1920: ARDMORE-GREENWOOD AVENUE AREA

Is there anyone who wouldn't like to have seen the area above efore it was developed? One of the fascinating facets of my search through the pages of the Trenton newspapers is the development of real estate "way back when." From the Hamilton Library Local History folder "NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT," comes this ad from James Birks and J. Connor French's Greenwood Realty Company. Even today as one passes down those streets, the beautiful homes still stand. Looking at the map, you will see a large open area along So. Olden Avenuein the Farragut Avenue area. That is the location of the circus and carnivals in the early 20th century. Today's "Junior 2" covers much, but not all of the location.

2009: OBIT: SHIRLEY VAN MARTER EDWARDS

It was with extreme sadness that I noted the passing of Shirley Van Marter (Edwards), still another member of the "Class With Class, HHS 1951." Shirley was a class mate of mine through all 12 years of grammar and high school. I will always remember that quick and ready smile. She had a truly wonderful personality.The Van Marter family were neighbors of the Glovers back in the 1930's. We lived on Beal Street and the Van Marters on Partridge.

2009: TRENTON CATHOLIC BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE

How great is this? Mr. James Maloney added a comment to my recent post announcing an up-coming reunion for the Cathedral-Trenton Catholic classes of 1959. I visited the site and it is INCREDIBLE! All you "Golden Wave" guys, including those that beat the bejabbers out of our HHS basketball teams over the years will really love it. I am adding the link to my website.

AND: I must admit that I am confused as to Mr. James Maloney. I have a very dear friend who, along with his wife Helen, were fellow communicants at St. Anthony's in Trenton. Indeed, Jim and Bill Maloney spent many happy summer weekends with my son and me down at the St.Alphonso Retreat House in West Long Branch. However, when I saw the comment signed "James" Maloney, I assumed it to be another Maloney, and felt that I must maintain proper literary etiquette and refrain from calling him ":Jim," which of course is the name I call my dear friends Helen and Jim Maloney. Confused? Me too.

1967: A REQUEST FROM RICHARD SANNA, HHS '67

I received an email from Richard Sanna requesting information on the class of '67. Unfortunately, the HHS51 guest book does not allow for responses to guest comments, so I am taking this opportunity to address Richard's questions:

Sorry to say Richard, the only 1967 HHS post on my website is one revealing the fact that Betty Reed and Herb Griffiths were transferring over to Steinert.

As to requesting using my column, sorry to say my space is too limited for PSA's. I suggest you send one in to the Times' Community editor and if he/she is not the person, to please forward your request.

I will be keeping an eye out for future HHS material from the later years.

Tom Glover

1959: CATHEDRAL AND TRENTON CATHOLIC 50TH Reunion

Following is an announcement which appeared in my Sacred Heart Church bulletin announcing the 50th reunion of Cathedral and Trenton Catholic high schools:

==============================

LOOKING FOR 1959 GRADUATES

Cathedral and Trenton Catholic classes of 1959 will be celebrating their 50th reunion on October 24, 2009. For further information please contact Bill Kocis at wkocis@msn.com
(609-443-0931) OR Eileen Castranova Lugossy at bella620@msn.com.

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T READ MY GUESTBOOK, HERE'S A TIP FROM MR. JAMES MALONEY. THANKS TO JIM WHO WROTE:

Those searching for TC yearbooks should contact Bob Plumeri through trentoncatholicgoldenwave.org for yearbook leads.

1956: Obits of Morris Agress and Marilyn Louise (Soren) Sailey-Schmidt

Thanks to Jack Lacy, HHS '56 for the following notifications:

===============================

Hi All !

Regretfully we report the passing of another HHS56 classmate, Marilyn (Soren) Sailey-Schmidt, and one of our few surviving teachers, Morris Agress. Their obituaries are listed below.

Special thanks to classmates Barbara Snyder Dauber and Myrna Comiskey Doolittle for their assistance on tracking down the information on Marilyn. We had missed the original obit notice.

