1951: The Choir, 1951

We made such incredibly beautiful music together! How I miss the incredibly beautiful harmony we sang as all of us got goose bumps listening to ourselves singing in EIGHT part harmony. I will never forget the unbridled, etheral beauty of our rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Now The Day Is Over."

1951: The Choir, 1951

We made such incredibly beautiful music together! How I miss the incredibly beautiful harmony we sang as all of us got goose bumps listening to ourselves singing in EIGHT part harmony. I will never forget the unbridled, etheral beauty of our rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Now The Day Is Over."

1951: The Choir, 1951

We made such incredibly beautiful music together! How I miss the incredibly beautiful harmony we sang as all of us got goose bumps listening to ourselves singing in EIGHT part harmony. I will never forget the unbridled, etheral beauty of our rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Now The Day Is Over."

1951: The Choir, 1951

We made such incredibly beautiful music together! How I miss the incredibly beautiful harmony we sang as all of us got goose bumps listening to ourselves singing in EIGHT part harmony. I will never forget the unbridled, etheral beauty of our rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Now The Day Is Over."

1951: The Choir, 1951

We made such incredibly beautiful music together! How I miss the incredibly beautiful harmony we sang as all of us got goose bumps listening to ourselves singing in EIGHT part harmony. I will never forget the unbridled, etheral beauty of our rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Now The Day Is Over."

1951: The Choir, 1951

We made such incredibly beautiful music together! How I miss the incredibly beautiful harmony we sang as all of us got goose bumps listening to ourselves singing in EIGHT part harmony. I will never forget the unbridled, etheral beauty of our rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Now The Day Is Over."

August 27, 6 to 9 PM - Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

August 27, 6 to 8 PM Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

August 27, 6 to 8 PM Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

August 27, 6 to 8 PM Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

August 27, 6 to 8 PM Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

August 27, 6 to 8 PM Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

August 27, 6 to 8 PM Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

August 27, 6 to 8 PM Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

HHS CLASS OF 1951 55TH REUNION

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.

General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

HHS CLASS OF 1951 55TH REUNION

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.

General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

HHS CLASS OF 1951 55TH REUNION

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.

General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

HHS CLASS OF 1951 55TH REUNION

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.

General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

HHS CLASS OF 1951 55TH REUNION

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.

General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

HHS CLASS OF 1951 55TH REUNION

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.

General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

HHS CLASS OF 1951 55TH REUNION

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.

General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

Circa 1908: White City - Broad Street Park

Did you know there was an amusement park at the foot of Harrison Avenue in Broad Street Park that was once known as the "Coney Island" of New Jersey? Did you know that it was called, "White City?" Did you know the reason they called it White City was due to the fact that every structure in the park was painted white? In its short heyday, White City hosted thousands of visitors. The local history collection has an interesting selection of historic White City material. The photo accompanying this post is from a somewhat frayed postal card from the era. Thanks to my graphics program all the blemishes have been removed and once again we have a pristine color shot of White City.

The John Abbott II House on Kuser Road

At the Kuser Road entrance to Veteran's Park you will find the delightful pre-Revolutionary War John Abbott II house. The lady you see in the article featuring the historic building is Ms. Lillian Tindall Smith, who grew up in the house. Lillian and her numerous docents from the historical society can recount the fascinating history that lies within the centuries old walls. The John Abbott II house is open for tours on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 PM. If you haven't been on one of these tours, treat yourself and your family; you won't be sorry.

1936: Artifacts at Abbott Farm

During the depression, these WPA workers had the very enviable job of digging for Indian and pre-Columbian artifacts. How I would love to have been a part of that dig!

1937: Pearsonville M.E. Gets eady for 80th Anniversary

Next year, Pearsonville M.E. will celebrate their 150th anniversary. "Sandy" DiPierro, a colleague who works with me at the Hamilton Township Public Library has asked that I pass any articles and ephemera along to her for inclusion in their celebration during 2007. Contact me if you have any memorabilia which relates to the history of the church.

