1945: Those Extinct Hamilton Veterans' Boards

remember those wooden memorials which listed the names of those who were serving in the military during WWII? They were erected in front of firehouses, public buildings, and other places in Hamilton during, and right after WWII. Then, after the memories of WWII passed, we unceremoniously sent them to the scrap heap. What a sad situation. Over the years, a number of people have approached me asking whatever happened to the memorial at this or that fire house, or this or that place. No one knows. I do:

They were trashed! How soon we forgot.

1870: CHRISTMAS AT THE TRENTON MARKETS

There were busy markets in downtown Trenton back in the 1870's. One was laid out along the center of North Broad Street from State and Broad up to around Academy Street. There was another on South Stockton Street. I transcribed the following interesting news articles before the advent of the personal computer. The articles were copied verbatim from the newspaper and printed out on a "Brothers" electronic typewriter.
TRANSCRIPTION:

CHRISTMAS PRICES AT THE TRENTON MARKETS

DECEMBER 19, 1870

GAZETTE

On Saturday, there was a good display in our markets of poultry. Turkeys and chicken continue to command 25 cents a pound. We bought from a farmer the one half of a very fine sheep for eleven cents a pound, and by this mode of changing our base we expect to be able to buy a turkey without increasing our expenditures. Whether we pay 11 cents a pound or 25 cents a pound for 25 pounds, makes a difference of $2.25 for one week. John Jacob Astor could not finance better to save his Christmas dinner. After eating sheep meat for a whole week, the change to a good fat turkey will be quite agreeable.
There is only one other plan to secure a turkey without affecting our pockets, and that is to abstain from eating meat altogether. Folks are preparing all kinds of expedients, and this is one of them. No extra charge for advice

WASHINGTON MARKET READY TO OPEN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1870
GAZETTE

The Washington Market will be opened on Saturday next, on which occasion there will be a grand rush for Christmas turkeys, chickens, etc. The butchers who have rented stalls will on that occasion put their best foot foremost. There will therefore be a very fine display of beef, as well as everything else.

1946: Hamilton Square "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.."

Here's an enhanced graphic from the holiday season of 1946. At the present time I am going throuth the month of December, 1946, and finding fascinating articles for inclusion in the Hamilton Library's Local History database. Prominent Hamilton names are sprinkled throughout the article.

1946: Trenton High School Service Corps

"Once upon a time at Trenton High School......."

1946: VETERANS' HOUSING IN HAMILTON

Those visitors who were around in the post WWII years, will remember how serious the housing shortage was for the returning G.I.'s In 1946, Hamilton took the bull by the horns and began to act on providing homes for as many veterans as the budget would allow. The Connecticut Avenue homes are within view of my Atlantic Avenue home, and have weathered the years very well.

1946: From the "ST JOACHIM'S" folder

Young Mario has joined another file from the St. Joachim's Catholic Youth Club. I had already posted a group photo of some of the members of that club from another year.

THE OLD PENNINGTON SCHOOL AS IT IS TODAY

********************
The graphic below shows the old Pennington School as it looked in 1916. The photo above was taken by my friend Bob Cherry and shows the building as it looks today. See Bob's message below.

I found the part about the Federal City School to be quite interesting. I looked in vain for the blinking red "stop" light on that vintage horse-drawn bus. Perhaps a Penningtonian can tell me if the school shown in the graphic still exists.

This grapic was previously published with a request that an informed Penningtonian could tell us if the old school was still in existance. Thanks to Bob Cherry, an old friend of mine from the amateur radio fraternity, we have an answer. THANKS, BOB. Herewith Bob's email:

==================**************======================

Hi tom, haven’t heard you on the air lately.

This school building referenced in your blog still exists but has been converted into condo’s. The old school building and surrounding playground has become a condo development.

I believe it was sometime in the 20’s that a new Grammar school was built on S. Main Street and this school became the Primary school. I started my education there, Kindergarten through 3^rd grade, I remember it well.

Bob

WB2F

1979: POND RUN CHANNELIZATION

Many thanks to HHS '51 classmate Alice Schmidt Mullen
for this excellent photo of Pond Run. Alice wrote:

---------------**********--------------------

Dear Tom,

I know that it's really the old creek, but we always referred to it as the 'crick'. This photo was taken from Park Lane, and the crick was running in back of Akers Hardware and Webster Grimm's.