Jack

Marilyn (Soren) Sailey-Schmidt

Marilyn Louise (Soren) Sailey-Schmidt

HAMILTON - Marilyn Louise Sailey-Schmidt, of Crosswicks passed away peacefully Sunday, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton, after a valiant battle. Born in Trenton she was a lifelong area resident. Marilyn received her Bachelors Degree in English with a Minor in Journalism from Trenton State College in 1986. She began her work life as a bank teller at the Roma Bank, she then worked for the Aim One and Kelly Temporary Agencies for several years. Most recently she was a Client Representative for the Prudential Company in Ewing. Marilyn had several passions including a love for travel and learning. Her greatest passion was writing. She published works in the short story and poetry genres and was the 2006 recipient of the 'Outstanding Achievement Award in Poetry' given by the International Society of Poets. Her passion for writing allowed her to become an Adjunct Faculty Member of the English Department at the Burlington County Community College. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Yardville and member of the New Jersey Romance Writers as well as a member of the Romance Writers of America. Marilyn was predeceased by her first husband Douglas Alan Sailey. She is survived by her husband Herbert L. Schmidt; her daughters Karen L. Wira and her husband Michael, Janet McSloy and her husband Mike, her grandchildren Lynne Wiley, Elizabeth L. Bashiti, Christopher and Sean Wira, her sister Gail Shuman, her nephew Todd Shuman and her 5 silky terriers; Max, Molly, Abby, Sparky and Keely. Funeral Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at St, James Episcopal Church, 1040 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville. Interment will be at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ Relatives and friends may call 5-7 pm Tuesday at the Saul Memorial Home,1740 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure , 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas TX, 75244. www.saulfuneralhomes.com

Published in The Times, Trenton, on 4/6/2009

Morris M. Agress

HAMILTON SQUARE - Morris M. Agress, 97, died Monday at his residence. Born in 1912 on what is now Agress Road in Perrineville, NJ, Mr. Agress was a graduate of Rider College (B.A.) and Rutgers University (M.A.) A career educator, Mr. Agress taught in Morristown and Monmouth College. For over 40 years, he taught business courses for the Hamilton Township Board of Education. He was a soccer coach in Hamilton for 20 years, winning several state championships. Mr. Agress served two terms as president of the Roosevelt (NJ) Board of Education and two terms as president of the Hamilton Township Teachers Association. He was an officer and trustee of the Mercer County Credit Union. After retirement, Mr. Agress studied history at Mercer County Community College and was appointed the Evening School administrator at the college, where he served for several years. He was a member of Congregation Beth El, East Windsor, and the Perrineville Jewish Center. When Mr. Agress was in the fifth grade, he had a crush on his red-headed teacher. In December 1939, he married the former Dorothy Cobin, the red-headed teacher. They were married for 69 wonderful years, and she survives him. He is also survived by two children, Dr. Lynne Agress of Towson, MD, and William S. Agress of Lawrenceville, and a grandson, Andrew J. Agress. Mr. Agress was the brother of the late Bea Zuckerberg and Louis Agress. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Perrineville Cemetery Chapel in Perrineville. The period of mourning will be observed at the Agress residence in Hamilton on Wednesday afternoon, Thursday from 5-7 p.m., Sunday afternoon and Monday evening. Memorial contributions may be offered to Congregation Beth El, 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ 08520. Funeral arrangements are by Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township.

Published in The Times, Trenton, on 6/3/2009

1929: Nottingham Fire Co.; The Way it Was

Last evening I spent a wonderful evening at the Nottingham Ballroom, the magnificent hall constructed by the guys and gals at the Nottingham Fire Company. It brought back memories of the austere beginnings of this very prominent Hamilton fire company. What a difference 80 years makes. The photo above has been copied from the 1929 dedicatory booklet published by the fire company for public distribution. Thanks to Mrs. Judy Kolpack for donating it to the Hamilton Library where it is safely filed in the "HAMILTON SQUARE" folder.

1959: Mercerville's United Methodist Church

Here are the lovely young ladies from the Brownie Scouts as the partipate in "Fly Up" exercises in the church which was once located on Quaker Bridge Road. You will recall that the church was destroyed in a massive explosion back in the 1960's. (?) The replacement church is now on Paxon Avenue right off of Edinburg Road.

1959: Steinert Latin Awards

I always knew my friend Alan Wildblood was a cut above those of us with average intelligence quotients. The above photo proves it as we see Alan seated with other Steinert classmates who acheived excellence in Latin.

