1940: The German-American Bund

Back in the 1930's and early 1940's, before America declared war on Nazi Germany, and long before the Nazi horrors were being committed, there were numerous pro "Third Reich" political organizations. One of the most prominent meeting places was right here in northern New Jersey in Sussex County's "Camp Nordland." Future posts will continue to look for other articles involving this interesting facet of our local history.

1934: Joseph Plumeri

The Hamilton Library's "NOTABLE PERSONS" folder is the repository for those area residents past and present who are and were prominent in local Trenton-Hamilton and Mercer County history. The Plumeri family has contributed much to the local area, being very active in civic activities, and of course, their most recent involvement with the Trenton Thunder baseball team. (Sam Plumeri, Sr.). Others include former Sherif Sam Plumeri, Paul Plumeri and his popular "Bishop of the Blues" band, and I'm sure, others.

If you have additional biographical material I would like to add it to this post. Send it to me at thomglo@verizon.net

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1947: Charlotte Wilson Coyle 1933-2006

Judy and I were shocked when Jim Coyle called and told us of Charlotte's untimely death on January 6th. Judy and Charlotte were like sisters all through their childhood years, living just around the corner from each other, and hanging together through thick and thin. Indeed, Charlotte told Judy she was the reason she converted to the Catholic faith. I started school with Charlotte all the way back in Miss Kelly's Reception grade and through all grammar school and 4 years as a classmate in HHS '51. Charlotte was a straight "A" student all the way through school. I will always remember her as a wonderful, kind, and dear friend. As to Judy, with a tear in her eye, she said "She was my very best friend." May the Good Lord welcome her into his heavenly kingdom.

1899: The Trenton-Allentown Turnpike Controversy 1 of 3

One of the questions I am asked very frequently is the location of the many toll roads which were placed along the roads leading to and from Trenton from all points on the compass. Years ago, before there was a Route 33, Route 206, etc. the roads were privately owned and operated. As you will read in these three posts, the maintenance on these roads was anything but satisfactory. Muddy, rutted roads were the order of the day. The farmers were up in arms and took their complaints to the commission. While these 3 posts refer to the Trenton to Allentown turnpike which involved Mercerville, Hamilton Square, Newtown (Robbinsville), and Allentown, there was also an ongoing problem with the White Horse Turnpike. Future posts will undoubted turn up as I continue my search through these very interesting pages.

THANKS TO GARY LIPPINCOTT OF GROVEVILLE FOR THE FOLLOWING ADDITION TO THE TURNPIKE CONTROVERSY. GARY WRITES:

There was a toll house for the Trenton-Allentown turnpike located at the intersection of the Yardville-Allentown Road and the Crosswicks-Hamilton Square. It was torn down within the last ten years for the widening of that intersection. Friends of my parents lived there , Ed and Alma Randall, during the late fifties, early sixty's, till they moved to Allentown.

There is a house that I have been told is a toll house and is exactly like their's. It still remains at the corner of the Crosswicks-Chesterfield Road and Hogback Road, in Bordentown Township.

They both have the same shape, square with a flat roof.

Gary
=======================================================
Thanks again Gary for your input. There was also a toll house at the intersection of Cedar Lane, (then known as Cedar Street), and South Broad Street. Also at the intersection of Hamilton (Sandtown Road) and today's Nottingham Way.

1899: The Trenton-Allentown Turnpike Controversy 2 of 3

This is another report on the controversy of the bad conditions of the "turnpike" between Trenton, Mercerville, Hamilton Square, and on to Allentown.

See the following post for the final article.

1899: The Trenton-Allentown Turnpike Wars 3 of 3

Here's the final press report of the controversy as gleaned from the Daily True American. See the preceding two post for continuity.

1909: The Roebling "Planche" Auto

I leave it to Mercer Automobile experts like Tim Kuser or any other Mercer Auto historian to tell us whether there is a link between the Kuser and Roebling families with the Mercer Car, and the Roebling's "Planche." Was the Planche involved in the formation of the Mercer Automobile Company?

1918: The Bloor Family of Old Wilbur

As I page through the local Trenton papers of the 1890's before Wilbur was annexed to the city of Trenton, I find very interesting historical material on what was known as the borough of Wilbur. One of the more familiar family names I run into is the Bloor family. The graphic tells the sad story of WWI American hero Spencer Bloor who was listed as missing in action.

1927: Closing the Circus Grounds

Publish Post
Today's "Junior Two" is built on part of the site of the old circus grounds; that area south of Greenwood Avenue and the Cuyler and South Olden Avenue area. In the 18th century, that area was the site of many appearances of "Buffalo Bill" and his Wild West Show, along with numerous other carnivals and circus acts.

1937: Trenton's New Radio System

WHEN THE TRENTON P.D. INSTALLED THEIR NEW RADIO DISPATCHING SYSTEM, THEY HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WOULD BE AN INCREDIBLE INCREASE IN RESPONSE FREQUENCY.