What I want to know is.........from the article on your today's web site, it sounds as if the crick no longer looks like this. This was taken back in 1947. If it's changed, does this mean that we must refer to it as the creek now? I haven't been on Park Lane since 1955.

The big old lot where we used to play baseball is on the left side of the creek. It was just a grass field bordered by Park Lane, Hollywood Drive, and the street across from Joan Ann Terrace. Was it called Crest Ave.? Didn't think that I'd ever forget the name of that street. I used to walk on it during all of my Greenwood School days.

From your pal,
Alice
I just ran across this article from the Mercer Messenger relating to the horrific flooding in the Pond Run area and other areas which were affected by the flooding of that little tributary over the years. Ken and Mary Ann Warner are close family friends. At that time, they lived on Leukel Avenue and Pond Run bounded their back yard. In the early 70's one of those "every hundred years" storms hit the Central Jersey area. The water flooded their basement and was up to the top level of their basement stairway. I can still see their pool table afloat. I asked Jack Lacy to fill me in on the details of the Hamilton Township "Channelization" project, and as usual, he came through:

From Jack Lacy, Former
Hamilton TownshipCouncil President:

"We had two 500-year storms hit Hamilton within a week of one another in Aug. 1975. Those caused the Pond Run flooding and was part of the '75 campaign that saw the Rafferty Team capture the mayor's office for the first time and four of the five council seats (yours truly included). I remember the first budget hearings in Jan. '76, right after we were sworn into office, when Colonial Fire Co. asked the council for row boats because of inadequacies from their recent experience with evacuating flood victims from their homes.

Those experiences pushed us hard to find "flood solutions" and a big part was the channelization project. Have to say it did work. Since completion there haven't been any more "devastating" floods in the area. Of course, in addition to the channel we also bought nine homes (resold seven that were moved, demolished two) and created a floodway which we know today as the athletic fields for Cook AA and the Hamilton PAL at the end of Leukel Ave. In time of potential floods those fields which are surrounded by berms receive flood waters overflowing from Pond Run."

1979: Republican Campaign

Here's a photo of Bill Mathesius before he became a no nonsense judge in Mercer County. Conservative judges don't fare too well in ultra liberal New Jersey. Just one or two errant statements and it's strike 3. Some of us miss you, Bill.

1979: PROM TIME AT STEINERT!

This attractive couple pose for the 1979 Steinert Junior Prom. Young Barnaba is a relative of my brother Len's Bucca family. Dad Phil was a regular visitor to the Len and Eleanor Glover Newkirk Avenue home in the 1950's and 60's.

1979: Rudy Palombi: An American Italian Classic

The Palombi family in the Trenton-Hamilton area represents the epitome of immigrants who came to America from the old country and through hard work and a fierce desire to partake of the legendary American dream. As a boy, I remember the Palombi family's grocery store on South Olden Avenue which was one of the more popular food stores in our neighborhood. Another store served the Bromley area was equally popular with residents in that area. The credentials of Mr. Rudy Palombi as detailed above are truly impressive.

1979: GIL LUGOSSY FOR SHERIFF!

He was, and is, one of the best. Not just because he is a fellow Hamilton "Hornet" from HHS '54, but because he has countless friends and colleagues who respect his selfless community service over the years. It is my privilege to be one of those countless "friends."

1979: The Democratic Campaign

Franny McManimon: He was loved by all....Democrat or Republican. Here's an interesting view of the 1980 Democratic campaign.

1979: NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL: IN THE BEGINNING

Herb Griffiths was the lone Board of Ed member to vote against the concept of converting Nottingham to a high school. The Nottingham (North) conversion to a high school , along with Steinert High school(East), forever changed the decades old concept of K throuh 8 grammar schools and on to Hamilton High (West).

1965: Mayor Perilli "plants the seed" for Veterans' Park

The proposed municipal center which was proposed those many years ago has been placed on the back burner. The Hamilton Library and Police Department are included in those plans. The adjoining "Morgan Tract" has been set aside for future development when financial conditions improve. Today's Veterans' Park had it embryonic start back in the 1960's when Maury Perilli was the mayor of Hamilton. Mayor Perilli established "Hamilton Park," known today as "Veterans' Park." The above article is from the Trentonian, 1965.