1959: STEINERT CLASS NIGHT

With their 50th reunion on the horizon, I managed to find a couple of 1959 Steinert items, one of which is posted above.

2009: THANK YOU, JERRY WELSH FOR AN INTERESTING EMAIL

I received this very interesting and insightful email from Jerry Welsh, who has fond memories of his grammar school years at Klockner and Mercerville grammar schools. Jerry referred to my Kuser School Centennial column which appeared in Saturday's Trenton Times. (See the side bar to the right for a link to that column). Jerry also remembers the graduation song they sang at the graduation ceremony in 1948. I will most certainly use that "Crusing Down the River"
melody in future presentations. Thanks so much for an interesting email, Jerry.

=================================================================

From: Jerry W

To: thomglo@verizon.net

Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2009 5:16 PM

Subject: re:School Days

Dear Tom,

I really enjoyed your column in the TIMES today,with the storyof the Kuser School's Opening 100 years ago.

That was a beautiful poem you wrote for the 75th Anniversary!

It got me thinking about my Grammar School Graduation from Klockner School.

I had been attending Mercerville School since kindergarten,and was in seventh grade as Winfred Applegate and I attended the Mercerville School Graduation,in June of 1948.

That fall,we would become 8th graders. We looked forward to being in Mrs.Bainbridge's Class,having Gym Class,the School Patrol activities, going to a big-league game in Philadelphia with the Patrol,getting "8th Grade Jackets,"making the Mercerville School Baseball team,etc!

But none of that was to be! That Summer,we were told we would be attending KLOCKNER School ! There would no longer be an 8th Grade at Mercerville. Children and Parents were irate! But,nothing could be done. Along with boys and girls from Maple Shade,and from Kuser,I believe,we became the Klockner Class of 1949,with 104 pupils.

It wasn't the same! I really didn't apply myself well to Klockner School! But,I "passed", got in the choir and had a part in a Musical we did,and in Graduation.

I remember our Graduation Song-to the tune of "Cruising Down The River"-

Leaving dear old Klockner

is a time that will not fade,

The scenes we know,just where to go,

friends that we have made.

The time worn bell's a-ringing

a message to our ears,

memories of Klockner

as we travel through the years.

as on we pass,from class to class,

new laurels to attain,

hardships may fall,but after all

we've everything to gain,

So we will all be singing,

a song of happi-ness

leaving dear old Klockner

on our way to HHS.

I don't know who wrote it,but you know,that Graduation was held 60 years ago next week! Wow!

Regards, Jerry Welsh

1930: KUSER SCHOOL RED CROSS COMMITTEE

Here is a rare original photo of the Red Cross class at Kuser School from the depression year of 1930.

GM: TODAY IS A DAY OF MOURNING

"CRASH! Auto giant GM going bankrupt today." That's the very sad headline on page 8 of this morning's New York Post. It is very a sad day. This morning's email brought a comment from a gal named Jill who signed off as a proud former worker at Ewing's Ternstedt-Eastern Aircraft-General Motors plant. JILL, YOU HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE PROUD. YOU WERE A PART OF AMERICA THAT WE WILL NEVER SEE AGAIN.
A very large part of Americana has left the American stage, and the new company which comes out of bankruptcy will never reach the heights of the genuine article with which we in the senior citizen community are familiar. GM played a major part in America's WWII victory as they converted their plants to the manufacture of tanks, shells, and in our own local area, the Grumman Avenger, over at the Eastern Aircraft plant in Ewing.
I think the beginning of end began in the mid-1950's when I was in the business of selling ball and roller bearings. Along with Datsuns, Simcas, Opels, and other strange auto names, imported bearings came into the country with prices that were impossible to beat compared to the higher cost of the American product. Cries of "BUY AMERICAN!" were heard all over the country. But like cancer, the imports began to take hold. Huge companys like the Fairless Works of U.S. Steel told us to buy American cars, use steel cans, and tried in vain to ignore the imports. American apathy was also alive and well back then: I seem to recall that U.S. Steel was so comfortable in their manufacturing success that my neighor and many employees received 13 week vacations. Management received their astronomical bonuses and unions went after their piece of the pie. Result: Today, it is virtually impossible to "BUY AMERICAN."

