing anything but hand me downs or as I guess we should have called them, "grunge wear."
Believe me, we would much rather have had the luxury of wearing anything but hand me downs or as I guess we should have called them, "grunge wear."
Thursday, August 27, 2015
1840'S AND 1950's: WHEN THE WORD "WHOLESOME" WAS IN VOGUE.
I wonder if our educators ever use the word "etiquette" in the class room in this year of 2015. Words like "wholesome," "good grooming," "Sir Galahad," etc. seem to have been placed on the top of a dusty cob-web shelf and out of the social mainstream and categorized as relics of the dark ages. Well folks, I'm here to tell you that we did indeed often hear the aforementioned words and phrases and many of us still practice those fast fading customs. Check out the above photo and you will see what I mean.
1950's: BRING THEM BACK, PLEASE!
I wrote this column way back in 1992. As I re-read it, I began to mentally think about all the moral decay and sheer decadence is overtaking America. In New York City, topless females are parading around demanding equal rights for women. "If men can go around with bare chests, why not women." Another male member of the porcine species was also completely nude in public IN FRONT OF ANY CHILDREN WHO MAY BE TOURING THE CITY WITH MOMMY AND DADDY! Evil is rearing its ugly head. Put a "D" in front of that word and I would guess that's how the word "evil" was added to our English language. I am going to keep the column I wrote those many years ago and print it out on my tabloid printer and have a full size article to retreat to whenever I read, hear or see such disgusting behavior which is being allowed to exist due to an increasingly permissive society. GOD IS WATCHING US!
Sunday, August 23, 2015
1935: IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN "THE GREAT DEPRESSION" BUT LIFE WENT ON
FFrom a 1935 full page ad in the Trenton Evening Times proves that even though we were in the throes of the "Great Depression," life went on in Trenton and the surrounding areas.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
1988: "DO YOU RMEMBER THESE?"
I wrote this column nearly 30 years ago recalling things that came to my mind as I did a mental inventory of the persons, places and things I recall that are no longer part of our daily lives. After some Monday morning quarterbacking, I realized that I should have entitled it, "I REMEMBER THESE."
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
2006: TOM GLOVER WONDERS HOW MY VIEWERS REMEMBER THE MUSIC OF THE 1950'S.
DO NOT PEEK AT THE SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE COLUMN WITH THE "GLOVER" headline. The answers to this quiz are there and I want you to honestly see how many of those great old songs you remember with the clues I have furnished. I sing almost every one of these songs at my Kuser Gazebe singalongs, and over the years have sung them at countless senior citizen centers.
NO PEEKING!
Monday, August 17, 2015
1951: LOVELY DARA BROWN, CNBC AND MSNBC PERSONALITY
This lovely gal is the daughter of my Hamilton High class of 1951 classmate, Karen Peterson Brown.
I am an avid watcher of MSNBC's "Lockup," (and Lockup only.) I am personally not a fan of their far left agenda.Like "The Gray Lady," New York Times. "All the News that fits."
Saturday, August 15, 2015
1896: THE KUSER MANSION WAS BUILT AND FINISHIED IN 1896, NOT 1892
Unfortunately, when the township took over the Kuser Farm area back in the 1970's, they were also given the hand written diary kept by either Fred or Theresa Kuser which had an entry dated 1892 stating that they "spent their first day in their new country home." They were referring to the Goldy farm house which was on Olden Avenue at Cedar Street ( Today's Cedar Lane.) Given the extensive research I have done over the years on the Kuser Farm and family, I would bet that even Fritz Kuser thought they were referring to today's Kuser mansion.
Friday, August 14, 2015
1937: HOMEDELL SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL
Do you remember
THE KEYSTONE AUTOMOBILE CLUB
SAFTEY PATROL?
Here's a photo of the Homedell School patrol from 1937
1946 - Trenton Central High School
1946 - Trenton Central High School

There they are, the Central High School Service Corps! There is a possibility that a relative is shown in the photo.
Remember, you can click on the right mouse button, click on "Save Target As," and move the file to your computer for printing.

I am rapidly increasing my Hamilton Library Local History Collection of
R.C. Maxwell photos of Trenton and the local area, following Duke
University's instructions as to how to use them under the U.S. Copyright
"Fair Use" law with credit and Duke Library call number on each each
photo. Our first Hamilton Township Historical Society presentation in
September (the Monday FOLLOWING Labor Day) will feature an on screen
program using the library's huge movie scree to project these
incredible photos in full screen size on the library's lenticular movie
screen. The photos displayed here show only a portion of the originals as I
zeroed in on the corner of Front and So. Broad Street. (The tower of the
Broad Street Methodist church can be seen at the far upper left of the
photo.) also focusing on the White Horse Tavern in the accompanying Maxwell photo.
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