1940'S: A QUICK NOSTALGIA TRIP

When I grew up in the 30's and 40's, the swimming facilities were at the Clay Pits on Kuser Road, the "gravel pits" over in Morrisville, "Lakeside" (Gropp's Lake), and Woodlawn Pool on Connecticut Avenue in Hamilton. Little kids like the young boy in the photo above had the old fashioned wash tub in his back yard, along with the very necessary garden hose. We spent hours "under the hose" way back when. (The photo was from a June Cunningham Mercer Messenger column.

1979: Peter Inverso, the consummate gentleman

*THE LAST LINE OF THE ABOVE GRAPHIC (COLUMN 3)
IS MISSING. THERE WAS A HOLE IN THAT PORTION OF THE PAGE.

Here's a mini biography of Pete Inverso, the very popular former Senator, bank executive, and prominent local citizen.

1979: Remembering those long gas lines

You would have to have a substantial amount of silver in your hair to remember the gas shortage of the 1970's. We had a wonderful time waiting in those long lines for the privilege to spend money at the pump.

1916: Pennington Grammar School

I found the part about the Federal City School to be quite interesting. I looked in vain for the blinking red "stop" light on that vintage horse-drawn bus. Perhaps a Penningtonian can tell me if the school shown in the graphic still exists.

This grapic was previously published with a request that an informed Penningtonian could tell us if the old school was still in existance. Thanks to Bob Cherry, an old friend of mine from the amateur radio fraternity, we have an answer. THANKS, BOB. Herewith Bob's email:

==================**************======================

Hi tom, haven’t heard you on the air lately.

This school building referenced in your blog still exists but has been converted into condo’s. The old school building and surrounding playground has become a condo development.

I believe it was sometime in the 20’s that a new Grammar school was built on S. Main Street and this school became the Primary school. I started my education there, Kindergarten through 3^rd grade, I remember it well.

Bob

WB2F

1955: The Delaware Valley in the 50's

Thanks to Ed Stawski for sending me this You Tube link to a fascinating old video from Philadlphia channel 3, WPTZ. Roof top antennae, Horn and Hardart, Bethlehem Steel Co. before America shipped all of her manufacturing resources overseas, Cinemascope, Cinerama, WPTZ, and many other nostalgic memories. There is a nice view of State and Broad Streets in Trenton, along with an interesting bird's eye view of Levittown, Pa. before the trees and shrubs hid the homes from view. Thanks, Ed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS7RwQdMdm4&feature=related

1931: Sears Toyland Opens During a Depression Year

1937-1938 LALOR SCHOOL CLASS PHOTO

If you do a "Search Blog" and type in LALOR SCHOOL, you will see a number of past posts from this vintage Hamilton Township school. You will also see a class photo with the identical "Lalor School 1937-1938" identifying text in the center of the photo. The difference is apparent when you see the children from one of the pictures, obviously older than the children in this photo. The above photo may be the first or second grades.

1924: St. James P.E. Church Picnic

Alan Wildblood is one of my more loyal and knowledgeable visitors who really does me a large favor by pointing out errors, large and small which I frequently make on this website. Alan emailed me this morning and notified me that I had credited the photo above to St. James P.E. Church when the banner in the photo clearly identifies St. Paul's. ( These errors are probably due to advancing senility, and also the fact that at times during my earlier years, I attended both St. James and St.Paul's on Centre Street.) Thanks for the heads up, Alan.

Unfortunately only the names of the contest winners is published in the photo above. Perhaps a St. Paul's P.E. "old timer" can recognize some of the folks in the photo.

1938: May Crowning as St. Joseph's Parish

The lovely ladies in the photo above were repeating a Roman Catholic tradition dating back centuries as the crowned Mary,
the mother of Jesus.

1915 and 1979: THE DAM BREAKS AT GROPP'S LAKE

Who said history doesn't repeat itself? Here is a vignette from my collection showing the breech of the dam at the Thropp mill at Gropp's Lake in 1915. Adjacent to that article is the more recent breech which occurred during the administration of Jack Rafferty in 1979.