From Ternstedt Division of General Motors, manufacturing GM auto hardware, to Eastern Aircraft during WWII, "GM" was a very important part of Trenton industrial history. Unfortunately, the old factory has been demolished, to be replaced by a huge vacant lot.

1917 DEUTZVILLE SCHOOL

From my "Deutzville" folder, this interesting invoice from Broad Street Park's E.S. Willey company for lumber for use at the Deutzville School.

1913: THE NEW RAILROAD BRIDGE AT YARDLEY

The new bridge replaced one which was built in the 1870's.

1888 AND 1900: BROAD STREET BANK

When I was a boy, one of the juvenile thrills was to be able to see the bright red "Broad Street Bank" sign on top of the Trenton skyscraper. It was plainly visible from our neighbor's attic. Here we have a merge of an 1888 article on the founding of the bank, and a 1900 photo of their new quarters.

1930: NORTH OLDEN AND NORTH CLINTON AVENUES

You have quite a bit of silver in your hair if you remember the Altemus Pharmacy which is seen on the immediate right in the photo. Question: Can anyone tell me the name of that department Store on the left in the photo?

THANKS TO RALPH LUCARELLA FOR REMINDING ME THAT IT WAS SPIEGEL'S (NOT SIEGEL;S) DEPARTMENT STORE. MANY THANKS, RALPH!

1912 Ca. 1912 View of the Mercerville Roadhouse

I purposely scanned this photo in using 300 dpi in order to allow you to place your physical body right in the middle of Nottingham Way near "five points." With just a bit of imagination you can take a walk down that busy 2009 road and get a very good idea what it was like in the early part of the 20th century. Do I ever love these old street and town views! The trolley isheading back to downtown Trenton, passing the Mercerville Roadhouse which we all know of today as being Bill's Olde Tavern. It is said that the very first settlers in "Sandtown" lived in log cabins.

2009: MEMORIAL DAY, 2009. WE REMEMBER

I put this little vignette together with graphics from my World Wars I and II folders. Richard Divine was the brother of popular Hamilton High Physical Education teacher, Don Divine. Lt. Gaudette is my cousin, Sgt. Len Glover is my brother, Bob Dietrich is an old neighborhood friend, and the rest are memories of "The War to End all Wars."

WWII: BROAD STREET PARK VETERANS' HONOR ROLL

I wish I was around when the decision was made to destroy these World War II community displays. They were prominently placed all over the area, and I have searched in vain to see if any have survived. If you look closely, and if you have a larger monitor, many of the names are legible in my graphic.

1897: Hamilton Township School Picnic at Broad Street Park

The annual school picnic was a very popular program back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Note that the article talks of 10 schools, but only 6 are listed.

1893: Trenton Schools Summer Maintenance

This graphic gives an interesting detail of the cleaning, painting, and fixup projects taken on by the Trenton School system. The list of schools no longer in existance is particularly interesting.It would appear that the school yards were not paved. One of the schools mentioned had what I assume is a board walk.

2009:JUST A REMINDER BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

If you are going to the Kuser School Centennial dinner dance on Thursday, June 4, 2009, and haven't yet reserved a place or places, call the number above and reserve a place. This affair promises to be a memorable event. I hope to see you there!

1937: JUNIOR 3 STUDENTS PERFORM FOR THE PTA

I have found that there are a number of visitors who are interested in the Junior 3 - Cadwalader area. Here's a photo from 1937. Is Bill Holcombe the gentleman who went on to have a very talented band? It seems to me that I met him at a recent reunion of Trenton High's class of '42. Bill brought his very talented orchestra, and played all the good stuff.

1989: HHS CLASS OF 1954 CELEBRATE THEIR 35TH

1954: It was a very good year. some 55 years later, Judy Britton and Tom Glover celebrated 55 years of wedded bliss, along with those infrequent incidents that added wrinkle after wrinkle to our once young countenance. Here's an article I wrote for the Hornets from the class of '54. Unless my math is faulty, they will be headed for their 55th this year of 2009.

1989: HHS JUNIOR CLASS FASHION SHOW

These Hornets would go on to become the class of 1990.