1935: Trenton Entertinment and Night Spots

The advertisng for various saloons, thaters, and other places of entertainment in the 1935 will be familia with many visitors to this blog.

1940: "Once Upon a Time in a Galaxy Far Away.."

Yes, dear viewer, there was a time when the Donnelly Homes were pristine and new, and the environment was far different from that of the 21st century.

1940: Trenton High's 1940-1941 Band

Here are the orchestral music makers from Trenton Central High School. Anyboy there you recognize?

1940: Trenton High School Candidates

Most of these young ladies would be in their 80's today. Back when they were students at Trenton Central High School, they were popular candidates for their individual class offices.

1940: Pennington Welfare Free

While cities and towns all over New Jersey were supporting thousands of recipients of "relief," or as we call it today, "welfare," the town of Pennington boasted only one individual on the receiving end of relief benefits. Does anyone remember the "Pennington Quarry?" I sure do. it seemed to be completely out of character with the upscale ambiance of the nearby affluent town of Pennington.

SINCE THIS BLOG WAS POSTED, I RECEIVED THIS FROM MY FRIEND BOB CHERRY, A NATIVE OF PENNINGTON. BOB RELATES THE FATAL ACCIDENT MR. GOLDEN WAS INVOLVED IN . MANY THANKS FOR AN INTERESTING ASIDE, BOB.

BOB ALSO PROVIDED THE LINK TO THE PENNINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY'S WEBSITE. CHECK IT OUT....IT'S VERY INTERESTING

http://www.penningtonfire.org/history.htm

Tom, in your recent blog about Free Welfare in Pennington (1940) the article contained a reference to 3 new members to the Pennington Fire Company. One member, Merlin Golden, was the father of a good friend of mine. It was interesting reading about his entry into the Fire company in 1940, I didn't know when he joined but it became a big part of his life, and as you will see 26 years later met a tragic end serving his community with the Fire Company. Read the link about the history of the company.

1940: Trenton Stock Car Races

One of the saddest events in the history of Hamilton Township was the loss of George Hamid's New Jersey State Fair. The loss of the speedway at Langhorne was also a sad loss to area racing fans Along with the annual N.J. State Fair, the loss of the races and the race track in Hamilton was one of the gems of the east in its heyday. Here's a photo from the "Sunday Times Advertiser" of August 4, 1940 with photos of some of the racing stars of the day. My favorite driver was Bill Holland.

1986: The Lenhardt's of Hamilton

Here's a group photo of the "fire fightingist" family in Hamilton, the siblings of John Lenhardt Sr. "Big John" was a family friend back in the 1940's. In addition to his involvement with the Colonial Fire Company, John also had a typical New Jersey "Garden Farm." Lenhardt sweet corn was the pride of Hamilton. The Lenhardt boys were and are all firefighters. Today's Colonial Fire Company is located on part of the old Lenhardt farm.

1943: The HHS "Victory Corps"

This is the first time I have heard of this patriotic HHS organization. I do have a news article in the Hamilton High School folder with the photo of a jeep that students purchased for the U.S. Army. Apparently the fundraising for that jeep was due to the efforts of the "Victory Corps."

1943: The HHS "Victory Corps"

This is the first time I have heard of this patriotic HHS organization. I do have a news article in the Hamilton High School folder with the photo of a jeep that students purchased for the U.S. Army. Apparently the fundraising for that jeep was due to the efforts of the "Victory Corps."

1943: The HHS "Victory Corps"

This is the first time I have heard of this patriotic HHS organization. I do have a news article in the Hamilton High School folder with the photo of a jeep that students purchased for the U.S. Army. Apparently the fundraising for that jeep was due to the efforts of the "Victory Corps."

1943: The HHS "Victory Corps"

This is the first time I have heard of this patriotic HHS organization. I do have a news article in the Hamilton High School folder with the photo of a jeep that students purchased for the U.S. Army. Apparently the fundraising for that jeep was due to the efforts of the "Victory Corps."