1979: June Cunningham Hammill's Gift to Hamilton

Those who are interested in our Colonial and Revolutionary War heritage here in Hamilton will be intererested to know that Hamilton's John Abbott II House on Kuser Road at the entrance to Veterans' Park played a small part in the war by virtue of hiding money from the British. The full story can be found in the current Hamilton History, "The History of Hamilton Township, Written by People Who Live Here." The late June Cunningham Hammill was a colleague of mine who also freelanced for the Mercer Messenger. June had a little cottage directly next to the Mercerville Fire Company back in the 50's and 60's. The article above will explain. That Doctors' House has been restored and sits proudly in the back yard of the Abbott House property.

BY THE WAY, THIS SUNDAY FROM 2 TO PM, THE SOCIETY IS HOLDING THEIR ANNUAL OLD FASHIONED "WASSAIL PARTY." IT'S FREE, AND THE "PUBLICK" IS INVITED TO ATTEND. I WILL BE BRINGING MY CHRISTMAS MUSIC FOR A CHRISTMAS SINGALONG. SEE YOU THERE!

1916: Is there a Tilton in the House?

Tilton is a name out of my youth. Even as the George Tilton's were Cream Ridge residents, I couldn't help but wonder if there is a genealogical link between these Tilton's and the ones who owned and operated Tilton's Bakery." Sorry the quality of the photo is so bad. Remember, offset printing was in its infancy.

1979: Republicans Organize for the 1980 Campaign Season

Look at all those young men; all movers and shakers in the Republican Party of thirty years ago. As that old song went, "Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end..."

1979: REALLY, WOULD YOU BUY A USED CAR FROM THESE GUYS?

I would liked to have been a participant in the Gil Lugossy "roast" that was held back in 1979. You would really have a tough time finding anything to roast Gil on. He was the consummate local sheriff, white hat and all. I don't know about those other two hombres Crockett and Goodwin, they're the two guys in the black hats in the photo.

1979: Steinert Students' Letter Wrihting Campaign

They were attempting to help Mayor Jack Rafferty to get Hamilton a legitimate postal address. Obviously their efforts must have assisted as Hamilton is now Hamilton, NJ

1988: Whatever Happened to Seymour?

What; have we become too sophisticated to have a loveable township mascot like the late and much lamented "Seymour of Hamilton?" My friends Phil Garton and Tom Tuffy had no problem being in the limelight with Seymour, nor would I. Seymour, come out,
come out wherever you are!

1979: ACLU vs. HAMILTON TOWNSHIP

The celebrated ACLU goes to bat for those in our society who would like to legally purchase products with which to get stoned. A real head scratcher to a constitutional ignoramus such as I. Just one little segment of the culture war in which America is, and has been engaged.

1941: George Riggs Plumbing and Heating

Thanks to Randy Riggs for this beautiful photo of his dad standing next to his Chevy panel truck. Ironically, I live in the 300 block of Atlantic Avenue, just two streets from the 300 block of Lynwood Avenue.

RANDY WROTE:

Here's another (photo) for you, my Pop in 1941 in front of the garage (still there, but fixed up) for 326 Lynwood Ave. with his Chevy work truck. He became very successful with his plumbing and heating business after he returned from serving in the U.S. Navy in Saipan in Nov. 1945. My grandfather, Frank Pratt Riggs, was also a plumber.

1895: Groveville-Yardville Community News

I TRANSCRIBED THIS ARTICLE ON
JULY 14, 1983 - GAZETTE:

MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1895
GROVEVILLE FUNERAL

Mrs. J. H. Lord, wife of J. H. Lord, Superintendent of the weave room of Morris & Co.'s cotton mills in Groveville, was buried on Saturday. The funeral was a very sad occasion, made so from the fact that she had no relatives in this country, being of English birth. Her husband has the sympathy of the entire community.

BORDEN REPORTS A SUCCESSFUL SEASON

Edward Borden, our mince meat manufacturer, reports a very successful season.

YARDVILLE WAITING FOR A TROLLEY LINE

The people of our quiet little village of Yardville are waiting for the Trenton Electric Railroad Company to run its line as far as Yardville. A spokesman declared that Yardville had the best railroad footage in the county, where some thrifty party could build a factory and, besides making a good thing for our village, find a cheap place to run his plant.