1949: THE OPERETTA HOLLYWOOD EXTRA

I miss those annual high school operettas. It would really be nice to see the high schools do what is being done on Broadway with musical revivals. Wouldn't it be nice to see "The Red Mill," or one of Gilbert and Sullivans masterpieces? As I was reading over the program which I have digitally re-mastered, I was transported back to the year 1949 where a lovely Bettee Beiger
Farmer loaned her beautiful voice to still another HHS annual operetta. There were a few of my teen age crushes in that cast.

1869:HONORING THE CIVIL WAR VETERANS ON DECORATION DAY

Patriotism was alive and well in the years right after the Civil War. Unfortunately to many people, Memorial Day is a day off for barbecues, trips to the shore, and everything short of honoring our veterans.

1974: Steve Allen-HHS '74- A New Hornet Website

The following is from Steve Allen, HHS '74:

Hi Tom,

My name is Steve Allen (Class of ’74). Recently we started working on our plans for our F35^th reunion to be held on Friday, November 27^th, 2009. Specific details regarding place, costs, time, etc have yet to be established. However, as a result of the planning, and since I have my own web/graphic design company, I am responsible for all internet communications. Again, since my company designs websites, we created a site for the class of 74 (http://www.hhswclassof74.com/). It just went “live” this weekend and still have some pages to complete. The reason for my e-mail is to see if you would be willing to mention us in your blog. In return, I have created a link on our site for “Links” which I will be placing Classmates.com, the Official HHSW website and Alumni site and would be more than happy to add your hhs51 blog if you would like.

This June 10^th we will be having our first fundraiser at Applebees on Rt. 33, from 11am till 10pm with 10% of each bill going towards our fundraising efforts. Within the next day or two I will have the flyer online that everyone needs to take into the restaurant in order to get the donations. Of course we would appreciate any publicity your blog could offer as I am sure you have numerous fellow hornets that are avid readers of your blog and would be willing to help out by dining out on that day.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me…

Thanks,

Steve Allen

1949-1950 (Circa) HHS Soccer Team

There's Tommy Corelli on the far right, Jack Pierson on the far left. I also see classmates Donnie Frounfelker, Ronnie Lynch, Kieth Kauffman, Paul Henon.....Memories of our youth!

1939: TRENTON'S STACY THEATER

Once again I call on my somewhat perceptive recollection of the autos of my youth. That's a 1939 Plymouth on the left, and in frontand based on that rather un-scientific guess, I submit this beautiful photo of what I like to think is a Saturday night on the town for these theater goers.

A FANTASTIC HIGH SCHOOL REUNION POEM

This gem comes from Carl Hoagland via Jack Lacy, both Hornets from the HHS class of '56. It is priceless, and quite typical of human nature.

Many thanks, Carl and Jack!
================
Every class has one or two classmates who refuse to give in to the ravages of father time and admit that they have aged dramatically from their school years.
If I should be blessed with another reunion for my HHS '51 class,
I herewith forewarn all of my classmates:
As you squint to read my name tag, know that I have earned each and every wrinkle in my 75 year old countenance. Trusting you will forgive my one 50 year old exercise in vanity, when I opted for a man-made hair do, I want you to know that at the golden age of 75, I have no problem reminding myself almost daily that I am no longer a young stud. Don't look for me to do a teenager-type jitterbug, Cha Cha, or polka.....maybe a very slow two step. All the while, remember those eternal words of wisdom from Robert Browning:

"Grow old with me....the best is yet to be.."

============
THE CLASS REUNION

Every ten years, as summertime nears,

An announcement arrives in the mail,
A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.

I'll never forget the first time we met;
We tried so hard to impress.
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars,
And wore our most elegant dress.

It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.

The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses
And how beautiful their children became.

The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.

No one had heard about the class nerd
Who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon;
Or poor little Jane, who's always been plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.

The boy we'd decreed 'most apt to succeed'
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted 'least' now was a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.

They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least.
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.

They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs..

At our next get-together, no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
By this time we'd all gone to pot.

It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans..
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.

By the fiftieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely over the hill.
Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.

And now I can't wait; they've set the date;
Our 55th is coming, I'm told.
It should be a ball, they've rented a hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.

Repairs have been made on my hearing aid;
My pacemaker's been turned up on high.
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I've bought a new wig and glass eye.