2007: Kuser Farm Program Schedule

Denise Zemlansky, Curator at Kuser Farm Mansion has posted the events which will be presented at Kuser Mansion during the coming year. The events are free, but reservations are required. For an Adobe Reader copy of the brochure, click on the link below. I will be doing a number of history/nostalgia/music programs during the year. There are some very fascinating programs scheduled, so check it out.

1. Kuser Programs 2007
   
   

1913: Rev. Serafini's Baptist Church

Most folks associate those of American-Italian descent with the Roman Catholic faith. Rev. Vincent Serafini was the leader of a large flock of Baptist Italians in the Burg during the early part of the 20th century.

1915; St. Michael's Orphanage, Hopewell

For Steve Gingo KB2RMS, and any other visitors to my site who may be interested in Pennington/Hopewell/Titusville material:

Unfortunately, offset reproduction in the early part of the 20th century was not too advanced. I have succeeded in enhancing this graphic. The original was quite washed out. However, it does give an idea of the size of the edifice as it looked in its heyday.

1915: St. Michael's Orphanage, Hopewell

Hey Steve, amateur radio station KB2RMS, here's another of two scans relating to St. Michael's Hopewell Orphanage from my collection. I will keep looking for others and be sure to post them as I uncover them.

FYI: You can download this to your computer and print it out.

As we say in the amateur radio fraternity: 73's!

Trenton's First Baptist Church

Each week as I pass down Centre Street for communion services at the South Village on Lalor Street, I pass by the fascinating Centre Street area. The lovely old First Baptist Church on Centre and Bridge Streets has long been a source of interest to me, as are the historic old Centre Street Theatre, Wesley Methodist Church, and the Mott School. These two engravings show the grand old church when it had a huge steeple rising heavenward; obviously struck by lightning some time in the distant past.

1909: Rev. and Mrs. Hoag Vacation Trip

Pastor J. Wellington Hoag was a very popular leader of the flock at Trenton's First Baptist Church.

1913: The Old Titusville Country School

Schoolhouses of old are of special interest to me. Today a red brick building is the home of Titusville students. Back before that brick school was built, earlier residents of the Titusville area attended the school shown in the illustration. Unfortunately, graphic reproduction was not too technically advanced, resulting in an offset photo which gives just a hint of what that old school looked like. The original was really washed out, but thanks to a touch up here, a "clone" stamp in the foliage here and there, and a few other graphic touchups, a fair representation of the building is presented.

1913: George Wyckoff: Hopewell "Smithy"

Two very fascinating vestiges of yesteryear are the old fashioned roadside toll house and the village Blacksmith shop. The above photo shows George Wyckoff's shop as it appeared before it was demolished to make room for the Presbyterian church which was to be built on Broad and Luellen Streets. With just a bit of imagination, one can see the Mr. Wyckoff with his blacksmith apron on, standing over an anvil as he hammers a horse shoe for a local farmer.

1918: The Influenza Epidemic of 1918

An earlier post told of the horrible flu epidemic which afflicted the U.S. back in 1918. Quarantines were commonplace, and as you can see by the article, even the churches suspended services.

1966: Steinert Class of '66 Website

I received an email from Lee Donehower, Steinert H.S. Class of 1966. He has set up a very nice website dedicated to that Spartan Class. There are also some photos of the Kuser Class of '53 who became the class of '66. Check it out at http://www.lee-pat.net/Steinert/Steinert.html

1946: Monday Morning Quarterbacking

As a student of history, I often wonder at America's aloofness and laxity in the weeks preceeding December 7, 1941. As you can see in this article, there were others who shared my view.

1931: Taxes, Taxes, Taxes

You think we have it bad here in Hamilton with our taxes? Just look what the schools did to the taxpayer's wallet back in 1931. A 16 cent increase in the school tax, and look what they did to the teachers!
(Note: Tongue firmly implanted in cheek)

1931: Pastor Thatcher's Surprise Resignation

Here's another Article relating to the historic First Baptist Church on Centre and Bridge Streets in Trenton.

1934: The Trenton High "SPECTATOR" Staff

Hamilton High had "The Criterion," Cathedral "The Blue and Gold," and Trenton Central High School had
"The Spectator." Here's a group photo of the budding journalists during the school year of 1934.

HOW'S IT DONE

A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED HOW THE ARTICLES I AM SUBMITTING ARE MODIFIED TO FIT THE SCREEN. MOST OF THE ARTICLES YOU SEE ON THIS SITE ARE SCANNED IN, THE FADING, FOXING AND OTHER AGE RELATED DEFECTS ARE REMOVED WITH SOFTWARE AND THE ARTICLE IS THEN CUT, COPIED AND PASTED FROM THE TOO LONG ORIGINAL. MANY TIMES A COLUMN IS PUBLISHED IN THE PAPER AND EXTENDS FROM THE TOP OF THE PAGE TO THE BOTTOM, ANYWHERE FROM 12 TO 25 INCHES OR MORE. IN ORDER TO POST ON MY SITE, I HAVE TO CUT THE LENGTH TO APPROXIMATELY 7 INCHES, AND RE-PLACE THE COLUMNS INTO A HORIZONTAL FORMAT WHICH ALLOWS FOR LEGIBILITY.