1875: Ecumencial Sunday School Service in Groveville

I TRANSCRIBED THIS ARTICLE
JULY 14, 1982 (GAZETTE):

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1875
LOCAL DIGNITARIES AT GROVEVILLE

One of the most successful and interesting Sunday School occasions that we have attended came off at Groveville, on Sunday afternoon and evening. The Methodist Church in that place was most profusely decorated for the occasion. The largest bouquets and wreaths we ever saw were there in great abundance. The walls were literally covered with festoons of evergreens and flowers, gotten up by the ladies, who, it appears, are the moving spirits in all great enterprises in that community. On the south side of the church was the motto, "Our Country's Hope," encircled in a wreath, and on the south side the motto, "Higher and Higher." Besides there were other suitable mottoes and devices.
Rev. Mr. Matthews, the pastor of the church, Rev. Mr. Case, pastor of the Baptist church at Hamilton Square, Joseph H. Woodruff and F. S. Mills, of Trenton, were present. Mr. William Burk, the Superintendent of the school, and Mr. Joseph Hill, Superintendent of Hamilton township, had the principal charge of the meeting.
The singing by the young ladies and gentlemen of the neighborhood was very fine, and would have done honor to Taylor Hall in the face of a crowded audience.
The house was crowded in every part, and the exercises were commenced about two o'clock. The pieces sung on the occasion were very appropriate, and rendered with a sort of electrifying effect. Speeches then followed by Mr. J. R. Woodruff, Mr. Mills, and Mr. Case, interspersed with some of the choicest music.
In the evening it was difficult to accommodate the audience. The most exciting and interesting scene was the appearance in the meeting of Mr. Bennett and Mr. Chambers, one 84 and the other 83 and a half years of age. These men had both filled the office of Superintendent of this school. They made thrilling addresses; both of the old men became animated themselves. Mr. Chambers stated that the Sunday School was originally organized by the former Mrs. George S. Green, and spoke in high terms of that lady's Christian labors.
Singing then followed by the choir. Miss Bennett, of Trenton, sang a most charming piece, called "Coming by and by."
Mr. Joseph H. Woodruff next addressed the meeting and was followed by Mr. Mills and Mr. Burk, the Superintendent.
It was a field day for the Sunday School workers at Groveville.
The village has grown recently. The factories there have been greatly improved and are now running with one hundred men.
Away from the public thoroughfare surrounded by a magnificent profusion of foliage, this is one of the most delightful places in the whole county of Mercer. The water power is grand and the soil luxuriant.

1881: THE FASHION STUD FARM

Over the years, Hamilton Township has been sadly and tragically lacking in preserving the many historic persons, places and things which have been a part of our history. Henry N. Smith and his Fashion Stud Farm are a glaring example of the dearth of original source material. In my humble and austere way, I am trying to uncover and index some of the history which has been hidden from public view in the deep, aging pages of my 100+ year collection of Trenton newspapers which date back to 1868. Like the historically significant Civil War Camp Olden, actual photos and other documents, have not been preserved. Back in the early 1980's, I found an article on the Lawton family and their involvement with Camp Olden. The Lawton farm was located on a part of Camp Olden. I wrote an article on the subject which was published in the Mercer Messenger, and within a very short time, Mayor Jack Rafferty and his administration dedicated Camp Olden Park at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Liberty Street, followed by the very proactive Camp Olden Civil War Round Table.

THE FOLLOWING WAS TRANSCRIBED IN 1984:

FASHION STUD FARM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1881

The Fashion Stud Farm, owned by H. N. Smith, Esq., and lying about a mile and a quarter above Trenton, embraces at the present time over 400 acres of land. The money value of this property is not less than $150,000, while the stock is estimated to be worth $500,000. The establishment is a model one for the breeding and raising of blooded horses. Numerous improvements have of late been introduced about the place and the arrangements are now as nearly perfect as they can be made. The buildings are quite numerous and all are well adapted for their purposes. There are offices, carriage-houses, barns, and even dwellings for some of the employees. Surmounting the main building is a cupola. and in this rests the water tank, which holds over 3,800 gallons. The water comes from a deep well on the premises, and the tank is kept filled by a steam pump in the cellar of the building. From the tank pipes run through the building and by those the water is conducted to various points, both for ordinary uses and for service in case of fire.
On the farm also is a splendid track upon which the horses are exercised. Among the finest horses on the farm are four "service stallions," eighteen or twenty yearling colts, about forty brood mares and a number of animals sent there to board. About one hundred and fifty horses are kept all the time. The most noted animal on the place is Goldsmith Maid, the famous trotter.