I'm feeling quite hearty, and I'm ready to party
I'm gonna dance 'til dawn's early light.
It'll be lots of fun; But I just hope that there's one
Other person who can make it that night.



Author Unknown

1987: GROPP'S LAKE RE-OPENED

After the dam broke in May, 1987, I was one among at least 10 or 15 other metal detector operators as we searched for the hundreds of coins, rings, bracelets, and other treasures which were lost under the water at "Lakeside" over the years. Most detector operators are honest. When they find an item of jewelry with a name engraved, an attempt is made to find the owner. In fact, the only thing I found was a sterling silver identification bracelet with the inscription, "J. or M. O'Keefe." And don't you know, I found Mr. O'Keefe. I called him and sent the bracelet back to him. Needless to say, he was a very happy camper. He was a veteran of WWII and he remembered when he lost it.

1987: THE RAFFERTY TEAM

Honest now, would you buy a used car from these guys? Count on it; I would. Were it not for Rafferty, Lacy, Angarone and the members of the "The Rafferty Team," there would be no Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. Many years ago, I approached Jack Rafferty with a proposal to set up an archives featuring Hamilton's splendid historic heritage. Bottom line: He did. I have been an archivist at the Hamilton Library ever since, and as it says in my profile, I'll be digging out local history until I reach the age of 100, or my gray matter ceases to compute; whichever comes first!

1987: Nottingham High Cheer Leaders

These gals had it all! Perhaps an alumnus from the 1987 era can let us know how the ladies made out in their Dallas competition.

1987: Phyllis Destribats

From the "NOTABLE PERSONS" folder in the library database, this photo of Ms. Destribats as she was chairing a fund raiser for Hamilton Hospital. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Destribats when she attended one of my Kuser Mansion "The Music We Grew Up With" programs. Phyllis is the Mom of Tracey Destribats, charged with the daunting task of overseeing operations at Kuser Mansion, Sayen House, and the Grafton House.

1987:THE BROMLEY TAX REVOLT

Even then citizens were up in arms about the high taxes. Those folks would tremble with rage if they saw our tax bills today. (You will note that the graphic is not quite as clear as those I scan in "grayscale." Grayscale is much cleaner, but large text files can take up huge amounts of space. The graphic above has been scanned using the "Black and White" mode, which is a "bare-bones," non-adjustable graphic, but very small in relation to the size of a grayscale graphic.

1985: ART HOLLAND, A MAYOR'S MAYOR

In my life journey, I remember a number of Trenton Mayors from Donal Connolly to today's Mayor Douglas Palmer. If we were dealing with "class," on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the max, Art Holland would score a resounding 10. This was one of two letters I received from Art during my time as a writer for the late, great Mercer Messenger. The written note on the bottom was added by my boss, Editor-Publisher Jack Lacy.

1895: HUTCHINSON and HOMEDELL: PERFECT TOGETHER

Mr. Hutchinson could well be called, "Mr. Homedell." The Hutchinson farm was on the border of Cedar Street (Cedar Lane) and the Liberty Street area where the old Homedell School is located. Today's Hutchinson Street off Cedar Lane is named for the family. It is interesting to note that the old Friendship School, once located on the Cedar Street (Cedar Lane) hill, probably had a Hutchinson connection, but as of this writing, I have found no connection.

1954: Dorothy Boulden Ridolfi Obit

Many thanks to Marion for sending this heads up regarding the passing of Dorothy Boulden Ridolfi:

Hello Tom,

Hope all is well with you and yours!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Dottie Boulden-Ridolfi passed away, I think from cancer. She was a very nice and very sweet person and a classmate of mine at HHS, as was Ed Ridolfi (Class of 1955). I have attached the link to her obituary:

http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/trenton/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=123372941

Thanks,
Marion

1894: PILGRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: THE EARLY YEARS

As my local history collection evolves, I find that numerous articles and/or photos can be combined to add a more detailed account of an historic event. In this case, the article on the Pilgrim Presbyterian Chapel from the Daily State Gazette was united with an old post card which has been in my collection for years. The graphic that follows this on the obit of Mr. Joseph Wright is in the same category: in that case, combining a map of the area showing the Wright family farm land with the 1894 obit of Mr. Wright.

In the event you didn't read the comment from "Mack" McNicoll, it is transcribed herewith as a valuable addition to th Pilgrim Presbyterian Church graphic above.