1935: Facism Rears An Ugly Head

In the late 1920's and into the early 1930's, the words "brownshirt," "gestapo," "Il Duce," and "Der Fuerher" were becoming more and more prominent. Nazi Germany's hatred of the Jews, Catholics, and ultimately Protestants was detailed much like the column submitted here.

1937: Pennington Grammar School

Here's the class of '37 from Pennington Grammar School. Once again, this photo was scanned in at a resolution which would provide legibility and also fit on the screen. I note the name John Van Wagoner; a customer of my years in the bearing and belting distribution industry.

1935: Obit of George F. Wyckoff

The town of Hopewell has managed to maintain that rural, New England type of small town character over the decades. One can only imagine the town when the village blacksmith was a part of the town. The Wyckoff name is legendary in central Jersey from Hightstown west to the Sourland mountains.

1034: Class of '34, Cathedral Grammar School

I scanned this in at 115 dpi, hoping that I can acheive a fairly legible copy of the photo.

1935: The Tourist Camp

Today they are known as motels. Back in the early years, they were called "tourist camps" or sometimes "tourist courts." There are still a few old fashioned tourist court type roadside resting places along Route 206 in south Jersey, and I' sure many other areas.

1934: Cathdral High School

Here's an article listing the honor students at Trenton's Cathedral High School. Many of the names are familiar to me, and I bet there are a number which you recognize also.

1918: Chambersburg World War I and Social Notes

Each week, the Trenton Times devoted space to news from Chambersburg and other areas of the city. Here's a clip from the October 2nd edition.

1918: Local News World War I and Activities in Chambersburg

It was called "The War to End All Wars." It was a war which cost the lives of thousands of men and countless thousands of severely wounded. During the war, the Trenton Times published news of those local men who were involved in the fray. This is a clipping from my Hamilton Scrapbook. More to come in future posts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Yup, that's MERRY CHRISTMAS......not "Happy Holiday." It's not in the picture, but Tommy fell asleep next to a CHRISTMAS tree which his decadent, politically-incorrect parents put up to ring in the CHRISTMAS season! It's not a Holiday" tree. That fellow looking at Tommy in the graphic is St. Nicholas.....YES, SAINT Nicholas; a benevolent saint who lived in Turkey many centuries ago. SAY IT WITH ME: CHRISTMAS.

I also wish a Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hannakah, AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

1923: St. Anthony Trenton Grammar School

Anyone here you know? I see Dick Pollard, our insurance man for over
40 years. Dick is now in his 90's and a regular parishioner at my church,
Sacred Heart on Broad and Centre Streets in Trenton. "Goeller,"
"Donlon," and "Goeke" are familiar names from the church and
school.

1923: THE KKK ALIVE AND WELL IN NEW JERSEY

The news of the 1920's was literally filled with accounts of the Ku Klux Klan. Many of the stories tell of ministers and politicians who were supporters of the organization. In the news article, Rev. Van Dyck and his Wanaque Reformed church hosted a contingent who donated $25 to his church.

1923: Broad Street Park - Rowan-Willey

One of the more interesting areas of Hamilton is the Broad Street Park area. As usual in most of our school systems, the PTA played a very important part in the educational process of the public and parochial school systems.

1918: The National Influenza Expidemic

As I page through the 1918 Trenton paper, sad stories of the many deaths from the notorious flu epidemic of 1918. This is one in a series which will be forthcoming in future posts of local victims.

1918: Corporal Spencer Bloor

The Bloor family holds the distinction of being one of the earliers residents of the old Boro of Wilbur bufore it was annexed to the city of Trenton in the 1890's.

1918: Sgt. David C. McGalliard, U.S. Army

I just began to search the Fall, 1918 edition of the Trenton Evening Times, and lo and behold, a local Hamiltonian from a very prominent Hamilton Family. Sgt. McGalliard was the son of William McGailliard, the noted White Horse farmer and realtor. Elsewhere in this website (probably 2005 or earlier 2006) there is a photo of the McGalliard "Acre Lots;" a real estate venture in which the McGalliards instituted in the first part of the 20th century.

1907: Gunfight In Trenton

Even back in the early part of the last century, there were those elements in our society who resort to firearms. Here's the story of a rookie Trenton policeman who courageously confronted and ultimately captured a demented citizen.

1905: St. Francis Hospital Adds a Wing

Sister Hyacinthe proudly gave a pre-completion tour of the new addition to the hospital.

1907: Thanksgiving Service at First Baptist Church

The Trenton area Baptist converged on the Centre Street church to celebrate the Thanksgiving, 1907 holiday.

1870: C.C. Havens on the 2nd Battle of Trenton