1887: Christmas Time At the Kuser Homestead

Not to be confused with today's Kuser Farm Park, this Christmas party was held at Rudolph and Rosalie Kuser's farm on Kuser Road. (The old Chick and Nello's, across from the Colonial Fire Company. The Kuser family really knew how to party! governors, mayors, judges, and countless high profile socialites were always in attendance at these sumptuous gatherings.

1875: St. Mary's Cemetery 124 years ago

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1875
DAILY TRUE AMERICAN
SURVEYING LAND FOR ST. MARY‘S CEMETERY

As we were riding in the suburbs of the city yesterday, we found Mr. J. H. Whittaker, Surveyor, drivng grade stakes on Olden avenue for contractors who are grading a new cemetery. The lot contains about twenty acres, is in a beautiful location, and when completed will be a fine burying ground. The soil is light and well adapted for the purpose. We understand that Rev. Anthony Smith is preparing this Cemetery for Saint Mary’s Parish of this city.

1979: Ron Muses: HHS Basketball All Star

The photo of the handsome young gentleman from Hamilton's 1979 basketball team is shown proudly displaying his well-earned trophy. Assuming you were a senior at the time, Ron, you are now in your mid 40's. Thanks for making us Hornets proud!

1979: There's That Hornet Band Again!

Our high school music programs are incredibly effective! At the recent Veterans' Memorial dedication at Hamilton High School on Veterans' Day, Sue Proulx and her wonderfully talented choral group sang soul-stirring selections that had many of us in tears. On the other side of the musical horizon, Hamilton's various high school bands are also award winners. Of course, being an alumnis of the Orange and Black, I have a preference for the high school of my youth. HOWEVER, a few years ago, I attended one of those "battle of the bands" which was held at Steinert. I wouldn't want to have been a judge. They were all incredibly talented and the music was superb.

1979: Maury Perilli and I have a lot in Common

Anyone who has been reading my columns over the past 27 years will attest to the fact that I really have a rough time accepting the proliferation of radio and television trash that is being broadcast in our current environment. Blatant sexual content replete with equally tasteless comedy is being telecast right in front of very young and immature eyes. Whatever happened to the "Family Hours" from 8 to 10 which was a part of the scene many years ago? As you read Maury Perilli's article from 1979 above, I'm sure you will agree that things have gotten much worse over the past 30 years since Maury penned his article. Maury, you and I are cut from he same cloth as I am sure many others are. It is now out of control.

1926: Class of '26, Greenwood School

From regular visitor Randy Riggs, this class photo of Randy's Aunt Evelyn Riggs' class. evelyn is in the second row, 6th from the left. THANKS, RANDY, AND THANKS ALSO FOR IDENTIFYING YOUR AUNT EVELYN.

1975: Hey, that's Councilman Tom Goodwin!

Tom....were we ever this young? Many of our political figures got their start on the road to local politics as members of the "JC's," (Junior Chamber). I was completely out of touch with the local scene back in the 60's and 70's as I commuted daily to what would become a "dead-end" job in New Brunswick with the now defunct Brown Bearing and Supply Company. Had I been a "local," I know I would have been an active member. But the early morning commute to and the late commute from New Brunswick precluded any local involvement in local Hamilton activities. Whatever happened to Dick Crockett?

1980: HIZZONER JACK RAFFERTY BEGINS HIS 2nd TERM

Here are Jack Rafferty with his lovely wife, Doris at his side, as Jack is sworn in by Judge Kelly to he begin another term as mayor of Hamilton Township. It seems like only yesterday. ...miss 'ya, Jack.

1979: MY FRIEND, MAURY

Maury, were we ever this young? Here we see Maury being sworn in as the Executive V.P. of the Roma Savings and Loan Association, Since then, Maury became the skipper of that venerable independent bank. Long may it survive,.