1943: The HHS "Victory Corps"

This is the first time I have heard of this patriotic HHS organization. I do have a news article in the Hamilton High School folder with the photo of a jeep that students purchased for the U.S. Army. Apparently the fundraising for that jeep was due to the efforts of the "Victory Corps."

1943: The HHS "Victory Corps"

This is the first time I have heard of this patriotic HHS organization. I do have a news article in the Hamilton High School folder with the photo of a jeep that students purchased for the U.S. Army. Apparently the fundraising for that jeep was due to the efforts of the "Victory Corps."

1943: The HHS "Victory Corps"

This is the first time I have heard of this patriotic HHS organization. I do have a news article in the Hamilton High School folder with the photo of a jeep that students purchased for the U.S. Army. Apparently the fundraising for that jeep was due to the efforts of the "Victory Corps."

1943: Eastern Aircraft Workers

During WWII, the Grumman "Avenger" was assembled at the Eastern Aircraft Plant in Ewing. Here's an article detailing a dance that was held by the Union. Those hard-working employees at Eastern during WWII certainly deserved a break from their very long hours. The Grumman Avenger inserted at the top is a reduced version of a beautiful color photo I have in my collection. As a boy, I remember the many test flights which brought many of those Grumman beauties over my Hartley Avenue home. You could actually see the pilot in many of their low flyovers.

1940: The German-American Bund

This photo of a guard at a Bund rally is one of the reasons the U.S. Government decided to focus on the many unregistered foreigners in our midst.

1940: Registering Aliens

How appropriate that the Hamilton Library's Local History WWII folder has this article on rounding up and registering immigrants. This registration project took place early in the war. At the time, Americans were uncomfortable with the pro-Nazi German Bund and with other anti American factions who could assemble into what was then known as a "fifth column."

1943: Trenton Outlaws

"No matter how things change, many things stay the same." Here's a familiar police article with which we in the 21st century can relate. The only difference between then and now is that the punishment fit the crime and the bad guys were punished. "Plea bargain, anyone?"

1987: Spera's Deli So. Olden Avenue

Here's a page from my "Hamilton Scrapbook" sowing Mr. and Mrs. Spera at their grocery store. This store has many happy childhood memories for me. Besides operating the grocery store, Mr. Spera also brought us the locally famous "Hokey Pokey;" a confection which was a childhood treasure for our neighborhood. The Spera family went to school with my brothers and sister. I was in the class of '51 at Hamilton West with Lucia, or "Luci" as I have called her for the past 55 years.

1943: St. Stanislaus Basketball Stars

Here's a photo of the 1943 St. Stan's basketball team as they pose with Father Valerian for a victory photo. Do you recognize anone in that photo?

1943: George Case - Trenton Baseball Legend

We've had our local major league baseball stars, but none have ever eclipsed the record of Trenton's George Case. Here's an article detailing George as the opening day star of the 1943 baseball season with his Washington Senators defeating the Philadelphia Athletics at Washington's Griffith Stadium.

1944: Pennington Road Ambulance Squad

Within a few days, the Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser posted photos of the Pennington Road Fire Company's Ambulance Squad. This one shows the boys in action. Note that beautiful ambulance....aren't those the same fender skirts we used to call "tear drops?"

1944: Penningon Road Ambulance Squad

From the EWING TOWNSHIP folder in the Hamilton Library Local History Collection comes another view of the guys who manned the EMS squad in Ewing back in 1944.

1944: Trenton's USO

The initials stood for "United Service Organization." During WWII, as it does today, the USO provided our military men with a touch of home. Dancing, donuts, and just old fashioned hospitality helped many a lonely GI to take his mind off of his homesickness and bring a bit of home to his life. Here's a view of the USO that was located on North Clinton Avenue during the second world war.

1944: Pennington School

Here's an interesting 1944 article on the expansion program of the Pennington School. The bird's eye view of the area will be interesting when compared to the current facility.