Mike wrote:

WOW Tom:)

I took a picture of this a few weeks ago and posted it on my blog.
Its 250 Woodland Street. Known as "Century Hall" in my day.
I spent many days sitting on these steps with friends long ago.
The building still looks to be in good shape judging from the exterior:)
I could see this place from my house long ago:)
The homes in the back of this picture are on Rusling Street.
http://mackstruckofwisdom.blogspot.com/

1894: DEATH OF JOSEPH WRIGHT

The death of Joseph Wright in 1894 coincides with the 1875 map adjacent to the obit, wherein I have highlighted the streets, along with the two listings of the Wright family. Note the toll house that was at the intersection of what was then Cedar Street at the intersection of So. Broad Street, (then the White Horse Turnpike), and Lalor Street. The map gives just a tantalizing indication of th extent of the Wright family land holdings in Hamilton Township. When the farm was broken up for development, the real estate ads listed it as the "Wright Land Association."

2009: MOTHERS' DAY AT SAYEN GARDENS

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
It's lovliness increases.
It will never pass into nothingness."

Keats

A very grateful tip of the hat to those Hamilton workers throughout the township who have worked so hard in all weather to make the many beautiful parks and recreation areas in Hamilton Township. Another tip of the hat to our former Mayors Maurice Perilli, who was responsible for the acquisition of the original "Hamilton Park," (today's Veterans' Park), and Jack Rafferty, who was instrumental in the acquisition of Kuser Farm and Sayen Gardens.

1915: DEDICATING THE NEW EDGEBROOK SCHOOL

The article above does NOT refer to the photo of the original Edgebrook school, shown in the photo. The article is referring to the red brick school house on Route 130 that was closed years ago. Most recently it was the meeting place of the American Legion.

Thanks to Gary Lippincott (http://www.blogger.com/www.grovevillememories.blogspot.com), I have learned that the veterans' building that I couldn't remember was POST 31. Thanks, Gary....you're the best.

1914: Trenton Fireman "Honest Tom" McGinty Retires

These capsule biographies are completely fascinating and historically interesting. Mr. McGinty was from the old "Irishtown" area of Trenton, and chances are nearly unanimous that he and his family were communicants at old St. John's-Sacred Heart Parish. McGinty's career spanned the era from Trenton's volunteer fire years up 1892 when Trenton went to the paid fire department.

1987: The RKO Broad Theater

It's quite a hike from the Kuser Farm neighborhood in which I lived, to the "Broad" on South Broad in the Chambersburg section of Trenton. Given that distance, there were numerous times we walked there for an especially good move. We often walked to the neighboring "Bijou"
on So. Clinton Avenue. Even though the latter theaters was the "Beeezhoo," we Americanized it with the unlikely name of the "BYEJOE."

1893: TRENTON'S BATTLE MONUMENT

This engraving was sent to me a week or so ago by Alan Wildblood. I had completely forgotten that I had enhanced it and thought that I had posted it. It took an email from Alan, asking about the engraving to remind me that I had just experienced another senior moments.

1908: KUSER SCHOOL AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE A PLOT OF LAND

As we prepare to formally celebrate the centennial of Kuser School, I will be posting various historical photos and documents from my extensive collection of Kuser memorabilia. Above is an extract from the minute book of the era, wherein the Board of Ed presented a formal resolution authorizing the purchase of land on which to build the new school. Arthur Wildblood is highlighted. Along with the P.J. Hoare, Bachman and Petitt familes, the Wildblood family is included among the pioneer residents of the Hamilton-Newkirk-Kuser School area.

1908:Kuser School Genesis: In the Very Beginning

Many years ago, Mr. Al DeMartin, then Superintendent of Hamilton Township Schools, let me have access to the Hamilton Township School Board minutes. At the time I was researching the history of Kuser School, the grammar school of my youth. Al was approachable in that era before "voice mail," and "he's in a meeting," and other personal access problems which plagues always busy 21st century Americans. In a phone call that took all of 3 or 4 minutes, Al gave me permission to borrow the minute book which pertained to the founding of Kuser School. Above is just one page from the meeting which led up to the construction of Kuser School, now celebrating an historic centennial year.