1979: My Friend, Former Mayor Al DeMartin

Here's a photo of the 1979 Board of Ed, with my friend, Al DeMartin in the center of the photo. When he was Superintendent of the Hamilton School system, Al let borrow a few of the minutes from the early years of the Hamilton Township school system's collection of minute books. It was a treasure trove of fabulous local history. Many of the items which I transcribed will be included in the 2009 Kuser School Centennial Celebration. I have been told by current Super, Neil Bencivengo that I will also be able to access additional records and bring some of the magnificent heritage of the Hamilton school system to those who are interested in our past system of education.

1979: New Officers For Hamilton's Democratic Club

Unfortunately, the size of this photo doesn't allow for positive identification of the folks pictured in the photo. I think I see Eileen Thornton in the front row with a black jacket and light colored dress, but I can't be sure. Thirty years changes one's appearance, and I can't I.D. any others. Any politically active veteran Democrats of GOP'ers out there that can help? (thomglo@verizon.net).

HERE'S A TIME SAVING SUGGESTION FROM TOM

A POSSIBLE TIME SAVING TIP FROM TOM
With nearly 3,000 posts on www.glover320.blogspot.com, I have found that a quick and easy way to find a specific subject is to Google as follows:

tom glover deutzville
or
tom glover yardville
or
tom glover alan wildblood
or
tom glover jack rafferty
or
tom glover kuser farm

WELL, YOU GET THE IDEA. IT WOULD BE FASTER THAN OPENING MY SITE AND USING THE
"SEARCH BLOG" FEATURE.

1916: Frank Black, Sacred Heart Fullback

Young Frank Black is all set to play still another pigskin opponent as he posed for the Daily State Gazette photographer.

1871: YARDVILLE COMMUNITY NEWS

Transcription

1871: YARDVILLE - MOTHERS’ MEETING
JANUARY 3, 1871
DAILY STATE GAZETTE

Yardville, in this county, is rapidly improving in many respects. Several new houses have been built, and others renewed, so as to make a totally different appearance. A new store is in course of erection, and when finished will be a great addition to this place. But not in outward appearance alone is the village improving, but morally and intellectually. We have a meeting once a week, called the “mother’s meeting,” which is opened by reading a chapter of the Scriptures, after which some instructive book is read and remarks made by one of the number. Thus, pleasantly passes an hour in social intercourse; not only pleasantly but profitably.
Then we have lately established a lodge of Good Templars, which bids fair to prove a good thing to the surrounding community.
Last, but not least, I will mention the Sunday School. In June, there was a school established by the Methodists in the Presbyterian Church, which has rapidly increased in numbers, and has now on its roll about 40 students. On Christmas, they meet to celebrate that day, nearly all the scholars being present, and several visitors. The exercises were opened with prayer, after which were singing and speaking. Messrs. J. Allison, C. Barber, and A. Cole addressed the children. Mrs. Samuel Allison was also present.

1916: Dr. George Robbins' Obit

1876: HAMILTON SQUARE - FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
MAY 30, 1876:
GAZETTE

Acting upon the suggestion of the President in his proclamation, the citizens of Hamilton Square have determined to have a celebration on the fourth of July. Dr. G.R. Robbins has been chosen orator for the occasion, and Joseph H. West, the correspondent of the Gazette, has been requested to writer an historical sketch of the village, which will embrace a period of nearly 200 years, to be read on the occasion. The ceremonies will consist of hoisting the stars and stripes, the reading of the Declaration and the Historical Sketch, to be followed by the oration.

************************

In my local history research, it seems that the Robbins family is more prominent in the news than even the West's of Hamilton Square. Without knowing the facts, Dr.Robbins seems to have been one of those legendary family doctors from the old school who made house calls. In an earlier post, there is an article on the Robbins burial ground over in Monmouth County on the Clarksville Road.

1916: HOLIDAY FOOD ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL

Through the years, there have always been organizations and groups who put a high priority on serving others. In this case, the poor. The photos above show the results of food drives which were conducted by two of the many organizations in the area that lend a helping hand to the less fortunate.

2008: My Trenton Times "Sentimental Journey" column

A number of people who are located in various places around the country have contacted me and said they have not been able to access my "Sentimental Journey" column on the Trenton Times website. In contacting the Times, I was told that they would check to see what the problem was and re-post my columns. I just checked, and my last column (Nov. 15) wherein I recall Canteen night at Hamilton High School has been posted. Here's the link.

http://www.nj.com/living/times/community/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1226725527182740.xml&coll=5